O Orange XII was attacked over the channel approaching the French coast by a ME110. The enemy AC scored 8 hits on O Orange XII causing damage throughout the aircraft. Rear gunner Wilkinson got a long burst into the ME110 which caused it to explode in mid-air and crash into the channel. The bomb run was off target.
Leaving the coast another ME110 attacked and caused major damage with 15 hits in the AC. A fuel tank fire in the wing was the killing blow. Pilot Townsend managed to hold the AC level while the crew bailed out over the channel. Air Sea rescue found life raft containing the bodies of 6 of the 7 crew members who had died of exposure after successfully bailing out. Pilot Townsend was alive when rescued and will recover after receiving treatment for exposure.