Sunday, 9 January 1944 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

Tortorella, Italy

The weather having improved considerably, the Squadron carried out an operation. The target was the town of PALERNO, and as the target was identified, the leader did a dummy run up. On the second run the leader’s bombs failed to drop and he was forced to jettison on his third run; the second box bombed on their first run up. The bombs were seen to burst in the S.W. portion of the town.Sortie Report No. 510.2nd / Lieut. E.A. van der Putte (Belgian Observer) reported for duty. A great deal of excitement was caused by the visit of the S.A.B.C. Recording Unit. Fifty Squadron personnel were given the opportunity of recording messages for their people at home. Lots were drawn for this privilege, and the lucky ones concerned were envied by all.

Transcriber's Notes

S.W: South-West.
E.A: Enemy Action.

Belgian Personnel (2nd/Lieut. Van der Putte): The arrival of 2nd/Lieut. E.A. Van der Putte explicitly identified as a "Belgian observer," continues the trend of European volunteers serving within SAAF units (similar to Capt. Dieu mentioned in November 1943). This highlights the multinational composition of the Allied air forces in the Mediterranean.