Operation Pomegranate (SAS)

Operation Pomegranate was a four-man raid in support of Operation Shingle by the Special Air Service conducted on the Italian airfield San Egidio on the night of 12 January 1944. Only two of the team (Major Tony Widdrington and Lieutenant Quentin Hughes) were able to reach the target planting bombs on seven airplanes. One of the remaining bombs detonated while being made safe, killing Widdrington and blinding Hughes. The injured trooper escaped from the enemy hospital and reached friendly lines.