Flt Lt Poul Henrichsen

114 Sqn

Boston III , W8399 (FD-)

09.02.44

22:00 - 00:01

1st Sortie. The squadron was not called upon to operate from CELONE. The detachment at POMIGLIANO operated on an armed Recco of road and rail movement from N. of Rome to the Bridgehead bomb.line with the alternative targets of Albano and GENZANO. Six A/C were originally detailed but early reports were such that the reserve crew was called upon to take part in the operation. Five A/C made a second sortie making a total of 12 sorties flown by the Squadron during the night. The weather was excellent throughout the night with visibility unlimited. No great amount of movement was observed but 6 M/T at F8183 and 20+ stationary M/T af F 5554 were bombed. Six A/C bombed the M/T park at F9428 all bombs falling in target area. Four A/C bombed ALBANO, the town was well covered. Three A/C bombed GENZANO with excellent results; buildings were seen to fall into railway and one large fire was started which was still burning two hours later. Position F8283, 0110 hrs, 6000' an identified J.U.88 approached Boston AL475, evasive action taken and no fire exchanged. No other opposition. 24 x 500 lb. and 172 x 40 lb. bombs dropped.

Crew:

1. F/O P. Henrichsen
2. F/O G.C.O. Wyerth
3. F/S Lampert, A.A.
4. Sgt. Bingham, W.J.

AIR 27/883

ORB is handwritten and difficult to read in places