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Cenotaph record

Maechel Anthony Ensor

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Portrait of Squadron Leader Maechel Anthony Ensor, Auckland Weekly News, 14 April 1943. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19430414-14-1. Image has no known copyright restrictions.

Portrait of Squadron Leader Maechel Anthony Ensor, Auckland Weekly News, 14 April 1943. Auckland Lib …

Identity

About

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  • Title
  • Forenames
    Maechel Anthony AWMM
  • Surname
    Ensor AWMM
  • Ingoa
  • Also known as
    Mick AWMM
  • Service number
    • WWII NZ402175 AWMM
    • WWII 402175 AWMM
  • Gender
    Male AWMM
  • Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe
  • Religion

Civilian life

About birth

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  • Birth
    5 January 1922 AWMM Rangiora, Canterbury AWMM
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Birth notes
  • Address before enlistment
  • Post war occupation
  • Next of kin on embarkation
  • Relationship status

Service

Wars and conflicts

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Military decorations

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  • Medals and Awards
    • Companion of the Distinguished Service Order and bar (DSO*) AWMM
      DSO 1943; 1 February 1945 ""Squadron Leader Ensor has taken part in many operational sorties during his 2nd tour of duty. During this period he has attacked many enemy U-Boats on three occasions. One of the submarines was probably seriously damaged, and from one of the many engagements, Squadron Leader Ensor’s aircraft was severely damaged by the heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire encountered. This officer has displayed outstanding enthusiasm, tact and courage as Flight Commander and officer in charge of squadron training. He has contributed much to the development of new and successful methods of attacking submarines." Hanson, p. 177 AWMM
    • Distinguished Flying Cross and bar (DFC*) AWMM
      DFC 12 February 1942 and Bar 27 October 1942. "One night in January, 1942, Pilot Officer Ensor and Sergeant Paige were the pilot and observer respectively of an aircraft which was engaged on an operational sortie over enemy waters. A convoy of three ships was observed sailing through the ice floes. Pilot Officer Ensor attacked the leading ship from mast height and scored direct hits with some of his bombs. Whilst taking violent evasive action at an extremely low altitude, the aircraft struck a rock which disabled the starboard engine, rendered all instruments and the turret unserviceable, and extinguished all the lights. Thus handicapped, Pilot Officer Ensor skilfully regained height in a heavy snowstorm but later, whilst flying over land and uncertain of his bearings, his aircraft was subjected to antiaircraft fire and searchlight activity for some 30 minutes. Eventually, the position was identified and, ably assisted by Sergeant Paige's excellent navigation, Pilot Officer Ensor flew across the sea with only one engine of his aircraft functioning. On reaching this country he was compelled to attempt a forced landing owing to shortage of petrol and, although it was snowing heavily, assisted by Sergeant Paige, who fired Verey lights in quick succession in an endeavour to illuminate the surroundings. Pilot Officer Ensor made a safe landing without further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew. Throughout, this officer showed great courage, skill and tenacity and was greatly assisted by the coolness and efficiency of Sergeant Paige." Hanson p. 176-77 Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross "Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this captain of aircraft has completed many sorties. By his keenness and personal example he has set a magnificent example to his sqaudron." Hanson p. 177 AWMM
    • Air Force Cross (AFC) AWMM
      AFC 1954 - Flew 200 Sorties with Royal Air Force during the Berlin Airlift. AWMM
    • Korea Medal (EIIR) AWMM
    • United Nations Medal for Korea AWMM
    • War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
    • New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM
    • New Zealand Operational Service Medal AWMM
    • Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) AWMM

Training and Enlistment

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  • Military training
  • Branch Trade Proficiency
    Pilot AWMM
  • Enlistment
    WW2 Jul 1940 AWMM Shepherd/Civilian AWMM
  • Occupation before enlistment
  • Age on enlistment

Embarkations

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Prisoner of war

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  • Capture details
  • Days interned
  • Liberation date
  • Liberation Repatriation
  • POW liberation details
  • POW serial number

Medical history

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  • Medical notes

Last known rank

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Biographical information

Biographical information

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  • Commanding Officer of 224 (RAF) Squadron

    Flew on maritime patrols with the USN in Korea.

    Member of Caterpillar and Goldfish Clubs - baled out over Mediterranean, near Algiers being picked up by friendly destroyer. AWMM

Death

About death

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  • Death
    27 December 1994 Hanson
    Christchurch, Canterbury Hanson
  • Date of death
  • Age at death
  • Place of death
  • Cause of death
  • Death notes
  • Cemetery
  • Cemetery name
  • Grave reference
  • Obituary
  • Memorial name
  • Memorial reference

Memorials

Memorial

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  • Memorial name

Roll of Honour

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Sources

Sources

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  • External links
  • References
    • Sutherland, J. (1989). Gallantry awards to New Zealanders in World War Two. Christchurch, N.Z.: Regal Medals. AWMM
    • Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
      Vol. 3 p. 593 [ref 53] AWMM
    • Hanson, C. (2001). By such deeds: honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999. Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
      p. 176 AWMM
    • Thompson, H. (1956). New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vols. 1-3). Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. AWMM
    • List of RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Personnel - Embarkation Lists, November 1940 - July 1942. Archives New Zealand, Wellington (R17845762). AWMM
    • McKinstry, Leo. (2023) Cinderella Boys, The Forgotten RAF Force That Won The Battle of the Atlantic, Public - Stoney - Researcher - 16 July 2024 - p.1

Contributors

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DateFirst namesLocationRelationshipContact
16 July 2024StoneyTuakauResearcher

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