GALLANT ACTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 27 May 1944, Page 2

GALLANT ACTION

PILOT RESCUED FROM BLAZING PLANE STATION COMMANDER DECORATED Wellington, This Day. In recognition of his gallantry in rescuing an injured pilot from a blazing aircraft which had crashed on the aerodrome at which he was station commander, Acting Wing Commander Desmond James Scott, D. 5.0., D.F.C., and Bar, has been made an officer of the Order of the British Empire, according to advice received at the Air Department, Wellington. A Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flight Lieutenant Ernest Albert Ho Ida way, D.F.C., a veteran bomber pilot with a record of many successful raids on Berlin, Hamburg and centres in the Ruhr to his credit. The citation to the award to Acting Wing Comr.. nder Scott states that in January, 1944. a Spitfire, which had been damaged by enemy action, crashed on the airfield and burst into flames. “Acting Wing Commander Scott, the station commander, immediately proceeded to the scene and ran straight to the cockpit, which was burning fiercely, to rescue the pilot. who was severely injured, with his clothing on fire,” continues the citation. “Despite the fierce heat and exploding ammunition. Acting Wing Commander Scott, after considerable difficulty, succeeded in extricating the pilot and carried him to a safe distance from the fire. Unfortunately the rescued airmail died later. Acting Wing Commander i>cott displayed great gallantry and a complete disregard for his own safety. He suffered burns to his face and hands which would have been severe were it not for the foam which was sprayed over him from the fire tender.” A son of Mrs J. Scott-Foley of Cower Kokotahi, Westland, Acting wing Commander Scott was born in Ashburton. Flight Lieutenant Holdaway has invariably displayed great skill, courage and resolution, qualities which were well in evidence during a recent sortie against the German capital,” “imfu tlle citat i°n to his award. While over the North Sea a severe storm was encountered, but Flight Lieutenant Holdaway flew through it and to to the enemy coast. While over the target the aircraft was hit by shrapnel, one engine being rendered useless. Nevertheless he flew a mu? ed air6raft ssfejy home to •4?'- T l,s was se cond occasion within recent weeks in which he successfully completed his mission with one engine out of action. Flight Lieutenant Holdaway’s achievement has been worthy of much praise.” Flight Lieutenant Holdaway whose father is Mr W. Holdaway, Parua Bay road,, Whangarei, was born in Carterton and educated at the Whangarei High School,