Just crossing the coast into France, picked up by a ME-110, we both missed and Jerry went on his way. All quiet until what the Yanks call Big "B"! Jerry was everywhere and we took alot of S/F damage, but I noted that "George" was out so I had to fly this beast all the way home. Our Tail Gunner reported that his heat was out. Said he could hang on til the bomb run. Good Man! We put 30% on target and I put Doc in a sharp turn to port and headed to a lower altitude. We got smacked around again with S/F damage to both wings, tail and waist. Managed to lose them in the lousy weather. Getting nervous on the way out as we crossed the coast, picked up again! This Jerry was an expert and holed our P/W outboard tank, took out the rafts and put a few holes in the STRBD Rudder. We scared him off or he was running out of fuel and headed home. Had to shut down #1 engine as the tank ran out of gas just as we were making our approach to the field. Christ my arms are about to fall off! We landed a bit heavy and bounced as I brought the Doc to a safe landing and taxied up to the stand. I could see Chiefy staring up at me in the cockpit, shaking his head. We climbed out and stretched, glad to be home.
"Sorry about that landing Chief" I called out as the crew and I walked by to catch our lorry back to debrief. "No worries sir!" he waved. His lads would soon have the Doc back in the fight.
Cliff Trimble
Pilot
What's Up Doc