SPLENDID TRIBUTE
LATE PILOT OFFICER R. S. LEES BURIED IN GERMANY Information has now come to hand! through the International Red Cross organisation that Pilot Officer R. S. Lees of Matata who lost his life' i'n. operations over Germany on July 27 last was buried at Standortfried'hof Wi live 1m s have n, Germany. Writing his family, Wing Commander .Mitchell of the 75th (N.Z.), Squadron has paid tlie following splendid tribute:— I' deeply regret the necessity for a detter of this grievous description and that it. has been .so long delayed by pressure of operational work. During the short time your brother spent, with this Squadron he had become a most popular member of the Mess by his cheerful, /riendly and willing personality. He amply proved himself to be a most efficient navigator .-.and was at all times skilful, keen and courageous. His loss is a heavy blow to the Service, to the Squadron and to' the great cause for which he so nobly fought and so gallantly laid down his life in action.
He had already completed six successful trips against, the enemy, four of which were against heavily defended targets in Germany. There is nothing I, can tell you of the cause of his non-return from this fateful seventh raid Avliicli was directed against yet another target upon German soil, for no signal was received from his aircraft, after it had left base. Thus we have; no •clue as to the nature of the disaster. which came upon the aircraft, but I am certain it must have been
absolutely overwhelming to have defeated this most capable crew who were captained by an extremely efficient and experienced pilot who did not take any unnecessary risks. According to> the information received, only the rear gunner survi'ved and he is now in enemy hands.
The Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of my Squadron join with me in expressing to you and to your brothers our deepest, sympathy in your heavy loss. We mourn with you in the loss of a loyal comrade and a very gallant officer and airman.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19430129.2.25
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 43, 29 January 1943, Page 5
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347SPLENDID TRIBUTE Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 43, 29 January 1943, Page 5
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