Ten minutes after crossing the coast fighters were encountered and attacked the formation in the vicinity of Berney. On reaching the target light flak was intense and accurate but heavy flak most inaccurate. F/O Garwell in A of 44 was hot and caught fire. He made what appeared to be a successful forced landing and it is thought that all the crew would have probably have been safe. During the fighter attack the rear guns seized after firing approx 800 rounds. On return journey 3 aircraft including H (Sgt Rhodes) of 44 Squadron were seen to crash and another on fire. Landed at Squires Gate.