The Officer Commanding, No. 3 S.A. Wing, Col. MARTIN D.F.C.and the S.A.O.A. Col HINGESTON visited the squadron to-day.
Col. MARTIN delivered a lecture to all flying crews in which he gave details of the position at present on the front and in which he also outlined the role the Air Force would play in the future.
Lt. Col. Britz assumed his duties as Officer Commanding of this Squadron. Capt. Schoch was cleared from this Station and proceeded to No. 3 Wing, as Engineer Officer. 2 Lieut. Metcalf took over the duties of Squadron Engineer Officer. Lt. Col. de Vos and Major Turnbull, visited 3 Wing in connection with inter Squadron posting and R.T.U personnel. Squadron Routine Order No. 61/43
Great attack on Gothic Line commenced and on the following day the Squadron commenced a new form of attack sending out a “shuttle service" of three and four aircraft at a time, the main targets being gun positions. Practically every attack secured direct hits or near misses which was really remarkable bombing.
Twelve Marauders (followed by 12 Aircraft of 30 Squadron) airborne from Pescara at 07.45 hours led by Major MEAKER to attack FORLI Marshalling Yards. Eight Spitfires provided escort. The first box undershot badly, bombs falling in centre of FORLI Town. Second box undershot, pattern commencing in open country and finished just short of the N.E. end of the Marshalling Yards. No enemy opposition encountered and all aircraft down by 10.35 hours. Sortie Report No. 806.