Lt. Col. Pretorius today attended a conference at Headquarters 202 Group in regard to our move into the Western Desert.
The conference was also attended by the Officer Commanding SHANDUR Air Station, Lieut. Col. Hingeston(S.A.O.A., S.A.A.F;) and a Staff Officer of No. 202 Group. Unfortunately no useful purpose was served by this conference which exemplified Red Tape and achieved nothing that could not have been done by signal in a matter of five minutes.
We hid been rapped over the knuckles for our temerity in sending out an advance party without authority, but now in view of the ease with which a transfer to our O.L.G. could be made, we were praised for our forethought in taking such a step.
General flying and formation bombing occupied our flying personnel for the greater portion of the day.
Further much needed transport rolled in this afternoon – thirteen 3-ton trucks, one articulated trailer and two petrol bowsers, bringing our M.T.strength almost up to establishment mark. These vehicles were also received on authority of H.Q., M.E. from M.T. Base Pool, HELWAN.
Flying training programme to-day : General flying and formation bombing.
Eight aircraft took off at 22.10 Hrs. for another Road Recce, all the Aircraft returned at 00.10 Hrs, after a successful operation.
24 Marauders briefed to attack Enemy strongpoints in the RIMINI area. The bombs of the first and second boxes fell in the centre of the target, with numerous direct hits on buildings and what appeared to be dug-in positions. Third box undershot, pattern commencing outside but finishing just inside the target area. One aircraft returned early due to engine trouble. Moderate, heavy A.A. from the target area – mostly at the 3rd box – no damage. Next three boxes attacked an area 5 miles S.S.W. of RIMINI. Fourth box undershot badly due to U/s bombsight; fifth and sixth boxes undershot slightly, patterns finishing in target area. No enemy opposition. Last aircraft down by 17.22 hours.
Sortie Report No. 824.
2/Lt. VANDE PUTTE, observer, who left us as O.T.E. at CAMPOMARINA, reported for duty on a second tour.