Another long trip across France. Too long, as it turned out. We were intercepted by a Me-110 while still over the Channel and hit in both wings. The damage, however, was minor and we were able to continue.
No more nightfighters were seen as we continued across France. The target, unfortunately, was obscured by cloud, and Madden was not happy with the bomb run.
We'd made it about halfway back when shells slammed into our port wing. King took evasive action, and Packard yelled that it was a Ju-88. Knudsen was hit (although not badly) and his navigation equipment destroyed. Packard claimed to have gotten a piece of the 88, and it faded into the darkness.
Knudsen couldn't keep us in the bomber stream without his instruments, and I felt like we'd become sitting ducks. A Me-110 attacked us hitting both wings and setting the starboard one on fire. King got us away, but burning and alone, we probably could have been found by a blind man. Another Me-110 caught us over the Channel. Madden and Packard both claimed hits, and King got us away yet again. By now, though, the fire had spread, and King ordered a bailout while he still could maintain control. The evacuation went like clockwork, and I saw six other 'chutes in the glare from our burning aircraft. We were each alone when we went into the water. Justice and LeBlanc were already aboard the launch that pulled me out. King, Madden, Knudsen, and Packard were never found.
P/O Calvin Kroll
Flight Engineer, Marie
June 22, 1944