A Temporary Bridge over the River Angitola, Italy
18 August 1943
From 150 Squadron ORB's
Mission summary:
"For tonight's operation eleven of our Wellingtons were detailed to attack the temporary bridge over the Angitola River. The following pilots were the captains:
At approximately 1500 hours while adjustments to the bombs for tonights operations were being made, an explosion occurred and fire broke out in one of the aircraft and it was completely gutted. This was S/Ldr Langlois's aircraft. LAC Pryor was killed and LAC Richardson was believed killed as no identifiable remains of him could be found. He was later posted missing, believed killed. The other casualities were LAC Holland, seriously injured, and LAC Harrison and Corp. Jones both injured. All were removed to hospital. S/Ldr Langlois did not take off as there was no time to prepare a replacement aircraft.

All crews located the target and several bursts were observed in the near vicinity of the bridge,but, owing to the large percentage of delays carried, it was not possible to pinpoint the majority of the bomb strikes. There was no opposition and the weather was clear enroute and over the target, except for negligible patches of low cloud. Visibility was good. All of our crews returned safely.