More tents arrived to-day and were immediately set up, providing, at a pinch, accommodation for practically the entire squadron. The camp now being set up, it was agreed that all the squadron, except a handful who would remain to look after the camp, could now proceed on leave and the day passed with everyone packing up "ready to go”.
Heavy ground mist this morning and intermittent showers during the day which has been bleak and cold. Instructions received from Wing that our "B" Party, now at SOLUCH, is to move here forthwith. The Squadron as a whole will then move up to BIR DUFAN as soon as the Fighters vacate the landing ground there.
On the arrival of ‘‘B” Party the entire Squadron will be on one landing ground for the first time since 28 Nov. 42, when "A" Party left L.G. 98. Since then camps have been maintained at L.G. 98, TMIMI, SOLUCH and here with small detachments on forward control for topping-up aircraft and on the salvaging of Ju. 52's at TOBRUK and BENINA.
Three main camps have been maintained with the Squadron spread over more than 1,000 miles of desert. The Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. C. S. COPPEN flew to SOLUCH in connection with various matters relating to the pending movement of “B” Party. On his return Journey, he brought our Admin. Officer, Lieut. J. R. MILLAR, with him. Advised by Wing that from BIR DUFAN, our next move Westwards will be to CASTEL BENITO which will be our B.L.G. when "A" Party moves forward to take part in the next battle.
In an early raid this morning POPOLI was again the target. Each Vic bombed independently, bombs falling on the road, buildings and railway line in the target area.
Sortie Report No. 534.