World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New Zealand, he served as a Sergeant co-pilot in the 75th Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force. On the night of July 7, 1941, after an air mission on Munster, Germany, Sergeant Ward was co-pilot of his Wellington bomber, when his plane was attacked by a German Messerschmitt fighter. The attack opened a fuel tank in the starboard wing and caused a fire at the rear of the starboard engine. Sergeant Ward at great risk, crawled out through the narrow astro-hatch with a rope to hold on to, kicked holes in the aircraft's fabric to give himself hand and foot holes to reach to flames. He then reached the engine and smothered the flames with a canvas cover. Even though the fuel continued to leak, the fire was out and the plane was now safe. Through his dangerous efforts, the aircraft was able to navigate, with the crew not having to bail out and the plane made a safe emergency landing. For most prestigious gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross in August 1941 and he was killed in action ten weeks later when his Wellington bomber was hit by flak over the target and caught fire over Hamburg, Germany.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New Zealand, he served as a Sergeant co-pilot in the 75th Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force. On the night of July 7, 1941, after an air mission on Munster, Germany, Sergeant Ward was co-pilot of his Wellington bomber, when his plane was attacked by a German Messerschmitt fighter. The attack opened a fuel tank in the starboard wing and caused a fire at the rear of the starboard engine. Sergeant Ward at great risk, crawled out through the narrow astro-hatch with a rope to hold on to, kicked holes in the aircraft's fabric to give himself hand and foot holes to reach to flames. He then reached the engine and smothered the flames with a canvas cover. Even though the fuel continued to leak, the fire was out and the plane was now safe. Through his dangerous efforts, the aircraft was able to navigate, with the crew not having to bail out and the plane made a safe emergency landing. For most prestigious gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross in August 1941 and he was killed in action ten weeks later when his Wellington bomber was hit by flak over the target and caught fire over Hamburg, Germany.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
Service No: 401793
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