THE RAID ON PLOESTI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25304, 14 August 1943, Page 4

THE RAID ON PLOESTI

ENGLISH PILOT’S EXPERIENCE

RUGBY, Aug. 12. The only English airman who participated in the raid on Ploesti was Squadron Leader Barwell, D.F.C. This was revealed in London to-day. His group of bombers had to fly through flames on its bombing run, and was over the target 111 min* utes. "It seemed like 100 years, he said. The element of surprise was so complete that as the target was approached many of the defences did not open, up, but this state of affairs did not last long. Heavy guns were soon firing more or less over open sights. Immediately after the bombs had gone Barwell’s machine received several direct hits, including one in the recently emptied bomb bay. He said many of the American bombers flew below the level of the telegraph poles. The orders were to " knock the oil town right out in one.” .... ... Squadron Leader Barwell has been attached to the Americans as a gunnery expert. He was awarded the American D.F.C. and Air Medal for work prior to the Ploesti raid. He destroyed eight enemy aircraft in. nine raids while flying with the Americans.