As it was, most models were not especially fast when compared to the day
fighters of the time.

Still, they were the fastest bombers of the day, and the speed they possessed
was more than adequate to outstrip all but their most determined pursuers.

Reports I've read suggested that Mossies from the first raids flew home
followed by numerous FW190s, none of which managed to close enough to
get a shot in.

That's true. I also have a few anecdotes from LW pilots and upper echelon
types that make it clear that the Mosquito was practically untouchable. No
other aircraft in the Allied arsenal caused nearly as much consternation among
the Nazi leadership - a quick scan through Goebbels' diaries shows that he
mentions Mosquitos by name in every single daily entry for the last two months
of his life. No other type of a/c is even mentioned by name, not even once.
Mosquitos. Verdammt Mosquitos. Even a success over a single Mosquito was
worthy of mention. "Moskitoschriek" (Mosquito Panic) was actually a term
among German nightfighter men that was used during the last months of the war
to describe the physical condition caused by extended periods of sleep
deprivation and knawing dread due to too many nights on operations, facing
their nemesis, the RAF intruder and nightfighter Mosquitos. I have plenty of
examples of this phrase being used, by NJG airmen as well as Galland, Göring,
and Willi Messerschmitt. My evaluation of the Mosquito matches Galland's and
Göring's opinion - that the Mosquito was the only air threat that conventional
forces were simply never able to overcome.

v/r
Gordon
====(A+C====
USN SAR Aircrew

"Got anything on your radar, SENSO?"
"Nothing but my forehead, sir."