HEROISM REWARDED

Evening Star, Issue 25032, 26 November 1943, Page 4

HEROISM REWARDED

NEW ZEALAND STOKER OARING RESCUES ON BURNING SHIP (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) LONDON, Nov. 21. The Albert Medal in bronze has been awarded to Stoker (First Class) Donald William', Dale, of Timaru. He helped to rescue six men from a ship in which there was an explosion. All the antismoke apparatus was in use, _so Dale tied a handkerchief around his mouth and went down "into a smoke-filled compartment and helped to rescue four men. He came up for a spell, and then went down another part of the ship in which the explosion occurred. With the help of another man he rescued two dockyard workmen, getting them up through a manhole by means of a rope.

Dale, who was still without _ antismoke aipparatus, had to grope his waythrough smoke and debris. The last twisted vertical ladder down which he went was far short of the deck below. Dale heard the cries of those who were trapped, so just closed his eyes and jumped. There was a chance that the deck might, not hold under him, out his luck was in, and it held. He helped to get out two dockers.

' The citation also states: " Although unaware of the full damage which was caused to the ship, Dale well knew that he was facing the gravest danger." Engine-room Artificer (Second Class) William Vaughan, of Auckland, ami vStoker (First Class) Ernest Valentine, of Wanganui, are mentioned in despatches for bravery in saving life after the explosion.