Sir,
Soon after crossing sea tail gunner sgt preistley reported fighter on tail before i could do anything he reported all clear he had destroyed it . About thirty minutes later we were attacked and lt j. smith was injured on the second pass.
Over target we were buzzed by a fighter but dont think we took much damage we could not shake off the searchlights and took very heavy flak, suddenly a 109 came out the night sky and was promptly despatched by sgt johnson his first kill of the tour.
"Bombs away skipper … bloody hell it's gone cold." " Roger that will lose altitude as soon as we clear this flak, bombardier. "
One attack on way home which gave us some trouble as we found out that sgt preistley was killed during the run over target. Also light flak but nothing serious.
On return found heavy damage to tail and guns, auto pilot out (control was hard work), superficial damage to bomb bay doors, pilot compartment, both ammo boxes in waist area, waist, rubber rafts shot out, wing root, port flap inoperable.
Will be ready for next mission as soon as repairs done.