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Re: British bomber units active over Derna on the night of 13 December 1941?
Theo,
Friday-Saturday 12/13 December 1941.
24 Bombers from 37 and 70 Squadrons were sent off to the Derna area where one Axis aircraft was claimed destroyed on the ground. Italian records confirm that an S.79 was destroyed during this attack. However, two Wellingtons were lost here. 37 Squadron's N2780 'E' had been detailed to attack MT, but was damaged by flak over the target, Sgt Carver then bringing the aircraft down in the sea off Sidi Barrani. Four of the crew, two of whom were injured, got ashore in the dinghy next afternoon, but two others who set off to swim were not seen again.
70 Squadron's X9686 'Z' was shot down, crashing near Martuba. Flg Off K C Kitto and his crew were killed.
Saturday-Sunday 13/14 December 1941.
15 Wellingtons returned to Derna in very bad weather.
See:
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 - Vol. One: North Africa June 1940 - January 1942.
Shores,Christopher et al
London:Grub Street,2012.
pp.466-7
Col.
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