With 67th Bomber Squadron at Shipdham, James Perry's first mission - target Bremen - took place on 20th December 1943 on a cold, dank, foggy morning in a much patched-up old B-24 and flying in 'coffin corner' slot No 2 low element. As they later began the bomb run over Bremen they took a hit on the nose and lost instruments, followed by another great jolt as the bombs were off-loaded and a 'din of voices' over the intercom signaled a loss of oxygen amongst the crew in the rear of the plane. Then engines Nos 3 and 4 were hit and - flying blind - Perry took the decision to leave the formation. He therefore dropped the plane to 8,000 ft and they were flying alone, very vulnerable with all gunners out of action. Luck was with them as they were able to link up with a formation of homeward bound B-17's from the 91st BG at Bassingbourn. Perry eventually landed the plane at Shipdham, hydraulics out of action with four very groggy gunners and a bombardier suffering from anoxia on board. Perry went on to fly a total of 50 missions but always concluded that the first was the worst.