Twelve Marauders from Pescara by 08.45 hours to attack the PORTO MAGGIORE Marshalling Yards. Two aircraft returned after 1.45 hours and 1.00 hrs. respectively and meanwhile reserve was despatched at 09.15 hours, which caught the formation at Pesara,
At which point 14 puffs of inaccurate, heavy ack-ack were directed at this aircraft just prior to joining formation. Eight Spits provided a close escort. Stick of first box straddled S. E. portion of yards, where explosions with orange coloured stroke resulted; bulk of bombs overshot along a road leading S.W. of target, where large explosions with black smoke was obtained in trees. Second box continued first's pattern into open country.
No enemy opposition and eleven aircraft down by 11.42 hours.
The raid was led by Major AITCHISON. Sortie Report No. 801.
Squadron Routine Order No. 76/44.