The weather was fairly good and an early operation was carried out. Twelve Baltimores took off at 09.24 hours and the target was a Celluloid Factory, near CHIETI in ITALY. On account of bomb hang-ups and faulty manipulation, the first box did not obtain results. The second box hit the target and a large cloud of white smoke was seen. Heavy, intense, and accurate Ack Ack was encountered from NORTH of CHIETI and target area. All the aircraft returned to base at 11.22 hours.
Sortie Report No. 542.
The Met Office reported that a 48 M.P.H. gale was expected during the next 24 hours. The weather deteriorated during the afternoon.