DOWN AT SEA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22785, 8 January 1944, Page 2

DOWN AT SEA

Four Navy Flyers Sixteen Days On Raft The daily log of four Navy flyers, rescued after 16 days and nights on a rubber raft in the South Pacific and 14 more in jungle and mountainous Japanese-infested areas, reveals, in matter-of-fact language, what must rate as one of the epics of this war. The four men, all of whom were injured when their plane was forced down through lack of fuel, were: Lieutenant Marion Trewhitt. 28, Santa Barbara, California; Ensign Edward Conlon, 20, Sharon, Pennsylvania; Carl Saunders, 18, Logansport, Indiana; Carl Schaffer. 20. Portland, Oregon. The story, which is released by the United States Navy Department, reveals that when the plane crashed into the sea, Lieutenant Trewhitt, pilot, suffered a wrenched back and cuts on his face, Ensign Conlon, co-pilot, a possible broken arm and deep cuts, Saunders a wrenched back and Schaffer a wrenched shoulder. Salvaged were a life raft, jungle kit and a gunner's mat. For provisions, they had two cans of water, three cans of pemmican, one package of chocolate and one bottle of malted milk tablets. . . There was no land in sight. A sail was made with one of the paddles as a mast. Shortly after dawn on the third day land was sighted. The raft was carried west by the current, and on the fourth day some small islands were seen. Fresh water was exhausted by tnis time. Tire castaways said the Lord's Prayer morning and evening. On the sixth day there was a heavy thunderstojm and the water supply was replenished. The next day smaller islands began to appear in the west. A fish was caught and eaten raw. Up to the ninth dav there was more rain and the sea was rough. The weather continued bad for several days, at one stage Lieutenant Trewhitt being washed overboard. He quickly climbed back. Sharks were following the raft and it was difficult to do any fishing. However, one small fish was shot and eaten raw. On the night of the fourteenth day sounds of battle were heard throughout the night. They were fortunate to pick up some coconuts out of the sea and they drank the milk and ate the flesh. This was the last day at sea. A plane flew overhead, but did not see their signals. They also saw some Zeros. In the late afternoon, the raft drifted ashore at an island and. although all were very weak, they built a shelter and went to sleep. Close at hand was a fresh-water stream. Next day the beach was explored. A Japanese barge was found containing ammunition and much tinned food. The tinned food comprised meat and vegetables. Supplies of cigarettes were also found. Just after lunch on the second day ashore the castaways heard voices and saw two Japanese officers. Somebody called out and the officers disappeared. The castaways found a trail in the bush and came to a native hut and there met a native who could speak a little English. He agreed to take them to the chief of his tribe. A long and arduous journey through swamp and jungle followed. They eventually reached a village and were treated well by the natives. On the thirtieth day, and after being ashore for 14 days, they were taken to an island base and arrangements were made for them to stay in a sick-bay for the night. After supper they went to the pictures. Then came a shower, coffee and bed. SAFEGUARD < lIILDREN Any day children are llahie to pick up a cold from a playmate or take a dim after overheating. Watch for signs of sniffles or sore throat. Give Baxters Lung Preserver promptly as directed. “Baxters" is safe and pure for all ages. Children who never take medicine will ask for “Baxters.’ Baxters. Ltd., 602 Colombo Street. Christchurch. ...