A scarce ‘maritime search and rescue’ Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air group of three awarded to Master Air Loadmaster B.N. Hennerley, 28 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Hennerley’s skill as a Whirlwind winchman came to the fore when extricating an injured seaman from a Liberian oil tanker in heavy seas, 50 nautical miles south of Hong Kong, on 11 February 1971

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Brunei (592702 Sgt. B. N. Hennerley. R.A.F.); General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Borneo, Northern Ireland (592702 F. Sgt. B. N. Hennerley R.A.F.) unofficial retaining rod between clasps; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (J 0592702 FS. B. N. Hennerley. R.A.F.); together with recipient’s Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air emblem, mounted on card for display, generally very fine or better (3) £400-£500

Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air London Gazette 15 June 1971 (jointly listed with Flight Lieutenant D. G. Evans; Flight Lieutenant L. J. Newson-Smith):

‘In recognition of the courage they displayed when a helicopter, from Royal Air Force Kai Tak, was sent to the assistance of a seriously injured seaman in urgent need of medical attention, on board a Liberian oil tanker, some 50 nautical miles south of Hong Kong. Flight Lieutenant Evans, the pilot, made a perfect rendezvous with the vessel, although hampered by low stratus and rain, and the lack of radio contact with the ship. In spite of heavy seas, Flight Lieutenant Newson-Smith, the doctor, and Master Air Loadmaster Hennerley, the winchman, were lowered to the deck of the pitching vessel, a difficult and hazardous operation. Flight Lieutenant Newson-Smith examined the patient, who was then prepared by him and Master Air Loadmaster Hennerley for a stretcher lift. During the subsequent winching up to the aircraft, the violent movement of the ship increased and both Flight Lieutenant Newson-Smith and Master Air Loadmaster Hennerley received severe bruising from the superstructure.’

The following additional information is given the R.A.F. magazine Air Clues:

‘Flight Lieutenant Evans, the pilot of the helicopter from No. 28 (AC) Squadron, R.A.F. Kai Tak, although an experienced Whirlwind pilot in the support helicopter role, had never flown a maritime search and rescue before. At the time of the incident on the afternoon of 11 February 1971, most of the squadron’s crews and aircraft were away from base on exercise and the only pilot available was Flight Lieutenant Evans.’

B. N. Hennerley previously served as an Air Quartermaster with 48 Squadron (Hastings) at Changi. During the Brunei operations he flew on at least two reinforcing flights to Brunei (9 and 15 December 1962).