Part III, Chapters 12-14 Summary and Analysis

Part III opens with Chapter 12, which is called "Downed." Louis emerged amid the wreckage of the bomber and heard Phil's voice. With Phil was Francis MacNamara, the tail gunner, who was called Mac. Louis saw the plane's life rafts nearby, but floating away with the current. He swam toward them and was able to catch them by a trailing rope. He got on the rafts and rowed them toward Phil and Mac. Phil had received two bad gashes on his forehead and was very faint. He put Louis in command and slipped into unconsciousness.

In the rafts were some basic survival provisions. There were some bitter chocolate bars and a few tins of drinking water. The larger provisions box had apparently been lost with the wreckage of the plane. Also in the rafts were patching...