Lt. Col. Irvine returned from Headquarters, Cairo, in one of the fiercest dust storms we had yet experienced. He brought cheering news however, as he came to fetch pilots and some artisan personnel in order to fly some Baltimore aircraft from PORT SUDAN which will be used for training and testing purposes in the squadron until our operational machines are available. The approximate date we may expect our operational aircraft is not yet known, but the indication is that we shall have to wait some time as there are a number of squadrons to be equipped with these aircraft before our unit.
The Assistant Director of Air Personnel, Major E Woodrow, visited the squadron for a quick"check-over" on the requirements of a medium bomber squadron for a "Working Establishment Table", Maj. Woodrow had completed a visit to other South African medium bomber squadrons in the field and was now completing a check of the minimum number of personnel required in the various sections to maintain, efficiently, a squadron in operations.A table was to be drawn up, reflecting the views of all the medium bomber squadrons (S.A.A.F.) in the field in this connection. A few other matters relating to personnel were discussed with Major. Woodrow before he returned to CAIRO.
The raid last night seemed to be a great success. We sent off 15 machines in two lots. The first 7 took off from 0104 hrs at 3 minute intervals and were back between 0300 and 0400 hrs They attacked the area TY 91 (Ref. MapTunisia 1:500,000 Gabes) in support of the New Zealand Division. Bombs dropped on either side of the road running N.E. to EL HUANA and in the wadis crossing the road. Two explosions and one fire resulted.
The next lot of 8 machines took off at 3 minute intervals from 0410 hrs onwards. The target was the same and the bombs fell in the target area. One stick dropping among artillery which was firing. The A.A. on both shows was not very effective. This morning we sent six Baltimores with twelve Bostons to bomb DJEBEL TEBAGA North L.G. The raid was a success, the bombs falling in amongst dispersed aircraft on the L.G. and in shelters. The A. A. was intense and fairly accurate over the target area. Very little damage.
After leaving the target area the formation was attacked by two M.E. 109’s. The one machine did not press home the attack, but the other came right in. The Baltimore box, which was the one attacked opened up with all guns that could be brought to bear and it was shot down in the sea. Sortie Reports 238 and 238A, Crew List for 238, 238A Opreps. 238, 238A
Oprep No. 239, Sortie Report, and Crew Lists,
No operations to-day owing to bad weather. Lieut. Edmayr (observer) reported for duty.