Operation

APPENDIX "CC" 344 TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/732 DATE : 22nd June, 1944 OPREP No. 732 for the period ending 2100 hrs on the 22nd June, 1944 REF MAP : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 109 PESARO 12 Baltimores airborne from BIFERNO at 1338 hrs to attack CATTOLICA R.R. BRIDGE at R972873. With an escort of 4 Spitfires, formation set course from ORTONA at 1412 and attacked in boxes from 12000' at 1455 on a course of 245°. First box straddled bridge with a concen- trated pattern, with possible D/Hs. Second box undershot slightly end of pattern finishing on eastern approach to bridge. One D/H on building at R975875, followed by explosion. 7 - 8/10 cloud at 8000 in area; target clear through gap. No enemy opposition. All A/c down by 1605 B: (i) 6 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 6 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 15.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 15.00 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 19200 x .30 1800 x .303 4200 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 19200 x .30 1800 x .303 4200 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 24 x 500 M.C. (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (Fused: 36 - 30 Tail) (i) 24 x 500 M.C. (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL to V: NIL W: (i) 1 Balt III (ii) NIL (i) 1 Marauder III (ii) NIL X: (i) 4.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 1.00 Hrs (ii) NIL Y & Z: NIL FL Major Aitcheson Hallick Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, SAAF.

1944-06-22

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Target: Cattolica (The Durable Bridge): * Strategic Context: The squadron returned to the "CATTOLICA R.R. BRIDGE at R972873". This critical choke point on the Adriatic coast had been attacked heavily earlier in the month (e.g., June 9th, where "Direct Hits" were claimed). The fact that it required re-bombing just two weeks later is a testament to the speed and efficiency of German repair crews (Organization Todt), who could shore up damaged spans or lay temporary track in days. * Tactical Execution: The first box achieved a "straddle... with possible D/Hs [Direct Hits]." The second box undershot slightly but managed a "D/H on building... followed by explosion." This secondary explosion indicates they likely hit a storage depot or ammunition dump located near the rail head. * Weather Tactics (Bombing Through the Gap): * Cloud Cover: The conditions were difficult, with "7 - 8/10 cloud at 8000" feet. This means nearly the entire sky below them was blocked. The bombardiers had to find the target "through gap" in the clouds, requiring precise timing and coordination to drop from 12,000 feet the moment the hole aligned with the bridge. * Non-Operational Activity (Long Range Flight): * The 4-Hour Flight: Section W logs a "Balt III" flying for "4.00 Hrs". This is an exceptionally long duration for a non-combat flight (operational sorties rarely exceeded 3 hours). It suggests a long-distance ferry flight, perhaps transporting personnel or equipment to a major rear-area base like Naples or Foggia and back. * The Marauder: The visiting "Marauder III" is still present, logging another "1.00 Hrs" flight, possibly preparing for departure after its extended stay. * Leadership: * Major Aitcheson: The mission was led by Major Aitcheson (Flight Leader). He took command of the afternoon raid following the C.O.'s (Lt. Col. Jandrell) difficult mission earlier that morning (where wind errors caused collateral damage in Fossombrone). * Abbreviations: * R.R.: Railroad. * D/Hs: Direct Hits. * M.C.: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * A/c: Aircraft. 56 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is Appendix "DD" to the War Diary, specifically Movement Order No. 2/44. The document is dated 22nd June, 1944 under the signature block of the Officer Commanding.