Syrian Campaign - 260/450 Sqdn - Straffing Mission over Talia

[alex crawford]

Hi Jerome,

Dust Clouds in the Middle East by Chris Shores has the following:

"Late on the 5th the Hurricanes of 260/450 Squadrons had flown to Damascus where they stayed overnight, takin goff at first light for another surprise attack on Baalbeck. Little was to be found on the airfield here, although an ambulance was destroyed. They then headed down the valley in line abreast to attack Madjaloun. Here four Aeronavale M-167Fs were just about to take off, to protect the reported incoming shipping (the demise of the Saint-Didier and the recall of the Oued-Yqem had not yet been reported to them). Three of the bombers were damaged to varying degrees, leaving the ill-fated Flotilla 4F with virtually no serviceable aircraft.

Six D520s of Escadrille 1AC had already taken off to escort the Martins, and these sought to intercept the marauding Hurricanes, Premier Maitre Benezet believing he had shot one down: he had in fact inflicted only slight damage on Sgt Patterson's aircraft, which reached base safely. Sgt T W Wilmot's Z4629 was also slightly damaged during this action."

Hope this helps,

Alex