2/Lieut SMITH A.L., Acting Signals Officer, posted to No. 243 Wing.
Major BARNBY, who returned from CAIRO this morning with the information that the squadron was to move again — this time to SHANDUR – proceeded to the latter station to arrange for the reception of our personnel and aircraft. It is at present planned that the personnel not engaged on servicing and modifying aircraft at KASFAREET shall proceed to SHANDUR whence the aircraft will be flown when operationally serviceable.
Six Baltimores took off at 20 minute intervals from 2330 Hrs. last night on an armed recce of the road PELLARO POINT – LOCRI – BOVALINO – BAGNORA, 1 M.T seen WEST of MELITA. Train burning WEST of BOVA MAR. Bombs were dropped at MELITA near burning fire, across the road BORATINO – BAGNORA, at well dispersed points, 8 x 40lb. in BARALINA village seen to burst among buildings and 8 x 40lb. in SINOPOLI village. NO other movement seen and NO results observed. Slight H.A.A from BAGNORA fairly accurate and L.A.A from SALINE – MELITA village also fairly accurate. Fires scattered along SOUTH coast road and tracks across mountains. Ships seen firing L.A.A between C. RASOCOLMO – TORRE DI FORD. Sortie Report and Crew List.
One aircraft, piloted by Lieut. Simpson, returned shortly after takeoff and the following message was received by Control LUQA, apparently intended for them, for neither the aircraft or Station Call Sign was given: “We are landing immediately”. The runway was cleared and all concerned were warned for a possible crash landing.
At 0130 Hrs. a Baltimore flew across the landing ground at about 1500 feet, it passed directly over the flare path and both engines seemed to be functioning normally. At the same time the following message to “Jetsum”, (Control Call Sign), was received; “Talcum X for X ray”, (Call Sign of Lt. Simpson’s aircraft). “We are landing immediately, in trouble.” A reply was sent: “Come Right In.” This message was not acknowledged by the aircraft. However a Green Verey light was fired off to let the pilot know that everything was in order for him to land.
The aircraft turned on a left-hand circuit and began to lose height gradually. As it turned in on the landing approach, suddenly, whilst in turn, it was seen to roll completely around the fore and aft axis, four or five times, crashing into the ground and bursting into flames. The Crew i.e Lieut. Simpson, Lieut. Handley, F/Sgt Roberts and F/Sgt Shepperson were killed.
Advice has been received that Squadron will be moving to SICILY tomorrow. Accordingly all arrangements for the impending move have been made.
Major A.C Jandrell appointed Acting Officer Commanding, pending the arrival of Lt. Col. Britz.
[344X crashed on approach to land after engine trouble, All crew killed]
The MALTA personnel did not arrive as expected and another message was received, informed that they would arrive the following day. Squadron Routine Order No. 59/43