Mission 149 Debriefing
Target: Berchtesgaden
We approached this mission with a great deal of trepidation. We have flown daylight missions before, but still we could not shake the sense dread that comes with being over enemy territory during daylight hours.
Our take off was smooth and assuming our assigned position in the formation came off without a hitch. It was a very long flight to the target, and we saw signs of the enemy all around us, but nothing was able to get into firing range. Just prior to reaching the target, three Fw 190s lined up to take a run at us, but our fighter cover quickly dispersed them.
The flak was very heavy, and we took at least five hits including one to our bomb bay doors. Luck was with us through it all as the shell splinters did little more than scratch the paint job. Our luck held during our bomb run and at least 20% of our eggs found their target.
Our return flight saw no interference from the enemy, and we landed without difficulty. This was rare successful mission for Jenny Bryce. Maybe we need to fly more daylight missions.
Paul Bard
Flight Officer RAF Bomber Command
April 25, 1945