BIGGLES SWEEPS THE DESERT

by Captain W. E. Johns

XI. HAPPENINGS AT SALIMA (Pages 130 - 137)

The haboob hitting the Oasis had stopped Algy, Henry and Ferocity from flying out to look for Biggles and his men. As soon as they were able to take off they found themselves in conflict with the Messerschmitts which had discovered their base. Two Messerschmitts had been downed but another Spitfire had been lost although the pilot, Henry, had baled out. Now they were down to only three Spitfires. They need the four spare Spitfires from Karga. Ginger remarks they need the Rapide von Zoyton has got at Wadi Umbo and Biggles resolves to get it. Angus Mackail arrives in the Defiant having been called in by Biggles and he is told to fly the rescued French General to Wadi Halfa and then return, a round trip of some 1000 miles. Biggles discusses with his officers his plan to attack von Zoyton's Oasis and put the German radio and compass jamming equipment out of action and then rescue the prisoners and return with the Rapide.