Mission 143 Debriefing
Target: Paderborn
Nothing chills the blood of my crew like being over Germany in the noonday sun, so it was no surprise the crew was jittery after take-off. As we approached the target zone, we saw the sky was filled with bandits, but the fighter cover kept most of them off us. The odd one that did get a shot off at us caused little more than superficial damage.
The flak over the target area was a different matter. We managed to dodge most of it though our starboard wing took a root hit. Our bomb bay also took a direct hit, but caused no serious damage. This must have used up our luck as our run was off target. Our eggs did little more than make a lot of noise and kick up some dust.
The sky was filled with enemy planes during our return trip. Again, most of the enemy was driven off by our little friends, and the odd hit we took caused no damage of concern. Our defensive fire was equally ineffective.
Our landing was picture perfect, and the old bird will be ready for the next mission.
Paul Bard
Flight Officer RAF Bomber Command
March 27, 1945