Operation

APPENDIX "C" 233 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/653 DATE : 2nd May 1944 OPREP No.653 for period ending 2100 Hrs on 2/5/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 141 CHIETI 12 Baltimores airborne by 1415 Hrs to attack a STORES DUMP on either side of road from B990247 to C012252 near LORETO. After R/V with 223 Sqdn (leading) formation set course at 1445 Hrs and bombed in boxes line astern from 11000' at 1509 Hrs. The main concentration of 223 Sqdn's bombs appeared to fall in the Western portion of the target which was covered in smoke. 21 Sqdn's pattern commenced in this smoke and ran through the target to just short of the pin point given as ending the target area. At least 1 major and numerous minor explosions and fires occurred (causing distinct bumps to the a/c) and on turning away the area was enveloped in white, black and brown smoke rising to about 2000'. Further explosions followed and were still taking place when the formation passed over POPOLI on the return trip. All a/c down by 1605 Hrs NO fighter escort. Target area clear and visibility good. Slight inaccurate H/A/A from coastal area after turn-off. B: (i) 9 Balts 1V (ii) NIL (i) 3 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 17.20 Hrs. (ii) NIL (i) 6.00 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 28800 x .30 2700 x .303 6300 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 12800 x .30 1200 x .303 2800 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 16 x 500 MC 24 x 250 GP (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 8 x 500 MC. 12 x 250 GP (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL FUSED: 52 Det 44 Pist NOSE to V: NIL W: (i) 1 Mk.4. (ii) NIL X: (i) .10 Mins. (ii) NIL Z: NIL S.L. Boshoff Lt for Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-05-02

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Strategic Logistics Strike (Loreto Stores Dump): * The Target: The objective was a "STORES DUMP" located along the road near Loreto (specifically map references B990247 to C012252 on Sheet 141 Chieti). Loreto, famous for its Basilica, was situated near the Adriatic coast south of Ancona. The German forces used the coastal roads and hidden depots in this area to stockpile supplies for the defensive lines to the south. * Result (Devastation): The report vividly describes the destruction: "At least 1 major and numerous minor explosions and fires occurred (causing distinct bumps to the a/c)". Feeling the shockwave ("bumps") of an explosion at 11,000 feet indicates a massive detonation, likely involving significant quantities of ammunition or fuel. The "white, black and brown smoke" confirms a mix of burning materials—fuel (black), explosives (brown/dust), and likely chemical or intense heat sources (white). * Secondary Effects: The destruction was so severe that "Further explosions followed and were still taking place when the formation passed over POPOLI on the return trip". Popoli is roughly 30-40 miles inland from Loreto, meaning the fires were visible or explosions continuing for at least 10-15 minutes after the drop. * Tactical Coordination: * Role Reversal: Unlike the morning raid (Appendix "B") where 21 Squadron led, in this afternoon raid "223 Sqdn (leading)" the formation. This rotation of lead duties shared the burden of navigation and the risk of being the first over the target (where flak was often most intense before corrections). * Bombing Pattern: 223 Squadron hit the western portion, creating a smoke screen. 21 Squadron's bombardiers had to display high skill, aiming their pattern to "commence in this smoke and run through the target". This "walking the bombs" technique ensured the entire length of the depot was saturated. * Defensive Fire: * H/A/A (Heavy Anti-Aircraft): The formation encountered "Slight inaccurate H/A/A from coastal area after turn-off". The German flak batteries defending the coastal rail line and ports (like Ancona) often took potshots at bombers turning off target, but on this day, their aim was poor. * Mechanical Issue: * Abort/Early Return: Section W notes "(i) 1 Mk.4" under aircraft returning early (likely due to mechanical failure), with a flight time of just ".10 Mins" (10 minutes). This aircraft likely barely cleared the airfield before turning back. * Abbreviations: * H/A/A: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. * MC: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * GP: General Purpose. * Det: Detonator. * Pist: Pistol (Fuse). * R/V: Rendezvous. * SIO: Squadron Intelligence Officer. 21 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 4th May, 1944 in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (No. 654) labeled APPENDIX "D" (page number 234). Note: This appears to be a second, distinct report filed for the same Sortie Number (654) as the document on page 226, with slightly different narrative details.