HERO OF AIR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21191, 14 August 1940, Page 8

HERO OF AIR

NEW ZEALAND ACE WANGANUI FLYER’S EXPLOITS MANY EXCITING EXPERIENCES (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Details o f the exploits which gained the Distinguished Flying Cross for Flight-Lieutenant Alan Christopher Deere, of Wanganui, have now been received in New Zealand and have been released by the director of publicity. According to a London Gazette of June the award was made in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. FlightLieutenant Deere, in company with his squadron, had, during May, taken part in numerous offensive patrols over northern France and had been engaged in seven combats, often against superior numbers. In the course of these engagements he personally shot down five enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of others. Rescue From Calais On one occasion, in company with a second aircraft, he escorted a trainer aircraft to a Calais aerodrome for the purpose of rescuing his squadron commander, who had been shot down there. The trainer aircraft was attacked by twelve Messerschmltt 109 fighters while taking oif at Calais but Flight-Lieutenant Deere and his companion immediately attacked, shooting down three enemy aircraft and severely damaging three. “Throughout these engagements," stated the Gazette, “Flight-Lieutenant Deere displayed courage and determination in his attacks on the enemy.” Down in Enemy Territory Flight-Lieutenant Deere had an exciting experience not long after this when his aircraft was shot down over Belgium. He landed safely by parachute—in territory occupied by the enemy. Making his way to the road he held up a car with his revolver and then made a dash for it to Dunkirk, where the great evacuation was soon to take place. He had to make his way through the spreading enemy front line but despite some "incidents” on the journey he arrived safely embarking on a destroyer.

Flight-Lieutenant Deere, in addition to his successes in the air, has won some notable victories in the boxing ring during his service career in Britain and at present is middleweight champion of the Army, Navy and Air Force. He had, before ieav ing New Zealand, won school boxing championships, territorial championships and had represented Wan ganui in the New Zealand championships.

Born in Auckland Flight-Lieu» n ant Deere celebrates his 23rd birth day next December.