Sortie Report (Form 541)
- Date
- 28th SEPTEMBER, 1944
TO : H.Q. M.A.A.F. ( ATTENTION 23rd SCORU)H.Q. T.A.F. ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU)S.A.O.A. S.A.A.F.FROM : S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.REF. : 843/21SDATE : 28th SEPTEMBER, 1944OPREP NO. 843 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HRS. ON THE 27th SEPTEMBER, 1944.A to V : NilW. : (i) 1 Marauder III (ii) NilX. : (i) 1.00 Hr. (ii) NilY to Z. : Nil(Signed) C.P.P. Nicolle Capt.S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.
Transcriber's Notes
- H.Q
- Headquarters
- M.A.A.F
- Mediterranean Allied Air Forces
- SCORU
- Section Central Operational Research Unit
- T.A.F
- Tactical Air Force
- S.A.O.A
- South African Operational Assistant
- S.A.A.F
- South African Air Force
- S.I.O
- Squadron Intelligence Officer
- OPREP
- Operational Report
- Capt
- Captain
Abbreviations Expanded:
Observations about Individuals:
Location and Modern Name:
Historical Theatre Context:
The "Mud Period" and Operational Grounding: This OPREP for September 27, 1944, reflects the total cessation of combat operations (Section A to V: Nil) that plagued the squadron during the final week of the month. Following the liberation of Rimini on September 21, the Allied advance into the Po Valley was halted not only by German resistance but by torrential autumn rains. These rains turned the unpaved runways at Pescara into a quagmire, making it impossible for the heavily loaded Martin B-26 Marauder III medium bombers to take off.