UK National Archives, 148 Squadron Operations Record Book, 12 October 1943. Liberator II AL510W flown by Flight Lieutenant M Passmore, Operation Fungus 34/Judge, departed Tocra 2205, landed Brindisi 0720. ‘Dropped 3 personnel, 12 containers, and 17 packages from 1800 to 2000ft, on INICI … Pre-arranged signal from ground indicated that personnel had landed safely.’
The Partisan headquarters frequently came under attack from the Germans, both from the ground and the air. Reed diary, 18 May 1944. ‘Chicha [a Partisan liaison officer] suggests we move out. Paddy and I recce after lunch. I stay on hill to work. 2pm 12 Stukas appear. First raid on Kladusa. Then our turn. 2nd wave 3pm. Hellish but I out of harm’s way. At 5 looked round dizzily. Church, school, staff building, hospital and half cottages gone. Miraculous escape for me ... What a day! What a life!’
Reed’s mission transmitted intelligence to SIS on a wide variety of subjects. In May 1944 he relayed news of the German airborne assault on Tito’s headquarters in Bosnia. In June he provided targeting intelligence for Allied air attacks.
UK National Archives, message to HQ SOM, 26 May 1944, covering the following signal from the British Liaison Officer at Partisan headquarters Croatia. '25 May combined glider and parachute troops attack on DRVAR believe involving 1 airborne div. Immense number aircraft flew south fm direction ZAGREB dawn and dusk 25 May and dawn 26 May. All types including gliders. Simultaneously ground offensive ... Send all possible air support at all costs at once above area and attack ZAGREB bases. Most critical sector immediate DRVAR area.’
UK National Archives, signal to Fungus mission, 4 June 1944. ‘Air force require most urgent pinpoint on hundred thousand map of CAZIN fortress. Also any other guide to fortress for aircraft. If possible send same time any information on other places mentioned in JUDGE signal 68.’
Reed also assumed command of SOE’s mission at Partisan headquarters Croatia, and became responsible for organising airborne supplies – weapons and ammunition, but also food supplies for areas threatened by famine.
UK National Archives, signal from Fungus mission, 18 April 1944. ‘Re food supplies signal passed by ISLD [SIS] 18 April … This HQ grateful for stuff anywhere but transport very difficult. Have therefore laid on alternative pinpoint direct to famine area at Ravna Gora. Will stand by from midday April 19th with same signal plan and fires and/or flashlight pattern. Korenica [another drop zone] standing by nightly anyway. Advise earliest if aircraft will use Ravna Gora.
Through his Partisan hosts he obtained a steady supply of intelligence, including information about the location of enemy installations, which were then targeted by Allied air strikes.
At the same time he arranged for the delivery of increasing quantities of supplies to the Partisans and eventually succeeded in organizing landing grounds where Dakotas could both deposit stores and evacuate vulnerable personnel – wounded, orphans, escaped POWs and downed airmen – to the safety of Allied-occupied territory...