Mission 86: Königsberg
6 July, 1944
To Target: We were a good way to the target when a Me-110 crept in and put a number of rounds into us and nicked mid- upper's head. The 110 was soon followed by a Ju 88 that really put a couple hits on us: the first pass he destroyed the landing gear and the second started a fire in the starboard fuel tank that we were able to extinguish, but we lost No. 4 engine. I was debating with myself the feasibility of continuing on when another 110 hit us. He did little damage but ended my debate for he knocked out No. 1 engine and I aborted for home.
Target: No bombing run (0%).
Return: Twice we were attacked by Me-110's on the return but they did little damage beyond reminding us we were riding a very broken crate.
Landing: I gave the crew the opportunity of bailing out before I attempted the landing but no one chose to do so. As it turned out we skidded sideways down most of the runway but didn't over-turn or catch fire. I hope I never have to go through another landing like that!
Victories: Destroyed: None
(Signed) F/O Chris Donovan, Pilot
Black Magic
Pilot: F/O Chris Donovan
Bomb aimer: Sgt. Cyril Barrette
Flight engineer: P/O Adrian Thoreau
Navigator: P/O Ben Morrison
W/O operator: Sgt. Thomas Herald
Mid-upper gunner: Sgt. Brian Delaney
Tail gunner: Sgt. Alex Mayerling