Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 18, 2021 20:54:00 GMT 12
AIRMEN’S SHARE
EIGHTH ARMY’S ADVANCE
KAWHIA MAN’S EXPERIENCE
(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Jan. 1.
The satisfaction of handing out to the Germans a taste of what they gave the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete was enjoyed by Flying-Officers Basil Gray, of Waverley, and, Robert Fleming, of Opotiki, who were among many New Zealanders bombing Rommel’s army in its flight from El Alamein.
Flying-Officers Gray and Fleming flew to Egypt a few days ago. Flying-Officer Fleming had an all-New Zealand crew comprising Pilot-Officers G. Rigg, of Masterton, and M. R. Breed, of Wanganui, Sergeants A. Batty, R. Beatson, of Auckland,; and H. Stevens, of Wellington, who later flew in other crews.
Flying-Officer Gray flew out with Pilot-Officer N. Spence, of Christchurch, and Sergeants R. Wynyard, of Kawhia, and C. Piper, of Christchurch. Pilot-Officer Spence and Sergeant Piper are now reported missing. Sergeant Stevens is reported killed but the others mentioned were expected to arrive in England shortly.
Flying-Officers Gray and Fleming, carried out 44 raids each. “We started operations during the battle of Bir Hakheim,” said Flying-Officer Gray, “when we bombed aerodromes round El Daba. Then we strafed the Germans throughout the retreat and also bombed more aerodromes. When the Alamein front was established Tobruk became the chief target. It was reported to be the best defended area in the world at that period. They were all lively raids.
Sergeant’s Unpleasant Moment
“My aircraft once turned upside down when I was caught by searchlights. While I was leaving a burst of flak exploded right under the starboard wing. We were at 8000 feet. All the instruments were out of action, and as a result we could only tell when we were right side up when the searchlights shone from below instead of above — there was no horizon visible.
“Sergeant Wynyard had an unpleasant moment. He was standing in the astrodome when we somersaulted and an incendiary bomb, which was used for lighting up the desert and for estimating wind drift, dropped in the dome, carrying it away. The result was that Sergeant Wynyard’s head poked through the hatch. While he was standing upside down the slipstream ripped off his helmet. He was unhurt. I righted the aircraft at 4000 feet.”
“I carried out 23 raids over Tobruk.” said Flying-Officer Fleming. “We never found a spot where we could run in and dodge the defences, but our greatest satisfaction, especially after seeing the Eighth Army retreat, was in assisting its advance. After the first day we met no opposition, which gave us an open season for strafing the retreating Huns. We were able to drops bombs singly wherever we desired.”
WAIKATO TIMES, 2 JANUARY 1943
EIGHTH ARMY’S ADVANCE
KAWHIA MAN’S EXPERIENCE
(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Jan. 1.
The satisfaction of handing out to the Germans a taste of what they gave the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete was enjoyed by Flying-Officers Basil Gray, of Waverley, and, Robert Fleming, of Opotiki, who were among many New Zealanders bombing Rommel’s army in its flight from El Alamein.
Flying-Officers Gray and Fleming flew to Egypt a few days ago. Flying-Officer Fleming had an all-New Zealand crew comprising Pilot-Officers G. Rigg, of Masterton, and M. R. Breed, of Wanganui, Sergeants A. Batty, R. Beatson, of Auckland,; and H. Stevens, of Wellington, who later flew in other crews.
Flying-Officer Gray flew out with Pilot-Officer N. Spence, of Christchurch, and Sergeants R. Wynyard, of Kawhia, and C. Piper, of Christchurch. Pilot-Officer Spence and Sergeant Piper are now reported missing. Sergeant Stevens is reported killed but the others mentioned were expected to arrive in England shortly.
Flying-Officers Gray and Fleming, carried out 44 raids each. “We started operations during the battle of Bir Hakheim,” said Flying-Officer Gray, “when we bombed aerodromes round El Daba. Then we strafed the Germans throughout the retreat and also bombed more aerodromes. When the Alamein front was established Tobruk became the chief target. It was reported to be the best defended area in the world at that period. They were all lively raids.
Sergeant’s Unpleasant Moment
“My aircraft once turned upside down when I was caught by searchlights. While I was leaving a burst of flak exploded right under the starboard wing. We were at 8000 feet. All the instruments were out of action, and as a result we could only tell when we were right side up when the searchlights shone from below instead of above — there was no horizon visible.
“Sergeant Wynyard had an unpleasant moment. He was standing in the astrodome when we somersaulted and an incendiary bomb, which was used for lighting up the desert and for estimating wind drift, dropped in the dome, carrying it away. The result was that Sergeant Wynyard’s head poked through the hatch. While he was standing upside down the slipstream ripped off his helmet. He was unhurt. I righted the aircraft at 4000 feet.”
“I carried out 23 raids over Tobruk.” said Flying-Officer Fleming. “We never found a spot where we could run in and dodge the defences, but our greatest satisfaction, especially after seeing the Eighth Army retreat, was in assisting its advance. After the first day we met no opposition, which gave us an open season for strafing the retreating Huns. We were able to drops bombs singly wherever we desired.”
WAIKATO TIMES, 2 JANUARY 1943
