Operation

TO : H.Q. M.A.A.F. ( ATTENTION 3rd SCORU) H.Q. T.A.F. ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU) S.A.O.A. S.A.A.F. FROM : 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. REF. : 21S/846 DATE : 1st OCTOBER, 1944. OPREP NO. 846 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HRS. ON THE 30 : 9 : 44. A to Z. NIL. (Signed) C.P.P. Nicolle Capt. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Lt. Moritz | F/S. Goble | Lt. Trundell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Golf | 2/Lt. Ferreira | ) | F.L | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | V: Lt. Pratt | Lt. Parsons | Lt. Michler | W.O. Rautenbach | W.O. Liepoldt | W.O. Jackson | ) | FOR | | | | | | | | ) | THESE | | R: Lt. Hindson | F/S. Stuart | Lt. Andrews | Lt. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | ) | 1.55 HRS | | | | | | | | | | | J: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | W.O. Koegelenberg | W.O. Cilliers | W.O. Broomhead | | | | | | | | | | | | | F: Lt.Col. Jendrell | Lt. Mackey | Capt. Farrent | Capt. t.v.Pohl | Lt. Thompson | W.O. Sheppard | ) | F.L | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | C: Lt. Whitehouse | F/S. Carter | Lt. v. Dokkum | W.O. Horscroft | W.O. Swale | F/O. Watkinson | ) | FOR | | | | | | | | ) | THESE | | H: Capt. Hamlet | Lt. Dore | Lt. Masters | W.O. Rabie | W.O. Jordan | W.O. Venter | ) | 2.00 Hrs. | | | | | | | | | | | S: Lt. Hatley | F/S. Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Butler | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Liebowitz | | | | | | | | | | | | | T: Maj. Meaker | Lt. Ramsey | Lt. Kotze | W.O. Forster | 2/Lt. Nielsen | W.O. Esplin | 2.15 Hrs. F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | | D: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | Lt. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Wandrag | W.O. Berry | Lt. Oldfield A) | ) | | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | G: Lt. Brunette | Lt. McDonald | Lt. R. Eros | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinnamon | W.O. Heeven | ) | FOR | | | | | | | | ) | THESE | | P: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | Lt. Benade | F/O. Richardson | 2/Lt. Jonker | W.O. Adams | ) | 2.30 Hrs. | | | | | | | | | | | N: Lt. Nicolay | Lt. McDonald | Lt. T. Mathen | W.O. Kilsby | W.O. Fletcher | W.O. Foster | ) | F.L | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | M: Lt. Isted | Lt. Owen-Hughes | Lt. Williams | W.O. Faure | W.O. Botha | W.O. Jackson | ) | FOR | | | | | | | | ) | THESE | | Q: Lt. Muir | Lt. Dale | Lt. Lister | W.O. Andrews | W.O. Elliot | W.O. Gold | ) | 1.45 Hrs | | | | | | | | | | | A: Maj. Atchison | Lt. Watermeyer | Lt. Elliot | Lt. Case | Lt. de Villiers | W.O. Broomhead | ) | F.L | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | W: Lt. Olceté | F/S. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | W.O. Oldfield | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Liebowitz | ) | FOR | | | | | | | | ) | THESE | | J: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | W.O. Koegelenberg | W.O. Cilliers | 2/Lt. Ferreira | ) | 1.40 Hrs | | | | | | | | | | | N: Capt. Adam | Lt. Beeke | Lt. Roos | Lt. Williamson | W.O. Bender | W.O. Elk | ) | F.L | | | | | | | | ) | | | B: Lt. Kent | F/O. Hanna | Lt. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | W.O. Joubert | W.O. Venter | ) | Times | | | | | | | | ) | For | | C: Lt. Smellie | Lt. de Bruyn | Lt. Sandenberg | W.O. Fraser | W.O. Swale | | ) | These | | | | | | | | ) | 1.50 Hrs. | | L: Lt. Anderson | Lt. de Jager | Lt. Webber | W.O. Steyn | W.O. Smit | W.O. Butler | | | | | | | | | | | | | B: Lt. v. Niekerk | Lt. Granger | Lt. MacDonald | W.O. Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger | | | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | 1st SEPTEMBER | STRONGPOINTS PESARO | TIMES AS ABOVE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Capt. Maritz | F/S. Goble | Lt. Trundell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Golf | 2/Lt. Ferreira | 2.10 | F.L. | | T: Lt. Hindson | F/S. Stuart | Lt. McDonald | Lt. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | 1.55 | | | V: Lt. Brett | Lt. Parsons | Lt. Michler | W.O. Rautenbach | W.O. Liepoldt | W.O. Jackson | 2.10 | | | D: Lt. Brall | F/S. Quaife | Lt. Wells | W.O. Boast | F/O. Watkinson | W.O. Goodwin | 2.10 | | | Y: Lt.C.Jandrell | Lt. Mackey | Capt. Farrant | Capt. t.v. Pohl | Lt. Thompson | W.O. Sheppard | 1.55 | F.L. | | H: Lt. Isted | Lt. Williams | Lt. Owen-Hughes | W.O. Botha | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger | 1.55 | | | Q: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | Lt. Benade | F/O. Richardson | 2/Lt. Jonker | W.O. Adams | 1.55 | | | S: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | Lt. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Wandrag | W.O. Venter | Lt. Oldfield A. | 1.55 | | | W: Capt. Adam | Lt. Beeke | Lt. Roos | Lt. Williamson | W.O. Forster | W.O. Elk | 1.50 | F.L. | | E: Lt. Whitehouse | F/S. Carter | Lt. v. Dokkum | W.O. Swale | W.O. Horscroft | W.O. Wilson | 1.50 | | | F: Lt. Brunette | F/S. McDonald | Lt. R. Eros | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinamin | W.O. Heeven | 1.50 | | | P: Lt. Muir | Lt. Dale | Lt. Lister | W.O. Andrews | 2/Lt. Nielsen | W.O. Jones. | 1.50 | | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | 2nd SEPTEMBER, 1944 | GOTHIC LINE STRONG POINTS | TIMES ABOVE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A: Maj. Aitchison | Lt. Watermeyer | Lt. Elliot | W.O. Case | Capt. D. Villiers | W.O. Broomhead | ) | F.L. | | Q: Lt. Betley | F/S. Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Butler | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Jackson | ) | TIMES | | N: Lt. van Niekerk | Lt. Granger | Lt. Andrews | W.O. Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger | ) | for | | D: Lt. Smellie | Lt. de Bruyn | Lt. Sandenberg | 2/Lt. Howden | W.O. Berry | W.O. Fraser | ) | these | | B: Capt. Hamlet | Lt. Dore | Lt. Masters | W.O. Rabie | W.O. Jordaan | W.O. Venter | ) | 2.30 Hrs. | | V: Lt. Anderson | Lt. de Jager | Lt. Webber | W.O. Smit | W.O. Steyn | W.O. Livingstone | ) | F.L. | | M: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | W.O. Koegelenberg | W.O. Cilliers | W.O. Wilson | ) | for | | S: Lt. Cloete | F/S. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | W.O. Oldfield | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Evans_Liebowitz | ) | these | | T: Maj. Meaker | Lt. Ramsey | Lt. Kotze | W.O. Forster | 2/Lt. Nielsen | W.O. Esplin | ) | 2.20 Hrs. | | G: Lt. Nicolay | F/S. McDonald | Lt. T. Nathan | W.O. Kilsby | 2/Lt. Ferreira | W.O. Fletcher | ) | F.L. | | C: Lt. Kent | F/O. Hanna | Lt. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | W.O. Joubert | F/O. Watkinson | ) | times | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | 2nd SEPTEMBER, 1944 | CESENA M/YARDS | TIMES AS ABOVE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Maj. Aitchison | Lt. Watermeyer | Lt. Elliot | W.O. Case | Capt. d. Villiers | W.O. Broomhead | F.L. | | N: Lt. v. Niekerk | Lt. Granger | Lt. Andrews | W.O. Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger | 208 | | Q: Lt. Cloete | F/S. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | W.O. Oldfield | Sgt. H. Evans | W.O. Liebowitz | | | | | | | | | | | Y: Lt.Col. Jandrell | Lt. Mackey | Capt. Farrant | Capt. t.w. Pohl | Lt. Thompson | W.O. Sheppard | F.L. | | F: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | Lt. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Wandrag | 2/Lt. Ferreira | Lt. Oldfield A. | | | S: Lt. Batley | F/S. Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Butler | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Steyn | | | | | | | | | | | P: Lt. Brett | Lt. Parsons | Lt. Michler | W.O. Rautenbach | W.O. Liepoldt | W.O. Jackson | F.L. | | B: Lt. Nicolay | Lt. McDonald | Lt. T. Nathan | W.O. Kilsby | W.O. Fletcher | | | | G: Lt. Smellie | Lt. de Bruyn | Lt. Sandenberg | W.O. Berry | 2/Lt. Howden | W.O. Fraser | | | | | | | | | | | V: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | Lt. Benade | F/O. Richardson | 2/Lt. Jonker | W.O. Adams | | | W: Capt. Adam | Lt. Beeke | Lt. Roos | Lt. Williamson | W.O. Stals | W.O. Elk | F.L. | | C: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | W.O. Koegelenberg | W.O. Cilliers | W.O. Broomhead | | | D: Lt. Brunette | F/S. McDonald | Lt. R. Eros | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinamin | W.O. Heaven | | | R: Lt. Hindson | F/S. Stuart | Lt. MacDonald | W.O. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | BOX FORMATION BOMBING STRONG POINTS WEST OF RIMINI | | | | | | | 4th SEPTEMBER, 1944 | TIMES FOR ALL.......1.55 HRS. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Capt. Maritz | F/S. Goble | Lt. Trundell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Golf | 2/Lt. Ferreira | ) | F.L. | | P: Lt. Muir | Lt. Dale | Lt. Lister | W.O. Andrews | W/O Jones | W.O. Livingstone | ) | Times | | H: Lt. Isted | Lt. Williams | Lt. Smit | W.O. Kruger | W.O. Botha | W.O. Elk | ) | for these | | B: Lt. Nicolay | F/S. McDonald | Lt. T. Nathan | Sgt. Kilsby | W.O. Berry | W.O. Fletcher | ) | 2.00 hrs. | | G: Lt. Cloete | W.O. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | W.O. Oldfield H. | Sgt. Evans | W.O. Liebowitz | 0.40 hrs. | F.L. | | R: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | 2/Lt. Howard | W.O. Richardson | 2/Lt. Jonker | W/O Adams | ....... | 2.05 hrs. | | C: Lt. Whitehouse | F/S. Carter | 2/Lt. v. Dokkum | W.O. Horscroft | W.O. Swale | W/O Wilson | .... | 2.05 | | T: Maj. Meaker | F/S. Ramsay | Lt. Benade | W.O. Forster | W.O. Esplin | W.O. Nielsen | ) | Times | | E: Lt. Kent | F/O. Hanna | Lt. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | W.O. Joubert | W/O Fraser | ) | for | | F: Lt. Brall | F/S. Quaife | Lt. Wells | W.O. Boast | W.O. Watkinson | W.O. Goodwin | ) | these | | S: Lt. Anderson | Lt. de Jager | Lt. Webber | W.O. Steyn | W.O. Smit | W/O Gold | ) | 1.50 Hrs. | | | | | | | | | | | A: Lt.C. Jandrell | Lt. Mackey | Capt. Farrant | Capt. t.v. Pohl | Lt. Thompson | W.O. Sheppard | ) | | | H: Lt. Hindson | F/S. Stuart | Lt. MacDonald | Lt. Andrews | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | ) | Times | | S: Lt. Batley | F/S. Batley - Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Butler | Lt. Earnshaw | ) | for | | J: Lt. Brunette | F/S. McDonald | Lt. R. Eros | Capt. Hatswell | W.O. Roelofse | W/O Heaven | W/O Cinamin | ) | | W: Lt. Brett | W/O Markham | Lt. Michler | W.O. Williamson | W.O. Liepoldt | W/O Jackson | ) | 2.05 hrs. | | P: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | Lt. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Wandrag | 2/Lt. Stubbs | Lt. Oldfield H. | ) | | | G: Lt. Smellie | Lt. de Bruyn | Lt. Sandenberg | W.O. Berry | Sgt. Howden | W/O Fraser | ) | | | V: Lt. v. Niekerk | Lt. Granger | Lt. Andrews | W.O. Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger | ) | | | B: Capt. Hamlet | Lt. Dore | Lt. Masters | W.O. Rabie | W.O. Jordaan | W/O Venter | ) | | | V: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | 2/Lt. Howard | W.O. Richardson | 2/Lt. Jonker | W/O Adams | ) | | | R: Lt. Cloete | W.O. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | W.O. Oldfield H. | Sgt. Evans | W.O. Liebowitz | ) | | | C: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | Lt. Jones | W.O. Koegelenberg | W/O Celliers | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | BOX FORMATION BOMBING | STRONGPOINTS S.W. OF RIMINI | | | | | | | | DATE. . . . .5th SEPTEMBER, 1944 | TIMES AS ABOVE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Y: Lt.Col. Jandrell | Mackey | Farrant | Thompson | Forster | Sheppard | | F.L. | | W: Lt. Kent | Hanna | Buchanan | Crafford | Joubert | Heaven | | 210 | | C: Lt. Smellie | de Bruyn | Sandenberg | Berry | Fraser | Howden | | | | T: Lt. Ackermann | Kriel | Batley | Adams | Richardson | Jonker | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Lt. | F/S. | Lt. | Lt. | W/O | W/O | 2/Lt. | | A: Maritz | Goble | Trundell | Kelly | v.d. Colf | Ferreira | | F.L. | | | Lt. | Lt. | Lt. | Lt. | W/O | W/O | | | R: Hindson | Beeke | McDonald | Fairweather | Gold | Livingstone | | | | | F/S. | Lt. | W/O | Lt. | | | | | S: Batley | Long | Adams | Bastard | Butler | Earnshaw | | | | | Lt. | Lt. | Lt. | 2/Lt. | W/O | W/O | | | J: Napier | Hussey | Winn | Stubbs | Koegelenberg | Cilliers | | | | | Capt. | Lt. | Lt. | W/O | W/O | W/O | | | H: Hamlet | Dore | Masters | Rabie | Jordaan | Venter | | | | | Lt. | Lt. | Lt. | W/O | W/O | W/O | | | N: van Niekerk | Granger | Andrews | Stals | Hamilton | Kruger | | R.T.B. Time 1.10 | | | W/O | Lt. | Sgt. | W/O | | | | | Q: Cloete | Blackford | Dickenson | Oldfield H. | Evans | Leibowitz | | | | | Lt. | Lt. | CAPT. | W/O | W/O | Lt. | | | D: Weber | Hulley | Hatswell | Wandrag | Brodie | Oldfield A.E. | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2nd RAID | 21 SQUADRON | RAID ON GUN AREAS RIMINI | : TIMES FOR ALL 2.00 HRR | | | | | | | | | "N" TIMES 1.10 Hrs. | | | | | | | | 9th SEPTEMBER, 1944 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | T: Major Meaker | Ramsay | Benade | Forster | Esplin | Nielsen | ) | F.L. 211 | | | | | | | | ) | | | J: Brunette | McDonald | R. Eros | Roelofse | Heaven | Cinamin | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | G: Smellie | De Bruyn | Sandenberg | Fraser | Berry | Howden | R.T.B. Time 10min. | | | | | | | | | | | | A: Isted | Williams | Owen-Hughes | Elk | Faure | Botha | | | | | | | | | | | | | B: Maritz | Goble | Trundle | Kelly | v.d. Colf | Ferreira | | F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | S: Muir | Dale | Lister | Andrews | Jones | Foster | | | | | | | | | | | | | P: Anderson | de Jager | Webber | Steyn | Smit | McHugh | | | | | | | | | | | | | C: Whitehouse | Carter | v. Trotsenberg | Horscroft | Swale | Wilson | | | | | | | | | | | | | V: Brett | Markham | Michler | Williamson | Leipoldt | Jackson | | F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | D: Weber | Hulley | v. Dokkum | Wandrag | Brodie | Oldfield A | | | | | | | | | | | | | R: Ackermann | Kriel | Batley | Adams | Richardson | Jonker | | | | | | | | | | | | | A: Maj. Aitchison | Watermeyer | Hatswell | d. Villiers | Oldfield | Broomhead | F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | | Q: Batley | Long | Adams | Butler | Bastard | Earnshaw | | | | | | | | | | | | | R: Hindson | Stuart | Macdonald | Fairweather | Gold | Livingstone | | | | | | | | | | | | | C: Smellie | De Bruyn | Sandenberg | Fraser | Berry | Howden | | | | | | | | | | | | | T: Nicolay | McDonald | T. Nathan | Kilsby | Lt. Jones | Fletcher | | F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | G: van Niekerk | Granger | Andrews | Stals | Hamilton | Kruger | | | | | | | | | | | | | B: Kent | Hanna | Buchanan | Crafford | Joubert | Overee | | | | | | | | | | | | | N: Isted | Williams | Owen-Hughes | Botha | Faure | Elk | | | | | | | | | | | | | S: Hamlet | Dore | Masters | Rabie | Venter | Jndaan | | F.L. | | | | | | | | | | | P: Napier | Hussey | Winn | Stubbs | Koegelenberg | Cilliers | | | | | | | | | | | | | R: Brett | Markham | Michler | Williamson | Leipoldt | Peckitt | | | | | | | | | | | | | V: Cloete | Blackford | Dickenson | Oldfield | H. Evans | Leibowitz | | | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | 1st & 2nd RAIDS | STRONG POINTS RIMINI AREA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | TIMES FOR ALL 2.00 HRS. Except 49S H R.T.B. Time 10 minutes. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DATE:- 10th SEPTEMBER, 1944. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Y: Lt.Col. Jandrell | Mackey | Farrant | Thompson | Forster (Lt.) | Sheppard | F.L. 212 | | H: Capt. Hamlet | Lt. Dore | Lt. Masters | W.O. Rabie | W.O. Jordaan | W.O. Venter | | | V: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | Lt. v. Dokkum | W.O. Wandrag | W.O. Brodie | W.O. Oldfield A. | | | Q: Lt. Cloete | W.O. Blackford | Lt. Dickenson | Oldfield H. | W.O. Evans | W.O. Liebowitz. | | | E: Lt. Whitehouse | F/Sgt. Carter | Lt. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Horscroft | W.O. Swale | W.O. Wilson | F.L. | | S: Lt. Batley | F/Sgt. Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Butler | W.O. Earnshaw | | | P: Lt. Muir | F/Sgt. Dale | Lt. Lister | W.O. Foster | W.O. Andrews | W.O. Jones | | | J: Lt. Brunette | McDonald | R. Mysschens | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinamin | W.O. Heaven | | | B: Lt. Brett | F/Sgt. Markham | Lt. Michler | W.O. Williamson | W.O. Leipoldt | W.O. Peckitt | F.L. | | C: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | W.O. Stubbs | W.O. Koegelenberg | W.O. Cilliers | | | R: Lt. Hindson | Lt. Stuart | Lt. MacDonald | W.O. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | | | T: Maj. Meaker | F/Sgt. Ramsay | Lt. Benade | W.O. Forster | W.O. Esplin | W.O. Nielsen | F.L. | | N: Lt. Kent | F.O. Hanna | Lt. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | W.O. Joubert | Sgt. Overee | | | D: Lt. Weber | Lt. Hulley | v. Dokkum | W.O. Wandrag | W.O. Brodie | W.O. Oldfield A.E. | | | S: Lt. Ackermann | Lt. Kriel | Lt. Batley | Lt. Adams | W.O. Richardson | W.O. Jonker. | | | Y: Capt. Maritz | F/Sgt. Goble | Lt. Trundell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Colf | W.O. Ferreira | F.L. | | H: Lt. Isted | Lt. Williams | Owen-Hughes | Faure | W.O. Elk | W.O. Botha | | | P: Lt. Anderson | Lt. de Jager | Webber | Lt. Steyn | W/O Smit | W.O. McHugh | | | J: Lt. Brunette | McDonald | R. Mysschens | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinamin | W.O. Heaven | | | W: Lt. Batley | F/Sgt. Long | Lt. Adams | W.O. Bastard | W.O. Butler | W.O. Earnshaw | F.L. Time 1.50 | | V: Lt. Smellie | Lt. De Bruyn | Lt. Sandenberg | Fraser | W.O. Berry | W.O. Howden | | | M: Lt. Napier | Lt. Hussey | Lt. Winn | 2/Lt. Stubbs | Koegelenberg | Cilliers | | | R: Lt. van Niekerk | Granger | Andrews | Lt. Stals | Hamilton | Kruger. | | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | 1st & 2nd RAIDS | RIMINI GUN AREAS. | | | | | | FOR ALL 2.05 Hrs. | EXCEPT 597 W: Lt. BATLEY 1.50hrs. | (LANDED AT FARA W/O BASTARD WOUNDED BY FLAK.) 4 HOLES IN A/C. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DATE:- 11th SEPTEMBER, 1944. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Maj. Aitchison | Watermeyer | Hatswell | de Villiers | Broomhead | Koegelenberg | F.L. | | P: Anderson | De Jager | Webber | Steyn | Smit | McHugh | 213 | | N: Isted | Williams | Owen-Hughes | Botha | Faure | Elk | | | B: Lt. Kent | F/O. Hanna | Buchanan | Crafford | Joubert | Overee | Time 1.45 hrs (Landed Falconera) M.B.F. | | T: Brett | Markham | Michler | Williamson | Leipoldt | Peckitt | F.L. | | C: Whitehouse | F/Sgt. Carter | v. Trotsenburg | Swale | Horscroft | Wilson | | | J: Brunette | McDonald | R. Eros | Roelofse | Cinamin | Heaven | | | R: Hindson | Stuart | MacDonald | Fairweather | Gold | Livingstone | | | N: Nicolay | F/Sgt. McDonald | T. Nathan | Kilsby | Lt. Jones | Fletcher | F.L. | | Q: Cloete | F/Sgt. Blackford | Dickensen | Oldfield H. | Evans | Liebowitz | | | D: Weber | Hulley | v. Dokkum | Wandrag | Brodie | Oldfield A. | | | S: Ackermann | Kriel | Batley | Adams | Richardson | Jonker | Time 2.10 hrs. Test Bomb/s | | | | | | | | | | 21 SQUADRON | RAID ON GUN AREAS RIMINI AREA | DATE:- 12th SEPTEMBER, '44 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | D: Lt. Kent Time 1.45 hrs. A/C hit by flak in the engine forced landed at FALCONARA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | F.L. ALL THE OTHERS 2.00 HRS. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 597: Capt. Maritz | F/SGT. Goble | LT. Trundell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Colf | W.O. Ferreira | F.L. | | W: Batley | F/SGT. Long | LT. Adams | W.O. Butler | Earnshaw | Gilbank | ) | | P: Muir | F/SGT. Dale | LT. Lister | W.O. Andrews | Foster (sgt.) | Jones (Sgt) | ) | | J: Napier | LT. Hussey | 2/LT. Winn | LT. Koegelenberg | Cilliers | 2/LT. Stubbs | ) | | T: Brett | F/SGT. Markham | LT. Michler | W.O. Williamson | Leipoldt | Peckitt | F.L. | | S: Smellie | LT. De Bruyn | Sandenberg | W.O. Berry | Fraser | SGT. Howden | ) | | L: Weber | LT. Hulley | LT. v. Dokkum | W.O. Wandrag | Brodie | W.O. Oldfield A.E. | ) | | M: van Niekerk | LT. Granger | LT. Andrews | Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger. | ) | | H: Capt. Hamlet | LT. Dore | LT. Masters | W.O. Rabie | LT. Jordaan | W.O. Venter | ) F.L. | | V: Isted | LT. Williams | Owen-Hughes | W.O. Botha | W.O. Faure | W.O. Elk. | ) Times for | | S: Hindson | LT. Stuart | F/SGT. MacDonald | LT. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | ) these | | C: Whitehouse | F/SGT. Carter | LT. v. Trotsenberg | Swale | W.O. Horscroft | W.O. Wilson. | ) 1.55 Hrs. | | | | | | | | | | Y: Maj. Aitchison | LT. Watermeyer | LT. Hatswell | CAPT. d. Villiers | CAPT. Wandrag | W.O. Broomhead | F.L. | | P: Muir | F/SGT. Dale | LT. Lister | W.O. Andrews | Foster (sgt) | Jones (Sgt.) | (2.10 hrs) . . 2.10 hrs | | R: Hindson | F/SGT. Ramsay | LT. MacDonald | LT. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | . . 2.10 hrs | | V: Brunette | LT. McDonald | F/SGT. R. Eros | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Cinamin | W.O. Heaven. | . . 2.10 hrs | | W: Batley | F/SGT. Long | LT. Adams | W.O. Butler | Earnshaw | Gilbank . . | . 2.10 hrs F.L. | | S: Kent | F.O. Hanna | LT. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | W.O. Joubert | SGT Oversee . . | . 2.10 hrs | | H: Napier | LT. Hussey | 2/LT. Winn | W.O. Koegelenberg | Cilliers | 2/LT. Stubbs . . | . 2.10 hrs | | T: Ackermann | LT. Kriel | LT. Batley | LT. Adams | F/SGT. Richardson | W.O. Jonker. . . | . 2.10 hrs. | | C: Whitehouse | F/SGT. Carter | LT. v. Trotsenberg | W.O. Swale | W.O. Horscroft | Wilson (See footnote) | F.L. | | S: Cloete | LT. Blackford | F/SGT. Dickenson | LT. Oldfield H. | W.O. Evans | SGT. Liebowitz. | . 2.10 hrs | | N: van Niekerk | LT. Granger | LT. Andrews | W.O. Stals | W.O. Hamilton | W.O. Kruger. . | . 2.10 hrs | | L: Smellie | LT. de Bruyn | LT. Sandenberg | W.O. Berry | SGT. Howden | W.O. Fraser. . | . 2.10 hrs | | | | | | | | | | 591 C (Lt. Whitehouse) went down over the target area - 4 Parachutes observed - Army reported two of crew in German side and two with the Canadians) - Time 1.20 Hrs. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 827 21 SQUADRON RAIDS ON GUN POSITIONS RIMINI AREA. 13 : 9 : 44 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | A: Capt. Maritz | F/SGT. Goble | LT. Tründell | W.O. Kelly | W.O. v.d. Golf | W.O. Ferreira | F.L. 215 | | N: Isted | LT. Williams | Owen-Hughes | LT. Elk | W.O. Botha | W.O. Faure | | | P: Anderson | de Jager | LT. Webber | LT. Steyn | W.O. Smit | W.O. McHugh | | | J: Napier | LT. Hussey | 2/LT. Winn | 2/LT. Stubbs | Koegelenberg | Cilliers | | | T: Batley | F/SGT. Long | LT. Adams | W.O. Butler | Earnshaw | Gilbank | F.L. | | Y: Weber | Hulley | LT. v. Dokkum | Wandrag | Brodie | Oldfield A.E. | | | H: Brunette | F/SGT. McDonald | LT. R.J. Eros | W.O. Roelofse | W.O. Heaven | R.T.B. . . Time 25 minutes | | | Q: Cloete | F/SGT. Blackford | Dickenson | Oldfield H. | SGT. Evans | Liebowitz | | | B: Nicolay | McDonald | T.D. Nathan | W.O. Kilsby | W.O. Fletcher | LT. Jones | F.L. | | W: Ackermann | Kriel | LT. Batley | LT. Adams | Richardson | Jonker | | | V: Muir | ASGT. Dale | LT. Lister | Andrews | Sgt. Jones | Foster (sgt) | | | R: Kent | F/O. Hanna | Buchanan | Boast | W.O. Joubert | SGT. Oversee. | | | | | | | | | | | 828 21 SQUADRON RAID ON ENEMY S.P. RIMINI AREA. | | | | | | | | TIMES FOR ALL 2.00 hrs except 49S H(Lt. Brunette) engine trouble R.T.B. | | | | | | | | DATE:- 14th SEPTEMBER, 1944. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | H: Capt Hamlet | Dore | LT. Masters | W.O. Rabie | W.O. Jordaan | W.O. Venter | ) | F.L. | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES FOR | | R: Hindson | Stuart | LT. Fairweather | W.O. Gold | W.O. Livingstone | MacDonald | ) | THESE | | | | | | | | ) | 2.15 Hrs. | | V: Isted | Williams | LT. Owen-Hughes | Faure | W.O. Elk | W.O. Botha | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | K: Smellie | De Bruyn | Sandenburg | Berry | Howden | Fraser | ) | R.T.B lost Form. | | | | | | | | | | | Y: Brett | Markham | LT. Michler | Williamson | Leipoldt | Peckitt | ) | F.L. | | | | | | | | ) | TIMES | | L: Brunette | McDonald | R. Kros | Roelofse | Cinamin | Heaven | ) | FOR THESE | | | | | | | | ) | 55 minutes. | | B: Napier | Hussey | LT. Winn | Stubbs | Koegelenberg | Cilliers | ) | R.T.B. due to | | | | | | | | ) | cloud | | | | | | | | | | | N: van Niekerk | Granger | LT. Andrews | Stals | Hamilton | Kruger. | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | W: Batley | Long | LT. Adams | Butler | Earnshaw | Gilbank | ) | TIMES F.L. | | | | | | | | ) | FOR THESE | | P: Anderson | de Jager | LT. Webber | Smit | W.O. Steyn | McHugh | ) | 2.15 Hours | | | | | | | | ) | | | Q: Ackermann | Kriel | LT. Batley | Adams | Richardson | Jonker. | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | H: Kent | Hanna | LT. Buchanan | W.O. Crafford | Joubert | Overee | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | OPREP NO. 829 | 21 SQUADRON | 1st RAID | RIMINI STRONG POINTS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DATE:- 15th SEPTEMBER, 1944 | | TIMES AS ALLOCATED ABOVE. | | | | | |

1944-10-01

__o_O_o__

Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * H.Q.: Headquarters. * M.A.A.F.: Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. * SCORU: Section Central Operational Research Unit. * T.A.F.: Tactical Air Force. * S.A.O.A.: South African Operational Assistant. * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * OPREP: Operational Report. * HRS.: Hours. * Capt.: Captain. * Observations about Individuals: * Captain C.P.P. Nicolle: Acting as the Squadron Intelligence Officer, Nicolle’s signature marks the end of a frustrating period of forced inactivity for 21 Squadron. Throughout the latter half of September, his primary duty shifted from assessing strike damage to filing administrative "NIL" returns as environmental conditions dictated the pace of operations. * Location and Modern Name: * Pescara: The squadron remained based at Pescara on the Adriatic coast. The wartime airfield, which suffered significantly from drainage issues during the autumn rains, is the modern-day Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * The October Transition: This report for September 30, 1944, serves as the final entry for a month that saw 21 Squadron achieve major tactical successes followed by complete operational paralysis. While the month began with "maximum effort" raids to break the Gothic Line at Rimini, it ended with a week of total grounding. * The Impact of the Romagna Autumn: The "NIL" return represents the triumph of the Italian climate over Allied air power. The heavy rains that turned the Romagna plains into a marshland also turned the grass and dirt airfields of the Desert Air Force into unusable mud pits. For the Martin B-26 Marauder III, a bomber known for high takeoff speeds, these conditions were prohibitive. * Strategic Stagnation: As the squadron was grounded, so too was the British Eighth Army. The breakthrough at Rimini, which was intended to lead to a swift pursuit into the Po Valley, instead transitioned into a grueling, slow-moving campaign of attrition across flooded river lines. * Maintenance and Morale: During this prolonged stand-down, ground crews focused on winterizing equipment and repairing the aging Marauder fleet. For the aircrews, the lack of flying combined with damp, deteriorating living conditions at Pescara marked the beginning of a difficult winter phase in the Italian Theatre. 48 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of the document is 1st SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Lt.: Lieutenant * F/S.: Flight Sergeant * W.O.: Warrant Officer * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * F.L: Flight Log / Flight length (duration) * Capt.: Captain * Lt.Col.: Lieutenant Colonel * F/O.: Flying Officer * Maj.: Major * Hrs. / HRS: Hours * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Colonel Jendrell: The Commanding Officer (CO) of 21 Squadron, leading from the front in aircraft "F". His participation in this raid on the Pesaro strongpoints underscores the critical importance of the Gothic Line breakthrough. * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "C," this mission occurred just ten days before Whitehouse and his crew (including Horscroft and Swale, also listed here) were reported missing during the intense battles near Rimini. * Lieutenant Napier: Recorded as flying two separate sorties (Aircraft "J") with slightly varying crew members, illustrating the high operational tempo where pilots often flew multiple waves in a single day to support the Eighth Army's advance. * Location and Modern Names: * Pesaro: A historic coastal city in the Marche region of Italy. During early September 1944, it served as the Adriatic anchor of the German Gothic Line (Green Line). Today, it remains a major provincial capital and seaside resort. * Pescara (Base): While not explicitly named on this crew list, 21 Squadron was operating from Pescara Airfield during this phase of the campaign. This site is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Breakthrough: September 1, 1944, was a pivotal day in the assault on the Gothic Line. The British Eighth Army had just launched its massive offensive to push into the Po Valley. The "Strongpoints Pesaro" targeted in this report were the concrete-and-steel defenses protecting the northern bank of the Foglia River. * Saturation Bombing Tactics: The listing of 21 separate aircraft crews indicates a "maximum effort" saturation raid. Using the Martin B-26 Marauder III, the squadron utilized tight "box" formations to drop concentrated patterns of fragmentation and demolition bombs on fortified German troop concentrations. * Air-Ground Coordination: The mission durations, ranging from 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, reflect the proximity of Pescara to the front lines, allowing the squadron to cycle aircraft quickly back to the target as the ground situation evolved. The destruction of these Pesaro strongpoints was essential for the liberation of the city, which occurred just 24 hours later. 49 Target File Verification: The date written in the 'DATE' column (at the bottom of the flight lists) is 2nd SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Capt.: Captain * Lt.: Lieutenant * F/S.: Flight Sergeant * W.O.: Warrant Officer * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * F/O.: Flying Officer * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * Maj.: Major * M/YARDS: Marshalling Yards * Hrs / hrs: Hours * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Brall: Listed as pilot of aircraft "D" for the morning raid on Gothic Line strong points. This record is poignant as it occurs exactly one week before Lt. Brall was tragically killed on September 9th when his aircraft exploded in the dispersal area at Pescara. * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "E". This mission was carried out just nine days before Whitehouse and his crew (including Swale and Horscroft, also listed here) were reported missing during an operation near Rimini. * Captain Maritz: Leading the morning formation in aircraft "A". Maritz was a senior flight leader within 21 Squadron, often assigned to high-priority targets. * Location and Modern Names: * Gothic Line Strong Points: These targets were part of the German "Green Line" defenses, primarily concentrated along the ridges between Pesaro and Rimini. * Cesena Marshalling Yards: A vital rail hub on the Via Emilia. The yards were essential for German logistical movement toward the Po Valley. Cesena remains a major city in the Emilia-Romagna region today. * Pescara (Base): Although not named on the list, 21 Squadron was operating from the airfield at Pescara during this phase of the campaign. This is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The High-Tempo Phase: This crew list from September 2, 1944, documents a "maximum effort" day during the Allied breakthrough of the Gothic Line. The squadron flew two major waves: morning strikes on fortified strong points and afternoon interdiction of rail logistics at Cesena. * Strategic Interdiction: The attack on the Cesena Marshalling Yards (afternoon wave) was intended to paralyze the German 10th Army's ability to shift reinforcements and heavy armor to the crumbling front. * Tactical Versatility of the Marauder: The Martin B-26 Marauder III was utilized here in two roles: as a precision medium bomber for infrastructure (Cesena) and as a saturation platform for personnel suppression in strong points. The flight times (approx. 2 hours) show the intensity of the cycle, with crews returning, re-arming, and launching again to maximize the daylight window. * The Fog of War: Many names on this list, such as those of the Whitehouse and Brall crews, would disappear from the rolls within the next ten days, illustrating the heavy toll taken on SAAF aircrews during the final weeks of the summer offensive. 50 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of the flight list is 4th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Maj.: Major * Lt.: Lieutenant * W.O.: Warrant Officer * Capt.: Captain * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * F/S.: Flight Sergeant * Sgt.: Sergeant * Lt.Col.: Lieutenant Colonel * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * F/O.: Flying Officer * HRS.: Hours * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Colonel Jandrell: The Commanding Officer of 21 Squadron. His presence as lead pilot of aircraft "Y" in the second box highlights the "leadership from the front" ethos during the critical Gothic Line offensive. * Major Aitchison: Leading the first box in aircraft "A," Aitchison was a senior flight commander often responsible for coordinating high-altitude "box" formations. * Lieutenant Weber: Pilot of aircraft "F." Weber had been a consistent contributor to the squadron's interdiction missions throughout late August. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini: The coastal anchor of the German Gothic Line. The "Strong Points West of Rimini" targeted here were likely the fortified ridges and villages of the San Marino foothills. Today, Rimini is a world-famous tourist destination on the Adriatic Riviera. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Pescara Airfield at this time. This site is currently the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - Breaking the Crust: This mission on September 4, 1944, took place during the peak of the Allied assault on the Gothic Line. The "box formation" mentioned refers to the tight, defensive grouping of four Martin B-26 Marauder III aircraft designed to concentrate their bomb patterns on specific tactical strongholds. * Saturation of Defensive Positions: By targeting "strong points," the squadron was engaged in close air support for the British Eighth Army. These raids utilized fragmentation and demolition bombs to suppress German infantry and destroy the concrete bunkers that held the high ground overlooking the coastal plains. * Operational Tempo: The flight duration of 1 hour 55 minutes (1.55 HRS) indicates the squadron's proximity to the front, allowing for rapid turnaround between sorties as the ground battle shifted daily. * The Eve of the Rimini Siege: This mission occurred just as the Allies were preparing for the final, bloody push into the "Rimini Gap," the only flat gateway into the Po Valley. The resistance here was some of the most stubborn of the entire Italian campaign, led by elite German parachute and mountain divisions. 51 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of the flight list is 5th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Capt.: Captain * Lt.: Lieutenant * F/S.: Flight Sergeant * W.O. / W/O: Warrant Officer * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * Sgt.: Sergeant * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * Maj.: Major * F/O.: Flying Officer * F.D: Flight Details * S.W.: Southwest * Lt.C.: Lieutenant Colonel * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Brall: Listed piloting aircraft "F" with his crew (including Boast and Watkinson). This record is particularly solemn as it occurs only four days before the tragic explosion at Pescara on September 9th, where Lt. Brall and six ground crew members were killed. * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "C". This mission was executed just six days prior to the disappearance of Whitehouse and his entire crew (including Horscroft and Swale) during the fierce fighting near Rimini. * Lieutenant Colonel Jandrell: The Commanding Officer of 21 Squadron, seen here leading a wave in aircraft "A". * Captain Maritz: A veteran flight leader often tasked with leading the initial waves of a "maximum effort" saturation raid. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini: The coastal city that served as the northern anchor for the German Gothic Line. The "Strongpoints S.W. of Rimini" targeted in this mission were likely located on the high ground of the San Fortunato ridge, the final barrier before the Po Valley. * Pescara (Base): 21 Squadron's base on the Adriatic. The wartime airfield is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Final Ridge: On September 5, 1944, the British Eighth Army was engaged in one of the most brutal phases of the Italian campaign. The "box formation bombing" listed here was a critical tactical tool for the Martin B-26 Marauder III medium bombers. By flying in tight formations of four, the squadron could concentrate its bomb patterns to "obliterate" specific German defensive clusters on the rugged hills southwest of Rimini. * Operational Tempo and Technical Friction: The log shows 24 separate crew entries, representing a full-strength commitment of the squadron in multiple waves throughout the day. The mention of Lt. Cloete’s short 40-minute flight (0.40 hrs.) likely indicates an early return due to the persistent mechanical issues, such as hydraulic failure or engine trouble, that plagued the squadron during this high-tempo period. * The Cost of Command: The presence of the squadron's highest-ranking officers (Lt. Col. Jandrell and Major Meaker) in these combat flights illustrates the high-stakes nature of the breakthrough attempt. The Eighth Army was facing elite German Parachute and Mountain divisions, and air supremacy was the primary Allied advantage in dislodging them from the high ground. 52 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of the flight list is 9th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Lt.: Lieutenant * Lt.Col.: Lieutenant Colonel * Capt. / CAPT.: Captain * W/O / W.O.: Warrant Officer * F/S: Flight Sergeant * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * Sgt.: Sergeant * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * R.T.B.: Returned to Base * HRR / Hrs.: Hours * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Colonel Jandrell: The Commanding Officer (CO) of 21 Squadron, leading the mission in aircraft "Y". Jandrell consistently led from the front during the most dangerous phases of the Gothic Line campaign. * Lieutenant Maritz: A prominent flight leader frequently paired with Flight Sergeant Goble and Lieutenant Trundell in aircraft "A". * Lieutenant Napier: Pilot of aircraft "J." Napier was a mainstay of the squadron's tactical bombing efforts throughout September 1944. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini: The strategic northern anchor of the German Gothic Line. The "Gun Areas" mentioned were concentrations of German heavy artillery (including the dreaded 88mm batteries) defending the southern approaches to the city. Today, Rimini is Italy's premier Adriatic seaside resort. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron operated from Pescara Airfield during this time. This historical site is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Historical Theatre Context: * The "Bloody Week" of Rimini: September 9, 1944, was a day of intense operational pressure as the British Eighth Army fought to break the German 1st Parachute Division on the ridges south of Rimini. This "2nd RAID" of the day shows the squadron's full commitment to suppressing German artillery that was punishing Allied armor. * A Day of Tragedy: While this crew list represents the combat mission, September 9, 1944, is also remembered as one of the squadron's darkest days on the ground. On this afternoon, an aircraft (Marauder "F") exploded in the dispersal area at Pescara while being fused, killing Lieutenant Brall and six ground personnel. * The Marauder III in Combat: The Martin B-26 Marauder III medium bombers required highly coordinated six-man crews (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator/Bomb Aimer, and three Gunners/Radio Operators). The "N" flight (Lt. van Niekerk) returning early ("R.T.B. Time 1.10") highlights the technical friction of the campaign, where dust and mechanical strain often led to engine or hydraulic failures. * Tactical Precision: Raiding "Gun Areas" from medium altitude (typically 10,000–12,000 feet) required the squadron to fly in tight "box" formations to ensure a high density of fragmentation or demolition bombs fell on the dispersed German batteries. 53 Target File Verification: The date written in the 'DATE' column is 10th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration. * R.T.B.: Returned to Base. * Maj.: Major. * Lt.: Lieutenant. * v. / v.d.: van / van der. * min. / minutes: minutes. * HRS.: Hours. * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "C" in the first raid. This record is of extreme historical significance as it represents the final full day of operations for Lt. Whitehouse and his crew (including Swale and Horscroft) before they were reported missing in action during the subsequent intense battles for Rimini. * Major Meaker: A senior flight leader, seen here leading the morning formation in aircraft "T". * Lieutenant Smellie: Experienced significant tactical frustration during the first raid; his aircraft, "G," was forced to return to base after only 10 minutes. Remarkably, Smellie and his entire crew (De Bruyn, Sandenberg, Fraser, Berry, and Howden) were able to secure a second aircraft ("C") and successfully complete the second raid of the day. * Location and Modern Names: * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Pescara Airfield on the Adriatic coast. This site is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo). * Rimini: The strategic northern anchor of the German Gothic Line (Green Line). The "Strong Points" targeted here were the fortified ridges and bunkers defending the southern approaches to the city. Today, Rimini is a world-renowned Adriatic resort destination. * Historical Theatre Context: * The Battle for the Rimini Gap: September 10, 1944, marked a desperate phase of Operation Olive. The British Eighth Army was attempting to force its way into the Po Valley, facing some of the most concentrated German defensive fire of the war. * Saturation "Shuttle" Raids: The document records a "1st & 2nd RAID". This illustrates the "maximum effort" required of the SAAF; crews would fly a mission, return to Pescara, re-arm, and launch again within hours to provide continuous pressure on German troop concentrations. * Marauder III Technical Strain: The Martin B-26 Marauder III was a high-performance but maintenance-heavy aircraft. Smellie's 10-minute "R.T.B." (Return to Base) highlights the persistent mechanical friction—likely hydraulic or engine failure—that ground crews fought to overcome during the high-tempo September campaign. * Tactical Precision: Flying at medium altitude (typically 10,000–12,000 feet), the squadron used tight "box" formations to drop concentrated patterns of fragmentation and demolition bombs, specifically designed to "straddle" and neutralize fortified gun positions and infantry strongholds. 54 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of this flight list is 11th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Lt.Col.: Lieutenant Colonel * Capt.: Captain * Lt.: Lieutenant * W.O. / W/O: Warrant Officer * F/Sgt.: Flight Sergeant * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * Maj.: Major * F.O.: Flying Officer * Sgt.: Sergeant * 2/Lt.: Second Lieutenant * v. / v.d.: van / van der * Hrs.: Hours * A/C: Aircraft * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "E" in the first raid. This entry is of profound historical importance as it represents the very last operational record of Lt. Whitehouse and his entire crew (Carter, van Trotsenberg, Horscroft, Swale, and Wilson) before they were reported missing in action. * Warrant Officer Bastard: Noted as being "WOUNDED BY FLAK" while flying in aircraft "W" with Lt. Batley during the second raid. The aircraft sustained four holes and was forced to land at "FARA" (likely Fano) after 1 hour and 50 minutes, rather than returning to the main base. * Lieutenant Colonel Jandrell: The Commanding Officer (CO) of 21 Squadron. As with previous "maximum effort" days, he led the first wave in aircraft "Y" to maintain high morale and tactical discipline during the critical assault on the Rimini sector. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini Gun Areas: The target for both waves. These were high-density German artillery positions (including 88mm batteries) located on the ridges surrounding Rimini. Neutralizing these guns was vital to protect the British Eighth Army’s armor as it attempted to break into the Po Valley. * FARA (Landed at FARA): Refers to the Fano airfield (located south of Pesaro). During the Gothic Line offensive, Fano served as a forward emergency landing ground for damaged Allied aircraft that could not safely clear the mountains to return to Pescara. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron operated from the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo) site throughout September 1944. * Historical Theatre Context: * The Peak of the Gothic Line Battle: September 11, 1944, fell during what historians call the "bloody week" of Operation Olive. The South African Air Force (SAAF) was flying at its maximum limit to support ground forces engaged in a stalemate on the San Fortunato ridge. * Intense Enemy Resistance: The wounding of W/O Bastard and the four holes in aircraft "W" illustrate the sheer density of German anti-aircraft fire (Flak) defending the Rimini approaches. German gunners had the high ground and radar-directed batteries, making medium-altitude bombing in the Martin B-26 Marauder III extremely hazardous. * Shuttle Raids and Fatigue: The record of "1st & 2nd RAIDS" shows that many crews—such as those of Lt. Weber, Lt. Brunette, and Lt. Batley—were flying multiple sorties in a single day. This extreme tempo, combined with high-altitude exposure and the constant threat of flak, placed immense psychological and physical strain on the squadron. 55 Target File Verification: The date written in the 'DATE' column is 12th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Maj.: Major. * Lt.: Lieutenant. * F/O.: Flying Officer. * F/Sgt.: Flight Sergeant. * v.: van. * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration. * A/C: Aircraft. * M.B.F.: Likely refers to "Main Battle Front" or a specific administrative landing code for the Desert Air Force. * hrs / HRS: Hours. * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Kent: Pilot of aircraft "B". His mission was cut short after his Martin B-26 Marauder III was hit by anti-aircraft fire (Flak) in the engine, necessitating a forced landing at Falconara after 1 hour and 45 minutes. * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "C". This record captures one of the final missions for Whitehouse and his crew (including Swale and Horscroft) before they were lost in the chaotic final push for Rimini later in the week. * Major Aitchison: Lead pilot for aircraft "A". Aitchison was a senior officer in 21 Squadron, often responsible for maintaining formation discipline during heavy-payload raids against concentrated enemy defenses. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini Area (Gun Areas): The target for this "maximum effort" raid. These were fortified German artillery positions defending the Gothic Line. Today, the area is part of the lush coastal hills of the Emilia-Romagna region. * FALCONARA: The location where Lt. Kent was forced to land his damaged aircraft. Today, this site is the Ancona-Falconara Airport (Aeroporto delle Marche). During the war, it served as a vital forward landing ground for Allied tactical bombers. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Pescara Airfield (now Abruzzo Airport) on the Adriatic coast. * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Battle of the Ridges: On September 12, 1944, the British Eighth Army was engaged in a desperate attempt to break the German 10th Army at the San Fortunato ridge. The "Gun Areas" targeted by 21 Squadron were the primary source of the devastating artillery fire holding up the Allied advance. * Flak Intensity: The report of Lt. Kent's engine being hit by flak highlights the extreme density of German anti-aircraft defenses in the Rimini sector. The Martin B-26 Marauder III was vulnerable to engine damage at the medium altitudes used for these raids (10,000–12,000 feet). * "Test Bomb/s": The note for Lt. Ackermann regarding "Test Bomb/s" likely refers to the evaluation of a new fuse setting or bomb type (possibly incendiary or deep-penetration) aimed at neutralizing reinforced concrete bunkers. * The Toll of Attrition: The variety of flight times and the forced landing at Falconara illustrate the high operational friction during the final stages of the Gothic Line breakthrough. Each mission was a calculated risk against elite German units who were utilizing the rugged Italian terrain to its maximum advantage. 56 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of the flight list is 13th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Capt. / CAPT.: Captain. * F/SGT. / F/SGT / F/Sgt: Flight Sergeant. * LT. / LT: Lieutenant. * W.O.: Warrant Officer. * v.d.: van der. * 2/LT.: Second Lieutenant. * SGT. / SGT / Sgt / sgt: Sergeant. * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration. * v.: van. * Hrs.: Hours. * Maj.: Major. * F.O.: Flying Officer. * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Whitehouse: Flying aircraft "C" in both raids. This document records the tragic loss of the Whitehouse crew. After completing the first raid, his aircraft was shot down during the second sortie against German gun positions. The footnote confirms the aircraft went down after 1 hour and 20 minutes over the target area. * The Whitehouse Crew: The crew included Flight Sergeant Carter, Lieutenant v. Trotsenberg, Warrant Officer Swale, Warrant Officer Horscroft, and Warrant Officer Wilson. Four parachutes were observed, but the crew was split by the front lines, with two captured by German forces and two reaching Canadian lines. * Major Aitchison: A senior flight leader in 21 Squadron, leading the second wave in aircraft "Y". * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini Area (Gun Positions): The strategic focus of both "maximum effort" raids. These were fortified German artillery batteries on the ridges southwest of Rimini, particularly near the San Fortunato ridge. Today, this area is a part of the picturesque hills of the Rimini province. * Canadian Lines: Refers to the sector held by the 1st Canadian Corps, which was spearheading the Eighth Army's assault on the final German defenses before the Po Valley. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d’Abruzzo) site on the Adriatic coast during this period. * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Bloody Stalemate: September 13, 1944, was the peak of the fighting for the Gothic Line. The British Eighth Army was stalled by elite German parachute and mountain divisions on the ridges overlooking Rimini. * Air-Ground Interdependence: The loss of the Whitehouse crew highlights the danger of medium-altitude bombing in the Martin B-26 Marauder III against high-density German anti-aircraft fire. These "Gun Positions" were the primary obstacle for Allied ground forces, and airpower was the only means to suppress them. * The Front Line Chaos: The observation of the parachutes and the subsequent reporting by the Army illustrates the chaotic, close-quarters nature of the fighting. The front lines were so fluid that crew members from the same aircraft could land on opposite sides of the battle, leading to immediate capture or rescue. * Operational Intensity: The listing of 24 separate crew entries for the two raids shows the squadron flying at its absolute limit. Most crews, including those of Batley, Muir, Hindson, Napier, and Whitehouse, flew both missions, facing intense flak over the target for nearly four total hours. 57 Target File Verification: The date written in the 'DATE' column at the bottom of the flight list is 14th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Capt.: Captain * F/SGT.: Flight Sergeant * LT.: Lieutenant * W.O.: Warrant Officer * v.d.: van der * 2/LT.: Second Lieutenant * SGT. / Sgt.: Sergeant * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * v.: van * R.T.B.: Returned to Base * F/O.: Flying Officer * S.P.: Strong Point * hrs: Hours * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Brunette: Piloting aircraft "H," Brunette’s mission was cut short after only 25 minutes due to "engine trouble," forcing an early Return to Base (R.T.B.). Engine failures were a recurring hazard for the Martin B-26 Marauder III during the high-intensity sorties of the Italian campaign. * Captain Maritz: Leading the formation in aircraft "A". Maritz was a key flight leader in 21 Squadron, often responsible for guiding the unit through the dense anti-aircraft fire protecting the Gothic Line. * Lieutenant Muir: Piloting aircraft "V". His crew on this date included a Sergeant Jones and a Sergeant Foster, the latter noted specifically as a sergeant in parentheses. * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini Area (Enemy S.P.): The target was a German Strong Point (S.P.) near Rimini. This coastal city was the Adriatic anchor of the German Gothic Line (Green Line). Today, the "Rimini Area" remains a major urban and tourist center on the Italian coast, with the inland ridges where many strong points were located now home to sprawling vineyards and historical villas. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Pescara Airfield (now Abruzzo Airport) on the Adriatic coast during this period. * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Final Ridge: On September 14, 1944, the British Eighth Army was in the midst of a grueling attempt to break the last German defensive line before the Po Valley. The "Strong Points" targeted by 21 Squadron were fortified German clusters—often consisting of concrete bunkers and integrated anti-tank positions—that held the high ground overlooking the coastal plain. * Tactical Air Support: The 2.00-hour flight time for most crews shows the efficiency of the medium bombers in reaching the front, dropping a concentrated payload of fragmentation or demolition bombs, and returning to re-arm. * The Cost of Command: The presence of multiple captains and experienced flight leads on this single mission highlights the "maximum effort" phase of the September campaign. The Eighth Army relied heavily on these precise strikes to suppress German artillery and infantry just ahead of Allied armor advances. 58 Target File Verification: The date written at the bottom of this flight list is 15th SEPTEMBER, 1944. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations Expanded: * Capt.: Captain * LT. / LT: Lieutenant * W.O.: Warrant Officer * F.L.: Flight Log / Flight duration * Hrs. / Hours: Hours * R.T.B.: Returned to Base * Form.: Formation * A/C: Aircraft * Observations about Individuals: * Lieutenant Smellie: Piloting aircraft "K," Smellie was forced to return to base (R.T.B.) after losing contact with the formation. Maintaining tight "box" formations was critical for both defensive fire and concentrated bombing accuracy; once a pilot "lost formation," mission safety protocol typically mandated an immediate R.T.B.. * Lieutenant Napier: Piloting aircraft "B," Napier also recorded an R.T.B.. His specific reason was "cloud," illustrating the heavy reliance on visual conditions for medium-altitude bombing in the Italian theatre. * Captain Hamlet: A senior flight leader in 21 Squadron, leading the first wave in aircraft "H". * Location and Modern Names: * Rimini Strong Points: The target area for this raid. These were fortified German infantry and anti-tank positions on the ridges immediately south and west of Rimini, particularly near the San Fortunato heights. Today, these former battlefields are part of the scenic outskirts of Rimini, a major coastal city in the Emilia-Romagna region. * Pescara (Base): While not listed, 21 Squadron was operating from the Pescara Airfield (now the Abruzzo Airport) on the Adriatic coast during this phase of the campaign. * Historical Theatre Context: * Operation Olive - The Final Push for Rimini: September 15, 1944, fell during the decisive Allied assault on the Gothic Line. The British Eighth Army was engaged in a brutal struggle for the San Fortunato ridge, the last major natural obstacle before the Po Valley. * Tactical Friction - Weather and Navigation: This report highlights the operational difficulties faced by the Martin B-26 Marauder III crews. Out of twelve crews listed, two were forced to R.T.B. due to cloud cover and formation issues, and another three (Brett, Brunette, and Napier) recorded significantly shorter flight times (55 minutes) than the standard 2.15 hours. This suggests that a significant portion of the second wave was unable to reach or identify the target due to deteriorating weather conditions. * Saturation Bombing Limits: When weather permitted, the squadron’s goal was to "saturate" German troop concentrations to allow Allied ground forces to advance. However, as autumn approached, the unpredictable weather over the Apennines frequently neutralized this air superiority, as seen in the "R.T.B. due to cloud" notation.