AT LONG ODDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1943, Page 3

AT LONG ODDS

SOLITARY NEW ZEALANDER’S ACHIEVEMENT FIGHT AGAINST 60 ENEMY PLANES. SAFE RETURN AFTER SHOOTING DOWN ZERO. (Official R.N.Z.A.F. News Service.) GUADALCANAL July 5. Separated from other members of his formation when they were attacked by a superior number of Japanese fighters over Rendova Island, in the New Georgia Group, yesterday afternoon, a sergeant pilot of the New Zealand fighter squadron now operating from Guadalcanal, fought a lone battle ‘ against enemy warplanes estimated to total upward of 60. In one of a dozen actions in which he was engaged, he shot down a Zero, bringing his own score to two confirmed and one probable, and raising the squadron's total to 22 confirmed victories.

He came through the action unscathed, and got home with empty ammunition boxes and only enough fuel for a few minutes’ more flying. Though his Kittyhawk had one tire punctured by enemy bullets, he made a successful landing. Separated from his leader in the sudden initial attack, in which the Japanese had the advantage of height, the sergeant continued to fight long after the other New Zealanders had broken off their respective actions. Believing his companions to be near, though out of sight, he stayed over Rendova and Munda at heights ranging from 14,000 ft. to 500 ft., staving off successive attacks by formations of enemy fighters, and shooting down one of a formation which he surprised from behind. Several other aircraft received bursts from his guns. Violent evasive action was necessary on the New Zealander's part every few seconds. As fast as he escaped from one trap, however, he saw other enemy aircraft within range, and attacked one group after another, only to have them turn on him, and force him into a defensive position. Several times he was completely boxed in, but managed to fight his way out, and finally, with petrol running low and no ammunition, he broke away by diving to sea level. The pilot was surprised, on returning to base, to find himself the last man home All the other New Zealanders returned.