FLYING CROSSES

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 110, 20 February 1942, Page 4

FLYING CROSSES

Awards To New Zealanders

- Distinguished Flying Crosses have been awarded to two more New Zealand officers, according to official, information received by Air Headquarters, Wellington. They are: —

Pilot Officer Maechal Anthony Ensor, R.N.Z.A.F., son of Mr. Hugh Ensor, “Rakahuri,” Rangiora.

Pilot Officer William Adino Newenham, R.N.Z.A.F., son of Mr. W. E. Newenham, ,384 Hardy Street, Nelson.

Pilot Officer Ensor, who was born at Rangiora in January, 1922, was educated at St. Andrew’s College, Christchurch, representing the college at shooting. The citation accompanying his award states:

“One night in January, 1942, P./O. Ensor was the pilot of an aircraft which was engaged on an operational sortie over enemy waters. A convoy of three ships was observed sailing through the ice floes. P./O. .Ensor attacked the leading ship from mast. height, and scored direct hits with some of his bombs. Whilst taking violent evasive action at an extremely low altitude, the aircraft struck a rock which disabled the starboard en gine, rendered all instruments and the turret unserviceable and ‘ extinguishd all the lights. Thus handicapped, P./O. Ensor skilfully regained height in a heavy snowstorm, but later, whilst 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, ably assisted by his observer’s excellent navigation, P./O. Ensor flew across the sea with only one engine of his aircraft functioning. On reaching this country he was compelled to attempt a forced landing owing to shortage of petrol and, although it was snowing heavily, assisted by his observer, who fired Verey lights in quick succession in an endeavour to illuminate the surroundings, P./O. Ensor made a safe landing without further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew. Throughout, this officer showed great courage, skill, and tenacity, and was greatly assisted by the coolness and efficiency of his observer.”

Pilot Officer Newenham, who was born at Nelson in June, 1914, was educated at Nelson College,’ and later played Rugby football for Kaiwarra club (Wellington). The citation accompanying his award states:

“As an air observer this officer has displayed exceptional keenness and enthusiasm during operational tour. He has participated in attacks on targets which have included Cologne, Berlin, Kiel, Hamburg, and Stettin. Although many of the sorties in which he has taken part have been of a difficult and hazardous nature, P./O. Neweiiham showed himself to be a capable and reliable observer.”