We move out over Europe into the darkness. We almost immediately encounter a ME-110. At a vertical climb we could not hit him as he hit us twice! The Port wing flap is hit and rendered Inoperable! On his next pass the Bomb Aimer gets in a couple of hits and the 110 limps away. A few moments later another 110 finds us and all hell breaks loose! We are hit in the tail section and the tail guns are inoperable! The 110 comes at a vertical climb and hits us hard! The port rudder controls are hit! As well as the tail gunners heat suit.
The 110 Swings around again and lets loose with yet another barrage. This time the Nose guns are now rendered inoperable! The 110 now flies off, The Captain is now pondering a very difficult decision. He decides to abort the mission & head back to base. With both the Tail Guns and Nose guns inoperable, we would be virtually defensless! As well as the tail gunner risking frostbite with a very long journey ahead of us. The best decision is to return to base to live to fight another day. We encounter no fighters on the return trip and land with little difficulty.