NEW DELHI: After a difficult trek through lonely byways, the crew of three of a Blenheim finally got back to their base to report that they had successfully carried out their task of bombing a Japanese target. Then the remarkable story of their triple escape came to light.

They had decided to `bale-out` when their aircraf t, badly damaged by enemy gunfire, with its fuselage ablaze, and flames pouring from its petrol tanks, could clearly not be saved. They landed in jungle country on the Eastern front.

Only a short time before they had been flying in formation with other Blenheims on the way back from their mission.

Enemy fighters were about, and suddenly one of them attacked the Blenheim. The aircraft was hit straight across the mainplanes and centre section. Fires immediately started in the bomb well and wing roots.

The Australian flight lieutenant who was piloting the aircraft calmly maintained formation, unaware that both starboard and port inner tanks were on fire, while his navigator (a flight sergeant) and the sergeant air gunner attacked the flames without success. Suddenly the filter cap on one petrol tank blew open-and the pilot realised their jeopardy. Dawn Delhi