GALLANT SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1940, Page 6

GALLANT SERVICE

TWO AIRMEN DECORATED. ONE FROM PALMERSTON NORTH. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day. 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, November 26. The D.F.C. has been awarded to Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Watt Coleman, of Wellington, and to Squadron Leader Norman Maxwell Boffee. A citation states that Flight Lieutenant Coleman attacked the railway yards and locomotive sheds at Munich, and, despite considerable anti-air-craft activity and the presence of balloons, .glided down to a height of 3,500 feet, straddled the target with bombs and. then encircled the town, ordering his air gunners to put out as many searchlights as possible. Flight Lieutenant Coleman has carried out 25 raids since June, 1940, fifteen as plane captain, and has set a magnificent example to his squadron. Squadron Leader Boffee was also decorated for a recent night attack on, the Munich railway yard. He was first to locate the target, which he successfully bombed, causing fires which were instrumental in guiding subsequent planes. He has participated in 27 raids. Pilot Officer Peter Wynn Mason West, of Palmerston North, has been awarded the D.F.C. The citation states that he has participated in 33 flights, eleven as captain of his plane, comprising 216 flying hours. His skill and coolness as a navigator and bombaimer have largely contributed to the success of the operations. He displayed coolness and determination in pressing home attacks.