314 Squadron
Mission: 147
13/14 April, 1945
Target: Kiel, U-Boats
Lancaster: Terranova Terror (1st mission)
Our new Lancaster served us well on this mission. We had a straight-forward flight to Kiel but were surprised by a Schrage Musik equipped Ju88 as we neared the target — but the devil missed us. I wasn't evading on his return because we were in our bomb run but unfortunately Alec missed him also; this time the Jerry took out the bomb-release mechanism and our starboard elevator. Alec made sure of him on a third pass catching him in the cockpit and port engine and he spiraled into the ground.
Our troubles weren't over as we were picked up by the searchlights and the flak got on us; two bursts nearby saw an ineffectual hit on the port aileron and the mid-upper gunner's heat knocked out. Then an Me109 had a go but it was misses all round on three passes.
We turned to fly home and after we left the target area I started a descent to reduce the risk of frostbite to Bill Vickers. No further night-fighters put in an appearance. We were over water by the time we reached 10,000 feet so didn't have to contend with light flak on the way home. My landing at base in the bad weather was a bit patchy but we got down safely and all crew are uninjured.
Damage is minimal and we will be ready for the next mission.
Respectfully submitted
Pilot Officer Peter McKinnon