LOCAL BOY COMMENDED

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 68, Issue 5943, 15 May 1944, Page 2

LOCAL BOY COMMENDED

BRAVERY AT FIRE A.C.2 R. D. MARTIN The following is a copy of the letter of commendation received by A.C.2. R. D. Martin, of Te Awamutu, along with five other New Zealanders in connection with their bravery in extinguishing a fire somewhere in the Pacific:— On 26th March, 1944, the following personnel of your service volunteered instantly in response to a request from one of my officers and rendered valuable assistance to this organisation by extinguishing a fire at the risk of considerable danger to themselves: Rose, W. F. J., A.C.I, Hopping, R. E., A.C.2., Langley, B. E., A.C.2., Lodge, 1.G., A.C.2., Martin, R.D., A.C.2., Underhill, V. J., A.C.2. The fire was in a large dead tree, located between two pillboxes in the sector of the N.L.R. them occupied by Company B. of this organisation. The burning tree had become a hazard to the individuals occupying the adjacent pillboxes, since blazing pieces of it were dropping on the log-shelters and into the openings, and the fire had spread in the dry underbush at the base of the tree. It was also feared that enemy mortar shells might shatter the burning tree, causing a larger and more dangerous fire or that the heavy trunk might fall and cause casualties to personnel. After unsuccessful attempts to obtain fire-fighting equipment elsewhere, my adjutant made enquiries at your camp. Your men were ready to go immediately, although it was explained to them that the fire was on the front line, and that it might be harrassed by Japanese snipers in the area. Upon arrival at the scene of the fire with the pumping engine, they went about their job rapidly and efficiently, disregarding the snipers’ bullets which were shot through the immediate area at frequent intervals. Several minutes were required to extinguish the fire which was smouldering deep into the centre of the tree trunk, but the six men stayed bravely at their posts, quenched the fire completely, assembled their equipment, and moved out of the area in a calm and orderly manner. I wish to express my personal appreciation for his action as a splendid example of the fine co-operation and mutual assistance of the armed forces of our respective nations in this area.—William B. Bubank, Lt.Col. 0.E., Commanding.