Friday, 26 March 1943

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Signal Text

PART "B"
BA Enemy strongpoints in area TY 9111, in support of NEW ZEALAND DIVISION.
BB From 1532 to 1533 hrs.
BC Medium level bombing attack from 7000 ft.
36 x 250 lb. GP 43 Det. (Rods)
BD The spray was late in putting out the smoke signal as an aid
to navigation. The formation leader consequently carried on
towards KEBILI, did a right-hand turn onto the target, and
eventually sighting the smoke signal, bombed just NORTH of
position TY 9111. Bombs dropped in fairly long stick, well
dispersed among MT and dug-in positions in wadi's, and near
misses were seen on MT on road running NE to EL HAMMA.
2 direct hits observed on MT. (The following message received
from OC 211 Group on completion of the operation:-
"On behalf of all Fighters taking part in yesterday's raid,
congratulations to all bomber wings on their excellent bombing.
The 21 Fighter Squadrons off at one time together, success-
fully completed the operation started by the bombers.")
BE H.A.A. accurate and intense over the target area, immediately
after the bombing.
4 H.A.A. guns at TY 9309.
BF A/C 919 N (Pilot Lt. A. Murray; Observer Lt. P. Ashton;
Gunners; F/Sgt. Bernitz S. and F/Sgt. Clack P.E.) forcelanded
behind our lines after leaving target. Not yet located.
A/C 956 C (Pilot Lt. Guard ...) crashlanded on coast four
miles WEST of ZUARA as result of engine failure. Crew unhurt.
A/C 942 G fairly badly holed.
A/C 977 K slightly holed.
BG Photographs taken of bombing run by one 8" Vertical camera
one 20" Oblique from 7000 ft. Course 150 deg. A/S 220 m.p.h.
BH 10 to 15 MT seen on road running NE to EL HAMMA.
[Handwritten Signature] Capt.
S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion
Glossary of Terms
* GP 43 Det. (Rods): General Purpose bombs fitted with No. 43 Detonators and extension rods (often called "daisy cutters"), designed to trigger the explosion above ground level to maximize blast effect against soft-skinned vehicles and personnel.
* MT: Motor Transport. Refers to Axis wheeled or tracked supply and combat vehicles.
* Wadi's: Dry riverbeds used by Axis forces for concealment and dug-in defensive positions.
* OC 211 Group: Officer Commanding No. 211 Group RAF. This group was responsible for coordinating the massive fighter escort and subsequent strafing attacks.
* H.A.A.: Heavy Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak), typically from 88mm or similar large-caliber guns.
* A/C: Aircraft.
* F/Sgt.: Flight Sergeant.
* S.I.O. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.: Squadron Intelligence Officer of No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force.
* A/S: Airspeed, recorded here at 220 miles per hour during the photographic run.
Operational Context
The narrative in Part "B" describes the tactical execution of a pivotal mission on 26 March 1943, supporting the 2nd New Zealand Division during "Operation Supercharge II". This operation aimed to breach the Tebaga Gap and outflank the Mareth Line.
The report highlights a navigational challenge: the "spray" (likely a specialized lead aircraft or ground-based indicator) was late in deploying smoke signals. This forced the formation leader to overfly the area toward Kebili before turning back to strike the target. Despite this delay, the bombing was highly effective, targeting Axis Motor Transport and dug-in positions in the wadis near El Hamma.
The mention of "21 Fighter Squadrons off at one time together" underscores the unprecedented scale of the Western Desert Air Force's "air blitz" doctrine. The bombers acted as the vanguard, suppressing defenses and causing significant damage (including over 100 fires reported elsewhere), which allowed the fighters to complete the operation through low-level strafing. This coordinated pressure was instrumental in the Eighth Army's breakthrough, leading to the collapse of the Axis southern front in Tunisia. The cost of the mission included the forced landing of Lt. Murray’s crew and the loss of A/C 956 C due to mechanical failure near Zuara.

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Phase 1: Verification & Extraction
Identity Check: 26th March, 1943