Most of us, on waking this morning, were relieved to note that enemy aircraft were giving us the "go-by" today. The familiar deep humming whirr of desynchronised engines was happily lacking to-day, but we hardly had time to congratulate ourselves before another dust storm arose, developing in intensity throughout the day until everyone felt perfectly miserable.
In the afternoon we were visited by Col. Wilmott, O.C. 3 S.A. Wing, who came to inspect our aircraft. Owing to a combination of circumstances, our "Mayfly" was showing a limited number of aircraft available for operations – the failure of newly installed engines being the main cause of this – and, in the absence of the Officer Commanding and the Engineer Officer, the Administrative Officer, Major. O’Brien conducted Col. Wilmott over the aircraft which were dispersed about the 'drome.
The Engineer Officer, Capt. Sheedy by phone later confirmed the position outlining the history of all unserviceable aircraft on the aerodrome. He was asked to make every effort possible to bring the highest number of aircraft to serviceability.
Operation Instruction for 12 Jan. received from AHQ, W.D.
11.45
Our aircraft started arriving from SOLUCH and all (19) had landed safely by 13.10 hours. Oprep No. 162
Twelve Baltimores took off at 0904 Hrs. to bomb M.T. concentrations in PALENA. NO enemy opposition was encountered; the raid was considered satisfactory.
Sortie Report No. 512.