TORPEDO BOMBERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1942, Page 3

TORPEDO BOMBERS

FEATS OF NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN .. IN ACTION AGAINST U-BOATS. AIR CHIEF MARSHAL’S PRAISE. LONDON, June 15. The New Zealand torpedo-bomber squadron in its first combat against the Germans came off far and away the best, for which it was congratulated by Air Chief Marshal Sir Philip Joubert. An aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant R. G. Hartshorn, Auckland, with Flight Sergeant J. McGill-Brown, Auckland, as wireless air-gunner, also two English members of the crew, was returning from an anti-submarine patrol, when it was attacked by two Focke-Wulf 190s—Germany’s latest fighter, which the Spitfires greatly respect. The combat lasted for han an nour, and resulted in one German leav ing hurriedly for France, with black smoke pouring from his engine, and the other broke off the combat, probably after his ammunition was exhausted. Air Chief Marshal Joubert, in a message to the commanding officer, Wing Commander Jas. Brown, said: “Please convey my congratulations to the captain’ and crew on their engagement. All concerned displayed courage and great determination. The success achieved was the result of excellent team-work and mutual understanding, and the action of each member throughout was of the highest order. Flight Sergeant Jordan (the English airgunner), was particularly commendable, because in addition to fighting off the 1 enemy, he kept the pilot fully informed of the situation, enabling the aircraft to be flown in the most advantageous manner. The crew had nearly completed its patrol when McGill-Brown and Jordan, who were changing the accumulators, sighted two Focke-Wulfs. They warned Hartshorn, who dived to sea level. The Focke-Wulfs began quarter attacks from port and starboard, hitting the bomber immediately, both with cannon-shell and machine-gun. They opened up fire at 400 yards range, closing to 150 yards and wounding two members of the crew. Hartshorn took evasive action and could see the Huns’ bullets churning up the sea when he dodged. When the Focke-Wulfs made a second attack, Jordan scored direct hits against one, after which it immediately smoked and broke off the action, whereupon the second Focke-Wulf changed its tactics. It began its attacks at 800 yards and ended them at 600 yards, hoping to put Jordan out of action. This was unsuccessful, so the Hun circled ahead of the bomber and began a series of attacks from the starboard, but Hartshorn faced the Hun, who eventually also made off . for France, whereupon Jordan gave him a farewell 800 rounds. This highly successful outcome of the first combat greatly heartened everyone. Air Chief Marshal Joubert’s

“strawberry,” which is the opposite of “raspberry,” followed up “strawberries” from the air officer commanding the group in which the squadron is posted. He congratulated the squadron on completing its training without a single aircraft accident “which is a very creditable achievement,” and also on a diffcult flight by Pilot Officer D. J. Nilson, Hastings, in adverse weather conditions. The squadron is now fully operational, except for torpedo dropping, but is carrying out training for this. The squadron has adopted the motto “Whakatangata Kia Kaha,” or “Acquit ve like men, Be Brave,” which is incorporated in a crest for which official approval is being sought. Pilot Officer J. A. Fraser. Auckland, is the latest arrival. He is a special radio officer.