THE CAMELS ARE COMING

by W. E. Johns

XI. THE BOOB (Pages 155 – 167)

Biggles tells Mahoney that he has received a letter from “an elderly female relative of mine”. Her son, Biggles’ cousin, is in the Royal Flying Corps and she has pulled strings to get him sent to 266 Squadron. “It’s years since I saw him; and if he’s anything like the little horror he was then, God help us – and him. His christian names are Algernon Montgomery…” Shortly after, Algy arrives, “his face, which wore a permanent expression of amused surprise, was a mass of freckles”. (This is the very first introduction of Algy Lacey, who goes on to become one of Biggles regular companions for the rest of the series of novels). “You’re Biggles – aren’t you? I know you from the photo at home”. “My name’s Captain Bigglesworth,” said the Flight-Commander coldly. Algy has had fourteen hours experience on Avro’s and ten on Camels. Biggles tells him the main things he needs to know if he is to survive. “I don’t want to discourage you, but most people that come out here live on an average twenty-four hours”. Biggles takes Algy up to show him the landmarks and on seeing enemy planes, Biggles signals to Algy and hides in cloud cover. Algy foolishly chases after the five enemy planes and is soon too far away for Biggles to help him. Biggles returns to write a letter of condolence to his mother, expecting him to be killed for certain, but Algy returns to the aerodrome claiming to have shot one of the enemy planes down. Biggles doesn’t believe him and says “If you ever leave me again I’ll put you under close arrest as soon as your feet are on the ground”. The next morning, Biggles takes Algy and the other member of his flight, Healy, on the dawn patrol. He sees a charred wreck at the corner of Mossyface Wood, “the kid was right. Well I’m damned!” (As usual with all swearing, this becomes “Well, I’m dashed!” when reprinted in “Biggles Pioneer Air Fighter”) . The three British pilots are attacked by six Fokkers and Healy is killed in a head on collision with a Fokker. Biggles gives the arm signal for Algy to return to base, noticing that he hasn’t fired his guns. Algy leaves and then returns, flying into the enemy planes and forcing them to take evasive action before they can shoot down Biggles. Back at the aerodrome, Algy explains that he hadn’t fired as his gun had jammed. “Do you mean to say you came back into that hell of a dog-fight with a jammed gun?” asks Biggles. “Yes. You said stick with you”. Biggles held out his hand. “You’ll do kid,” he said; “and you can call me Biggles”.