No attacks until over Netherlands. Me110 from 6 low hits us hard. Stbd Wing root hit, Stbd Landing gear shot out, Port Wing fuel tank hit but sealed itself, rubber rafts holed.
Another 110 from 6 low is driven off by SFT Exline in tail gunner position. Another 110 knocks out the rear turret, chews up the port wing.
Nearing target area, we were attacked by 2 more 110s. SGT Levick at mid upper ran one off. The other shot out our port aileron, port flaps, and rendered bomb bay doors inoperable.
We continued to target, trying to get the bomb doors opened manually, but failed. Returning to base with bomb load intact.
Attacked again over the Netherlands by 2 110s. Bomb Aimer 2LT Kendrick Durell KIA, Pilot 2LT Marlin Fengler KIA. Flap controls shot out, Tail damage, waist port ammo track shot out, stbd wing flap shot out. stbd wing root hit, bomb bay doors hit again, stbd waist ammo box shot out.
With severe damage to aircraft, bomb load still on board, and a/c being flown by Flight Engineer SGT Letchworth, decision was made to bail out over base. Remaining crew available for next mission.