Mission: Leipzig (Oil facilities)
Date: 16/17 Jan. '45
Mission 125 / WOMBAT: 3
Long, tough flight. Encountered enemy nightfighters most of way to target. Our mid upper guns were put out of commission and there was a hit to our oxygen supply. We did hit targt with estimated 40% of our bombs.
As we exited target, were hit hard by Night 110 — hit Cpl Moody, rendering him out of action with a nasty chest wound, knocked out Engine #4, mashed up bomb release mechanism, rendered starboard wing flap inoperable and damaged starboard wing root. Fortunately, that Jerry disappeared after his passes at us and from there on, it was an uninterrupted flight back to base.
I am informed that Cpl. Moody's wounds render him unfit to continue combat flight duties. Sgt. of Maintainance informs me that WOMBAT should be ready for the next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erik Bowen, P.O. RAAF
Pilot — Lancaster Bomber Wombat