Take-off and forming up went well enough if feeling a bit surreal with the sun shining and the sky a clear blue. Things were pretty quiet till we found ourselves over Holland when Country Lass was assaulted by a trio of Me 110s. The escorting Spits took care of two of the Jerries, the ones that seemed to be aces, and F/Sgt Smythe shot down the third.
Approaching the target we ran afoul of another pair of Me 110s, coming at us nose and tail. Again the spits were on station and dealt with the Jerries. Then it was into the Ack-Ack with Country Lass taking some damage. Most appeared to be superficial, though Sgt Collins reported that it looked like the rubber raft had been done for. Despite the buffeting George managed to deliver 30% of ordnance on target, creating satisfying clouds of oily smoke. Jerry got his revenge on target egress, with Ack-Ack damaging Country Lass' starboard wing root and elevator, Port rudder and brakes, and wounding both W/O Russell and Sgt Jones, the latter seriously in the chest. By now the air was thick with Spits and they handily dealt with the two Me 110s that came at our bow.
Over the Netherlands again, we encountered a pair of Bf 109s that fell to the Spits, then it was smooth sailing home to Lincoln and a safe landing. The MO says that Paul will live, though he won't fly again. After removing some shrapnel from Francis' arm W/O Russell has been returned to duty. Country Lass was a bit beat up and will need a day or two to be put back into shape (105 Peckham Points).
Respectfully submitted,
F/O Reginald Pope, Commanding
Country Lass