A stirring "shoot-up" announced the arrival of the first of the Baltimore Aircraft, for temporary "attachment" to this squadron, pending the arrival of operational aircraft. The machine, which was flown from 223 Squadron, SHANDUR, by Lieut. Mante attracted considerable attention and all ranks were soon examining the new type of aircraft inside and out. The new aircraft will be flown and tested by the squadron in the near future.
We were on stand-by all day but did not get a target until late this afternoon. We sent off 12 Baltimores accompanied by six Bostons to bomb aircraft on SFAX el Maou L.G. Unfortunately once more clouds interfered with the bombing and the formation bombed on E.T.A. having got a good point on the coast before meeting the cloud. It was estimated that the bombs fell from the SW to NW corner of the L.G.Oprep 246, Sortie Report and Crew List
The day was marked with good weather and it appeared as if Spring was setting in at long last. This was very welcome as the severe winter had taken some of the pep out of the South Africans who were accustomed to far milder winters.
Twelve Baltimores from 21 Squadron led 233 and 55 Squadron to attack and Ammo. Dump near SORA. 2/Lt. Lecocq, a Belgian pilot, was last to take off. He failed to correct a swing on take off and the aircraft crashed near the runway and shortly afterwards burst into flames. Pilot, Observer and W/Op managed to escape without serious injury but the A.G. (F/Sgt. G.C. Johnson) was trapped and all attempts to save him failed. The remains of the body were later gathered to be buried. The 12th aircraft did not take off and the remaining ten were instructed to proceed with the raid, 223 and 55 Squadron not participating. Weather conditions deteriorated westwards and target area was found to be totally obscured by several layers of cloud. After cruising around looking for gaps formation returned to base with all bombs. There was a close escort of Spitfires from base and no enemy opposition was encountered. All aircraft down by 17.37 hour. Sortie Report No. 612.