SOUTHLAND AIRMAN’S EXPLOITS

Evening Star, Issue 24292, 5 September 1942, Page 4

SOUTHLAND AIRMAN’S EXPLOITS

D.F.C. FOR SQUADRON-LEADER SAXELBY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. .4. Official advice has been received that the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Acting Squadron-leader Clive King Saxelby, R.A.F. The citation states.: “ Squadronleader Saxelby is a most able and fearless pilot, determined in the face of enemy fire and grave situations. Thus’ at all times he nas proved an inspiration to his crew. Once while flying over an enemy target a British incendiary bomb fell into the engine nacelle of his machine and started a fire. Showing ; great • coolness. Squadron-* leader Saxelby cut off the petrol to the engine and let it run dry. Then he switched it off, and 15 minutes’ later the fire had subsided, and the damaged engine was restarted. During tha whole of -this time the aircraft was subjected to intense, anti-aircraft fire. After jettisoning his bombs in an industrial area he made the Return flight to his base, carefully nursing the damaged engine during the whole:of tha journey. On arrival over the base ha found that one wheel of; the bomber was out of order, but he landed on one wheel.

“ On another occasion, when returning from a night raid oh Cologne, his aircraft was attacked , by enemy, fighters. The second pilot was killed, the rear gunner wounded, and the machine sever'ely damaged. The bomber then caught lire and dived out of control. Although unable to see and almost choked by smoke, Squadronleader Saxelby skilfully regained control at 6,000 ft, He was again attacked, but descending to 400 ft he evaded , thar attacker and flew the damaged bomber back to base, where he made an excellent crash landing without any further injury to the crew.” , Squadron-leader Saxelby was born at Woodlands, Southland, 20 years ago, and was educated at the Southland Bovs’ High School. He went oversea# with the rank of pilot officer early ik 1940. His sister, Miss E. M. Saxelby,