Amber Gambler: Mission 3

The crew of the Amber Gambler took off on their third mission. This time the target was Cherbourg Airfield and they would be supported by Mustangs of the USAAF. These Mustangs together with some lovely formation flying by the B-17's deterred the Luftwaffe from attacking the bombers on their way to the target.
The weather was superb and as the B-17's flew over the French coast they could see their target ahead and they started their bomb run. As they flew towards the target they encountered the heaviest flak they had yet seen and the Gambler was peppered with shrapnel and took two major hits, one knocking out the brakes and the other destroying engine number 2. Pilot Chris Hopkins managed to get the propeller feathered and the Gambler flew on with three engines.
The bumpy ride took it's toll on the bomb run though with all the Gamblers bombs missing their target. With the bombs gone, the Gambler started it's homeward journey. With the USAAF Mustangs keeping the enemy fighters at bay the Gambler made its way back to Poddington and made a safe landing despite having no brakes.
Another mission done and it was the toughest yet but the crew have made it back safe and sound, ready to fight another day.

Amber Gambler, 3 missions done and 1 fighter destroyed.