The loss of four very popular figures in the squadron cast a temporary gloom over the squadron, but news of a further attack on the "Bardia Ship" to be carried out this morning made everyone forget our loss In the rush to have another smack at the "damned elusive ship". Again nine of our aircraft set out, joining forces with 9 Marylands of 12 Squadron which led us over the target area.
Extremely hot A.A. fire greeted the machines when the attack was launched at 12,000 feet, and our machines, following on the formation leader into the thick of It. Shrapnel tore gaping holes through the machines and it speaks volumes for their construction that any of the machines reached home again. One machine had over 50 holes through various portions of the airframe and three of the machines had to carry out hazardous landings through hits on vital parts.
The three machines all suffered hits on portions of the hydraulic systems and tow landed without brakes and flaps. Tense moments, with the ambulance and fire tender ready for any emergency, were spent while the landings were carried out. Fortunately the landings were carried out without mishap. The only casualty was 2/Lieut. Observer Du Plessis, who received a flesh wound in a portion of his anatomy not used for observing.
This evening the following message was received from Advanced Headquarters 204 Group: "PERSONAL FROM A.O.C. I AM FULL OF ADMIRATION FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE PARTICULARLY THESE TWO DAYS . IT HAS BEEN HARD GOING WITH SOME CASUALTIES AND NOT TOO MUCH LUCK BUT WE HAVE ABOUT FIFTY TONS OF BOMBS FOR TONIGHT AND SHOULD SINK THE DAMN SHIP"
Further night-flying was carried out tonight, the programme being completed after midnight. The majority of the pilots have had their turn at night-flying now. Efforts at continuing radio communication on the TR9F sets between a mobile ground station and aircraft in flight have had to be abandoned however as the frequency given was found to bring in considerable interruption from German, Italian and local stations and neither the ground station nor the pilots could make much out of the jumble of “swing” music, duck noises and (equally bad) German and Italian propaganda.
The O.C. left for Italy by Air, in order to inspect various Aerodromes that may be utilized by the Squadron when the big move takes place.
Inclement weather – no operations – nothing of importance to report.