BRAVE & COOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 July 1942, Page 4

BRAVE & COOL

WING COMMANDER WELLS AWARDED NOTABLE GROUP OF DECORATIONS. RECOGNISED AS FINE LEADER. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) (Special P.A. Correspondent.) LONDON, July 27. The D.S.O. has been awarded Wing Commander E. P. Wells, of Cambridge, who already holds the D.F.C. and bar. He is the only New Zealand fighter pilot thus far to receive this group of decorations, which is held by leading aces, including the late Wing Commander P. Finucane. Wing Commander Wells has now been withdrawn from operational flying for a period. There is a possibility that he may make a goodwill trip to America, but this is still uncertain. All the New Zealand fighter pilots are jubilant at the latest award, for Wells is very popular. His nickname is now abbreviated to “The Hawk.” While he has not shot down spectacular numbers of enemy planes —his score is eleven —he is recognised as the finest leader, who, while aggressive, will not take risks which may result in avoidable losses. He has become something of a legend among young pilots for his coolness in action. For instance he was once returning from a sweep when a young new pilot called out excitedly several times over the radiophone: “There is a Messerschmitt on our tail.” Wells switched on the phone and remarked laconically: ’“Okay, okay, it is only a Spitfire.” Another time, when he was flying with his wings, several pilots called out excitedly over the radio: “There are more than twenty enemy to port.’’ “There are more than twenty enemy to starboard,” etc.

Wells eventually snapped on the radiophone and remarked: “So what?” Then he switched off and led his wing into action. It is no exaggeration to say that any pilots who have flown with him once would follow him anywhere. He has carried out 135 sweeps, which probably is more than any other pilot in the Fighter Command has accomplished. More will yet be heard of Wing Commander’ Wells.