Operation

APPENDIX "E" 111 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/ 798 DATE : 18th AUGUST, 1944. OPREP NO. 798 FOR THE 24 HRS. ENDING 2100 L.T. ON THE 17. 8. 44. REF. MAP:- ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 64, ROVIGO. OPERATION NO. 3/21/M. : 12 Marauders airborne from PESCARA at 0910 Hrs to attack a R.R. BRIDGE at G. 249146 near ROVIGO. After R/V with 8 Spitfires at FALCONARA, formation set course over the sea and turned inland near the PO River mouth. Here the Leader's Bombsight WENT U/S and second Box moved up and took over, bombing first. Attack took place from 10500 and 10,000 feet respectively on course of 250º at 1050 hrs. First Box straddled bridge in centre, but no direct hits were observed. 2 x 1000 lbs bombs hung-up, jettisoned in sea ten miles from SAN BENEDETTO. Second Box slight right error and slight overshoot a very short pattern commencing on Northern approach to Bridge, with possible direct hit. No enemy opposition encountered Target clear of cloud, but visibility very hazy. All A/C down by 1220 hrs. :(1) 12 Marauders 111 (ii) Nil :(i) & (ii) Nil :(i) 38 Hrs (ii) Nil :(i) 48 x 1000 (Fused 49-30 Tail) (ii) 46 x 1000 (iii) 2 x 1000 (iv) NIL (iv) Nil :(i) 45600 x .50 (ii) & (iii) Nil : Nil. (Signed) S.L. Boschoff For CAPT. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.