Bastia 21/22 IX 1943

[crolick]

I'm looking for detailed informations about USAF and RAF air raids on Bastia which were conducted on 21/22 IX 1943.

First air raid started at 13.08 and according to the KTB Seetransportstelle Bastia harbour was bombed by 24 American bombers. In the internet I was only able to find that the air raid was carried out by B-24 (12th Air Force) on detached service from the 8th AF. As far as I know this is not correct since 8th AF did not operated B-24 in September 1943. Hence I presume that those were B-24 from 9th AF but I'm not sure of that. Could anyone add any details to that?!

Second air raid lasted from 03.30 (22 IX) till 04.45 during which the harbour was bombed by 24 British bombers. Some sources claims that the attack was carried out by 75 British Wellington Mk III from 40 Squadron (205 Group RAF). Planes took of at 18.45 from Hani West Airfield (Tunisia) and landed after 6 h 50 min. But this is a bit surprising sine this means that the air raid should have started around 22.10. Also the difference between 24 and 75 is in my opinion too big. Maybe some of the Wellington's bombed other targets located in Bastia and only 24 of those attack the harbour?!

On 23 and 25 IX there were additional 4 air raid warnings (09.45 & 23.15 / 23.IX and 10.00 & 20.25 / 25 IX) which were probably caused by reconnaissance planes.

Any details from the Allied side of this air raids would be greatly appreciated!


Best regards from Warsaw,
Andrzej

[shooshoobaby]

Andrzej-
9/21/43 - From USAAF Combat Chronology:
B - 24 s On Detached Service from 8th AF Bombed Bastia.
To Confirm go to www.ArmyAirForces.com Forum
Click Databases - then Combat Chronology - then enter Date , Search
There were 3 8th AF Bomb Groups on Detached Service.
44th BG , 93d BG , 389th BG
Mike