BIGGLES IN BORNEO

By Captain W. E. Johns

XVII. THE END OF YASHNOWADA (Pages 177 - 185)

Ginger explains that the Australian pilots on the aircraft carrier knew all about the squadron in the heart of enemy territory, probably due to the Liberator's constant visits to Darwin, and couldn't do enough for him. Ginger had been in contact with Higher Authority and reported the latest developments. Replacements for their machines were on there way. Ginger has the cheek to ask Captain Garnet to lend him a squadron of Fulmars for an hour or two and he expected the bombers to be over at dawn and that is what happened. Ginger led them as he knew where Lucky Strike was. Ginger is now able to get six hours sleep before being woken by the roar of aircraft as a Liberator and six Beaufighters come in to land. The Liberator is full of senior officers, including Air Commodore Raymond of the Air Ministry, with the news that three squadrons of Liberators have gone to bomb the Japanese troop build up at Brunei. Biggles is told that the Lucky Strike aerodrome is to be taken over by the Australians, with Australian troops coming to defend it from ground attack and two squadrons of fighters and one of bombers moving in. Engineers will surface the aerodrome. Biggles squadron will be rested in Darwin. Before that however, they need to use the new Beaufighters to support Rex and the natives in the attack on the Japanese. A message if received that the Japanese are 30 miles away and the six Beaufighters attack causing a devastating effect. The Japanese troop who bolt into the forest have to face Suba and his warriors. This was the last offensive flight for Biggles squadron in Borneo as the next morning they hand over to the Royal Australian Air Force. In the afternoon Rex, Suba and the native warriors return. They bring with them Yashnowada's head on a spear.