Operation TO. : HQ. MAAF ( ATTENTION 23rd SCORU)
HQ. TAF ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU)
SAOA SAAF.
FROM. : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
REF. : 21S/ & 774
DATE : 25th JULY, 1944.
OPREP NO. 774 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HOURS 24th JULY, 1944.
A. TO V. : N I L.
W. : (i) 16 MAR. 111 (1) 1 BALTIMORE 313 V.
(ii) NIL (ii) NIL.
X. : (i) 19.25 HOURS (1) 1.30 HOURS.
(ii) NIL (ii) NIL.
Y TO Z. : N I L.
[Signed] S. L. Boshoff CAPT.
SIO. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.
TO. : HQ. MAAF ( ATTENTION 23rd SCORU)
HQ. TAF ITALY ( ATTENTION SCORU)
SAOA SAAF.
FROM. : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
REF. : 21S/ & 774
DATE : 25th JULY, 1944.
OPREP NO. 774 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 2100 HOURS 24th JULY, 1944.
A. TO V. : N I L.
W. : (i) 16 MAR. 111 (1) 1 BALTIMORE 313 V.
(ii) NIL (ii) NIL.
X. : (i) 19.25 HOURS (1) 1.30 HOURS.
(ii) NIL (ii) NIL.
Y TO Z. : N I L.
[Signed] S. L. Boshoff CAPT…
__o_O_o__
Form 541 Transcriber's Notes Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes:
* Operational Status (July 24, 1944):
* Continued Combat Lull: This report (Sortie No. 774) covers the period ending on July 24th, 1944. The squadron continues to report "NIL" for all combat sorties (Sections A to V), remaining in an intensive non-operational status to finalize their aircraft conversion.
* Strategic Context: During this period, the Desert Air Force was preparing for the major air offensive against the Gothic Line. The transition of 21 Squadron from light bombers to the heavier Marauder was a key part of the Allied strategy to increase the weight of ordnance delivered against German rail hubs and bridges in Northern Italy.
* Transition Milestone (The Final Flight of the Baltimore):
* Marauder Participation: The unit logged 16 MAR. 111 (Marauder Mark III) aircraft flying for a total of 19.25 hours. This sustained high-volume training focused on mastering the medium-altitude bombing tactics and higher landing speeds of the Martin B-26.
* The Baltimore's Farewell: This report captures a significant moment: the single flight of "1 BALTIMORE 313 V." for 1.30 hours. This was almost certainly the final ferry flight of the unit's remaining Baltimore to a maintenance unit or disposal depot, effectively ending 21 Squadron's long and distinguished history with the type.
* Personnel and Administration:
* Change of Intelligence Officer: A significant personnel change is noted. This report is signed by Captain S. L. Boshoff, who has taken over the duties of S.I.O. (Squadron Intelligence Officer) from Captain Hallick. Capt. Boshoff would be responsible for briefing the crews as they prepared to return to combat in their new aircraft.
* Reporting Structure: The report is addressed to the SAOA SAAF (Senior Air Officer Administration) and the 23rd SCORU (Statistical Control and Operations Research Unit) at HQ MAAF (Headquarters, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces). These administrative links ensured that the squadron's "combat ready" status was accurately tracked by higher command.
* Location and Modern Context:
* Operational Base (Pescara): At this time, 21 Squadron was still based at Pescara on the Adriatic coast of Italy.
* Modern Identity: Known today as Abruzzo Airport (PSR), the airfield was a vital forward hub in 1944. Its coastal location allowed the squadron to conduct extensive over-water training flights in the new Marauders before they were cleared for the hazardous mountain-hopping combat missions required in the central Apennines.
* Abbreviations Expanded:
* S.I.O.: Squadron Intelligence Officer.
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.
* OPREP: Operational Report.
* HQ MAAF: Headquarters, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces.
* HQ TAF ITALY: Headquarters, Tactical Air Force Italy.
* SAOA SAAF: Senior Air Officer Administration, South African Air Force.
* SCORU: Statistical Control and Operations Research Unit.
* MAR. 111: Marauder Mark III (the RAF/SAAF designation for the US B-26F/G).
* NIL: None/Zero.
74
Verification:
Target File Verification: The document is dated 26th July, 1944. in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (Operational Report No. 775) labeled 73 in the top right margin.
