The possibility of the Germans resorting to the use of gas warfare is not being overlooked by the squadron and to-day schedules of requirements for bringing Anti-gas equipment in the squadron up to full strength were drawn up.
The main difficulty in the past experience of this unit as regards Gas Equipment has been the question of transport of surplus stocks of equipment which are required. A minute in this regard has been submitted to Air Headquarters, Egypt for consideration.
If and when Jerry resorts to Gas Warfare, this unit will be able to play its part in retaliatory measures if necessary as the majority of our Fitter Armourers are at present completing a comprehensive course in the offensive use of gas at HELWAN.
No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 229.
We were all lined up ready to go off on a show when it was cancelled owing to bad weather. The Squadron played soccer against 8 C.C.S. this afternoon and beat them 7-0. A big mail came up this afternoon which cheered up everyone.
At about six this evening Col. MARTIN came over in a hurry to tell us to disperse all the aircraft as much as possible as there was a distinct possibility that we will be bombed this evening. Accordingly the aircraft were scattered over the aerodrome as well as the dispersal.
The target this morning was an Ammo. dump at the Eastern edge of ROME. The leading aircraft opened bomb doors too late resulting in an overshoot and to the right of the target. The No. 2 box also overshot. Hits among buildings otherwise no results observed. Slight Heavy Ack Ack from S.W. of target area. All aircraft landed back at 11.50 hours. Sortie Report No. 594.
On the second raid of the day twelve Baltimores took off to bomb a M.T. Petrol Dump on the outskirts of ROME. After two dummy runs while searching for a gap through 9/10 cloud the formation attacked in two boxes from 14,000 feet. Results generally not observed due to cloud. No enemy opposition was encountered. All aircraft landed back at base by 16.30 hours. Sortie Report No. 595.
Lieut. Ferguson went to FOGGIA to take a summary of evidence taken in connection with a charge against A/M Oliver of masquerading as an Officer.