Operation

"F" 175 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/819 DATE : 6th SEPTEMBER, 1944 OPREP NO. 819 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HRS ON THE 5th SEPTEMBER, 1944 REF. MAP ITALY 1:100.000 RIMINI SHEET 101. OPS. NO. 58 to 63 /21/M A. : 23 Marauders in five boxes of four and one of three A/C, airborne from PESCARA during the day to attack an enemy strongpoint. Area about 2000 x 1500 yards; two miles S.W. of RIMINI. First box off at 0823hrs. and last at 1435 and times over the target were 0922, 0933, 0934, 1539, 1540 and 1541 hours. Photographs by each box taken at the time of bombing show that, with the exception of one A/C which released early, all bombs of all boxes fell in the area within the pinpoints briefed. Intense to moderate H.A.A. encountered by all formations, but due to each box adopting different evasive tactics which seem to puzzle the enemy, only two A/C were slightly damaged. No cloud, and visibility excellent throughout the day. Last A/C down by 1640 Hrs. B. : (i) 23 Marauders III (ii) Nil C. : (i) & (ii) Nil D. : (i) 45.15 hrs. (ii) Nil E. : (i) 87400 x .50 (ii) & (iii) Nil F. : (i) 138 x 500) Fusing:- 52 - 44 Nose 92 x 250) 36 - 30 Tail (ii) 124 x 500 83 x 250 (iii) & (iv) Nil G. : (i) Nil (ii) 2 Marauders III (Slightly Damaged) H TO Z: NIL. (Signed) S. L. Boast Lt. for Capt. S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.