Over the breakfast table in the Officers’ Mess at 4 S.A. General Hospital this morning, the Adjutant, Major. O’Brien, heard of the outstanding work that had been done by this hospital and also of the tributes paid to one of our Air Gunners who had been wounded and removed to this hospital. Where he had been an inmate for some considerable time. This Air Gunner F/Sgt Rosen, though badly wounded in both legs, at times running an exceedingly high temperature and in danger of losing his life, showed exceptional courage and fortitude. Accommodated in a ward which housed patients on the dangerously ill list, by his cheerful disposition, ready humour and undeniable courage, F/Sgt Rosen, we were informed, buoyed up the spirits of all the inmates of this ward, contributing in no small measure to their recovery. F/Sgt Rosen has since been transferred to the Union by hospital ship and though at one time his life was despaired of, his chances of a complete recovery are now excellent. "He was a real hero” said one of the doctors.
The Concert party returned to camp this morning, with the patients and nurses waving them farewell from the Hospital Grounds.
Major JANDRELL led a formation of 18 Baltimores to attack the Railhead at K.7452 (Ref. Map 1:500,000 Sheet N.J.32 S.E.Tunis).
The weather was perfect and the target was all that could be desired. Bombs burst across the marshalling yards, where there were approximately 20 trucks, direct hits were scored on the railway line and near misses on station buildings. No A.A. over target. Slight inaccurate LAA from KORBA and HAMMAMET after bombing.
“Oprep” No. 286, Sortie Report and Crew List.
All our aircraft were flown over to EL DJEM North landing Ground, as it is anticipated that there will be full-out operations tomorrow and that the main aerodrome will be crowded with aircraft.
An Ammo. Dump at ORTE was attacked twice to-day and on the second raid a medium explosion with black smoke was observed. No enemy opposition was encountered on either raid.
Sortie Reports Nos. 658 & 659.