Messina ferry and marshalling yards
13 July 1943
From 150 Squadron ORB's
Mission summary:
"On this occasion ten aircraft were detailed to attack the Messina ferry and marshalling yards. The captains were:
- F/Lt Langlois
- F/O Williams
- F/Sgt Mortimer
- Sgt Bashford
- Sgt Wilkes
- Sgt Valentine
- Sgt Rutherford
- Sgt Whitehouse
- Sgt Hales
- Sgt P.G. Smith
Visibility was good over the target and all crews claim to have clearly identified it. Numerous bursts were seen to straddle the marshalling
yards and two large explosions were observed culminating in a red glow and a pall of black smoke. There was moderate accurate heavy
flak and 6-12 ineffective searchlights. each crew dropped 18 x 250lb bombs. All of our aircraft returned safely."