A conference, consisting of the Officer Commanding, A. and B. Flight Commanders, Capt. W.S. O'Brien and the Officers and Flight Sergeants in charge of various sections of the squadron, was held this morning to consider the list of promotions and increments for the coming quarter. This was felt to be a most Important function, in view of the reaction to fair treatment by all persons.
Many of our personnel were labouring under grievances at unfair treatment In regard to promotions and increments in former units and at this conference every individual member of the squadron was considered, in regard to promotions and increments and deserving cases were sorted out, after discussion, for special recommendation. No one was overlooked and where Injustice had been done an effort was made to rectify the matter. Flight sergeants and Senior N.C.O.'s in charge of sections were asked to impress those who had received no recommendation for increases in pay that their cases had been considered, but that better work would be required from them before they could hope to benefit. This together with the fullest consideration afforded to deserving cases, was considered a most satisfactory method of achieving the best work from ground personnel.
Capt. O'Brien arrived here by air to take over from Major Russell.
Wing Commander SMYTHE of Air Headquarters, W.D. paid the squadron a visit this morning. He came to enquire what progress was being made in the flying training programme of the squadron.
A step towards placing the squadron on a mobile footing was the arrival this afternoon of 14 F.W.D. trucks which arrived from M.T. Base Pool, HELWAN.
Lt. F.J. Rose and Lt. H.T. Hall reported to the Squadron for duty. At 1930 Hrs. eight of our Aircraft carried out an armed recce on roads. Four aircraft dropped pamphlets in the town of LANCIA and then bombed the Roads NORTH of the town.
22 Marauders in boxes of four aircraft and two boxes of three aircraft each attacked an Enemy strongpoint on the S.E. outskirts of RIMINI. Pattern of first box inside along southern portion of the target; second box just outside briefed area, but direct hits on large buildings and road to the N.W. 3rd, 4th and 5th boxes straddled northern half of area with majority of bombs within the briefed pinpoints; 6th box overshot badly, all bombs in the sea. Two aircraft did not bomb, jettisoned 2 x 250 delays at sea, remainder of the load was brought back. Moderate, fairly accurate heavy A.A. from the target area (six aircraft slightly damaged). Last aircraft down by 17.00 hours. Sortie Report 823.
Immediately prior to start up one aircraft briefed for the raid exploded in the dispersal area, presumably during fusing operations. Casualties:– Killed – Lt.BRALL (pilot) W.O.1 BOTHA, A/Cpl. KIMBREY, A/Cpl. CHEESMAN, A/M. MAEDER, A/M. VIRET, A/M. ANDREWS. A/Sgt. SMIT and A/M. v.d. WESTHUIZEN were injured and A/M. v.d. MERWE sustained superficial scratches. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Sgts. COOK, SMITH, SANDELANDS, BELL, GILLBANK, HEALE (all R.A.F. WT/AGs) and W.O. PECKITT, A.G. The last named left us at CAMPOMARINA as O.T.E. and has now returned on a second tour.