21 Squadron War Diary
9 JUL 43. 2359 hrs Ben Hagen
War Diary 33P O S T A G R A M.To : HQ.RAF.ME.From : SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF.Serial No : 21 S/ 331.Date : 9 JUL 43.OPREP NO. 331 for period ending 2359 hrs LT. 9/10 JUL 43.A. CANICATTI TOWN.B. 3 Mk III and 1 Mk IIIA BALTIMORES.C. (i) LEVEL BOMBING (ii) 8000/9400' (iii) 2209/2232 LT.D. (i) 24 x 250 GP (Rods) 43 Det.(ii) Nil.(iii) 4 Long sticks on target of which one slightly to WEST andone slightly to SOUTH. All bombs seen to explode. Last aircraftsaw reddish fire glow at target on approach.E.F.G. Nil.H. (i) 2100 hrs LT.(ii) 9 hrs 55 mins.J. 2/10 St. Cumulus and Cumulus, top 2/3000' building up in C. BONPeninsula. Visibility GOOD over target.K. HAA seen in row from PORTO EMPEDOCLE to AGRIGENTO, 4 HAA guns onpoint at PORTO EMPEDOCLE, slight LAA accurate at 9000' at LICATA.10 flashes HAA seen to NORTH of target - NO AA over target. NOS/Ls seen.Comm: Nil.TOO 2359 hrs LT 9 JUL 43.(Signature: G.W. Thompson) Capt.SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF.