FLAMES BRAVED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21295, 23 September 1932, Page 8

FLAMES BRAVED

fortitude of rescuers EXTRICATING MR. TAYLOR STRAPPED IN THE COCKPIT terrible burns received [by telegraph —own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday The central figures in the rescue of Mr. Taylor from the blazing wreck are Mr. Ernest George Pledger, of Trafalgar Street, Johi.sonville, a young draughtsman in the employ of a firm of architects, and Mr. J. Grammer, who lives almost opposite the house into which the aeroplane plunged. . "I was just leaving to catch the train to town," said Mr. Pledger, when heard the aeroplane. I looked up and it seemed to be flying very low: I could hear the engine running. Then at first I thought it was making for the recreation ground, which is large enough for landing purposes*- I saw it was going to come down. "As soon as it struck," continued Mr. Pledger, "I broke my way through the hedge into Mr. Mills' garden. The machine was all on fire and Mr. de Tourettes was endeavouring to get Mr. Taylor out of the front of the cockpit. He was strayed in, but owing to the fierceness of the flames we could not get at the belt to release him. We tried to pull him out but the heat was terrific. Mr. Grammer also helped, and suddenly, with one big tug the side of the cockpit, which was almost burned out, gave way. The belt was broken and we succeeded in getting Mr. Taylor out all falling in a heap. "Mr. Taylor got up and we could see he was terribly burned all over, especially his face underneath his helmet." Mr. Grammer arrived on the scene simultaneously with Mr. Pledger, and several residents spoke very highly of the manner in which they dared the fire in their efforts to rescue the unfortunate airman. They" were quite satisfied that but for their help he would not have been got out alive. MISHAP AT MANGERE PROPELLER DAMAGED ACCIDENT IN TAKING OFF The propeller of a three-seater De Soutt-er cabin monoplane was damaged as the machine was leaving the Mangere aerodrome to return to Hamilton late yesterday afternoon. The pilot, Mr. S. Blackmore, and his passengers escaped injury. The machine had to remain at Mangere last night as a spare propeller was not available at the aerodrome. The propeller struck a slight rise in the ground, the tips of the blades being snapped off. Mr. Blackmore and his passengers will probably return to Hamilton this morning if another propeller can be obtained locally.