U.S. AIR GUNNERS

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1943, Page 5

U.S. AIR GUNNERS

To Learn to Fly Planes

LESSON LEARNT IN SOLOMONS.

(Special to N.Z. Press Assn.) (Rec. 7.45) SYDNEY, May 18. Plans are reported to be in preparation to give all rear gunners in United States naval aircraft, sufficient training to enable them to fly an aeroplane level and land safely. The experience of the rear gunner* of a Dauntless dive-bomber lost in action in the Solomons has prompted the naval air arm to -make this decision. The story is told by an Australian war corresnondent. Sergeant Gilbert Henze was gunner of the Dauntless, raiding Munda airfield. During the attack his pilot wa's killed by) shrapnel. Henze grabbed the dual’controls and steadied the plane. He radioed the leader of the fighter escort for instructions. Tire fighter pilot gave him a rapid first lesson, and he managed to turn his plane for lhe homeward journey to Guadalcanal’. Over the Russell Islands, thirty miles from Guadalcanal’, Henze’s fuel ran out. The reserve tank switches were in the front cockpit, and he could not reach them. Then the radio failed, and Henze could not receive 'instructions telfing him how to handle his machine before bailing out. He made a mistake which almost cost him his life. He put the machine into a dive instead of a climp. and threw himself out. The tail of the diving plane struck him across the legs, severing one below the knee. Henze remained conscious, and blocked the severed arterv with his fingers. He floated six hours before natives rescued him. The salt water and jagged nature of the injury had prevented him from bleeding to death. Henze, who is now out of danger, has been recommended for a gallantry award.