FLYING CROSSES

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 70, 25 April 1941, Page 7

FLYING CROSSES

Awards To New Zealanders

GALLANTRY IN THE AIR Further advice has been received by Air Headquarters giving particulars of the circumstances relating to the award of Distinguished Flying Crosses to Flight Lieutenants D. F. W. Barker and R. M. Trousdale. The official advice states: — "Flight Lieutenant Barker has constantly displayed skill and gallantry during his many operations against the enemy. In October, 1940, when returning from a raid on Magdeburg, his port engine was hit by anti-aircraft fire and the airscrew flew off while over the Dutch coast. He regained control of his aircraft after it had lost some 3000 feet, and flew across the North Sea on one engine till forced to alight on the water by the failure of his remaining engine. 20 yards from the beach. ‘‘Since the early months of the war, Flight Lieutenant Trousdale has been continuously employed as a fighter pilot, and his keenness, and enthusiasm for operations has been most marked. He has destroyed at least four enemy

aircraft, including one at night.” Flight Lieutenant Barker, whose next-of-kin was Mr. S. R. Barker (father), Gisborne, was subsequently reported killed on air operations in February, 1941. lie was awarded the D.F.C. in December, 1940. Flight Lieutenant Trousdale, who won the D.F.C. in February, 1941, left New Zealand early in 1939 to take up a short-service commission in the Royal Air Force. His next-of-kin is Mr. A C. Trousdale (father), Howick. Auckland.