DIFFICULT RESCUE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23261, 24 July 1945, Page 4

DIFFICULT RESCUE

Liberator Down In Swamp Official R.N.Z.A.F News Service CALCUTTA. July 19. Hacking their way through mangrove swamps, the crew of a Roval Air Force air-sea rescue Catalina 'worked for hours to rescue the crew of a Liberator which had crashed among the dreaded swamp lands of the Ganges Delta. With mud sucking their shoes from their feet the men struggled through monsoon flood waters to reach the bomber. Although the wreck was only 500 yards from the waters edge, the rescuers found their way through the dark, tenacious mangrove swamps only by following the whistles which answered their shouts. The rescued crew included Flight Sergeant T. W. Wallis, airgunner, of B elhngton. Tlie skipper and tailgunner were injured and unable to move, but the rest of the crew were only cut and bruised. The injured were carried to the shore. The journey was so difficult owing to waist deen mud and mangroves that the partv had to rest every few yards. When clear of their "jungle difficulties the men were still not safe Th« dinghy carrying them to tlie Catalina was caught in the violent ebb tide and swept past the flying-boat out to sea The Catalina hastily started up. taxied In pursuit and finally picked up the rescuers. She landed at her base with the party 251 hours after taking oft on the search.