The O.C., Lt. Col. Pretorius, after a flying visit to CAIRO today brought back with him flight Commander Maj. "Chick" Thackwray who was recovering from a recent appendix operation. The O.C. also brought the news that he, too, had been diagnosed as suffering from appendix trouble and would require an early operation.
It had been agreed therefore that he return to the Union immediately, without awaiting the arrival of the new Officer Commanding, as had been previously intended. Maj. Thackwray who will be unable to fly in active operations for some considerable period, is also to return to the Union and so, in one fell swoop, we lose both O.C. and his deputy.
Gale over but cold weather continues. Major BARNBY endeavoured to take-off with the Commanding Officers of Nos. 12 and 24 Squadrons to attend an A.O.C's conference at CASTEL BENITO.
Soft patches on the landing ground caused the aircraft to bog down twice within a 100 yards and the attempt was abandoned.
14.00
The Met. report is that more wind is to be expected.
In view of pending night operations as soon as the moon permits, Wing instructs that 9,000 gallons of fuel be fetched from MISURATA. It is more than likely that these operations will be considerably delayed by the weather.
One other rank posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot – reinforcement. No.103449 Lieut. H. A. PUTTOCK posted non-effective to S.A.A.F. Depot.
No flying: Oprep No. 197
The weather improved remarkably and an early Op. was carried out. The target was COLLEFERRO Railway Station. A stick of bombs fell across the N.W. portion of the main railway and numerous direct hits were scored on a large building near the station, WEST of the main road. One aircraft returned 20 minutes after take off with engine trouble. The reserve aircraft was dispatched to replace this, but was unable to contact the formation and returned after 50 minutes. Both boxes bombed independently on their respective leaders. No enemy opposition
was encountered and all aircraft returned safely by 12.38 hours.
Sortie Report No. 552.
A second raid was carried out in the afternoon. This time the target was a supply dump at pinpoint G.084570 M.R. ITALY 1:100,000, Sheet 150 ROMA. Both boxes bombed independently on respective box leaders. The leading box made a dummy run, but the second box bombed on the first run up. The target was well covered with bombs and three or four fires were started, one with pink smoke, and a direct hit was scored on a road. All aircraft returned to base by 16.40 hours. Sortie Report No. 533.