Operation Tusk
Took off 1356 hrs flight of 2 captain Ray and myself. Met up with bomber stream from Ford fell into place as roving escorts until Dieppe.

Since only 2 escorts for long range showed up (beau-fighters) I made decision was made to continue to target by cutting back on fuel and sticking close to the last flight in. Bombers hit target 175% destruction.

Flight back was critical as even if we had seen enemy fighters we would not have had the fuel to engage them. Handed bombers off to red and green flight at Dieppe and headed to Wilmington on 340 magnetic. Fuel aboard white 2 was critically low 4 gallons less than mine. Just off the coast of Wilmington radio traffic reported Wilmington under attack. with altitude of 14k + I made decision to divert to Shoreham. Understanding how critical Captain Rays fuel situation was, I had confidence he could make the glide approach from this altitude and distance. Advised him to switch off engine until at threshold to have power to land. I scouted ahead and found a lone He-111 near the airfield at medium altitude but had no fuel to engage so Landed and cleared left and watched as Captain Ray re engaged power and landed on fumes testosterone.
No aircraft engaged
All bombers returned safely under our care.