The rest of the flight was "pretty" eventless. One of "my" "Fortresses" had to ditch in the channel due to very heavy damage.
Back again over England, the "little friends" are leaving their fosterlings and heading back to their homebases.
The '17s are now preparing for landing. This is the last crucial moment of this mission. Are the landing gears working? Will the engines quit? Everything now depends on the pilots...(the black smoke is normal,btw)
A wet grave for a bomber and its crew.
Back on earth. A great relief for everyone on board. The crews are in every kind of mood at the same time. Sad,relieved,tired and happy,that they survived another run. Thanks to their shot up, but still intact "working place".
Just another day in the mighty 8th. Just another mission, without success. Just another loss of two bombers. Just another twenty men KIA and MIA, not speaking of the other squadrons. Just another seven Luftwffe fighters which fell to the defensive armament of the "Fortresses".
Just another day of hundreds to come like this one or worse...
Thank you.
Don't spend your money on DVD players, watching "Memphis Belle". Spend it here and fly your own '17.
But please do me one favor: Keep good care for your crew. They're worth more than anything.
