re: NZ153
White was rescued by Mr. L. Meo, an Italian fisherman.
The story of the army “recovery”
“”By about 2.30 p.m. the bomber had been brought to within 400 yards of the beach and efforts to turn the machine right way up again so thatshe could be hauled ashore on her wheels proved unsuccessful and resulted in considerable damage to the wings and fuselage. Ropes were attached to various parts of the machine and Air Force men from Rongotai, assisted by officers and men from Fort Dorset, fishermen, and other volunteers,endeavoured to draw her up on the beach. The machine proved difficult to move and the job was hindered by haulage lines breaking. A second attempt to bring her over on to an even keel had almost succeeded when the main haulage line got out of control and she plunged back into the sea. When a second haul was attempted the tail tore away. The wrecked machine was finally brought to the beach about 7 p.m.
The full damage to the bomber and to what extent she will be salvageable will not be known for some time and until all parts have been stripped down and carefully examined. An immersion in salt water is often fatal to an engine.”
P/O Stanley Gordon White had flown a De Havilland DH 60G Gipsy Moth ZK-ADT ex G-AAJO from the UK to Australia (and shipped to NZ) in 1934
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