21 Squadron War Diary
1214 hrs Biferno, Italy
The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/2OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 25th February, 1944.Aan/To 29th February, 1944.BIFERNO.28th | Cont. | Three of the crew landed near Atessa, where they were cared for by the 13th Corps. A further message was received that the pilot, Capt. T. A. B. v. d. Riet was killed. His remains were found and brought to the Squadron. Sortie Report No. 568.| | Appendix "V"29thThe burial of Capt. v.d. Riet, the pilot who was killed the previous day, took place at the British Cemetry of Termoli. From reports received, it appeared that the aircraft went into a spin and the pilot was caught by the propellors when baling. The parachute was cut and his body badly mutilated. The death of Capt. v.d. Riet was a great blow to the Squadron as he was a good pilot and very popular with all ranks.Thirteen aircraft took off at 12.14 hours to bomb Giulianova Railway Station. One aircraft returned shortly after take off, due to intercom. trouble. No. 2 box undershot the target as