AAR Mission: 120
Date: 22 December, 1944
Target: Cologne, Germany, Railway
Aircraft: Sydney's Pride (1st mission)
Pilot: Alan Baxter
Bomb run: Off; 0%
Our new bomber Sydney's Pride performed well on our unaccustomed day mission. After take-off we formed up on our lead, gingerly; we were all being very careful about keeping away from our neighbours. The flight leader was constantly exhorting us all to "close up". Altogether, we were attacked by 12 enemy fighters (2 x Fw190, 9 x Me109, 1 x Me110). Luckily we had some fighter cover which stopped six fighters getting to us; the other six attacked Sydney's Pride but only one managed to hit us - with two shells - one superficial and the other on the tail oxygen system which kept functioning. Our new mid-upper, Dick Burpin, managed to damage an Me109, but it was still the one that hit us. Although the flak was light one shell was close enough to shake us off target and sent a piece of shrapnel through the roof of the pilot compartment which scared the s… out of us. So to sum up, it was a busy trip but everyone came though ok.
Claims: 0-0-1; Bomber Damage: Tail oxygen one hit, 2 superficial. Repair over night
Status: Available for operations