Operation

APPENDIX "U" 332 TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/724 DATE : 17th June, 1944 OPREP No 724 for period ending 2100 hrs on the 16th June, 1944 REF MAP : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 123 GUALDO TADINO 12 Baltimores off by 1530 to attack FOSSATO R.R. BRIDGE at R941094. One A/c returned with bombs after 1.25 hrs due to U/S intercom. With a close escort of 6 Spitfires, formation set course from PENNA POINT via the sea and turned in at CUPRA MARITTIMA, attacking in vics line astern at 1640 from 12000' on a course of 360°. Pattern of whole formation resulted in a slight left error, but straddled railway and road, with D/Hs on a cluster of buildings next to the road. Slight slight inaccurate H.A.A. from CAMERINO area. Weather: clear over target but hazy. All A/c down by 1740 hrs. B: (i) 6 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 6 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 12.15 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 13.00 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 19200 x .30 1800 x .303 4200 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 19200 x .30 1800 x .303 4200 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 24 x 500 M.C. (ii) 20 x 500 (iii) & (iv) NIL 45 fused 36 - 28 Tail 3 fused 52 - 37 Tail (Delay) (i) 24 x 500 M.C. (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL to V: NIL W: (i) 1 Marauder III (ii) NIL X: (i) 1.25 Hrs (ii) NIL Y & Z: NIL FL Major Aitcheson Hallick Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, SAAF.

1944-06-17

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Target: Fossato (Persistence Payoff): * Strategic Context: This raid on "FOSSATO R.R. [Railroad] BRIDGE at R941094" was a return to the same target that had caused the disastrous mid-air bomb collision for Lt. Col. Jandrell three days earlier on June 14th (see Sortie 719, File 38). * Tactical Execution: This time, the attack was more disciplined. Flying "via the sea and turned in at CUPRA MARITTIMA," the formation approached from the east to avoid inland flak belts. Cupra Marittima is a coastal town south of Ancona. * Result: While there was a "slight left error," the formation managed to "straddle railway and road" and score "D/Hs [Direct Hits] on a cluster of buildings next to the road.". This likely destroyed the station buildings or storage sheds often found adjacent to bridges, contributing to the blockage of the line. * Mechanical & Equipment Failures: * Intercom Failure: One aircraft aborted the mission after 1.25 hours due to "U/S [Unserviceable] intercom.". In a tight formation ("vics line astern"), voice communication between the pilot, navigator, and gunners was critical for bomb release timing and defensive spotting. Flying silent was too dangerous, necessitating a return to base. * Aircraft Type Anomaly (The Marauder): * "Marauder III": Section W lists a non-operational flight by "1 Marauder III" for "1.25 Hrs.". This is highly unusual for a Baltimore squadron. The Martin B-26 Marauder (Mk III) was a larger, faster medium bomber used by other SAAF squadrons (like No. 12 and No. 24). Its presence here likely indicates a visiting aircraft, a ferry flight, or perhaps a senior officer from Wing or Group HQ visiting for an inspection or transport. * Leadership: * Major Aitcheson: The mission was led by Major Aitcheson (Flight Leader). This appears to be one of the new senior officers taking over leadership roles as the previous cohort (Dalling, Jandrell, etc.) neared the end of their tours. * Abbreviations: * R.R.: Railroad. * D/Hs: Direct Hits. * H.A.A.: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. * U/S: Unserviceable. * M.C.: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer. 44 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 17th June, 1944 in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (No. 725) labeled APPENDIX "V" (page number 333).