Defected Allied Pilots?

[Graham Boak]

It was certainly an awful lot further to Malta than 55 miles, hence the additional belly fuel tank. My apologies for not looking it up but try ten times as far, as a rough estimate.

It is worth pointing out that at least two Spitfires were landed back on the aircraft carriers after launching for Malta - one indeed on the Wasp that very trip. Another was landed on Indomitable during the early stages of Pedestal. An earlier example, of course, was the recovery of 43 Sq's Hurricanes from Norway onto Glorious. A shame the Kriegsmarine intervened later.

However, this was certainly a difficult piece of flying and not to be attempted if there was some doubt about the undercarriage. By itself, this would be no reason to cast doubt upon the pilot involved.