The newcomers had an early opportunity of seeing the squadron at work when orders were received for the first raid of the month to be carried out. Our flying crews who had been on "standby" for the past 24 hours were relieved this morning to know that their services were once again required and that it was really a case of "bombs up and at ’em".
The "Maryland Observers" saw nine machines, led by Major Stewart took off shortly before noon, the objective being the bombing of an enemy dump, the results proved satisfactory, over half the bombs dropped falling well within the target area, the whole trip, in the words of one air gunner being a "joyride – no fighters, no ack-ack, no nothing!"
Major Stewart was flying as formation leader in place of Major Britz who on medical advice was grounded by the Officer Commanding, in view of the fact that he was suffering from severe operational fatigue. A request for his return to the Union at the earliest available opportunity was made.
Whilst other crews were carrying out bombing and target practice, the Commanding Officer did a height test with full bomb load and reached 24,000 feet. Instructions received from No. 3 S.A. Wing that an advance party is to proceed forthwith to L.G.98 to prepare camp for the Squadron to move there. The site, having been occupied by three other Squadrons recently, requires a considerable amount of clearing and preparation.
No. 103222 Lieut. R. A. HENWICK is posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for return to Union to undergo a conversion course to S.E. aircraft Four other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Depot.
No instructions received as to when the move will take place; all the Squadron personnel standing by in readiness.