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Operation No. 586

TANKS OR GUN EMPLACEMENTS

12 aircraft

Operational Record

Committed
12 Glenn Martin Baltimore
Airborne
0610 hrs
Returned
0815 hrs
From
Biferno
Map
ITALY 1:50,000 Sheet 150 ROMA
Day / night
Day
12 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO L/G at 0910 Hrs and after R/v with 223 Sqdn at VINCHIATURO (21 Sqdn Leading) set course to bomb a Tank Repair Shop near TIVOLI – T587731. The attack was carried out from 12400' on a course of about 300º at 1015 Hrs. The formation undershot slightly and the pattern of bombs commenced about 400 yds short and extended into the S.E. corner of target, where a large explosion was observed with white smoke in the centre. A direct hit is claimed on a building about 40 yds S.W. of target. All a/c returned by 1115 Hrs. NO enemy opposition in target area, but 4 bursts of accurate H/A/A shortly after crossing bomb line holed one of the a/c. 8 Spitfires provided area cover. Visibility and weather condition excellent in target area.