Trouble started on the run up to the target. A ME110 in a vertical climb raked the aircraft causing minor damage with the exception of holing the port outer fuel tank. The midupper gunner managed to get a long burst into the ME110 as is climbed past with the satisfying result of seeing it explode in flame as the fuel tanks were hit.
Thankfully no fire resulted but the loss of fuel could be seen. We flew over the target zone but it appears our bomb load missed the TIs.
The long flight back was a race against time as measured by our dwindling fuel. The crew tossed out all extra weight and the pilot settled into the slowest speed possible.
Despite our efforts we lost the battle and had to ditch just off the English coast. Royal Lifesaving boats were on location almost immediately and rescued all the crew. The crew will be ready for the next mission with a new Lanc.