TARGET L.G. 104

Transcriber's Notes

Baltimores

Refers to the Martin Baltimore light bombers of No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F..

Lt

Lieutenant, the rank held by Baltimore element leader Lt. Golding.

L.G. 104

Landing Ground 104, a vital Axis forward airfield located in the El Daba sector.

L. G. 104

Landing Ground 104. A vital Axis forward airfield located in the El Daba sector of Egypt.

H.Q. R.A.F. M.E

Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East. Operational Context: This Sortie Report (Part A) documents the "Fourth Show" executed by No. 21 Squadron SAAF on 24 October 1942, representing the squadron's fourth major tactical effort on the first full day following the commencement of the Second Battle of El Alamein. Strategically, the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) were engaged in a maximum-effort campaign to ground the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica as the Eighth Army initiated its primary ground assault against the Axis lines. The target, Landing Ground 104, was a critical nodal point for Axis air operations in the El Daba sector. The mission utilized a joint-squadron formation consisting of six Martin Baltimores (No. 21 Squadron) and twelve Douglas Bostons (No. 24 Squadron). The tactical narrative highlights the integration of fighter escorts, essential for protecting these light bombers from Axis interceptors during the medium-level delivery from 10,000 feet. Weather conditions were recorded as "Good over target," though significantly impacted by "Dust haze as far as El Alamein," a frequent environmental challenge for air operations in the Western Desert. While the bombing run on a 100-degree course was executed successfully, the corresponding Intelligence Postagram (OPREP 104) indicates that while all ordnance fell in the target area, the primary results were near misses on anti-aircraft (A.A.) posts. This mission underscores the relentless operational tempo maintained by the SAAF wings to exert continuous pressure on German-Italian air and ground assets during the definitive breakthrough in Egypt. 90

Ack/Ack

Anti-Aircraft artillery fire.

E/A

Enemy Aircraft.

A/C

Aircraft.

Boston

The Douglas Boston light bomber, operated by No. 24 Squadron S.A.A.F. during this joint mission. Operational Context: This Sortie Report (Part B) details the tactical results of the "Fourth Show" executed on 24 October 1942, the first full day of daylight operations following the commencement of the Second Battle of El Alamein. Strategically, the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) were executing maximum-effort interdiction of Axis air capabilities to prevent the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica from disrupting the Eighth Army's ground offensive. The target, Landing Ground 104, was a critical nodal point for Axis air operations. The mission utilized a joint formation of six Martin Baltimores (No. 21 Squadron) and twelve Douglas Bostons (No. 24 Squadron). The tactical narrative highlights the persistent technical difficulties of desert air operations, noting six 250lb G.P. "hang-ups" that were either jettisoned into the sea or "shaken off wide of target" to ensure the aircraft could land safely. Resistance from the ground was "Intense, accurate and heavy," with flak following the formation as it egressed toward the coast. Intelligence observations in section BH are of high strategic value, identifying "Seven A/C" dispersed on and near the airfield and noting "Dust plumes" suggesting active Axis flight operations at coordinate 840310. Of tactical concern was the sighting of an Allied Boston bomber "seen gliding down" toward a probable crash-landing at coordinate 830300, illustrating the high attrition rates during the definitive breakthrough in Egypt. This document, archived as Folio 70, serves as a primary record of the Desert Air Force's (DAF) aggressive efforts to neutralize Axis forward air assets during the Alamein campaign. 91 Phase 1: Verification & Extraction Identity Check: 24 Oct 42.