BLAZING BOMBER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 11 January 1944, Page 5

BLAZING BOMBER

PILOT’S COOL COURAGE TAXIED SECOND PLANE AWAY Wellington, This Day. When, his heavily laden bomber crashed and caught fire while taking off, Flight-Sergeant Reginald Morris Fitz-Allen Simpson, R.N.Z.A.F., Christchurch, despite great personal danger from fire and explosion, abandoned his blazing machine and moved to safety a nearby stationary bomber which was endangered by burning petrol and bombs. His feat has been recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal, official notification of which has been received by the Air Department from London.

The citation says: “Simpson was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Italy. A tyre burst and caused it to crash and catch fire. The aircraft was carrying a large quantity of petrol and high explosives. Simpson, realising that the second bomber would probably be destroyed when the explosion occurred and with a knowledge of the extreme danger and personal risk involved, decided to taxi the second machine to a safe distance. He was in the act of priming the engines when the crashed bomber exploded, scattering bomb splinters and fragments in all directions. With cool determination. however, he continued his efforts and taxied the second bomber away undamaged under most trying circumstances. Simpson displayed courage and resolution worthy of the highest praise,” concludes the citation. Trained as a pilot he embarked for overseas service at the beginning of last year. His wife is Mrs N. F. Simpson. Christchurch, and his mother Mrs E. Simpson. Christchurch.