Slightly longer trip out this time.
Were picked up by a couple of Me-110s on the way in that knocked out our tail, and mid upper turret guns, and engine #2. Sgt Stewart and Sgt Widowson both did well, recording hits on both aircraft.
The flak over the target was light, as reported, however we took a hit to the tail section that started an oxygen fire. Sgt Stewart was quick with the extinguisher and kept the fire under control. Unfortunately for him, indeed all of us, the fire caused significant damage to his oxygen supply.
We dropped the aircraft down to 10,000ft and commenced our bomb run. We successfully evaded the German spotlights and Sgt Widowson was confident he saw some bombs hit German aircraft.
As we turned to go home we were jumped by another Me-110. Thankfully Sgt Stewart spotted him early, but with his guns out couldn't harrass the jerry off our tail.
We took evasive action as best we could but we took a hit knocking out the navigation equipment. After the sparks had settled I noticed that Navigator P/O Louis Potts had also taken a hit and was bleeding profusely. Sgt Baker did what he could for Louis however the wound was too serious and he died before we had even left the French mainland.
Thereafter the flight home was uneventful and with our navigation system out, and the fate of Sgt Potts on everyone's mind the journey home seemed to take forever.
A text book landing in perfect weather conditions.
F/O Martin Geraldson
Pilot — H-Hunter