COASTAL COMMAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23114, 31 January 1945, Page 4

COASTAL COMMAND

New Zealanders’ Fine Record

(Rec. 9.39 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 3C. Aged only 23, Squadron Leader M A. Ensor, D. 5.0., D.F.C. and Bar, of Rangiora, has been promoted to wing commander in command of a squadron in Coastal Command.

Wing Commander Ensor has had a distinguished career, having risen from pilot officer to his present rank in less than three years, winning both the D.F.C. and Bar in 1942. and the D.S.O. in January. 1943. He made several successful attacks against U-boats both in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Once off Algiers he secured a “dry’ hit” on a U-boat and the force of the explosion so damaged the controls of his aircraft that he had to get th? crew to run to and fro in order to keep it balanced. Finally the engine cut out over Algiers and he had to use his parachute. His promotion emphasises the fine part New Zealand airmen have taken in Coastal Command. In addition to Group Captain A. F Clouston. D. 5.0., D.F.C.. A.F.C. and Bar. of Nelson. who commands the station, others who command or' have commanded Coastal squadrons include Wing Commander G. D. Sise. D.S.O and Bar of Dunedin. Wing Commander E. H. McHardy. D. 5.0.. D.F.C. and Bar. of Waioawa. Wing Commander J S. Dinsdale. D. 5.0.. D.F.C.. of Te Kuiti, Wing Commander L. A. Robertson. of Auckland, all of whom have had distinguished careers. . Another outstandine command pil'it is Souadron Leader D. H. Hammond. DS.O., D.F.C. and Bar. of Christchurch There is also Wing Commander E. W Tacon, D.S.O. and Bar, who is now a prisoner of war. The records of all these pilots prove that New Zealanders have op°rated with as great distinction in Coastal Command as in Bomber and Fighter Commands.