WORK AND HONOURS New Zealanders In Britain

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 260, 1 August 1942, Page 8

WORK AND HONOURS New Zealanders In Britain

LONDON, July 30.

Pilot Officers- Peter Tonkin, Napier, and G. M. Cunningham, Hastings, are members of a famous 11.A.F. squadron which is flying the American Mustang Army Co-operation fighters. These planes specialize in fast low flying; they, are beautifully streamlined, and they have been used so far mainly for groundsfrafing the Germans in France. It is similar in appearance to the German Messerschmitt 109 E. ‘No details are available of its performance, but it is' certainly the fastest army co-operation type in service: in the world. 1 . ■ ‘

Flying Officer lan Huntley-Wood, who was born in Otaio, New Zealand, is one of several 11.A.F. officers who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the attack on the submarine works at Danzig on July 11. An additional officer Jias won the Distinguished Service Order, and six airmen have also been decorated.

The joint citation says that the operation, which necessitated a high degree of skill and fortitude, was carried out in extremely adverse weather. Our men reached the objective at dusk, identified the target, and attacked determinedly in the face of strong opposition from tlie ground defences. Bombs were released at various heights, some from as low as 1000 fest, and many hits were obtained. Searchlights were macliinegunned and exlinguished. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the officers and men engaged. Five New Zealanders shook hands with the King at a recent investiture at Buckingham Palace when he pinned .on their decorations. They were Wing < ’oniniander H. N. G. Ilanisbotliam-Isher-wood, Petone; Flight Lieutenants W.V. C. Compton, Mission Bay, and G. 11. Francis, Takapuna, and Flying Officer W. A. Newenhain, Nelson, who is in the Hoyal Canadian Air Force (all of whom won the D.F.C.), and Stoker First-Class B. E. Bennett, Palmerston North, who won the D.S.M. Bennett was accompanied by “3 other members of the crew of the submarine Torbay, with three officers and Commander A. C. Miers, V.C., D.S.O. with bar, all of whom received decorations. It was the first time the officers and men of one ship have been decorated at the same investiture. Sailors Commissioned.

The following have been temporarily commissioned :—

In Fleet Air Arm: Sub-lieutenants, J. Brown, Dunedin, C. Craw, Central Otago, J. Al. Douglas, Masterton, It. S. Fleming, New Plymouth, A. B. Foley, Takupuna. In the R.N.Z.N.V.Tt., Sub-lieutenants, .1. F. Y. Schischka, B. Blake, J. Forgie and K. D. Tripp, Auckland ; J. C. Wilson, Cambridge; A. 11. Newton and William Miles, Wellington; and Alan 11. Paul, Wanganui. Promoted to temporary lieutenant. Tom Markwick, Auckland. The High Commissioner, Mr. .lordan, welcomed Miss Jane Winstone. Wanganui. who has arrived in Britain to ferry aircraft for the Auxiliary Transport SerFlight Lieutenant A. G. J. Humphries, D.F.C., Christchurch, writing from a prison camp in Germany, says : ‘ I lease tell my mother lam O.K. So are the mighty fallen I I find myself contemplating barbed wire, which is a rather inglorious end to my op’s. We baled out fiom our Sterling when it was on fire over Denmark.” Humphreys had completed nearly 50 raids.