123456789101112

Operation No. 712

BRIDGE

12 aircraft

Operational Record

Committed
12 Glenn Martin Baltimore
Airborne
0647 hrs
Returned
0925 hrs
From
Biferno
Map
ITALY - 1:100,000 Sheet 109 PESARO
Day / night
Day
12 Baltimores off from BIFERNO by 0847 to attack CATTOLICA R.R. BRIDGE at R972873. After picking up close escort of 6 Spitfires at PENNA point, formation set course at 0914 hrs and bombed in boxes, line astern, at 1010 hrs from 12000' on a course of 265°. First box straddled target with a very short and concentrated pattern - 2 – 3 D/Hs (one in centre of bridge). Second box's bombing resulted in slight right error with possible near misses; 3 x 500 late releases from the box fell along railway beyond bridge. No enemy opposition. All A/c down by 1125 hrs. Weather: Clear and visibility good over target and en route.