We made contact with several German nightfighters as we flew to target. We were surprised three times, once over the water and twice over Germany. No major damage was done to our aerocraft, but Mid-upper Gunner Smits was seriously wounded (flight surgeon reports a fractured rib and contusions around his cardiac muscle). We made it to the designated primary target without being searchlighted nor hit by any flak. We were surprised by a blur of another enemy nightfighter that came at us at the 1:30 position through the glare of the searchlights and flak (an Me109?), fired at us and disappeared in the night.
Bomb Aimer Sgt. Sinclair brought us in right on target and we believe 93% of our eggs were delivered to Adolf's Industrial structures!
On the turn around, we again encountered Me110 nightfighters, but they did no serious damages to us. We believe tail gunner Sgt. VanMeester and front turret gunner Sgt. Sinclair seriously winged two of the Jerries, as they didn't come back at us again.
Landing at base was uneventful. Cpl. Smits is expected to fully recover from his wounds, but will be grounded until the Squadron flight surgeon approves his fitness for flight and combat duties. SPRINGBOK will have her holes patched rapidly and should be ready for the next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Roger VanRooker, F.O
Royal South African Flying Corp
Pilot — SPRINGBOK