The Commanding Officer led another show last night and 15 Balti- were sent off at 3 minutes interval from 2040 hrs onwards. The last aircraft landed at 0030 hrs this morning. The target was dispersed aircraft and M.T. around St. MARIE du ZIT West Landing ground and again the visibility was bad and bombs were dropped on ETA. One small fire was started but quickly extinguished.
One medium fire was seen burning after leaving the target at 2240 hrs. Four search lights were operating over the target with spasmodic HAA over the L.G. One of our aircraft crashed West of ZARAT and the pilot. Lt. CARLISLE was killed. This air-aircraft returned at about 1145 hrs, at which time the cloud level was down to about 800 feet above the aerodrome. He passed over this height and was unable to see the flare path or chance light. Thinking that the lights may have been extinguished for some reason other he asked for a message by wireless and was told to come in and land. During the next hour he asked for bearings which were given to him but still he could not find the aerodrome. He then turned to the coast where he intended to forced land on the beach but, en route, his engines cut due to lack of fuel . He instructed his crew to bale out which they did successfully. Lt. CARLISLE apparently left the aircraft too late as his body was found approx. 40 yds from the aircraft with his parachute open. Lt. CARLISLE was an outstanding Officer and extremely popular with all ranks and his loss has been a great blow to every-one.
Our “A” Party left this, morning at 1000 hrs and pulled off the road 10 miles South of MAHARES to camp for the night and the Party moved over to HASBUB Main Landing Ground. Oprep No.264 Sortie Reports and Crew List