After a night in the open, the convoy moved on and reached its destination without mishap this afternoon.
Earlier today, led by Lt.Col. Pretorius, the 17 Squadron planes swooped over their new home and landed in turn. One machine, No. 1629, piloted by 2/Lieut. Long-Innes unfortunately crashed on landing, but neither pilot nor crew were injured. As our own signals were not operating yet – they had only arrived that afternoon – the casualty signal was dispatched through 12 Squadron Signals station.
The O.C, flew to L. G. “Z” and returned this morning after arranging for the lay-out of the camp and dispersal areas for aircraft. The Advance party, consisting of labour corps and heavy vehicles, left for the sixty mile journey to L. G. "Z".
Formation took off at 15.15 Hrs. escorted by twelve P.40’s they attacked troops, N.E. of ALBANELLA and arrived back at base at 18.13 Hrs.
12 Marauders in three boxes of 4 aircraft each, briefed to attack an Enemy strongpoint, with its centre at R.808933. One aircraft of the first box returned early with all bombs, having lost sight of formation due to cloud en route to target. The pattern of the first box fell 500 to 600 yards N. E. of briefed pinpoints. Second box returned with all bombs due to encountering 10/10 cloud before reaching ANCONA – The majority of the bombs of third box fell in target. Slight to moderate heavy A.A. from target area, three aircraft holed. Last aircraft down by 18.21 hours.
Sortie Report No. 829