Grostenquin France

Wing Commander Newson has shown marked ability both as a squadron commander and as a captain of aircraft on operations. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has completed attacks on such targets as Berlin, Magdeburg, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf in a most gallant and efficient manner. His courage, leadership and resolution have set a fine example to all.

NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9632 has recommendation by G/C D. Edwards, Commander, RCAF Station Croft, dated 6 May 1944 when he had flown 178 hours ten minutes on operations from England (29 sorties), of which eleven sorties (67 hours) had been since his previous award. The text and sortie list add much to the record of this officer.

No. 408 Squadron

No. 431 Squadron

Since his association with Bomber Command in August 1942, Wing Commander Newson has displayed the highest qualities, both on operations and as a leader, particularly as Squadron Commander of No.431 (RCAF) Squadron. He has led the squadron from Wellington aircraft to Halifax Mark Vs in September 1943, and recently converted it to Halifax Mark IIIs.. He has, during all this trying period, shown the highest efficiency in operations, and his administrative ability as Commanding Officer of the squadron has marked him as a fearless and inspirational leader. His capacity to get the best out of his men has been done with a devotion to duty deserving of the highest praise.

Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed eleven sorties as captain of aircraft, which included against most heavily defended enemy targets (Berlin, Stuttgart, Magdeburg, Dusseldorf, etc). On all occasions he has performed his mission in the highest and most gallant manner.

On two occasions, to Berlin and Stuttgart, while still recovering from a wrenched back, he pressed home his attack, though suffering pain throughout.

In addition, Wing Commander Newson has completed 477 hours 40 minutes on Coastal Command (Hudsons) with No.11 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and No.13 (Operational Training) Squadron, Patricia Bay, British Columbia.

I strongly recommend Wing Commander Newson for a Bat to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

This was minuted on 22 May 1944 by Air Vice Marshal CM McEwen, Air Officer Commanding, No. 6 Group:

I concur. A very fine officer and squadron commander whose qualities of leadership, resolution and courage have set an example to all. Recommend the non-immediate award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

NEWSON, G/C William Francis Montgomery, DFC (C983)

Distinguished Service Order - No. 405 Squadron
Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette of 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945.

This officer has a long and varied career of operational duty. After completing a tour of duty with Coastal Command in Canada he was appointed to command a squadron in this country. He has taken part in many sorties since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, many of them in a most important role. The success of a number of sorties, against such heavily defended objectives as Chemnitz and Zweibrucken, has been due in no small measure to his work as master bomber. Group Captain Newson is an outstanding officer who, by his keenness and efficiency, has set a fine example.