Well out over the Channel a Ju-88 got under us without being spotted. I took evasive action as soon as I heard the guns, and we weren't hit until he managed to maneuver behind us. LeBlanc thought he got a good shot off but saw no effect, and then his turret was hit and made inoperable. Our #4 engine was hit as well, starting an oil fire, which Kroll put out with one extinguisher charge.
I was worried about continuing with the tail guns knocked out, but if LeBlanc kept his eyes peeled, it was almost as good as having guns. And he did spot a Me-110 behind us on our approach to Brest. I initiated evasive action before the 110 even had a chance to fire on us, and successfully stayed out of his sights until Oak drove him off.
The airfield's searchlights latched on to us, attracting a single-engined fighter, and blinding Madden. Oak hit the fighter on its only pass, but Madden toggled on the point he thought he remembered seeing the TI's. I'm not looking forward to the photo.
A thankfully uneventful trip home.
F/S Thomas King
Pilot, The Real Pipperoo
May 19, 1944
36 Peckham Damage Points.