BRAVERY IN THE AIR

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 26, 25 October 1940, Page 8

BRAVERY IN THE AIR

Offensive Patrol Flights PILOT OFFICER C. F. GRAY Details of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross recently to Pilot Officer Colin Falkland Gray, a New Zealander serving, with the Royal Air Force, have been received by Air Headquarters. An extract from the notice states: “Since .May. 1940, Pilot Officer Gray

ha's flown continuously with his squad ron on offensive patrols. He took part in numerous engagements against the enemy throughout the Dunkirk operations, and subsequently throughout intensive air operations over the Kentish coast and in protection of shipping in the Channel. He lias shot down four Messerschmitt 109’s and. it is believed, destroyed a further four. He also assisted in destroying one Messerschmitt 109 and one Dornier 215. His example, courage, and determination in action have contributed materially in maintaining rhe high morale of his squadi on.” Pilot Officer Gray is the twin brother o! Pilot Officer Kenneth Neil Gray, who was also awarded the D.F.C. in January if this year. Pilot Officer K. N. Gray was later reported killed on active' service. Pilot Officer C. F. Gray was born in Christchurch and will be 26 years of age next month. He was educated at Christs College, Christchurch . Wellesley College, Wellington, and the Napier Boys' High School, leaving the latter school after matriculating, to enter a Napier firm of stock and station agents. In 1938 he was accepted for a short ser vice . commission with the Royal Air Force, leaving for the United Kingdom at the end-of that year. His father is Mr. R. L. Gray, 115 Russell Street. Gis-boi no'