Mission Description: Quit a long mission for the squadron’s first flight. We lost at least four bombers on this mission. At around 400 kilometers out, we encountered Tame Boars. When a Me110 tame boar came straight up on us in a vertical climb. He hit us with three 20mm cannon shells. Luckily the only damage was superficial. On the 110's return attack, Huntington severally damaged the aircraft. About 80 Kilometers later another 110 attempted the same approach, yet he missed.
Then all of a sudden we were pounded hard (10 hits). Unbelievably not a one did any substantial damage. Upon his next attack, the 110 took out our bomb release mechanism. We had to drop our load manually.
Again we were surprised by a 110 tame boar. This time the fighter took out our tails oxygen, our ailerons and a rudder hit. Upon his return attack he rendered out mid-upper turret inoperable. On his third attack, Richmond severely damaged this 110, causing him to miss. Sellick took a passing shot at this same fighter and with a great flash the tame bear was disincarnated.
We saw no fighters over the target area, and our bomb drop was way off due to our damage.
No further fighter activity was encountered on the way home.
Respectfully,
Flight Leader Peery Bristed
314th Squadron R.A.F. (RQ418)