GALLANT AIRMEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 6

GALLANT AIRMEN

TWO AWARDS FOR BRAVERY. NORTH SEA ENGAGEMENT. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. January 30. The King has approved of two awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. Squadron Leader R. C. Doran is awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross and Leading Aircraftsman John Tippett is awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Squadron Leader Doran won the Distinguished Flying Cross for leading an attack on an enemy cruiser in September. his name appearing in the first list of decorations conferred on members of the R.A.F. during the war. His new award —he is the first officer in the present war to win a bar to the decoration —was won after leading a formation of bombers which was attacked by enemy fighters over the North Sea during January. By his clever tactics and gallant leadership he successfully maintained close defensive formation throughout the engagement. Two of the lighter aircraft were compelled to break off the fight, a third was shot down in flames into the sea and the remainder eventually abandoned the attack. Though one of our aircraft was lost and a second had to return to its base, Squadron Leader Doran, showing great determination, led the remaining aircraft 130 miles further to his objective.

Leading Aircraftsman Tippett, who is only 21 years old, was a gunner of the same formation of bomber aircraft which was attacked by enemy fighters over the North Sea in January. His aircraft held a vulnerable position in the formation. Aircraftsman Tippett’s task was one of great danger and responsibility. Yet he showed great skill and coolness in handling his gun and in consistently repelling enemy attacks throughout the engagement.