Operational Record
- Committed
- 12 Glenn Martin Baltimore
- Airborne
- 0552 hrs
- Returned
- 0710 hrs
- From
- Biferno
- Map
- ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 137 VITERBO
- Day / night
- Day
12 Balts of 21 Squadron (accompanied by 223 Squadron and a close escort of 18 Spitfires) were detailed to bomb an Ammo Dump (near Orte). R/v with fighters was to be at Venafro, at 07.52 Hrs, but on arrival there, on time, no escort was seen. The two squadrons circled until 0809 hrs and then set course to search for an alternative target (which was briefed to be any RR bridge or stretch of railway). Fighters eventually caught up with formation in Sulmona area. Due to confusion regarding target selected by leading squadron (223 Squadron), five A/C of 21 bombed Pratola Station (G898855), scoring hits on station building, road and two on railway (pattern slight overshoot). Remaining seven A/C bombed FACTORY at B9605 (NE of TORRE), claiming D/H's on buildings and road. NO enemy opposition. All A/C down by 09.10 hrs. Weather clear and visibility good.