Operation: Training

Date: 25th August 1940 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 254 Squadron. Coastal Command

Type: Blenheim IV

Serial: L9407

Code: QY-?

Base: RAF Dyce, Scotland

Location: At base

Pilot: F/O. Gage Darwent Sise NZ/39941 RNZAF Injured

Obs: Fl/Lt. William Pennington Bain 39480 RAFVR Injured

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 15:10 hrs to carry out circuit and landing practice.

On approach to the landing strip the undercarriage caught on a stone wall at the perimeter of the field ripping it off. The pilot managed a belly landing on the field. Both crew received lacerations from the shattered perspex windscreen but survived.

F/O. Bain was convinced he would have his log book endorsed with the dreaded red pen but the commanding officer put it down to the pilots unfamiliarity of the airfield.

'Bill' Sise survived the war, retired on the 26th January 1967 as Group Captain. Died in Melbourne on the 01st March 2004, age 86.

William Bain survived the war and transferred to the reserve on the 6th May 1956 as Wing Commander.

Gage Darwent Sise Awards:

Citation for the Award DSO: 'This officer has served continuously as a pilot in this squadron since August 1940. His efficiency and devotion to duty throughout many hazardous missions have always been of a very high order. He took command of the squadron at a difficult period and it has been due to his untiring energy and keenness that its efficiency and high morale have been maintained. On various occasions, Squadron Leader Sise has lead the squadron in successful attacks against enemy shipping during which no less than seven large merchant vessels have been destroyed. In all these occasions he has pressed home his attacks undaunted by any danger or opposition.

Citation for the Award of a Bar to the DSO. New Zealand Gazette 6 May 1944: 'This officer has displayed great gallantry in operations against the enemy. He is a brilliant leader whose personal example and untiring efforts have done much towards raising his squadron to the highest standard of fighting efficiency. Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he has led formations of aircraft in several attacks on enemy shipping. In November 1944, Wing Commander Sise participated in an attack on shipping in Fjoro Harbour. Much anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Wing Commander Sise's aircraft was hit. One engine caught fire but he pressed home after his attack and afterwards flew his damaged aircraft to base. Some days later this officer led a very large formation of aircraft in operations off Alsund. His great skill and forceful leadership played a large part in the success of the operation'.

Citation Distinguished Flying Cross 08th February 1943 254 Sqn RAF: 'In November, 1942, shortly after making a most determined attack at very close range on a heavily escorted German supply ship, this officer's aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. With great difficulty he regained control, but was immediately attacked by three Focke Wulf 190s. By skilful evasive action Squadron Leader Sise managed to avoid the majority of 25 attacks, although his aircraft was again heavily hit. The enemy fighters eventually broke off the attack and Squadron Leader Sise managed to fly safely back to the coast, making a crash landing on the beach. He has always displayed the greatest keenness to engage the enemy and has set a fine example to his flight'.

Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross 26th September 1944 248 Sqn RAF: 'Within recent weeks Wing Commander Sise has taken part in a number of sorties, during which several enemy ships of varying types have been sunk, and others damaged. Much of the success achieved can be attributed to this officer's great skill, inspiring leadership, and great determination'.

Burial details:

None - both survived the war.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

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