AWARDS TO N.Z. AIRMEN

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 4

AWARDS TO N.Z. AIRMEN

HAMILTON SERGEANT’S RECORD , (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 25. Official advice has been received that Flight Sergeant Ernest Leslie Joyce, R.N.Z.A.F., has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Sergeant Joyce was born at Hamilton and educated at the Marist Brothers’ School there. He joined the Air Force at the outbreak of war. His mother is Mrs C. Joyce, Hamilton. The citation accompanying the award states: “During a lorig and continuous period of service Sergeant Joyce has performed splendid work. One night he participated in an attack on an aero’drome at Mattubaom. Despite heavy fire he machine-gunned dispersed aircraft on the ground from 50 feet. On another night he observed a Junkers 88 flying 400 feet above him. He closed in on the rear of the enemy aircraft and, countering violent evasive action, shot down the enemy from close range. He has destroyed at least five enemy aircraft, two at night. Throughout his operational career he has displayed great gallantry, tenacity and devotion to duty.” . The citation accompanying the award of the Distinguished Service Order to Squadron Leader Arthur Ashworth, D.F.C., R.A.F., of Alexandra, states: “Throughout numerous sorties, many in the Middle East, Squadron Leader Ashworth has displayed,utter fearlessness and magnificent determination to reach and bomb the allotted target, despite odds. His great skill and efficiency as captain of an aircraft nave been an excellent example and stimulus to the entire squadron.” . . . For oustanding bravery and initiative in operations over the Mediterranean, a New Zealand airman, Sergeant Alexander Raymond Brown, has been given the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. The entire crew of the torpedo-bomber in which he has flown for some time has been simultaneously honoured. The torpedo-bomber was commanded by a South African, Lieutenant E. T. Strever, who has piloted the same aircraft in several successful torpedo attacks on enemy shipping. Sergeant Brown was a member of the crew on every occasion.