FIRST SUCCESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1942, Page 2

FIRST SUCCESS

N.Z. TORPEDO-BOMBERS.

HITS ON ENEMY SUPPLY SHIPS

(By Telegraph—Press Assoeiation— Copyright) T.ONDON, September 18.

The Air Ministry news service says that three plain's of (he R.N.Z.A.F. squadron, in (he Coastal Command, off Egersund, on September 17, twice hit with torpedoes a large enemy supply ship and also hit a smaller ship. The two ships wore escorted by live link-ships and were steaming only two miles from (he coast, under the protection of the shore defences. Flying Officer A. J. Mot tram. Coventry, led the attack. "We went in together and released our torpedoes almost simultaneously,” lie said. "I saw a big mushroom of water go up in the air from the largest ship, then another spout shot up. indicating a second hit Shortly afterward a dense pall ot sinoke almost, enveloped the ship. A pom-pom shell hit the cowling' of one of my engines, and blew’ oil' a bit, but the engine kept going and got us home safely. "We are a new’ squadron." and this was our Hrsl success. It has bucked us up tremendously. We are celebrating with a parly tonight." All the others returned safely. Jhe rear gunner of the plane which attacked the smaller ship reported that he saw’ tire at the stern. He machinegunned the decks as he passed over. The observer, a warrant officer, w’ns so keen to contribute to the attack (hat he look' pot-shots with a revolver at the Gorman gtm-eraws.