The Squadron took off early to-day to bomb SAN BENEDETTO Railway Station. The leader’s bomb hung up and he experienced trouble and slight delay firing the Verey signal for the formation to bomb. Some aircraft bombed early, bombs falling into the sea outside the Northern jetty, carrying into the harbour. Sticks straddled N.W. portion of target whilst another pattern was observed from the S.W. corner extending into SAN BENEDETTO town.
An area cover of 8 Spitfires was provided. Heavy Ack Ack, intense and accurate was encountered over the target, seven of the aircraft being holed. All aircraft landed back at base by 10.15 hours.
Sortie Report No. 589
13 Baltimores were airborne at 12.30 hours to bomb SAN BENEDETTO Railway Station. An aircraft piloted by Lieut. Lecocq crashed on take off. Fortunately no injuries were sustained although the aircraft was a complete write-off.
Formation was briefed to bomb on box leaders, Due to temporary failure of the leader’s inter-comm. during the run-up (Bomb doors consequently opening late) and 2nd box leader experiencing difficulty in fully opening bomb doors, the entire formation overshot.
The majority of bombs fell in the harbour, in salvoes from B896831 – B900832, target area and sea after turn off. Heavy Ack Ack was encountered during attack, four aircraft being holed. All aircraft returned to base by 14.20 hours. Sortie Report No. 590
Seven Canadian and R.A.F. Airmen reported to install radio equipment in our aircraft.