Thursday, 8 July 1943

21 Squadron War Diary

Ben Hagen
0220Night raid by four Baltimores in SCIACCA L.G. The Commanding Officer was the pathfinder and dropped flares over the target. Very little A.A. and only one search light seen. Weather very hazy over target.“Oprep” No. 329, Sortie Report and Crew List.Lt. CLUTTERBUCK was taking off on the above raid when his aircraft began to swing to the left just before becoming airborne. It swung off the runway and collided with a JU 52 parked in the dispersal and ended up some distance beyond the 52. The Baltimore burst into flames and the bombs exploded soon afterwards.The crew had already escaped or been rescued from the aircraft before the bombs exploded.Lt. CLUTTERBUCK received 3rd degree burns to his arm. Lieut. van der MEULEN was seriously injured and his left lower leg had to be amputated. F/Sgt. CARBARNS died of injuries and F/Sgt. RAEBURN escaped uninjured. The funeral of F/Sgt. CARBARNS took place this afternoon in TUNIS.18 other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Base Depot for R.T.U.‍

Transcriber's Notes

L.G
Landing Ground.
A.A
Anti-Aircraft.
L.T
Local Time.
F/Sgt
Flight Sergeant.
Sgt
Sergeant.
S.A.A.F
South African Air Force.
R.T.U
Returned to Union (South Africa).

Historical Context &

Context (Pre-Invasion Bombardment - Sicily):

Tactical Innovation (Pathfinder Role):

On July 8th, the Commanding Officer (Lt.-Col. Coppen) personally acted as the Pathfinder, dropping flares to illuminate the target at Sciacca for the following bombers. This adoption of RAF Bomber Command tactics (using a master bomber/pathfinder) was crucial for accurate night bombing in the era before advanced radar bombing aids were widespread in tactical squadrons.

Runway Disaster (Collision with Ju 52):

Personnel (The "Non-Signees"):

Major Turnbull visited to discuss replacing R.T.U. personnel and "non-signee ground personnel." This refers to South African troops who refused to sign the "General Service Oath" (Blue Oath) to serve outside Africa. As the squadron prepared to move to Sicily/Italy, these men had to be screened out and returned home, a unique administrative challenge for the UDF.

Typographical Errors:

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives