Attack took place

APPENDIX "K" 39 To : HQ MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) HQ MATAF (attention 2nd Command 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF From : SIO, 21 Squadron, SAAF Ref : 21S/753 Date : 7th July, 1944 OPREP No. 753 for period ending 21.00 hrs on 7th July, 1944 Ref Map : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 101 RIMINI A: 12 Baltimores were airborne from PESCARA at 09.06 hrs to bomb RIMINI JETTY (F15 -- target chart No. 4-113 MA/Marshalling Yards). After rendezvous at PERUGIA with a close escort of 8 Spits, formation set course for the coast and along it towards target. Attack took place at 10.52 hrs from 14,000' on a course of 280° in clear visibility. First box undershot slightly from R852993 to R850993 -- most bombs among built-up area, starting one fire (black fire) and small explo- sions. Second box overshot bombs falling into sea beyond Jetty. All aircraft landed by 12.00 hrs. B: (i) 5 Balts Mk IV (ii) NIL (i) 7 Balts Mk V (ii) NIL C: (i) & (ii) NIL (i) & (ii) NIL D: (i) 14.10 hrs (ii) NIL (i) 19.50 hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 16,000 x .30 1,500 x .303 3,500 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 22,400 x .30 2,100 x .303 4,900 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 10 x 500 MC 15 x 250 GP (ii) as in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 14 x 500 MC 21 x 250 GP (ii) as in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL Fused : 24 x 500 -- 36 det 27 pist Nose 36 det 28 pist Tail 36 x 250 -- 52 det 44 pist Nose 36 det 28 pist Tail G to V: NIL W: (i) 2 Balts Mk IV (ii) NIL (i) 3 Marauders MkIII (ii) NIL X: (i) 1.20 hrs (ii) NIL (i) 4.55 hrs (ii) NIL Y to Z: NIL S.L. Boshoff Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-07-07

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Target: Rimini Jetty & Marshalling Yards: * Dual Designation: The target is identified as "RIMINI JETTY (F15 -- target chart No. 4-113 MA/Marshalling Yards).". Rimini was a critical logistics hub at the eastern end of the Gothic Line. The notation suggests the target package included both the port facilities (Jetty) and the adjacent rail yards, vital for supplying German troops holding the line against the British 8th Army. * Failed Precision: The raid was largely unsuccessful in hitting the specific jetty. The report states: "First box undershot... among built-up area... Second box overshot bombs falling into sea.". * Civilian Impact: The phrase "most bombs among built-up area" is a sterile military euphemism for bombing the city itself. Rimini suffered catastrophic destruction during the war (over 80% destroyed), and raids like this contributed significantly to that total. The "black fire" observed indicates oil or fuel stores were hit within the urban area. * Tactics (The "Hook"): * Routing: The formation used a deceptive route: "rendezvous at PERUGIA... set course for the coast and along it towards target.". By flying inland to Perugia (central Italy) then cutting back to the Adriatic coast to approach Rimini from the sea (or along the coastline), they likely hoped to confuse German radar operators about whether the target was Bologna, Florence, or the coast. * Altitude: The attack was conducted from 14,000 feet, slightly higher than the usual 11-12,000 feet seen in previous reports. This higher altitude, combined with the coastal approach, might have contributed to the bombing errors (undershoot/overshoot) due to wind shear or targeting difficulties over water-land interfaces. * Personnel Change (New Signature): * Capt. Boshoff: This report is signed by "S.L. Boshoff Capt." instead of the usual Capt. Hallick.. Boshoff was previously listed in the historical summary (File 27) as the "A/S.I.O." (Acting Squadron Intelligence Officer). His signature here suggests he was rotating into the primary duty role or covering for Hallick. * Marauder Conversion: * Steady Progress: Section W records "3 Marauders MkIII" flying "4.55 hrs". The consistent daily flight time on the new aircraft confirms the squadron was relentlessly pursuing conversion even while maintaining a full combat tempo with the Baltimores. * Abbreviations: * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * SCORU: Statistical Control and Operations Research Unit. * SAOA: Senior Air Officer Administration. * M.C.: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * G.P.: General Purpose. * pist: Pistol (Fuse mechanism). * det: Detonator. * Spits: Spitfires. 40 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 9th July, 1944 in the "Date" field. It is a Sortie Report (Appendix "L") labeled 40 in the top right corner.