Operation

TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON, SAAF REF : 21S/597 DATE : 20th March 1944 OPREP No.597 for period ending 2100 Hrs on 19/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 116 GUBBIO A: 11 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO from 1311 Hrs and led by 223 Sqdn, set course at 1331 Hrs to bomb the M/Yds and Stn at FABRIANO (S110176). One a/c returned with bombs after 25 Minutes due to generator trouble. Formation turned in from sea at POTENZA River and 2 boxes attacked line astern from 12000' at 1430 Hrs on a course of 010°. Due presumably to an incorrect forecast (010/15) a line error resulted, and bombs fell in a close pattern from S117177 to S119185. Actual wind in target area was estimated at 280/25. NO enemy opposition. 8 Spitfires area cover. Target clear, but area 4/10 cloud at 10,000'. On return 1 a/c burst a tyre, blocking run-way and five a/c were diverted to CANNE, where all landed by 1640 Hrs, returning to base later. NOTE: One additional a/c of 223 Sqdn accompanied the formation. Details will be included in that Unit's Oprep. B: (i) 4 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 4 Balts IIIA (ii) NIL (i) 3 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL. D: (i) 10.20 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 7.45 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 7.40 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 12800 x .30 1200 x .303 2800 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 12800 x .30 1200 x .303 2800 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 9600 x .30 900 x .303 2100 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 8 x 500 MC 12 x 250 GP (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 8 x 500 MC 12 x 250 GP (ii) 6 x 500 MC 9 x 250 GP (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 6 x 500 MC 9 x 250 GP (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (Fuse: NOSE 47 Det 27 Pist, TAIL 49 Det 28 Pist.) G: NIL. W: (i) 1 Mk.III: 2 Mk.IIIA: 3 Mk.IV: 2 Mk.V. (ii) NIL (i) .40 Mins: .30 Mins: 1.05 Hrs: .20 Mins: (ii) NIL 10 x 20 Frag. Z: NIL S.L. Boshoff Lt. Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.