NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN REMEMBERED

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 105, 16 January 1942, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN REMEMBERED

Part In Battle For Britain

AUCKLAND. .January 12

Recognition of the part played in the Battle for Britain by young New Zealand airmen was given several months ago at a special ceremony held in the Faversham Cemetery, Kent. On September 7, 1940, Pilot Officer Kenneth Wendel, whose parents formerly lived at Vine Street, Mangere. Auckland, was killed during an engagement with superior enemy forces in one of the battles over Kent; and-a year later the Faversham Squadron of the Air Training Corps paraded at his graveside to honour his sacrifice.

The mayor, Mr. P. Johnson, who was accompanied by civil defence officers, said Faversham acknowledged its debt to the gallant young man who had travelled thousands of miles to take his place in the ranks of those who had fought the battle. A wreath- was later placed on the grave by. the officer commanding the air cadets.

Successful Attack.

Many days passed, then the ILA F. commenced bombing from daylight to dark, planes coming over in twelves Over 100 daily swooped and bombed and strafed, to the great discomfort of the Italians. “We thought the bombers knew where we were, but afterward we found they didn't,” said a gunner of a field regiment. ‘‘We were pretty nervous as it was, and it would have been a lot worse if we had known.”

Another man said: “After the R.A.F. the Navy opened, then the Army from the other side. We were right in the centre of the target area. It was a miracle, we got out alive. Shells landed in the corners of the compound, and shrapnel plastered the walls, yet nobody was hurt. Latterly the men had been given a few picks and shovels to dig in.”

The Italians and Germans seemed unable to cope with the situation, and their replies' were rather ineffective The main gun. a large naval piece nick-named “Bardia Bill,” was not used to full advantage. Contrasted against their conditions’ the men had visual encouragement in seeing the enemy going under—burning transport, stores of oil and munitions mingling with the explosions of bursting shells. At last on the morning of Janaiy 2 the first British tanks crash ed through the barricades and the

town was soon in our hands.