GALLANTRY OF AIRMEN

Southland Times, Issue 25350, 29 April 1944, Page 4

GALLANTRY OF AIRMEN

HowExplosionsWere Prevented (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 28. The Governor-General has announced that the King has approved the following awards to personnel of the R.N.Z.A.F. in recognition of acts of gallantry performed in the south Pacific area:— GEORGE MEDAL Sergeant Cyril George Kent, New South Wales. COMMENDATION Pilot Officer Joseph Rowland Stanley, Hamilton. Sergeant Kent performed an act of outstanding gallantry on January 6, 1944, when he prevented an imminent explosion involving grave danger to both personnel and. aircraft, says the citation. When a flare accidentally became ignited among a stack of bombs and depth charges Sergeant Kent, well aware that a major explosion was likely, hurried to the spot and endeavoured to remove the flare. In his first attempt he had his left hand burned, but regardless of his own safety he persisted and removed the flare, still burning fiercely, to a place of safety. He suffered, further severe burns before succeeding in an action which ensured the safety of the other personnel and saved a number of aircraft from almost certain destruction. , ’ Sergeant Kent was bom in England and came to New Zealand from Australia. At the outbreak of war he joined the R.N.Z.A.F. as a flight rigger. Later he became a fitter and armourer, gaining non-commissioned rank. He’ is 38. Pilot Officer Stanley, an armament officer, also assisted in preventing what would have been a most serious explosion. Well knowing the danger to personnel and aircraft in the vicinity, he hastened to the scene and promptly removed another flare which was exposed to intense heat. He also assisted in removing bombs and depth charges from the burning flare and finally moved the flare itself to a safe distance from nearby aircraft. Throughout he showed complete disregard of danger. Pilot Officer Stanley, a school teacher by profession, poined the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940 in the trade of an armourer. He made excellent progress and in October 1943 was granted a commission in the rank of pilot officer. He was born at Auckland in 1920 and finished his education at the Thames High School.