Aerial reconnaissance photograph captioned: "C.3406. Attack at Wilhelmshaven on the night of 11/12.2.43 by RAF Bomber Command. On the night of the 11th February one of our Halifax pilots reported a remarkable explosivon while still over Wilhelmshaven: 'It lit up the sky with a brilliant red glow, and seemed to spread for miles under the cloud bank before it died away. I should think we must have touched off a store of mines, or an arsenal, or something pretty good.'

Photographs have been obtained by RAF reconnaissance aircraft over Wilhelmshaven which confirm the pilot's report in the most striking way. The Ammunition Depot at Mariensiel Depot contained naval ammunition, torpedoes and mines. It is the main ammunition depot at this great naval port and covered an area of approximately 150 arces.

Picture shows: Before - the main ammunition depot at Mariensfiel, which adjoins the Tirpitz Hafen, Wilhelmshaven before the RAF attack.' "

Previously Accession 1956