Corporal H. Padlie, MM; Maungaturoto; born Kaikohe, 14 Aug 1909; enginedriver; wounded 7 Jul 1941. (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. p.164.)

'Rommel, besides ground troops, had been provided with the makings of an air force, a fact soon noted by the Kiwi railwaymen, accustomed by now to the high-flying and cautious Italians who flew around on moonlight nights. Early in July a train, picking up a small change-of-air leave party at It Nooh above the Baggush escarpment, in railway language the Fuka bank, was ground strafed by seven Messerschmitts. There were casualties in the coaches, while in the engine three of the crew of two Egyptians and two New Zealanders were wounded, one fatally, The driver, Lance-Corporal Padlie, hit in several places, managed to apply the brakes and instructed an English officer who had boarded the loco how to shut off steam and save a possible runaway down the steep Fuka bank. Part of the citation for his immediate Military Medal runs: ‘His action in applying the brakes so as to bring the train to a standstill, and subsequently instructing Captain Brown how to complete the operation and shut off steam which his own failing strength did not permit him to do, while suffering from at least four body wounds, showed courage of a high order and devotion to duty worthy of recognition.’' (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. pp. 164-165.) AWMM