Humour is an effective antidote to boredom – and in the absence of genuine work in the squadron at present diversions such as the one provided in our orderly room this morning are welcomed. The diversion in question was a "mock trial" only the "accused" – one A/Sgt. "Jay-jay" Carruthers - was not advised of the true position, and was marched into the orderly room under a heavy "guard" to appear before the Adjutant.
Previous collaboration between the Disciplinary and the Adjutant had resulted in a lengthy list of entirely spurious charges being drawn up, at the reading of which the "prisoner" visibly wilted. Asked whether he had anything to say in his defence, "Jay-jay" requested the aid of a legal adviser. Lieut. Newman was sent for and this officer began haranguing the court in approved style, concluding his address by asking for the discharge of the "accused"on the grounds of insanity!
Then, and only then, did the subject of the hoax realise that there was a joke afoot, and his discomfiture was added to when Major O'Brien, amidst roars of laughter from the court, suggested that the prisoner be held for further observation by 5 S.A. General! The court dismissed and the erstwhile prisoner was congratulated by the large crowd "in the know"who gathered about the orderly room for the occasion.
No flying today. Oprep. No. 214.
No news as yet of the convoy or of the move of the Aircraft.
Information was received that Lieut. Longmore’s crew was safe, also F/Sgt. Robbertse, the W.T./A.G. of the aircraft piloted by Lt. Richards. The other three members of its crew – Lieut. Richards, Lieut. Cockburn and A/Sgt McCrindle are still missing. Lieut. Kendal baled out over bridgehead and is safe in our lines.
Twelve of our aircraft took off at 09.37 hours to bomb Gun areas centre p.p. F905378. They set course with an escort of 6 Spitfires for the mouth of the VOLTURNO RIVER and along the coast to ANZIO and target. 10/10 cloud was encountered most of the way, with 5 to 6/10 cloud in the target area. Visibility otherwise good. They bombed in two boxes, the second box slightly to the right of the first box. One explosion (no fire) and one direct hit observed on railway line. Heavy, moderate Ack Ack from target area, inaccurate. No movements observed. The formation flew back along the coast to the VOLTURNO and direct home. All aircraft landed back by 12.17 hours. Sortie Report No. 573.
In the afternoon a formation again took off to attack the Gun area at p.p. F(905378). Due to 9 – 10/10 cloud over whole area it was impossible to identify target and after cruising around looking for an opening the formation bombed through a gap in the clouds; the results were not observed. One aircraft had a complete hang-up and returned with its bombs. The formation encountered intense and Heavy Ack Ack fire coming through the clouds, eight of the twelve being hit. One aircraft which had a tyre punctured, swung on landing and blocked the runway, resulting in three aircraft landing at CANNE L.G.
Sortie Report No. 574.
Capt. Barrowman paid the Squadron an official visit.
Squadron Routine Order No. 19/44