Their twenty seventh operation over, now only three remained before a six month well deserved stand down.

Nursing his damaged Lancaster aircraft, christened "PETER" by the crew, to their home airfield, they were then faced with an extremely hazardous landing in an aircraft which could fall from the sky at any moment. Only by the skill of their pilot and commander did all seven walk away unharmed. Early the following morning they were informed the aircraft was categorised as a total write off. As no spare aircraft were available, the seven crew were expecting a short respite from nightly operations. Later in the day, Mike was summoned to a meeting with his superior, Wing Commander Taylor where he was informed both he, along with his crew were chosen to carry out a daring top secret operation covering the entire breadth of France in broad daylight. For the mission planners, an operation not without the inherent dangers, to the seven crew. Suicide.

Allocated a brand new aircraft, their orders were to perfect extremely low flying covering northern England. Allowed only three days to prepare, plan and execute, the nagging doubts pained battle weary young minds. Can it be done. Is it possible, and if so, at what cost?

As Mike Colls raised the aircraft's wheels clear of R.A.F, Topwoods runway, all seven were resigned to the high possibility, none would ever return.