COURAGE & DEVOTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 July 1941, Page 4

COURAGE & DEVOTION

AWARDS TO NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSSES AND MEDAL. EXAMPLES TO OTHERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Particulars detailing the award of four Distinguished Flying Crosses and one Distinguished Flying Medal to New Zealand airmen have been received by Air Headquarters, Wellington, as under: — Flying Officer Ronald Edward Lewis, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs L. W. Lewis, 56 The Terrace, Wellington. One night in March, 1941, this officer was the rear gunner of an aircraft which carried out an attack against the Focke-Wulf works at Bremen. During the return journey, a Messerschmitt 110 was encountered flying in an easterly direction. The enemy immediately turned to attack, but Flying Officer Lewis shot it down while it was still turning at a range of 250 yards. Flying Officer Lewis had previously been employed in Coastal Command, where he had completed 45 sorties on submarine patrols and convoy escort. He has displayed great courage and devotion to duty. Pilot Officer Douglas Robert Bagnall, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs I. A. Bagnall, Glasgow. He has displayed, great determination and, in spite of many trying experiences, has always, displayed keenness in pressing home his attacks. Pilot Officer James Victor Verran, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs J. Verran, Manunui. He is an extremely reliable captain of aircraft, and his. care and thoroughness in preparation for flight have contributed materially to the success of these operations. Pilot Officer Verran has set a splendid example. Pilot Officer Hayden Hugh James Miller, next-of-kin (father) Mr H. A. Miller, Morrinsvilie. He has displayed great determination and a complete disregard of enemy opposition. His courage and skill have inspired confidence in every crew of which he has acted as captain. Sergeant Frank Simpworth Kirke (enlisted in Wellington). His navigation has been of the very highest order, and he has always shown the greatest keenness in his work. He has displayed outstanding ability, determination and devotion to duty throughout.