For those who haven't read it, 'My Father's Heinkel' by Bernard Wicksteed contains a vivd account of his narrow escape from a sinking Beaufighter after it had been damaged whilst engaging a Heinkel (actually a Ju-88) off Portreath.
Quote:
"His plans were completely upset by the by the odd behaviour of the port engine which, without further warning, gave a screech, leapt forward out of the wing and fell into the sea forty feet below. The Beau at once turned over to starboard and cartwheeled into the sea. There was no question of getting out before the aircraft sank, for she sank right away."
Published in 1944, it's a wonderfully written little book and a treasured possession.