[SMF144]

Yeah, the boys from 143 Wing certainly encountered a hornets nest that day. Not much I can add but here is what a period report has to offer; for verbatim:

F/O A.H. Cumming, killed 24.12.44. Did not carry bombs. (Flying No.2 to F/O Dunkeld).
F/O W.T. Dunkeld, killed 24.12.44. Did not carry bombs. Last seen flying high cover after setting course for home at 5,000 ft., an unknown thud, aircraft seen flying line astern to him - an R/T warning for squadron to break, which indicated that the third aircraft may have been enemy.

Stephen