Sortie Report (Form 541)
BA. CANICATTI TOWN.BB. FROM 2209 to 2232 HRS.BC. MEDIUM LEVEL 8000/94000'. Courses 340°/360°.24 x 250 GP (Rods) 43 Det.BD. Target identified by hill NE of Town, road LICATA-CANICATTI andrivers EAST and WEST of approach to target. Last aircraft sawreddish fire glow at target. One stick of bombs seen explodingNW-SE well to SOUTH of target by one aircraft on approach. Bombsdropped in long sticks on target and NW and SOUTH portion oftarget.BE. NO AA over target. NO S/Ls. 10/15 HAA from PORTO EMPEDOCLEstretching to AGRIGENTO. LAA from LICATA accurate at 9000'.10 flashes HAA seen NORTH of target.BF. Nil.BG. Nil.BH. Fires and bomb bursts seen at PORTO EMPEDOCLE-AGRIGENTO areaand LICATA, fire 20 miles EAST of target and flashes fromCASTEL VETRANO or MARSALA areas.LIST OF AIRCRAFT and CREWS 9/10 JUL 43.903 B. Major Cormack, Lt. Lombard, F/Sgts. Pearce & Le Roux.108 O. Capt. Stuart, Lt. Pawson, F/Sgts. Morley & Schumann.221 Y. Lt. Eaton, Lt. McDermott, Sgt. Freestone (NZ) & F/Sgt. Van Rooyen.143 G. Lt. A'Bear, Lt. Owen-Hughes, F/Sgts. Harrison & Pickup.
Transcriber's Notes
- HRS
- Hours.
- GP
- General Purpose (bombs).
- Det
- Detonator.
- AA
- Anti-Aircraft.
- S/Ls
- Searchlights.
- Major Cormack
- Leading the four-aircraft formation in Baltimore 903 B, Cormack was a senior pilot whose leadership was vital during this high-tempo transition to the invasion phase.
- NZ
- New Zealand (referring to the nationality/service of the crew member).
- Lt. A'Bear
- Pilot of aircraft 143 G. The A'Bear family had deep roots in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and several members served with distinction in the SAAF during the war.
Abbreviations and Technical Terms Expanded:
Observations about Individuals Mentioned:
Information about the Location:
Historical Context and Theatre Events: