V.C. IN CRASH

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 350, 11 October 1932, Page 7

V.C. IN CRASH

.. TWO COMPANIONS PERISH. .. SEAPLANE'S PLUNGE. Hero of a daring exploit in the Baltic during the operations against the Bolsheviks in 1919, Comdr. A. W. S. Agar, V.C., D.S.O., commander of H.M. Sloop Scarborough, on the West Indies station, was seriously injured and two companions were killed whan a seaplane in which they were flying over the Acushnet River, at New Bedford, Mass., crashed into the water and sank. Comdr. Agar floated free from the sunken machine. The two other occupants, however, were trapped in the wreckage at the hottom of the river. They were the pilot, Mr. Philip Siostrom, manager of the Fairhaven Airport, and Mr. Philip Powell, a member of the reception committee which welcomed Cmdr. Agar and the officers and men of tbs Scarborough to New Bedford. Comdr. Agar had been visiting a friend, and was returning to the Scarborough with the intention of sailing for Bermuda that night. The accident occurred in full view of many on board the Scarborough, which was anchored in the river. The seaplane encountered a hailstorm and plunged into the water not far from the ship. A coastguard boat and a launch! from the Scarborough immediately rushed to the rescue. £5000 on his Head. Comdr. Agar, who is 42, ma :cied Mrs Ina Margaret Hirst in Bermuda on February 23 last. He was formerly the husband of Baroness Furnivall, who was married for the second time on the same day. He was stationed at Auckland some four years ago, where he was a most popular officer. Comdr. Agar is known as the "Mystery V.C.," because it was some time before the details of the deed which brought him the honour were disclosedThe V.C. was awarded to him for conspicuous gallantry in an action in the Baltic in 1919, when the Bolshevist cruiser Oleg was sunk. The attack on the Oleg was made hy a eoastal motor-boat, and the British crew, while running the gaunlet of destroyers, were picked out hy searchlights and guns from the Kronstadt forts. The boat was holed on a breakwater, and had to remain stationary while rough repairs were carried ont. Next day Comdr. Agar got her away hy ' compelling the crews of two Russian fishing vessels to hand over their sails. The Bolsheviks subsequently put a price of £5000 on the head of Comdr. Agar.