BIGGLES SWEEPS THE DESERT

by Captain W. E. Johns

II. DESERT PATROL (Pages 18 - 31)

Biggles sends Algy and Carrington to fly west, Bertie to fly north and Tex to fly south. He and Ginger will fly west and then they will all meet up in 2 hours to compare land marks and see if any wreckage of the missing planes has been spotted. On their return there is nothing to report but Biggles is informed by radio that a Dragon aircraft is taking off on the route with an important French General on board called General Demaurice. Biggles and Ginger fly west to meet it but Biggles loses Ginger in the heat haze. The landmarks over which he flies are different to the ones he flew over earlier yet his compass tells him he is on the same westerly course. Biggles is able to pick up earlier landmarks and get back to base having seen no sign of the Dragon. Ginger has not returned. Biggles has his compass checked only to find it is working perfectly. (“I’ve got an idea what’s happened to him,” said Biggles grimly. “Flight-sergeant, check up my compass, will you, and report to me in the mess tent” – is the illustration on page 27). Biggles surmises that the enemy must have a magnetic beam that distorts compass needles and is dragging the missing machines off course so they can be more easily shot down. Moreover, somebody must be tipping off the enemy as to when a machine is flying the route so they know to use their beam. Biggles has lunch then goes to look for Ginger. Knowing roughly how far he was drawn of course gives him an idea of where to look and he finds Ginger's Spitfire has landed by some sun-scored rocks. Biggles lands beside Ginger's machine. It is in perfect working order and has half a tank of petrol, yet of Ginger there is no sign.