This day was spent by the majority of the squadron in setting up home and by the ever busy M.T. Section in rounding up trucks and vehicles which had strayed or broken down in the convoy yesterday. Night fall found our personnel safely and happily ensconced in their new homes – the presence of permanent buildings has been a considerable advantage in the rapid establishment of messes – and our M.T. section once more in possession of their full complement of vehicles, the recalcitrants having been rounded up by a special"break-down” gang sent from the station shortly after arrival.
No operational flying. “Oprep” No. 323
The Sergeant’s Mess Dance was a success but ended with a very unfortunate accident in which No.P.6843V Air Sgt. BOTHA, R.A. was killed. It appears that on returning from the dance, he was standing on the running board of a vehicle directing the driver through TUNIS, this vehicle collided with a stationary one, which was parked on the wrong side of the road. All arrangements were made for his funeral and he was buried In the Tunis cemetery this afternoon.
Two other ranks posted to Squadron and two Air Gunners posted to 12 Squadron.
Two raids to-day. First raid with 12 Balties airborne at 10.27 hours to bomb LUGO Marshalling Yards. The first box overshot into the town; second box also overshot. Several direct hits on buildings. One aircraft returned on one engine all the way from the target escorted by Spitfires. Sortie Report No. 745.
Second raid airborne at 15.03 hours, 12 Balties taking part to bomb LUGO Marshalling Yards. Eight Spitfires provided the escort. The bombs from both boxes merged into a very concentrated pattern covering the Marshalling Yards. Practically all the bombs fell on and . amongst railway tracks, station buildings and warehouses beyond. No Enemy opposition and all aircraft returned to base by 17.40 hours. Sortie Report No. 746
There is nothing of importance to record to-day apart from the two raids.