ESCAPED FROM ENEMY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 10, 7 October 1943, Page 4

ESCAPED FROM ENEMY

Wellington Pilot Who Twice Baled Out D.F.C. AWARDED Flight Lieutenant Stanley Franklin Browne, R.N.Z.A.-F., formerly of Wellington, who has just been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, can look after himself just as well on the ground as be can in the air—twice he Jias been reported missing, and twice lie has turned up again. The award, news of which has just been received from Loudon bv the Air Department, is accompanied by a citation which, though short, is eloquent of a New Zealander who has twice foiled the enemy. It says: "Flight Lieutenant Browne has taken part in numerous sweeps and escorts over enemy territory. He has shown the greatest determination and eagerness to engage the enemy.” Flight Lieutenant Browne’s adventures began when, as a sergeant pilot, he was reported missing on operations haltway through last year. Some weeks later official advice was received to the eftect that he was interned in unoccupied France. After a short period of silence, he turned up in England. His unexpected arrival coincided with the overseas visit of the Air Secretary, Mr. T. A. Barrow, who was able to bring back to New Zealand a first-hand account of the pilot’s adventures and pass it on to his mother, 'Mrs. E. M. Browne, of 78 Anne ■Street, Wellington. . Returning to service as a pilot omcer, Flight Lieutenant Browne next went missing a short time ago during operations in the Sicilian area. His mother was informed of his misadventure, but on the following day was pleased to learn that her son had returned to his unit, having successfully baled out from his aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Browne was born m Wellington in 1919, and received his secondary education at the Wellington Boy? College, matriculating to Victoria University College, where he was a full-time student. Applying for R.N.Z.A.F.. service in 1940, he commenced his training early the following year.