Major BARNBY proceeded to H. Q. S.A.A.F. to discuss problems relating to the arrival of the additional aircraft.
Four Baltimores took off at 20 minute intervals, from 2220 Hrs. last night on an armed recce of roads, VILLA GIOVANNI – C. SPARTIVENTO. The aircraft were over the target from 2330 Hrs. to 0020 Hrs. Weather over target was good with slight haze. NO movement seen but stationary M.T suspected from shadows alongside road. NO results observed. Three aircraft cut ITALIAN coast , area D.4632 (Map Reference, MESSINA 1:500,000 NE 32/14) and followed road SOUTH and EAST. NO enemy defence over target. One unidentified fighter seen, evaded with diving and turning left below cloud. Sortie Report and Crew List.
Everybody got mobile early in the morning and by 0730 Hrs. the convoy was formed and ready to move off. This Squadron was the last to pull out, as we had to wait for the Wing and the other two Squadrons to move out first. The first part of the journey was very slow as the road led through a dangerous deviation, and it took the vehicles quite a long time to get through. Although a lot of trouble was experienced with the lot of ‘clapped’ out vehicles the Squadron possessed, everybody arrived safely at the new Camp before dark.
Once again the Squadron has returned to ops., having successfully converted to Marauders in the record time of 28 days, and it is noteworthy that not a single member went to O.T.U.
It Is significant to record with pride the fact that the last raid on Baltimores was highly successful in that two bulls were registered on the target, and that the first raid on Marauders produced the same result. An excellent start, and to celebrate our return to ops. the C.O. visited the Airmens' Mess and in a few well chosen words thanked them for all the hard work put in during the period of conversion, and stressed the point that it was mainly due to their big effort that the conversion only took 28 days. A small celebration took place in the Officers' Mess and the O.C. Wing, Lt. Col. GALGUT, and other senior officers from other squadrons were present. It was in fact a good party and only when the whisky was finished that some fellows were persuaded to go home.
Twelve Marauders took part in this, the first raid, from Pescara at 16.40 hours to attack the Railway Sidings at PORTO MAGGIORE. One aircraft returned with bombs after two hours due to instrument trouble. The raid was led by the C.O. Eight Spits provided cover. The formation attacked in two boxes.
The first box straddled centre of main siding; second box bombed about 200 yards to East with direct hits on buildings and rail road track branching East from main siding. No enemy opposition encountered and all aircraft down by 19.50 hrs. Sortie Report No. 796.