Just out of interest. The Short Stirling bomber crews operating during the winter 1943-1944 during the Battle of Berlin were encountering casualty rates of 10-20% per raid. They had to complete a first tour of thirty missions before being "rested" and then they had to return for a second tour of twenty missions before being permenantly grounded. If they volunteered for Pathfinder duties their first tour was sixty missions prior to being rested. I know a few chaps who served with Bomber Command and they tell me that they encounted LMF very rarely. They were without doubt the "Bravest of the Brave"