Sortie Report (Form 541)
- Date
- 15/16 APR 43
"W"P O S T A G R A MTo : H.Q. R.A.F. M.E.From : S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.Serial No. : 21 Sqdn/266Date : 15/16 APR 43.OPREP No. 266 for period ending 0600 hrs. 16 APR 43S (i) 1 Baltimore Mk. III. 940 'V'.(ii) Recce. for shipping in area between K 5115 & K 9172.(Ref. Map: TUNISIA 1:500,000 TUNIS)(iii) 2200 hrs. 3 hrs. 06 mins.T (i) Very bad visibility and 8/10 low Cloud (Base 500')prevented observation. No, movement seen in whole area.The A/C attacked the alternative target, dropping itsbombs on the road NORTH of NABEUL. No results observed.(ii) 6 x 250 lb. GP 43 Det. (Rods)(iii) Nil.U The A/C was crash-landed at base on return from theoperation, on account of the failure of the undercarr-iage to come out. A/C Cat. II. None of crew injured.V Nil.W Nil.X 3 hrs. 06 mins.Y General weather poor. Visibility very bad. 8/10 Strato-Cumulus cloud from 500' (Base) to 4000' (Tops).Z 3 Searchlights at HAMMAMET, with HAA firing up thebeams, were encountered on way to target and onreturn. Fairly intense but very inaccurate.Inaccurate LAA from KORBA SOUTH L.G.COMM. Nil.T.O.O. 0600 hrs. 16 APR 43.[Handwritten Signature]........................ Capt.S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
Transcriber's Notes
- H.Q. R.A.F. M.E
- Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East.
- S.I.O
- Squadron Intelligence Officer.
- S.A.A.F
- South African Air Force.
- OPREP
- Operational Report.
- Recce
- Reconnaissance.
- A/C
- Aircraft.
- GP
- General Purpose (bomb).
- Cat. II
- Category II damage (sustained damage requiring repair beyond the capacity of the unit, but repairable at a specialized workshop or depot).
- HAA
- Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire.
- LAA
- Light Anti-Aircraft fire.
Det. (Rods): Detonator (specifically referring to "rod" fuzes, often used for instantaneous burst upon contact).