To-day brought another wind – colder than the customary one – but still sending dust swirling through the camp. Navigating their way with considerable difficulty Lt. Col Borckenhagen and Capt. Poland dropped in at the Office Van this afternoon for a friendly chat. Arrangements were made to assist 15 Squadron in getting their Administrative requirements in the Middle East – experience has shown this squadron that these are many and varied – tabulated and available in ready form and a clerk was detailed from 15 Squadron to come and collect "all the dope!” on the numerous returns, signals etc. regarded as essential in pursuing our war effort in the Middle East to a Happy and Successful conclusion.
Ten aircraft on readiness for operations tonight. Pilots were given an opportunity to fly during the day. Oprep No. 203
1900
A very fine ground-mist came up from the East and tonight's operations are cancelled. The. target was to have been the landing ground at GABES West.
Routine Order No. 11/43
The advance party carried on establishing the various sections in readiness for operations as soon as the aircraft arrived. Instructions were received that the aircraft and rear party were to move the following day and everything was brought in readiness.
Eleven Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., with two Marauders (one of 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F.) attacked heavy flak positions consisting of two six gun sites at G.261132 and 261138. Area cover was provided by 12 Spits. Bombs from first box fell with lateral error to the left from G.253120 - 251124, scoring a direct hit on road at G.253120. 2nd box bombed with right lateral error from G.257120 - 256125. Direct hits on buildings at G.256125. 3rd box bombed from G.254125 - 252127 - bombs falling along either side of the road with one direct hit on road at G.252125. One aircraft returned early with engine trouble and brought all bombs back. Another brought back half a bomb load which hung-up. Window and pamphlets were dropped before and after target. Slight, fairly accurate heavy ack-ack over target area holed two aircraft slightly.
First Anti Flak aircraft straddled Gun Position from which most concentrated fire had come at G.261136, causing complete cessation of fire. 2nd Aircraft had left error of about 100 yards. This was the first Anti Flak operation by this Squadron.
Sortie Report No. 937.
On the second raid of the day nine Marauders, led by Comm. DIEU, in three Vics set out to bomb rolling stock in the Monsanta Marshalling Yards of GORIZIA, making rendezvous with a close escort of 6 Spits. at PORTO CORSINI. Patterns of all boxes resulted in a right error, sticks falling across narrow southern entrance to Marshalling Yards, with some direct hits on tracks leading to main sidings and sheds. 12 packets of pamphlets were dropped in target area. No enemy opposition encountered.
Sorite Report No. 938.