ABOVE AND BEYOND

摘要

Flt Sgt Paul Campbell was a veteran of 22 bombing operations with 61 Squadron, initially flying Hampdens before converting to the Lancaster. In the dark hours of September 24-25,1942, he was detailed to take a new crew on its first mission - to drop mines in the Baltic. After successfully completing the allotted task the Lancaster headed home at 6,000ft. As it crossed the Danish coast it was engaged by anti-aircraft fire. A shell exploded in the bomb bay and a serious fire erupted in the fuselage, setting off the gunners' ammunition. Almost immediately a second shell exploded in the forward fuselage, blowing in the Perspex nose and the pilot's cupola. The bomb aimer was hurled into the fuselage and the second pilot was knocked over and injured. Campbell suffered facial burns and, due to the dense smoke, could not see the instrument panel.