RAF pilots had to drop everything as soon as they heard the call ‘Scramble!’
GETTY
On 12 May 1940, five RAF Fairey Battle bombers of No 12 Squadron approached the Albert Canal in Belgium. Two days earlier, the Germans had invaded the Low Countries; the aircraft were on a mission to hinder the Nazi advance by destroying two bridges at Veldwezelt and Vroenhoven.
Leading the raid was Flying Officer Donald Garland, 21, and 25-year-old navigator Thomas Gray. As they came within range of the German ground defences they were greeted by an almighty flak barrage. Two of the five Faireys made for the bridge at Vroenhoven, while Garland led the remainder towards Veldwezelt.