Operation

APPENDIX "R" 201 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/634 DATE : 17th April 44 OPREP No.634 for period ending 2100 Hrs on 16/4/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 131 FOLIGNO 12 Balts detailed to carry out a repeat attack on an AMMO DUMP near SPOLETO at A901593 with a mixed load of delay and instantaneous 500 lb bombs. Formation airborne at 1627 Hrs and after R/V with a close escort of 8 Mustangs at PENNA POINT, set course at 1709 Hrs via Mt SIRENTE. Two boxes bombed independently on respective leaders. All bombs of one a/c hung-up and was brought back. First box overshot from A905594 to 907599. Second box's first bomb D/H on building in SOUTH corner. One D/H on each of two large buildings followed by fires on NORTH edge of in railway siding. D/H on road beyond. All a/c back by 1853 Hrs. NO enemy opposition. Visibility good, but hazy; target area clear, 10/10 cloud at 18000' B: (i) 2 Balt 111A (ii) NIL (i) 7 Balts 1V (ii) NIL (i) 4 Balts V (ii) NIL C: NIL D: (i) 2.20 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 16.20 Hrs (ii) NIL (i) 9.20 Hrs (ii) NIL E: (i) 3200 x .30 300 x .303 700 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 22400 x .30 2100 x .303 4900 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL (i) 12800 x .30 1200 x .303 2800 x .50 (ii) & (iii) NIL F: (i) 4 x 500 MC (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 28 x 500 MC (ii) As above (iii) & (iv) NIL (i) 16 x 500 MC (ii) 12 x 500 MC (iii) (iv) NIL FUSING : 36 49 Det 27 Pist NOSE - 49 Det 28 TAIL 12 52 Det 37 Pist TAIL - 6 & 12 Hour Delay to V: NIL W: (i) 2 Balts 111, 1 Balt 1V (ii) NIL X: (i) 2.20 Hrs. 1.00 Hr (ii) NIL Y & Z: NIL. S.L. Boshoff Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.