1 September 1940

72 Squadron scrambled from Croydon at 10.54 a.m. in search of enemy aircraft over Tunbridge Wells and they found plenty. Des, in Spitfire X4109, lined up a bomber but then he ‘glanced behind and found six Me 109s bearing down on me. Despite my frantic twisting and turning my engine was hit by a cannon shell and burst into flames. I was left with no option and quickly baled out.’ The aircraft bunted and Des cleared it easily.

‘I then began somersaulting but got straightened out and after counting to ten pulled the ripcord. The parachute opened smoothly and there was a reassuring jolt, as it took effect. I found myself swaying gently some 12,000 to 15,000 feet above the ground. The descent, which took some time was very pleasant. It did, moreover, give me a perhaps unusual opportunity to survey the battle. It was a clear cloudless day and, in fact, a beautiful Sunday morning. But on my right I could see bombs bursting in the Dover area and the answering fire of the AA defences. The AA were also very active in the London area on my left and in between a series of running fights were taking place. Quite close to me a Me 109 went down vertically in flames. I think it was the pilot of this one who baled out but had a faulty harness. In the event he parted company with his parachute with the inevitable result. Another Me 109 turned towards me but a Spitfire turned onto his tail and both quickly disappeared.’

Desmond’s Spitfire crashed at Court Lodge Farm but he landed safely in a field at Ashford ‘with nothing but a slight jar. I got out of my harness and began to roll up the parachute. A young girl came up and eyed me shyly and a few minutes later a young army lieutenant appeared on the scene, doubtfully waving his revolver in my general direction...there was no doubt that he wondering whether I was a German’.

Australians were not overly common in the RAF at that stage of the war and the lieutenant did not recognise the dark blue uniform as belonging to an ally. Desmond ignored the revolver, continued to pick up his parachute and started to chat with the soldier. All was soon sorted out and his Army escort took him back to the local army mess for a meal and a welcome shave. While there he saw ‘two more terrific battles’ and later quipped to his parents that ‘the RAF certainly earns its money these days.’