A slight undershoot resulted in the whole formations bombs fallin

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/607 DATE : 28th March 1944 OPREP No.607 for period ending 2100 Hrs on 27/3/44 REF MAP ITALY 1:100,000 Sheet 116 GUBBIO 12 Baltimores took off from BIFERNO L/G by 1210 Hrs to bomb FABRIANO M/Yards (S110176). After R/V with 223 Sqdn over base formation set course over sea (21 leading) and turned in near POTENZA River. At this point one a/c developed engine trouble and returned to base with bombs. 223 Sqdn also turned back due to bad weather. Remaining 11 a/c carried on and attacked in two boxes at 1400 Hrs from 11000' on a course of 355° Second box bombed xxxxx first due to leader's difficulty in locating target. A slight undershoot resulted in the whole formations bombs fallin about 400 yds EAST of M/Yards, commencing in the Northern edge of the town and extending into open ground beyond. Weather immediately over target clear, target area 6/10 cloud at 10000' en route 9/10. NO enemy opposition. 4 Spitfires provided area cover. One a/c crashed on landing (Cat.11) NO casualties. All a/c returned to base by 1500 Hrs. NOTE: A 13th Baltimore (Mk.V) took off and operated in No.12 position in 223 Sqdn, who turned back near POTENZA River Mouth. Statistical details for this a/c are included below. B: (1) 2 Balts 111A (11) NIL (1) 9 Balts IV. (11) NIL (1) 2 Balts V (11) NIL C: NIL D: (1) 5.30 Hrs (11) NIL (1) 20.30 Hrs (11) NIL (1) 5.50 Hrs (11) NIL E: (1) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL (1) 28800 x .30 2700 x .303 6300 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL (1) 6400 x .30 600 x .303 1400 x .50 (11) & (111) NIL F: (1) 4 x 500 MC 6 x 250 GP (11) As above (111) & (iv) NIL (1) 18 x 500 MC 27 x 250 GP (11) 14 x 500 MC 21 x 250 GP (111) & (iv) NIL (1) 4 x 500 MC 6 x 250 GP (11) As above (111) & (iv) NIL (All fused: NOSE 47 Det 28 Pistol - 49 Det 28 Pist) G: (1) NIL (11) 1 Mk.V (Cat.11) H to V: NIL W: (i) 1 Baltimore Mk.111 X: (1) .50 Minutes Y: 6 x 20 Fragmentation Z: NIL. (Signature illegible) Capt. SIO 21 Squadron, SAAF.

1944-03-28

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Form 541

MAP

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * Operational Determination (Weather and Confusion): * The Split: The mission to bomb Fabriano Marshalling Yards was fraught with difficulties. The formation encountered severe weather ("en route 9/10" cloud). Consequently, 223 Squadron (RAF) aborted the mission and turned back near the Potenza River. * Pressing On: Despite their partners turning back, 21 Squadron (SAAF) "carried on and attacked". This decision highlights the squadron's aggression or perhaps a difference in command judgment regarding the weather. * Bombing Disorder: The attack itself was disorganized. The "Second box bombed first due to leader's difficulty in locating target". When the lead bombardier hesitates, the following aircraft often have to react instantly, sometimes releasing early or late. The result was a miss: "A slight undershoot... bombs falling about 400 yds EAST of M/Yards," hitting the edge of town and open ground instead of the rail lines. * Another Major Crash (Cat.11): * The Incident: The report notes: "One a/c crashed on landing (Cat.11) NO casualties". This is identified in Section G as a Mk.V. * Attrition: Losing a new Mark V aircraft was significant. This marks the third major crash (Cat.11) recorded in the latter half of March (see Sorties 590 and 600), pointing to a high operational attrition rate from accidents rather than enemy fire. The lack of casualties is a testament to the sturdy construction of the Baltimore or sheer luck. * Inter-Squadron Integration: * The 13th Aircraft: The "NOTE" explains a peculiar detail: "A 13th Baltimore (Mk.V) took off and operated in No.12 position in 223 Sqdn". Since 223 Sqdn aborted, this SAAF crew flew all the way to the Potenza River only to turn back with them, while their own squadron pressed on to the target. * Abbreviations: * M/Yards: Marshalling Yards. * R/V: Rendezvous. * Mk.111 / 111A: Mark III / IIIA (Roman numerals often typed as standard numbers). * Cat.11: Category 11 Damage (Write-off). * SIO: Squadron Intelligence Officer. 69 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is titled "SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 26/44" and is dated 27th March, 1944. It is signed for Lt. Col. A.C. Jandrell, D.F.C.