The second and third boxes overshot, patterns commencing on northern edge of target. 5 x 250 lbs. bombs hung-up and were

Sortie Report (Form 541)

Date: 8th October, 1944

page 4.16418th (Cont.) with all bombs owing to U.S. hydraulic system. 2 x 1000 lbs. bombs hung-up and were jettisoned in sea. Slight, inaccurate heavy A.A. encountered. Last aircraft down by 16.17 hours.Sortie Report No. 832. Appendix "S"19thEleven Marauders in 2 boxes of four and one box of three aircraft briefed to attack an Enemy strongpoint east of Rimini. The first few bombs of the first box hit the northern portion of the target. The second and third boxes overshot, patterns commencing on northern edge of target. 5 x 250 lbs. bombs hung-up and were brought back. Enemy opposition consisted of slight, inaccurate A.A., one aircraft being holed. The last aircraft was down by 15.10 hours.Sortie Report No. 833. Appendix "T"Lieut. S.R. Hodges, D.F.C. and Lieut. D.B. Jordaan (observers) both having been with the Squadron on a previous tour, reported for duty.20thNil operations. The following new arrivals reported for duty :- Lieut. Collender, 2/Lt. Stuart and F/Sgt. Gillam (RAF), pilots; 2/Lts. Johnston and Deane (observers); Sgt. Benson (RAF) W/Op. A.G.; Sgts. Suter and Banfield (RAF) A.Gs.21stNo operations to-day. Sgt. Cordell (RAF) pilot; Sgt. Davidson (RAF), F/Sgt. Eave (RAF) A.Gs, new arrivals. Lieut. Brett (pilot) posted O.T.E.22ndTwelve Marauders in three boxes of 4 aircraft set out to attack a Road Bridge at M.629274. The first and third boxes overshot, bombs falling in open country. The second box had a 40 yards overshoot and straddled the road alongside Canal. Moderate, fairly accurate heavy A.A. encountered, two aircraft being holed. Last aircraft down by 13.51 hours.Sortie Report No. 836. Appendix "U"23rdEleven Marauders, in two boxes of four aircraft and one of three aircraft briefed to attack a Road Bridge over the Savio River. The first box had a lateral right error, bombs falling on approach road and direct hits on buildings north of bridge. Second box undershot, bombs falling across Railroad line. The third box had a slight lateral error scoring direct hits on northern approach of bridge. Slight, inaccurate heavy A.A. was encountered. Last aircraft down by 10.03 hours.Sortie Report No. 837. Appendix "V"Twelve Marauders in three boxes of four aircraft set out to attack Road Bridge over Savio River. The first box straddled the southern approach of Bridge. Phot interpretation shows no damage to the Bridge. The second box had a slight lateral error and scored direct hits on approach road. The third box had an undershot and scored a direct hit on the already broken Railroad Bridge. Moderate, heavy A.A., inaccurate encountered, one aircraft receiving a small hole. Last aircraft down by 16.10 hours.Sortie Report No. 838 Appendix "W"Capt. Maritz (pilot) and W.Os. v.d. Colf and Kelly (WT/AGs) posted O.T.E. 2/Lt. Howard (observer) posted to 24 Squadron and Sgt. Bell (RAF) WT/AG. posted to 12 Squadron.24thTwelve Marauders briefed to attack the Marshalling Yards at Forli. First box straddled eastern portion of target, although only two aircraft of this box bombed. One aircraft's bombs hung-up and were brought back and the other released late bombs falling at M.410178, 2 miles west of the target. Second box had a lateral right error, pattern running parallel with Marshalling Yards. Third box bombed Cesena Marshalling Yards by mistake, the result being a left lateral error. Direct hits were scored on buildings at M.603803. Intense, accurate heavy A.A. from Cesenatico to target and back to the coast, ten aircraft being holed.Sortie Report No. 839. Appendix "X"Twelve Marauders in three boxes of four aircraft each airborne from Pescara at 13.40 hours to attack a Stores Dump on the outskirts of Cesena. On arrival in target area Cesena was found obscured by 10/10 cloud and formation carried on to Forli to attack a targetpage 5.16524th (Cont) described as a Motor Transport Workshops. Formation found the target partially covered by cloud, but objective was identified. First box very slight left error with a few direct hits in N.E. corner of target. Second box overshot and left error of about 400 yards, with direct hits on buildings. Third box which had become separated bombed Faenza Marshalling Yards through a gap in clouds, commencing with a slight undershoot finishing in the centre of Yards. Slight, heavy A.A. (accurate) through cloud from Cesena area; three aircraft from third box holed. Nosewheel of one aircraft collapsed due to a hit by flak, no personnel casualties. Two aircraft cat.11. Last aircraft down by 16.45 hours. Sortie Report No. 840. Appendix "Y"25th Nil operations. Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C., previously from this Squadron, arrived to take over as Commanding Officer. Lieut. Musgrove (pilot) reported for duty on a second tour. Lieuts. Hulley and Andrews (pilots) posted R.T.U. as operational tour expired.26th Twelve Marauders airborne at 11.25 hours to bomb area M.707055 - M.715055 - 717058 - 707058. A stick from the first box fell from M.711057 to M.708057, one direct hit on buildings. Stick from second box fell from M.713057 to M.710057 causing an explosion with orange smoke at M.712057. Stick from third box inside southern edge of target. Slight, heavy A.A. inaccurate, during bombing run. All aircraft landed at Base by 13.40 hrs. Sortie Report No. 842. Appendix "Z"Lieuts. Reyneke, Lowe and 2/Lt. Parsonson (pilots); 2/Lt. Teague (observer); W.O. Hennessy, Sgt. Gidlow (RAF) (WT/AGs); Lieut. Ballingen, F/Sgts. Dodson, Cloete and Tennant (A.Gs.) reported for duty.27th to 30th Inclement weather - no operations - nothing of importance to report.SUMMARY - SEPTEMBER, 1944.The month of September can be regarded as an outstanding month in many ways. The Squadron has carried out all necessary operations, but not without loss. A ghastly accident occurred when the bombs exploded in aircraft F, causing the death of seven personnel of this Unit. A huge petrol fire broke out at 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F. when 22,000 gallons of petrol were lost. Lt. Col. Jandrell, D.F.C. returned R.T.U. and Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C. assumed command. Inclement weather has interfered with operations to a certain extent. Sport has confined itself to soft ball.The Squadron carried out 22 sorties during the month adopting the box "shuttle" formation, which proved very successful, registering 17 direct hits on their targets. The Squadron suffered a serious loss on the 13th of the month when Lieut. Whitehouse and his crew were shot down by ack ack. (Lieut. Whitehouse and F/Sgt. Carter, pilots; Lieut. van Trotsenburg, observer; W.O. Swale, WT/AG; W.Os. Horscroft and Wilson, A.Gs). Reports from the Army stated that four parachutes were seen to open, but this report has not been confirmed. Investigations are proceeding.On the 9th of September at 08.00 hours a tremendous explosion occurred on the aerodrome, in the bay where aircraft "F" was parked. Briefing had already taken place and crews were being conveyed to their aircraft, when the explosion took place. Lieut. F.W. Brall, who was in the habit of proceeding to his aircraft ahead of his crew, was in the aircraft at the time of the explosion. The following personnel were killed :- Lieut. F.W. Brall, W.O.1. Botha, A/Cpl. Kimbrey, A/Cpl. Cheesman, A/M. Maeder, A/M. Viret, A/M. Andrews. A/Sgt. Smit and A/M. v.d. Westhuizen were injured and A/M. v.d. Merwe sustained superficial scratches. The remains of the deceased were buried in the British Military Cemetery at the Sangro in the afternoon with full military honours. Padre Skemp officiated and Capt. L.R. Alexander represented the C.O. at the funeral. A Court of Enquiry was convened by O.C. 3 Wing, S.A.A.F., consisting of Major Aitchison as President and F/Lt. White, Armament Officer, Rear D.A.F. as member.Lt. Col. A.C. Jandrell, D.F.C. was posted R.T.U., together with his crew - Lieut. MacKay, Capt. R.R. Farrant, D.F.C., Lieut. J. Thompson andpage 6.166W.O.11 Sheppard. In order to say farewell Lt. Col. Jandrell gave a party in the Officers' Mess for the officers, and visited the Sergeants' and Airmens' Messes. The party in the officers' Mess had just commenced when a huge conflagration was observed from the direction of 30 Squadron, the flames reaching hundreds of feet into the air and lighting up the countryside. Col. Jandrell jokingly remarked that "30 Squadron must give me a send off and see how they do it - no half measures." It was learned later that a petrol bowser had ignited at the petrol dump causing the loss of 22,000 gallons of 100 octane.Major Aitchison assumed command of the Squadron after the departure of Col. Jandrell until the arrival of Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C., who took over on the 25th of September.New crews have been arriving apace, whilst old crews have departed O.T.E. Several new arrivals are old members of the Squadron who have returned after a well earned rest in the Union.Winter has made its appearance and has brought with it the rains, causing a general upheaval as the mud of Italy is in a class by itself.3 Wing, S.A.A.F. celebrated its third anniversary on the 27th of September in no uncertain manner by throwing a big party. Air Vice Marshal Dixon and General Theron were present besides several other senior officers.Baseball has proved very popular in the Squadron and inter-section games are played practically every afternoon.I have read over this diary and the facts are correct.(Signed) L.R. AlexanderCAPT. DIARIST.(Signed) D. OrdLT. COL.COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.CopyTo : Officer Commanding, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.From : S.I.O., 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.Date : 8th October, 1944.Subject: LOSS OF MARAUDER M.D. 591, LIEUT. WHITEHOUSE AND CREW.I left Pescara on the morning of the 5th October having been instructed to endeavour to ascertain the fate of the crew of the above aircraft. Stopped at FANO for the night and called the next morning on Lieut. Col. MARGO at Advance D.A.F. He advised me to contact Major Wallace, G.2 Air, Canadian Corps, at present located in RIMINI. I proceeded to Rimini and in the absence of Major Wallace, interviewed his assistant, Capt. UNWIN. He informed me that the 1st Canadian Div. was holding the coastal sector at the time of the casualty (13th September). I proceeded to RICCIONE and saw Lieut. SPROULE at H.Q. 1st Can. Div. This intelligence officer, after checking with OPS. staff, told me that they were unable to throw any light on the subject as the Div. had been withdrawn from the area on the 11th September, and replaced by the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the 3rd Greek Brigade, under command of the 2nd New Zealand Div. I could not contact the R.C.D.'s who were in the line, but, before proceeding Northwards to visit the N.Z. H.Q., I called on the nearby B Echelon of the Greek Brigade, who told me that any information could only be sought from Brigade H.Q. I proceeded to VISERBA and at N.Z. Div. H.Q. interviewed the G.3 Air. He very kindly contacted over the phone Col. AKED, New Zealand Liason Officer to the Greek Brigade. Col. AKED appeared surprised at the enquiries being made as he said that a full report had been sent at the time by the Greek Brigade to the 1st Can. Div. who was still in command. However, it appears that the aircraft was seen going down by members of the 3rd Greek Brigade. 3 Parachutes left the aircraft, one of which failed to open, and fell into the sea. Of the two parachutes opening normally, one landed in the sea, about four miles from Rimini. The other one landed 20 yards off shore behind the German lines, and German soldiers were observed wading in and collecting the airman. One body was washed ashore four days later and buried by the Greeks.On the morning of the 7th I called again at B Echelon, 3rd Mountain Greek Bde., at MIRAMARE. I questioned Sgt. PARASCHAKIS of the Military Police 3rd Greek Mntn. Bde. He stated that on the 20th Sept. date at which they moved into Miramare, he discovered on the seashore the body of an airman, with a parachute cord tied to his left wrist and to a stake on the beach. The body was headless, except for a portion of the lower jaw. Some dark hair was found nearby. The body was clad with a khaki shirt (drill) and khaki shorts (drill), long khaki stockings, no footwear, American type khaki battle-dress top with pilot-type cloth wings over the left breast pocket, brownish in colour, no insignia of rank, and light green colour one-piece overalls, with zipp-fastener at the front. No identity papers were found, nor identity discs. On instructions from the Greek Brigadier a party was sent from Brigade to bury the airman on the 21st.I then questioned W.O. VREROS, H.Q. 3rd Mntn. Bde., who was the N.C.O. in charge of the burial party. He confirmed the above description adding that it was the body of a medium height man, well built. The left leg was broken at mid-thigh, the right leg at the knee. The body was white and blown from immersion in the sea. He had him buried with the honours accorded to a Greek Officer, in the Greek Cemetery, 2 kilos South of RICCIONE on the western edge of the road. I visited the grave which bears No. 64 and a Greek inscription translated as follows: "Unknown airman from America." We found him at the coastal village of Miramare near Rimini. We buried him at 1.30 p.m. 21. 9. 44." Further particulars of burial can be obtained from Lieut. Padre TSANOUSIDIS 3rd Greek Bde. Medical Services.I proceeded to the 9th Canadian Field Ambulance, at CATTOLICA to investigate the discovery of an airman's body which was found on the 17th Sept. (Signal No. P.571 from B.P.O., R.A.F., B.N.A.F. refers). The Padre, Capt. G. Lloyd FULFORD, who buried the body gave me the following particulars: The body had sojourned about four days in the water and was found on the 17th. Dark man, age about 25, tattoo mark on right forearm with word "PAT" on butterfly. Operation scar, probably appendicitis on right abdominal side. Clad in long khaki drill pants, woollen shirt, long sleeve woollen sweater (olive grey), had in his shirt pocket a W.O.2 metal badge of rank. Parachute serial number 49910, manufactured by G.Q. Parachute Co., Ltd., WOKING. Stamped on parachute was - "AID FR5 S 16807 Modif. 168." The Mae West bore the following "PATER". On another part was the word GOLD crossed out.-2-168Shirt size 38W, with number 564. The parachute had not been operated and the body bore no signs of burns. There were shrapnel wounds through both legs and chest. One brown fleece-lined flying boot was recovered. The hair appeared to be receding from the forehead. There were red tabs on shoulder straps. A purse F1 type containing 1000 French Francs and 2000 Italian currency notes was handed to me in open condition by Capt. SWANSON, Q.M. 9th Can. Ambulance, also a silk escape map H2. I gave Capt. Swanson my receipt for these articles. The remainder of the kit, parachute, etc. had already been handed in to 1st Can. Div. Supply Point Salvage Depot. The body was buried in grave 9 Row B Map Ref. Italy 1 : 100,000 sheet 109 R.955888.I also ascertained that the 11th and 13th Field Coys. S.A.E.C. were at Cattolica on the date of the crash. Lt. Brebner and Lt. Birbeck respectively have undertaken to make enquiries amongst their men, with a view to finding possible eye-witnesses.Although the coast was cleared of civilians by German order long before the date of the crash, I have asked Lieut. MONACO, AMG. 8th Army, Riccione to make enquiries and report.I returned to Pescara on the afternoon of the 8th October.CONCLUSION. I wish to submit the following points :-(a) The fact that the body buried by the Greeks was clad in shorts, and wore a set of cloth wings does not make it appear as if it is an American airman. The wings are definitely described as pilot's wings, and the man as dark. Both pilots were fair-hair. (Lieut. Whitehouse and F/Sgt. Carter).(b) There is a discrepancy between Col. AKED and Sgt. PARASCHAKIS, regarding the date on which the body was found. The sergeant is supported in his contention by the diary of one of his men which was referred to in my presence.(c) The only possible way of identifying the set of wings appears to be through exhumation of the body.(d) The fact that the body buried by the Canadians showed no burns and the parachute not used could tally with the report from Col. AKED that one parachute failed to open, and it might be it, owing to absence of burns and the fact that the aircraft was on fire. The description of the body could fit that of W.O.2 Wilson, but against this theory is the fact that the recovered escape purse is not of the type in use in this Squadron.(e) I asked the Canadian padre why it was thought that the body was the observer's. He told me that in making this statement he had been purely guided by the fact that the parachute was of the Observer's type.(f) I feel that the only fairly conclusive fact obtained is that 3 parachutes left the aircraft, that one failed to open and that at least one of the remaining two is P.O.W.(Signed) C.P.P. Nicolle Capt.S.I.O. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.Enclosures : One F1 purse, 1000 French Francs, 2000 Lira.One W.O.2 badge.One silk escape map.One set of identity discs found by the Canadians on the beach subsequent to the discovery of the body, but same locality.

Transcriber's Notes

U.S: Unserviceable (mechanical failure).
A.A: Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak).
D.F.C: Distinguished Flying Cross.
D.F.C: Distinguished Flying Cross.
D.F.C: Distinguished Flying Cross.
F/Sgt: Flight Sergeant.
F/Sgt: Flight Sergeant.
Sgt: Sergeant.
RAF: Royal Air Force.
RAF: Royal Air Force.

Abbreviations Expanded:

lbs.: pounds.

v.d.: van der.

Observations about Individuals:

Lieutenant S.R. Hodges, D.F.C. and Lieutenant D.B. Jordaan: Their return for a "second tour" highlights the reliance on seasoned observers during the technically demanding bridge-bombing campaign.

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context:

Abbreviations Expanded:

cat.11: Category 11 damage (repairable by a specialized technical unit on site).

hrs.: hours.

Observations about Individuals:

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context:

Abbreviations Expanded:

Observations about Individuals:

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context:

Abbreviations Expanded:

Observations about Individuals Mentioned:

Lieutenant G. v.d. H. Whitehouse and Crew: The subject of this investigation. Their Martin B-26 Marauder III (HD 591) was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on September 13th, 1944.

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context:

Abbreviations Expanded:

Observations about Individuals Mentioned:

Lieutenant Whitehouse and Flight Sergeant Carter: The pilots of the downed Marauder. Nicolle uses the fact that they were "fair-hair" to rule out the dark-haired body recovered by the Greek Brigade as being one of the pilots.

Location and Modern Names:

Historical Theatre Context: