RAf raid Velletri 21 May 1944

[keith A]

Accounts vary as to whether these were USAAF Baltimores or RAF/SAAF. I believe the later. I do not at this moment have my MAW volumes available therefore can I ask for more details of the Baltimore formations of this RAF raid? A raid that cost the LW dear. I assume the Baltimores were from the Desert Air Force.

[Russell]

The source of the 24 Baltimores was 145 Sqns ORB, which says 145 was area cover for 24 Baltimores which had not arrived by 1830 when they attacked the fighters. None of the Baltimore Sqn ORBs or that of 3 SAAF Wing have any bombing raids in the air after 1735, so I do not know who the bombers were, unless they were Amerian mediums. I would love to know an answer....

Russell

[keith A]

Hi Russell, I am still intrigued by this event. Although 3 SAAF may not have flown later that day Duke states in the 145 ORB categorically that he was able to meet up with the formation and escort them to hit Velletri. Could they be Bostons or American A-20s? (I expect you have already explored this possibility but....)

When you say 3 SAAF Wing didn't have any bomber raids in the air after 1735. Does this mean all raids had been completed by this time. I am grasping at straws because 145 Squadron states the bombers were late.

best regards

Keith