Finally, the observer must possess and use sufficient intelligence and aptitude to write a report satisfactory to the exacting minds of the Admiralty every time he returns from his patrols. The work, in brief, is not for every man. Many high qualities are required, and above all the naval observer must have the spirit of daring enterprise. He must be a man of heroic mettle. CHAPTER XXIV HEROES OF THE ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE Here we shall see afresh that the British Naval Air Service is rich in men who possess to a remarkable degree the qualities named in the foregoing chapters. Flight Sub-Lieutenant Dallas, for example (who in addition to performing consistently good work in reconnaissances and fighting patrols since December, 1915), has been brought to notice by the Vice-Admiral Dover Patrol for the specially gallant manner in which he has carried out his duties. Amongst other exploits is the following: On May 21, 1916, he sighted at least twelve hostile machines, which had been bombing Dunkerque. He attacked one at 7,000 feet, and then attacked a second machine close to him. After reloading he climbed to 10,000 feet, and attacked a large hostile two-seater machine off Westende. The machine took fire and nose-dived seawards. Another enemy machine then appeared, which he engaged and chased to the shore, but had to abandon owing to having used all his ammunition. For these heroic exploits he has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The same honour has been conferred upon Sub-Lieutenant Oxley, who acted as observer with Flight-Lieutenant Edward H. Dunning, D.S.C., as pilot, on escort and reconnaissance patrol for a flight of bombing machines on the Bulgarian coast, on June 20, 1916. Two enemy machines were engaged at close range and forced to retire, and as our machine withdrew Flight-Lieutenant Dunning was hit in the left leg, and the machine itself was badly damaged. Sub-Lieutenant Oxley, having first improvised a tourniquet, which he gave to Flight-Lieutenant Dunning, took control of the machine, whilst the latter put on the tourniquet. The pilot was obliged to keep his thumb over a hole in the lower part of the petrol tank in order to keep enough fuel to return to the aerodrome, where he made an exceedingly good landing.