N.C.O.’S DECORATED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 11, 8 October 1943, Page 6

N.C.O.’S DECORATED

Air Adventures On Active Service

As a result of air adventures on active service overseas, three non-commissioned aircrew members of the R.N.Z.A.F., two pilots and an air gunner, receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal—the second only to be awarded to a member of the R.N.Z.A.F. —and the Distinguished Flying Medal, while the third is mentioned in dispatches, states advice received by the Air Department. The recipients arc — Conspicuous Gallantry .Medal: Flight Sergeant Osric Hartnell White R.N.Z.A.F. Mr. G. H. White, 11. Cliffs Street, Monck’s Bay, Sumner, Christchurch (father). Distinguished Flying Medal: Flight Sergeant Alan John Rhodes, R.N.Z.A.F. Mrs. R. M. Rhodes, Tdmorata, Wellsford, North Auckland (mother). Mentioned in Dispatches: Warrant Officer Ralph J.offre Kennedy, R.N.Z.A.F. Mr. T. Lawrence, 55 Lawrence Street, Linwood. Christchurch (father).

The citations state “Flight Sergeant White was pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin by night in August last. When nearing tbp target, his aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and repeatedly hit by antiaircraft fire, sustaining- damage to the port main plane. Despite this, Flight Sergeant ’White continued bombing, but was attacked by a fighter-bomber, being hit by the attackers gunfire, which wrecked the rear turret, killing the gunner, and causing the aircraft to dive out of control directly over the tarket. Nevertheless, the flight sergeant released his bombs and ■ succeeded in regaining, control of the aircraft. Considerable height had been lost, but coolly and skilfully Flight Sergeant’ White flew clear’'of the target area and set his course for base. Much of the essential, equipment had been rendered useless, but with unerring skill Flight Sergeant White flew the badly damaged bomber back to base. His courage, tenacity and devotion >to duty have set an example of the highest order.

“Flight Sergeant Rhodes was a wireless operator in the crew of an aircraft which atacked Hamburg by night in July of this year. Shortly after the bombs had been released the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, sustaining extensive damage to the intercommunication and electrical systems. While the captain was endeavouring to outmanoeuvre an enemy fighter, Flight Sergeant Rhodes attempted to make personal contact with the bomber’s gunners. Though n gap had been torn in the floor of the aircraft, the flight sergeant crossed it to assure Himself of his comrades’ welfare. He afterwards traced the defect in the intercommunication system and, after an hour’s effort, succeeded in repairing it. Flight Sergeant Rhodes displayed exemplary conduct in the face of a difficult situation.”

“Warrant Officer Kennedy’s name is listed along with two R.A.F. members for ‘distinguished service in the Mediterranean Air Command.’ ”