Some replacement personnel arrived with the post-truck this afternoon.This was No. 21 Squadron's share in Relief Draft No. 4 from the Union and although there were only seven replacements, they were none the less welcome. The fortunate ones they replaced were told to “stand-by" for R.T.U. and considerable flurry in packing arrangements was in evidence that evening.
The Baltimores started to arrive from about 1130 Hrs. and by 1300 Hrs. all 16 landed safely. Officers, Aircrews and ground personnel, with the help of the station, were conveyed to their billets and by the afternoon settled down in their quarters. The air raid alarm was sounded in the early hours of the morning, but only one or two enemy aircraft penetrated the heavy A.A. Defences of the Island. NO damage was done.
NO Operational flying. “Oprep”No. 346
Rear Party
Eighteen Baltimores left with full crews and additional ground personnel left for MALTA. The aircraft took off, at intervals from 1030 hours to 1230 hours.
Squadron Routine Order No. 57/43
Capt. ROBINSON, Lieut. EMSLIE, Capt. DUBY, Lieut. SMITH, Lieut. VOLSCHENK and Lieut. TROUP were posted R.T.U. but will give lectures to 25 Squadron before going home. Lieut.s POTGIETER, WOLFF and WILLIAMS; W.Os. SMITH, BRINK, HUGO, VIKTO, WEST, BRIDGER and HINDMARSH also posted R.T.U. Another party in the Mess - any excuse will do ! The Squadron has settled down in earnest converting to Marauders. New aircraft are arriving frequently and it is with a pang to see the old faithfuls being flown away to pastures new. With the change over it is almost impossible to keep tab with all the new faces in the Squadron. Lieut. v. RENSBURG (pilot) posted to 24 Squadron.