Thursday, 2 March 1944 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

Biferno, Italy

OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 2nd March, 1944.Aan/To 2nd March, 1944.| Plek. Place. | Datum. Date. | Uur. Hour. | Opsomming van Gebeure en Inligtings. Summary of Events and Information. | Opmerkings en verwysings na aanhangsels. Remarks and references to Appendices. ||---|---|---|---|---|| BIFERNO. | 2nd Cont. | | (Brown smoke) observed ¾ mile S.E. of Campoleone station; about 20 open loaded railway trucks on main line immediately east of station. Two aircraft from second box failed to return. No. 1 of the second Vic (Lt. Richards, pilot, Lt. Cockburn, observer, F/Sgt. Robertse, WT/AG & A/Sgt. McCrindle, A.G.) collided with No3. of 1st Vic (Lt. Longmore, pilot, Lt. Kendal observer, F/Sgt. Theunissen WT/AG & A/Sgt. MacKay A.G.). No. 1 was seen to spin down without a tail, and one parachute was seen to open. This was F/Sgt. Robertse who later returned to the Squadron. No.3 was later observed along the coast losing height and heading for Naples. Later a signal was received stating that this aircraft had landed safely near Naples. Lt. Kendal baled out from this aircraft and made a safe landing, returning to the Unit the following day. Sortie Report No. 571. | Appendix "A" |

Transcriber's Notes

S.E: South-East.
L.T: Local Time.
F/Sgt: Flight Sergeant.
Sgt: Sergeant.
WT/AG: Wireless Operator / Air Gunner.
A/Sgt: Acting Sergeant.
A.G: Air Gunner.

Lt. Richards / Lt. Cockburn / F/Sgt. Robertse / A/Sgt. McCrindle: Crew of the first aircraft (No. 1). Note that F/Sgt Robertse is recorded as the sole survivor from this aircraft.

Lt. Longmore / Lt. Kendal / F/Sgt. Theunissen / A/Sgt. MacKay: Crew of the second aircraft (No. 3). Despite the collision, the pilot (Longmore) managed to fly the damaged aircraft to safety near Naples, though the observer (Kendal) bailed out prior to landing.