21 Squadron War Diary
0820 hrs Biferno, Italy
The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/3GEHEIM — SECRET.OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 1st March, 1944.Aan/To 2nd March, 1944.BIFERNO.1stThe weather was fairly good and there was an early standby but no raids were carried out during the day.The funeral of Capt. T.A.B. v.d. Riet took place at the British Cemetery, Termoli.2ndAt 08.20 hours twelve aricraft took off to bomb an assembly and gun area in woods at F872375. After rendezvous with 12 escort fighters at Larino, the formation set course for Volturno River mouth thence along coast to target. One aircraft turned back near Gaeta due to engine trouble and landed safely at base. The formation attacked in two boxes almost in line astern at about 15,500 feet. One aircraft failed to bomb and returned to base with a complete load. Opening up to 40 yards, the target was straddled with short sticks in a long pattern. A large explosion with black smoke seen and two large fires