We took off into the moonless night and assumed our position in the bomber stream. There wasn't much to see, and what there was, was hidden in the darkness.
Jerry was waiting for us, a Bf 110 Tame Boar catching us by surprise over the North Sea. The first indication of Jerry's presence was Roger's, Sgt Bandman's, string of curses as the Tame Boar's Schrage Musik lit up the night. Fortunately providing a spectacular light show was all Jerry managed to do. I immediately began jinking and as Jerry came around for another go at Witch O' the Moonlight Sgt Edgecombe in the MUT caught him square in his sights. The night grew even brighter as the flaming EA fell to the cold waters of the North Sea below.
After the initial excitement everything settled down until we reached Lutzkendorf. The Nazis must have been in a state of total disarray as no EA came to meet us, nor were the searchlights able to find Witch. Despite the light Ack-Ack, Witch was hit. While the damage was superficial, Arthur, W/O Thomas, got a bit of a fright. A first he thought he'd been seriously injured, but it turned out to be a minor wound (used 2 personal rabbit's feet). Still, it apparently unnerved him enough that we missed the target. Pulling away, another Tame Boar caught us by surprise. This time it was a Ju 88, also equipped with Schrage Musik. Jerry peppered the port wing, taking out the aileron and damaging the flap. I again put Witch through her paces, avoiding further damage.
North of Brunswick another Ju 88 managed to sneak up on us. At least this time he didn't have any special weapons. James hit the 88. Though not enough to discourage his attack, it was at least enough to throw Jerry's aim off. Witch took no further damage and Jerry eventually lost interest, or ammunition.
The rest of the flight home was uneventful and, despite the worsening weather over Lincoln, Witch O' the Moonlight landed without incident. W/O Thomas will be right as rain by the next mission, as will Witch O' the Moonlight (20 Peckham Points).
F/O James Tewsbury, Commanding
Witch O' the Moonlight