Rome, Italy

16 May 1943

From 150 Squadron ORB's

Mission summary:

"On this date twelve aircraft were detailed to drop leaflets on Rome and to bomb Rome/Lido Di Roma Seaplane Base. The crews were:

• Gp/Capt Powell
• S/Ldr Vincent
• F/Lt Hanlon
• F/Lt Langlois
• F/O Wykes
• Sgt Alazrachi
• Sgt Tinsley
• Sgt Macdonald
• Sgt P Smith
• Sgt Rutherford
• Sgt Seville
• Sgt Alazrachi

The aircraft took off between 1850 and 1920 hours but 'JN-O' returned early with engine troubles. There was a small amount of cloud on the route but this cleared over the target and all crews clearly identified Rome in the brilliant moonlight before dropping their leaflets. Roma/Lido was also found successfully and good results were obtained. Our aircraft went down to 100ft to machine gun seaplanes lined up on the tarmac. Only moderate heavy flak was experienced over Rome. Light flak was negligible. Lido di roma appeared to be defended by a single machine gun. All our aircraft returned safely.