An Officer of 202 Group, R.A.F., visited the Squadron this afternoon to inspect and obtain full details of a camouflage scheme introduced on all planes of this Squadron. The Officer Commanding and Adjutant were unavoidably absent on a survey of the new base landing ground of the Squadron, three planes having left with the Flight Commanders, O.C., and Adjutant, and other personnel early this morning. The Officer from 202 Group was conducted over the machines by Lieut., S.S. FLOOK, Squadron Armament Officer, and notes were made of the camouflage employed with a view to introducing same in other squadrons.
A checkup on Armament problems of the squadron was made by Squadron Leader Lead Chief Armament Officer, AHQ., Egypt who visited this squadron. Armament matters were discussed with Major BARNBY and Lieut. STEYN, Squadron Armament Officer.
No Operational Flying as the landing ground is unserviceable due to yesterday’s rain. Major Featherstone left for HAIFA, via CASTEL BENITO. A/Cpl. Salsonie, posted R.T.U on compassionate grounds.
Squadron Routine Order No. 62/43.
Eleven Marauders in three boxes airborne from Pescara at 10.25, 11.06 and 11.44 hours respectively to attack a gun area 5 miles S.W. or Pesaro. The target was straddled by the first two boxes. The third box was recalled by Control after 45 minutes as enemy was withdrawing. Slight, inaccurate, heavy ack-ack wis encountered from target area. All aircraft down by 13.03 hours.
Sortie Report No. 811.
Twelve Marauders off from Pescara in boxes of four aircraft to attack Faenza Marshalling Yards. A concentrated pattern of 40 bombs from the first box straddled the target in the centre of the Marshalling Yards. Three aircraft of the second box returned to base with bombs after a hour due to engine and slight bomb trouble, but the fourth aircraft of this formation joined the following box. This formation of five aircraft bombed FORLI Marshalling Yards by mistake, a wide pattern running along Northern portion of yards. No enemy opposition. All aircraft back by 19.00 hours. Sortie Report No. 812.