Yesterday "Pop" Lownds, our Intelligence Officer, moved into his new home, an E.P.I.P. tent secured at long last (Tentage up to this stage of the month had been something of a problem but fine work by the "Q" Staff saw virtually everyone comfortably installed by this time).
This morning, as we trooped down for the customary parade, the tent, in all its white newness, had disappeared from sight, slashed ropes alone providing evidence of the work of some thieving Gyppo. The problem of locating the culprit was however too much for our Intelligence and the aid of the local Service Investigation Branch was solicited.
A smiling South African Sergeant in the Military Police made his appearance, and with the aid of a tracker, a search was instituted. Results were speedily forthcoming. That afternoon the smiling sergeant returned with the culprits complete with tent and all. The tent identified as our property, the two surly looking Arab thieves were hauled off to receive their just reward at the hands of the frontier administration authorities – and "Pop" was re-installed in his office!
Squadron Strength and Casualty Return
Wing advised having received a limited supply of tentage by the convoy which arrived yesterday and that these are to be shared by the four units. The Squadron's share was six E.P.I.P. and 3 – 180lb. Desert tents - all very welcome in view of the considerable damage suffered by the Squadron's tentage in the recent gales.
Ten of our aircraft engaged on night operations all returning safely. Oprep No. 208, Sortie Report and Crew List
It started to rain early in the morning and all operations for the day were cancelled. Authority was received for the R.T.U. of Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges and A/Sgt. Earp-Jones.
Eleven Marauders, led by Lt.Col. ORD, DFC., set out to bomb the railroad bridge at PORDENONE. The object of the raid was to prevent the enemy working on the bridge to repair damage done by the fighter bombers. The formation made rendezvous with a close escort of 6 Spits at PORTO CORSINI. First Box's bombs undershot with 5 - 600 yards right error. Second Box straddled target area with one marker bomb bursting about 100 yards south of the bridge. Stick was 200 yards long. One marker bomb in stick from third box fell about 300 yards beyond the bridge, but stick straddled western approaches. All bombs of one aircraft jettisoned in the sea 15 to 20 miles East of VENICE. Window and pamphlets supplied by P.W.S. were dispensed in vicinity of target. Two bursts, inaccurate heavy ack-ack from GRADO.
Sortie Report No. 944.