25 Jul 1917 @ 06h01 Attack on Loos Junction Railyard

At briefing we were adviseed that the wind was 3 kn from the SSW with scattered cumulous from 2000 to 7000 ft.

We no sooner passed over Bethune when I noticed Hoidge turn back with what I suspected was engine trouble. I could only imagine what he was saying and how he was going to take a ribbing again when we got back to base.
Our flight to the railyard south of Vitry-en-Artois was quiet but as we made our turn towards Loos Junction I spotted 4 specs high above us on our starboard side. They kept circling but did not engage us. I kept an eye on them as we approached Loos and upon arriving at the target I spotted “A” flight attacking the junction. I signaled to do likewise and we made our run. I was late releasing my bombs and they just passed over the sheds. Muspratt and Henderson hit the target. I climbed out to gain height and watch for those 4 enemy scouts but they never showed up. I later discovered that they had tangled with “A” flight with the result that Conway went west and Haysworth is missing..