Our mission was to intercept enemy air formations attacking our ground troops. We hadn't even taken off yet before the enemy was already over their target. We climbed as fast as possible to intercept but we were at an energy disadvantage. There were many P-39s escorting PE-2s, and IL2s. We engaged the fighters, Black 10 was immediately killed. I damaged one P-39 that then dove for the deck streaming fuel. I decided it would be better to stay high and rejoin the fight as we were till vastly outnumbered. Another formation of Hurricanes joined the battle at some point. I destroyed two P-39s in the rest of the battle. After the skies were clear of enemy we attempted to overtake the returning bombers but were unsuccessful, after which we returned to base.