Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Mar 10, 2010 16:38:10 GMT 12
WWII bomber pilot's efforts finally recognised
By JONATHON HOWE - The Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Wednesday, 10 March 2010
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Ohakea Sergeant Glen Turner awards former pilot
Desmond Horgan with a special certificate for his service during World War II.
It has taken 66 years but one of the oldest surviving airman from a now disbanded Ohakea squadron has finally been honoured for his valour during World War II.
Warrant Officer Desmond Horgan, 96, of Auckland, completed 30 bombing operations in Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1944 as a pilot of Stirlings and Lancasters for New Zealand's 75 Squadron.
These included dangerous raids on Nuremberg, Hanover, Frankfurt, Cologne and Dusseldorf, and three successful crash landings in England.
Ohakea Sergeant Glen Turner, the 75 Squadron Association NZ secretary, said while many of his colleagues received special awards, Mr Horgan's courageous efforts were never officially recognised. But on a recent visit to Mr Horgan's Auckland home, Sergeant Turner, who is tracking down all the former 75 Squadron World War II veterans, presented him with a special certificate to recognise his service.
"[It was] to give my personal gratitude for the special work that Des Horgan did so many years ago, and [to] see that he was deeply appreciative of my contact makes this search all the more exceptional and rewarding," Sergeant Turner said.
Mr Horgan will not be able to make it, but more than 120 members of 75 Squadron Association will be in Palmerston North this month for a reunion. Members will visit Ohakea Air Base for a memorial service, Palmerston North Boys' High, Bulls flying doctor David Baldwin and Massey Aviation on March 26, 27 and 28.
• Former members of 75 Squadron, which was disbanded in 2001, are being asked to contact the association with their stories and pictures. Sergeant Turner is helping former members, Colin Hanson and Ron McFarlane, compile a history of the squadron. Those with information can email him at 75sqn.assnz@windowslive.com or call 021 732-835.
www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/3427845/WWII-bomber-pilots-efforts-finally-recognised
