Ensor, Maechel Anthony "Mick"
- Date of birth:
- January 5th, 1922 (Rangiora/Canterbury, New Zaland)
- Date of death:
- December 27th, 1994
- Service number:
- N.Z.402175/59073
- Nationality:
- New Zealander
Biography
Mike ensor flew a total of 67 missions with No. 500 Squadron and 47 Missions with No. 224 Squadron.
Promotions:
?: Pilot Officer;
?: Flying Officer;
?: Flight Lieutenant (war subs., seniority February 8th, 1943);
June 11th, 1947: Flight Lieutenant (seniority September 1st, 1945);
June 11th, 1947: Squadron Leader (war subs., seniority April 19th, 1945);
January 1st, 1949: Squadron Leader;
January 1st, 1956: Wing Commander.
Loopbaan:
28 november 1965: Retirement.
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 500 (County of Kent) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 20th, 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 3 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."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 500 (County of Kent) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 27th, 1942
Citation:
"Since being awarded the D.F.C. this captain of aircraft has completed numerous sorties, including two well-executed attacks on U-boats."
Second DFC received in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
"Since being awarded the D.F.C. this captain of aircraft has completed numerous sorties, including two well-executed attacks on U-boats."
Second DFC received in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 500 (County of Kent) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 16th, 1943
Citation:
"In November, 1942, Squadron Leader Ensor and Sergeant Roe were captain and rear gunner of an aircraft employed on an anti-submarine patrol.
During the flight, a U-boat was observed on the surface of the sea and Squadron Leader Ensor attacked it from a height of 50 feet, causing it to blow up. The force of the explosion caused severe damage to the aircraft. Sergeant Roe, after reporting the damage to his captain, left his turret and, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced jettisoning all moveable equipment in an effort to assist his captain to keep the aircraft airborne. Squadron Leader Ensor made great efforts to retain control but, although he succeeded in climbing to 1,500 feet, 1 engine failed and he was compelled to give orders for the aircraft to be abandoned. In the face of most harassing circumstances Squadron Leader Ensor, gallantly supported by Sergeant Roe, displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order."
"In November, 1942, Squadron Leader Ensor and Sergeant Roe were captain and rear gunner of an aircraft employed on an anti-submarine patrol.
During the flight, a U-boat was observed on the surface of the sea and Squadron Leader Ensor attacked it from a height of 50 feet, causing it to blow up. The force of the explosion caused severe damage to the aircraft. Sergeant Roe, after reporting the damage to his captain, left his turret and, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced jettisoning all moveable equipment in an effort to assist his captain to keep the aircraft airborne. Squadron Leader Ensor made great efforts to retain control but, although he succeeded in climbing to 1,500 feet, 1 engine failed and he was compelled to give orders for the aircraft to be abandoned. In the face of most harassing circumstances Squadron Leader Ensor, gallantly supported by Sergeant Roe, displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 6th, 1945
Citation:
"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."
Second DSO received in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSO.
"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."
Second DSO received in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSO.
- Awarded on:
- June 10th, 1954
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
War Service Medal 1939-1945
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: Zayne van Bommel
- - Orange, V., Ensor's Endeavour - A biography of Wing Commander Mick Ensor DSO & Bar, DFC and Bar, AFC - RNZAF & RAF, 1994, ISBN 0 898697 04 3
- The London Gazette of 20th february 1942, Issue 35463
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 23rd October 1942, Issue 35759, dated 27th October 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 12th February 1943, Issue 35904, dated 16th February 1943
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 2nd February 1945, Issue 36926, dated 6th February 1945
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th February 1948, Issue 38200, dated 10th February 1948
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th June 1949, Issue 38653, dated 1st July 1949
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 1st June 1954, Issue 40188, dated 10th June 1954
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 27th December 1955, Issue 40666, dated 30th December 1955
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 3rd December 1965, Issue 43833, dated 7th December 1965
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Flight Global - Archive
- The Pro Patria Project
Photo
Looking for reliable information or news facts about WW2? Do you want to create your own battlefield tour to sights of wars from the past? Or are you interested in war medals and their recipients? TracesOfWar.com tells you more!
More information
© STIWOT, 1999-2024. All rights reserved. Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright