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A story of incredible bravery under adverse conditions. How an airman ventured on to the wing of his burning aircraft over Occupied Europe to extinguish a fire.
Ward's storyBomber command aircrew faced a daunting task in their nightly incursions over Occupied Europe. Inclement weather, mechanical failure, collisions, flak and searchlights were hazards they were obliged to face, but the greatest peril by far was the predatory night fighter. Their first encounter with one was all too often their last, despite the vigilance of crewmembers.This was the situation confronting the crew of Wellington L7818 of No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron on the night 7 July 1941. Its second pilot in the six man crew was Sgt. James Ward, a New Zealander serving with the RAF.Their squadron was one of several from No3 Group briefed to raid Munster. Night fighter attackThe outward flight and bombing run were successfully accomplished and on the return journey over Holland the Wellington came under attack from a Bf 110 night fighter. Firing from below, the fighter secured hits with cannon shell and incendiary bullets. Although wounded in the attack, the Wellington’s rear gunner returned fire with a burst that drove off the fighter and possibly destroyed it.Fire broke out in the area of the bomber’s starboard motor, and fed by fuel from a broken line it spread alarmingly, threatening to engulf the entire wing. The crew managed to force a hole through the fabric of the fuselage and made strenuous efforts to douse the blaze with fire extinguishers. Their attempts proved unsuccessful, and with the situation beyond their control the crew was warned to prepare to abandon the aircraft. A heroic effortAt that point Sgt. Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the blaze; using an engine cover that happened to be employed as a seat cushion. With the navigator’s help, Ward jettisoned the astrodome and prepared to make his way to the source of the fire. To reduce wind resistance he at first refused to use a parachute, but was finally persuaded to clip one to his chest after squeezing through the hatch.Although the bomber was flying at reduced speed with flaps down and bomb doors open the force of the slipstream rendered him almost breathless. Mustering all his energies Ward began his perilous journey down the side of the fuselage where the unique construction of the Wellington with its fabric covering enabled him to kick foot and hand holds where necessary.The blast from the slipstream threatened to hurl him into space but by lying on the wing he managed to smother the fire in the wing fabric. Ward then attempted to wedge the cover over the leaking fuel line; which was the source of the blaze. In that he was defeated when the slipstream whipped the cover away. But to his relief he realised the fire was petering out, with barely any fabric left in that region to burn. Victoria CrossWard then faced the exhausting process of returning to the haven of the aircraft. This was achieved with great difficulty, and with his crewmates’ assistance he was hauled back through the narrow hatch. Despite the loss of a considerable area of fabric the Wellington made a safe return to base, thanks to a remarkable display of gallantry by Sgt. Ward. His efforts were recognised with an immediate award of the Victoria Cross;James Ward was granted only a short time to savour the supreme award for bravery. After returning to operations he was listed as missing in action on the night of 16 September 1941
The copyright of the article Ward: Victoria Cross in Military History is owned by Murray McLeod. Permission to republish Ward: Victoria Cross in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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