Wednesday, 14 July 1943 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

2158 hrs Ben Hagen

R.A.F. Form 441 A.War Diary 53NIGHT OPERATION.SORTIE REPORT(Part A.)Sheet No. 1Oprep. Ref. No. 339Date. 13/14 Jul 43Squadron. 21 SAAFType of Aircraft. BALTIMORES 3 Mk III, 4 Mk IIIA.Aircraft No. )Aircraft Letter. ) as per List.Captain Major CORMACK.Lt. LOMBAARD.Crew.7 aircraft followed at 5 min intervals approximately the same routeing into and off target.Time Up. 2158 hrs. LT. 1st aircraft.Time Down. 0145 hrs. LT. Last aircraft.Total Time. 18 hrs 40 mins.Aerodrome or L.G. BEN HAGEN LG.Type of Cloud. Cu & S/Cu, some scattered high.Amount of Cloud. 3/10.Base of Cloud. Tops. 3000' over Cape BON & PANTELLERIA area.Visibility. Good.General Weather. Good but hazy.Map or Chart Reference.SICILIA.1:500,000NE 36/12.Task or Duty. INTERRUPT ROAD COMMUNICATIONS BOMBING AREA B5228, C3305, H0677 CENTRAL SICILIA.| Time | Height | Place | Narrative ||---|---|---|---|| 2158 | | Ben Hagen | Airborne. || 2205 | 2300 | Ras el Fortass | Set course RAS MOSTEFA. || 2210 | 4400 | Ras Mostefa | Set course CAPE BIANCO. || 2250 | 8500 | Cape Bianco | Set course target area. Searched and attacked on various courses. || 2335 | 6700 | Agrigento | Set course KELIBIA. || 0010 | 4000 | Kelibia | Set course BEN HAGEN. || 0115 | | Ben Hagen | || 0145 | | | Last aircraft landed. |(Signature: J. S. Bester) Capt.SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF.

Transcriber's Notes

R.A.F: Royal Air Force.
S.A.A.F: South African Air Force.
L.T: Local Time.
Time Up: 13:48 A (Local).
Total Time: 22.00 hours represents the aggregate flight time for all 12 aircraft (approx. 1 hour 50 mins each).
L.G: Landing Ground.
S/Cu: Stratocumulus (cloud type).
N.E: North East.

Abbreviations and Technical Terms Expanded:

Cu & S/Cu: Cumulus and Stratocumulus (cloud types).

Route and Timing Analysis:

Ordnance and Interdiction Results:

Observations about Individuals:

Historical and Location Context: