Our first flight into enemy territory took place today when 12 machines took off on an operational exercise. Nothing untoward occurred during the flight which proved well worthwhile in that the exercise showed up one or two minor faults and gave the flying personnel additional experience and confidence.
The move to L.G. “Y” was carried out this morning, the aircraft flying across in a formation of 17, all landing safely and without incident at the ‘drome which is to serve as our Base Landing Ground for operations in the (we hope!) near future.
Col. H. MARTIN, O.C. 3 S.A. Wing, visited the squadron at lunch-time to discuss operational matters with the O.C.
Four Aircraft took off from 09.15 Hrs., thereafter at four minute intervals to attack roads in AVELLINO area. Returning to base at 05.45 Hrs.
Eleven Marauders, in two boxes of four aircraft and one of three aircraft briefed to attack a Road Bridge over the SAVIO River. The first box had a lateral right error, bombs falling on approach road and direct hits on buildings North of bridge. Second box undershot, bombs falling across Railroad line. The third box had a slight lateral error scoring direct hits on Northern approach of bridge. Slight, inaccurate heavy A.A. was encountered. Last aircraft down by 10.03 hours.
Sortie Report No. 837.
Twelve Marauders in three boxes of four aircraft set out to attack Road Bridge over SAVIO River. The first box straddled the southern approach of Bridge, Phot. interpretation shows no damage to the bridge. The second box had a slight lateral error and scored direct hits on approach road. The third box had an undershoot and scored a direct hit on the already broken Railroad Bridge. Moderate, heavy A.A., inaccurate encountered, one aircraft receiving a small hole. Last aircraft down by 16.10 hours.
Sortie Report No. 838.
Capt. MARITZ (pilot) and W.Os. v.d. COLF and KELLY (WT/AGs) posted O.T.E. 2/Lt. HOWARD (observer) posted to 24 Squadron and Sgt. BELL (RAF) WT/AG. posted to 12 Squadron.