Our 2nd mission in S for Sugar ended with frustration, loss of another tail gunner and a bus full of holes!
The flight was routine until we were surprised passing over Belgium by a patrolling Me-110 who hit us in the tail and bomb bay. Evasive action shook off the Goggled Goblin, but not for long as he found us again shortly after even though we were hidden in heavy cloud. Both the tail and upper guns claimed hits on the fighter that was again lost during some sharp manoeuvres.
The bombing run was a complete wash out, as we were hit by everything that Jerry had! Another Tame Boar jumped us on the way in, hitting us in the belly, rudder and both wings. The Me-110 then dropped away and before we could line ourselves up on the target indicators, barley visible through the cloud, we were in the thick of the flak, the bus taking a few hits, luckily none of which were serious. Consequently we achieved 0% eggs on target. We were still over Stuggart when a Me-109, not wanting to miss out on the fun, hit us on the way out. Further damage sustained to the wing and tail. We were bounced once more on the return, again over Belgium, the old girl somehow getting us back safely after taking further hits. We all sighed with relief when we spotted the Drem lights marking the runway threshold.
After landing we found Sid Tupper in the tail had serious frostbite due to suit heater damage sustained during the first attack of the night. He will not be flying again. With the bus full of holes the boys on the Chain gang will be kept busy ensuring we are tiggerty-boo for the next mission. All in all … a dicey do!
Summary:
Damage: Superficial damage to Tail, Bomb Bay, Port & Starboard Wings, Engine 1 and Nose.
Claims: x1 (One) Me-110 Damaged
Crew Status: Tail Gunner s/wounded not available for future ops
Replacement: Brian Harris
Respectfully,
Pilot Officer Bert Wright
314 SquadronS for Sugar