Naples town and docks
1 June 43
From 150 Squadron ORB's
Mission summary:
"150 Squadron was ordered to attack the town and docks at Naples. Nine aircraft being detailed under:
Sgt Mortimer hit a car while taking off causing damage to the bomb doors so he returned to base immediately. Sgt Chandler also returned early on account of high oil temperature and vibration in the port engine. He landed with his 4000 lb bomb.
Weather was good but darkness was intense. All crews report being able to clearly identify the target and many saw their bombs dropping among port buildings and industrial plant. Sgt McDonald did not see his bomb (4000lb) burst but thought that they probably fell near the main marshalling yards. F/Lt Langlois saw his 4000lb bomb explode in the Southern part of the town between the docks and the marshalling yards and Sgt Bashford saw his 2x1000lb and 5x500lb bombs explode in the same area. Sgt K Smith and Sgt Ivory both dropped their bombs (2x1000lb and 5x500lb) in the South East sector of the town and Sgt Rutherford saw his similar load of bombs land in the North West sector of town. Sgt P Smith could not identify where his bombs landed. The defences were very active but not until after the first aircraft had bombed. Heavy flak was moderate and light flak was slight. Fifteen to twenty searchlights were operating. One night fighter was seen over the town. Nickels were also dropped to fall on Naples. The seven crews returned safely.