Hannah Praises Chief’s Coolness

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 237, 7 October 1940, Page 6

Hannah Praises Chief’s Coolness

(British Official Wireless.) Received Sunday, 9.20 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 5. Amongst the many congratulatory messages received by Sergeant Hannah on beiug awarded the Y.C. is one from the Lord Provost of his native Glasgow who also has invited Hannah to vi3it him at the City Chamber. Discussing tho action which earned him the V.C., Hannah said: “It seems to mo most of the credit ought to go to Pilot-Officer Counor. The people don’t fully realise that whilst 1 was doing my best with the lire .lie was sitting up aloft as cool as a cucumber taking lio notice of the flames which were only two or three feet away from him or the sounds of bullets which were either whizzing close to his head or hitting the armour-plating just above. Connor, in his broadcast, said he was able to feel the heat of the fire and I am sure he must have done so. * * This must have been very hot, yet through it all he managed to pilot tho aircraft right out of tho barrage so that I was able to get ou with my part of the job without interference from heavy bhells und tracer bullets.”