The mail from Air Headquarters Egypt, to-day brought us the latest revised list of the re-arming programme for Baltimores.
This squadron was placed sixth and last on the list and as this means some eighty operationally serviceable Baltimores will have to be delivered to other squadrons before delivery of our operational aircraft is effected we may still have some time to wait.
We did another two shows today. The first show of 17 Baltimores was led by Major JANDRELL to bomb retreating M.T. on the Road MAHARES–SFAX. The target was a poor one and the formation bombed about 12 M.T. in area U7220 to U7928. Most of the bursts were on the East side of the road and in a tight pattern as a result of a temporary hang-up of the leader's bombs. No results were observed. Oprep No. 257, Sortie Report & Crew List.
The Commanding Officer led the second formation of 15 Baltimores to attack M.T. at refuelling point U1417 alternately M.T. along the track N.E.to SFAX. No M.T., was seen at the refuelling point and the track running N.E.to Sfax was followed. Visibility was good and when no suitable target and no movement was seen in a wide area between U1417 & U5028, the leader decided to bomb a small concentration of approximately 12 M.T. at U5284. Bombs burst among some M.T. and along the road. Results were not observed.
Oprep No.258, Sortie Report and Crew Lift.
An accident this morning resulting in two of our aircraft being damaged. Lt. HOTCHKISS piloting Baltimore No.862 swung to the left due to loss of power of the port engine and collided with aircraft No.977, piloted by Lt. BLIEDEN who was stationary on the left edge of the aerodrome. Both aircraft had to be replaced.
Col. HINGESTON visited us and brought the good news that there is every possibility of the Squadron being sent overseas in the near future and that all ranks wishing to take the new oath must do so immediately. The Commanding Officer addressed a meeting of Senior N.C.O.'s and later of Officers in regard to this and a similar meeting in the Airmens' Mess was addressed by the Adjutant.
Casualty Return dated 8th April 1943.
The road and rail bridges over the VOMANO river were successfully attacked to-day . Moderate, heavy ack ack encountered over the target area, and two aircraft were holed.
Sortie Report No. 623
A signal was received appointing a number of gunners to commissioned rank. Squadron Routine Order No. 31/44.