The Wellington Wing Walker - Sergeant James Allen Ward VC

What would YOU do? Your plane is on fire! Bail out or climb onto the wing and put the fire out?

On the night of 7th July 1941, 13,000 feet above the Dutch coast, a young 22 year old New Zealand pilot faces an agonising dilemma. Through his side cockpit window he can see the right hand wing ablaze.

He can bail out of his stricken Vickers Wellington Bomber and take his chances with the Germans or he can climb out on to the wing and put the fire out by hand.

The decision he took that night made him the 1st New Zealander to be awarded the Victoria Cross in World War 2 for his outstanding bravery.

This is the story of Sergeant James Allen Ward VC, the Wellington Wing Walker.

Sgt Ward was born in New Zealand but served in England with the RAF as part of 75 Sqn, flying Vickers Wellington Bombers.

It was during a night bombing raid that his Wellington Bomber was attacked by a German night fighter and the right wing caught fire.

He bravely volunteered to climb out of the aircraft and onto the wing and attempt to extinguish the fire.

For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
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I had to re-edit this video due to a small copyright infringement so I apologise for the re-upload