Sortie Report (Form 541)
- Date
- 17th June, 1944
APPENDIX "U"332TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU)H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU)SAOA SAAFFROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAFREF : 21S/724DATE : 17th June, 1944OPREP No 724 for period ending 2100 hrs on the 16th June, 1944REF MAP : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 123 GUALDO TADINO12 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. Witha close escort of 6 Spitfires, formation set course from PENNA POINTvia the sea and turned in at CUPRA MARITTIMA, attacking in vics lineastern at 1640 from 12000' on a course of 360°. Pattern of wholeformation resulted in a slight left error, but straddled railway androad, with D/Hs on a cluster of buildings next to the road. Slightslight inaccurate H.A.A. from CAMERINO area. Weather: clear overtarget but hazy. All A/c down by 1740 hrs.B: (i) 6 Balts IV(ii) NIL(i) 6 Balts V(ii) NILC: NILD: (i) 12.15 Hrs(ii) NIL(i) 13.00 Hrs(ii) NILE: (i) 19200 x .301800 x .3034200 x .50(ii) & (iii) NIL(i) 19200 x .301800 x .3034200 x .50(ii) & (iii) NILF: (i) 24 x 500 M.C.(ii) 20 x 500(iii) & (iv) NIL45 fused 36 - 28 Tail3 fused 52 - 37 Tail (Delay)(i) 24 x 500 M.C.(ii) As above(iii) & (iv) NILto V: NILW: (i) 1 Marauder III(ii) NILX: (i) 1.25 Hrs(ii) NILY & Z: NILFL Major AitchesonHallick Capt.S.I.O., 21 Squadron, SAAF.
Transcriber's Notes
- R.R
- Railroad.
- U/S
- Unserviceable.
- D/Hs
- Direct Hits.
- H.A.A
- Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire.
- M.C
- Medium Capacity (High Explosive).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
Mechanical & Equipment Failures:
Aircraft Type Anomaly (The Marauder):
Leadership:
Abbreviations: