The O.C. and Adjutant proceeded to CAIRO to-day to institute enquiries regarding personnel and planes at Headquarters S.A.A.F. The latest information received indicates that it will be almost six months before the squadron can expect to go into operations by which time practically the entire original ground personnel will be eligible for return to the Union.
The C.O. went to a conference with the A.O.C. WD. this morning accompanied by the other C.O.'s of the Wing. He returned in a hurry to get the Squadron off on our first show from this L.G.
We sent 18 Aircraft to bomb a spot South of MARETH. The show quite a success. Oprep 224. Sortie Report. Crew List. Seven aircraft were holed. Some of them had quite a few. The C.O.’s looked like a sieve. Captain CORMACK had a hole through his air oil cooler and had to come back on one engine. He made a very good landing. The only casualty of the show was Lt. v. d. MEULEN, who had an A/A splinter in his toe. He will be in the Sqn. sick bay for about three days.
The day was marked by very good weather enabling two operations to be carried out. On the first raid twelve Baltimores took off to attack a Tank Repair Shop near TIVOLI, in conjunction with 223 Squadron (21 Squadron leading). The formation undershot slightly and the pattern of bombs commenced about 400 yards short and extended into the S.W. corner of the target, where a large explosion was observed with white smoke in the centre. A direct his is claimed on a building about 400 yards S.E. of target. No enemy opposition in the target area, but four bursts of heavy, accurate Ack Ack shortly after crossing bomb line holed one of the aircraft. 8 Spitfires provided cover. All aircraft returned to base by 11.15 hours.
Capt. Carter, Lieuts. Frost, White, Carter and W.O.II. Crawhall left for BARI on R.T.U. as tour expired. Lieut. Rabinowitz was posted to CAIRO on Medical Grounds. Capt. Robinson of the War Diary Department paid the Squadron a visit.
On the second raid of the day twelve of our aircraft took off at 13.45 hours to bomb the station and marshalling yards at FABRIANO. The target was straddled by the whole formation with numerous direct hits on the marshalling yards and station, and on two locomotives. Large pall of yellow-brown smoke, followed by fire, WEST of target was observed. Four Spitfires, provided area cover, and no enemy opposition encountered in target area but moderate Light Ack Ack from PONTO S. GIORGIO on return. All aircraft returned to base by 15.45 hours. Sortie Report No. 587.
Squadron Routine Order No. 22/44