21 Squadron War Diary
3rd July, 1943 2100 hrs Ben Hagen
War Diary 14From : Senior Intelligence Officer, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.To : H.Q., N.A.A.F. (Attention 23rd S.C.O.R.U.)N.A.T.A.F. (Attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd S.C.O.R.U.)S.I.O., T.B.F.Date : 3rd July, 1943Ref. : 21 Squadron/ OPREP 324.OPREP No. 324 for 24 hours ending 2100 hours L.T. on3 JUL 43. Operation No. 2.A. 12 Baltimores (with 12 Bostons of 12 Squadron, S.A.A.F.) escorted by 48 P-40's from 324 Wing of which some returned early, bombed TRAPANI-MILO Western Dispersal Area at 1051 hours from 7500'. Take-off was 0952 hours and landing 1158 hours. Results not accurately observed but believed in target areas. Intense, accurate heavy A.A., box type 3000' in depth above and below formation encountered, and two Baltimores shot down, two parachutes were seen to open. Before A.A. barrage stopped formation was attacked by 8/10 enemy fighters, M.E. 109's and Macchi 202's being recognised and 1 M.E. 110 and one F.W. 190 being reported. Running fight resulted until 4/5 minutes over sea, 2 Baltimores being shot down. 3 Enemy fighters claimed destroyed and 2 damaged.Weather fair but hazy. Light A.A. with pinkballs over target area and from FAVIGNANA Is. Heavy A.A. observed from FAVIGNANA Is. as well.B. 8 Baltimores Mark III, 4 Baltimores Mark III AC. NilD. 18 hours 20 mins.E. (1) 42,000 x .30 (ii) 300 x .30 (iii) 14,000 x .3016,000 x .303 250 x .303 8,000 x .3032,800 x .50 250 x .50 3,500 x .50) Unchecked700 x .50) in Balt.111 A forcelanded at Alternative L.G.F. (1) 72 x 250 G.P. with 6" rods, 43 det.(ii) 62 x 250 G.P. with 6" rods, 43 det.(iii) Nil.(iv) 24 x 250 G.P. with 6" rods, 43 det. (14 of this total dropped before casualties)G. (i), 4 Baltimore III (ii) Nil (iii) 3 Baltimore III (Slight-Cat I)1 Baltimore III (damaged Category II)3 Baltimore III A (Slight, Category I)1 Baltimore III A (damaged, category II)H. Major Schravesande, Pilot,Lt. Campbell, observerF/Sgts. Meyer and Stopforth, Air-gunners.Capt. McBride, Pilot,Lt. Pickerill, observer,F/Sgt. Daniels and White, Air-gunnersLt. Meredith, Pilot,Lt. Herring, Observer,F/Sgts. Smith and Prout, Air-gunners,Lt. Oakes, Pilot,Lt. Sachs, Observer,Sgts. Morrison and Cleland, Air-Gunners.J. (1) 2 M.E. 109 F, 1 Macchi 202(ii) Nil(iii) 1 M.E. 109 F, 1 M.E. 110V-Z. Nil.(Signature: G.W. Thompson) for Capt.S.I.O. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.