MIRACLE FLIGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25084, 23 December 1944, Page 6

MIRACLE FLIGHT

NOSELESS LANCASTER PILOT'S ENDURANCE HAND FROZEN ON CONTROL (Special Correspondent) (Reed. S.'M p.m.) . LONDON, Dec. 22 Synthetic oil plants and railway centres in Germany have formed the principal targets for the No. 75 (New Zealand) Lancaster Bomber Squadron during recent months. These raidn formed part of the strategy of crippling supplies going to the Germans in forward areas. A pleasing feature of these raids is that the losses of aircraft and crews have been remarkably few; in fact, ever since 1) Day, Juno 6, the rate of loss has been very much lower than anticipated. The squadron is now commanded by Wing - Commander R. J. Newton, D.F.C., of Christchurch, who did his first tour with the squadron two years ago, when it was commanded hv Air Commodore K. G. Olson, of New Plymouth, now officer commanding R.N.Z.A.F. headquarters in London. Wing - Commander Newton succeeds Wing-Comniander R. J. C. Leslie, A'.F.C., of New Plymouth, who was recently awarded the D.S.O. Most Remarkable Feat Although there have been few losses, there has been the occasional "incident" which has tested the crews to the full. One of the most remarkable feats of flying in the squadron's long and now famous history was recently performed by Plight-Lieutenant J. Plummer, of Wellington. During a raid on Du is berg flak blew away the nose of his aircraft, including all the nerspex in front and behind him. Yet lie flew liis Lancaster for three and a-half hours hack to its base with his left hand frozen on the control. Mis fingers had to lie prized oil' when he landed.

With his crew, comprised of FlyingOfficers J. Holloway (Auckland), E. J. Scott (Dunedin), Flight-Sergeants A. M. Macdonald (Dunedin) and A. L. Humphries (Mataura), also an Australian and an Englishman, Flight-Lieu-tenant Plummer had just dropped his bombs on Duisberg when the nose of the aircraft was hit by heavy flak. The Lancaster was at 22,500 feet and the temperature was 28 degrees below freezing level. The effect or the nose disappearing was to transform the aircraft into something like a wind tunnel, and the bomb-aimer was immediately blown 25 feet toward the tail of the aircraft and all the navigational aids and blackout curtains were ripped away by the icy blast. Pilot Cried With Pain With great presence of mind FligbtLieutenant Plummer realised that it was imperative to reach a lower and warmer level. He put the Lancaster into a .'ioo miles an hour dive and descended 20,000 feet at that speed. The force of ilie wind nearly ripped him from his seat, only his harness straps holding him in position, and at times he was actually suspended above his chair. Within three to five seconds his left hand had frozen to the control column. Two fingers of his right hand were also bent and frozen. He had not been wearing gloves, since the temperature in the cockpit previously bad been warm. Flight-Lieutenant Plummer's face and hands were frostbitten by the icy gale. Ho cried with pain, but he was determined to get the bomber home. The crew were unable to reach him because of the force of the wind and he liad to fly the Lancaster with the muscles of his left arm, while an added complication was the attentions of German anti-aircraft guns. He had no feeling in his hands and he realised that he must be given help to work the flaps and undercarriage and pitch controls in order to land. Courage and Determination So Flying-Officer iHolloway and Flight-Sergeant Humphries, lying down on their sides one behind the other, pushed the English engineer into position where he could reach these controls. The pilot made a perfect landing. His report on entering Wing-Commander Leslie's room was n masterpiece of iinder-statement. "My hands are a bit cold, sir," he said, and he added: "But [ am going to fly tomorrow." Flight-Lieutenant Plummer did not fly tomorrow and he has not flown since. He spent 12 days in bed with his hands strapped above him. For several days even after that he had to walk about with his hands up. He has now practically recovered. Everyone is hoping he will soon he decorated for his sheer courage and determination. MEMBERS' SALARIES PRECEDENT DISCUSSED PLEA FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Friday All kinds of views were expressed when a discussion took place at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in regard to the decision of members of Parliament to increase their own salaries, Some objected to members raising their salaries when, as being responsible for "the stabilisation policy, they should be giving a lead. Some thought the proposal on right lines and some even that the salaries should be greater to attract capable men to take up politics. On the whole, however, the opinion ; seemed to be general that the lower paid ! elements in the community, especially in the Public Service, were entitled to first consideration, and a motion was carried asking the Government to give immediate attention to the question of adjusting the salaries and wages of underpaid sections of the community, particularly those in the Public Service. TAUPO VISITORS STILL ROOM FOR MORE (0.c.) TAUPO, Friday Contrary to expectations, considering the increased allowance of petrol during December and January, accommodation in the Lake Taupo district is not fully booked. While some hotels have had to turn away prospective guests, others have ample accommodation available. Service cars arriving at Taupo from Napier have been fully patronised and the bookings for the next week are heavy, but cars from the north, although fully hooked, are arriving only partially filled owing to the fact that travellers could not secure seats on the railway. Up to date, there are only four bookings for camp sites in the Domain camp ground at Taupo. Cottages are in heavy demand, and one agent stated today that lie could have let another 30 cottages for occupation up to the middle of January. The weather is clear, sunny and hot.