MERCHANTMAN SUNK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21066, 10 April 1943, Page 3

MERCHANTMAN SUNK

N.Z. TORPEDO BOMBERS ATTACK OFF NORWAY (Special Correspondent.) (11 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. A New Zealand torpedo-bomber squadron sank another merchantman off Norway. It was of 5600 tons and was hit by two torpedoes, causing an explosion which sent up “everything but the kitchen sink.” Three Hampdens were patrolling, led by Warrant Officer R. C. Dunn, of Kaiapoi, who had as crew Flight Sergeant W. Douglas, of Rotorua, an Englishman and a Scot. In the second aircraft was Flying Officer S. Latta, of Auckland, with Flight Sergeant H. V. Sherley, of Te Awamutu, a Queenslander, and a Canadian. A 'hire! Hampden was piloted by an Englishman, with Flight Sergeant A. S. Jones, of Dunedin, Flight Sergeant £). A. Brier, of Te Kuiti, and Flight Sergeant G. Burt, of Matata. The weather was terrible. The Mampdens flew at 200 ft. and then went down to wave-top height. Suddenly, through the mist and rain, they lighted the merchantman, escorted by i “flak” ship. Warrant Officer Dunn 'ed the formation to the attack. They urprised the Germans by attacking rom the land side, with the result '.hat they were not noticed until they vere pulling up to drop their torpeloes. In order to make room for the fiber aircraft and also to dodge the •flak,” Warrant Officer Dunn was forced to pull up and pass right over ■he ship, which made him a target for ‘dak.” Both Warrant Officer Dunn md Flying Officer Latta secured hits vith torpedoes. It was Warrant Officer Dunn s 'ourth attack and second hit, and Uying Officer Latta’s third attack and irst hit. None of the Hampdens was fit or damaged.