Sortie Report (Form 541)
To: SCOR OFFICER AHQ MALTA.HQ. RAF ME.HQ. NAAF (attention 23rd SCORU)NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU)From: SIO. 21 SQUADRON ADV.Ref: 21 Sqdn/ 358OPREP NO. 358 for period ending 1230 hrs 31 JULY 43.MAP REF. PATERNO SHEET 269.A. Formation off at 1005 hrs attacked ROADS IN ST MARIE DI LICODIA from 10500 on Course 355/0100 at 1122 hrs LT. Landed 1221 hrs. The target was straddled, numerous buildings hit. The Eastern part of village was covered in dust and smoke from bomb bursts. The formation leader evaded moderate but accurate HAA climbing and turning and diving. Visibility Poor. NO cloud over target.B. 12 Baltimores: 2 Mk 3, 9 Mk 3A, 1 Mk 4.C. NIL.D. 25 hours.E. (1) 2 Mk 3: 6400 x .30, 4600 x .303.9 Mk 3A: 28800 x .30, 6300 x .5, 2700 x .303.1 Mk 4: 3200 x .30, 700 x .5, 300 x .303.(ii) (iii) NIL.F. (1) 2 Mk 3 : 12 x 250 GP 47 Dets, 27 Pistols.9 Mk 3A: 54 x 250 GP do do1 Mk 4 : 6 x 250 GP do do(ii) as in (1)(iii) (iv) NIL.G. (i)(ii) NIL (iii) 1 Mk 3A (FA271) minor damage.H to Z. NIL.(Signature: J. S. Bester) Capt.SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF.
Transcriber's Notes
- AHQ
- Air Headquarters.
- RAF ME
- Royal Air Force Middle East.
- NAAF
- Northwest African Air Forces.
- SCORU
- Section Control and Operational Research Unit.
- NATAF
- Northwest African Tactical Air Force.
- SIO
- Squadron Intelligence Officer.
- ADV
- Advanced (indicating the squadron’s forward element).
- HAA
- Heavy Anti-Aircraft artillery.
- Mk
- Mark (referring to aircraft version).
- GP
- General Purpose (bombs).
Abbreviations and Technical Terms Expanded
hrs LT: hours Local Time.
Santa Maria di Licodia (ST MARIE DI LICODIA): A strategic town on the southwestern slopes of Mount Etna. In late July 1943, Santa Maria di Licodia (modern name unchanged) served as a vital transportation node for Axis forces defending the "Etna Line".