WAR DECORATIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 93, 27 July 1943, Page 5

WAR DECORATIONS

TWO LOCAL MEN HONOURED FLIGHT SGT. F. M. H. HENDERSON A message from Wellington received last Monday reads: An action in which enemy ships were attacked 1 in daylight and at the same time defending aircraft were fought off, Avas the highlight of the operational career of Flight-Sgt Francis Murray Hendferson, R,N.Z.t A.F., of Whakatane, who has * been awarded the D.F.M. Flight-Sergeant Henderson, avlio applied for enlistment in the Air Force Avhen only celebrated his 21st birthday only a I'cav months; ago. At the age of 20 he had shared in the destruction of an enemy aircraft. The. citation states: "Jin October, 1912, this airman took part in a daylight operation against shipping. Throughout the; action, Avhen attacked; by enemy fighters, he maintained an accurate fire and greatly assisted the. firing controller with an admirably cool commentary on the enemy's movements. Later in the same month he participated in a similar sortie in an equally praiseworthy manner sharing in the destruction of an enemy aircraft. At all times lie has been a most callable gunner, cool in action, and a keen and efficient member of his crew." Born at Putaruru and educated at Rotorua, he Avas a member of the survey .section of the Public Works Department, and commenced active service at the beginning of 39-11 in a night fighter aircraft. Last month ho Avas in hospital Avith a serious illness, but Avas later removed off the seriously ill list. He is a son of Mr and Mrs W. S. Henderson, of Whakatane, to Avhom the Avarmest congratulations Avill be extended.

D.S.O. AWARDED MAJOR JACK CONOLLY The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, has announced that the King has approved the award of the Distinguished' Service Order to Maijor Jack Conoily, Second N.Z.E.F, Middle East husband' of Mrs Conol'ly, Whakatane. In the list of decorations announced in' the press on May 24 it was erroneously stated that the D.S.O. was awarded 1 to another officer of similar name, Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. J. Connolly, his name having been confused 1 with that of Major Jack Conollly when the list was being prepared for publication in New Zealand. Once again town and district combine in extending their compliments to the family of this, popular officer.