Quite a shock, taking off in bad weather, climbing blindly through the clouds, then suddenly emerging into bright sunshine!
We encountered no enemy fighter opposition on the flight to our designated target. On approach to target, we were hit by flak, holing the port inboard fuel tank (which thankfully self-sealed) and putting a hole in the port rudder. Even with getting bounced by flak, our bomb aimer, Sgt. Nelson, put our bombs on target (he believes at least 30% hit the railway.
As we turned for home, we spotted a single Jerry bearing down on us from 12 high — and he quickly changed his mind about us as several of our fighter chaps got on him and away they went.
Back through the clouds and landed safely at base.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eric Bowen, Pilot-Officer, RAAF
Pilot — Lancaster Bomber Wombat