A Dash of Courage

The Gneisenau in Dry Dock

AIRCREW
Troup
Naylor
Herrick
Hewson

TACTICS
Training
Blenheim
Weapons
Formations
Tasks

MISSIONS
Scharnhorst
St Nazaire
Brest
Schiff 24
UJ 126
Condorcet

The Gneisenau in dry dock. Brest 9 Apr 41.(Top of photo)

Following the suicidal torpedo attack on the Gneisenau by Kenneth Campbell VC on 5 Apr 1941, the ship was forced to return to dry dock for repairs. CEGH's photo reveals that it was still present at Brest in dry dock on 9 Apr.

Campbell's brave and outstanding solo attack had been made at sea level. CEGH's photographic flypast and bombing run was made at 8,000 feet, with the cloudbase as concealment. The greater chance of survival was offset by the lesser likelihood of a direct hit on the target. However, the primary requirement for bringing back photos of the harbour was achieved.