FIRST COMBAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24944, 17 June 1942, Page 4

FIRST COMBAT

TORPEDO BOMBER SQUADRON NEW ZEALANDERS IN ACTION (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, June 15. The New Zealand Torpedo Bomber Squadron in its first combat against the Germans came off far and away the better, for which it was congratulated by Air Chief Marshal Sir Philip Joubert. An aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant R. G. Hartshorn, of Auckland, with Flight Sergeant J. McGill-Brown, of Auckland, and two English pilots in the crew, was returning from an anti-submarine patrol when it was attacked by two Focke-Wulf 190's— Germany's latest fighter, which the Spitfires greatly respect. The combat lasted half an hour and resulted in one German leaving hurriedly for France with black smoke pouring from the engine. The other broke off the combat, probably after its ammunition had been exhausted. Message of Congratulations

Air Chief Marshal Joubert in a message to the commanding officer, Wing Commander James Brown, said: "Please convey my congratulations to the captain and crew on their engagement. All concerned displayed courage and great determination. The success achieved was due to excellent team-work and mutual understanding. While the action of each member throughout was of the highest order, the work of Flight Sergeant Jordon 'an English air-gunner) was particularly commendable, for in addition to fighting off the enemy he kept his pilot fully informed of the situation enabling the aircraft to be flown in the most advantageous manner." The crew had nearly completed its patrol when Sergeant McGill-Brown and Flight Sergeant Jordan, who were changing the accumulators, sighted the two Focke-Wulfs. They warned Flight Lieutenant Hartshorn, who dived to sea level. The Focke-Wulfs began their attacks from port and starboard, hitting the bomber immediately, both with cannon shell and machinegun. They opened up their fire at 400 yards range, closing to 150 yards, and wounding two members of the crew Flight Lieutenant Hartshorn took evasive action. He could see the Huns' bullets churning up the sea when he dodged. Enemy Put to Flight When the Focke-Wulfs made their second attack, Flight Sergeant Jordan scored direct hits against one, after which it immediately began to emit smoke and broke off the action. Then the second Focke-Wulf changed its tactics beginning attacks at 800 yards and ending them at 600 yards, hoping to put Flight Sergeant >. Jordan out of action. This was unsuccessful, so the Hun circled ahead of the bomber and began a series of attacks from starboard. Flight Lieutenant Hartshorn, however, faced the Hun, who eventually also made off for France, and Flight Sergeant Jordan gave him a farewell 800 rounds. This highly successful outcome of the first combat has greatly heartened everyone.