Operational Record
- Committed
- 12 Glenn Martin Baltimore
- Airborne
- 1335 hrs
- Returned
- 1537 hrs
- From
- Biferno
- Map
- ITALY - 1:100,000 Sheet 152 SORA
- Day / night
- Day
12 Baltimores briefed to R/v with 223 Sqdn over base (with 21 leading) to attack an AMMO DUMP at G688474 ( Latitude : **41° 43' 45'' N **Longitude : **13° 37' 30'' E**) near SORA. The first 10 a/c were airborne by 1535 Hrs. 11th a/c crashed immediately near the run-way and shortly afterwards burst into flames. Pilot, Observer and WOP/G managed to escape without serious injury but A/G was trapped and burnt to death. 12th a/c did NOT take off. Remaining 10 a/c instructed to proceed with raid: 223 and 55 Sqdn did NOT participate. Formation set course at 1620 Hrs and soon, after crossing bomb line encountered cloud. Weather conditions deteriorated Westwards and target area was found to be totally obscured by several layers of cloud. After cruising around looking for gaps formation returned to base with all bombs. Close escort of Spitfires from base. NO enemy opposition. All a/c down by 1737 Hrs.