All a/c returned by 1115 Hrs. NO enemy opposition in target area, but bursts of accurate H/A/A shortly after crossing bo

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/586 DATE : 13th March 1944 OPREP No.586 for period ending 1200 hrs on 13/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 150 ROMA 12 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO L/G at 0910 Hrs and after R/V with 223 Sqdn at VINCHIATURO (21 Sqdn Leading)set course to bomb a Tank Repair Shop near TIVOLI - F87731. The attack was carried out from 12400' on a course of about 300° at 1015 Hrs. The formation undershot slightly and the pattern of bombs commenced about 400 yds short and extended into the S.E. corner of the target, where a large explosion was observed with white smoke in the centre. A direct hit is claimed on a building about 400 yds S.W. of target. All a/c returned by 1115 Hrs. NO enemy opposition in target area, but bursts of accurate H/A/A shortly after crossing bomb line holed one of the a/c. 8 Spitfires provided area cover. Visibility and weather conditions excellent in target area. B: (1) 9 Balts Mk.4 (11) NIL (1) 2 Balts Mk.3A (11) NIL (1) 1 Balt Mk.5 (11) NIL C: NIL D: (1) 17.15 Hrs (11) NIL (1) 3.50 Hrs (11) NIL (1) 1.55 Hrs (11) NIL E: (1) 28800 x .30 2700 x .303 6300 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL (1) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL (1) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL F: (1) 18 x 500 MC 27 x 250 GP (11) As in (1) (111) & (iv) NIL (1) 4 x 500 MC 6 x 250 GP (11) As in (i) (111) & (iv) NIL (1) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (11) As in (1) (111) & (iv) NIL G: (1) NIL (11) 1 Mk.4 (Cat.1) to Z: NIL. S.L. Boshoff Lt for Capt SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.