On approach to enemy coast, hit by enemy fighter, we believe to have been a Ju88. Damages to our aerocraft. Hit by more enemy fighters over Germany, more damages to aerocraft and hit Sgt. Murphy in the lower leg. On approach to target, we were not spotlighted, but nevertheless, hit by flak. We missed the designated target. Our defensive gunfire apparently had no effect on the four enemy fighters we encountered.
On turn for home, hit again by enemy fighter, but he did no real damages to us.
Damages included: port wing landing gear inoperable, tail guns inoperable, hit to port wing root, starboard wing flap inoperable, fire in engine 2 (fortunately, it was extinguished), and 11 or so miscellaneous holes in our aerocraft.
The landing, with only one gear down, did some damages, but crew leader Sgt. Haroldsen said the aircraft should be ready for next mission. Squadron Medical reports Sgt. Murphy, our wounded bomb aimer, will not be able to fly for two – three weeks due to his wounded leg.
Respectfully Submitted,
Edward C. Bynes, P.O. RCAF
Pilot — Lancaster Bomber Brigette #1