Operation

TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. REF : 21S/612 DATE : 31st Mar 44 OPREP No.612 for the period ending 2100 Hrs on 30/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 152 SORA 12 Baltimores briefed to R/V with 223 Sqdn and 55 Sqdn over base (with 21 leading) to attack an AMMO DUMP at 0688478 near SORA. The first xxxx 10 a/c were airborne by 1535 Hrs. 11th a/c crashed immediately near the run-way and shortly afterwards burst into flames. Pilot, Observer and WOP/AG managed to escape without serious injury but A/G was trapped and burnt to death. 12th a/c did NOT take off. Remaining 10 a/c instructed to proceed with raid: 223 and 55 Sqdn did NOT participate. Formation set course at 1620 Hrs and soon after crossing bomb line encountered cloud. Weather conditions deteriorated Westwards and target area was found to be totally obscured by several layers of cloud. After cruising around looking for gaps formation returned to base with all bombs. Close escort of Spitfires from base. NO enemy opposition. All a/c down by 1757 Hrs. B: (i) 1 Balt 111A. (ii) NIL (i) 8 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 2 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 2.05 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 14.40 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 4.10 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 25600 x .30 2400 x .303 5600 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (ii) (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 16 x 500 MC 24 x 250 GP (ii) & (iii) NIL (iii) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (i) 4 x 500 MC 6 x 250 GP (ii) (iii) & (iv) NIL Fused: NOSE 52 Det 44 Pist TAIL 49 Det 28 Pist G: (i) NIL (ii) NIL (1) 1 Baltimore IV. (Destroyed) . (1) NIL (ii) NIL H: 544135V. F/SGT C.G. JOHNSTON (WOP/AG) Killed in crashed aircraft. to V: NIL W: (i) 3 Balts 111. 1 Balt IV. (ii) NIL (i) 2.40 Hrs 1.10 Hrs. (ii) NIL Y: 1 x 20 Fragmentation Z: NIL. S.L. Boshoff Lt Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.