Operation

"I" 178 TO : H.Q. M.A.A.F. ( ATTENTION 23rd SCORU) H.Q. T.A.F. ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU) S.A.O.S. S.A.A.F. FROM : S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. REF. : 21S / 824 DATE : 11th SEPTEMBER, 1944 OPREP NO. 824 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HRS. ON THE 10th SEPTEMBER 1944 REF. MAP ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 101 RIMINI. OPS. 70 to 75 /21/M. A. : 24 Marauders briefed to attack Enemy Strongpoints in the RIMINI area. First three boxes ( 4 A/C each) bombed an area with its centre at R.835950, 2 miles S.W. of RIMINI at about 0835 hrs; 1st and 2nd formations - all bombs in the centre of the target, with numerous D/H's on buildings and what appear to be dug-in positions. Third box undershot pattern commencing outside but finishing just inside the target area. One A/C returned early due to engine trouble. Moderate H.A.A. from the target, mostly at the third box - no damage. Next three boxes attacked an area around R.825898 5 miles S.S.W. of RIMINI, being over target approximately 1525 hrs. Fourth box overshot badly due to u/s bomb sight; fifth and sixth boxes undershot slightly, patterns finishing in target area; 6 x 250 hung up - brought back. No enemy opposition. Last A/C down by 1722 hrs. B. : (i) 24 Marauders III (ii) Nil C. : (i) & (ii) Nil D. : (i) 46.10 hrs. (ii) Nil E. : (i) 91200 x .50 (ii) & (iii) Nil F. : (i) 240 x 250 (ii) 224 x 250 (iii) & (iv) Nil Fused:- 52 - 42 Nose, 36 - 30 Tail G to Z : NIL. (Signed) S. L. Boast Lt. for Capt. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.