Air raid 02/03.05.1940

Bombing of Hamburg & Operation "Gardening" (mining of coastal waters). Seven aircraft set out to bomb Hamburg from about 2100 tonight. Weather over the North Sea was excellent but ground fog was encountered over mainland Europe making target identification difficult. Three aircraft succeeded in attacking the main target of Hamburg but no results were seen. Two aircraft decided to bomb Wilhelmshaven (one later failed to identify this target either) and one aircraft bombed Cuxhaven due to an engine problem. Extensive "box" formations of searchlights were encountered along the entire route and one aircraft reported heavy, accurate AA but some distance behind the aircraft. Night fighters were also encountered with a Me.110 driven off by AD853. That same evening three more aircraft set out to drop mines in the "Nectarine" area. As reported by the bomber, heavy flak was encountered over the Frisian Islands. All aircraft returned safely to base.