[Atcham Tower]

They took off from Great Sampford, the Debden satellite, having consumed 6-8 bottles each of Benskins Colne Springs beer, according to the licensee of the pub. This info was not revealed until after the Court of Enquiry. The CO tried to borrow a Magister but his flight sergeant, realising that he was in no fit state to fly, told him it was u/s. The CO then took a Spitfire. This is all on the good authority of a member of the C of E. Not a happy episode.