SSgt John F Thomas, mechanic of the B-17 42-29876 “Battlin’ Bobbie” (named after the pilot’s wife), took off from station 117 Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, UK at 1030 on a bombing mission over Nantes. However, perhaps due to the high volume of radio chatter they had to use due to overcast conditions on their way to the target area, German fighters intercepted them at 1500. While not concentrating their fire on the “Battlin’ Bobbie”, the fighters did score some hits on their left wing, setting it on fire. Rockets took out No. 1 and 2 engines. The pilot decided to pull out of formation to the right and ordered the crew to bail out, struggling to keep the plane steady as the AFCE was out. Thomas jumped safely but was captured by the Germans and sent to Stalag 17B at Braunau, Gneikendorf.