Berlin, Germany — Industry
31st January / 1st February 1944
Mission 42;
Flight to the target was uneventful. As we approached the target a single Me110 peppered us through three attacks. The worst of the damage was due to knocking out the tail gunner's heat. This fighter's attacks were enough to disrupt our bomb Aimer's concentration and we barely hit the target. Approximately 10% of the bombs hit the target. Due to Sgt. Addle's heat being out and a large hole in the tail we decided to drop to 10,000 feet to help Addler out. I dropped us down much too quickly as we were nailed as we descended to a comfortable altitude. As we reached 12,000 feet a flak battery opened up placing seven hits throughout the ship. Though only one hit seemed significant, to the wing root area. This was the start of a harrowing flight home. We took at the least 36 hits with some heavy damage.
We were surprised that we were left alone for half the trip home. Around 350 miles out of Berlin flak batteries wounding the tail gunner and took out our number 3 engine again hit us. Shortly after this attack, a lone Me110 came up from the rear low and tore into the bomber placing 15 hits of damage in two attacks. This fighter did most of the damage to our ship.
Even though the starboard landing gear was inoperable we mad a good landing and the ground crews are working right now to get the Knotty Nottingham
back in the air.
Flt. Officer Chuck Berman (Pilot)
314th Squadron R.A.F. — SN528 Knotty Nottingham