MISS CHIEF LOST OVER NORTHERN FRANCE

MISS CHIEF was literally picked apart by Flak and multiple waves of fighters. With both pilots KIA and WIA I judged that no-one was qualified to attempt the ATC required to maintain control with the rudder destroyed. The autopilot or a the engineer can maybe keep formation but without a rudder and with two engines out she was doomed. Bail out went quite well - the BALL GUNNER was stuck in his turret, wounded and didn't make it. 3 chutes all POWS.

I don't think I've had a B-17 so badly shot up before.