Sortie Report (Form 541)
<u>P O S T A G R A M</u>'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<u>OPREP No. 241 for period ending 1800 hrs. 26 MAR 43.</u>A Enemy strongpoints in area TY 9111 (Ref. Map: TUNISIA1:500,000 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 WingRAF, 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 fellin long stick among MT and dug-in positions in wadi'sand near misses were seen on MT on road running NEto 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 (enginefailure) 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. andClack P.E. forcelanded behind our lines after leavingtarget. 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.<u>T.O.O. 1800 hrs. 26 MAR 43.</u>[Handwritten Signature] Capt.S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
Transcriber's Notes
- 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.
- GP
- General Purpose bombs.
- MT
- Motor Transport. Axis wheeled or tracked vehicles.
12th. B. Group, USAAF: 12th Bombardment Group, United States Army Air Forces.
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.