AUCKLAND SEA CAPTAIN

Evening Star, Issue 24296, 10 September 1942, Page 4

AUCKLAND SEA CAPTAIN

AWARDED 0.8. E. TOOK SHIP THROUGH TO MALTA (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) (Rec, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 9. Captain David Rattray Macfarlane, 0.8. E., Auckland, who was one of the first three members of the Merchant Navy to be awarded the D. 5.0., is commended in the ‘ Gazette ’ for “ fortitude, seamanship, and endurance in taking a merchantman through to Malta in face of relentless attacks by day and night by enemy submarines andi surface forces.” Captain Macfarlane.' who is 46, was' about to take belated leave when he heard of an important job ahead. Ho guessed it might be a Malta convoy, so refused to leave, being determined to see his ship through. His only comment during the height of the enemy attack in the Mediterranean was: “We set off for Malta. We are going to get through to Malta.” When he reached Malta he took his officers to a bar for a drink and thanked them for bringing the ship through. Mrs Macfarlane, who is English and lives at Ilford, said: “I last saw my husband in July. 1 knew ho was off for an important job, but 1 did not know what. He merely said ‘ something sticky.’ He sent a cable from Malta saying ho was well. I do not expect to see him perhaps for months. He left New Zealand as a boy and returned as captain of Ids ship. He has been many times in New Zealand in the last eight years in Blue Star liners.” Warm approval is expressed throughout Britain on the decision to confer these honours on members of the Merchant Navy. * The Times,’ in a leader, says: “The officers and men of the Merchant Navy, though still nominally civilians, to-day are in the forefront of the fighting from the time they put to sea. Full well they have acquitted themselves under these conditions. Many a bomber has fallen victim to the weapons with which it has become necessary to equip them for their preservation. There is no difference in the quality of service to their country and their "brother seamen in the Royal Navy.” Arthur Ashworth, D. 5.0., D.F.C., of Alexandra, has been promoted wing commander. He left the New Zealand bomber squadron to carry out special work. The squadron’s commanding officer and flight commanders at present are all Englishmen. •