New Year in the desert, a howling gale and driving wind making conditions thoroughly unpleasant. This day was made slightly different from other days by the addition of some special fare in the various messes. Padre Davies supervised the arrangements and we all received some beer, nuts and chocolates at lunch time. The principal fare at the meal, was still , however, the inevitable Bully.
With another year stretching before us most of us are inclined to ponder on the prospects of the war being brought to a victorious conclusion. The news from the Russian front is good and we are all greatly cheered at the magnificent stand put up by old Joe Stalin and his Bolshies. There seems to be a temporary halt in our advance in LIBYA but a decisive battle is expected somewhere SOUTH of BENGHASI during the next few days .
We were told today that the B.B.C. radio had stated that a South African medium bomber Squadron had broken a world's record in destroying 15 aircraft in the air and 60 on the ground. This apparently referred to 21 Squadron and has given everybody a feeling of satisfaction at a job well done. Our record redounds to the credit of our C.O. who has now been associated with two record breaking squadrons — the other being 3 S.A.A.F, fighter Squadron which broke a record in the Abyssinian campaign.
The Adjutant's mobile office has become the venue for a nightly gathering of half a dozen of the old brigade._ Thesey little conversaziones_ are most entertaining and cover a most amazing variety of topics.
The first signal to arrive in the New Year advised that the Squadron "com. kite" is to fly up from L.G. 98 today. The “A” Party, having been without post for a week, is looking forward to its arrival.
All Officers and N.C.O's. in charge of Flights and Sections gathered in the Officers Mess and received instructions for the pending movement of "A" Party to one of the newly completed aerodromes at CHEL and GZINA, 25 miles South of SULTAN in Tripolitania. Our transport is 100% serviceable and, apart from furniture recently collected, the Party is fully mobile. Instructions received from Wing that "A" Party is to await the arrival and establishment here of “B” Party from TMIMI. Instructions to"B" Party to move up have been given direct by Wing. Lt. Col. A. D. IRVINE, the Commanding Officer arrived from L.G. 98, piloting "693"' which brought our post.
No operational flying: Oprep No. 152
The New Year commenced with the worst weather we have yet experienced in Italy; a strong wind blew throughout the day and this was accompanied by rain and sleet. Tents were blown down and badly ripped in spite of all efforts to save them. In view of this weather it came as no surprise when stand-down for the day was announced. Lieut. George Kay, a very popular observer, left for Bari on his return to the Union. Capt. J. Bester, Intelligence Officer, reported for duty having been discharged from Hospital.