ENEMY STRONG POINTS IN AREA TY 9111, IN SUPPORT OF NEW ZEALAND DIVISION — Operations

Operational Record

Target: Enemy strong points in area TY 9111, in support of NEW ZEALAND DIVISION.
Duty: Enemy strongpoints in area TY 9111. In support of N.Z. Division.
Committed: 6 Glenn Martin Baltimore
Time of attack: From 1532 to 1533 hrs.
Airborne: 1155 hrs
Returned: 1438 hrs
From: Zuara
Map: TUNISIA 1:500,000 GABES.
Day / night: Day
Casualties: A/C 919 M (Pilot Lt. A.B. Murray; Observer Lt. P.S. Ashton; Gunners: F/Sgt. Bernitz S. and F/Sgt. Clack P.E.) force landed behind our lines after leaving target. Not yet located. A/C 956 C (Pilot Lt. Guard S.J.) crash landed on coast four miles WEST of ZUARA as a result of engine failure. Crew unhurt. A/C 942 G fairly badly holed. A/C 977 K slightly holed.
Bombing: Medium level bombing attack from 7000 ft. 36 x 250 lb. GP 43 Det. (Rods)
Air defences: H.A.A. accurate and intense over the target area, immediately after bombing. 4 H.A.A. guns at TY 9309.
Results: 10 to 15 MT seen on road running NE to EL HAMMA.

The army was late in putting out the smoke signal as an aid to navigation. The formation leader consequently carried on towards KEBILI, and did a right-hand turn onto the target, and in eventually sighting the smoke signal, bombed just NORTH of position TY 9111. Bombs dropped in fairly long stick, well dispersed among MT and dug-in positions in wadi's, and near misses were seen on MT on road running NE to EL HAMMA. 2 direct hits observed on MT. (The following message received from OC 211 Group on completion of the operation :- "On behalf of all fighters taking part in yesterday's raid, congratulations to all bomber wings on their excellent bombing. The 21 Fighter Squadrons off at one time together, successfully completed the operation started by the bombers."