A third lecture was given by the Information Officer to the squadron to-day, the subject being "China". The lecture which was again well attended proved most interesting.
The O. C. left for Cairo on official duty this morning.
Capt. ORD, Lt. HODGES and crew posted to the Squadron today from O.T.U. the Commanding Officer led 18 machines on a raid on strong-positions and tanks at a point TZ 5192 East Of ZARAT Village. The A.A. barrage was heavy but inaccurate. Bombs fell amongst a few dispersed M.T. and guns one fire was started.
Tonight we start on night shows again in support of the New Zealanders,South of EL HUANA who start their second push tomorrow morning. Oprep. 237, SortieReport and Crew Lists dated 24th March.
Thirteen Baltimores (one returned after 15 minutes owing to engine trouble) took off at 12.00 hours to bomb SULMONA. Attack took place at 11,500 feet and boxes bombed independently. All the bombs were dropped and a direct hit was observed on a road. Four Spitfires gave area cover and there was no enemy opposition. All aircraft landed back at base by 13.42 hours. Sortie Report No. 602.
Thirteen Baltimores again took off at 15.40 hours to attack SULMONA Marshalling Yards. One aircraft returned after 20 minutes with engine trouble after jettisoning bombs in the sea off TERMOLI. No. 2 box bombed slightly ahead of No. 1, both straddling the N.W. half of the target, with numerous hits on the Marshalling Yards, railway and road beyond. No enemy opposition and Spitfires provided area cover. All aircraft landed by 17.20 hours. Sortie Report No. 603.
The following replacements arrived:- Sgt. Crouse to replace the parachute packer Sgt. Fergusson and A/M Davies D. to replace A/M Jordaan.