Flt Lt Poul Henrichsen

114 Sqn

Boston IIIA , BZ327 (FD-W)

15.04.44

21:05 - 23:45

The first six crews on list carried out armed recce of shipping on E coast PESCARA-ANCONA. Sex crews were briefed for armed recco of shipping on W. Coast CIVITAVECCHIA to PIOMBINO but on account of a report of unfavourable weather in the W, the last two a/c were cancelled. Four took off and one (F/L Wicks, Pilot) did not return - nothing being heard.

On the EAST [among these Henrichsen], no active shipping was seen. Bombs were dropped on workships and jetty at ANCONA; across town at PORTOCIVITANOVA staring a fire. M/T on coast was straffed. Visibility was 4 M improving later; LF reported from GIULIANOVA and ANCONA

In the WEST weather was fine but 4/10 cloud at ORBETELLO, tops 3000 deteriorating to 8/10 further N.W. was encountered. Little shipping was seen. Buildings were hit at PORT ECOLE; rly. and buildings at CIVITAVECCHIA and the railway bridge at MONTALTO was attacked. Some M/T inland was observed. Slight L/F + H/F at ORBETELLO. Tota of bombs dropped:- 18 x 500 lbs & 144 x 40 lbs.

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.