TARGET AREAS DERNA — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing target areas Derna.
Committed: 6 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0630 hrs
Returned: 1130 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Target Map D./4
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

6 Marylands left L.G. 21 at 0853 hours, taking the sea route to Derna. The town was approached from the North, and the run in was made on a bearing of 200 deg. at 13000 ft. Although the comparatively small targets were well recognised, fleeting cloud and an unexpectedly strong wind made diving difficult. Observation was difficult, but an analysis of the photos show that 3 sticks started in the target – F (M.T. garage) and finished up in the native quarter. 2 sticks were East of the targets, starting in sea and continuing through buildings to just South of the M.T. garage at B. One stick hung up and were jettisoned on the turn away. Bombs dropped 48 - 12000 lbs. Immediately after the release, both flights which were somewhat separated, were attacked by 3 M.E. 109s (E). One of these tackled the first flight, and 2 the 2nd. flight. Both gunners of the first flight's Leader got in good long bursts, as their 109 attacked from the stern and port quarter, and the scare guns were also used. This 109 peeled over, went down in a very steep dive and was seen by both Gunners to hit the deck, and apparently dissolve in flames and smoke, about 3 miles South of Derna near the coast line. The 2nd. formation were out so fortunate. The 109s attacked repeatedly, and after some minutes, XXX machine was seen to be in trouble, it fell away, with some white smoke being emitted. Both Gunners continued to fire at the one 109 which continued to attack, and which was driven off. The Maryland was last seen low down 20 - 30 miles North East of Derna. The other two machines were picked on at intervals and many bursts were fired by the gunners, and with the scare guns. One 109 was certainly hit repeatedly.