BRAVERY IN THE AIR

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 202, 24 May 1944, Page 8

BRAVERY IN THE AIR

’ Awards To New Zealanders AND MEDALS In recognition of their fine achiever rnents, six awards have been made. to New Zealand aircrew members serving overseas, according to advice received at the Air Department, Wellington. These comprise four Distinguished Flying Crosses and two. Distinguished Flying Medals. The recipients are Distinguished Flying Cross. Acting Squadron Leader Jonathan A. Neilson; Mr. H. W. Neilson, Haumoana, Hawke’s Bay (f.). Flight Lieutenant John D. Grubb; Mrs. G. R. Allardyce, Heretaunga, Wellington (m.). Acting Flight Lieutenant John D. Woods; Mr. It. C. Woods, Hampden, North Otago (f.). Acting Flight Lieutenant Cedric Gay; Mr. G. F. Gay, Waipukurau (f.). Distinguished Flying Medal. Pilot Officer Herbert A. Pond; Mr. H. C. Pond, Matamata (f.). Flight Sergeant Maxwell G. F. Dowman; Mr. A. Dowman, Opunake, Taranaki (f.). The citation accompanying the award to Squadron Leader Neilson stated that he had completed many successful operalions against the enemy in which he had displayed high skill, fortitude, and devotion to duty. Similar citations accompany the awards to Flight Lieutenant Grubb'and Flight Lieutenant Gay. Flight Lieutenant Grubb, who was born in Wellington, was a school teacher by profession, being stationed last in Nelson. He was educated at Nelson College, Motueka District High School, and the Teachers’ Training College, Christchurch, where he took a keen interest in football and cricket. “During many operational sorties. Flight Lieutenant Woods has shown courage and determination of the highest order in pressing home his attacks in spite of heavy enemy opposition,” states the citation, in part, to his award. Before joining the R.N.Z.A.F. he was engaged in accountancy work in Dunedin. Pilot Officer Pond has taken part in altaeks on some of the enemy’s major targets, according to the citation to his award. He was born in Matafnata and was engaged in farming in the Mata--mata district before joining the K.N.Z.A.F.

“Flight Sergeant Bowman has taken part in a large number of operational sorties,” states the citation to his award. . At all times- he has displayed praiseworthy enthusiasm and courage.” Flight Sergeant Dowman, who was born in Opunnke, was formerly engaged • in dairy factory work.