Operation

"H" 177 TO : H.Q. M.A.A.F. ( ATTENTION 23rd SCORU) H.Q. T.A.F. ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU) S.A.O.S. S.A.A.F. FROM : S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. REF. : 21S / 823 DATE : 10th SEPTEMBER, 1944 OPREP NO. 823 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HRS. ON THE 9th SEPTEMBER, 1944 REF. MAP ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 101 RIMINI: OPS. 64 to 69 /21/M A. : 22 Marauders ( in boxes of 4 A/C and two boxes of 3 A/C each) airborne from PESCARA during the day to attack an Enemy Strong Point on the S.E. outskirts of Rimini. Times over the target for the first three boxes were approximately 0945 and the second three 1555 hrs. and each A/C carried 9 x 250 frag. and 1 x 250 lbs. delay ( 6 – 12 hrs.) Pattern of first box inside along southern portion of the target; second box just outside briefed area, but D/H's on large buildings and road to the N.W. 3rd, 4th and 5th boxes all straddled northern half of area with majority of bombs within the briefed pinpoints; 6th box undershot badly, all bombs in the sea. Two A/C did not bomb : jettisoned 2 x 250 delays at sea remainder of the load was brought back. Moderate fairly accurate H.A.A. from the target area (six A/C slightly damaged). Weather and visibility good throughout day. Last A/C down by 1700 hrs. B. : (i) 22 Marauders III (ii) Nil C. : (i) & (ii) Nil D. : (i) 41.30 hrs (ii) Nil E. : (i) 83600 x .50 (ii) & (iii) Nil F. : (i) 220 x 250 (ii) 200 x 250 (iii) 2 x 250 (iv) Nil Fusing:- 52 x 42 Nose 36 x 30 Tail G to Z. : Nil NOTE:- Immediately prior to start up one A/C briefed for the raid exploded in the dispersal area, presumably during fusing operations. Casualties:- Killed – Lt. Brall (Pilot) and six ground personnel; Injured:- 3. A/C completely destroyed. ( Full details 21 Squadron Signal P67 dd 9:9;44) (Signed) S. L. Boast Lt. for Capt. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.