CONDUCT COMMENDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24106, 27 October 1941, Page 9

CONDUCT COMMENDED

KOMATA'S RADIO OPERATOR

DEVOTION TO DUTY UNDER FIRE Advice that he had been commended for brave conduct has been received by Mr. Edward Henry Ward, of the Promenade, Takapuna, who was the wireless operator on the Union Steam Ship Company's steamer Komata when she was sunk by shellfire from a German raider near Nauru Island last December. Mr. Ward was informed by a telegram from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, on Saturday afternoon. that an announcement in the London Gazette on October 21 stated that he had been commended for his devotion to duty in remaining at his post while under shellfire from an enemy raider.

Mr. Y.'ard, "who is 32 and is married, is now a member of the crew of another Union Company ship, but is at present at homo on a week's leave. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. E. Ward, also of the Promenade, Takapuna. Born in London, Mr. Ward came to New Zealand 21 years ago. He has been at sea for some years. The commander of the Komata, Captain Walter Fish, said that when the raider approached Mr. Ward sent out an S.O.S. it was decided to make a run for it. but within a few minutes the Komata was hit eight times by shells The chief officer, Mr. T. A. Mack, was killed, and the second mate. Mr. J. L. Hughes, died the following day from injuries. A personal message of congratulation was sent to Mr. Ward by the Prime Minister.