The early hours of this morning saw the conclusion of a rather successful "farewell party" to a popular figure in the squadron, Lieut. L.E.O. Lownds our Intelligence Officer. He was leaving to-day for CAIRO to proceed to the Union and to mark the occasion his famed "briefing–bell" which, with its penetrating clang used to summon the warriors of 21 to the Briefing Tent in great haste in days of yore, was tolled all over the camp after being removed from its customary stand. The action of the unknown bell-ringers, if appropriate, was not as popular as it might have been – due entirely to the fact that the idea occurred to them at 3.a.m. !!
We were visited by two War Correspondents, to-day - Mr. E. Williams (S.A. Press Association) and Mr. R. Keartland (Official Press Photographer). Having no aircraft and having been out of operations for some little while we had no "copy" for them, while the two war correspondents, having returned recently from the forward areas, had a lot of interest to tell us and found themselves being “interviewed" in the Adjutants'Office.
No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 230.
R.O. 18/43. Nothing happened last night, and all the pilots were up betime to get the aircraft off the aerodrome before flying commenced. Nothing of importance today. All aircraft were dispersed again tonight. This will continue until further notice.
Eleven Baltimores took off at 08.52 hours followed by a formation from 223 Squadron to bomb VALENTONE town. One aircraft had returned early due to engine trouble after jettisoning bombs. Bomb pattern started in S.E. portion of town and running across railway line and road; two columns of smoke or dust being observed from edge of town. Direct hit in Northern end of town, bombs across road and railway, with direct hits on both. One isolated building set on fire. No enemy opposition encountered. All aircraft landed back by 10.50 hours. Sortie Report No. 596.
Eleven Baltimores, led by 223 Squadron, took off to attack the Marshalling Yards and station at FABRIANO. One aircraft returned after 25 minutes due to generator trouble. Due presumably to an incorrect forecast a line error resulted, and bombs fell in a close pattern from S117177 to S119185. No enemy position. On return one aircraft burst a tyre, blocking runway and five aircraft were diverted to CANNE L.G., where all landed by 16.40 hours, returning to base later. Sortie Report No. 597.
Squadron Routine Order No. 23/44
A personal message of congratulation was received from the Officer Commanding, No. 3 (S.A.) Wing for the excellent bombing done by the Squadron during the first raid.
After long and patient waiting the promotion list came through at last for a number of Other Ranks.