Picked up by Jerry just as we crossed the coast. We didnt see him and he damaged our control cables and the S/W Ailerion was out. On the second pass our Nose gunner got a good burst into him which caused him to miss and break away from us. Over the target we got picked up by another ME-110 which shot out our #2 engine, S/F damage to the waist and bomb bay and smacked a round off the canopy glass! Our Mid-Upper opened up on his second pass and knocked some bits off and he went away. Over the target we were picked up by a ME-110 that missed us completely! Must have been a rookie crew. Tried to hold the old girl steady but we were still off target and got only 5% on target. Made the hard port turn for home and was picked up again by another ME-110 which caused S/F damage to the Pilot compartment but I noticed a lack of rudder as both port and starboard rudder had taken damage. Our tail gunner let me know that the rudders were not looking to good. Luck was with the Reaper as we had a quiet flight all the way back. Landing was abit hairy as the weather was bad and we had control and rudder damage. Just managed to get the reaper on the ground in one piece and taxied up to our hardstand. Arms were so stiff and sore had to have James help me shut the engines down. As we left the aircraft, James and I met with the tail gunner as we looked at the rudders. Christ! I pushed my cap back and watched as James put his hand through one of the holes. Nasty bit of work there skipper he said. Yeah I said as I got a pack of players and passed them around as I took a drag. Still looking at the rudders as the other chaps called out the the lorry was here. Right! Comming! We slowly walked back and got in. "Rough Ride Sir?" asked the young driver. I didn't even look at him and said, "yeah" as the lorry made its way to debriefing.
Cliff Trimble
Pilot
The Grim Reaper