5th BW Missions July 1943
July 3-11
Fortresses participated in "round-the-clock" bombing of A/Ds in Sicily. The 17s concentrated mostly on large Gerbini and Satellites near Catania. P-38s flying escort in large numbers kept E/A at a safe distance. The Lightnings also out to dive bomb installations on Sicily and targets of opportunity.
July 12 - RR/BDG: Messina, Sicily
Railroad bridges at Messina were bombed by our Forts. Direct hits were scored on both bridges and destroyed them. Great sections of track were torn up in that area. Some explosions in the Industrial area.
July 13 - A/Ds: Catania & Trapani, Sicily
Forts smashed up RR Yds. and Marshalling yards at Messina.
July 15 - M/Y: Naples, Italy
72 Forts went to Naples and scored direct hits on Royal Arsenal and at the railroad depot and left huge fires blazing.
July 17 - M/Y: Naples, Italy
Naples bombed by 97 Fortresses loaded with 500 pounders. Explosions and flame followed hits on the marshalling Yds, the Royal Arsenal and oil stores.
July 19 - S. Lorenzo M/Y: Rome, Italy
147 B-17s dumped 440 tons on RR Yds at Rome. All the bombs were in the target area. No bombs fell in the town or damaged churches or historic monuments. The roundhouse in the marshalling Yds. received a direct hit and caused a huge explosion. Only 9 or 10 E/A were encountered and they were scared off. 29 P-38s of the 14th F. Gp. escorting 3 Sunderlands on an Air Sea Rescue mission in the Naples ares intercepted a flight of 15 JU-52s headed toward Sardinia. Score: We--15 They--0
July 21-31
Forts smashed at A/Ds in Sicily together with other aircraft of the North African Theater. P-38s on fighter sweeps and escort missions. But on the 25th of July, 50 Forts dumped 125 tons on the RR Yds. at Bologna.