S/Ldr B. J. E. Lane joined the RAF after losing a dead-end job as a supervisor in an electric-light bulb factory. He had leadership qualities and they were recognised when he was given the temporary command of 19 Squadron when Squadron Leader Stephenson was shot down.

He was flying Spitfire P9386/QV-K when he shot down a Bf110 near North Weald on 7th September, 1940.

Pilot's Perspective:
As a Flying Officer on 24th August, 1940:
"Ran into a bunch of Huns over the Thames Estuary. Had a bang at Me 110 but had to break away as tracer was comingover my head from another behind me. He appeared to be hitting his fellow-countryman in front of me but I didn't wait to see if he shot him down. Had a crack at another and shot his engine right out of the wing. Lovely."

As a Flying Officer on 11th September, 1940:
"Party over London. Sighted big bunch of Huns south of the river and got in lovely head-on attack into leading He 111s. Broke them up and picked upa small batch of six with two Me 110s as escort. Found myself entirely alone with these lads so proceeded to have a bit of sport. Got one of Me 110s on fire whereupon the other left his charge and ran for home. Played with the He 111s for a bit and finally got one in both engines. Never had so much fun before!"