Operation

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/603 DATE : 25th Mar 1944 OPREP No.603 for period ending 2100 Hrs on 24/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 146 SULMONA 13 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO L/G xxxxxxx from 1540 Hrs to bomb SULMONA M/Yards. One a/c returned after 20 mins with engine trouble after jettisoning bombs safe in sea off TERMOLI. Afetr R/V with 223 Sqdn the/ formation set course for target at 1625 Hrs (21 Sqdn Leading). Attack was carried out in two boxes from 11500' on a course of 340° at 1645 Hrs. No.2 box bombed slightly to right of No.1, both straddling the N.W. half of the target, with numerous hits on the Marshalling yards, railway and Road beyond. NO enemy opposition. Weather in target area good with slight haze All a/c landed back by 1720 Hrs. Spitfires provided area cover. B: (i) 3 Balts IIIA. (ii) NIL (i) 9 Balts IV. (ii) NIL (i) 1 Balt V (ii) NIL C: NIL. D: (1) 4.45 Hrs (ii) NIL (1) 13.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (1) 1.35 Hrs. (ii) NIL E: (1) 9600 x .30 900 x .303 2100 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (1) 28800 x .30 2700 x .303 6300 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (1) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (1) 6 x 500 MC 9 x 250 GP (ii) As in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL (1) 18 x 500 MC 27 x 250 GP (ii) 16 x 500 MC 24 x 250 GP (iii) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (iv) NIL (All fused: NOSE: 47 Det 27 Pist: TAIL: 49 Det 28 Pist) (1) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (ii) As in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL G to V: NIL W: (i) 3 Balts. 111A. 2 Balts. IV. (ii) NIL (i) 3.40 Hrs 1.00 Hr. (ii) NIL Z: NIL. Wahlin...? Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.