4YA MAN WINS D.F.C.

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 91, 21 March 1941, Page 3

4YA MAN WINS D.F.C.

Three New Dominion Awards

Pilot-Officer W. H. Hodgson, D.F.C., who before his enlistment was a radio operator at 4YA Dunedin, *» the first member of the staff of the NSS to receive this high award, and The Listener, as the journal of the service, is proud to publish his photograph and present the following information which has been received by Air Headquarters from the New Zealand Liaison Officer, Air Ministry. "The following is an extract which appeared in the London Gazette regard-

ing the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Pilot-Officer William Henry Hodgson: "In August, 1940, Pilot-Officer Hodgson took part with his Squadron in an engagement against more than 250 enemy aircraft, severely damaging several of them. Two days later he operated with his Squadron against 150 bombers and fighters and on this occasion destroyed

Messerschmitt 110’s and damaged a Heinkel 111. Later in August, 1940, during an engagement against 30 Dornier 215’s escorted by about 100 enemy fighters, he attacked one of the Dornier 215’s head on, severely damaged it, and then engaged and shot down a Messerschmitt 109. Although Pilot-Officer Hodgson’s aircraft was hit and set on fire by a cannon shell, he managed to keep the fire under control until he had effected a landing some distance away. By doing so he undoubtedly avoided causing civilian casualties, This officer has exhibited bravery of a high order and a complete disregard of his own personal safety." Pilot Officer William Henry Hodgson 7° 20 years of age.. Information has also reached Air Headquarters, Wellington, concerning other honours awarded to New Zealand pilots, two of which have not previously been made public, Squadron-Leader M. V. Blake, D.F.C. M. V. Blake, the prominent Canterbury athlete, who won the N.Z. Pole Vault Championship in 1936 with a jump of 11 feet, and joined the Royal Air Force in 1937, has recently been awarded the D.F.C. The official citation states: This officer has displayed fine qualities of leadership and has personally destroyed five enemy aircraft. By his splendid example, he has set a high standard to his fellow pilots, Sergeant P. B. McLaren, D.F.M. The official citation states: "Sergeant McLaren has completed 125 hours operational flying as air gunner. During one operation his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter but although harassed by its fire he succeeded in shooting it down. This is but one instance of this airman’s gallantry and devotion to duty which has been a source of inspiration to other members of his squadron."