RESCUE OF PLANE AND CREW

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 285, 1 September 1942, Page 4

RESCUE OF PLANE AND CREW

Work Of New Zealand Ship

ADMIRAL GHORMLEY’S TRIBUTE

A message of congratulation to the officers and men of a New Zealand ship serving south of the iSolopions from the Commander of the ‘South -Pacific Area, Vice-Admiral Robert L. Ghormley, UJS.IN., was received following the rescue of the crew of an amphibian plane after it -had been forced down at sea through lack of petrol. The New Zealand ship picked, up the plane’s crew several 'hundred miles from land and succeeded in towing the amphibian plane back to port. Admiral Ghormley’s message paid a tribute to the fact that the Chip had effected the rescue in spite of the known presence of enemy submarines and also to the feat of towing the aircraft back to port. Admiral Ghormley expressed his commendation and congratulations to the commander of the ship, his officers and men for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous task requiring skilful seamanship. The rescue took place under difficult conditions, rough weather making the towing operation hazardous In the extreme. However, the plane was brought safely back. It was refuelled and was flying again the same day. Its crew had been down for two days and a half and were actually in their rubber dinghies when picked up.