DOMINION AIRMEN

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 78, 20 June 1941, Page 7

DOMINION AIRMEN

Awards Now Total 100

GALLANTRY IN ACTION Distinguished Flying Crosses recently awarded to four New Zealanders serving with the Royal Air Force bring the total of awards to New Zealand airmen since the outbreak of war to 100.

“Many of the awards have been won by New Zealanders who left the Dominion to take up short-service commissions with the Royal Air Force before the outbreak- of hostilities,” said the Minister of Defence. Mr. Jones, in a statement yesterday, "and it is a tribute to the standard of men selected that such a high proportion should merit distinction. They came from farms and offices, from factories and workshops, but, imbued with the spir'd of service, they proved ideal types for training, and a large number now hold responsible positions in the Royal Air Force.

“The . outbreak of war saw young New 7 Zealanders eager to take thenplaces in the ‘Battle of the. Skies,' ami the training facilities in the Dominion have been extended from time to time to ensure that those coming forward are absorbed with as little delay as possible. The introduction of the Empire air training scheme has enabled more and more New Zealanders to fit themselves in readiness to take their places alongside .heir brothers further afield.

Daring Raids.

“New Zealand airmen have participated in some of the most daring and effective raids over Germany and Laly, and the awards have been won for bravery and devotion to duty in battle over England, Germany, Norway, occupied France, Italy, and the Middle East. Wherever the Royal AirForce is to be. found, there you will find sons of New Zealand worthily upholding the traditions of the Dominion.

“Daily the ranks of New Zealand airmen are being added to; daily the air stations of New Zealand are producing more and more men of the type which has . already brought fame and renown to our land and, though there may be dark skies ahead, New Zealanders realize that their sons will not be found wanting in the crucial test that is to come.

“An analysis of the awards,” said the Minister, “shows that 75 Distinguished Flying Crosses have been won, three bars to the Distinguished Flying Cross," seven Distinguished Flying Medals, 10 Air Force Crosses, one Dis tinguished Service Order, three George Medals, and one Croix de Guerre.”