Nothing of note to record except the coincidence brought about by the arrival of a stray “Wimpey” early this morning on our 'drone. This Wellington, which was a delivery aircraft and was being flown direct from England via “Gib” was running low in petrol and the pilot put down on the first 'drome he saw – and this happened to be EL FIRDAN. Three of our Observers went out to meet the aircraft and found the crew alighting with parachutes “at the ready” – with only ten gallons of petrol in the tanks and the pilot still searching for a gap in the morning ground mist they were preparing to bale out!
Our observers instantly recognised the rear-gunner and some other members of the crew: they had been on the same flying courses in the Union and Rhodesia. And this Wellington had come straight from England!
Three Baltimores took off at 15 minute intervals from 2100 hrs last night to interrupt road communications in certain areas in SICILY. M.T. was bombed at ENNA and NICOSIA by Capt. SAUNDERS nothing was seen by other crews.
“Oprep” No.342, Sortie Report and Crew List
There was a further change in the personnel for MALTA with the result that another conference was held this afternoon. The changes were necessary have been effected, personnel concerned warned and every-one ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Squadron Routine Order No. 56/43 dated 17.7.43
Two raids to-day. First raid 12 Baltis airborne at 07.10 hours to attack a gun area on the coast 5 miles West of ANCONA. Formation bombed in line astern; pattern of both boxes merged thro' centre of area contained between p.p. S.534480 - 533476 -526470 – 527484. No enemy opposition. Fighter area cover provided. Visibility fair. Sortie Report No. 766.
Second raid - twelve Baltis airborne at 18.45 hours to attack Road Bridge at S.492504. Formation bombed in boxes line astern. First box dropped a short stick from S494504 – S495499 second box from S498501 – S499497. Both boxes slight lateral error to the left, straddling railway line and road. Some direct hits on buildings at S495501, starting a small fire with white smoke. Heavy ack-ack, slight, inaccurate from coastal area East of target area. Area cover provided by Spits. Sortie Report No. 767.