Early risers in camp this morning – and there are many these days now that Jerry's visitations have become so regular – were treated to another display by Tobruk's A.A. Defences. We were fortunate in being able to play the role of spectators only this morning, but the sound of the enemy aircraft making their run in on TOBRUK was far from pleasant. A few bombs were dropped in our neighbourhood but we were evidently not being singled out for attention this morning.
Col. Willmott and Lt. Col Pretorius paid a visit to Air Headquarters, Western Desert for a conference with the A.O.C. It was learned that the role the squadron was to play (if any!) in future operations would be decided within the next 48 hours and we also received the cheering news that efforts would be made to give us fighter protection against Jerry’s daylight attacks.
We made an attempt to get a bit of our own back to-day with a raid on MARBLE ARCH Landing Ground, the alternative to this target being given as BIR EL MADUMA. There was only one alternative for our five Marylands however, when they reached the target area, for they spotted enemy aircraft awaiting their arrival and more fighter craft taking off from the enemy drome. Jettisoning their 250 pounders (all forty of them) our boys got their noses down in a hurry and headed for home, which “be it ever so humble" was infinitely more welcome than the reception the enemy had prepared for them.
"Buck” Sheedy our valiant Engineering Officer, despite almost insuperable difficulties in the way of weather and “dud” engines had succeeded in coaxing ten serviceable aircraft into line for operations on the morrow. Wing have expressed their appreciation, by way of a minute, of this sterling effort.
09.15
Briefing of aircrews followed by the aircraft being taxied out for take-off. This was delayed and eventually cancelled owing to the fighter escort being dust-bound. No flying and it certainly would seem that Jerry has managed to enlist the Clerk of the Weather.
Oprep No. 163
Lt.-Colonel C. S. COPPEN, Commanding Officer, arrived from SOLUCH and was fortunate in finding the aerodrome in all this dust.
PALENA was again the target for to-day’s raid. Bursts were seen from the leading box just short of the town along the Northern section of the town, hits being scored amongst and on the buildings. The second box bombed short in long pattern ending in the Eastern portion of the town.
Sortie Report No. 513
Lieut. McAravey (Observer) and six O.R’s, ground personnel, reported for duty.