De Villiers , Johan Phillip (J P)

Killed in action, in Martin Baltimore Mk III. CIRCUMSTANTIAL REPORT: 21 Squadron SAAF Baltimore Mk IV, Serial Number FA469, took off from Biferno Landing Ground, Italy, at 05h33 on a daylight raid together with ten other aircraft in formation to attack enemy Light Anti-Aircraft positions. The box in which Major De Villiers DFC and his crew were flying, could not locate their target owing to mist and cloud so they carried on with the mission, searching for transport on roads. They eventually bombed the Railway Yards and Station at Velletri. Immediately after bombing the target, the aircraft flown by Major de Villiers was seen to be on fire, losing height before breaking up in the air. No parachutes were seen to open. Moderate heavy-calibre but largely inaccurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered over the target area before, during and after bombing. Major de Villiers DFC flying on his 100th raid, together with his gallant crew were subsequently reported missing