Most Memorable Operation

Most apprehensive moments - flying of the deck of HMS Ark Royal, 36 Hurricanes had to have wings assembled on flight deck. Regular lifts couldn’t take Hurricane wing span. I drew number 8 for take-off position, which meant only a little more than 1/2 flight deck to be air borne. First pilot off, fell into drink due to lack of air speed and he drowned under carrier. Second aircraft crashed into carrier flight deck on take-off, lack of air speed.

I was shot down on my 13th operation, after escorting a TAC-R Hurricane (Photo) over Tobruk. I was jumped by two ME 109 “F” on my return trip to base. I suffered two cannon hits in Port Wing on first attack, lost most flying control almost immediately plus Glycol leaks over wind shield, plus severe sharapnel hits in my leg and side. Aircraft caught fire and I bailed out.