Operation

APPENDIX "Z" 54 TO : HQ MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) HQ MATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/768 DATE : 19th July, 1944 OPREP No. 768 for the period ending 2100 hrs on the 18th July, 1944 REF MAP : ITALY 1:100,000 SHEET 110 SENIGALLIA A: 12 Baltimores off by 1502 hrs to attack a ROAD BRIDGE at S.332624, 10 miles N.W. of ANCONA. Formation set course at 1520 and attacked in vics, line astern, at 1600 from a height of 11500' on a course of 170°. Pattern of whole formation straddled both rail and road bridges, with direct hits on both and on buildings S.E. of target resulting in fires. Spitfires provided area cover. No enemy opposition encountered. Weather: Target clear and visibility good. All A/C down by 1645 hrs. B: (i) 6 Balts IV (ii) NIL (i) 6 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 11.00 Hours (ii) NIL (i) 11.00 Hours (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) 12 x 500 M.C. 18 x 250 G.P. (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 12 x 500 M.C. 18 x 250 G.P. (ii) 10 x 500 15 x 250 (iii) & (iv) NIL (Fused: 49-28 Tail) G to V: NIL W: (i) 4 Marauders III (ii) NIL X: (i) 2.45 Hours (ii) NIL Y & Z: NIL This is the last operation carried out by this Unit on Baltimores, and the Squadron is now standing down in order to convert on to Marauders. Hallick Capt. S.I.O., 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

1944-07-19

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * A Historic Final Sortie (The End of the Baltimore Era): * The Transition Point: This Sortie Report (No. 768) marks a major milestone for 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. The explicit note at the bottom states: "This is the last operation carried out by this Unit on Baltimores...". After years of service across North Africa and Italy, the squadron transitioned to the heavier, faster Martin B-26 Marauder Mark III. * Tactical Success: Fittingly, the final mission was a precision success. Attacking a "ROAD BRIDGE" northwest of Ancona, the formation achieved "direct hits on both [rail and road bridges]" and nearby buildings. * Formation Tactics: The formation used "vics, line astern," a tactical arrangement where groups of three aircraft (vics) follow one another. This allowed for a continuous "carpet" of bombs that "straddled both rail and road bridges.". * Theatre Context (The Liberation of Ancona): * The Strategic Prize: The date of the mission (July 18th) coincides exactly with the liberation of Ancona by the Polish II Corps. By destroying bridges 10 miles northwest of the city, the squadron was preventing the German 278th Infantry Division from successfully withdrawing their heavy equipment across the Esino River toward the Gothic Line. * Modern Location: The target area northwest of Ancona corresponds to the modern coastal town of Falconara Marittima or the nearby mouth of the Esino River. The "Senigallia" map sheet (Sheet 110) covers this vital coastal corridor. * Operational Tempo (The Double Shift): * Simultaneous Operations: While the 12 Baltimores were conducting their final strike, "4 Marauders III" were already in the air logged for "2.45 Hours" of conversion training. This highlights the intense administrative and operational pressure of switching aircraft marks in the middle of a major offensive. * Ordnance: The bombers carried a mix of 500 lb Medium Capacity (M.C.) and 250 lb General Purpose (G.P.) bombs. These were fused with "49-28 Tail" pistols, indicating a standard impact detonation suited for shattering concrete bridge structures. * Abbreviations Expanded: * S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer (Capt. Hallick). * OPREP: Operational Report. * SCORU: Statistical Control and Operations Research Unit. * MAAF: Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. * MATAF: Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force. * SAOA: Senior Air Officer Administration. * M.C.: Medium Capacity (High Explosive). * G.P.: General Purpose. * A/C: Aircraft. * NIL: None. 56 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 18th July, 1944.. It is a page of "SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS" (Appendix "AA") labeled 55 in the top right corner.