Two successful sorties had been flown  on the 17th and 18th September ,the first dropping para-troops into Arnhem, and the second towing a glider to the area. By Tuesday 19th September the situation on the ground had deteriorated and 217 Squadron were briefed for aerial  supply drop to the British troops.

As Flt Lt Lord approached the dropping zone his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, and a fire broke out on the starboard wing, in the vicinity of the main fuel tank. Pilot Officer R. Medhurst the co pilot (son of Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Medhurst) operated the fire Extinguisher equipment, but was unable to extinguish the fire in the wing, Flt Lt Lord however continued to the dropping zone intent on delivering fresh ammunition for the beleaguered troops on the ground now assisted by Flight Lieutenant King. This proved such a slow process that not all the panniers could be dropped on the first run. Despite the fact that the Dakota was now on one engine with flames spreading across the wing, Flt Lt Lord decided to go around again even though his aircraft could not maintain height. Sinking lower all the time, the last of the panniers was dispatched, and Flt Lt Lord gave the order to bale out. In the next instant the aircraft exploded. Flt Lt King who was standing in the open doorway was thrown clear and parachuted safely to ground, the sole survivor of the crew of eight.

On the morning of 20th September Flt Lt King was taken prisoner, along with the remainder of the 10th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, with whom he had sought shelter the previous day. Flt Lt D Lord DFC (was Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross).