This looked like it was going to live up to its billing as the best trip ever, right up until we were over the city. Three flak bursts caught us, one on each side, and one behind. We took damage to both wings and the starboard rudder. It didn't matter how well the TI's were placed, Keck had no chance of keeping them in his sights after that buffeting.
Iversen didn't answer the intercom after the run, so I sent Hyde back from his radio set to check on him. He reported that Iversen was unconscious with a bad gash on his head, so he applied a dressing, made sure his oxygen mask was on tight, and returned to his post.
In retrospect, I should had posted someone as lookout in the rear turret, even if they couldn't work the guns. Out over the North Sea, I only knew a nightfighter had caught us when I felt a blazing pain across my back. I took immediate evasive action, but we were hit several more times, with Keck taking a fragment in his calf before we were finally free.
Hyde had radioed ahead for medics to meet us for Iversen upon landing. They entered Tykhe but came right back out without Iversen, asking Hyde if he thought he was being funny by reporting a head wound
. Apparently, when they opened the turret door, Iversen's head rolled out. That nightfighter must have finished him off.
Hyde was sick.
F/L Mark Ivey
Pilot, Tykhe
March 18, 1944
41 Peckham Damage Points