5074 with 1st Class Air Mechanic T. H. Donald, engaged an Aviatik two-seater and forced the German pilot to make a rough landing in a ploughed field.

After dropping an incendiary bomb on the downed German aircraft, Insall flew through heavy fire at 2000 ft over enemy trenches.

The Vickers' petrol tank was hit, but Insall brought the plane 500 yards back inside Allied lines for an emergency landing.

[4] The announcement and accompanying citation for Insall's VC was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 23 December 1915, reading: For most conspicuous bravery, skill and determination, on 7 November 1915, in France.

The German fire, however, damaged the petrol tank, and, with great coolness, Lieutenant Insall landed under cover of a wood 500 yards inside our lines.

Much damage had, however, been caused by rifle fire, but during the night it was repaired behind screened lights, and at dawn Lieutenant Insall flew his machine home with First Class Air Mechanic T. H. Donald as a passenger.

[5]Insall could not personally receive his VC in 1915, however; he and Donald had fallen wounded into captivity on 14 December 1915 after engaging Hauptmann Martin Zander and his gunner.

[3][7] After the war, Insall remained in the service, receiving a permanent commission as a Captain in the newly formed Royal Air Force.

[12] As a Squadron Leader he was responsible for reforming No 35 Sqn which stood up on 1 March 1929 and served as its first Commanding Officer for three months until June 1929.