Intruder raids on Aerodromes at Villacidro and Decimomannu, Sardinia

20 May 1943

From 150 Squadron ORB's

Mission summary:

"Ten aircraft on this occasion were detailed to carry out intruder raids on the aerodromes of Villacidro and Decimomannu. They were piloted by:

• S/Ldr Vincent
• F/Lt Langlois
• F/O Wykes
• Sgt Smith
• Sgt Alazrachi
• Sgt Chandler
• Sgt Seville
• Sgt Alazrachi
• Sgt P.Smith
• Sgt Macdonald

The attack was planned in four waves. The first aircraft taking off at 1900 hours and the others folowing at hourly intervals. The last aircraft to go at 2326 hours. Weather was cloudless enroute with excellent visibility over the target areas. Many bombs were dropped on the dispersals where aircraft were clearly seen and fires were started. Some bombs were dropped on Cagliari. Flak at Decimomannu was negligible but, at Villacidro, it was much more intense with several batteries of heavy flak guns which held their fire until the aircraft had found their target. Light flak was not apparent. Photographs were taken, one of Villacidro and seven of Decimomannu with ground detail. All our aircraft returned safely by 0403 hours.