V.C.’S FOR AIRMEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 163, 10 June 1940, Page 2

V.C.’S FOR AIRMEN

OUTSTANDING ACTION. LONDON,. June 8. Victoria Crosses have been awarded to Flying-Officer Donald Edward Garland and Sergeant Thomas Gray, , both posted missing. They were the pilot and observer, respectively, of the leading ’plane of a,formation of five which successfully attacked a vital bridge over the Albert Canal which was allowing the Germans to enter, Belgium. Orders were issued that the bridge must be destroyed at all , costs. A squadron of the advanced striking force undertook the task and the crews were selected by drawing lots. Only one of the five ’planes returned Flying-Officer Garland was born in Wicklow, Eire, in 1918; his home being in Yorkshire. Sergeant Gray was born in 1914. Much of the success of the attack on the bridge was due to them, as they led the formation in such a manner that the whole formation was able successfully to attack the target, despite the heavy subsequent loss., Among the D.S.C’s for naval men in connection with the Dunkirk action there were three naval reserve skippers and three merchant captains who were temporarily employed as masters of troop transports. It is understood that an additional list will be issued as soon as a report on the whole operation has been completed.