BOMBS AGAIN RAINED ON STAVANGER

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 190, 8 May 1940, Page 9

BOMBS AGAIN RAINED ON STAVANGER

Loss Of Gallant R.A.F. Leader (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 6. It is now revealed that the engagement from which Acting-Squadron Leader K. C. Doran, the first airman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar in the present war, failed to return was a raid on Stavanger, which was carried out in daylight and in the face of strong opposition from ground batteries and enemy fighters. . Unfavourable flying weather had given Stavanger several days’ respite from air attacks when, on the afternoon of April 3, Doran led a force of Bristol Blenheim bombers across the North Sea on the first of a new series of raids which were to reduce the air base to temporary impotence. Bearing on their objective shortly after 6 p.m., the British raiders found a cloudless sky. On an order from the leader, they broke formation and split up to make individual attacks on the' target. It could be seen that much of the damage caused by the previous raids had been repaired and that the base was again being used by large numbers of aircraft which were dispersed round the sides and half-concealed in adjoining fields.

The fire from the ground was intense as one after another of the raiding aircraft attacked -the base with high-explosive and incendiary bombs, causing havoc on the aerodrome and among the stationary aircraft. Enemy fighters had taken off to engage the British aircraft. With no cloud in which to take cover, the R.A.F. bombers settled down to fight their separate ways out.

In a series of running combats which ensued one Blenheim which was simultaneously engaged by four Messerschmitts was hit, hut the pilot, by skilful manoeuvring, was able to get away. When another Blenheim was attacked by a Messerschmitt 109 the gunner opened fire and after a short burst saw his opponent, fall off on one wing and, with black smoke streaming from his engine, spin headlong into the sea.

. All but two of the British aircraft returned safely to the base, and it was learned that the two missing aircraft were not seen again after the formation was broken up on approaching the target area to deliver separate attacks.