Sortie Report (Form 541)
- Date
- 2nd May 1944
APPENDIX "B"232TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU)H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU)SAOA SAAFFROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAFREF : 21S/652DATE : 2nd May 1944OPREP No.652 for the period ending 1200 Hrs on 2nd May 1944REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 146 SULMONA12 Baltimores of 21 Sqdn (leading) accompanied by 12 a/c of 223 Sqdntook off from BIFERNO at 1020 Hrs to bomb an EXPLOSIVE FACTORY at G902847(N.W. of SULMONA) consisting of two groups of buildings. 21 Sqdn briefedto attack Northern portion. Formation set course at 1100 Hrs andattacked in two boxes line astern from 9800' at 1120 Hrs on a course of270°. Both boxes straddled installations described as "finished explosivestores" "powder mixing sheds" and "coal stores". Big explosion in PowderMixing sheds followed by fire and dense black smoke. Several minor firesstarted. NO escort. Slight L/A/A accurate from mountains at H8775. Alla/c landed by 1155 Hrs. Target clear and visibility good.B: (i) 9 Balts 1V(ii) NIL(i) 3 Balts V(ii) NILC: NILD: (i) 14.15 Hours(ii) NIL(i) 4.45 Hours(ii) NILE: (i) 28800 x .302700 x .3036300 x .50(ii) & (iii) NIL(i) 9600 x .30900 x .3032100 x .50(ii) & (iii) NILF: (i) 18 x 500 MC27 x 250 GP(ii) as above(iii) & (iv) NIL(i) 6 x 500 MC9 x 250 GP(ii) As above(iii) & (iv) NILFUSED: 49 Det 27 Pist TAIL ONLYto Z: NILS.L. Boshoff Lt.for Capt.SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.(Handwritten note): FL: MAJ. JOB.
Transcriber's Notes
- N.W
- North West.
- L/A/A
- Light Anti-Aircraft fire.
- MC
- Medium Capacity (High Explosive).
- GP
- General Purpose.
- FL
- Flight Leader.
Targeting the War Machine (Sulmona Explosives Factory):
Tactical Execution:
Personnel:
Abbreviations: