It is with deep regret that I must inform the command of the loss of Lancaster Coventry's Revenge and all six members of my crew.
We were hit repeatedly by a Me110 whilst still outbound over the channel. I'm fairly certain the first burst killed our tail gunner outright but the real damage occurred later. Shells went through the starboard wing and started a fire in the inner fuel tank. Nothing had prepared us for the speed at which the flames spread and bailing out was the only option.
I only counted four other canopies in the air but once I hit the water I was all alone. Rescue came within the hour although it felt like a lifetime. No other crew members were found.
F/O Anthony Lockwood
[pilot: Coventry's Revenge]