MT ON ROAD FROM Z 0296 TO Z 0996 — Operations

Operational Record

Target: MT on road from Z 0296 to Z 0996.
Duty: Medium level bombing attack on retreating M.T. on road between Z 0296 and Z 0996.
Committed: 16 Glenn Martin Baltimore
Time of attack: 1640 hrs.
Airborne: 1345 hrs
Returned: 1535 hrs
From: Senem
Map: TUNISIA 1:500,000 Sheet NI/32.NE SFAX
Day / night: Day
Casualties: Nil.
Bombing: Medium level bombing attack from 7/8000 ft. 96 x 250 lb. GP 43 Det. (Rods)
Air defences: A few bursts of LAA was seen below the formation. Three enemy fighters were seen, one being identified as FW 190. Escort seemed to be engaged in combat.
Results: Two Baltimores went U.S. (unserviceable) before take-off and only 16 were despatched. A/C 126 U returned on one engine (Mechanical failure). Fair amount of transport on road going Eastwards. Some movement towards MEZZOUNA on North-Westerly track.

On arrival at target one fire was seen burning EAST of target. The formation attacked in three boxes. The leading box bombed across the road from Z 0296 towards Z 0998. The other two boxes attacked the road in similar runs slightly further EAST. There were 20 to 30 large vehicles dispersed on and alongside the road. One direct hit on one vehicle is claimed.