All the Squadron now accommodated in camp. All responsible Officers (Q., T., Signals etc.) immediately began work collecting stores and necessary material etc., from local R.A.F.
sources.
It must be recorded here that, although practically all the M.T. on establishment had been dispatched ex Union addressed to No. 21 Squadron, by the time the Squadron arrived in M.E. this had nearly all been expropriated for use by other squadrons. Only 10 G.S. 3 ton lorries could be obtained, the result being that the frequent movements to and from Cairo and surrounding depots had to be done in 3 ton lorries. This has the double effect of extra expense over light vehicles, and undue wear and tear on the lorries. Light vehicles, however are apparently unobtainable from the Union. All transport necessary has been promised before the Squadron leaves for its operations base.
New course at O.T.U. for Air Crews. Those who arrived by boat and pilots who has been waiting for crews etc. began with this course while those who had already begun a fortnight ago finished lectures and started flying.
Once pilots and crews are formed up it is the policy not to change personnel of crews, thus ensuring the maximum co-operation and understanding between members.
It may be remarked here that of the 16 Marylands that left NAIROBI all 16 arrived in SHANDUR without mishap. Compared with the less fortunate journey of another squadrons this appears to reflect directly the influence of the Commanding Officer on the flying and temperament of pilots, who had only a small number of hours on this type.
The Adjutant proceeded to H.Q., S.A.A.F. on Admin. matters. Several points in regard to personnel were cleared up and arrangements were made to return to the Union certain personnel surplus to requirements. The Adj. also brought news of the death of one of our pilots at present on ferrying duty – Lieut. HARPER – who was accidentally killed in Palestine.
The signal received at H.Q. S.A.A.F. stated the funeral would take place at RAMLEH and arrangements were accordingly made to send off a firing party and pall-bearers to RAMLEH, Alexandria.
The party left this afternoon, in order to reach ALEXANDRIA early the following morning.
Rear party
All preparations for moving the Squadron were completed early in the morning and the vehicles were line up at 1200 Hrs. ready to move off at 1230 Hrs. to the staging area at ARIZONA. The convoy moved off at 1230 Hrs. and proceeded to ARIZONA.
Twelve Baltimores led by Major Cormack took off at 1359 hours to bomb gun positions at H762980 (Map Reference 1:100,000 PATERNO Sheet 269). The target was hit in a tight pattern and left it covered in bomb bursts. Some gun flashes were seen from area. Inaccurate 6 to 8 H.A.A from NORTH of ADRANO. Visibility poor. No cloud. Haze.
“Oprep” No. 362 Sortie Report and Crew List.