Having arrived on base only yesterday, we were a little surprised to be on the battle order for tonight, and all the way to Berlin too. Maybe something to do with the loss rate …
We were intercepted early on the outward route over Holland, and the rear gunner sent the fighter down on fire, but only after the mid upper gunner had been badly hit. The wireless operator took over his position. In the area of Bremen another fighter put a burst into us, this time seriously wounding the R/G. After we lost the fighter, the W/Op moved into the rear turret. Over the target, another fighter had a go but missed, and we put our bombs down somewhere over the defended area.
During the homeward flight we were intercepted twice more but to little effect. I would commend the efforts of the W/Op who claims two e/a damaged.
Signed F/Sgt. I. Bertram, pilot, 314 Sqn.