Mission 140 Debriefing
Target: Lützkendorf
This mission came as a bit of a surprise given the poor weather we have been experiencing, but we had no difficulty getting wheels up on schedule and finding the stream.
As we entered German airspace, a ME 110 came up behind us. Tail gunner Sgt Barker spotted him right away and riddled him with shells. The Hun broke off his attack no doubt figuring discretion being the better part of valour.
The remainder of our flight to Lützkendorf was uneventful until we were preparing to line up for our approach to the target. A Ju 88 came at us, and once more eagle eye Sgt Barker spotted him as he came skulking up on us. Ineffective fire was exchanged, and the enemy came around. The enemy fire was accurate this time, but luck was with us as the damage was ineffective including hits to the bomb bay.
During our bomb run, enemy flak shot us up with the sole casualty being our rubber raft. We had been very lucky thus far, but nothing lasts forever. It was now the enemy's turn for fortune favours us all. All of our eggs inexplicably missed the target.
Dejected, we turned around and headed for home. The flight was uneventful and we enjoyed a safe landing despite the sloppy conditions.
Paul Bard
Flight Officer RAF Bomber Command
March 15, 1945