[RSwank]

From the 42 Squadron reports for December, 1941:

On 3.12.41 Beaufort W.6532 flown by P/O Meares with Sgts Nash,
Nation and King left Leuchars at 1000 to fly a South Bert Patrol.
"At 1205 in posn. SJLE 0030, aircraft flying at sea level, came through
dense fog into visibility of 1000 yds and turned Northerly, at 1208
posn SJLE 0423 (approx.) sighted 3 M.V’s and 2 E.V’s course 160 degrees
5 kts in posn. approx.. SJLE 0633 M.V.’s line astern 1 E.V. in front 1 E.V. at rear M.V’s
200 yds apart. First and last M.V’s were 3 island types, black hulls – laden. First one
approx.. 2,500 tons, and last one over 4,000 tons centre M.V. 3,000 tons, 3 island type
M.F.M. hull black, funnel medium height, black with coloured band at top,
superstructure brown, bows rather high with plenty of shear. Attacked centre M.V. at 1210,
one hit claimed, photos taken (shows smoke from stern of target). Aircraft took avoiding
action from flak from M.V’s and E.V’s. At 1212 over STAVANGER SOLA aerodrome at 300
feet, encountered flak, aircraft climbed and at 1218 s/c for LEUCHARS. One hit on ship
for certain. Landed."