21 Squadron War Diary
1200 hrs Tortorella, Italy
Capt. Dieu who was reported missing after the raid on the 3rd, returned to the Squadron. He had baled out, hidden for five days in enemy territory and eventually managed to reach the Allied lines.A formation of twelve aircraft took off at 12.00 hours to attack guns, troops and M.T. at STAZ DI PALENA. It was found necessary to complete two circuits before the target was identified and the attack was made.The second box did not see the leading box bomb until bomb bursts were seen over the target; they then made another run but lost the target in cloud and only saw it when it was too late to release the bombs. The leaders then ordered the box to jettison their bombs in the sea.Sortie Report No. 441.