Most flights were over enemy-occupied territory, where a landing meant immediate capture.
Of the 76 who evaded immediate capture, 3 succeeded in reaching England.
But without progress to report, American officials lowered expectations of an immediate capture.
Harry and Roger were beneath it, due for immediate capture, when a new fighter entered.
Therefore there had been no risk of immediate capture by the enemy.
Commanders had scheduled the arrest for another day but the Secretary told reporters that immediate capture was necessary.
"You've been very specific about the events of your immediate capture," the Admiral was saying now.
He'd be spotted, and if he were in a vulnerable spot, say on the ocean, he'd be open to immediate capture.
The rest of the group was hidden down by the water's edge; he alone would take the risk of immediate capture.
Despite the public nature of his murder, his assailants escaped immediate capture.