BIGGLES SWEEPS THE DESERT

by Captain W. E. Johns

XVII. THE LAST ROUND (Pages 197 - 208)

Waking, Biggles gives orders for a final attack on Wadi Umbo with his five Spitfires before von Zoyton can get further replacements. Biggles sets off with Algy, Bertie, Henry and Ginger leaving Angus in charge of Salima and the rest following in the armoured car. Biggles and his men launch a devastating ground attack on the German base at Wadi Umbo as the Germans attempt to refuel. Now knowing where their fuel dump is, Biggles concentrates on this. The oil catches fire and eventually Biggles sees lorries heading north - the Germans have abandoned their base! However, there is one final confrontation as von Zoyton is in the air in the Messerschmitt 109F. Biggles is almost caught napping by an unexpected attack and finds himself in an every decreasing circle with the Messerschmitt. Von Zoyton is well known for a trick he has and he tries it on Biggles and cuts across the diameter of the circle to get at Biggles. Turning head on towards him they fire at each other. Von Zoyton is hit and parachutes out to safety. His Messerschmitt is destroyed. On the ground he gives Biggles the Nazi salute and Biggles lifts his hand in a parting signal. Returning to Salima there is a Group Captain there to inform Biggles that von Zoyton and his staffel are in the region. Biggles explains that it is all over. They are going to throw a celebration and the Group Captain is invited to be their guest. "The honour's mine" he said.