Mission 40
Outbound
Attacked as we entered Germany by a Me-110 who knocked out No. 3 engine. Feathered it and carried on tho’ the bomb load slowed us down considerably. (Not my first lost engine - it happened on our first mission as well.) Outboard fuel tank was hit on his second pass but fortunately it self-sealed, also destroyed our starboard rudder control cables. On his third attack our new tail gunner Sgt. Cedric Shaw damaged him enough that he was driven off. (FBOA)
Very soon again attacked by another night fighter - hit us many times but with no effect. On his third pass the mid-upper gunner, Worthington, damaged him so that he had to pull out. (FBOA) Because of our slow air speed another twin-engine night fighter was into us immediately and knocked out our port ammo supply. Worthington seriously damaged it with some well-placed shots into his wings. (FBOA)
Over target
Not caught in a searchlight but a Me-109 was spotted as he came in for his attack - demolished our starboard aileron. Sgt. Billy Milan, bomb aimer, caught him as he pulled out and with some great shooting turned him into a fireball. (Me-109 destroyed) We were beginning to feel like sitting ducks when a second aircraft hit us seriously in the starboard wing root and also the waist where the raft was destroyed. Numerous hits but to no further effect. Once the bombs were dropped (60% on target) we increased speed but not before we were attacked by a Me-110. Sgt. Worthington hit him on the second pass and destroyed him. (Me-110 destroyed).
Return
Starting over the coast a night fighter attacked. Destroyed the port aileron and the port elevator, hit the port outboard tank which began to leak; P/O Whitbread was sure we had enough fuel to make it to base. On his last pass the 110 hit the nose compartment and Milan’s face was superficially cut.
Ailerons were inoperable but I set us down without any more damage or injuries.
Star Gazer
F/O Ryan McCloud (Pilot)