Final arrangements for our departure by road and air were made and schedules were prepared showing the allocation of each member of the squadron to his own particular vehicle or aircraft. Some forty of our personnel were to remain on at SHANDUR with 223 Squadron to complete their Operational training and close on three hundred personnel were engaged in the move of the main body to our Operational Landing Ground.
Apart from the continuation of the general flying programme, nothing of importance to record.
Eight Aircraft took off at 00.50 Hrs to carry out an Armed Recce of roads in the Central Area. One aircraft was followed by a Beaufighter for thirty minutes before being recognized. Many gun flashes were seen in the Coastal Area but A.A. was inaccurate.
24 Marauders in boxes of four aircraft each airborne from PESCARA during the day to attack Enemy strongpoints near RIMINI. First box straddled Northern portion of the target with an excellently spaced pattern; 2nd box all bombs in N.E. section. 3rd box bombed an area about 1000 yards N.W. of briefed pinpoint by mistake – direct hits on large buildings. Slight, inaccurate heavy A.A. from target area. Two aircraft returned with load due to bomb door trouble.
The next three boxes attacked an area around R.835950. All bombs in Northern portion of target. Moderate, accurate, heavy A.A. encountered, and eight aircraft were holed. Leader of last box hit over target immediately after bombing and aircraft started spinning, eventually crashing in sea 5 miles S.E. of RIMINI. It was subsequently confirmed by Greek troops that three chutes left the aircraft. One failed to open and fell in the sea. One fell about 4 miles out to sea and nothing further was seen of it. The third fell about 50 yards off shore on the enemy side of the line and the occupant of the chute was seen to be rescued by presumably enemy troops. See copy of attached report by investigating officer. Crew :-Lieut. G. v.d. H. WHITEHOUSE and F/Sgt. J.E. CARTER (pilots); Lieut. C. van TROTSENBURG (observer); W.Os. N.H. SWALE, H. E. HORSCROFT, and J. WILSON (Air Gunners).
Sortie Report No. 827. Appendix "L"
W.O. PAXTON (gunner) reported for duty.