The target for today was dispersed aircraft on PANTELLERIA Landing ground. Major BARNBY led the formation and the bombs fell in sticks from the underground buildings towards N.23 (Ref: Target Maps P/7 and P/8)., from the Southern underground hangar along the Eastern edge of the L.G. and from pp. 8 towards Northern boundary of the L.G. Bursts were seen among 12 S.E. and 3/engined aircraft parked in front of the underground, entrances.
A.A. was fairly intense but too late. Two of our aircraft, were holed by enemy fighters. The aircraft piloted by Lt. DEMMER flew back on one engine and crashed in landing at MONASTIR.
Both his gunners F/Sgt van COLLER and KOFF were wounded by fire from the enemy fighters. One enemy fighter was destroyed by the formation and two damaged. "Oprep”No.289 Sortie Report & Crew List.
The two above gunners were admitted to 3L M.R.S. and later evacuated to Tripoli Hospital.