N.Z. Pilot’s Lone-Hand Battle Over Guadalcanar

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1943, Page 2

N.Z. Pilot’s LoneHand Battle Over Guadalcanar

(Official R.N.Z.A.F. News Service) GUADALCANAR, July 5.

Separated from other members of his formation when they were attacked by a superior number of Japanese fighters over Rendova Island, in the New Georgia Group, yesterday afternoon, a sergeantpilot of a New Zealand squadron nowoperating from Guadalcanar fought a lone battle against enemy warplanes estimated to total upwards of 60. A Zero Shot Down In one of a dozen actions in which he was engaged he shot down a Zero, bringing his own score to two confirmed and one probable, and raising the squadron’s total to 22 confirmed victories. He came through the action unscathed, and got home with emnty ammunition boxes and only enough fuel for a few minutes more flving. Although his Kittvhawk had one tyre punctured by enemy bullets, he made a successful landing. Separated from his leader in a sudden initial attack, in which the Japanese had the advantage of height, the sergeant continued to fight long after other New -Zealanders had broken off their respective actions, A Fight for Existence Believing his companions to be near, although cut of sight, he stayed over Rendova and M unda at heights ranging from 14,000 to 500 feet, staving off successive attacks by formations of enemy fighters, and shooting down one of a formation which he surprised from behind. Several other aircraft received bursts from his guns. Violent evasive action was necessary on the New Zealander’s part every few seconds, fer as fast as he escaped one trap he ran into another. However, he saw another enemy aircraft within range, and attacked one group after another, only to have them turn upon him and force him into a defensive position. Fcught His Way Out Several times he was completely boxed in, but managed to fight his way out. and finally, with petrol running low and no amnjunition, he broke away by diving to sea level. The bilot was surprised on returning to the base to find himself the last man home. All the other New Zealanders had returned. .