BIGGLES SWEEPS THE DESERT

by Captain W. E. Johns

XIV. THE STORM BREAKS (Pages 159 - 168)

Arriving at Wadi Umbo, Biggles and Ginger are shocked to see four tri-motored Junkers transport planes arrive with around 60 paratroopers. When Bertie and Tug attack in their Spitfires at midnight, it gives Biggles the chance to take the large oil can filled with petrol he has with him and set fire to von Zoyton's lorry equipped as a radio station. The second lorry close by catches fire as well with the help of the remaining petrol. Biggles goes to rescue the prisoners and shots one of the sentries when he shots at him. Ginger has got into the Rapide and got it ready for take-off. The prisoners are escorted to the Rapide and one of them, Freddie Gillson, is the original Rapide pilot. Biggles tells him to take over from Ginger as pilot for take off. Biggles lays down a covering file when the Germans realise what is happening but he is creased by a bullet just catching his head and pitches unconscious into the sand just as the Rapide is about to take off.