Disembarkation of troops. Met on quay by Major PRETORIUS. Transport by road arranged by Movement Control at SHANDUR, approximately 17 miles north of SUEZ, along Suez Canal.
Aircraft had been flown up by O.C., and pilots, and these personnel with machines etc., were already accommodated at R.A.F., Station Shandur, where they had commenced an O.T. course under the aegis of No.223 Squadron R.A.F., whose O.C., Wing Commander ROULSTON D.F.C., is a South African with the R.A.F. This Squadron is well qualified to assist in training as it has served several months in the desert on active service. A complete course of lectures and flying had been arranged and the O.C. (Major Pretorius) expressed his appreciation of the help extended by the R.A.F., and has instructed the whole Squadron to make full use of the facilities offered.
Flying a Baltimore this afternoon, Lieut. CORMACK caused some excitement when the engine of the aircraft cut as he was coming into land. The services of the fire-tender were not required, fortunately, as after bouncing Lieut. CORMACK succeeded in straightening out and making a perfect landing.
A formation of two boxes of six Baltimores led by Major Jandrell took off at 1110 hours to attack ADRANO village. The two main roads in the S.W corner of the village were straddled and received direct hits; one box dropped all its bombs through the Western half of the target, destroying many buildings. NO A.A. Visibility poor. 15 M.T. parked in open space in town. 30 M.T. moving fast from CENTURIPE to ADRANO.
Rear party
Besides the final preparations made for Squadron to move the following day, nothing of importance happened.