Our run out to Berlin was until we were almost to our target. We engaged 2 110s outside of Berlin. The first one was driven off by Cpl Danny Evans in the MUT, but not before we heard a few rounds hit on both the port and starboard wings. The second 110 made a quick pass and then must have radioed our position to the ground defense. We were targeted by a spotlight and a 109 made a pass at us, but missed and went on to another target.
P/O Stallings easily located the target and delivered our cargo to the factory. He believed about one-third of the bombs landed in the target zone.
We were almost home when a 110 surprised us. He must have hit us with a dozen rounds. Cpl Evans got a scare when a round hit close to his MUT and knocked the guns out of action.
Upon touching down at base we discovered we had no brakes. Lucky for us we have a good pilot in F/O Hampton. He had the aircraft under control as we rolled the full length of the field.
Upon inspection of the Aircraft I discovered the brakelines on both the port and starboard side were severed. The Port Ammo box and track for the Tail Gun was damaged. We also need a new rubber raft. The MUT gun will need to be replaced, but the turret is still working. Other then that, the ground crew tells me that the Thunderbird is in good shape and will be ready for the next mission.
FSgt David Moore
Flight Engineer
Thunderbird 2