MRKONJICGRAD Town, in Yugoslavia, was attached twice to-day as the first raid proved abortive owing to non-arrival of the escorting fighters. Good results were observed on the second operation and no enemy opposition was encountered.
Sortie Reports Nos. 699 & 700.
The following aircrew members were posted R.T.U. as having completed their operational tours : Lieuts. LONGMORE & MUSGROVE, pilots, Lieut. GILDENHUYS, observer, Capt. HALL & W.O.11. LEIPOLDT gunners.
Appendix to war diary – 21 Squadron, 3 S.A.A.F. Wing Period 1st to 31st May, 1944
During May, 21 Squadron scored a squadron record-breaking number of operational sorties —- a grand total of 45 raids, involving 539 sorties. The enormous weight of 792,30O lbs was dropped on enemy targets.
The total operational flying time was 1,047 hrs 15 mins.— non-operational flying time 20 hrs 30 mins.
Inclement weather kept the aircraft on the ground for only five days during the month.
The first two raids of the month were bombing attacks on two factories — firstly, on a chemical factory and secondly on an explosive plant. On both occasions, direct hits were scored on buildings and installations and after the bombing, numerous explosions and fires giving off dense volumes of smoke of various hues were observed.
Stores and Ammo. dumps in the LORETO and ORTE areas were the Squadron’s next objectives. The major part of the LORETO Dump was demolished by accurate bombing —four major and numerous minor explosions followed by fires and dense white, black and brown smoke, towering to a height of 2,000'. Observations during the following few raids on similar targets in the ORTE area showed very little evidence of damage.
FABRIANO Marshalling Yards was the next target to receive the Squadron's attention and possible hits were scored on double track Railway lines. Following this the Squadron was briefed to bomb PESARO Railway Bridge. 10/10 cloud obscured the target and an alternative Bridge, South of PORTO CIVITANOVA was attacked. No direct hits were claimed.
During the second week of the month the "push on Rome" commenced and 21 Squadron, together with other squadrons in the Wing, switched over to close army support and during the remainder of the month, nineteen raids were directed against enemy gun positions and troop concentrations on the Western Sector of the front-line.
On most occasions, intensive heavy and light AA was encountered and aircraft were holed on numerous occasions — two aircraft having to crash-land on emergency landing grounds. Furthermore, three aircraft were lost over enemy territory.
The first loss was Major Job's aircraft — formation leader and “A” Flight Commander.- His aircraft, received a direct hit by AA near Roccasecca on the 17th. Three of the crew baled, one of them being the top-gunner — Capt Hall — who, landing safely, managed to make good his escape to friendly troops and has since rejoined the Squadron. Another aircraft in the same formation sustained serious damage by AA but, fortunately, made a successful, crash-landing at Trigno.
Some of the crew suffered slight Injury from AA splinters. On this particular raid only one aircraft escaped being holed by flak.
On the 21st, a second aircraft – Lt Swart and crew — was shot down near Ceprano. Only three parachutes were observed — two possibly on fire.
A third aircraft — Major de Villiers and crew — was lost over Alatri area. No parachutes were observed.
However, during these attacks on front-line targets, extensive damage was done to enemy emplacements and considerable support was given to the advance of the Army who later in the month, demonstrated their appreciation by signalling two congratulatory messages to 21 Squadron signifying the importance and effectiveness of the bombing.
Towards the latter part of the month the Squadron made several attempts to create a road block near Capistrello, finally meeting with fair success.
The Fossombrone Railway bridge was attacked on the 25 th and three direct hits were scored.
The Squadron rounded off the month with five signally successful raids over German-occupied Yugoslavia. Perfect pattern-bombing devastated troop concentrations in the towns of Livno, Dvrar and Mrkonjicgrad, for which congratulations were received from Gen.Tito’s H.Q.
In addition to creating a new Squadron record for operational sorties and flying time during the month of May, the Squadron’s standard of bombing – against very difficult targets – has been of the very highest order.