GENOA
112 Lancasters of 5 Group and the Pathfinders were dispatched to recommence the campaign against Italy to coincide with the opening of the Eighth Army offensive at El Alamein. It was a perfectly clear moonlight night and the Pathfinder marking was described as 'prompt and accurate'. The bombing by this comparatively small force of aircraft, carrying only 180 tons of bombs, could hardly have been carried out under more ideal conditions. No Lancasters were lost.
Details from Genoa are not precise but very heavy damage was caused in the city centre and in the eastern districts. Many old buildings, including the Palazzo Ducale and several museums and churches, were destroyed. Provisional estimates of casualties were 39 dead and 200 injured but the actual figures may have been higher. Local reports mention the severe effect on the morale of the people of Genoa.
12 Stirlings laid mines off the southern Biscay coast without loss.
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THE RUHR
26 Wellingtons, 15 to Krefeld and 11 to Essen. 11 aircraft bombed estimated positions through cloud without loss.
4 Mosquitoes to Hengelo and 1 to Oldenburg; 1 aircraft from the Hengelo force was lost.
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GENOA
122 aircraft - 53 Halifaxes, 51 Stirlings, 18 Wellingtons. These aircraft were provided by 3 and 4 Groups and the Pathfinders. 2 Halifaxes and 1 Stirling lost.
The target area was found to be almost completely cloud-covered and it was later discovered that the raid had actually fallen on the town of Savona, 30 miles along the coast from Genoa. It has not been possible to obtain a report from Savona. Several aircraft bombed Turin where 2 people were killed and 10 injured.
17 Wellingtons of 1 Group minelaying off La Pallice and the Danish coast. 1 aircraft lost.
