REMARKABLE SWIM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 11

REMARKABLE SWIM

AIRMAN IN FLYING KIT MACHINE SINKS IN SEA [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, Nov. 16 After Leading-Aircraftsman Clive William Bice. aged 26, had been compelled to bring his aeroplane down in the sea south of Botany Bay, he swam about 300 yds. through the surf to the shore in full service flying training kit. In spite of high seas and a strong wind, he clambered ashore and then walked to a fisherman's hut to get assistance. Flying solo in ,a training aircraft, he took off from Kingsford Smith airport at 5.30 a.m. for practice in aerobatics. At about 6.30 a.m. he had to alight in the sea off Doughboy, which is south of Cape Solander, and close to Boat Harbour, an isolated fishing village. When the aeroplane struck the sea the airman was thrown clear. He swam back to the machine, and sat on the main plane until it began to sink under him. No one had seen the accident, so lie decided to swim to the shore, a remarkable feat of endurance. After reaching the shore, he walked to the hut of a fisherman, Mr. Ernest Emberey. "I heard a bump at the front door of my hut," said Mr. Emberey. "Tho dog started to bark, so I got up to see what it was. You can imagine my shock when I found an aviator at the door. He was blue and yellow with cold and his flying outfit was wet through. He collapsed as soon as I opened the door. 1 had a lgok around for an aeroplane, but 1 could not see one. Then I took the man inside, took off his clothes, and wrapped him in warm blankets." The aircraft sank without- trace, and it is improbable that it will be salvaged.