(The following is a precis of the events normally recordable in War Diary, which, owing to the "plastic" state of the Squadron in the early days of its formation and to the lack of clerical personnel during the first weeks, could not he kept daily. This was explained by the Adjutant to Capt. Legge on the occasion of his visit to E.A. during July)
No. 21 Squadron formed as a Medium Bomber Squadron w.e.f. this day, the Establishment to conform to table approved by D.G.A.F. dated 7/5/41. (Auth. D.G.A.F. 24/14/7/32 d.d. 7/5/41)
E.A. : East Africa
w.e.f: with effect from
D.G.A.F. : Director General Air Force
One of the three Boston Aircraft of No. 12 Squadron, while carrying out night flying in the early hours of the morning made a crash landing – a complete "write-off”. The crew were uninjured.
F/Sgt. Roy Karlin, our popular and hardworking R.S.M. returned to the Union for compassionate leave today. In the course of a brief farewell in the Sergeants Mess the O. C. said “I have known some S/Majors who were real b------s but did their work well and I have known others, very decent fellows who have made very poor S/Majors. Roy Karlin seems to have struck the happy medium”. Yes, the squadron is indeed poorer for the departure of this N.C.O. who has been the mainstay of activities in and out of the squadron. We wish him the best of good luck down South.
The target for today was dispersed aircraft on PANTELLERIA Landing ground. Major BARNBY led the formation and the bombs fell in sticks from the underground buildings towards N.23 (Ref: Target Maps P/7 and P/8)., from the Southern underground hangar along the Eastern edge of the L.G. and from pp. 8 towards Northern boundary of the L.G. Bursts were seen among 12 S.E. and 3/engined aircraft parked in front of the underground, entrances.
A.A. was fairly intense but too late. Two of our aircraft, were holed by enemy fighters. The aircraft piloted by Lt. DEMMER flew back on one engine and crashed in landing at MONASTIR.
Both his gunners F/Sgt van COLLER and KOFF were wounded by fire from the enemy fighters. One enemy fighter was destroyed by the formation and two damaged. "Oprep”No.289 Sortie Report & Crew List.
The two above gunners were admitted to 3L M.R.S. and later evacuated to Tripoli Hospital.