Another farewell ceremony this morning when Capt."Buck" Sheedy our hardworking Engineer Officer said goodbye to the troops before leaving for CAIRO on the first stage of his journey back to the Union. Memories come crowding back when-ever we think of you "Buck". We recall those early morning raids when you could be seen dashing about at the crack of dawn in your little"buggy" from ‘plane to ‘plane giving a last minute check-over that “all was set for the show”, how anxiously you used to count your "chickens" when they returned from a raid, and how, by your personal attention to detail, you achieved such outstanding co-operation and good workmanship from the willing workers you controlled. We laugh when we think of the funny incidents that marked your career with this squadron the night, with the shrapnel falling about us at Bu Amud you pulled an empty box over your head as protection when you couldn’t "make" the shelter in time!
But we recall more readily, and with the greatest admiration, your drive and genuine ability in keeping so many aircraft available for operations – stout work, "Buck"! And so we take leave, one by one, of the “foundation" members of the squadron.
Maj. "Chick” Thackwray – boy in years, man in outlook and ability - too has gone South and a subtle change comes upon the squadron. The same familiar faces are growing less and less as time progresses and all the hardy warriors go back for their hard-earned and well-won rest.
Postings out: One other rank to No. 15 Squadron, w.e.f. 12 Feb. 43; three other ranks and one Cape Corps detail for R.T.U. on compassionate grounds w.e.f. 8 Feb. 43.
Routine Order No. 12/43
On instructions from Wing, a treatise on Baltimore Training (or “How the Balt, was tamed for Night-flying”) has been prepared by the Commanding Officer and Flight Commanders.
No flying: Oprep No. 204
It is understood that Jerry has done something about radio location and trials are to be carried out on methods of bombing attack to frustrate the evident success of his efforts. These trials are to be carried out with fighter escort and for this purpose Kittyhawks of No. 7 (S.A.) Wing arrived at the SERTAN landing grounds early in the afternoon.
Before take-off for the trials, however, the fighters were recalled as their Squadrons are to wove up nearer the front tomorrow. The trials have consequently been postponed.
Instructions received from Adv. A. H. Q., W.D., that the I.E. strength of light bomber Squadrons is reduced to 16 aircraft and the I.R. strength to four.
The final order for the move of the rear party was received. After the aircrews were briefed everyone commenced packing as the ground staff were to leave as soon as the aircraft had departed. The aircraft took off at approximately 13.00 hours and the ground staff left at 14.00 hours. All arrived safely at the new camp. Owing to a shortage of transport some ground crews remained until the following day.
Ten Marauders, led by Lt. Col. D. ORD, D.F.C., attacked the Sugar Refinery at TERMIDE; area cover was provided by twelve Spits. Bombs from the first Box fell with a lateral error to the right, scoring a direct hit on road, and several direct hits on buildings in Eastern portion of village. Bombs from 2nd Box fell in two sticks having slight lateral errors - one to the left edge and the other to the right edge of the target.
Direct hits scored on buildings close to the target. Third Box brought all bombs back, Leader’s bombs having hung up. One 250 lbs. hang-up in 1st Box was jettisoned in the sea. No enemy opposition. Visibility poor in thick haze. 16 Packets of pamphlets and 7 packed of window dispensed.
Sortie Report Mo. 939.
On the 2nd raid, eight Marauders led by Comm. DIEU, briefed to attack the MERVESA Rail Diversion, but after crews were already in dispersal bays the target was changed to MONSELICE Marshalling Yards. From RAVENNA northwards 10/10 cloud at 13,000 feet was encountered, and formation proceeded to CERVIA and contacted "Mattock" with a view to Carrying out a Radar Raid. After two courses to steer had been given, formation lost contact and returned on reciprocal to vicinity of CERVIA. Another attempt was then made but the effort again proved abortive due to bad communication. All pilots of formation reported poor reception. Further attempts were abandoned due to the possibility of failing light at base. Formation Jettisoned all bombs in sea about 15 miles N.E. of CERVIA and returned to base. Slight, fairly accurate heavy ack-ack encountered above cloud between FERRARA and Lake COMACCHIO and three aircraft were holed (cat. 1 ).
Sortie Report No. 940.