KNIGHT Christopher Leonard Frederick
W81072, Sergeant, Royal New Zealand Air Force
CITATION
Air Force Medal
Queen's Birthday Honours List 1977
Sergeant KNIGHT enlisted in the RNZAF in 1963 and trained as an Electrical Mechanic. He has served on various RNZAF Units in New Zealand and overseas and for a time serving at sea servicing the Wasp Helicopters. He qualified as a helicopter crewman whilst at sea and is now helicopter crewman leader at No 3 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland. On 27 March 1976 Sergeant KNIGHT was crewman of an Iroquois helicopter called to Bethells Beach, Auckland to locate and retrieve a human body. The body was found to be badly decomposed making eventual recovery difficult and distressing. Despite the circumstances and showing great fortitude, Sergeant KNIGHT was largely responsible for the successful accomplishment of this mission. Again on25 April 1976 Sergeant KNIGHT was the crewman of a helicopter sent to rescue an injured tramper in the Kaimai Ranges. Eventually the tramping party was located under dense high bush which necessitated the lowering of Sergeant KNIGHT by winch through the foliage to assess the situation on the ground. It was evident to him that the injured man needed urgent medical attention and would have to be lifted by stretcher from his present position. Sergeant KNIGHT cleverly directed the helicopter to an overhead position by use of a Sarbe beacon, and subsequently accompanied the injured man on a stretcher lift through the bush canopy. The remainder of the tramping party, which included five children, and a sixty year old woman, was recovered under similar conditions with Sergeant KNIGHT carrying out six further double lifts, Sergeant KNIGHT’s ability and willingness to undertake the most difficult tasks, often without regard to his personal safety, reflects his total dedication to duty. His deeds inspire confidence hand have been an outstanding example to others
KNOWN AWARDS
Air Force Medal
NOTES
Born 21 March 1946 Pukekohe, New Zealand
Died
THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
