Northern Front

The British continue to target the Italian aerodromes with a series of bombing operations between 11:00 and 16:45, mounted by No.47 (RAF) Squadron and No.223 (RAF) Squadron, for no fewer than eighteen sorties. They are met over Gura (Eritrea) and Asmara by anti-aircraft fire and six Fiat CR.42 of 412 Squadriglia (Tenente Elia Mussolin, Carlo Canella, Sottotenente Giovanni Levi, Fiorindo Rosmino, Sergente Mario Perini, and one other). In the brief engagement, the Italians claim two bombers, one by fighters and one by anti-aircraft fire. British gunners in turn claim two enemy aircraft damaged. Two Vickers Wellesley of No.223 (RAF) Squadron (K7747 and K7788) are badly damaged.

According to the report of Pilot Officer Geoffrey O. Ross of No.223 (RAF) Squadron:

« On 12 June 1940, two Flights of five and three Vickers Wellesleys are detailed to bomb Gura aerodrome at high altitude. Over the target, the formation is attacked by at least four Fiat CR.42s, which concentrate on the second Flight comprising our three bombers. The enemy fighters make three close-range attacks from astern. I am flying the outermost aircraft in the formation and take many hits, while my rear gunner, Corporal Reginald Stevenson, is wounded in the leg. He nevertheless continues to operate his gun. We beat off the attack without loss on our side and return to base. However, on landing my undercarriage collapses due to damage sustained during the combat. Our aircraft sustains severe damage and is withdrawn from our strength. Corporal Reginald Stevenson is sent to hospital in Khartoum. »

One of the Italian fighters is reported to have force-landed, the pilot slightly wounded. However, the cause is said to be engine trouble.

Possible photo of Vickers Wellesley K7747, damaged after the attack on 12 June 1940.