FURTHER AWARDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 September 1941, Page 6

FURTHER AWARDS

TO NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN ONE BORN IN CARTERTON; BRAVE & DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT. , (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Advice has been received by Air Headquarters, Wellington that three more New Zealand airmen nave been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. They are Sergeant David Alexander Abbott (father, Mr G. M. Abbott, Wellington); Sergeant Henry Cumberland Stapleton Cotton (mother, Mrs N. Cotton, Auckland), and Sergeant Jack Joll (father, Mr J. S. Joll, New Plymouth). The citations state: —

“Sergeant Abbott displayed groat skill and determination throughout flights in which he acted as rear-gunner. He participated in operations over Germany and occupied territory, including three attacks on Berlin and five on Cologne. Sergeant Abbott has always taken meticulous care in the maintenance of his turret and guns. He displayed courage and coolness throughout.”

Sergeant Abbott was born in Carterton in 1917, and educated at the Ngaio School and Wellington Technical College.

“Sergeant Cotton consistently displayed good work as a wireless operator and air gunner. Since January, 1941, he has participated in operations over enemy and enemy-occupied territory, including one flight to Turin, which was his first operational venture and occupied ten hours' flying.”

Sergeant Cotton was born in Apia, in 1920, and educated at the Auckland Grammar School.

“Sergeant Joll is an exceedingly skilful pilot and a good captain, who tries out new methods of evasive tactics with success. This was particularly noticeable on the night of the 3rd and 15th of July, when he attacked targets at Essen and Duisberg. The way in which he pressed home these attacks afforded a good example of courage and flying ability." Sergeant Joll was.born in New Plymouth, in 1920, and educated at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School. Prior to his enlistment, he was captain of the New Plymouth Model Aero Club.