GEORGE MEDAL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3290, 19 July 1943, Page 4

GEORGE MEDAL

AIRMAN FROM NETHERTON FLIGHT.-SGT H. A. WILSON COMRADE SAVED FROM FLAMES Advice has been received by Mr and Mrs R. J. Wilson, of Netherton that their elAer son, FlightSgt. Hamish Auckland Wilson has been awarded the George Medal for his part in rescuing an injured comrade trapped in a burning bomber on the ground. Sgt. Wilson is the fourth New Zealand airman to be awarded the George Medal. Rescue of a Gunner The citation accompanying Sergeant Wilson’s award states that on one night in March, 1943, the aircraft of which. he was reargunner crashed into a house after taking-off. It burst into flames and was completely destroyed. Although badly injured, most of the crew managed to escape, but the upper gunner was still there trapped and unconscious. Calling for help, the captain of the aircraft, Sergeant Moore, was imlediately joined by Sergeant Wilson, who was badly cut about the head and together they dashed into the blazing bomber and extricated the gunner. In the rescue Sergeant Wilson was burned on the face and body. Almost exhausted, he set. off across the 1 I fields for help. Born at Nether ton in 1920, Flt.Sgt. Wilson spent all his life in that district prior to joining the R.N.Z.A.F., being educated at the Netherton School and the Paeroa District High School. Before enlisting in the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940 he was farming with his father at Netherton. He was a successful breeder of Ayrshire cattle. He <was a steward of the Hauraki Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member of the Young Farmers’ Club movement. In addition, he was a keen member of the Maramarua Hunt. After doing his early training in New Zealand he went to Canada as a wireless operator-air gunner anl has been on active service in England since May, 1942. He has participated in a number of the raids over Europe and some time ago was reported as wounded. After bailing-out of a burning aeroplane on a previous occasion, he was accepted for membership of the Caterpillar Club. Mr and Mrs Wilson have receive advice recently from their son that he will shortly be returning to New Zealand.