Operational Record
- Committed
- 12 Glenn Martin Baltimore
- Airborne
- 0940 hrs
- Returned
- 1112 hrs
- From
- Biferno
- Map
- ITALY - 1:100,000 Sheet 160 CASSINO
- Day / night
- Day
12 Balts airborne by 1140 hrs. to attack an ENEMY OCCUPIED AREA near CEPRANO between C617316 - 622317. With 223 Squadron leading, Formation set course at 1158 hrs. and bombed by boxes at 1232 from 13000' on a course of about 010º. Due to a patch of cloud at 10000' over target, results not observed but target was clearly identified through gaps during a good run-up and release, and it is presumed majority of bombs fell in target area. One container of 8 x 40 bombs hung up and was brought back. One A/c of first box sustained D/H over target from intense accurate H/A/A. A/c burst into flames, but pilot appears to have retained control long enough for the crew to bale. 3 parachutes seen to open but two possibly on fire. A/c last seen spiralling down over target area. 3 further A/c holed (Cat. I) 12 Spits provided area cover. Eleven A/c down at base by 1312 hrs.