"Johnny" Walker, one of our Flight Sergeants has been fortunate enough to be selected for a trip by air to the United States, to undergo a six weeks course on American Aero-Engines. One of the hardest workers among our technical staff, "Johnny” fully deserves the wonderful opportunity that has been given him – but how we all envy him! He left by air for CAIRO today where a Liberator will convey him and two other flight sergeants from South African squadrons to the domain of go-ahead Uncle Sam.
Colonel H.J. MARTIN dined in our Mess and gave us the very good news that we shall not be moving back to the vicinity of SOLUCH as was anticipated. Our destination will probably be the aerodrome at BIR DUFAN which was bombed by us during the enemy's recent withdrawal.
A formation of twelve of our aircraft took off at 1442 Hrs. to bomb the road junction and create a road block at POPOLI. Two direct hits on the road; and two direct hits on the railway track NORTH of the Marshalling Yards and another direct hit on a building were observed.
Sortie Report No. 533.
Seven Marauders, led by Capt. NICOLAY, took off from JESI Landing Ground at 09.49 hours to bomb CASTEL FRANCO VENETO Marshalling Yards at G.400772. After rendezvous at BELLARIA with four Spitfires, they set course for target followed by 12 Squadron, S.A.A.F. First box bombed from G.397773 to G.396774 from 12,000 feet and bombs overshot by approximately 150 yards. The 2nd box bombed from 10,500 feet, the stick falling in an undershoot from G.392770 to 392771 and finishing at southern edge of target 4 x 1,000 lbs. Bombs hang-up and were brought back. One explosion followed by a fire was seen prior to bombing at G.391771. There was moderate, mostly inaccurate, heavy ack-ack over target, about 50 bursts being observed. Six aircraft received a total of eleven holes. All aircraft landed by 12.32 hours.
Sortie Report No. 921.