Operation

APPENDIX "V" 333 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/725 DATE : 17th June, 1944 OPREP No. 725 for the period ending 2100 hrs on the 17th June, 1944 REF MAP : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 110 SENIGALLIA 12 Baltimores briefed to attack FANO R.R. BRIDGE (S240715). First two A/c airborne at 1015 hrs when instructions were received from Wing to cancel raid owing to cloud in target area. Both A/c back by 1052 hrs. Remainder did NOT take off. B: (i) 2 Balts Mk V (ii) NIL C: (i) & (ii) NIL D: (i) 0.55 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 8 x 500 M.C. (Fused: 36 - 30 Tail) (ii) (iii) & (iv) NIL to Z: NIL FL Major Dalling D.F.C Hallick Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, SAAF.

1944-06-17

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * The "Scrubbed" Mission (Fano): * Target Persistence: The squadron was briefed to attack the "FANO R.R. [Railroad] BRIDGE (S240715)" yet again. This bridge had been the target of failed or partially successful attacks on June 11th (Sortie 715) and June 14th (Sortie 720), proving how difficult it was to permanently sever this coastal artery. * Late Recall: The report details a frustration common to air operations: "First two A/c airborne at 1015 hrs when instructions were received from Wing to cancel raid.". Weather reconnaissance (often provided by "Met" flights) reported "cloud in target area," rendering visual bombing impossible. The order came just late enough that the lead elements were already in the air, wasting precious aviation fuel and engine hours (0.55 hrs logged). * Operational Chain of Command: * "Instructions received from Wing": This line highlights that 21 Squadron did not operate in a vacuum. They were subject to the operational control of No. 232 Wing (part of the Desert Air Force), which coordinated the strikes of multiple squadrons. The Wing commander would make the final call on weather cancellations to prevent wasted effort across the group. * Ordnance Check: * Loadout: The two aircraft that launched carried "8 x 500 M.C." bombs total (4 per plane). Since they were recalled immediately, they landed with their bombs still aboard—a tense procedure for pilots, though safer than jettisoning valuable ordnance into the sea if the landing gear and runway conditions permitted. * Leadership: * Major Dalling D.F.C.: Once again, Major Dalling was in the lead aircraft (FL - Flight Leader). His constant presence at the head of these formations in June 1944 demonstrates the high operational tempo required of squadron leaders during the push towards Ancona. * Abbreviations: * R.R.: Railroad. * A/c: Aircraft. * M.C.: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * D.F.C.: Distinguished Flying Cross. 45 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is Appendix "W" to the War Diary, specifically Squadron Routine Orders No. 56/44. The document is dated 17th June, 1944 under the signature block of the Officer Commanding.