I've read this thread with delight, especially the 57Sqn Canberra tale linked in, but have this question.
Is ther any evidence at all that the US Herc was shot down? I've seen nothing but surmise and rumour so far. The absence of even a hint of evidence makes me doubt.
Especially when in one post the shootdown is credited to a Lightning and in another to - was it 6? - US jets?
Odd.