Pilot 4th FS, 52nd FG, 12AF USAAF.

'27 January 44 was unusually cold but clear and the wind subsided and missions resumed. Eight Spitfires led by Maj. Houston, Commanding Officer of the 4th FS, flew an ill-fated recce mission to France. As the formation approached the German airfield at Grande Bastide, 1st Lt Ottaway B Cornwell's flight observed Me 109s taking off, and he and Lt. Harold Beedle dove to attack them. On their first pass they used their combined firepower to shoot down one of the Me 109s, but failed until too late to see Messerschmitts closing in on their tails. Cornwell and Beedle had left two Spitfires up high as top cover, and then dove to attack six Me 109s which were taking off. However, the attacking German fighters struck so quickly the top cover could not react. The Me 109s hit both Spitfires with fatal bursts and both of them were seen to hit the side of a nearby mountain and explode'.