GALLANT ACTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 205, 27 May 1944, Page 6

GALLANT ACTION

Pilot Rescued From Blazing Aircraft STATION COMMANDER DECORATED In recognition of his gallantry in rescuing an injured pilot, from a blazing aircraft which had crashed on the aerodrome at which be was station commander, Acting Wing Commander Desmond Junies Scott. D. 5.0.. D.F.C. and Bar, has been made an officer of the Order of, the British Empire, according to advice received at the Air Department. Wellington. A Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross has lieen awarded to Flight Lieutenant Ernest Albert Holdaway, D.F.C.. a veteran bomber pilot with a record of many successful raids on Berlin, Hamburg and centres in the Ruhr to his credit. The citation to the award to Acting Wing Commander Scott states that in .January, 1944. a Spittire, whicii had been damaged by enemy action, crashed on the airfield and burst into flafties “Acting Wing Commander Scott, the station commander. immediately proceeded to the scene and ran straight to the cockpit, which was burning fiercely, to rescue -the pilot, who was severely injured, with his clothing on fire.” continues the citation. “Despile the tierce heat ami exploding ammunition, Acting Wing Commander Scott, after considerable difficulty, succeeded in extricating the pilot and carried him to a safe distance from the fire. Unfortunately the rescued airman died Inter. Acting Wing Commander Scott displayed great gallantry and a complete disregard for his own safety. He suffered burns to his face and hands which would have been severe were it not for the foam which was sprayed over him from the tire tender.” A son of Mrs. J. Scott-Foley, of Lower Kokatahi. Westland, Acting Wing Commander Scott was born in Ashburton. “Flight Lieutenant. Holdaway has invariably displayed great, skill, courage and resolution, qualities which were well in evidence during a recent sortie against the German capital.” states the citation to his award. “While over the North Sea, a severe storm was encountered, but Flight Lieutenant Holdaway Hew through it and on to the enemy coast. While over the target the aircraft was hit by shrapnel. one engine being rendered useless. Nevertheless, he flew the damaged aircraft safely home* to base. This was the second occasion within recent weeks in which he successfully completed his mission with one engine out of action. Flight Lieutenant Holdaway’s achievement has been worthy of much praise.” Flight Lieutenant Holdaway. whose father is Mr. W. Holdaway, Pnrua Bay Road, Whangarei, was born in Carterton and educated at the Whangarei High School.