We were attached approaching the target zone by an ME110 from below. The bomb bay and port wing took hits and engine 4 on the starboard wing was shot out. Tail Gunner McDowell was seriously wounded in the attack.
A Tame Boar attack by an ME110 over the target resulted in more damage and wounds to the crew. Hits were taken in the starboard wing, wing root and the starboard flaps were shot out. Pilot Byers was severely wounded by an exploding cannon shell. Flight Engineer Taylor pulled Byers from his seat and took over the controls. Rear Gunner McDowell was killed in this attack. Despite the confusion we managed to put 40% of the load on target.
The trip home was quiet. Pilot McDowell was taken to the hospital where surgery saved him. However, his woulds were sufficient to have him discharged from active service.