We were on the road again at an early hour but a rude disappointment awaited many souvenir hunters when we reached the control point before approaching our new landing ground.
Here military police made a search or the entire convoy and despite murmured protests made the occupants of all the vehicles hand over their "loot”. Even the captured "Volkswagens" on which so much care and paint had been lavished had to be handed over.
Just before nightfall we drew in at our new landing ground and here we pitched camp.
Ten aircraft operated last night: Oprep No. 174, Sortie Report and crew list
Pilots report that the road West of TRIPOLI – last night's target – is a shambles, so it is just possible that Rommel's rapid “advance” Westwards is once more being hampered from the air. Major BARNBY becomes O.C.Night Flying Training at SOLUCH. Six pilots go back to SOLUCH for such training. Twelve aircraft took off at 14.30 for BIR DUFAN where they will land and top-up fuel for tonight's operations. On arrival there, three of them burst tyres on landing and being unable to obtain spares, were unable to proceed on the raid.
Nil Operations. The Africa Star ribbon was issued to Squadron personnel entitled to wear it. A/Sgt. F.W. Roberts, disciplinarian, who has been with the Squadron for a considerable time, left on his return to the Union. “Robbie’s” cheerful personality will be missed by all, and his departure will be a great loss to the football team of which he was a leading member.