After the bad luck on the mission to Dresden the lads were none too happy to be flying a daylight mission. Still, it was portrayed as a short hop with plenty of support from Fighter Command.
We didn't encounter any enemy resistance until we were almost on top of the target, when the sky filled with Jerry fighters. The first two waves were beaten back by fire from the formation, none of the attackers succeeding in reaching Belligerent Bulldog. The third wave, consisting of a lone Bf 109 fell to the Spits.
The ack-ack was heavy as promised, though not overly accurate. Still, Belligerent Bulldog took some damage; shrapnel cutting Arthur's (W/O) Thomas) lower left arm and throwing off his aim despite the TIs and OBOE. Assessment is that none of our bombs hit target.
Ack-ack on target egress was more accurate, with James (Sgt Edgecombe) taking a light wound to his left shoulder and the port outboard fuel tank punctured. Coming out of the ack-ack Jerry was waiting, two waves driving for Belligerent Bulldog. First was a pair of Me 110s, followed by another Me 110 and a pair of Bf 109s. Once again the lads in the Spits were Johnny-on-the-spot and none of the EA made it into attack position.
Ned (F/Sgt Jones) was watching the fuel gauges and estimated that despite the leak we'd have enough fuel left to make it back to Lincoln. Fortunately his estimation was correct and, firing off a red flare to alert the medicos, I set Belligerent Bulldog down on the tarmac.
The technical people say they'll have Belligerent Bulldog ready to fly again by tomorrow (24 Pekham Points). Arthur and James will take a bit longer, with Sgt Edgecombe needing a full day's rest and W/O Thomas needing two.
F/O James Tewsbury, Commanding
Belligerent Bulldog