Twelve Baltimores took off at 08.45 hours to bomb mechanical Transport and supply dumps. Heavy and accurate A.A. was encountered from the time the bomb line was crossed. Both boxes dropped their bombs in the target area, but no results were observed. Due to various causes three aircraft jettisoned their bombs in enemy territory on the homeward journey. Due to engine trouble one aircraft had to land at MARCIANISE, returning to base later in the day.
Sortie Report No. 555.
A second raid was carried out in the afternoon and this time the target was the village of CARROCETTA, in ITALY. The first box bombed slightly to the WEST of the target. Some sticks fell partly in the village and a few direct hits on the railway. The second box bombed in a short stick directly on the target. On account of smoke and dust, no results could be observed. All the aircraft landed safely at POMIGLIANO (NAPLES) as a precautionary measure against possible shortage of fuel in reaching base. The two boxes became separated soon after take off and carried the whole raid individually. Heavy, concentrated A.A. was encountered. Sortie Report No. 556