There was an early start to the day's activities when 9 machines set off for another spot of "high level stuff". Once again the A.A. fire seemed accurate but did not worry the crews unduly. Dumps were attacked on this raid, all machines returning.
Our second raid of the day, a high level bombing attack on a large ship in BARDIA harbour, did not fare as well. One of our machines returned almost immediately after take off owing to engine trouble and our first loss was recorded after the target had been reached – Maryland Aircraft No.1650 carrying as pilot 2/Lt. Louw and crew 2/Lt. Frlpp, Sgt. McFadyen and Sgt, Daniels – all of whom were out on their first operational flight – being shot down by an enemy fighter which in turn fell victim to the blazing front guns of Major Brltz. Another enemy fighter also came within range of the rear gunners of Major Britz' plane and this machine was also seen spinning down with smoke pouring from it.
No. 102338 A/Sgt M.H. Petterson the rear gunner in Major Britz' aircraft described the combat in the following words: "On our second run, Lieut. Louw's plane was attacked by 2 M.E.109's. The enemy fighters attacked him dead astern from a range of about 60 yards. They came out of the sun and it was impossible to see them until they opened fire, one of the 109's on Lieut. Louw's tail opened fire and set the aircraft alight almost instantaneously. The fighter was using large amounts of tracer and incendiary ammunition. Lieut. Louw's tailgunner, Sgt.Daniels was returning the fighter's fire. We then lost sight of the Maryland for a while and when I noticed it again, it was making a shallow right hand turn towards the land, burning well. Just behind it was the M.E.109 Major Britz had hit, spinning down in flames".
While coming in to land this morning after a practice flight Lieut. J. P. ZAHN found that one of the main wheel tyres had come adrift as he touched down. He succeeded in keeping the aircraft, Baltimore 862, on an even keel until it had lost all speed causing a minimum of damage when the aircraft finally dipped its wing. The aircraft was rendered "Cat. II" but both Lieut. ZAHN and his passenger, Lieut. HOTCHKISS, in the Observer's cockpit, were unhurt.
Further cases of Malaria among squadron personnel were reported and there was also one case of blackwater fever, the victim being one of the details who had flown up from the Union recently.
Major Coull (pilot) and Capt. van der Burgh (S.A.M.C.) reported for duty. Instructions were received from Wing that the Squadron must be prepared to move at short notice.
Inclement weather – no operations – nothing of importance to report.