Visits to and from our immediate headquarters were now the order of the day. Officers in charge of various sections were busy contacting the "men that mattered" to enable their particular sections to function as soon as possible.
The squadron was fortunate in being able to record as its first official visitor to the drome the Director General of Air Force, Brigadier Venter, who arrived in the afternoon together with Lt. Col. Hingeston, S.A.O.A., S.A.A.F., Middle East and Lt. Col. P.A. Thorpe of S.A.
Congratulations were extended by the Brigadier on the "Good show" put up by the squadron in moving up so quickly Into "action stations" and for the general standard efficiency displayed.
Squadron personnel settling down to normal daily routine and flying programme continued.
Advice was received that nine of the squadron’s aircraft were to participate in a “Victory Flight” over ALEXANDRIA and CAIRO to-morrow and arrangements were completed for aircraft and crews to leave for L.G. 86.
Lt. Lascelles the new Transport Officer reported for duty to-day. Capt. Ord and Capt. Stuart were promoted to the rank of Majors. A formation of eight Baltimores under the command of Major Ord carried out an armed recce of roads in the EBOLI area. A fair amount of M.T. was seen.
24 Marauders off from PESCARA during the day to attack enemy positions near RIMINI. The first twelve aircraft in boxes of four attacked an area 2000 x 4000 yards with its centre at R.730930. Boxes bombed individually from 12,000 feet. First and third boxes, all bombs in centre of Western half of target area; 2nd box along the N.E. edge of target. Slight, heavy A.A. encountered, fairly accurate for third box and two aircraft were holed.
The second 12 aircraft, in boxes of four, briefed to attack 60 Gun positions. All three formations straddled centre of target area scoring direct hits on buildings, roads and railway lines. One aircraft returned early with all bombs owing to U/s. hydraulic system. 2 x 1000 lbs. bombs hung-up and were jettisoned in sea. Slight, inaccurate heavy A.A. encountered. Last aircraft down by 16.17 hours.
Sortie Report No. 832.