BAY OF BISCAY. 1943-05-29. SUNDERLAND T9114-E OF NO 461 SQUADRON RAAF, UNDER TOW BY THE FRENCH ...

BAY OF BISCAY. 1943-05-29. SUNDERLAND T9114-E OF NO 461 SQUADRON RAAF, UNDER TOW BY THE FRENCH DESTROYER 'LA COMBATTANTE'. THE AIRCRAFT HAD LANDED TO PICK UP SIXTEEN SURVIVORS FROM TWO OTHER AIRCRAFT BUT WAS UNABLE TO TAKE OFF IMMEDIATELY. THE SURVIVORS WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE SHIP WHEN IT ARRIVED AND THE AIRCRAFT TAKEN IN TOW UNTIL SEAS ABATED. THE HULL OF THE SUNDERLAND WAS HOLED ON THE SUBSEQUENT TAKE OFF AND THE CAPTAIN, 400841 PILOT OFFICER G.V. SINGLETON, DECIDED TO LAND ON ANGLE AIRFIELD RATHER THAN ALIGHT ON WATER AT HIS HOME BASE. THE LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH LITTLE FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT.