Actually seeing the target was a new experience for all of us except Neal, our navigator. And there was precious little to distract us on our way. The escorting fighters kept any enemy 'planes from attacking on our way to the target. Flak was heavy, and a nearby burst put holes in our starboard tailplane and Quarterman's hand. It was as good a reason as any for him to scatter our bombs across the island. But since our briefing officer said there were no civilians living there, no harm was done.
One Me-109 did slip past the escorts right after we turned for home, but Quarterman managed to hit and drive him off, and the rest of the trip was conducted in peace.
W/O Michael Nelson
Pilot, Candy
August 6, 1944
28 Peckham Damage Points