Results N.O.

(page obscured on left) : H.Q. NAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) APPENDIX "M" (obscured) : H.Q. MATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) 84 (obscured) : SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/556 DATE : 17 Feb 44 OPREP No.556 for the period ending 1200 Hrs 16 Feb to 2100 Hrs 17 Feb 44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 158 FROSINONE (obscured) A: 12 Baltimores in two boxes detailed to bomb enemy strong points at Carroceto (Factory F800281 & Village) 11 a/c were airborne between 1420 - 1432 Hrs and bombed at 1550 - 1555 Hrs from 9000' - 10700' on course 330°/360°. First box bombed slightly to WEST of Target with some sticks falling partly in village, and direct hits on railway. The leader of second box dropped a lighter 50 yds from target and remainder of the formation dropped all bombs in a very short stick directly on target. Results N.O. due to smoke and dust. All later landed at POMIGLIANO (NAPLES) as a precaution measure against possible shortage of fuel in reaching base. All a/c returned on 17 Feb 44, the last landing at 1340 Hrs. Heavy concentrated and accurate for height H/A/A was encountered from points soon (obscured)..of target area. Evasive action taken in a steep left hand turn from target and out to sea, further clear over target. (Handwritten note inserted) The two boxes got separated soon after take off and carried the whole operation individually. (obscured) B: (i) 12 Baltimores (11 Mk.4 1 Mk.5) (ii) NIL (obscured) C: NIL (obscured) D: (i) 11 Mk.4: 33.00 Hrs 1 Mk.5: 3.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (obscured) E: (i) 11 Mk.4: 35200 x .30 1 Mk.5 3200 x .30 3300 x .303 300 x .303 7700 x .50 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (obscured) F: (i) 11 Mk.4 22 x 500 MC 44 Det 52 Tail 33 x 250 GP do do 1 Mk.5 2 x 500 MC do do 3 x 250 GP do do (ii) 22 x 500 MC 33 x 250 GP (iii) & (iv) NIL (obscured) G: (i) NIL (obscured) to Z: NIL (Signature) S.A. Boshoff Lt for Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-02-17

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes: * Battle of Anzio Context ("The Factory"): * Carroceto (Factory): The target identified as "Carroceto (Factory F800281)" refers to the infamous Aprilia settlement, known to Allied troops simply as "The Factory" (due to its fascist-era agricultural complex with a distinct brick tower). On the date of this raid (Feb 16th), the Germans launched Operation Fischfang, a massive counter-attack designed to drive the Allies into the sea. "The Factory" was the epicenter of this battle, changing hands in brutal close-quarters combat. Bombing "enemy strong points" here meant the squadron was providing direct tactical support to the beleaguered infantry of the US 45th Division and British 1st Division holding the line. * "Heavy concentrated... H/A/A": The intense flak reported reflects the massive concentration of German artillery and anti-aircraft guns moved up to support their breakthrough attempt. * Operational Irregularities: * Separation: The handwritten note, "The two boxes got separated soon after take off and carried the whole operation individually," highlights a significant breakdown in formation integrity. Flying individually over hostile territory increased the risk to each aircraft and likely complicated navigation. * Pomigliano Diversion: Because the boxes separated and flew independent profiles (potentially using more fuel maneuvering or searching for the target), the entire formation diverted to Pomigliano (Naples) rather than risking the flight back to Foggia/Tortorella. This precautionary landing is confirmed in the War Diary entry for Feb 16th. * Ordnance: * Fusing: The report lists "44 Det 52 Tail" (No. 44 Pistol Nose, No. 52 Pistol Tail). This fusing was designed for impact detonation, crucial for shattering the brick buildings of the Factory complex where German infantry were entrenched. * "Lighter": The text mentions the "leader of second box dropped a lighter 50 yds from target." This refers to a Target Indicator (TI) or marker bomb/flare used to guide the rest of the formation ("remainder of the formation dropped all bombs... directly on target"). * Personnel: * S.A. Boshoff: The report is signed by Lt. S.A. Boshoff, confirming his role as the primary intelligence officer filing reports during this period. * Abbreviations: * N.O.: Not Observed. * H/A/A: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. * MC: Medium Capacity (bomb). * GP: General Purpose (bomb). 40 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is an "APPENDIX 'N'" Operational Report (OPREP). The date in the header is 23 Feb 44.