A-30 187 MK IIIA / MK IV
Glenn Martin Baltimore
As Winston Churchill famously said, "The soft underbelly of Europe is Italy," and the Allied forces recognized the importance of neutralizing Italian strongholds to gain a foothold in the Mediterranean theater.
This narrative follows the missions of 21 Squadron SAAF and the journey of my grandfather, who was an Air Gunner serving in the Squadron. By the time he returned to the Union of South Africa, the war had shifted, and a new chapter was about to open that would eventually lead to the end of the conflict.
This site is dedicated to the families of 21 Squadron servicemen, ground crews, and aircrews.
This narrative follows the missions of 21 Squadron SAAF and the journey of my grandfather, who was an Air Gunner serving in the Squadron. By the time he returned to the Union of South Africa, the war had shifted, and a new chapter was about to open that would eventually lead to the end of the conflict.
Observer
Pilot
Wireless Operator
Air Gunner
Air Gunner
To: The Glenn L. Martin Coy.
Baltimore. 3. M.D.
U.S.A.
On the conclusion of hostilities it was thought that your Company would be interested in a short history of this Squadron, which throughout the War has flown Glenn Martin aircraft exclusively.
The Squadron is a member of 3 South African Wing which formed the nucleus of the famous DESERT AIR FORCE.
In 1941 the Squadron was equipped with Maryland aircraft, which were used as Long Range Fighters and Bombers against enemy shipping, aerodromes, railways, gun positions, fuel dumps etc., being based in Egypt and Cyrenaica.
In 1942 the Squadron was equipped with Baltimore aircraft, and participated in the North African campaign from E. ALAMEIN in support of the 8th Army until that Campaign's successful conclusion, this Squadron actually participated in the last operation against the enemy in N. Africa.
21 Squadron formed part of the air attacks against the two island fortresses of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, it was then switched to attack targets in Sicily, at the same time converting to night operations, still on Baltimore aircraft. A move was then made to MALTA and the invasion of Sicily supported from there. Moving to Sicily day and night attacks were carried out against targets in Italy.
The Invasion of Italy at Salerno was supported mainly by night. Moving to Italy the Squadron continued to support the ground forces on both fronts in the advance up Italy. The Squadron played an active part in supporting the landing at ANZIO. Throughout the Italian campaign 21 Squadron participated in all the major engagements and its records show such names as "CASSINO, HITLER LINE, GOTHIC LINE, RIMINI, PO RIVER etc." During the Winter months when army support was not needed, enemy lines of communication, marshalling yards, bridges etc., was attacked.
...ATTACKED
In July, 1944 the Squadron was at a place called Termoli on the Adriatic Coast still flying Baltimore aircraft. In 28 days the entire Squadron converted to Marauder Aircraft and proceeded to do daylight operations against the enemy in Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia from bases in Italy, and also in support of the Army during the final battle in Italy.
Two of the Squadron's aircraft became particularly famous, one a Baltimore completed 172 Operational Sorties, the other a Marauder christened "B" for BLIKSEM completed 113 Operational Sorties, and when it had completed 400 hours was given an extension to 450 hours, on reaching this figure this aircraft was in perfect condition that a further 50 hours extension was granted. "B" for BLIKSEM was the pride of the Squadron and was revered by both Air and Ground Crews, it never failed to take off on a raid, never made an early return and led many successful raids. Photographs of this aircraft are enclosed.
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. is justly proud of its association with your aircraft, many of its members have been decorated for gallantry and briefly this Squadron has flown Glenn Martin aircraft in active Operations against the enemy from "EL ALAMEIN TO THE ALPS." (Our present site being at the base of those mountains)
(Sgd) D. Ord Lt. Col.
Officer Commanding. 21 Squadron. SAAF.
