0220
Night raid by four Baltimores in SCIACCA L.G. The Commanding Officer was the pathfinder and dropped flares over the target. Very little A.A. and only one search light seen. Weather very hazy over target.
“Oprep” No. 329, Sortie Report and Crew List.
Lt. CLUTTERBUCK was taking off on the above raid when his aircraft began to swing to the left just before becoming airborne. It swung off the runway and collided with a JU 52 parked in the dispersal and ended up some distance beyond the 52. The Baltimore burst into flames and the bombs exploded soon afterwards.
The crew had already escaped or been rescued from the aircraft before the bombs exploded.
Lt. CLUTTERBUCK received 3rd degree burns to his arm. Lieut. van der MEULEN was seriously injured and his left lower leg had to be amputated. F/Sgt. CARBARNS died of injuries and F/Sgt. RAEBURN escaped uninjured. The funeral of F/Sgt. CARBARNS took place this afternoon in TUNIS.
18 other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Base Depot for R.T.U.