Operation

APPENDIX "S" 250 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/669 DATE : 14th May, 1944 OPREP No. 669 for period ending 13.00 Hrs on the 13th May, 1944 REF MAP: ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 160 CASSINO 12 Balts airborne at 10.25 hrs to attack gun positions near Atina with 40 lb frag. bombs in support of ground operations. Formation set course at 10.48, crossed the bomb line just North of Cassino and was over respective targets at approx. 11.20 hrs. First box bombed enemy position at G.824365 from 11,000' on a course of 330° the pattern falling from G.824365 to G.824368, with direct hits on two square pits at the latter point, and hits on a bridge and cross roads. 6 x 40 bombs from the box hung up and were brought back and a further container of 8 x 40 and three empty containers were jettisoned at sea. Second box attacked position at G.800363. Results not observed due to smoke haze from fires and gun duels in battle area and violent evasive action to avoid intense H/A/A. One A/c returned with all bombs. Last A/c down by 12.16 hrs. Three A/c holed (CatI). Target area clear of cloud, but visibility extremely hazy. B: (i) 8 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 4 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 14.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 7.00 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 25,600 x .30 2,400 x .303 5,600 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 12,800 x .30 1,200 x .303 2,800 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 256 x 40 (ii) 250 x 40 (iii) NIL (iv) " (All fused 52 det 45 Pist) (i) 126 x 40 (ii) 88 x 40 (iii) 8 x 40 + 4 containers (iv) NIL (i) & (ii) NIL to V: (i) NIL (ii) 3 Cat I (i) NIL (ii) NIL to Z: NIL F.L. Major Dalling DFC Hallick Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-05-14

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Operation Diadem Support (The "Bomb Line"): * Tactical Coordination: The report explicitly states the mission was "in support of ground operations" and mentions crossing the "bomb line just North of Cassino". The "bomb line" was a critical safety measure—a designated geographical line beyond which aircraft could attack targets freely without risking hitting friendly troops. The mention of smoke from "gun duels in battle area" paints a vivid picture of the intense artillery exchanges happening below as the Allies (specifically the French Expeditionary Corps in this sector) fought through the mountains. * The Target (Atina): The target area around Atina (G.824365) lies in the Rapido valley, well behind the German front lines at Cassino. Striking gun positions here aimed to silence the long-range German artillery firing on the advancing Allied troops. * Combat Intensity (Evasive Action): * Survival Maneuvers: The pilots were forced to take "violent evasive action to avoid intense H/A/A" (Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire). "Violent" implies sharp turns and altitude changes immediately after bomb release, a dangerous maneuver when flying in tight formation ("boxes"). The intensity of the flak is confirmed by the damage report: "Three A/c holed (CatI)" (Category 1 damage). * Ordnance Issues (Jettisoning): * Cluster Bombs: The payload was entirely "40 lb frag. bombs", carried in containers (clusters). * Malfunctions: The report details several mechanical failures with the release mechanisms: "6 x 40 bombs... hung up" (failed to drop) and were brought back. Furthermore, "a further container of 8 x 40 and three empty containers were jettisoned at sea". Jettisoning at sea was the standard procedure for "hung" ordnance to avoid landing with unstable explosives or accidentally dropping them on friendly territory during the approach. * Personnel: * Major Dalling DFC: The flight leader is identified as Major Dalling, now listed with the post-nominal DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), indicating he had recently received this decoration for gallantry. * Abbreviations: * H/A/A: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak). * A/c: Aircraft. * Cat I: Category I damage (Minor/Repairable at unit). * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * Frag: Fragmentation. 38 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 14th May, 1944 in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (No. 669) labeled APPENDIX "S" (page number 250), detailing the mission flown on the morning of May 13th, 1944.