Monday, 28 August 1944 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

Pescara, Italy

OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 28th August, 1944. Aan/To 29th August, 1944.PESCARA.28th Cont.: Adjutant during his absence.29th: W.Os. Botha, Broomhead & Faure (WT/AGs) reported for duty.23 Marauders briefed during the day to attack strong points in the Pesaro area in support of the Army. 15 aircraft in three boxes of four and three aircraft attacked area known as No. 4 with its centre at S.055788; two formations straddled centre portion with all bombs in the area; third box overshot by about 1000 yards but good percentage of bombs fell in an adjoining target area. One aircraft of this box returned early with bombs, due to engine trouble.Fifth and sixth formations briefed to attack area around S.060 & 90 known as Target No. 3. One box of four aircraft straddled target with all its bombs, and the other overshot by 1500 yards due to aircraft in the area interfering with bombing run. Only one formation encountered slight, accurate ack-ack,

Transcriber's Notes

WT/AGs: Wireless Operator/Air Gunners.

Abbreviations Expanded:

Observations about Individuals:

W.Os. Botha, Broomhead & Faure: These are new arrivals to the squadron's aircrew complement. Their arrival was likely intended to replace the heavy losses sustained just over a week earlier on August 21st, when four complete crews were lost.

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context:

Assault on the Gothic Line (Operation Olive): These missions took place at the height of the Allied attempt to breach the Gothic Line. The "strong points" mentioned were typically fortified German defensive nests, bunkers, and artillery positions integrated into the natural hills.