Movement order authorising the above move received to-day from Air Headquarters, Egypt and preparations in hand to move all but servicing personnel to SHANDUR.
Major Jandrell and Crew left for SICILY at 0800 Hrs. and the rest of the aircraft started to take off from 0830 Hrs. in threes, at 10 minute intervals and by 0915 Hrs. all were airborne, except for two aircraft. Lieut. Smyth, burst a tyre on take off, luckily no other damage was done. The wheel was changed and tested and they left at 1100 Hrs.
Three D.C 3’s arrived at 0930 Hrs. to convey the ground crews of all three Squadrons. Therefore, it was necessary to start a shuttle service, to and from SICILY. Another D.C. 3 arrived in the afternoon to assist, but was only able to do one trip. By night-fall, half of the Squadron personnel were still on the Island.
The Aircraft conveying the Squadron Personnel from MALTA started to arrive early in the morning and the majority of Aircrews arrived by Baltimores, while the Ground-crews were brought over by D.C. 3’s. The well known American Transport Air Planes. A casualty signal was received in connection with the fatal crash of Lieut. Simpson and his crew, (Lieut. Handley, F/Sgt’s Roberts and Shepperson) at MALTA.
A 180lb Tent was destroyed by fire, when an attempt was made to burn a fire-break around it. W.O. Hallis proceeded to CATANIA, where he collected a light Italian Aeroplane, which he had to assemble for Col. Durrant.
Twelve Marauders airborne by 11.40 hours to attack Railroad Bridge across Adice River 10 miles north of ROVICE. One aircraft landed immediately after take-off and the reserve aircraft took-off. The formation was led by Capt. Maritz. Pattern of first box resulted in a right error of 400 yards in river. Second box straddled Northern portion of target, no direct hits on bridge observed but probably direct hits on Northern approach. No enemy opposition and all aircraft down by 15.00 hours. Sortie Report No. 800.
2/Lts. BOYCE, SELKIRK and TURNER (pilots) were posted to 12 Squadron, S.A.A.F.