On March 27th 1918, McLeod and his observor, Lt Arthur Hammond were attacked by the Triplanes of Jasta 6. In the ensuing action Hammond shot down four of the triplanes (not reflected in German losses). However their aircraft (FK8 B5773) was set aflame and Mcleod was forced to climb out of his cockpit and stand on the lower wing after the floor had burnt away. He then sideslipped to put direct the flames from Hammond and himself. Hammond, meanwhile was on top of the fuselage, straddling the Scarff mount. Eventually they crashed into a shell crater, with Hammond being knocked unconcious, McLeod (himself wounedn five places) dragged Hammond towards safety in the nearby trenches. South African troops pulled them into their line and at dusk they were able to be transported to the rear. McLeod was awarded the VC for his action in saving Hammond. Sadly Alan McLeod was to perish in the influenza pandemic that ravaged the globe in late 1918, succumbing on 6 November 1918 - age 19. Hammond lost his leg and emigrated to Mcleod's hometown of Winnipeg Manitoba.