The crew were in high spirits ahead of the Victory Belle's maiden mission over europe and, while I'm sure we were all nervous as to where our first target would be, we were glad that our baptism of fire would be a quick flit across the pond to Leverkusen.
The weather at take off was clear but reports coming from Leverkusen said that the weather was far from ideal over the target.
We progressed without harrassment until we reached Germany where we were picked up by a 110. Our sharp-eyed Aussie Tail Gunner 'Olly' saw him coming and we were well prepared. 'Olly' unleashed what must've been quite a torrent at the 110 as it was reportedly hit and broke off sharply.
As we approached our target the weather proved to be to our benefit as we managed to slip through the roaming searchlights and fighters, if there were any, without hinderance.
We did pick some rough patches of flak and while most of the damage was superficial, poor 'Vin' had to settle in for a cold bomb run as the nose compartment heat was knocked out. By all accounts though our man 'Vin' came good and was on target.
Leaving Leverkusen we were once again picked up by a 110. 'Olly' saw him early but his fire was ineffectual. 'Vin' and our mid gunner 'Scotty' picked him up on his second pass. While 'Vin's fire wasn't quite as accurate as his bombing, 'Scotty' bagged his first kill.
The journey home was uneventful and we dropped to 10,000ft as we were just leaving the Netherlands to keep 'Vin' warm up front. The landing was equally quiet.
Celebratory drinks were had all round, 'Scotty' even broke out some of his prized 25 year old Glenlivet. "let's hope they're all this easy …" young 'Olly' said.
F/L Martin Johnson
Pilot, Victory Belle