Orders were received from KASFAREET station that our Baltimores were to be flown to EL FIRDAN in order to reduce the heavy concentration of aircraft at this unit. Our aircraft were flown to El Firdan and dispersed about this aerodrome, which, curiously enough, had previously been considered unsuitable for operational aircraft necessitating the move to KASFAREET.
No Operational Flying last night. The Commanding Officer, proceeded to SICILY to clear himself and say goodbye to the rest of the Squadron, as he has been posted R.T.U. On his return this afternoon he brought Lt. Locker, Transport Officer with him, who has also been posted R.T.U.
A farewell party is being given tonight by the RAF Officers HAL FAR Station, as it is anticipated that we will leave the Island in the very near future.
Rear party
Everybody got busy putting up the various section tents and their living tents and soon the moveable war village showed signs of life again.
The Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Coppen arrived by air, just before noon, to be cleared from the Squadron, as he was on his way to the Union – officially called R.T.U. It was a great day, for Lieut. Locker, our Transport Officer, as the O.C. brought the Authority for his R.T.U. He was cleared and proceeded with the O.C. to MALTA, from where he was flown to CASTEL BENITO.
Twelve Marauders took off from Pescara at 09.05 hours to attack the Railroad Bridge over the ADICE River near ROVICO with an escort of eight Spits. Formation bombed on box leaders, but no damage to bridge claimed. No enemy opposition. The raid was led by Major AITCHISON. Sortie Report No. 797.
The whole Wing was expected to move to IESI, near ANCONA, on the 16th but the “powers that be” altered their minds. The Adjutants of Wing and the Squadrons had already selected their new sites and we all looked forward to the move. 21 Squadron’s Adjutant, Major Jimmy RAUTENBACH, had picked a most delightful mansion owned by an Iti marquis, named Piaretti. The writer had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife. They are charming people and expressed deep regret when they learned that the S.A. were not coming.