Today saw the influx of four more crews from O.T.U. The squadron is being gradually brought up to strength in aircrews.
All these crews have been trained on Bostons. It would appear that there are no Baltimores at the O.T.U's at the moment. It seems a short sighted policy that squadrons have been already equipped with these aircraft and yet the source from whence fresh aircrews are to to be drawn is not supplied with the aircraft that these crews are expected to operate in later!
Today saw the culmination of the hard training bestowed on the “Malta boys” when four of the aircraft and aircrews finally took off on the first hop of their flight to the George Cross Isle.
Twelve Baltimores led by Major SCHRAVESANDE took off to attack gun position No.17 on PANTELLERIA Island. The formation set course for rendezvous with fighter escort at KORBA at 0702 hrs, completed two circuits but escort did not put in an appearance and the formation returned to base.
“Oprep” No.308, Sortie Report and Crew List.