[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

HORTON, Wing Commander Thomas Welch, DSO, DFC*, (pff).
NZ39920, Born Masterton, 29 Dec 1919; RNZAF 26 Oct 1939 to 10 April 1947; Pilot.
Later Wg Cdr T W Horton, DSO, DFC*, RAF 1 Jan 1948 to 29 Dec 1966, 59071.

Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (5 Aug 1942): [88 Sqn RAF (Blenheim/Boston)]
Throughout his operational tour, this officer has displayed courage, resource and high skill. He has participated in a large number of sorties, including low level attacks on shipping. His aircraft has been repeatedly hit and damaged by enemy fire and, on 3 occasions, he has flown his aircraft safely back to this country after having had one engine rendered useless by enemy action.

Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross (10 Aug 1944): [105(PFF)Sqn RAF (Mosquito)].
Since his previous award Squadron Leader Horton has completed many successful sorties during which he has attacked a wide range of targets. He has on all occasions shown great courage and determination and has done much valuable work.

Citation Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (18 Sep 1945): [105(PFF)Sqn RAF (Mosquito).
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross Wing Commander Horton has completed a large number of operational sorties. At all times he has shown great skill as a pilot and, more recently, sound judgement and fine leadership as a flight commander. This officer has always shown great courage and determination in pressing home his attacks, and has obtained some excellent results.

By Apr 1945 Wg Cdr Horton had completed four tours of 111 sorties, 84 of them with the Pathfinders.

See:
By Such Deeds:Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force 1923-1999.
Hanson,C.M Group Captain,OBE, RNZAF (Rtd.)
Christchurch:Volplane Press,2001.
pp.259-60.

Col.