The Lancaster ME669 crew, akin to all WWII Allied bombers, faced the perilous task of navigating enemy fire while dropping explosives over Nazi Germany, a crucial role in preventing Hitler's victory. Despite their significance, the 'total war' strategy, making cities legitimate targets, overshadowed their legacy. Over 100,000 volunteers, half not returning, had no alternative. Lancaster ME669's novice crew began with a near-fatal crash but resiliently defied grim statistics. Assigned 30 missions, surpassing expectations, they endured crashes and harrowing missions over Berlin. Their luck waned on the final mission deep into industrial Germany in April 1944. In a WWII highlight, Sergeant Norman Jackson, amid a 200 mph night flight, bravely climbed onto the wing to combat a fuel tank fire under attack at 22,000 feet by a German fighter.