Mission 142 Debriefing
Target: Hanau
This mission began with an ill omen when our take off was delayed by a taxiing SNAFU. We struggled to make up for lost time, but had little luck. We found ourselves at the tail of the mission's stream and Jerry was waiting for us. A Ju88 took us by surprise, and shot up our starboard wing. Our defensive fire was ineffective as he came around for a second pass. This time Jerry's aim was deadly and our Mid-Upper Gunner, Sgt Giles Simpson, was killed.
A second bandit was on us almost after the first one broke off. Again, our defensive fire was poor, and Jerry took full advantage of it. Our Navigator was seriously wounded in his right shoulder and our bomb aimer suffered a light wound to his right calf. Our port wing's landing gear was destroyed.
Our luck changed as we entered the target area. No opposition was encountered, and though the flak was thick and heavy, it failed to even scratch our paint. Once more, our bomb accuracy was poor as we failed to hit anything near the target zone.
Our return trip home was uneventful. Despite our destroyed landing gear and poor weather, our landing was accomplished without further damage to the crew or aircraft. Our Navigator is expected to make a rapid recovery and will be able to fly the next mission.
Paul Bard
Flight Officer RAF Bomber Command
March 19, 1945