Operation

(obscured) : H.Q. NAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) APPENDIX "L" (obscured) : H.Q. MATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) 83 (obscured) : SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. REF : 21S/555 DATE : 17 Feb 44 OPREP No.555 for the period ending 1200 A Hrs 16 Feb 44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 150 ROMA (obscured) A: 12 a/c detailed to bomb M/T and Dumps in an area bounded by F913499 - 925450 - 910485. All a/c were airborne between 0845 and 0856 and immediat- after crossing the bomb line encountered accurate and H/A/A for almost the entire route and the target area. One a/c returned to base with engine trouble 1.20 hrs after take off. The formation, in two boxes, bombed between 1007 and 1012 Hrs from a height of 12000 - 13500' on courses of 300°/330°. Leading box attacked Western portion of target with 1 of stick from F917486 to edge of lake. Second box bombed to right of leading box also dropping long stick in target area. NO results were observed. Due to various causes three a/c jettisoned bombs in enemy territory on homeward journey. 10 a/c landed back to base by 1120 Hrs. A further a/c due to engine trouble landed at MARCIANISE L/G and returned to base later. Weather was good over target but 10/10 cloud 5000' base, 10,000' tops was encountered from LUCERA to SORA. (obscured) B: (i) 12 Baltimores (11 Mk.4 1 Mk.3A) (ii) NIL (obscured) C: NIL (obscured) D: (i) 11 Mk.4: 24.50 Hrs. 1 Mk.3A: (ii) NIL (obscured) E: (i) 11 Mk.4: 35200 x .30 1 Mk.3A: 3200 x .30 3300 x .303 300 x .303 7700 x .50 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (obscured) F: (i) 11 Mk.4 22 x 500 MC 44 Det 14 Tail fused .025 Delay 33 x 250 GP do do " 1 Mk.3A 2 x 500 MC do do " 3 x 250 GP do do " (ii) 22 x 500 MC 33 x 250 GP (iii) & (iv) NIL (obscured) G: (i) NIL (ii) 1 Mk.4 Cat.2. (obscured) to Z: NIL (Signature) (Illegible) Lt for Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-02-17

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes: * Operational Context (Anzio Front - Operation Fischfang): * Date: The raid took place on 16 Feb 44, coinciding with the launch of the major German counter-offensive against the Anzio beachhead. The target area (Grid F91-92) corresponds to the Albano - Genzano - Lanuvio sector, a critical staging area for German forces pushing down the Via Appia towards the Allied lines. * Intense Opposition: The report emphasizes "accurate and H/A/A for almost the entire route and the target area." This reflects the desperate German air defense umbrella over their assembly areas. The intensity forced "three a/c [to] jettison bombs in enemy territory" to regain performance or maneuverability. * Diversion: Confirming the diary entry for Feb 16th, one aircraft diverted to Marcianise (near Naples) due to engine trouble. * Targeting: * "Edge of lake": The bombing run reference "F917486 to edge of lake" likely refers to Lake Nemi or Lake Albano, volcanic crater lakes in the Alban Hills south of Rome. These hills offered natural cover for German reserves. * Aircraft & Damage: * Cat. 2 Damage: One Mk.4 Baltimore sustained Category 2 damage (repairable at unit level but significant), likely from the heavy flak encountered. * Mk.3A: The squadron is still operating at least one older Mark 3A airframe alongside the Mark 4s. * Ordnance Fusing: * "44 Det 14 Tail fused .025 Delay": The bombs were fused with a No. 44 Pistol (nose) and No. 14 Tail Pistol with a 0.025-second delay. This short delay allowed the bomb to penetrate slightly before exploding, maximizing damage against vehicles (M/T) and supply dumps, rather than exploding instantly on contact with the surface. * Abbreviations: * M/T: Mechanical Transport. * H/A/A: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. * L/G: Landing Ground. * MC: Medium Capacity (bomb). * GP: General Purpose (bomb). 39 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is an "APPENDIX 'M'" Operational Report (OPREP). The date in the header is 17 Feb 44.