Us Official Photographs

B-17s over target area

Smoke rises from fires and explosions in the target area. Many fires were started by the bombing, according to crews of the B-17s and pilots of their Lockheed P-38 Lightning Escort. At least three exceptionally large explosions were set off in the harbor by hits. Pola port has been used primarily as an Axis submarine base and has played an important part in the German supply system for armies in the Balkins and in Italy.