BAR TO D.F.C.

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23964, 3 June 1943, Page 6

BAR TO D.F.C.

CHRISTCHURCH AIRMAN’S THIRD DECORATION BROUGHT DAMAGED BOMBER HOME (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 2. With his • aeroplane badly damaged by repeated shell hits and himself dazed by a blow on the head from a splinter, Acting-Squadron Leader Keith Frederick Thiele, R.N.Z.A.F., of Christchurch. flew out of the peril which faced him over Duisburg, coaxed his struggling bomber back to Britain, and made a successful crash-landing. His bravery, determination, and superb airmanship 'have been rewarded by a third decoration to add to his D.S.O. and D.F.C.—a Bar to the latter. He becomes New Zealand’s ninth airman to win the distinction of a triple award. His record is all the more meritorious for it is little more than a fortnight ago that his D.S.O. was announced. The citation states that Squadron Leader Thiele was captain of a bomber attacking Duisburg on a night in May. Flak severely damaged the aeroplane when it was near the target, but Squadron Leader Thiele flew on. His machine was picked up by searchlights on the bombing run but he held a straight course to make sure of accurate bombing. As his bombardier completed his work, the aeroplane was repeatedly hit by bursting shells. One burst smashed an engine and soon afterwards a second engine was put out of action. The aeroplane suffered other damage and Squadron Leader Thiele was struck by a splinter. He showed courage, skill, and determination of a high order. Squadron Leader Thiele is just over 22 years of age and was formerly a reporter on the “Star-Sun,” Christchurch. His parents live at Sydenham, Christchurch.