O.C. and 2 Flt. Cdrs. came to NAIROBI to fly these three aircraft back to Nakuru.
Every man in No.11 Squadron detachment was interviewed by the Adjutant with a view to settling any queries re pay etc. In this connection it must be recorded that there were several complaints from the which in most cases appeared to be justified.
Broadly the complaints were as follows:-
Owing to the mobile nature of the operations of No. 11 Sqn. in Abyssinia, it appears that recommendations for increments were in some cases overlooked – possibly because a man might have been on a detached duty, or sick, and thus escaped notice when the recommendations were compiled. Consequently they fell behind their contemporaries in the Union, who had received increments in the normal manner. Thus, when it became a question of promotion from 10/- to T/A/Cpl, many of those who had seen active service for a year were unable to be promoted as they were possibly still only earning 8/- or 9/- The dissatisfaction thus caused led to many requests for return to the Union in order that the men might once more complete for promotion.
A second cause for complaint, made by a good many men, was the fact that promises of promotion, or of an excessive increment, were made, probably all in good faith, but with a lack of knowledge of the promotion system, under which such promises never should have been made.
Thirdly, it must be recorded that the majority of personnel of No. 11 Squadron belonged to the Permanent Force, and their complain that, while they were on active service with a squadron, filling positions on Establishment to the detriment of quick promotion, their comrades in the Union were receiving rapid promotion and as a result of the enormous expansion of the S.A. Air Force, certainly appears to be a very genuine grievance. The result of these drawbacks is still being felt and statements are continually being received along these lines.
About this time A.H.Q., E.A., were asked to consider leave to the Union for a few of the individuals who had seen over one year’s active service, or alternatively to consider the exchange of equivalent duties with the Union. Both these requests, however, were refused, even when there were contributory causes such as family sickness or death. It is strongly submitted here that this state of affairs has had a deleterious effect on the Morale of the men.
The natural psychological reaction of a man towards recognition of his war service, of however short a duration, has not been overlooked in recording the above complaints, but the justification for such recording is intimately connected with the whole question of the formation of new squadrons in E. Africa which will be dealt with later.
The month of June opened in a cheerful note. The news from the desert is good – the news from Russia is reassuring and the R.A.F. are going in for bigger and better things over Germany. Winston Churchill spoke of "watching the home (Hun) fires Burning”, but after Saturdays “1000 bombers for the 1000th night of the war” we think that "Keep the Cologne fires burning” is just one of the last war songs brought up to date with a big bang!!
The squadron were thrilled and proud to hear that His Majesty the King had been graciously pleased to confer the Distinguished Flying Cross on Peter Long-Innes and the Distinguished Flying Medal on Don Phelan. Both of these gallant fellows have done their share in the gruelling campaign they went through. Peter is back in the Union but Don, now commissioned is still with us and the Squadron went gay this evening and at a traditional 21 party was held in the officiers' Mess. There our O.C. presented Don with the D.F.M. ribbon and a good time was had by all.
Medals do not make the man nor is a squadron to be judged by its decorations alone, but nevertheless, it is a subject of pride to feel that the powers that be recognise the all round good work that the squadron has done by conferring honours on its personnel.
Comm. Flying only. “Oprep” No. 304
At first light the convoy was a stir and after breakfast all personnel were ready to more from EL DJEM. The convoy left at 0700 hours and arrived at 1330 hrs. Our aircraft took off from 0800 hours and started arriving at 0915 hrs and all had landed safely by 0945 hrs.
Capt. CORMACK appointed Flight Commander vice Major BARNBY DFC.(RTU), and promoted to A/Major. By night fall the camp was established and all personnel happily settled down.
Two raids were carried out and a railway bridge south of CAGLI and entrenched positions were successfully attacked.
Heavy, intense ack-ack was encountered on the second raid and one aircraft ) Crew : Lt. MACKAY, pilot; Lt. EDMAYR, observer; W.O.1. FERREIRA, WT/AG; W.O.1. Nielsen, A.G.) was forced to crash land near FONDI. Lt. EDMAYR was seriously injured and Lt. MACKAY, W/Os. FERREIRA and NIELSEN suffered slight injuries.
Sortie Reports Nos. 701 & 702.