Operation

P O S T A G R A M . # 62 R [Handwritten] To : H.Q., R.A.F., M.E., From : Senior Intelligence Officer, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F., Serial No: : 21 Sqdn/102 dated 24 Oct. 42. OPREP No.102 for period ending 1200 hrs; on 24 Oct 42.

A. M.T. and dug-in positions from coast WEST of Sidi Abd El Rahman SOUTH to 860296 ( El Daba 1 : 250,000 Sheet 14 )

B. 6 Baltimores and 12 Bostons of 24 Squadron.

C. (i) Medium level bombing. (ii) 6,500 ft. (iii) 0912 hrs.

D. (1) 36 x 250lb. G.P.43 detonator with extension rods. (ii) Nil. (iii) Direct hits on road.

E. Nil.

F. Nil.

G. Nil.

H. (i) 0817 hrs. (ii) 8 hrs. 57 mins. [Note: clerical error, likely 0 hrs. 55 mins based on flight times]

J. 10/10 cloud at 7,000ft Base, tops 10,000 ft

K. Medium heavy, not accurate.

COMM. Nil.

T.O.O. 1200 hrs. C. (Handwritten Signature: [Illegible]) SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1942-10-24

__o_O_o__

Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

[AUTO-CLASSIFIED — VERIFY CATEGORY] Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * P O S T A G R A M: A formal military communication method utilized for the rapid transmission of operational data and intelligence summaries via signal or courier. * H.Q., R.A.F., M.E.: Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East. * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * OPREP No.102: Operational Report number 102, representing the squadron's sequential logging of combat sorties. * M.T.: Mechanical Transport, referring to Axis wheeled or tracked ground vehicles. * El Daba 1 : 250,000 Sheet 14: The standardized military topographical map sheet utilized for coordinate referencing in the Egyptian coastal sector. * Baltimores / Bostons: Refers to the Martin Baltimore and Douglas Boston light bombers. For this sortie, No. 21 Squadron provided six Baltimores while No. 24 Squadron S.A.A.F. provided twelve Bostons. * 250lb. G.P.43 detonator with extension rods: 250-pound General Purpose high-explosive bombs fitted with No. 43 tail pistols and nose extension rods. These "daisy cutter" rods were designed to trigger detonation above the desert surface to maximize lateral fragmentation blast against "M.T. and dug-in positions". * T.O.O.: Time of Origin. Operational Context: OPREP No. 102, issued at 12:00 hours on 24 October 1942, documents the "Second Show" executed on the first full morning of the Second Battle of El Alamein. Following the "First Show" against armored concentrations at coordinates 860296, the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) maintained continuous pressure on Axis reserve lines. The target for this mission was a linear concentration of Axis troops and transport extending from the coast "WEST of Sidi Abd El Rahman" southwards to the earlier strike point. The tactical composition consisted of six Martin Baltimores of No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. integrated into a larger formation of twelve Douglas Bostons from No. 24 Squadron S.A.A.F.. This joint formation aimed to interdict Axis attempts to maneuver reserves toward the Allied breakthrough sectors. The use of extension rods on the thirty-six 250lb G.P. bombs confirms the intent to maximize lethality against unarmored vehicles and personnel in open "dug-in positions". Execution was carried out at a relatively low altitude for medium bombers (6,500 feet) to remain beneath a dense "10/10 cloud" base at 7,000 feet. This tactical adjustment allowed for precise delivery, resulting in confirmed "Direct hits on road," a critical outcome for disrupting Axis logistical movement. Despite encountering "Medium heavy" anti-aircraft (A.A.) fire, the formation sustained no losses or damage, highlighting the effectiveness of the ongoing Allied suppression of Axis airfield networks and fixed flak batteries in the El Daba sector. This document, archived as Folio 62, serves as a primary record of the Desert Air Force's (DAF) relentless interdiction efforts during the opening phase of the definitive breakthrough in North Africa. 81 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 24/10/42.