The Germans didn't seem to mind us flying to Orléans, but they weren't very appreciative when we got there, and they certainly didn't want us to get home. Nesbitt spotted a Me-110 behind us as we approached the target. I took evasive action and Quarterman claims a hit as it passed in front of us, but it didn't go down. We were coned by the searchlights, attracting a FW-190 which made a head-on pass without causing any damage. Flak missed us, and Quarterman was able to keep our run on target.
Turning for home, we were surprised by tracer passing by us from below. Again, I took evasive action, and we finally spotted a Ju-88 above us. Rafferty hit it, but the German hit us in return, damaging the port wing and both ammunition boxes for the tail guns. As I continued to throw Candy around the sky, the Ju-88 appeared dead ahead. Rafferty hit it again, with no obvious effect, although we took no further damage and soon shook it off.
The next thing we knew, shells were slamming into both wings. The #1 engine failed, and Meeks feathered it as I took evasive action for the third time last night. Quarterman finally spotted a Me-110, and got a solid hit on it, but not solid enough to keep the 110 from taking out the #2 engine (which lost hydraulic pressure so fast that Meeks had to let the prop windmill) and the tail turret.
With only two engines, we started losing altitude. Nesbitt kept his eyes peeled as we crawled through the French sky, and with no tail guns, we were damned lucky there was nothing for him to spot. Landing on two engines was no picnic, but it was managed safely.
W/O Michael Nelson
Pilot, Candy
August 15, 1944
129 Peckham Damage Points