Major Pretorius appointed O.C.
The nucleus of the Squadron was to consist of approximately ten officers and sixty other ranks of No. 11 Squadron, which had just completed operations in Abyssinia and the personnel of which were already on their return journey to NAIROBI under the command of Capt. M.H. Fowler.
O.C. : Officer Commanding
Summer is with us! A real blisterer of a day with the temperature around 108 degrees in the shade. O.C. and adjutant return from CAIRO in afternoon. Received news that several R.A.F. crews are to be attached to us for training and conversion to Baltimores prior to proceeding to MALTA – an O.T.U. in prospect? “Sic transit gloria 21”
The high light of a somewhat uneventful day was when the Commanding Officer read out the names of all R.T.U. Officers in the Mess. No sooner had the cheering died down than the celebrations suitable and prolonged were commenced.The R.T.U. Air gunners were also so informed in the same way.
Two raids were carried out to-day in support of the Army. On the first operation intense, heavy ack-ack was encountered and one of our aircraft, piloted by Lieut. SWART, sustained a direct hit over the target. Three parachutes were seen to open, two possibly on fire. Lieut. SWART, pilot, Lieut. HURNDALL, observer, W.O.1. VOGEL, WT/AG, with the exception of the A.G. W.O.11. PEENA who had been with the Unit some time, were newcomers to the Squadron, this only being their second operation.
The second sortie was a very successful attack on two Bridges near SUBIACCO. Sortie Reports Nos. 682 & 683.