While on operations this squadron had had no parades – nor was there need for any – but on our return to civilisation it was decided to get into base camp routine from the outset, and so we had our first parade this morning. This was rather amusing as it was not expected, with the result that details with and without headgear of all descriptions, flying kit, Jerry top boots and other irregular articles of dress, fell in to form as ragged a parade as one could expect to see.
The day was taken up with laying out the camp, pooling and dividing out all the available tents. At night, with one accord the camp's personnel headed for ALEXANDRIA — the luxury of hot baths and decent food was no longer to be denied!
Excepting the three stranded at BIR DUFAN, all our aircraft returned safely from last night's raids. Oprep No. 175, Sortie Report and Crew List
In the afternoon another attack was made in the POPOLI area; the target for this raid was the road and railway defile N.E. of the town. One aircraft developed engine trouble and turned back, jettisoning the bomb load at sea. The target was well covered by a concentrated stick starting at the SOUTH of the road and extending to the railway tunnel.
Sortie Report No. 525.
Operational Report (Oprep) Reference Number 525