Air Vice Marshall Park made his brief tour of inspection of this squadron this morning.
Informed of the news that Major Coppen had received on his recent visit to KASFAREET, the A.O.C. told Lt. Col. Irvine that he would give the matter of the allotment of 6 Operational aircraft to this squadron his attention and that he would make the fullest enquiries regarding the cancellation of the order allotting the to the squadron.
He also promised that efforts would be made to speed the servicing of aircraft 757 at KASFAREET so that this would be available for flying practice in the squadron.
Air Vice Marshall Parks expressed his satisfaction at the experimental work being carried out in the construction of a movable rear turret and also displayed much interest in the night flying equipment which had been made up In the squadron.
He asked for a description and diagram of the latter to be submitted to Air Headquarters, Egypt. Lt. Col. Irvine informed him that this night flying equipment – which comprised an electrical flare path on a mobile unit to facilitate its laying out – was still being improved upon and when final experiments had been completed the diagrams asked for would be forwarded.
The A.O.C. then made several suggestions regarding the manner in which flying crews and other personnel could be kept interested pending the arrival of aircraft, such as visits to troops in the forward areas, trips on supply ships to Tobruk etc. Lt. Col. Irvine agreed with the suggestions put forward but said it was most desirable that whatever diversions might be afforded aircrews, that they be kept fully aware of the position regarding receipt of possible receipt of aircraft by their unit. The A.O.C. said he fully appreciated the position and would do whatever was possible in the matter. He then left on his return to Air Headquarters.
Our squadron "Fire Brigade" were quickly off the mark this afternoon when a Baltimore aircraft Belonging to No. 55 Squadron crash-landed on our landing ground. Our O.C. had observed the aircraft to be flying with what seemed to be a flat tyre and the fire-crew were therefore ordered to stand-by for any assistance they might be able to lend.
An incipient blaze in the crashed aircraft was quickly doused by the joint efforts of the fire wagons and crews of both squadrons. No one injured, but with the "passing" of this particular aircraft a sad thought strikes us. One aircraft off 55 Squadron's strength means one more aircraft for this squadron to wait for!
“Oprep” No. 301.
Further formation flying practice carried out.
The aircrews had to be reduced according to Establishment which provides for 23 crews, consequently we are well over Establishment, and a R.T.U. list was prepared.
A similar target was bombed as on the previous day.
Sortie Report No. 680.
Capt. STRUWIG, pilot, Lieut. van TROTSENBURG, observer, W.O.1. CRAFFORD & W.O.1. OLDFIELD, WT/AGs. reported for duty.