Mission Report:
3rd mission in for L for Lanky and a bad change of fortune for the crew with three crewman seriously injured.
Prior to crossing the German coastline we were surprised by the flash of gunfire from a Me-110, which overflew with out causing any serious damage. D.Vale claimed his third destroyed aircraft in as many missions as the 110 repositioned for another attack. From this point on the mission went quickly downhill.
Numerous attacks from both flak and Ju-88's resulted in a number of system failures but more importantly serious injuries to S.Fletcher (WT Op), S.Myers (Bomb aimer) and K.Godfrey (Navigator). The mission was aborted prior to the bomb point and we limped our way home.
Upon landing our injured were carted off in the "meat wagon" for urgent treatment. The good news is that all three crewmen affected will make long term recoveries. Meanwhile replacement will be organised to bring us back to full strength.
Summary:
Claims: 1 (One) Me-110 (D.Vale)
Crew Status
WT Op - S.Fletcher not available for future ops
Replacement: Ian Harvey
Bomb aimer - S.Myers not available for future ops
Replacement: Noel Baker
Navigator - K.Godfrey not available for future ops
Replacement: Eddie Howe
Damage: Oxygen and Heating system. Wing and Tail gun damage. (86 points).
Respectfully,
Pilot Officer Lewis Mills
314 Squadron
L for Lanky