Flight across the channel was quiet but were picked up by an Me-110 as we crossed the French coast. It shot up #1 engine and forced us to drop to 10,000ft somewhat prematurely.
As we approached the target we were lit up by searchlights and the flak barrage increased in intensity. Thankfully we weren't hit by a single flak burst however we were all visibly shaken by its ferocity.
Our bomb aimer was able to remain focused and given the conditions was very confident we had hit the target.
As we began to turn back we were jumped by an Me-109 that peppered us on two passes before being seen off. It must have been our lucky day, for all the hits it must have recorded only one did any lasting damage, and then it was to the port rudder that comfortably took the abuse.
As we were leaving the French mainland we weren't troubled neither by enemy aircraft or low level flak.
Text book landing. Glad to make it home.
F/O Martin Geraldson, Pilot — H-Hunter.