Wednesday, 17 May 1944

21 Squadron War Diary

17th Biferno, Italy

Gun positions near ROCCASECCA were attacked twice, and the ack-ack was very accurate resulting in the loss of two machines. The aircraft piloted by Major JOB was shot down over the target, two parachutes were seen to open. The second aircraft crash-landed at TRIGNO on the way back, with the Observer, Lieut. EDMAYR, and the WT/AG. W.O.1. Ferreira wounded by ack-ack splinters. Only one aircraft returned without any holes. The loss of Major JOB and his crew was a great blow to the Squadron, Major JOB, pilot, Lieut. STUART, observer, Capt. HALL, A. G. & 2/Lt. BOUHER, WT/AG) as they were very efficient aircrew members and most popular with all ranks in the Squadron.Sortie Reports Nos. 677 & 678.

Transcriber's Notes

WT/AG: Wireless Operator / Air Gunner.
W.O.1: Warrant Officer Class 1.
Capt: Captain.
2/Lt: Second Lieutenant.
L.T: Local Time.

A "Black Day" for the Squadron (The Loss of Major Job):

Casualties:

In the second aircraft (crash-landed at Trigno), Lieut. Edmayr (Observer) and W.O.1. Ferreira (Wireless Operator) were "wounded by ack-ack splinters". Flak splinters were jagged fragments of steel that could tear through the thin aluminum skin of a Baltimore bomber effortlessly, often causing gruesome injuries to the crew inside the cramped fuselage.

Abbreviations:

AIR 27/269 · The National Archives