4 bursts of H/A/A when formation left target, inaccurate. 10/10th Cu. extending from Base to near GRAVELLONA decreasing

TO : H.Q. MAAF (attention 23rd SCORU) H.Q. NATAF (attention 2nd Command Unit 23rd SCORU) SAOA SAAF FROM : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF REF : 21S/578 DATE : 7th March 1944 OPREP No.578 for period ending 1300 Hrs 7/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 150 ROMA. A: 12 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO L/G between 0955 and 1005 Hrs to bomb ZAGAROLO RR Stn. (G025582). After rendezvous at VINCHIATURO with 12 Baltimores of 223 Squadron they flew to target via AVEZZANO and returned the same way. Attack took place from 12000' at 1102 Hrs on a course of 185/210°. Each box bombed individually on their leader. Medium stick from G026583 to G025578, some bombs carrying across railway line to Rd G025573, overshooting and to the EAST of the target. 4 bursts of H/A/A when formation left target, inaccurate. 10/10th Cu. extending from Base to near GRAVELLONA decreasing Westwards. 8000' tops - NO cloud over target area, visibility good at target. All a/c landed back by 1215 Hrs. Slight movement on roads VALMONTONE - ROME and EAST of TRABACCO. At 1059 Hrs large column of black smoke FIANO area (F3595) 3000'/4000' high. 2 x 500 & 5 x 250 brought back to base due to various causes. B: (1) 10 MK.4 (11) NIL (i) 1 Mk.3A. (ii) NIL (i) 1 Mk.5. (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (1) 20.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 2.00 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 2.00 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (1) 32000 x .30 3000 x .303 7000 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (1) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (1) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (1) 20 x 500 MC 30 x 250 GP (ii) 20 x 500 MC 29 x 250 GP (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (ii) NIL (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 2 x 500 MC 3 x 250 GP (ii) 2 x 500 MC 2 x 250 GP (iii) & (iv) NIL All fused 44 Pist. 52 Det. (Nose) 28 Pist. 49 Det. (Tail). G to V: NIL W: (i) 1 MK.3. (ii) NIL X: (1) .40 Minutes. (ii) NIL Z: NIL Wahlin...? Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.