into the air. With only one gun still working, and far from his own base, Chapman decided to return. He had little fuel left, and it was getting dark, so he flew towards the coast and eventually landed in the desert, with six or seven bullet holes in his aircraft, two of them "too darned close," as he later said. Next morning, Chapman was able to refuel his aircraft and fly it back to base.

Another Australian-a sergeant pilot from Sydney who had been forced to bale out over the German lines-returned to his squadron after he had been given up as lost by his companions. He had spent two days as a fugitive among Germans, had shot a German sentry, destroyed an enemy petrol dump, and walked clean through the German lines.

This young man was piloting a Hurricane on night strafing operations when he sighted a German camp in a wadi near Menaloa Bay. He dropped a flare, dived into the wadi, and machine-gunned the camp. But he was unlucky. A stray bullet from a machine-gun post put his engine out of action, and he was forced to bale out. The Germans saw him jump, and a party set out to capture him. The pilot, however, quickly divested himself of his parachute and harness, and dashed into a water-logged gully nearby. While he was hiding, another Hurricane, probably attracted by the flare, flew over and opened up its guns in the path of the pursuing Germans, who abandoned the hunt. The Australian swam across the wadi, where the water was quite deep, and tramped on again till he came to a swamp where he hid.

When dawn came, he decided it would be suicidal to venture forth in the light, a decision which was well justified, for he spent a great part of the day watching from his seclusion the efforts of numerous German ground parties who were searching for him.

As soon as night fell, the pilot, cramped, cold and hungry, started to walk again, going as nearly as he could judge in the direction of the British lines. He had not gone far when he stumbled on to an aerodrome. There were tents and motor vehicles, and a Messerschmitt fighter on the ground. The pilot was turning away to safety when he was challenged by a German sentry. He did not know what the sentry said, but deciding to put a bold front on it, he grunted gutturally. The sentry seemed dissatisfied, and issued another peremptory command. Thinking it was probably the equivalent of "advance and be recognized", the Australian advanced, but under cover of the darkness, drew his revolver. When he was about io paces from the sentry, the German suddenly recognized that he was not a friend, and raised his rifle. The Australian fired twice, and the sentry dropped to the ground. The Australian then turned and ran, while the camp behind him awoke to a babel of sound. Men were shouting and whistles were blowing frantically, and this was all the Australian needed to keep him running until he could go no farther.

The Australian made a wide detour of the aerodrome, and during the night came to another wadi. There was a bridge across it, but caution bade him avoid it. Farther along the wadi he slipped into the water and had just begun to swim when a machine gun on the bridge sent bullets splashing around him. He dived and swam back to the shore, and trying another route, soon found himself in a gully dense with undergrowth and stiff with tents and German tanks.

"Quietly but firmly I walked away," he said later, in reporting his experiences.

Towards dawn, he lay down in a large clump of camel thorn at the foot of a hill to rest till night fell again. As daylight broke, he discovered to his dismay that he was within :zoo yards of a large German encampment. It was then too late to think of seeking another hiding place, so he lay in his uncomfortable lair. His only excitement during the day was the appearance of two tanks, which dashed from the camp firing their guns, apparently at a British light patrol. An hour before dusk he emerged from the camel thorn clump and wormed his way up the hill. just over the top was an aerodrome. On the edge of the aerodrome was a petrol dump, and he hid himself among the tins.

He slipped from view among the dump. It consisted of 40 large cases, containing tins, all full of petrol. When he left some hours later, all were empty, for he had spent the time jabbing a jack-knife into them, and watching their contents pour out and soak into the desert sand.

All through the night the sergeant walked westward, passing unchallenged through the heart of a small German camp. Near dawn, he encountered a considerable collection of tents, and was just about to give them a wide berth when he noticed some tin hats --British tin hats-and he was safe.

Sergeant Reginald Ey, the observer, of Adelaide, South Australia, and Sergeant John Hunt, air gunner, of Mount Barker, South Australia.

In their report to their headquarters, they stated that they were returning from a bombing raid on Benghazi when the starboard engine packed up when the plane was only 1,000 feet from the ground. To add to their troubles, the port engine was not giving full power. The pilot kept the aircraft going without any oil pressure at all. After about 20 minutes the port engine seized, and the airscrew stopped, and there was nothing to do but try and "put her down" with as little damage to themselves as possible. The pilot turned into wind and tried a "wheels down" landing in case they went up in flames. The country was full of rock shelves, and he had no time to choose a suitable landing place. He steered clear of the worst of the rocks, and the Blenheim came to a standstill with the tall wheel broken off and the propeller tips bent.

As they were in enemy territory it was no use their waiting with the Blenheim, so they decided to walk.

For the first two days and nights they made good progress, and covered about 40 miles.  On the third day they began to realize the seriousness of their plight.  They were drenched with rain and shivered with cold all night-not an ordinary shiver.  Their whole bodies quaked. Later they came to pray for rain, but that night they cursed it as a piece of extreme discomfort.

On the fourth day they reached a stony plain. Rocks, the horizon, and an occasional mirage were the only scenery. Next day they ran out of water. They were so thirsty that they went down on their hands and knees and sucked at the dew on desert flowers and lucerne grass, and soaked their handkerchiefs in any moist sand they could discover, and covered their blistered, aching feet in it to relieve the pain.

"We were now on our last legs," they reported, "and had given up all hope of getting back alive. We were wondering what our people were thinking, as by now we would have been reported missing."

Fortunately they came across a derelict truck, drained the radiator, and the rusty, evil smelling water seemed like nectar. It was a great temptation to drink the whole of the meagre supply at once. Instead, they only gargled with it and spat it back in the container for use again. They began to look for live snails, or anything with moisture in it. They killed a tortoise and obtained a little moisture from the carcass. They licked the dew from the tops of petrol tins scattered about the desert.

The mental strain was worst of all. They began to picture the mess back at their base, to dwell on the comforts it contained. After the fourth or fifth day-they could not remember distinctly-their vision became blurred through constantly straining through the desert dust and haze. Their feet were giving them trouble, their legs were sore and chafed, their lips cracked and dry, yet somehow they ploughed on.

On the seventh day they came across a Bren-gun carrier and with the tools attached, drained the water it contained. It was a Godsend. They also found some clean socks, and a handful of rice which they cooked and avidly ate.

On the 10th day, when motion was agony and all seemed lost, they found a well which had just been used by Germans. They rested there for a time, and after struggling eastwards that night, they were rescued by a British patrol.

In the latest German advance, four other Australian pilots who were shot down over the desert became involved in encounters with enemy mechanized units, but all managed to return to their units and continued air operations against the enemy.

One of these pilots, Squadron Leader Andrew William Barr, D.F.C., of Windsor, Melbourne, has been reported missing no fewer than three times in six months.  Each time, like the proverbial penny, he has turned up, a living justification of Micawber's philosophy. His most recent mishap occurred when he was shot down while returning to his base, near Knightsbridge, scene of terrible panzer fighting.

Barr and his squadron had been bombing and strafing the enemy when Messerschmitts attacked them in force. Barr managed to "get a crack" at one which was attacking his number two when he

was hit right along the fuselage. He dived low to gain speed, and was shooting along about 50 feet above the ground when he was flung half on his back, apparently by ground fire. His propeller hit the ground as he crashed.

A Stuka raid forced him into a slit trench, and when it was over, British army officers put him into an ambulance and he was taken back to his squadron.

Pilot Officer John Thompson Bell, of Sydney, got back to base on foot. A German armoured car patrol appeared on a ridge between him and his base, but by making a wide circle, he managed to by-pass it, and in the morning was rescued by some British tanks which took him to Bir Hacheim. He was then transferred to another column returning east; but before they had gone far, orders were changed, and Bell was taken back to the land battle which was then raging. He eventually reached his squadron safely after passing through a minefield which he reported to his C.O. as a "not very happy experience".

Sergeant Pilot David Robert Law, of Grafton, New South Wales, also returned to his base after being missing. Law walked into a minefield and shared the views on those devices of modern land fighting already expressed by Bell.

I tried desperately to get out of the maze," he said, "but always came to a dead end. About two o'clock in the morning I gave up, and just sat down. A few minutes later, two men came along the wire about 20 yards away.  We just stared at each other for more an a minute, and then my visitors crawled away. At dawn I followed a track of hob-nailed boots and reached one of our supply dumps just before noon. Sergeant Thomas, also a member of the R.A.A.F. who was shot down in the desert, was picked up by a British mechanized unit going into battle and he "saw the show through with them".

Perrin made three applications for a short service commission in the R.A.F. between 1935 and 1938 before he was accepted by the R.A.A.F. He entered Point Cook in July 1938, and upon graduation a year later, was posted to No- 3 squadron. He was aged 24 years when he gained his D.F.C. Squadron Leader Gordon Henry Steege, of North Sydney, gained the D.F.C. in recognition of his daring and fierce determination in leading his flight against enemy formations.

At the time of the award-April 1941 Steege had destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft. He had taken a notable part in the Libyan air operations, and his flight had had some outstanding successes. On several occasions he had launched attacks on hostile formations, breaking them up and inflicting serious losses.

Beginning his flying training at Point Cook at the age of 19 years, Steege graduated in 1938 as pilot officer, and had been on service in the Middle East for nine months when he was decorated.

For the success of No. 3 squadron in protecting, British and Australian land forces in the withdrawal from Benghazi, Squadron Leader Peter Jeffrey (then in command of the squadron) was awarded the D.F.C. A few weeks later he was awarded the D.S.O., the citation paying tribute to his fighting spirit, fearlessness, and skill. Jeffrey (now a wing commander) insists that his decorations were granted in recognition of the excellent work performed by his squadron, and not for his own exploits.

In a single-handed, low-flying attack an enemy forces in Libya, Jeffrey destroyed four German Junkers 52 troop-carrying planes on April 15, 1941. One of them was shot down in combat, the other three were destroyed on the ground. The responsibility of evacuating Benina aerodrome and the Australian unit fell on him, and he continued to command and lead his squadron in a most efficient way in very trying conditions of withdrawal. All the aircraft were withdrawn to safety in 48 hours. The efforts of the squadron to protect the Australian land forces were untiring.

On another occasion - a few days before the granting of the D.S.O., Jeffrey saw one of his pilots - Sergeant Cameron-on the ground with his crashed plane. Jeffrey landed beside Cameron, packed him into the cockpit with him, and flew back to base.

In October 1941, Squadron Leader Alan Charles Rawlinson, who was later to become the squadron commander of No. 3, gained the D.F.C. for determination and daring in

205 hours of operational flying, during which he had destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft. Two months later, he gained a Bar to his D.F.C., for outstanding bravery.

In an engagement with enemy aircraft in April 1941, Rawlinson shot down three fighters before exhausting his ammunition. Two months later his formation shot down six Glenn-Martins in Syria and of these, three were credited to Rawlinson. A few weeks later again, his formation damaged aircraft on the ground and blew up a large ammunition train.

Rawlinson is a noted athlete. He represented his school in swimming, athletics, and football, and was champion of East Melbourne Harriers' Club in 1935-36. When he joined the R.A.A.F. in MY 1938, he held an "A" flying licence. He entered as an air cadet, became a pilot officer in June 1939, a flying officer in the same year, and a flight lieutenant in July 1941. He was later promoted squadron leader. He is aged 25.

Flight Lieutenant Peter Bruce Turnbull, of Glen 1nnes, New South Wales, was 24 when, in 1941, he gained his D.F.C. The citation stated that he had shown magnificent skill and fighting spirit in the 116 operational flights in which he had been engaged. In April 1941 Turnbull's formation was attacked by 16 hostile aircraft, of which he shot down three Messerschmitts.

Turnbull entered the R.A.A.F. as an air cadet in January 1939. He was promoted pilot officer in October 1939, flying officer in June 194o, and flight lieutenant in January 1941.

Flying Officer Frank Fischer, of Melbourne, 'won the squadron's next D.F.C. In December 1941 he dispersed a force of Messerschmitts which were attacking one of our aerodromes, accounted for one of them, and went on fighting, until he himself was shot down. Twenty-one at the time, Fischer enlisted in the R.A.A.F. in 194o, and after flying training, was posted to his squadron in March 1941.

He was wounded, and his aircraft was badly damaged. He nevertheless tackled the enemy fighters, and shot down one of the Messerschmitts. The Bar to his D.F.C. originated in the air battles over the Libyan desert. Caldwell's flight encountered a number of Stukas over the battle area and in the fight which the Australians offered, Caldwell accounted for five of the dive bombers. At that stage he had accounted for 12 enemy aircraft and had a half share in another.

Before enlisting in the R.A.A.F., Caldwell represented his school in the Great Public Schools rowing. He also represented his school in swimming and athletics, later becoming New South Wales champion over the quarter mile and 120 yards hurdles. Caldwell, who is aged 31, gained his flying badge in November i94o, and was commissioned in February 1941.

Flight Lieutenant Thomas McBride Price, of Highgate, Adelaide, was awarded the D.F.C. for brilliant work as the pilot of an Australian Seagull amphibian aircraft of H.M.A.S. Sydney during the British bombardment of Bardia. While on gunnery spotting and reconnaissance, Price was suddenly attacked by three Italian fighters. Outpaced and outgunned, his aircraft suffered severe damage in a hectic encounter, from which Price managed to escape by a long, dizzy dive. Before he could do so, however, Italian fire had severed the aileron control wires of the amphibian and done other damage.

Price sought to make a forced landing, but the nature of the country precluded it, so he struggled on until he reached a more suitable place, and brought his aircraft down. Price also rendered valuable service during the bombardment of other enemy-occupied areas. He began his air force career at Point Cook in January 1937, and qualified as -a pilot in December the same year.

Flying Officer C. S. Davis, an Australian serving with the R.A.F., was awarded the D.F.C. in August 1941 for having carried out a successful attack on a target at Benghazi. Later at Benina, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he machine-gunned aircraft on the ground, firing from a low altitude. He had carried Out 34 operational flights and had displayed exceptional keenness, determination, and skill at all times. A native of Sydney, Davis was aged 25 when he won the award.

Flying Officer Andrew William Barr, for daring, courage, and endurance, gained the D.F.C. early in 1942. Barr was born in New Zealand and educated in Victoria. After enlisting in the R.A.A.F. he was posted to the Middle East. Before enlistment, Barr was an international Rugby footballer.

The destruction of eight enemy aircraft, six of them fighters, and a courageous attempt to rescue his squadron leader were among his outstanding achievements. In January 1942, while engaged on bomber escort duties, he tackled two Italian fighters, one of which he destroyed. A Messerschmitt 109, in the meantime, had attacked and shot down an aircraft in Barr's squadron, and Barr immediately engaged and shot it down. He was preparing to land beside his comrade to pick him up, when he was again engaged by two Messerschmitt 109s. 

Barr was in a perilous position, with his wheels almost down and his guns jammed. However, he managed to get his guns working again, and turning on the enemy, he hit one of them, which disintegrated in the air. Two more Messerschmitts joined in the fray, and Barr was eventually shot down. The Huns continued to attack him while on the ground, and their bullets set his aircraft on fire and wounded Barr.

Barr walked for three days to regain his unit, taking such careful observations on the way, of enemy strengths and dispositions, that the information he gained was regarded, when passed on to the authorities, as of the greatest value.

Acting Flight Lieutenant Clive Newton Wawn, 31, of Langkoop, near Casterton, Victoria, gained the D.F.C. in 1942 for skill and daring in air operations over the Western Desert. In many operations he had proved himself a good leader and a sterling pilot. He had destroyed at least two enemy aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant John Francis Jackson, 34, of St George, Queensland, was awarded the D.F.C. in 1942. He had been a member of the same squadron since December 1940, and had been in operations in Libya, Syria, and for a short period in Cyprus. He had always shown marked keenness and determination. In April ig4r, he had participated in an attack on a force of enemy bombers which was harassing our troops and had shot down three of the attackers. He had destroyed eight enemy aircraft in all. Jackson enlisted in the R.A.A.F. in 1936.

Acting Flight Lieutenant Reginald Max Recliner. 29, of Adelaide, South Australia, was awarded the D.F.C. in April 11942. He had made numerous sorties against the enemy, had acted as deputy flight commander in the desert campaign, and had shown great qualities as a leader. Recliner was born at Edithburg, South Australia, enlisted in the R.A.A.F. in May ig4o, and left for the Middle East in March 1941

Pilot Officer Ronald Mitchell Achilles, 21, of Toowoomba, Queensland, was awarded the D.F.C. in April 1942, for his part in the desert campaign. The citation stated that Achilles had taken part in many sorties since June ig4i, and had many times operated against the enemy at very low altitudes in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. Achilles enlisted in the R.A.A.F. in April ig4o.

Flying Officer Francis Alexander Arthur, a bomb-aimer in the Middle East, was awarded the D.F.C. for operations in that theatre. The citation stated that Arthur was a very skilful bomb-aimer, and had scored notable hits on oil storage plants and ammunition dumps. He was also an expert astro navigator, and had done important work in imparting his rare knowledge to new observers. He had shown outstanding devotion to duty.

Acting Flight Lieutenant Hugh Throssel Armstrong, aged 25 years, of Perth, Western Australia, was awarded the D.F.C. for service with a Basutoland squadron. As pilot of a fighter, he had participated in 29 operational flights over enemy territory. His bag included five enemy aircraft destroyed, and two others damaged. Armstrong's courage, initiative, judgment, and skill as a leader had contributed largely to the success of his flight.

Flight Lieutenant Daniel Edward Cremin, an Australian serving in the R.A.F., was awarded the D.F.C. for exceptional courage and keenness in the discharge of his duty as a bomber pilot. The official citation stated that Cremin had never failed to press home his attacks against the enemy. He had shown great determination, often in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. He had participated in 7o sorties, often under trying conditions, and his cheerfulness throughout had always inspired his squadron. Born in 1917, Cremin was trained at Point Cook, where he received his flying badge in December 1937, and later that month left for England to join the R.A.F. under the R.A.A.F. cadet scheme. Cremin enlisted from Redfern, Sydney.

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