Squadron arrived by train and embarked on H.M.T. “Yoma” which departed for the Middle East via MOGADISHU, BERBERA and ADEN, arriving SUEZ on 2/8/41.
During the voyage the general health was remarkably good considering the discomfort of troop accommodation in the holds etc.
The food was below quantity usually enjoyed by S.A. Troops as R.A.F. ration scale was used. Some men complained but it was probably a good thing to reduce feeding while exercise was impossible. More will be heard, however, of differences of ration scale.
The squadron “Silly Sandphonies" concert party visited No.106 (S.A.) General Hospital at QUASSASSIN this afternoon, thus completing their tour of South African Hospitals in the Middle East. Despite the unavoidable absence of some of their leading artists, the Concert Party put over another apparently much appreciated performance. Owing to present conditions, the Hospital had not had the advantage of outside entertainment for some time, and our "Sandphonies" were glad to stop in and brighten up the hours for the hospital inmates and staff.
Seven Baltimores took off at 10 minute intervals from 2100 hrs. last night to interrupt road communications in Central SICILY. Aircraft dropped flares, incendiaries and pamphlets besides 250 pounders. No opposition. Visibility good.
“Oprep” No. 340, Sortie Report and Crew List.
W.O. MacGILLIVRAY (Hygiene Sect.) Reported for duty. A conference was held in the Adjutant’s Office of all heads of Sections to discuss the move of 12 aircraft and the minimum personnel to keep the aircraft operationally serviceable to MALTA. All arrangements were made, names etc.,published and all concerned were ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Two raids to-day. First raid twelve Baltis airborne at 11.45 hours to attack gun positions 3 miles S.E. of ANCONA. Due to suspected error in wind forecast whole formations resulted in a left lateral error of about 200 yards. Slight, inaccurate heavy ack-ack from target area. Fighter cover provided. Sortie Report No. 762.
Second raid. Twelve Baltis airborne at 16.35 hours to attack gun positions near ANCONA. One aircraft returned after 30 minutes with engine trouble and the reserve aircraft was dispatched but failed to contact the formation. Pattern of first box resulted in slight left error thro’ edge of target area. Second box experienced difficulty in turning on to briefed pin point and attempted to bomb a siding, bombs overshooting into open country. Slight, inaccurate, heavy ack-ack from target area. Fighter cover provided. Sortie Report No. 763.