"Ward" AIR 2/5686 (WARD)

54B SECRET.

RECOMMENDATION FOR HONOURS AND AWARDS. (IMMEDIATE).

Christian names…..JAMES ALLEN ….Surname……..WARD……….

Rank ………SERGEANT……………..Official Number..NZ/401793..

Command or Group..No.3 GROUP……Unit..No. 75 (NZ) SQUADRON

Total hours flown on operations…………27 HOURS..25 MINUES..

Number of sorties carried out……………FIVE……………………..

Recognition for which recommended …..Victoria Cross………..

Appointment held….Operational Pilot….(New Zealand)………

1. On the night of 7/8th, July, 1941, he was Pilot of Wellington aircraft L.7818, captained by Squadron Leader Widdowson, which had carried out a successful bombing attack on a target in MUNSTER. At 02.20 hours when over the ZUIDER ZEE, at 13,000 feet, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter which was immediately engaged by the rear Gunner at point blank range and shot down. Struck by cannon shell and incendiary bullets a fire broke out in the mainplace near the starboard engine, and fed by a stream of petrol from a fractured pipe, had gained an alarming hold and threatened to spread over the entire wing. The most strenuous efforts of the crew aided by fire extinguishers and even the coffee from their flasks had failed to make any appreciable difference; whereupon, as a last resort, Sergeant WARD announced his intention of making an attempt to smother the fire. Climbing through the Astro hatch with incredible difficulty, and breaking the fabric at the geodetics to gain first, a grip, and then a foothold, he succeeded by a super-human effort in making his way on to the wing. Here, in this precarious and dangerous position, and threatened at every moment to be swept into the North Sea by the force of the slip stream, he laboriously and patiently proceeded to smother the fire with the aid of an engine cover. At this critical stage when the fire was spreading and threatening to take complete charge, his efforts in checking and subdueing (sic) it, undoubtedly saved the aircraft and the lives of his five companions.

2. For this utterly selfless and inspiring deed, he is submitted for the highest honour.

(Signed)……CE Kay………….. Wing Commander, Commanding,

No. 75 (NZ) Squadron. R.A.F.

Date. 8th, July, 1941.

Covering remarks of Station Commander.

The cool undaunted courage and resourcefulness of Sgt. Ward undoubtedly saved the lives of the crew of this aircraft. His recognition is strongly recommended.

Buckley Group Captain, Commanding, Royal Air Force Station,

FELTWELL NORFOLK

Date: 9th July 1941

Covering Remarks of Air Officer Commanding