WANGANUI AIRMEN DECORATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 228, 26 September 1945, Page 4

WANGANUI AIRMEN DECORATED

EXCEPTIONAL RECORD OF FL.-LT. K. D. SARGINSCK

In a list of awards released yesterday by the Air Department, appeared the name of Flight-Lieutenant Keith Douglas Sarginson, of Wanganui, who has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. “An exceptional record of enthusiasm and gallantry in the face of the enemy and keen devotion to duty during five tours of operations,” is summarised in the citation to the award. “A wireless operator-air gunner, who began his operational career in 1941 I with a tour of duty t hat involved attacks on many of the main German centres, he has since completed four tours in the Pacific. Throughout he set a uniformly high standard in attacks against, both Germans and Japanese. Flight-Lieutenant Sarginson flew on 160 operational missions, involving 653 hours flying,” the citation continues. “He is now squadron signals leader and on his two most recent tours he took part in a substantial number of strikes against heavily defended enemy positions in the New Britain-New Ireland area."

His mother is Mrs. R. E. Sarginson, 9 Balgownie Avenue, Gonville, Wanganui. Warrant Officer Walter W. Beswarick, R.N.Z.A.F., has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, according to advice received by his relatives in Wanganui. Warrant Officer Beswarick returned to New Zealand last month. He left the Dominion more than four years ago and before transferring to the R.N.Z.A.F. in England trained with the Fleet Air Arm. He took pari in many operations over Europe. Warrant Officer Beswarick was educated and worked in Wanganui before the war, and was a prominent member of the Wanganui Amateur Road Cycling Club. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Beswarick. Rata Street, Gonville.