Two Nz Airmen Killed In
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Fiji
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva, Oct. 24.
WHEN a Moth aeroplane nose-dived into Nadi Bay, on the west coast of Viti Levu, early this month, two New Zealand airmen were killed. They were Pilot Officer Francis Pillars (28) and Pilot Officer Ronald Williams (21).
The plane was flying at about 4,000 ft., when apparently it developed engine trouble. It crashed into the sea a mile and a half from shore, in 15 ft. of water.
Only one of the bodies was recovered.
Mr. Edward Henry Ward, of Auckland, NZ who was wireless operator on a Union S S. Co. vessel when she was sunk by shell fire from a German raider near Nauru Island last December, has been
commended for bravery. A recent London “Gazette” commented upon the operator’s devotion to duty in remaining at his post while under fire from the enemy.
Mr. Ward, who is 32 and married, has been personally congratulated by the NZ Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser. Though home on leave recently, he is still attached to a Union vessel in the Pacific.