Two more Marylands (Nos. 1612 and 1669) arrived from East Africa, piloted by Capt. R.J. STEWART and Lieut. MANTE. Captain R.J. STEWART and Capt. A.L. THACKWRAY were appointed 2nd. in charge A and B Flights respectively (Capt. THACKWRAY had arrived first after the Squadron flew up.)
22.00
L.A.M. BROMSTEIN, R. (116677) while walking on the main road near SHANDUR, was knocked down by a passing lorry, and died at 00.05 hours the following morning. A Court of Enquiry was constituted by the R.A.F. Station., and a letter of condolence addressed to his next-of-kin.
Headquarters, R.A.F.,M.E. notified by signal and casualty return.
Shortly after the arrival of the squadron at this station, a letter was addressed to Air Headquarters, Egypt pointing out that the camp site allowed for no dispersal of tentage and that the disadvantages of this confined area were apparent.
This minute resulted in a visit to-day by an official of Air H. Q. Egypt who viewed the camp site. He passed on the information that very little could be done at the present moment owing to a shortage of sites suitable for squadrons.
Information received from 3 Wing that we will in all probability move over to LUQA Landing Ground for night ops. Later it was decided, instead of moving the Squadron complete with personnel and aircraft, only the aircraft required for night operations will be flown over in the afternoon and back to HAL FAR the following morning.
One of our aircraft which had to be flown to a Maintenance Unit for engine change, crashed just as it became airborne and was completely burnt out. The ferrying crew, members of No. 4 A.D.U were killed.
One aircraft piloted by Major Cormack took off at 2030 Hrs. from LUQA L.G. to bomb the roads RANDAZZO – LINGUALGLASSO – NOVARA. The bombs fell in a long stick at square C.9211 (Map reference 1:500,000 SICILIA NE 36/12). All bombs seen to explode. No results observed, 8 to 10 bursts, H.A.A inaccurate A.A from WEST of RANDAZZO, where guns were seen flashing. Landed at LUQA 2255 hrs. Sortie Report and Crew List.
Rear party
Late in the afternoon a message was received that a member of the N.M.C was injured by a mine, or booby trap and was admitted to the American Reception Hospital, in GELA. W.O Schoeman proceeded to the hospital where the native was identified, as Pte. Daniel Mojelefa. A statement was taken from him. The Medical Officer informed, that the native would be evacuated to Africa, on the following day.
Col. ROBINS, Lt. Col. PAPENFUS, Lt. Col. Lewis LANG visited the Squadron.