RAIDING OVER GERMANY

Southland Times, Issue 24233, 17 September 1940, Page 4

RAIDING OVER GERMANY

Invercargill Pilot’s Experiences SHELL MAKES HOLE INFUSELAGE The first letters written by Pilot Officer J. F. Swift, D.F.C., since he was advised of his decoration about six weeks ago, have been received by his parents, Mr and Mrs G. L. Swift, of Invercargill.

It is typical of the man and his deeds that he has been modest in his acknowledgment of the honour. Referring to happenings of an eventful period for the Royal Aii’ Force he writes: “A few minutes ago I received some good news. I have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross—for what I do not know. I will probably send it home to you when I get it. The comrtianding officer and flight commander wished me luck and told me to watch my step tonight. “We are going off again to the Ruhr tonight,” he continues. “It is the hottest place in Germany and a good place to be out' of. The cardigan you sent me is very comfortable and warm. It has been

at least six times to Germany and has travelled in all weathers at heights varying from zero to 16,000 ft. It is full moon here just now and we are taking advantage of it and are working very hard. The Messerschmitt 110’s are also very active at night, and we have had a few losses. SHELL THROUGH FUSELAGE “I was given a new bus yesterday, my old machine having been called in for stripping and a complete overhaul,” he adds. “The new machine had to be got ready for operations the same night. We managed it and took on a trip of 1000 miles (there and back); we were eight hours in the air. “It was a tiring trip with a new machine. She was pretty stiff, but she got a good christening; we came back with our wireless aerial shot away and a big hole in the fuselage where a shell had gone through. “Two nights before in the old ‘M’ we dived at such a speed that half the fabric on the underside of the fuselage was torn away. It is the exception to the rule if I get through a trip without having something shot away.” The “M” referred to by Pilot Officer Swift is the recognition letter painted on the side of the machine. It stands for “Mother” to whom he dedicated his plane. On his new machine, in addition to the recognition letter - of “M,” he also has had imprinted “Celig,” the nickname of a friend, a leading violinist in England.