The fact that this is (Fighting) France’s National Day appears to be the only event of note to-day. The sounds of revelry emanating from the Free French Camp and the condition of a few of our own personnel who were unwise enough to accept an invitation to their mess indicate that the fall of the Bastille was not forgotten, even et El Firdan!
Seven aircraft took off last night from 2158 hrs at approximately 5 to 10 minutes intervals to raid transport along any roads in area RAFFADALI – CALTANISSETTO – NICOSIA – TERMINI – RAFFADALI. Incendiaries caused huge grass fires and bomb bursts were seen all over the area. No transport could be seen on roads but likely dispersal areas were bombed and pamphlets were distributed over the whole area.
“Oprep” No. 339, Sortie Report and Crew List.
Major R COULL (Pilot) Lt. HARLE (Observer), 2/Lt. SHAW(A.C.) and Lt. MONSON (Signals) reported today on posting. The American Red Cross served the Squadron with doughnuts and tea this afternoon.
One raid to-day. Twelve Baltimores airborne at 08.47 hours to attack fuel dumps at TAVOLA. They set course with an escort of eight Spits. First box straddled target, one explosion with black smoke observed. Second box overshot slightly with one direct hit on a large building. Heavy ack-ack, moderate and accurate from N. of FIRENZE after bombing and from BIBBIENA. Leader's aircraft holed (Major MEAKER) and his observer (Lieut. GELB) slightly wounded in the left leg, which necessitated him landing on CASTIGLIONE Landing Ground where Lieut. Gelb was medically treated. Major MEAKER’s No.2 (Lieut. BATLEY) developed engine trouble shortly before crossing the bomb line and on the return journey, whilst returning on his own, was attacked by two fighters at 11.05 hours in the vicinity of ACCUMOLI at a height of 11,000 feet, approximately fifteen hits were scored on the centre portion of fuselage, damaging wireless and inter-comm., also severely damaging the serviceable engine. No markings observed on attacking aircraft which were not painted except for yellow wingtips. Lieut. BATLEY examined his aircraft on landing at TORTORETTO and extracted spent ammo. which proved to be .50 calibre. The attacking aircraft are presumed to be Mustangs.
Lieut. BATLEY took evasive action and flew into cloud. Aircraft cat. 11 and crew safe. Remaining aircraft landed back at base at 11.29 hours. Sortie Report No. 761.
Very busy in spite of ops. converting on to Marauders.