Our first trip and a not uneventful night. We cleared the North Sea and the Netherlands before a 110 took us by surprise. Possibly due to first trip nerves, Sgt James in the rear turret jammed his guns spraying mg rounds in all directions. This was a costly mistake as the rear guns were unserviceable for the rest of the trip. The nightfighter got in two good bursts before being driven off. In exchange we lost the radio and had damage all along the port wing and rudder.
Over the target, another 110 surprised us, his first burst caused only superficial damage but then both the mid-upper & nose gunners found their mark and the Jerry exploded in a ball of flames.
We avoided the searchlights and the flak and released our bombs right over the markers.
Going home we reached the Dutch coast before a rude awakening from another 110. Although we spotted him on the way in, the lack of tail guns contributed to his ability to press home three good attacks. Damage all over but we lost function in the control cables and fuel began pouring out of the stb inner tank.
We shook off the enemy, but clearly were not going to make base. We finally put down on an emergency strip about 30 miles short of Lincoln. A slightly hairy landing but we all walked away and are good to go again. [130 damage points].
F/O B. Gibson
Pilot Home for Christmas