On route for dive-bombing of fuel depot over enemy territory beyond Nijmegen. Encountered enemy A/C on route. Dropped bombs over enemy territory on instruction from S/Ldr and broke right on command. Lost sight of F/Lt Emblin but re-connected with P/O Vale and Hopkins. Witnessed P/O Vale destroy 1 bf109. Came under Flak attack and blacked out maneuvering.
Recovered and reconnected with S/Ldr Merfort and P/O Mothe. Witnessed P/O Mothe destroy one enemy A/C believed to be bf109 (enemy pilot bailed). S/Ldr Merfort and P/O Mothe flew toward unknown aircraft (possible enemy formation of 4 bombers). Broke formation to reconnect with F/Lt Emblin believed to be over Emmerich. Ordered back to base.
Return route taken over Volkel, Veghel, Tilburg. Reconnected with F/Lt Emblin over Tilburg at 4k feet and P/O Hopkins. Both F/Lt Emblin and P/O Hopkins suffered engine failure due to running out of fuel. Touched down at 22:00 at Gilze P/O 'Bird' Irwin |
