Lt. Col. Irvine, accompanied by the S.A.O.A., Col. Hingeston and Major McBlaine, arrived in camp to-day and assumed duties of Officer Commanding this squadron. He was introduced to the senior officers of the squadron by Major O'Brien. Col. Hingeston and Maj. McBlaine, left after a short stay in camp.
Wing advises that our movement forward will probably come off sooner than was expected – it was anticipated that this would take place about the 15th March, 1943. The Squadron is fully mobile and is ready to move at very short notice. Advantage was taken of the fine weather to concentrate on training.
Army time was put back an hour at midnight last night.
No. 98023 Lieut. UNDERWOOD (Cyphers) temporarily detached to 24 Squadron. Old-timers amongst the ground crews were cheered by the arrival of thirteen other rank replacements (and four reinforcements) from S.A.A.F. Depot, thirteen other ranks were consequently posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for R.T.U.but there will probably be some delay in sending them back as the distance to be travelled makes transport arrangements exceedingly difficult.
No operational or communication flying: Oprep No. 206
Routine Order No. 13/43
15 aircraft on night operations. Very little ack-ack encountered and one pilot had an enemy night fighter on his tail. After the rear-gunner and the fighter had exchanged a few shots, successful evasive action was taken. All our aircraft returned safely.
Oprep No. 207, Sortie Report and Crew List
Although the weather was good no operations were carried out by the Squadron.
Eleven Marauders, led by Comm. DIEU, attacked the PORTELONGO Sugar Refinery at G.455301. An area cover of eight Spitfires was provided. Ten of the aircraft straddled target with 90% plus bombs, causing a large explosion in S.W. corner, followed by billowing black smoke and flames. One aircraft had a premature release, stick falling short or target in open country. No enemy opposition encountered. Pamphlets and window dropped as briefed.
Sortie Report No. 942.
Two Marauders set out from JESI Landing Ground on an Anti-Flak mission against Heavy ack-ack Gun Positions defending TAGLIMENTO River crossings at CASARSA DELLA DELIZIA. The two aircraft of this squadron flew with two of 30 Squadron in a box with 30 Squadron's Raid Formation, bombing less than a minute ahead of the formation. The first aircraft had on undershoot, bombing from C.146082 to C.1433087, but scored hits on Rail Diversion and adjacent bridge. Stick from second aircraft fell from C.134110 to C.135115, in slight lateral error to right. Two clusters of six bombs hung-up and were jettisoned in sea. Slight, inaccurate heavy ack-ack encountered over the target. Decrease in flak after bombing and no light ack-ack seen when P.47' s went in after last flak ship bombed. Window and pamphlets dropped.
Sortie Report No. 943.