We were really blitzed this morning! Well before the break of dawn the drone of numerous engines overhead indicated that we were to be the main target on this occasion. The suspense was nerve wracking as the aircraft circled overhead for nearly an hour. The suspense was increased by the deliberate and cold blooded manner in which the target was being sought out. In the normal raid we were wont to think that in the pale light of the waning moon the chances of Jerry not seeing us were pretty good. On this occasion, however, after his long search undisturbed by any of our fighters, the enemy found us with a vengeance.
One stick of bombs fell right through the camp while another stick straddled the aerodrome. Altogether 14 bombs were dropped, three of them being delayed action. Before the bomb splinters had cooled off the O.C., the Adjutant and Japie were busy inspecting the damage.
They discovered that it was only as the result of the greatest of good fortune that we had escaped with no casualties and comparatively little damage. Shrapnel had holed five of our aircraft though not one was really seriously damaged. Colonel Willmott's communication aircraft also sported a few holes.
Many members of the squadron had amazing escapes. A five hundred pounder exploded 10 yards from the spot where Lieutenants Hazelhurst and Shepheard were sleeping. Only a single layer of sand bags lay between them and certain death yet they escaped unscathed. Another five hundred pounder came even nearer to four of our wireless operators who despite their narrow escape were seen immediately after the raid to be drinking coffee in bed with the ruins of their tent littered about them. Huge jagged bits of shrapnel were scattered all over the over the camp and many other people had miraculous escapes.
Two air mechanics were today flown through to Cairo. Both were badly affected by the mental strain caused by Jerry's too frequent attentions.
There is still no news from the powers that be as to what is going to happen to us. The vast majority of our aircraft engines have done over 200 hours and a number of allegedly new Twin Wasp engines have arrived to be installed in their stead. From early morning till dusk, often working in blinding dust storms our mechanics have been busy changing engines. All their efforts were ,however, in vain for on test these so called new engines were found to be nothing more than superficially cleaned up old ones. As a result most of our aircraft are very far from being operationally serviceable.
A signal was dispatched early in the morning placing the aerodrome unserviceable and with dust billowing ail over the drome and the possibility of one or other of the D.A.'s going off, this precaution was a wise one.
2/Lieut. Zackon our Defence Officer mounted guard over the runways pending the arrival of the bomb disposal squad. The wind, typical of all ill-winds, prevented any successful recce. being carried out by the enemy during the day. As has been noted following prior acquaintance with Jerry's tactics, their bombs scatter a black powder over a large area on exploding, leaving marks which show up in strong contrast against the sandy soil of desert dromes, and this of course has a distinct value in photographic reconnaissance carried out after bombing raids.
There is still no definite news of the squadron's ultimate destination and there is a noticeable ebbing in the keenness and "do or die” spirit which was so noticeable at the start of the year in this squadron.
Ten trucks reported to Wing, for fetching 250lb. bombs from NOFILIA; four more fetched aircraft fuel from CHEL. Distance is one of the principal problems here: ration run is to MARBLE ARCH (105 miles away), water – extremely salty – at NOFILIA (50 miles) and, until B.G.M.C. puts in an appearance we shall have to run our own S. & T. It is feared that our M.T. Section – which is 14 under-strength – is in for rather a thin time while we are here. Five other ranks S.A.M.C. attached from S.A.A.F. Depot to replace Medical and Hygiene personnel who have been up here for more than two years.
No flying: Oprep No. 161
Lieut. DENTON routed to S.A.O.A., S.A.A.F. HQ., with a recommendation for compassionate leave to the Union.
Wing advises that No. 239 Wing will be moving today and instructs that the Squadron move to its site on the NW corner of the landing ground. The move was made and the rest of the day spent preparing for the arrival of our aircraft which are expected tomorrow. Owing to the very stony nature of the ground, pegs could not be used for tents and sand-filled drums and petrol tins were substituted.
In the morning a formation of twelve of our aircraft took off to attack the town of PALENA. The leader did a dummy run on the first approach, and the bombs, having failed to drop on the second, were jettisoned on the third run up. The second box bombed before the leading box. Bombs were seen to fall in the South Western portion of the town.
Sortie Report No. 511.
In a Rugby match played in the afternoon, the Squadron defeated 109 R.S.U. 22 points to nil.