Some excitement was caused here today when four men were seen to leave a plane by parachute over No. 12 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron's aerodrome which is only a short distance from here. It was later learned that a Maryland Aircraft of the aforementioned squadron had been severely damaged in a raid on BARDIA but that the pilot had managed to bring the machine home. Unable to land owing to his controls being shot away, he had brought the machine home before instructing his crew to bale out safely.
All the squadron's serviceable aircraft today participated in a formation flight which was officially recorded by a photographer from Press Command. Some of these photographs later appeared in the Egyptian press under various sub-titles one newspaper describing a photograph of what was undeniably a formation of our planes as "Glen Martin Maryland planes of a S.A.A.F. squadron returning from a devastating raid on enemy shipping". We were pleased to think of it as coming events casting their shadows before them....
A rude shock to-day for our Transport section. We had been led to believe that our reserve transport required to bring us up to full establishment was being held by A.H.Q., Egypt pending our move to Western Desert control. Notification of the change of control having been received, telephonic request was made at A.H.Q., Egypt for the additional transport. This was refused on the grounds that we no longer fell under control of Air Headquarters, Egypt! A visit by a representative from H.Q, R.A.F., M.E. later to-day brought about a more favourable position and arrangements were put in hand for the collection of some vehicles tomorrow.
News was received that Italy had unconditionally surrendered, the best news that the Squadron had had for some considerable time. Eight Aircraft took off at ten minute intervals from 20.39 Hrs. to carry out an armed recce on roads, bombs were dropped on AVELLINO.
Three R.A.F. WT/AGs reported for duty – Sgts. OVEREE, FOSTER and McHUGH. Twelve aircrews were posted O.T.E. – Capt. ADAM, pilot; Capt. ELLIOTT, Lieuts. KOTZÉ, le ROUX, ROOS, observers; Lieuts. CASE, BENDER, LOMBARD, W.Os. ELLIOTT and RAUTENBACH (WT/AGs) ; Capt. te WATER-POHL and W/O Foster (A.Gs).