Wednesday, 16 February 1944

21 Squadron War Diary

Tortorella, Italy

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/2OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 16th February, 1944.Aan/To 17th February, 1944.TORTORELLA.16th | Cont. | railway. The second box bombed in a short stick directly on the target. On account of smoke and dust, no results could be observed. All the aircraft landed safely at Pomigliano (Naples) as a precautionary measure against possible shortage of fuel in reaching base. The two boxes became separated soon after take off and carried the whole raid individually. Heavy, concentrated A.A. was encountered. Sortie Report No. 556.| | Appendix "M"17thAll the aircraft, that landed at Pomigliano the previous day, returned safely. No operations were carried out during the day.After a period of four months, the order came through 3 (S.A.) Wing to move. A meeting of heads of Sections was called and the Adjutant supplied all the "gen" as regards the move. In order not to interfere with operations, all aircrews and

Transcriber's Notes

A.A: Anti-Aircraft.
S.A: South African.

Military Terminology & Slang:

3 (S.A.) Wing: No. 3 Wing SAAF. This was a tactical bomber wing controlling South African medium bomber squadrons (including 12, 21, and 24 Squadrons) operating in Italy. They operated under the command of the Desert Air Force (DAF).

Heads of Sections: The leaders of the various ground support departments essential for a squadron's function (e.g., Engineering/Maintenance, Armory, Signals, Transport/M.T., Medical, Catering).

Locations:

Pomigliano (Naples): Refers to Pomigliano d'Arco airfield . Located northeast of Naples, it was a major aeronautical hub (home to the Alfa Romeo aircraft engine factory) and was used by the Allies as a forward operating base and maintenance center. Landing here suggests the aircraft were critically low on fuel after the raid on Carroceto (near Anzio), and Tortorella (Foggia) was too far to reach safely against headwinds or after combat maneuvering.

Historical Context:

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives