HIGH HONOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 177, 29 July 1942, Page 5

HIGH HONOUR

CAMBRIDGE PILOT Wing-Commander E. P. Wells Awarded D.S.O. Special Correspondent United Press Association.—-Copyright-Rec. noon. LONDON, July 28. The D.S.O. has been awarded to Wing-Commander E. P. Wells, D.F.C. and bar, of Cambridge. He is the only New Zealander fighter pilot so far to receive this group of decorations, which is held by leading aces, including the late "Paddy" Finucane. Wing-Commander Wells has now been withdrawn from operational flying for a period. There is a possibility that he may go on a goodwill trip to America, but this is still uncertain. All the New Zealand fighter boys are jubilant at the latest award, for Wing Commander Wells is very popular. His nickname is now abbreviated to "The Hawk." While he has not shot down spectacular numbers—his score is 11—he is recognised as a very fine leader who, while aggressive, will not take risks which may result in avoidable losses. He has become something of a legend among young pilots for his coolness in action. For instance, once when returning from a sweep a young new pilot called out several times excitedly over the radio phone, "There's a Messerschmitt out on your tail."

Wing Commander Wells switched on his phone and remarked laconically, "Okay, okay—it is only a Spitfire."

On another occation when flying with his wing several pilots called out excitedly over the radio, "They're 20 plus on the port side." Wing-Commander Wells eventually snapped on the radio phone and remarked, "So what?" Then he switched off, and led the wing into action. It is no exaggeration to say that any pilots who have flown with him once will follow him anywhere. He has carried out 135 sweeps, which is probably more than any other pilot in the Fighter Command. More will yet be heard of Wing-Commander Wells. Spitfire Squadron Busy Although the New Zealand Spitfire Squadron has been withdrawn from the first line, it is not doing nothing. Led by Squadron-Leader R. Grant, D.F.M., of Auckland—who has carried out 119 sweeps—it recently shot up seven railway locomotives in enemy-occupied territory in two days, while also carrying out convoy patrols and dawn patrols over enemy coastlines, watching for enemy fighters which may be "nibbling" at our bombers returning late from raids over Germany. There have been several changes recently. Sergeants A. R. Robson, D.F.M., of Hastings,, I. P. Maskill, of Invercargill, and D. G. E. Brown, of Auckland, have been promoted pilotofficers. Newcomers include Sergeants J. A. Houlton, Christchurch, R. Vessey and G. Moorehead, Ashburton, and M. Sutherland, Dunedin. Flight-Lieutenant J. G. Pattison, Waipawa, is now instructing members of the American Army Air Corps.