It is indeed an eye opener to appreciate the reaction of the "boys" to the news of the push. All grumbling has been forgotten for the nonce and every one of them is as sore as a boil that they are not in the thick of things – that’s the spirit that is finally going to break the Nazis and their gigantic war machine. The dust has now completely veered round from this morning to the late afternoon – so that between files in the morning and dust storms in the afternoon we are having a grand time!
The Commanding Officer and the Adjutant flew with the O.C.,12 Squadron to SOLIMAN to select a camp site as it is anticipated that the Squadron will move to this area in the near future.
Squadron Routine Order No. 37/43 dated 29.5.43
Three raids to-day, all on gun positions. On the first operation the aircraft piloted by Major J.P. de VILLIERS burst into flames over the target immediately after bombing, the aircraft breaking up in the air, and no parachutes were observed. Major de VILLIERS recently joined the Squadron, this being his first raid of a second tour. The other crew members were 2/Lt. van DYK, observer, W.O.1. SAVAGE, WT/AG, and W.O.11 FLOQUET, A.G.
Sortie Reports Nos. 694, 695 & 696.