The attack on "ANNEX", 26 November 1943

Key to map:

The dotted line is the track of the convoy.

X marks the location of the attack.

The other letters indicate times/dates and places that reconnaissance aircraft of 1.(F)/33 called in reports of the convoy, as follows:

a = 1209/25

d = 0650/26

g = 1520/26

b = 1240/25

e = 0750/26

X = 1615/26

c = 1635/25

f = 1120/26

Times are GMT (local time was one hour later)

On the outward flight at 15.46 hours, an aircraft of I./KG 26 signalled that it was in distress over Majorca.

The bombers were reported to have arrived in two waves, from 16.40–17.00 and from 17.15–17.40 hours. The attack itself took place about an hour before dusk.

Rohna was the only vessel to be hit. An Hs 293 was seen approaching her side at sea level. It struck and exploded inside the ship. She sank half an hour later.

The British, French and American defending aircrew made the following claims (destroyed–probable–damaged):

153 Squadron

(Beaufighter)

3–1–1

He 177

347th FS

(P-39)

0–1–1

unknkown types

GC 1/7

(Spitfire Mk. V)

2–0–3

Fw 200

1–0–1

0–0–1

He 177

Do 217

416th NFS*

(Beaufighter)

1–0–0

He 177

A further aircraft was claimed destroyed by the anti-aircraft gunners aboard an LCI (Landing Craft Infantry).

At 17.10 and 17.30 hours, Ju 88s made attacks on an anti-submarine Wellington of No. 36 Squadron RAF.

The defenders lost a single Beaufighter.

Luftflotte 3's recorded aircraft losses in action on this date were:

II./KG 40

6 He 177 A-3 lost on operations, location unknown.

3 He 177 A-3 destroyed in crash landings (one with Flak damage) near Bordeaux, at Mérignac and near Montpellier aerodrome.

*The sole American night fighter involved was en route from Elmas (Sardinia) to Raghaia (Algeria), happened on the action and joined in.