BRIDGE DEMOLISHED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 6

BRIDGE DEMOLISHED

SUCCESS OF BOMBERS HAMILTON MAN’S PART RECOVERY FROM WOUNDS An explanation of how he received his severe injuries while on active service has been received from Sergeant-Observer Melville InnesJones in a letter received by his parents, Mr and Mrs E. Innes-Jones, of Hamilton. This is the first letter they have received from their son since he was wounded on May 12, and it is the first time that his parents have received word of how he came by his injuries. The letter

gives a graphic description of an important air battle over Holland in a successful attempt to bomb an important bridge. Damage Vo Plane More than 80 holes were drilled in the machine and the undercarriage was blown off. Sergeant InnesJones paid a tribute to the remarkable skill and daring of the pilot, who, alter safely bringing his plane from the danger zone over Holland, made a perfect landing in England. Most of the holes in the machine were the result of high-explosive shrapnel, although the plane suffered six direct hits. The injured airman hopes to be out of hospital in a few weeks and expects to be a navigation instructor when he becomes more fit for duty. Describing the fight in Holland, Sergeant Innes-Jones writes: “A bridge in Holland had not been blown up, although many attempts had been made to demolish it. Twelve Blenheim bombers were despatched to make sure of the job, and this we accomplished. I was in th*? machine leading the second flight, and had just dropped my bombs and was watching them fall. Journey Home “The anti-aircraft fire was terrific and v/e could hear and feel the shells and sharpnel tearing into our wings. Suddenly I felt a searing burn and found myself on my back on the floor of the machine alongside the pilot. A shell had exploded under me. “We were also attacked by lighters. I could hear the gunner telling the pilot, Flight-Lieutenant that the Messerschmitt 109’s were closing in. I did not care very much. The gunner had two guns put out of action, so he came forward and gave me a shot of morphia. “The Blenheim turned for England and within an hour I was in hospital, although were were 100 miles away when I was hit. The pilot found that the undercarriage of the machine had been shot away, and a pancake landing was made at 120 miles an hour. With a heavy bomber this was a wonderful feat. I was lifted out of the machine and brought to the hospital at Ipswich. It was not until some weeks later that I realised how dangerously ill I had been. The doctor was so pleased at my recovery that he sent me a bowl of strawberries and cream. lam told they cost him 10s.”