Very interesting interview with a soviet fighter ace, worth a read
Quote
Q: How much battle damage could Il-2 take?
A: During that operation some planes were scrapped only after one sortie. But those were simply torn to pieces… I remember one machine that came home with more than 350 holes in it. Pilot landed on trimmers only, all other controls were out. He died of benzene poisoning, it was going directly in to the cabin, and his canopy was jammed by shrapnel.
I would like this in our new European Constitution:
“Keep peace, in time of war do not hesitate, but be a man, not a beast, when war ends, stop, do not take anger with you, forgive, but forget nothing!”