Sgt James Allen Ward was an RAF pilot in WW2 who won the Victoria Cross when he climbed out onto the wing of his Vickers Wellington bomber to put out a fire.
Having dropped the bombs on the target, the pilots; Squadron Leader Reuben Widdowson and Sgt James Allen Ward turn their Vickers Wellington towards home. Unfortunately, as they cross Holland, the Wellington is attacked by a Messerschmitt BF110 night fighter.
In the Wellingtons tail turret, despite being hit in the foot, Sgt Allan Box returns fire and manages to shoot down the Messerschmitt.
With numerous failures and the right hand wing engulfed in fire, Sqn Ldr Widdowson orders the crew to bail out. The co-pilot however has other ideas. Sgt James Allen Ward volunteers to climb out onto the wing and put out the fire with his bare hands!
As a result of his actions that night in 1941, James Allen Ward became the first of just 3 New Zealand airmen to win the Victoria Cross in World War 2.
#ww2 #airforce #war
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Wanganui Panorama
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Colour Image of London
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James Allen Ward's Gravestone
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