EPIC OF AIR WAR

Southland Times, Issue 24869, 8 October 1942, Page 5

EPIC OF AIR WAR

Rescue In Western Desert (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 7. Recognition of one of toe most spectacular epics of toe air war is given in the announcement of the award of toe Distinguished Flying Cross to toe late Acting Flight-Lieutenant Owen Vincent Tracey, R.A.F., formerly of Dunedin. He was the officer who saw a comrade parachute from his aircraft while in combat with enemy fighters over the Western Desert. At great risk to himself Flight-Lieutenant Tracey followed toe parachuting airman to toe ground, landed, picked him up and brought him back to toe base in his fighter aircraft. The D.F.C. is not awarded posthumously, as toe decision to make the award was made before Flight-Lieuten-ant Tracey’s death was officially presumed by toe Air Ministry a short time ago. His widow lives at Harrow, Middlesex, England, and his mother is Mrs M. E. Tracey, Dunedin. The citation accompanying the award describes toe incident recorded above and adds that Flight-Lieutenant Tracey took part in a long-range flight during the Crete evacuation. In addition he led his flight in practically every operation his - squadron carried out during the present campaign in the Western Desert. It is known that he had actually destroyed six enemy aircraft, but it is thought that he accounted for many more than those officially recorded. By virtue of his outstanding keenness he proved an inspiration to all who came in contact with him.

Flight-Lieutenant Tracey was bom in Dunedin in March 1915 and educated at Onehunga and Oamaru. He gained a pilot’s A. licence as a member of toe Otago Aero .Club early in 1937, and after being selected for a short service commission with the R.A.F. sailed for England in June 1939 to begin training. .