VALIANT SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 May 1942, Page 3

VALIANT SERVICE

v AWARDS TO NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN. LONDON, May 13. A bar to the D.F.C. has been awarded Flying Officer James Robert Anderson, Christchurch, 108 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R. The citation states: “His work in the Middle East was performed with the utmost determination. He participated in low-level attacks on important enemy targets and shipping. While attacking Benghazi from a low level, his plane sustained damage from enemy fire. In the face of great difficulties, he flew his plane to within 30 miles of the landing ground. He then ordered the crew to escape by parachute and piloted the plane himself for another 20 miles before making a crash landing in darkness. “His courage and skill undoubtedly saved the lives of the crew as well as saving the plane from total destruction.” The D.F.C. has been awarded to Acting Squadron Leader Douglas Rivers Bagnall, Auckland, 108 Squadron. The D.F.C. has also been awarded Acting Squadron Leader John Roby Bloxham, New Plymouth, 69th Squadron, R.A.F.V.R. The award of the D.F.C. has been made to Acting Squadron Leader Freeman Jesse Steel, Napier, 40th Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F. The citation says: “He has completed many operational missions, including attacks against the Ruhr, Berlin and Brest. He has carried out many sorties in the Middle East and throughout set a high standard of devotion to duty which contributed materially to the fighting efficiency of his flight.” The D.F.M. has been awarded Flight Sergeant Charles Anthony Armstrong, Auckland. 40th Squadron. The D.F.M. has been awarded to Flight Sergeant Keith Kingsmill John Coleman, Blenheim, 40th Squadron. The D.F.M. has been awarded Sergeant Athol James, Wellington, 37th Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F. “Before _ operating in the Middle East,” the citation states, “James participated in many raids over Germany and proved a very valuable member’ of the squadron. His keenness and efficiency set an excellent example to his fellow gunners. Acting Squadron Leader Steel is a son of Mr and Mrs Freeman J. Steel, of Napier, and formerly of Masterton, and a grandson of Mr and Mrs H. L. Ewington, Bruce Street, Masterton. He received his early education at e Lansdowne School, COURAGEOUS LEADER. MADE OFFICER OF ORDER OF BRITISH EMPIRE. (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 14. A New Zealander in the R.A.F., Souadron Leader Sidney Westman Rochford Hughes, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Military Division. The citation states: “One night in December, 1941, this officer was flying a Sunderland in the Mediterranean area when two enemy fighters attacked. One of them was probably destroyed, but Squadron Leader Hughes s aircraft sustained damage to the aileron control and the two engines were put out of action. The aircraft lost height rapidly but, with great skill, this officer succeeded in turning it into the wind and finally descended safely on the water. Heavy seas were running, but although one wing tip and the float were smashed, he managed to steer the aircraft on to a nearby reef in such a way that the crew were able to escape from the aircraft into much calmer water. Observing that one of his comrades, who had been swept from the main plane into the sea, was in an exhausted condition and in difficulties, Squadron Leader’ Hughes immediately dived into th c water and brought his comrade to safety, after swimming some thirty yards through heavy seas. His action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade. Throughout this officer displayed exceptional courage and leadership.”