Notification received to-day of the commissioning of three of the squadron's original gunners: Dave Noakes, Tom Earnshaw and Don Phelan. "Ginger” Earnshaw, D.F.M., crowns a most successful career in the air as a W/T Air Gunner with his promotion to commissioned rank after almost eighteen months of active service in the Libyan and Abyssinian campaigns. Well merited, too is the promotion of Dave and Don. Both these lads have been through the most gruelling experiences on operational flights and apart from this are well qualified to fill the posts provided.
0700
Convoy pulled out, continuing along the main coastal road, through TAUORGA. MISURATA and ZLITEN, then turned down "O" Track and arrived at SERTAIN MAIN at 12.20, the last vehicle getting in at 14.45. Distance covered: 115 miles and the only trouble with M.T. being two punctures.
Lieut. P. G. LOCKER the Squadron M.T. Officer, is to be congratulated on his maintenance of the vehicles, particularly in view of the many difficulties in obtaining spares and M.T. equipment.
No flying: Oprep No. 191
The weather improved considerably and although there was a standby from early morning, the aircraft took off at 13.30 hours. The target was a town in ATINA, a town in ITALY. Ten tenths cloud was encountered WEST of CAMPOBASSO. The leader flew down to BENEVENTO, gaining height up to VENAFRO and on target. The bombs fell in medium stick EAST of the town and several direct were scored on the road. Heavy A.A., medium and accurate for height from target area. No enemy fighters were encountered. All aircraft returned to base by 15.06 hours.
Sortie Report No. 546.
The Adjutant went to inspect the new aerodrome and camp site at BIFERNO, where the Squadron was to move in the near future.
Six Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., following eight aircraft of 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F. attacked the Southern portion of the GORIZIA Marshalling Yards. Nine aircraft were briefed, but three were prevented from taking off due to a Liberator blocking the runway after an emergency landing. Rendezvous was made with an escort of ten Spitfires at BELLARIA. The first Vic straddled the Marshalling Yards with all bombs in the target area. Two sticks of 2nd Box in centre of yards; one aircraft undershot by approximately 100 yards. No enemy opposition encountered.
Sortie Report No. 932.