Operation

TO : HQ MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) HQ NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/587 DATE : 13th March 44 OPREP No.587 for period 1200 - 2100 Hrs on 13/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 116 GUBBIO A: 12 Baltimores detailed to bomb Stn and M/Ys at FABRIANO (S1117). Formation was airborne from BIFERNO by 1345 Hrs and bombed in two boxes at 1445 Hrs from 15000' on a course of about 240°. Whole formation straddled target from S115182 to 108178, with numerous direct hits on M/Ys and Stn, and on 2 Locomotives. Large pall of yellow-brown smoke, followed by fire, WEST of target at S110178. All a/c returned to base by 1545 Hrs. Four Spitfires provided area cover: Visibility was good: NO enemy Opposition encountered in target area but moderate L/A/A from PUNTO S. GIORGIO (B8399) on return B: (1) 9 Balts IV. (ii) NIL (i) 2 Balts IIIA (ii) NIL (i) 1 Balt V. (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (1) 18.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 4 Hrs (ii) NIL (ii) 2.00 Hours (ii) NIL E: (1) 28800 x .30 2700 x .303 6300 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 18 x 500 MC 27 x 250 GP (ii) As in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 4 x 500 MC 6 x 250 GP (ii) As in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (ii) As in (i) (iii) & (iv) NIL (All fused 47 Det 27 Pist (Nose) 49 Det 28 Pist) to V: NIL W: (i) 1 Mk.III. 3 Mk.IIIA. 1 Mk.IV. (ii) NIL (i) .30 Mins. 1.25 Hours. .20 Mins. (ii) NIL Z: 20 Fragmentation. S.L. Boshoff Lt for Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-03-13

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Operational Success (Fabriano Raid): * Target: The squadron returned to Fabriano (Sheet 116 Gubbio) to attack the Station and Marshalling Yards (M/Ys). This follows the failed attempt on March 11th (Sortie 583), where smoke obscured the target. * Results: This mission was highly successful compared to the previous one. The report claims "Whole formation straddled target... numerous direct hits on M/Ys and Stn, and on 2 Locomotives". Destroying locomotives was a high priority as they were difficult for the Germans to replace. * Yellow-Brown Smoke: The observation of a "Large pall of yellow-brown smoke" suggests a chemical fire or a hit on specific cargo (possibly explosives or fuel), distinct from the white smoke (steam/dust) or black smoke (petrol) usually reported. * Defensive Environment: * Flak Trap on Return: While the target area was quiet ("NO enemy Opposition"), the formation encountered "moderate L/A/A (Light Anti-Aircraft)" from Punto S. Giorgio (modern-day Porto San Giorgio) on the return leg. This indicates German flak units were guarding the coastal extraction route, likely 20mm or 37mm rapid-fire cannons dangerous to low-flying aircraft, though the Baltimores were likely high enough (returning from 15,000') to avoid the worst of it. * Escort: "Four Spitfires provided area cover," ensuring protection against Luftwaffe fighters. * Technical Details: * Fusing: The fuse settings listed—"47 Det 27 Pist (Nose) 49 Det 28 Pist"—differ from the standard "44 Pist 52 Det" seen in previous reports (like March 2nd or 3rd). This suggests a specific detonation delay was required for this target, perhaps to ensure the bombs penetrated the rail tracks or buildings before exploding. * "20 Fragmentation": The entry under Section Z is unusual. Typically this section lists "Nickels" (propaganda leaflets). "20 Fragmentation" might refer to a small payload of 20lb anti-personnel bombs dropped to suppress repair crews in the yard, or it could be a clerical error referring to photographic intelligence prints. * Abbreviations: * L/A/A: Light Anti-Aircraft fire. * M/Ys: Marshalling Yards. * Stn: Station. * Pist: Pistol (Bomb fuse mechanism). * Det: Detonator. 51 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is titled "SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 22/44" and is dated 13th March, 1944. It is signed for Lt. Col. A.C. Jandrell, D.F.C.