James Ward's VC in the news

[Dave Homewood]

Jimmy Ward's VC was on TV3's news tonight, as it has been handed to his family after 18 years sitting in a bank vault under the guardianship of the RNZAF. I actually thought his VC was in the RNZAF Museum but I must be wrong.

There was a handing over ceremony at Ohakea today and it was handed to his great, great nephew, Michael Mayne, who looked as young as Jimmy was when he as killed. Ward's niece was also present and no doubt other family members.

At the end of the report it stated the medal will go on display in the Auckland War Memorial Museum at the end of the month.

[Dave Homewood]

This from Stuff.co.nz

www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3590876a11,00.html

Pilot's VC returns to his family
03 March 2006
By BRITTON BROUN

The Victoria Cross won by a young New Zealand airman is to be returned to his family today after being stored in a bank vault for 18 years.


Sergeant James Ward won his VC – one of three awarded to RNZAF pilots during World War II – for outstanding valour after climbing out on the starboard wing of his bomber in midair to extinguish an engine fire.

His cross was given to Squadron 75 at Ohakea in 1988 but because of its value was locked in a Marton bank vault and a replica displayed.

In July 1941 the 75th Squadron Wellington bomber was heavily damaged by enemy fire as it returned from a bombing run over Muenster, Germany.

With the tail gunner wounded and the starboard wing on fire, the crew were planning to abandon the plane when Sergeant Ward tied a rope around his waist and climbed out to smother the fire. Despite protest, the crew persuaded him to wear a parachute.

Air Vice-Marshal John Hamilton, who will present the VC to Sergeant Ward's family, said the circumstances were particularly poignant.

"It's what an individual did to save the rest of the crew, which is why we hold the man up as an example of courage and bravery.

"It's a pretty gutsy call and you have to ask, given the circumstances, would you do that yourself?"

Sergeant Ward, 22, was killed 10 weeks later when his plane was shot down on another bombing run over Germany, before he could be awarded the Victoria Cross.

On that mission he kept the plane in the air long enough for the rest of the crew to bail out before it crashed.

His great-great-nephew, Michael Mayne, 21, will accept the cross and plans to have it displayed at Auckland War Memorial Museum.

"He's my age and he's off fighting a war," he said. "It's hard for me to picture myself doing that. He's come out with people looking up to him and it's an honour to be linked to that."

[turboNZ]

His nephew looked really honoured too.
Awesome stuff !!