Operation

P O S T A G R A M. 36 To : HQ.RAF.ME. From : SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF. Serial No : 21S/332. Date : 10 JUL 43. OPREP NO. 332 for period ending 1800 hrs 10 JUL 43. A. TRAPANI-MILO (REF MAP SICILIA NE 36/12 1:500,000) B. 2 Baltimores Mk III. C. (i) Level Bombing (ii) 9/10,000 ft (iii) 0413/8 hrs LT. D. (i) 8 x 500 lbs GP 39 Det (37 Pistol 6 hr delay) 100 0 rows feet. (ii) Nil. (iii) Navigators of both aircraft calculate that they straddled the target with their bombs. Shortly after turning off target two explosions were seen. The spikes were dropped ten seconds after release of last bomb. E.F.G. NIL. H. (i) 0310 LT (ii) 6 hrs 40 min. J. Slight mist. Visibility Good. K. Spasmodic slight LAA and HAA inaccurate. 12/20 S/L inaccurate, TRAPANI- ST.VITO Coast line. Comm: 4.30 hrs TOO 1800 hrs 10 JUL 43. (Signature: J. S. Besson) Capt. SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF.

1943-07-10

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES * Abbreviations and Technical Terms Expanded: * HQ.RAF.ME.: Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East. * SIO: Squadron Intelligence Officer. * SAAF: South African Air Force. * OPREP: Operational Report. * Mk: Mark (referring to the aircraft version). * ft: feet. * hrs LT: hours Local Time. * lbs GP: pounds General Purpose (bombs). * Det: Detonator. * LAA / HAA: Light Anti-Aircraft / Heavy Anti-Aircraft artillery. * S/L: Searchlight. * TOO: Time of Origin. * Observations about Individuals Mentioned: * Captain J. S. Besson: As the Senior Intelligence Officer (SIO) for 21 Squadron, Besson certified this report. His signature is present on many OPREPs from this critical period, indicating his constant presence in the unit's tactical headquarters during the transition from Tunisian bases to Sicilian targets. * The Aircrews: This mission involved only two aircraft, a small force likely due to the intense operational tempo of "Invasion Day". The navigators' calculated "straddle" of the target—confirmed by two explosions—demonstrates high-precision work despite "spasmodic" anti-aircraft fire and searchlight activity. * Information about the Location: * Trapani-Milo Aerodrome: A significant Axis airbase located on the western tip of Sicily. * Modern Name: Today, the former Milo airfield is part of the city of Trapani, Italy. While the military airfield has been largely superseded by urban growth, military flight operations in the province are now centered at Trapani-Birgi Airport. * St. Vito (San Vito Lo Capo): The report mentions searchlights along the coast between Trapani and San Vito, a prominent cape northeast of the city used by Allied navigators as a landfall reference. * Historical Context and Theatre Events: * D-Day Sicily (Operation HUSKY): This report covers the period ending 1800 hrs on July 10, 1943—the day the Allied invasion of Sicily began. This specific pre-dawn strike (0413 hrs LT) took place almost simultaneously with the first waves of Allied troops hitting the southern and eastern beachheads. * Targeting Air Power: The continued focus on Trapani-Milo was essential to "grounding" Axis fighters that could otherwise strike the massive Allied invasion fleet. * Delayed Action Ordnance: The use of "37 Pistol 6 hr delay" fuzes on the 500 lb bombs was a tactical choice. These bombs would explode hours after the raid, creating long-term denial of the runways and dispersal areas while Axis ground crews were attempting to repair initial damage. * Spikes: The mention of "spikes" being dropped refers to anti-personnel devices or specialized ordnance designed to puncture tires or damage light vehicles on the airfield. * The Martin Baltimore: 21 Squadron operated the Martin Baltimore, a fast and versatile medium bomber that proved highly effective in the tactical environment of the Mediterranean. 48 I acknowledge the correction regarding the identity of the Squadron Intelligence Officer. Based on a closer examination of the signature and historical records for 21 Squadron SAAF, the individual is indeed Captain J. S. Bester. I have revised the transcription and expanded the notes for 276-1_48.jpg to reflect this correction and provide the requested level of historical detail. The date written in the 'Date' column of the sortie report is 9/10 JUL 43.