How did Cam and Pierce get on the boat? Enquiring minds want to know (some of those enquiring minds are probably with the authorities).

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It was a ridiculous plan, the entire squadron agreed. It was also better than sitting around doing nothing.

The sleet was coming down solidly, but Wing had sent word that 54 squadron must attack the enemy aerodrome at Brayelles. Apparently Wing considered that the Germans would never expect anyone to be mad enough to fly through such bad weather.

They took rockets, because that was the heaviest ordinance available to the Pup pilot. Cadogan West had great trouble finding the flight after take-off and as they made their way slowly towards the lines, the wind buffeted the formation, threatening to break it entirely.

Visibility was a bit better across the lines, as the sleet thinned into finer rain. West let his rockets go and saw them hit the hangar nearest to the farmhouse. Clouds of acrid smoke enveloped the buildings and West hoped that he had done some damage.

As he swept back into the sky, a Pup failed to climb out, but instead crashed headlong into the ground. There was no hope for that man. West checked back for damage as the smoke cleared. Nothing!

The Pups circled as the pilots prepared to make a strafing pass. West wasn't keen on this at all. Fortunately, he was attacked by two Halberstadts. The German scouts couldn't get a bead on him, but West fired several bursts at them, driving them away. He didn't follow as they went to land at the neighbouring field of Pronville, but he made a note that that was where they landed.

At length, the Pups turned for home. One man was missing, as West knew. The one who didn't return was 2nd Lieutenant King, who had only just joined the squadron. 3 hours flying, and then he was killed trying to attack a building with fireworks! West shook his head and went to get a hot bath.