SPLENDID RECORD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 March 1942, Page 2

SPLENDID RECORD

NEW ZEALAND AIRMAN AWARDED D.S.O. SERVICE SINCE OUTBREAK OF WAR. PART TAKEN IN CHANNEL ACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 16. The D.S.O. has been awarded to a New Zealander, Acting Squadron Leader Noel Joseph Mowat, of the R.A.F. The citation says: “Squadron Leader Mowat, since the outbreak of war, has completed 150 defensive patrols and thirty fighter operations over enemy territory, of which eight were during the evacuation from Dunkirk. He then damaged two Messerschmitt 109 s. In June, 1940, he led a section of three planes against the aerodrome of Rouenbois and damaged at least twenty planes. More recently he has led successful attacks on power stations, aerodromes, barge concentrations and distilleries in enemy-occupied territory and has put several anti-aircraft posts out of action. He has also participated in attacks against enemy shipping, in which five vessels were damaged. During the operations against the German battleships and their escorts on February 12, Squadron Leader Mowat, despite fierce opposition, was personally responsible for the destruction of a vessel in the convoy. He has consistently displayed leadership of the highest order and his determination and complete disregard of personal danger have been an inspiration to his squadron.”