SUPPLIES — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: High level bombing of 1) Derna Harbour 2) Dumps, buildings and aircraft Derna Landing Ground.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 0905 hrs
Returned: 1405 hrs
From: L.G. 021
Map: Target Map B./4
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

Taking the sea route, the 9 Marylands, when about 40 miles out, turned in towards the town. The whole formation approached the first target, which consisted of a small ship lying alongside the mole, and adjacent dock area. No. 1 Flight released their bombs, and one stick was seen to burst amongst buildings in the dock yard area and Southwards. One fire was started, and the power station narrowly escaped being hit. Another stick of 8 dropped each side of the Mole, one burst on the edge being recorded. The formation carried on, altering course slightly, to allow the 2nd. and 3rd. Flights to attack the L.G. buildings, dumps and dispersed aircraft. No. 2 Flight dropped their sticks from North to South across the hangar, and results were most gratifying. North of the hangar two very large fires, and three smaller ones were started, and a big explosion occurred. At least one building appears to have been demolished. No. 3 Flights bombing also had spectacular results. Flying across the large petrol dump at 26, and releasing in rapid succession, they scored many hits on the dump, and amongst dispersed aircraft. A large fire was caused in the dump, and at least 4 aircraft were set on fire. These reports are fully borne out by the excellent photos taken. On the return journey, after noting some 40 aircraft on Martuba West L.G. the formation was repeatedly attacked by 2 enemy fighters, acting separately. The first attacker appeared to be a M.E. 109, and the other which persisted in attacking for many minutes, was a G. 50. Neither of these Fighters offered a chance to the front guns, but attacked from the beam, quarter and stern. Several of the rear Gunners put in good bursts, and the G. 50 was finally hit and dived down under control. Three of our machines were hit. Scare guns were used several times by Pilots, and probably were most effective in preventing E/A from approaching on the blind spot. 2000 pamphlets were dropped over the town and Landing Ground.