P/O Albert Sitwell
43 Sqn
31 July 1940

After many days of empty skies, we were called in to handle an incoming raid, expected Bombers 5+ with a small escort. We made contact over the channel and moved to engage. My longtime wingman Luke Corwin broke off for home almost immediately, whether from engine failure or damage I do not know.

He looked to have a clear shot home so I closed quickly on my target, a JU 88, and quickly dispatched him. Two Jerries jumped for a swim before the plane smashed into the water. Seeing the other bombers under threat from the other Hurricanes, I moved to try to catch up to Luke and ensure he made it back safe.

To my horror, when I closed the distance I found him being engaged by four BF110s. I immediately pulled the plug, slammed the throttle forward and dove down amongst the Jerries, hoping to distract them long enough for Luke to escape. The pack scattered as I flashed passed, two disengaging and heading for home. Unfortunately, one managed to stay on Lukes tail and I watched helplessly as his Hurricane caught fire and pitched downward toward the Channel. I couldn't see if there was a chute, but I hastily engaged the 110.who dispatched Luke. After a protracted fight, I seperated him from his port wing and watched with satisfaction as the burning hulk disappeared below the waves with its full crew abord.

Jacob Fry also did not return from the mission. No-one saw him go down, so we hold out hope for his return.