Description
Satahib, Thailand. 1 June 1945. High-level view from one of the attacking RAF Liberator aircraft showed the submarine depot ship 'Angthong' burning furiously with oil oozing from the doomed vessel. RAAF aircrew who took part in this raid were Pilot Officer (PO) R. R. Temple-Smith of Roseville, NSW, PO Trevor De Nett of Stanthorpe, Qld, PO A. W. Hanmer of Waverley, NSW, PO M. C. Mazengarb of St Peters, SA. During a surprise attack on shipping in the naval anchorage, in the Gulf of Siam, RAF Liberator aircraft of Strategic Air Force, destroyed a 2,700 ton submarine depot ship, and a large merchant vessel. Among other craft which were attacked were a naval sloop, a destroyer, and small coastal boats. Aircrews on the return from this mission of over 2,300 miles said that their first bombs caused an explosion and started a small fire on the depot ship which spread rapidly as other bombers hit it from just above mast height. The vessel then exploded with a vivid orange flash, and sank. The 250 foot merchant vessel was destroyed by a direct hit, and sank in four minutes. Some of the bombers attacked from 6,000 feet while others attacked from 150 feet. There were many blazing vessels in different parts of the harbour when the attacking force started on its homeward journey.
Details
Accession Number
P02491.144
Classification
Photograph
Object Type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Physical Description
Colour: Black & white
Copyright
Copyright expired - public domain
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