On the 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant James Nicolson was acting 'A' Flight Commander. His aircraft, Hurricanes of 249 Squadron, were flying at around 15000 feet heading for Southampton when they spotted three Junkers Ju88s about four miles away. He reported the enemy's bearing and was told to pursue.

"We chased hard after them but when we were about a mile behind, we saw the 88s fly straight into a squadron of Spitfires."

Nicolson had flown Spitfires and realised that the Germans were probably done for and, ... so it was. As he had not yet had a chance to fire his guns in anger, he was a little disappointed to see them all quickly despatched and so he swung round again and climbed to 18000 feet above Southampton to rejoin the main part of his squadron.

Suddenly, there were four loud bangs in rapid succession and his aircraft shuddered.

"They were the loudest noises I'd ever heard and were made by cannon shells from a Messerschmitt 110 hitting my machine."

The first shell tore through the cockpit hood sending splinters into the pilot's left eye almost severing the eye lid. The second shell struck his spare petrol tank, setting it on fire, the third and forth tore off his right trouser leg and punched into the back of his left shoe, making a mess of his foot.