AWARD FOR VALOUR

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXV, Issue 254, 28 October 1942, Page 4

AWARD FOR VALOUR

D.F.C. FOR WIRELESS OPERATOR. Flight-Sergeant James Dudlev Cayford Cumming. R.N.Z.A.F., a member of the permanent staff, Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished F'lying Medal for valorous conduct overseas, states official advice received 'by Air Headquarters, Wellington. Joining the Air Force five years ago. Flight Sergeant Cumming was formerly a resident of Timaru "Flight Sergeanc Cumming was a member of the crew of an aircraft which, during night operations in September, successfully attacked an enemy ship," states the citation accompanying the award. "The aircraft was damaged bv anti-aircraft fire which also put the wireless equipment out of operation. Despitc wounds in both arms and the thigh, Flight Sergeant Cumming, after receiving first aid, but still suffering mueh pain effected temcorary repairs to the wireless, and was aftje to transmit a message indicating the position of the damaged aircraft. Throughout the homeward flight. Flight Sergeant Cumming 's comrades were inspired by his Courage and fortitude. As a wireless operator he has taken part in numerous sorties," Born in Christchurch in June, 1917, Flight Sergeant Cumming was educated at the Timaru Boys' High School, and Jater joined the staff of the Post and Telegraph pepartment at Timaru. Taking an early interest in aviation, he enaeavoured to enter eommercial or service flying in 1935 and eventually joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1937 as a wireless operator. After serving in several ' Air Force establishmehts in the Dominion, Flight Sergeant Cumming left to' undertake overseas service in July, 1940. Married in England in April of this year, his wife resides in Gioucester, England, and his father, Mr W. A. Cumming, Otipua road, Timaru.