Information was received that Lieut. Longmore’s crew was safe, also F/Sgt. Robbertse, the W.T./A.G. of the aircraft piloted by Lt. Richards. The other three members of its crew – Lieut. Richards, Lieut. Cockburn and A/Sgt McCrindle are still missing. Lieut. Kendal baled out over bridgehead and is safe in our lines.
Twelve of our aircraft took off at 09.37 hours to bomb Gun areas centre p.p. F905378. They set course with an escort of 6 Spitfires for the mouth of the VOLTURNO RIVER and along the coast to ANZIO and target. 10/10 cloud was encountered most of the way, with 5 to 6/10 cloud in the target area. Visibility otherwise good. They bombed in two boxes, the second box slightly to the right of the first box. One explosion (no fire) and one direct hit observed on railway line. Heavy, moderate Ack Ack from target area, inaccurate. No movements observed. The formation flew back along the coast to the VOLTURNO and direct home. All aircraft landed back by 12.17 hours. Sortie Report No. 573.
In the afternoon a formation again took off to attack the Gun area at p.p. F(905378). Due to 9 – 10/10 cloud over whole area it was impossible to identify target and after cruising around looking for an opening the formation bombed through a gap in the clouds; the results were not observed. One aircraft had a complete hang-up and returned with its bombs. The formation encountered intense and Heavy Ack Ack fire coming through the clouds, eight of the twelve being hit. One aircraft which had a tyre punctured, swung on landing and blocked the runway, resulting in three aircraft landing at CANNE L.G.
Sortie Report No. 574.
Capt. Barrowman paid the Squadron an official visit.
Squadron Routine Order No. 19/44