That cup of coffee – it saved our lives!

Called to our orderly room, my crew and I were told we were posted to the RAF’s 14 Squadron, a light bomber unit flying Blenheims in the Western Desert.

“You have been selected,” they told us, “because squadron losses have been so heavy in recent weeks – they are down to 10 per cent of their officer strength. ” Our introduction to the squadron itself was even less encouraging. As we reported on our arrival, a loud explosion and a funeral pyre of dense black smoke signalled yet another Blenheim gone – and another crew killed! Many months later the squadron was withdrawn from operations to re-equip with Martin B-26 Marauders (as pictured above) and to train for long range maritime reconnaissance work.