Not yet located.

P O S T A G R A M 'A 2' 184 : H.Q. R.A.F. M.E. : S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. Serial No. : 21 Sqdn/241 : 26 MAR 43 OPREP No. 241 for period ending 1800 hrs. 26 MAR 43. A Enemy strongpoints in area TY 9111 (Ref. Map: TUNISIA 1:500,000 GABES) In support of N.Z. Division. B 6 Baltimores of 21 Squadron, SAAF led the raid. 6 Bostons of 12 Squadron S.A.A.F. 6 Bostons of 24 Squadron S.A.A.F. Formation included also 12 Baltimores of 232 Wing RAF, and 12 B 25's of 12th. B. Group, USAAF. C (i) Medium level bombing. (ii) 7,000 ft. (iii) 1532 hrs. D (i) 36 x 250 lb. GP 43 Det. (Rods) (ii) Nil. (iii) Formation bombed just NORTH of TY 9111. Bombs fell in long stick among MT and dug-in positions in wadi's and near misses were seen on MT on road running NE to EL HAMMA. 2 direct hits on MT. (Message of con- gratulation on success of raid from O.C. 211 Group) E A/C 919 N missing. A/C 956 C crashlanded (engine failure) on coast 4 mls. WEST of ZUARA. Cat.2. A/0942 G and A/C 977 K holed by A/A. F Lt. A. Murray, Lt. P. Ashton & F/Sgts. Bernitz S. and Clack P.E. forcelanded behind our lines after leaving target. Not yet located. G Nil. H (1) 1355 hrs. (ii) 16 hrs. 18 mins. J Weather fair. Ground haze. No cloud. K HAA accurate and intense over target area, immediate- ly after bombing. 4 HAA guns at TY 9309. COMM. Nil. T.O.O. 1800 hrs. 26 MAR 43. [Handwritten Signature] Capt. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

1943-03-26

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion Glossary of Terms * H.Q. R.A.F. M.E.: Headquarters Royal Air Force Middle East. * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. The officer responsible for compiling the Operational Report (OPREP). * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * OPREP: Operational Report. A standardized summary of a specific mission's objectives and results. * N.Z. Division: 2nd New Zealand Division. The ground force being supported during the breakout attempt. * Baltimores: Martin Baltimore light bombers. * Bostons: Douglas Boston light bombers (A-20). * B 25's: North American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers. * 12th. B. Group, USAAF: 12th Bombardment Group, United States Army Air Forces. * GP: General Purpose bombs. * 43 Det. (Rods): Type 43 Detonators, often fitted with "extension rods" (daisy cutters) to ensure burst above ground level for maximum anti-personnel/soft-skin vehicle effect. * MT: Motor Transport. Axis wheeled or tracked vehicles. * O.C. 211 Group: Officer Commanding No. 211 Group RAF. * A/C: Aircraft. * Cat.2: Category 2 damage, indicating the aircraft is damaged but repairable on-site or by a mobile repair unit. * A/A: Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak). * F/Sgts: Flight Sergeants. * HAA: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. * T.O.O.: Time of Origin. Operational Context The mission detailed in OPREP No. 241 occurred during the critical afternoon of 26 March 1943, coinciding with "Operation Supercharge II." This was the Allied effort to force a passage through the Tebaga Gap, outflanking the Axis defensive positions at the Mareth Line. The target area, TY 9111, corresponds to Axis defensive concentrations just south of El Hamma. The "intimate support" mentioned in the previous document's signal is evidenced here by the mixed formation of SAAF, RAF, and USAAF assets working in direct concert with the 2nd New Zealand Division. The use of 250 lb. bombs with extension rods was specifically intended to clear the anti-tank gun screens and soft-skinned Motor Transport (MT) that blocked the path of Allied armor. Despite the "accurate and intense" heavy anti-aircraft fire, the mission was deemed a success, contributing directly to the collapse of the Axis flank and the subsequent retreat toward Wadi Akarit. The loss of aircraft 919 N and the force-landing of Lt. Murray’s crew underscores the high operational risk of these low-to-medium level tactical support missions. 226 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 26/3/43