Thirteen Baltimores took off at 08.25 hours to bomb an Ammo. Factory 11 miles S.W. of CHIETI. One aircraft returned with bombs after 20 minutes due to inter-comm. trouble. Numerous direct hits on target, roads and railway and buildings to N.E. observed. Slight light Ack Ack, inaccurate from target area; four Spitfires provided area cover. Slight heavy Ack Ack from CHIETI area, also inaccurate. All aircraft returned to base by 09.55 hours. Sortie Report No. 606.
The second raid of the day took off at 12.10 hours to bomb FABRIANO Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous was made with 233 Squadron over base. Near the POTENZA river one aircraft developed engine trouble and returned back to base with bombs. 223 Squadron also turned back due to bad weather. The remaining eleven aircraft attacked in two boxes from 11,000 feet. Second box bombed first due to leader’s difficulty in locating target.
A slight undershoot resulted in the whole formation’s bombs falling about 400 yards EAST of the Marshalling Yards, commencing in the Northern edge of the town and extending into open ground beyond. There was no enemy opposition. All aircraft returned to base by 15.00 hours. One aircraft crashed on landing but there were no casualties.
Sortie Report No. 607.
Lieut. Kendal was cleared on posting to 38 P.T.C.
The 15cwt. Ford that disappeared on the night of the 21st was found at the CAMPOMARION Railhead. A/Ms. Case and Oliver who were A.W.O.L. since the above date reported back to camp. A/M Case was sentenced to 42 days F.P. and A/M Oliver to 28 days F.P.
Squadron Routine Order No. 26/44