After settling themselves in their new quarters, squadron personnel got busy in making the sand fly, additional tents and equipment were placed at various dispersed points round the perimeter of the drome and work was started on getting our "kites" right on the mark for action.
Lt. Col. Pretorius, in response to a signal received at SHANDUR visited, Headquarters, 204 Group where he had conversations with the Director General of Air Force, Brigadier Venter.
During the discussions, Brigadier Venter expressed his satisfaction at the efforts that were being made by the South African personnel who were in action and coming into action in Western Desert combats, and various shortcomings in regard to Administration and Training in the Union were discussed.
Brigadier Venter assured Lt. Col. Pretorius that there would he a tightening up in Administration and Organisation generally so that many of the present difficulties would be removed.
The move to L.G. “Z” was completed this afternoon, the squadron's aircraft having been flown over in formation and all ground personnel, kit and equipment transported by road.
Owing to the short notice of the move the advance party were unable to prepare living quarters for personnel and the afternoon provided the amusing and unusual spectacle of officers making unaccustomed but valiant efforts to pitch tents in a rising wind. On all sides tents in various stages of collapse could be seen and it was only the timely arrival of a fatigue party of Cape Corps which prevented a number of individuals finding themselves homeless that night.
The Airmen’s Mess was destroyed by fire to-day, the Court of Enquiry constituted to investigate, stated that it was caused by a mechanical defect in a Duckett Stove, used for cooking. A formation of eight Aircraft carried out an armed Recce of roads in the EBOLI section.
Three boxes of 4 aircraft each briefed to attack an enemy strong point area with its centre at R.835950. First two boxes straddled target area centre, patterns overlapping, one aircraft of the third box returned early with all bombs owing to intercom. and upper gun turret U/s. Remaining three aircraft undershot slightly, pattern finishing in target area. No enemy opposition encountered. Last aircraft down by 10.27 hours. Sortie Report No. 830.
Squadron Routine Order No. 84/44.
Squadron Routine Order No. 85/44.