Two Me190s appeared out in front as soon as we crossed into Germany although only one evaded the fighter screen. The mid upper & nose positions exchanged fire with the enemy but no hits were scored and he disappeared from view.
Over the target the Luftwaffe was held at bay by the combined gunnery from the squadron and although the flak hit us there was no serious damage. It was enough however to cause our bomb run to be well wide of the mark.
Leaving Paderborn a wave of three enemy aircraft caught us. One Me109 swept in from 3:00 level but missed us entirely, his mate attacked from 1:30 level and managed to hit the starboard rudder before departing.
On the way home two 190s broke through our defences, Sgt Rose damaged one from the mid upper turret and he swiftly departed. The second fighter scored hits on the nose which killed our bomb aimer Sgt Trolley.
F/O Tony Rice [pilot: Keira III]