THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

STRATTON Ernest Alfred

NZ391725 Corporal, Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

[27 October 1906 - 12 August 1988]

HERRICK Dennis Trevelyan

NZ40974 Leading Aircraftman, Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

[6 October 1912 - 30 June 1941]

JOINT CITATION

George Medal

Gazetted 24 January 1941, Issue 35054, p489

On the 21st June, 1940, an Oxford aircraft, which was taking off from the Elementary Flying Training School, Taieri, crashed and caught fire. Two of the occupants were easily removed by the ambulance crew, who were under the impression that no one remained in the aircraft. On ascertaining that the pilot was still in the burning aircraft, however, Corporal Stratton and Leading Aircraftman Herrick, without the protection of asbestos fire suits and with the full knowledge that there was a 250 Ib. bomb in the burning wreckage, removed the pilot from the cockpit in which he was jammed. Fortunately the bomb did not explode, but both airmen sustained damage to their clothing and slight burns to themselves. Both airmen displayed outstanding bravery and a complete disregard for their own safety.  Unfortunately the pilot died from his injuries.

KNOWN AWARD

George Medal