Four representatives of the squadron, an Officer and three other ranks, proceeded to ALEXANDRIA today to attend a luncheon given in honour of Mrs. Smuts at the Springbok club. Emphasising the true spirit of democracy, at the table of honour occupied by “Ouma" were seated a Brigadier some Colonels and Majors interspersed with a large number of privates and air mechanics of various units attending the luncheon. Mrs. Smuts made an impressive and heartening speech to these lower galleries present.
A party of officers of this squadron proceeded to 252 Wing “Filter Room” at ALEXANDRIA, where the movements of enemy aircraft are plotted and countered. Our pilots were shown the reasons for having to fly in "corridors” and how necessary it was to observe the rules laid down for the routing of aircraft from one area to another in Egypt.
As expected there was no operational flying today."Oprep” No. 295
The two Officers who proceeded to Capt. BUDD’s crash returned late this evening with the news that they met a french farmer who saw the whole drama. Apparently the aircraft exploded on crash, one parachute was seen to open. The farmer also stated that the Germans removed a pay book from one of the bodies and left and that the funeral was conducted by a British Padre. A.H.Q. W.D. was requested to try and contact this Padre with a view to obtain further particulars.
The Squadron carried out two sorties to-day and Gun positions were successfully attacked near ATINA. There was very heavy ack-ack on both raids. Sortie Reports Nos. 669 & 670.