At about ten this morning a German reconnaissance aircraft flew right over our aerodrome at a height of about 12,000 feet. The aircraft, which appeared to be a Ju. 88, must have obtained excellent photographs of our drome packed with all our Marylands and 11 Squadron's Blenheims. After passing over us the Hun made off towards TOBRUK where a few rounds from the heavy Ack-Ack soon made him hurry for some convenient cloud cover.
Everybody in state of tension tonight. Jerry is expected to come over in force after the good view he got of our crowded aerodrome. Nevertheless our only disturbance was a sturdy “Wimpy” who after circling for a long time made a perfect landing without the aid of a flare path .
Strong wind and rain squalls during the night and until midday. Wing instructs that "A" Parties are to move forward by not later than first light on 6 Jan.43, irrespective of the arrival of "B" Parties from TMIMI. No flying: Oprep No. 155
A formation of our aircraft took off at 0919 Hrs. to bomb the town of PRETORO. As the ground was covered in snow, map reading was most difficult, and the leaders were doubtful after having released their bombs, whether the correct target had been attacked. It was ascertained later that the bombs had been dropped on MANOPELLO.
Sortie Report No. 504.
In the afternoon a formation again took off to attack PRETORO. Difficulty was once more experienced in identifying the target, and an additional circuit had to be made before bombing. Boxes bombed in short sticks separately, and bombs were seen to burst S.E. and N.E. of the town. Two direct hits on roads and one on a building were noted.
Sortie Report No. 505.
Twelve Marauders set off from JESI at 11.18 to bomb two bridges at Zidani Most (Yugoslavia) led by Capt. NICOLAY. After rendezvous at CERVIA with four Spitfires they set course for the target following 24 Squadron, S.A.A.F. First box had a lateral error to the left of about 300 yards - pattern on side of hills from D.903223 to D.905224. Second box covered from D.902223 to D.904224, also a slight lateral error, stick commencing in the river across Railroad lines into buildings. Third box overshot with left error from D.903225 to D.905226 - no results claimed. Slight, light ack-ack from target area, inaccurate and well below. All aircraft landed by 15.07 hours.
Sortie Report No. 898