Rescue Comedy – Did this Really Happen?

I just found this old report and wonder if it really happened, and if so does anyone have details please?

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EG19401008.2.28&srpos=2&e=01-01-1937–12-1945–10-EG-1-byDA—0%22general+reconnaissance%22–

RESCUE COMEDY

SAILORS AND AIRMEN

While a Royal Air Force general reconnaissance ‘plane was observing German troop movements over France recently its petrol tanks were holed by anti-aircraft fire. The pilot turned toward the sea and tried to reach England, but as his fuel ran out he was compelled to bring the monoplane down on the sea. He landed alongside a small naval vessel to facilitate rescue .and the crew clambered out on to the wings, states the News of the World.

Sailors from the naval craft at once swarmed, over the side of their vessel and took up positions on the monoplane’s wing. Alarmed for the safety of his crew, the pilot pointed out to the sailors that he had landed to be rescued by the ship.

“That’s funny,” said one sailor. “We jumped on .to your ‘plane to be rescued ourselves. You see we’ve just been torpedoed.” Both crews remained clinging to the ‘plane wreckage until a destroyer liove in sight to rescue them.