No encounters with enemy fighters until we were hit by searchlight on approach to target. Bf109 hit us, rendering tailguns inoperable. Sgt. Smith, our midupper turret gunner, put a burst into him to discourage another pass at us. We were not hit by flak. Came in on target and Sgt. Wallace believes we hit designated target with estimated 40% of our bombs.
Enemy nightfighers came after us most of the way back to allied territory. We were attacked by three Bf110 Nachtjaegar — one was hit by Sgt. Wallace with nose guns and he burst into flames. Another one hit us several times, blowing cowling off engine 1 and damaging oxygen supply.
We landed safely and Lady Black's Tea Party should be repaired prior to next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stuart MacLean, PO, RAF bomber command
Pilot — Lady Black's Tea Party