Evidence in Camera Vol 4 No 2

MMcDermottC1119618-161216-02.pdf

Title

Evidence in Camera Vol 4 No 2

Description

A collection of aerial photographs of B-17s and B-24s on operations, shipyards, factories, scuttled French fleet, an attack on a convoy, Antwerp forts, airfields, Leghorn port, the camouflaged airfields at Aalborg and Kerlin Bastard and two images to identify.

Date

1943-07-12

Temporal Coverage

Language

Type

Format

26 page booklet

Rights

This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.

Contributor

Identifier

MMcDermottC1119618-161216-02

Transcription

VOLUME 4 – NUMBER 2 – JULY 12th 1943

ISSUED BY AIR MINISTRY A.C.A.S. (1)

[picture]

EVIDENCE in camera

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

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EVIDENCE IN CAMERA

1. This O.U.O. document may be issued to Officers' Mess and Station Reference Libraries. (K.R. & A.C.I. 882.2236(c). 2287.)

2. The only legitimate use which may be made of official documents or information derived from them is for the furtherance of the public service in the performance of official duties.

3. The publication of official documents, information from them, reproduction of extracts or their use for personal controversy, or for any private or public purpose without due authority is a breach of official trust under the OFFICIAL SECRETS ACTS. 1911 and 1920, and will be dealt with accordingly. (K.R. & A.C.I. 1071, 1072, 2238).

4. Copies not required for record purposes should be disposed of as Secret Waste in accordance with A.M.O. A.411/41.

SEE FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON BACK OF COVER.

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[cartoon]

[signature]

Don't give the game away.

25

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[photograph]
[photograph]
Two striking oblique views, taken from 26,000 ft. as the bombers leave the Synthetic Rubber Plant at HÜLS, showing the immense column of smoke and steam rising above the surrounding cloud formation to an estimated height of 7,500 ft.

28

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[photograph]
[photograph]
Liberator B-24s of the U.S.B.C flying in formation, during a daylight attack on the U-Boat base at LA PALLICE, 29.5.43.

29

[page break]

[photograph]
De Schelde Shipbuilding Yards at FLUSHING were attacked on 24.6.43 by twelve Venturas of Bomber Command with fighter escort. This photograph shows a Ventura over the target and a concentration of bomb bursts (A) across the engine shops and adjacent buildings in the Marine Dock. Further bursts are seen among oil storage tanks and buildings (B) on the East side of Verbreed Canal.

30

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[photograph]
[photograph]
ST. NAZAIRE LOCKS BOMBED

At least three probable direct hits were scored on the Eastern Entrance Lock (arrow) at ST. NAZAIRE during the first wave of the U.S.B.C. daylight attack on 28.6.43. The second wave of attacking aircraft approaching the Port nearly 20 minutes later, dropped more bombs around the Bassin de St. Nazaire and at least one direct hit was registered on the caissons of the adjacent lock under construction.

Inset: (A) The Eastern Entrance Lock. (B and B1) Concrete shelters of similar construction to the bomb proof U-Boat shelters, are being erected over the ends of the lock, presumably to protect the lock gates.

31

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HEAVY DAMAGE INFLICTED ON KREFELD

[photograph]
Extremely heavy damage was caused at KREFELD in the attack on 21/22.6.43. Approximately 900 acres of the built-up town area were devastated while factories in the industrial belt to the North East sustained severe damage. Industrial premises almost completely destroyed including the factories (A and B) and those of Gebr. Peltzer A.G., velvet manufacturers, (C) Carl Neiss, silk weaving, (D) and Krefelder Teppichfabrik A.G., carpets, (E).

32

[page break]

[photograph]
KREFELD. Over 75 per cent. of the silk weaving factory at Vereinigte Seidenweberein A.G. (A) was destroyed by fire and H.E. and the military barracks (B) were severely damaged. The factory (C) of Taschner A.G. (machinery) was destroyed over an area of 3,500 sq. yds. and approximately six acres of damage was caused to the factory and administrative buildings (D) of Scheiblers Fabrik.

33

[page break]

[boxed] SCUTTLED FRENCH FLEET [/boxed]

[photograph]
Salvage works on a number of the units of the French Fleet scuttled in TOULON Harbour (27.11.42) has been proceeding for several months. These photographs may be plotted with vertical cover on Pages 36 and 37.

Left: Commandante Teste (aircraft tender).
Centre: Provence (ex-battleship).
See Inset A (Nos. 1 and 2).
Right: Condorcet (ex-battleship).
See Mosaic Photograph (No. 8) and Inset C (No. 5).

[photograph]
Marseillaise (La Galissonniere Class cruiser). See Insets C and D (No. 4).

[photograph]
Algérie (cruiser). See Inset C (No. 3).

[photograph]
Scuttled escort vessels. See Mosaic Photo (No. 5).

34

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[boxed] Inset letters and numbers in parentheses agree with annotations on photographs on Pages 36 and 37. [/boxed]

[photograph]
Left: Strasbourg (battle cruiser).
Right: Colbert (cruiser).
See Insets C and D (Nos. 1 and 2).

[photograph]
Wreck of the cruiser Colbert. See Insets C and D (No.2).

[photograph]
[photograph]
Another view of the Strasbourg. See Insets C and D (No. 1).

Strasbourg and cruisers. See Insets C and D (Nos. 1, 2 and 3).

35

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[photograph]

SALVAGE WORK ON FRENCH FLEET.

At least four contretorpilleurs, three destroyers, the net and minelayer GLADIATEUR, three escort vessels, two torpedo boats, two submarines, two armed trawlers and two submarine chasers of the French Fleet have been raised in TOULON. Three contretorpilleurs and a destroyer have been transferred to Spezia.

Two La Galissonniere Class cruisers (No. 6 on mosaic), which had settled in the dry dock off Missiessy Basin, have been raised, removed to dry dock and now berthed (Inset A, No. 3).

The Suffren Class cruiser DUPLEIX (No. 7 on mosaic and Inset B, No. 1), on fire for at least a month, has been stripped of her superstructure.

The superstructure of the ex-battleship PROVENCE (Inset A, No. 2) is being dismantled.

Dismantling work has progressed on the battle cruiser STRASBOURG (Insets C and D, No. 1), which had settled.

The ex-battleship CONDORCET has been moved from near the entrance to the Old Basin (No. 8 on the mosaic) to Port Lagoubran (Inset C, No. 5).

The aircraft tender COMMANDANTE TESTE, which was listing to port and had settled by her stern (No. 9 on mosaic and Inset A, No. 1) has been raised, visited dry dock and returned to her former berth.

Most of the superstructure of the Suffren Class cruiser COLBERT, which had been burning for nearly a month and had settled by her stern, has been dismantled (Insets C and D, No. 2). The FOCH, of the same class, was submerged on an even keel (No. 10 on mosaic), was raised, visited dry dock and is now at Port Lagoubran (Inset C, No. 6). The cruiser ALGERIE, on fire for nearly a month, has had most of her superstructure dismantled (Insets C and D, No. 3).

The cruiser MARSEILLAISE, which was on fire for over a month and had a heavy list to port, is now probably being dismantled (Insets C and D No. 4).

The battle cruiser DUNKERQUE, which was lying damaged in dry dock, rose by her stern when the dock was flooded. Dismantling work has taken place on her superstructure (Inset A, No. 4).

36 and 37

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BEAUFIGHTER ATTACK ON CONVOY

An attack on a Southbound convoy off Den Helder was made by Beaufighters on 24.5.43. Torpedoes and bombs were used during the attack. The convoy, consisting of M/Vs from 1,500 tons to 4,000 tons and including the 5,180 ton "Stadt Emden", was escorted by "M" Class Minesweepers and armed trawlers. Several of the M/V's were flying balloons.

[photograph]
Above: A Beaufighter engaged in combat with one of the escort vessels.

[photograph]
Above: At this stage of the attack three Beaufighters can be seen with a 4,000 ton M/V in the foreground. The more distant vessel is the 420 ft. "Stadt Emden".

[photograph]
Right: A Beaufighter leaving two burning vessels.

38

[page break]

[boxed] ANTWERP FORTS [/boxed]

Ancient forts in the ANTWERP area are now in use as barracks, stores and ammunition dumps, and M.T. Repair Depots.

[photograph]
Right: Fort No. 3. Aircraft Shelters (A), camouflaged with netting on which dummy roads have been painted (B), have been erected on the outer ramparts. A machine gun testing range (C) is under construction and there are ammunition dumps at (D). Other buildings are probably being used as quarters for personnel from the adjoining airfield, ANTWERP/DEURNE.

[photograph]
Left: Fort No. 4 is being used as a barracks and M.T. depot. The roofs (A) have been disruptively painted and there is a three gun light flak position (B). Other light flak batteries have since been placed on the ramparts of several of the ports.

[photograph]
Right: Fort St. Marie, an ammunition and explosives depot. (A) Unoccupied searchlight. (B) Unoccupied four gun heavy flak battery.

39

[page break]

[photograph]
Above: Fw 190s on PERPIGNAN/LABANERE Airfield at the time of the German occupation of Southern France. Emphasis to the slimness of the streamlined radial nose is given by the long shadows.

[photograph]
Left: More Fw 190, showing typical dispersal of German fighters at the perimeter of an airfield.

40

[page break]

[boxed] FOCKE-WULF 190
A large proportion of the reinforced fighter strength of the G.A.F. consists of Fw 190s. The radial-engined designs of the Fw 190 (the first successful fighter produced by Focke-Wulf) is a departure from the usual German practice of using in-line engines for single seat fighters. [/boxed]

[photograph]
Right: Fw 190s near covered aircraft shelters at ABBEVILLE/DRUCAT.

Below: Effective dispersal of fighters. The Fw 190s near the hangars would be hardly visible on small scale photographs.
[photograph]

41

[page break]

[photograph]
[inserted] NEW BASIN No. 1)
MERIDIONALE BASIN
CIANO DOCK
PISA DOCK
FIRENZE DOCK
VITTORIO EMANUELL IN HARBOUR
CAPPELLINI DOCK
OUTER HARBOUR
MEDICEO PORT
SEAPLANE BASE
LAUNCHING BASIN [/inserted]

KNOW YOUR PORTS – LEGHORN, ITALY

Light cruisers, minesweepers and other minor naval units are regularly seen at the Port which is used for building and repairing naval units. Leghorn is also a supply port for Corsica and Sardinia.

42

[page break]

[photograph]

LEGHORN

Above: The Eastern side of the New Basin No. 1 is used by light cruisers and merchant vessels and in this photograph the BARI (A) and TARANTO (B) are seen. The Western side of the basin is used by merchant vessels up to approximately 5,000 g.r.t. Part of the important industrial zone of Leghorn appears to the right of the photograph with the National Radiator Co. at (C).

[photograph]

Right: Shops, slips and quays of Odero-Terni-Orlando were severely damaged in an attack on 28.5.43 and this photograph, taken in 1942, shows a Regolo Class cruiser (A) and a destroyer of the Aviere Class (B) fitting out. Other units include two 210 ft. escort vessels (C), a destroyer without bows waiting repairs (D) and two destroyers (E) and three escort vessels (F) building.

43

[page break]

AIRFIELD CAMOUFLAGE IN DENMARK

[photograph]

In October, 1941, the landing field and three runways at AALBORG/WEST (RØDSLET), the most important bomber base in Denmark, were effectively camouflaged with dummy cultivation patches and roads (A). Painted lines on the runways represent drainage (B) which is seen on the centre of the field. Two of the dummy roads have been outlined by painted tree shadows (C). When the landing ground was later extended the open aircraft shelters (D) were removed (see next page).

44

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[photograph]

AALBORG/WEST (RØDSLET). The runways which have been extended (arrows) are now more conspicuous, the camouflage having faded. A painted pond (E) has "streams" leading away and one of these joins a genuine stream (F) leading to the sea. A similar painted stream is seen on another runway (G). The shelters are covered with dark-toned netting which is draped out at the sides and a light flak battery has appeared on the coast (H).

45

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[boxed] KERLIN BASTARD AIRFIELD [/boxed]

[photograph]

The site for KERLIN BASTARD Airfield was cleared in July 1940. Actual construction, which was commenced in April, 1941, has proceeded steadily. Its strategic situation and proximity to the submarine base at Lorient make it ideal for aircraft engaged in anti-shipping activity.

Above: The site as it appeared in July, 1940.

[photograph]
Right: June, 1941. An area of 2,750 yds. by 2,400 yds. is enclosed by a long perimeter track and, judging by the amount of levelling work which has been carried out recently this will eventually form the landing ground.

46

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[photograph]

KERLIN BASTARD. The Airfield has a formidable layout. The runways, with prepared strips, are approximately 2,200 yds. and 2,300 yds. long. The runways are approximately 90 yds. wide and the prepared strips on each side are approximately 120 yds. in width. Parts of the runways have been roughly painted with dummy roads but no attempt has been made to hide the marks of constructional activity.

47

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PROBLEM PICTURES.

[photograph]

[photograph]

WHAT ARE THESE?

Answers at Foot of This Page.

[boxed] ANSWERS TO PROBLEM PICTURES ABOVE.

Upper Photograph: Dummy trees on umbrella framework at AUGSBURG Airfield.

Lower Photograph: Open aircraft blast shelters adjacent to which are cocks of hay, piles of spoil and more dummy trees. Two of the shelters have been camouflaged with netting. [/boxed]

48

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(4374.) 51-9832. 2900. 12/7/43. 45.246.
C. & E. LAYTON LTD. London, E.C.4.

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EVIDENCE IN CAMERA

This weekly document will consist of a collection of illustrations varying in number in each issue according to the quantity of material of sufficient interest and suitable for reproduction that is received.

2. Requests for material to be included in this document should be submitted to Command Headquarters, who, after consideration, will submit them to Air Ministry, A.D.I.(Ph.). Any useful suggestions as regards contents will receive full consideration and will be welcomed.

3. Distribution is carried out by the Air Ministry (A.I. I) and any requests for fewer or additional copies must be made through Group Headquarters who will ensure the maximum possible economy.

4. Under no circumstances must any of the illustrations be reproduced by Units in the British Isles. Further copies can be printed from the existing blocks and independent photographic reproduction would be a waste of material and labour to the detriment of the National War Effort.

5. The distribution of photographs to the general public is carried out through the Press who are supplied with photographs which have been specially selected for their general interest and have been published after careful consideration by the Security Branch and by the Ministry of Information; it is therefore unnecessary as well as undesirable to communicate any of the contents of this document, either directly or by discussion in public places, to persons not enjoying the privilege of serving in H.M. Forces.

6. The document has not been officially graded as Secret or Confidential in order that the widest distribution may be given, but Commanding Officers should use their discretion to ensure that the appropriate information is available only to those whose work will benefit.

7. The necessity for security cannot be over emphasised, for although this document is not marked Secret some of its contents may occasionally be of value to the enemy. Every care must be taken to prevent such information being disclosed.

Collection

Citation

Great Britain. Air Ministry, “Evidence in Camera Vol 4 No 2,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed April 19, 2024, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/27322.

Item Relations

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