Lot 5689

Description

New Zealand, Family Group. Group of Seven. Distinguished Service Order (GVIR) 1943; Distinguished Flying Cross (GVIR); 1942 and twobars for subsequent awards; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star (Atlantic); Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal. All unnamed. Squadron Leader Keith Frederick Thiele RNZAF. Queen's South Africa Medal 1899 - four bars; Cape Colony; Orange Free State; Transvaal; South Africa 1902. Tpr. F.C. Thiele NZMR 8th Cont. Impressed. Slight scratches on reverse of DFC, otherwise very fine.

DSO: New Zealand Gazette-6 May 1944: This officer has, at all times, displayed outstanding keenness and determination during operations. The majority of his sorties have been attacks on welldefended and distant targets which have all been highly successful. On one occasion during an attack on Berlin, his rear gunner lost consciousness from lack of oxygen, but Flight Lieutenant Thiele proeeded with the mission although two of the crew were fully occupied with the unconscious man. Later he returned tothis country at a very low altitude, in an attempt to succour the gunner. While on a flight to Nuremburg in March 1943, the port engine caught fire early on the outward journey. The flames were extinguished, however, and the whole flight accomplished with success. His outstanding courage and devotion and confidence have earned the admiration of all.' NZ 404966 Sqn Ldr K. F. Thiele, DSO, DFC**. Born Christchurch, NZ 25 Feb 1921, Journalist. Attested RNZAF Dec 1940; served in 467 (Aust) Sqn; CO 3 Sqn 1945; shot down & POW 10 Feb 1945; escaped and returned to Allied lines 2 Apr 1945; to NZ & OC ATG Auckland Wing 2 Oct 1945; to Wigram 17 Dec 1945; discharged Apr 1946. Civilian Charter Pilot England 1946-47; flew with Qantas 1948-64; retired Sydney, Australia. International Yachtsman. Together with: Photograph of recipient; unofficial Normady Medal; Flying Log Book; two audiotapes narrated by recipient recounting his war experiences; copy of article from New York Times magazine regarding recipient; RNZAF Commission (photocopy); DSO Award Certificate (photocopy); three air combat reports by recipient; silk escaper's map of France; telegram to N.O.K. reporting him M.I.A; P.O.W. postcard from recipient, two books relative to his service in U.K.; and DSO and DFC cases of issue.