MAN OF THE MOMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 October 1942, Page 2

MAN OF THE MOMENT

AIR VICE-MARSHAL PARK OF DUNEDIN. BRITAIN THRILLED BY “MALTA MASSACRE.” (Special P.A. Correspondent). LONDON, October 14. “The man of the moment” and the “man behind the Malta victories” are descriptions given by London newspapers of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Rodney Park, Dunedin, in

commenting on and reporting the heavy losses sustained by the Germans over Malta all the week—lo 6 lost or limping in 48 hours. Thus the “Star”: “The man immediately behind Malta’s latest successes, is Vice-Marshal Park, who, during the Battle of Britain, played a big part in helping to save this country. In Malta’s defence he has once again, by brilliant direction of his pilots, put into operation exactly the same tactics he used during the heavy daylight raids when assistant-officer commanding No. 11 group. His squadrons bore the brunt on the south and south-east coast. “Park’s plan of defence is early interception. He decided that when Malta was supplied with Spitfires, he would get the enemy bombers while they were still at sea, though they had only 70 miles to come. It is obviously sound theory, but the man who puts it into practice needs to be a genius at. organisation. The efficiency of the defensive organisation under Park must be perfect, and the timing of the Spitfires in the air almost miraculous.” The Air Ministry (Middle East) news service describes a “classic” interception when the Spitfires dived on enemy planes some 30 miles out to sea, shooting down more than half. Not one was allowed to get anywhere near Malta. . The Malta “massacre” has thrilled all Britain.

At Buckingham Palace the King awarded D.F.M.’s to Flight Lieutenant J. P. Barrow, Gisborne, Pilot Officer C. A. Armstrong, Devonport, Warrant Officer O. W. Thompson, Waipiro Bay. He also awarded the A.F.M. to Pilot Officer D. P. Phillips, Wellington. The New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, later congratulated them at the New Zealand Forces Club. Armstrong and Thompson both fought at Malta. They are all now instructors.