E. Nil

List of Aircraft and Aircrew attached to Sortie Report No. 170 dated night 16/17 January, 1943. * 176 YY Major Jendrell, Capt. Hatswell, F/Sgt. Morley, Lt. te Water Pohl. * 920 O Capt. Cormack, Lt. Moore, F/Sgt. Finberg, F/Sgt. McGee * 957 W Capt. Bell, Lt. Levi, F/Sgt. Kosviner, F/Sgt. Myburgh. * 108 B Major Barnby, Lt. Blackman, Lt. Sandilands, F/Sgt. Lotter. * 900 F Capt. Mouton, Lt. Cooper, F/Sgt. Goodchild, F/Sgt. Champion. * 940 V Lt.-Col. Coppen, Lt. Farrant, F/Sgt. Herbst, F/Sgt. Bradfield. "W" 37

From: Officer Commanding No. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. To: (1) D.P.S.O., H.Q., R.A.F., M.E. (4) (2) A.D.A.I., S.A.A.F., H.Q., R.A.F., M.E. (1) (3) A.O.C., Rear A.H.Q., W.D. (1) (4) O.C. No. 3 (S.A.) Wing. (1) Date: 18th. January, 1943. Ref: 21S. 34/4/ CIRCUMSTANTIAL REPORT:

BALTIMORE III - AC. 879 - Category Two.

Crew: Pilot - No. 102811 Capt. A.G.M. Budd (Uninjured) Observer - 102395 Lieut. J. Sadler (Wounded) W/Op-Gunner - 206326 F/Sgt. Gibbons J.R. (Killed) A/Gunner - 207190 F/Sgt. Hodgkinson C. (Uninjured).

This Squadron's signals T. 25 - 14 Jan., P. 21 - 16 Jan

and P. 22 - 18 Jan. 1943, refer. * It is reported that the above-mentioned aircraft took off

from Chel II at 10.05 hours on 14 Jan. 43, with eight others of this Squadron - later joined by 9 B. 25's - to raid enemy MT. and positions at Gheddahia (M.R. Libya 1:500,000 Sheets 3/9 Misurata (R) X 4096). * The pilot reports that he had the utmost difficulty in

keeping up with the formation. He was on the outside of the formation the turn off the target when speed was increased and he then lagged and was unable to catch up with the formation. About two to three minutes after bombing, the crew heard explosions in the aircraft and were aware that they were being attacked by a Me. 109 F. The hydraulic and electrical systems were shot away and the starboard petrol tank, engine and mainplane caught fire. The pilot used the fire extinguisher, cut the engine and flew on the port engine for about a minute when that cut out. He steered for the coast and put down a crash-landing on the edge of a lake at M.R. (R) X 9138 on the sheets referred to in para. 2 hereof. * The aircraft was burning badly and the port fire extinguisher was used. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the bottom gunner F/Sgt. Gibbons out of the aircraft as the hatch was below mud-level. He was in extremis with numerous bullet wounds in his right arm, shoulder, chest and stomach and was unconscious. No sooner had the remainder of the crew got him out when the ammunition commenced exploding. They dragged him clear and, as soon as they were able to do so, examined him again and found that he was dead. Lieut. J. Sadler who had assisted throughout had a bullet wound just above the right hip.

* Apart from the port engine and wing-tips, there is very

little of the aircraft which is salvageable. * The remainder of the crew took cover until 19.00 hours

and then started walking Eastwards. After about four miles they struck the main road and turned towards Buerat which they reached just after 01.00 hours on 15 Jan. 43. They were pleased to find our land forces in occupation and an advanced party of the R.A.F. had then conveyed to Tamet Landing Ground where the M.O. of 73 Squadron examined Lieut Sadler and sent him to No. 663 C.C.S. for X-ray and treatment. The pilot and A/Gunner returned to the Squadron (both uninjured) on 17 Jan. 43. (Handwritten Signature: [Illegible]) LT.-COLONEL, OFF. COMMANDING 21 SQDN. S.A.A.F. * The Pilot has placed on record his appreciation

of the courage and devotion to duty of Lieut. J. Sadler and F/Sgt. Hodgkinson in assisting in making possible the removal of A/T/Sgt. Gibbons from the burning aircraft and of their co-operation during the period that the remainder of the crew was absent from the Squadron. (Handwritten Signature: Lt-Col Coppen) LT.-COLONEL, OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. "X" 38

P O S T A G R A M -----------------

To : H.Q., R.A.F., M.E. From : S.I.O. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. Serial No. : 21 Squadron/171 Date : 18th January, 1943. OPREP No. 171 for Period ending 0600 hours on the 18th January, 1943.

A. Dispersed Aircraft on CASTEL BENITO aerodrome B. 1 Baltimore C. (i) Medium level attack (ii) 8000 ft (iii) 2210 hours L.T. D. (i) 6 x 250 Lbs (G.P.) 43 Det (Rods) (ii) Nil (iii) Long stick dropped from N.E. corner; one large and two small fires started, which could be seen for some time after leaving target. E. Nil F. Nil G. Nil H. (i) 2035 hours (ii) 3 hours J. Visibility excellent. K. 7 S/Ls. Fairly accurate. Fairly intense Heavy Ack Ack, but inaccurate Slight Light Ack Ack inaccurate. Comm. (1) 1 hour 40 mins.

(Handwritten Signature: [Illegible]) Capt. Senior Intelligence Officer, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1943-01-17

__o_O_o__

Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * Sortie Report No. 170: The specific operational record documenting the squadron's nocturnal interdiction mission conducted during the night cycle of 16–17 January 1943. * Lt.-Col. Coppen: Lieutenant Colonel Coppen, the Officer Commanding 21 Squadron S.A.A.F., who participated in this nocturnal operation as a pilot in aircraft 940 V. * YY, O, W, B, F, V: Tactical individual aircraft letters assigned to the Martin Baltimore light bombers of the squadron. Operational Context: This crew manifest details the personnel of six Martin Baltimore light bombers from No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. engaged in a nocturnal interdiction mission on 16–17 January 1943. Strategically, these operations were a critical component of the Desert Air Force (DAF) "fully offensive" campaign designed to shatter the logistical infrastructure of the retreating German and Italian forces in Tripolitania. By maintaining 24-hour pressure, the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) aimed to deny the Afrika Korps any respite for nocturnal movement or reorganization as the Eighth Army advanced toward Tripoli. The tactical objective for this specific sortie (OPREP 170) was the interdiction of Mechanical Transport (MT) on the coastal road network between Crispi, Misurata, and Zliten. The involvement of the Squadron Commander, Lt.-Col. Coppen, along with two Majors (Jendrell and Barnby), underscores the tactical priority placed on these early nocturnal Baltimore operations. Operating from the forward landing ground at Gzina, the crews targeted vehicle concentrations and "parked vehicles" along the road at altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 feet. The mission was deemed a success, with "long sticks" of 250lb General Purpose bombs delivered with precision, initiating at least one "good fire" despite encountering "accurate" light anti-aircraft fire from Misurata. This document, archived as page 36 of the AIR 27/274 series, provides high-fidelity data on the senior leadership and veteran aircrews spearheading the transition to nocturnal tactical interdiction during the definitive Axis collapse in Libya. 44 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 18th. January, 1943. Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * D.P.S.O., H.Q., R.A.F., M.E.: Deputy Principal Staff Officer, Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East. * A.D.A.I., S.A.A.F.: Assistant Director of Air Intelligence, South African Air Force. * A.O.C., Rear A.H.Q., W.D.: Air Officer Commanding, Rear Advanced Air Headquarters, Western Desert. * BALTIMORE III: The Martin Baltimore Mark III, a twin-engine light bomber. * Category Two: Damage classification indicating serious damage where the aircraft is potentially repairable, though this document notes the airframe was largely consumed by fire. * W/Op-Gunner: Wireless Operator and Air Gunner, typically occupying the lower/ventral position. * A/Gunner: Air Gunner, typically occupying the dorsal turret. * Chel II: A forward Landing Ground in the Tripolitanian sector used during the advance on Tripoli. * 9 B. 25's: Nine North American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers, likely from the USAAF 12th Bombardment Group, operating in a combined formation. * MT: Mechanical Transport, referring to Axis supply and troop vehicles. * M.R. / (R) X 4096: Map Reference Libya 1:500,000 grid coordinates. * Me. 109 F: Messerschmitt Bf 109 F "Friedrich" German fighter aircraft. * Mainplane: The primary wing structure of the aircraft. * M.O. / 73 Squadron: Medical Officer of No. 73 Squadron RAF, a fighter unit operating P-40 Kittyhawks. * No. 663 C.C.S.: Casualty Clearing Station No. 663. Operational Context: This Circumstantial Report provides a high-fidelity narrative of the loss of Baltimore AC. 879 on 14 January 1943 during the definitive Allied push through Tripolitania. Strategically, the Desert Air Force (DAF) was conducting a maximum-effort "fully offensive" campaign to shatter Axis Mechanical Transport (MT) and defensive anchors at Gheddahia, clearing the logistical tail for the Eighth Army's advance toward Tripoli. Tactically, the mission highlighted a critical vulnerability in joint-force operations: the speed differential between aircraft types. Captain Budd reported extreme difficulty maintaining station with the faster B-25 Mitchells; lagging after the turn off the target, AC. 879 became a "straggler" and was intercepted by a Bf 109 F. The subsequent combat resulted in a catastrophic fire in the starboard engine and fuel tank, leading to a forced landing in a coastal lake bed near grid (R) X 9138. The report documents the death of Flight Sergeant Gibbons, whose extraction was hindered by the aircraft sinking into the mud, and the wounding of Lieutenant Sadler. The crew’s four-mile trek to the Buerat road and their eventual rendezvous with forward Allied land forces underscores the rapid movement of the front line during this phase of the Western Desert campaign. This document, archived as Folio 37, represents the primary record of the lethal coordination and technical friction points faced by the MAAF during the final collapse of Axis resistance in Libya. 45 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: No literal 'Date' column exists on this specific folio; however, the operational date for the incident concluded on this page, as established in the preceding Circumstantial Report (Folio 37), is 18th January, 1943. Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * A/T/Sgt.: Acting Temporary Sergeant. This rank was held by J.R. Gibbons, the Wireless Operator/Air Gunner of Baltimore AC. 879, who was killed in action during the engagement on 14 January 1943. * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * No. 21 Squadron: A light bomber unit of the S.A.A.F. operating within the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) framework during the North African campaign. Operational Context: This concluding folio of the Circumstantial Report for Baltimore AC. 879 provides an official commendation for the actions of the surviving crew following their combat interception on 14 January 1943. Strategically, the mission was part of the Desert Air Force (DAF) "fully offensive" campaign to interdict Axis logistics at Gheddahia, clearing the path for the Eighth Army's definitive advance on Tripoli. Tactically, the report highlights the high human cost of the technical friction encountered during joint-force operations with faster aircraft types. After falling behind the formation of B-25 Mitchells and being struck by a Bf 109 F, AC. 879 suffered a catastrophic fuel fire. The "courage and devotion to duty" noted by Lt-Col. Coppen refers to the efforts of Lieutenant J. Sadler and Flight Sergeant Hodgkinson, who extracted the mortally wounded Sergeant Gibbons from the burning airframe despite the risk of exploding ammunition. Their subsequent survival and rendezvous with forward Allied land forces near Buerat underscores the rapid collapse of Axis territorial control in Tripolitania during the time period indicated. This document, archived as page 38 of the AIR 27/274 series, serves as a primary record of the personal resilience and professional discipline maintained by S.A.A.F. aircrews during the definitive breakthrough in Libya. 46 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 18th January, 1943. Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes") Glossary of Terms: * H.Q., R.A.F., M.E.: Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East. * S.I.O.: Senior Intelligence Officer. * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * OPREP: Operational Report. * ft: feet. * L.T.: Local Time. * Lbs (G.P.) 43 Det (Rods): 250-pound General Purpose bombs utilizing No. 43 tail pistols and nose extension rods. These rods triggered detonation approximately 18 to 36 inches above the surface, expanding the lateral fragmentation blast for greater effectiveness against soft targets like dispersed aircraft. * S/Ls: Searchlights. * Heavy Ack Ack / Light Ack Ack: Heavy and Light Anti-Aircraft artillery fire. * Comm.: Communication flight. Refers to a non-operational transport or liaison flight recorded for the same 24-hour period. Operational Context: OPREP No. 171 details a nocturnal interdiction mission conducted by a single Martin Baltimore against Castel Benito aerodrome on 17–18 January 1943. Castel Benito served as the primary Italian airbase for Tripoli and was of critical strategic importance during the final stages of the Western Desert Campaign. At the time of this raid, the British Eighth Army was advancing rapidly westward across Tripolitania, with Tripoli itself falling to Allied forces only five days later on 23 January 1943. The tactical objective of this lone-aircraft sortie was to disrupt Axis air operations and destroy dispersed aircraft on the ground, thereby preventing the Luftwaffe or Regia Aeronautica from providing effective air cover to retreating Axis ground forces. Despite facing a "fairly intense" concentration of Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire and seven searchlights, the aircraft successfully delivered a "long stick" of bombs equipped with nose rods to maximize the blast radius against the aerodrome's northeast corner. The resulting large fire and two smaller secondary blazes indicate a successful strike on combustible assets—likely fuel stores or parked aircraft—demonstrating the efficacy of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces' (MAAF) persistent nocturnal harassment tactics during the definitive Axis collapse in Libya. This document, archived as Folio 38 of the AIR 27/274 series, provides primary evidence of the specialized, low-density night missions required to maintain 24-hour pressure on the enemy's logistical and aviation infrastructure. 47 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 17 JAN 43.