CRAWL ALONG 'PLANE

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14068, 26 November 1918, Page 2

CRAWL ALONG 'PLANE

TM T7.TT.T.TNTfi. ACT AT HEIGHT Ol* 5000 rEBT. "For conspicuous gallantry" is the simple reason given for the award of the Distinguished Service Medal to Sydnoy P. Anderson, a leading mechanic in the Royal Air Force. It is doubtful if a braver act than his has been chronicled in the Air Force. An "Evening Standard'-' representative was informed that "Anderson is not only an ordinary ground man mechanic of high ability, but that he has had Hying experience, and is an observer of parts. On the occasion referred to he was up primarily to look after the aft gun. They had been flying at 7000 to 8000 feet behind the German lines with other British machines, when they attacked a German squadron, which divided the British forces, driving the two-seater in which Anderson was flying on the German side, and away from our lines. A Fokker had got in part of a belt of ammunition on the petrol tank and on the right engine. The wind force wad between 80 and 90 miles an hour. It would be practically impossible to reach the British lines under the damage effected. They had the alternative of descent on the German side —or death. Anderson shouted down the tube: 'Slow down, and I'll run along and tie her up.' Imagine what that means! They were travelling somewhere near 100 miles an hour. They were up at that moment at not less than 5000 ft. It ■was then that Anderson,, with his tools in hand, climbed ont on to the lower plane, and for over an hour and a-half, poised aloft, t ravelling all the; time, hammered and wired the old bus into safe shape. Then, spider-like, he crawled back, got into his seat, the machine was let go, and the British lines were reached in safety, and Anderson had saved his comrade's life and his machine. It was a marvellous effort, and one does not recall a siniihir act up to date amongst the brilliant deeds of the Royal Air Force."—From 'Flight.' In a recent supplement to the "London Gazette," in which Admiralty awards of the D.5.0., D.S.G., and D.S.M. are announced, particulars are given of a plucky feat performed by Leading Mechanic Sydney Francis Anderson, D.S.M.. who is awarded the Conspicuous Gallantly Medal. " After repairing while in flight the petrol system of his machine, which had been damaged in action with enemy aircraft, he noticed trouble in the engine. Asking the pilot to slow down as much as possible, he climbed out on to the lower plane and made extensive repairs. The work, which was done entirely in the open and in a wind force of !>0 miles an hour, took over 1.» hours and saved the machine."