Fiat, Turin

Fiat, Turin

An order for an operation at Fiat, Turin. The route is identified both there and back. The bomb load and height of bombing is detailed.

1940-11-05

One typewritten sheet

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SUprichardWG[Ser#-DoB]v20061

[underlined] SECRET. STATION OPERATION ORDER. [/underlined] Serial No. 207. Date 5/11/40.

[a] Movement Serial Indicator. [b] Approx. Time Off. [c] Target. [d] Route. [e] Method of Attack. [f] Special Instruction.

[a] [underlined] 51 Sqdn. [/underlined]
PXC. 654

[b] As detailed by O.C. Aircraft at MILDENHALL.

[c] [underlined] ITALY. Primary. [/underlined] W.172. Fiat Works at TURIN.
[underlined] Alternative & last Resort in ITALY. [/underlined]
Any target mentioned in 4 Grp. O.I. No. 22 App. A. and Semo and Mopa.
Any aircraft unable to cross Alps may attack any invasion port in occupied France, Holland or Belgium.
[underlined] Area 2. [/underlined]
[underlined] Primary [/underlined] A.77.
Oil works at MERSEBERG.
Alternative & last resort.
SEMO & MOPA in GERMANY.

[d] [underlined] OUT [/underlined]
Mildenhall –
Orfordness –
Target.
[underlined] HOME. [/underlined]
Target –
Orfordness –
Mildenhall.
OR
If detailed to attack targets in Area 2 and the weather is fit at base, aircraft will be told by W/T. to return to base.

[e] [underlined] Bomb Load [/underlined] – each A/C.
Two containers 4 lb. incendiaries.
ONE 250 lb. bomb fused long delay.
THREE 250 lb. bomb fused N.D.T
TWO 500 lb bomb fused N.D.T.
[underlined] Height for Bombing. [/underlined]
Best height at which recognition of targets and accuracy of attack can be assured.

[f] [underlined] OBJECT. [/underlined] To inflict maximum damage on allotted targets.
Left hand circuits are to be maintained in the target area.
All shipping seen likely to be used for invasion is to be reported at once by W/T., if seen on homeward journey and time allows, any unused flares should be used to try and identify shipping.
Special attention must be paid to the correct use of all recognition procedure.
[underlined] IT [sic] ITALY IS ATTACKED. [/underlined]
All possible care must be taken to avoid bombing SWISS neutrality and therefore, targets must be identified and Captains are to ensure they are clear of SWISS frontier.
Reports are required on A.A. fire, searchlights and blackout over route and target area, also a sketch map of prominent peaks seen, so as to aid future missions.

SCR Sheperd.
Squadron Leader, for Group Captain commanding
[underlined] R.A.F. Station DISHFORTH. [/underlined]