Just crossing the enemy coast, Corp Stull our new tail gunner picked up a jerry fighter trying to sneak up on us. Opening fire he caused enough damage to jerry to have him break off the attack. Half-way to target we were picked up again by jerry this causing some S/F damage to both wings and damage to the port tail gun ammo feed. As we were coming on target Corp Stull spotted another ME-110 coming in and quickly poured fire into jerry's engines and cockpit causing it to explode and go down in a ball of fire. All quiet over the target but we managed to put 30% on target. Put the ship in a hard port turn and got us out of there. Leaving the target area picked up by a ME-110, which missed us the first time, but made a head on pass, our bomb aimer got in a quick burst from his turret causing some damage but not enough to keep jerry from causing S/F damage to the wings and bomb bay. We also lost the SW Aileron. All quiet after this chap left us alone jus t as we were crossing the coast another ME-110 tried to sneak in behind us, but our Barry was quietly waiting and quickly shot him down! First op and 2 confirm kills and one damaged!
We got home in one piece and landed safely back at base. We were feeling pretty good about the show and as we were waiting on to be debriefed a young ground erk came up to me. "Excuse me sir?" Finishing my sip of coffee, "Yes Corp what is it then?" He handed me a note. I put my coffee down and quickly opened the note. Scanning it I felt a big smile on my face. "thanks very much old son!" I said the corp who smiled and quickly left. "WAHOO!" I cried out and then it hit me where I was, "sorry" I said as the normal conversations returned. I found myself surrounded by my crew. "What is it skip?" I held the letter up and replied, "She said "YES!" soon my crew was slapping my back and wishing me the best of luck. "all right for some" I faintly heard in the background. As we made our way to the debriefing table … the letter still held tightly in my hands!!
Cliff Trimble
Flt Lt
Pilot
"What's Up Doc?"