Even though the Doctor recommended another day of rest for his injury, Arthur (W/O Thomas) rejoined us for this mission, as did Sgt James Edgecombe.
The GAF was active tonight, Belligerent Bulldog picking up a Tame Boar as soon as we entered German controlled airspace. The Me 110 caught us by surprise, the first indication of Jerry's presence being a thick stream of tracers from his Schrage Musik tearing into the starboard wing. Fortunately, nothing vital was hit beyond the wing root. I threw Belligerent Bulldog into a series of evasive maneuvers and Jerry inflicted no further damage. Another Tame Boar caught us by surprise near Bremen, though this 110 had no special armament. This time, Belligerent Bulldog took damage to the port wing root.
Things quieted down after that until nearing the target area when, the boys now more on their toes, Sgt Bandman reported another Me 110 trying to sneak up on our tail. Roger filled the Hun's cockpit with .303 and the 110 fell off, crashing to the earth below. The action alerted the Germans on the ground and the searchlights started sweeping the sky over Bohlen but failed to find Belligerent Bulldog. The Ack-Ack was moderate but ineffective. Thankfully Arther had ignored the Doctor's orders, his experience proving to be the ticket that let us find the target. Estimate 40% effects on target. Pulling out, Roger reported another Me 110 approaching. After he fired and missed, I put Belligerent Bulldog through her paces. Even so, Jerry scored several hits, including to the O2 and port aileron before breaking off the engagement.
Leaving Bohlen, we also left the GAF behind, encountering no further EA en route home. Clear skies over Lincoln made for an easy landing. The repair crews say they'll have Belligerent Bulldog ready to fly again by the next mission (84 Peckham Points).
F/O James Tewsbury, Commanding
Belligerent Bulldog