IN TIGHT CORNER

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21655, 16 February 1942, Page 4

IN TIGHT CORNER

AIRMAN AWARDED D.F.C. DAMAGED PLANE LANDED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Pilot-Officer Newenham, whose award of the D.F.C. was cabled yesterday, was born in Nelson in 1914, and educated at Nelson College. He is the son of Mr W. E. Newenham, Nelson. The D.F.C. has been awarded also to another member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Pilot-Officer Maechal Anthony Ensor, son of Mr Hugh Ensor, Rangiora. Pilot-Officer Ensor was born in Rangiora in 1922 and educated at St. Andrew’s College, Christchurch. The citation accompanying his award states: “One night in January he was the pilot of an aircraft engaged in an operational sortie over enemy waters. A convoy of three ships was observed sailing through ice floes. Pilot-Officer Ensor attacked the leading ship from mast height and scored direct hits with some of his bombs. While taking violent evasive action at an extremely low altitude the aircraft struck a rock, which disabled the starboard engine, rendered all the instruments and the turret unserviceable and extinguished the lights. Part Played by Observer “Thus handicapped, Pilot-Officer Ensor skilfully regained height in a heavy snowstorm, but later, while flying overland and uncertain of his bearings, his aircraft was subjected to anti-aircraft fire,, and searchlight activity for some ' thirty minutes. Eventually the position was identified, and assisted by his observer’s excellent navigation, Pilot-Officer Ensor flew across the sea with only one engine functioning. “On reaching Britain he was compelled to attempt a forced landing owing to shortage of petrol, and although it was snowing heavily a safe landing was made with the assistance of the observer, who fired Verey lights in quick succession in an endeavour to illuminate the surroundings. The landing was effected without further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew. Throughout, this officer showed great courage, tenacity and skill, and was greatly assisted by the coolness and efficiency of his observer.