Strawberry Girl II's maiden mission saw Sgt Albert Boatman in the nose position blowing a Me110 out of the sky with his first ever burst. Celebrations were however short lived as a second 110 evaded all of our attempts to drive him off and gave notice of what a well-flown nightfighter can do. Hits were obtained all over Strawberry Girl II but none of the damage was ultimately serious.
Over Hamburg we were held by a searchlight whilst a Me109 swept by causing minimal damage. Sgt Boatman must have been still high on adrenaline as the bombs were released well short of the markers.
No enemy activity was apparent on the return leg.
F/O Bruce Owen [pilot: Strawberry Girl II]