Gerry cites bombing operations against Stuttgart on March 14, 1944 when his aircraft was attacked by an ME 110 which the air gunners successfully repelled with damage and probably destruction. During a target marking operation against Mailly-le-Camp, Gerry’s aircraft was attacked three times by a ME 110 while trying to find the aiming point. On June 23/24, on another target marking operation the aircraft marked the target - railway yards at Saintes, France - and had to re-mark it four times after the 175 aircraft of the bomber force knocked out the initial markers. Gerry adds: “We did this as bombs rained down. Why we survived I’ll never know”. The entire crew was awarded DFC or DFM medals in recognition of their outstanding effort.

Back Row: Cook (WOP); Truman (FE); Johnny Marks(Pilot); Telford(BA)
Front Row: Lanard(rear AG);Tomkinson (Nav.); Gerry Ritch(MUG)
#12 Special Duties Flight, Binbrook, Linc. #1 Group.