All the machines that were away from the drome at nightfall yesterday began trickling in today. Those that had been compelled to remain at 0.75 owing to broken tailwheels were able to return when spare tailwheels were flown across to them. Some anxiety was caused through the absence of news of the machine flown by Lieut. Stan Murray D.F.C which force landed after the bombing raid of BENGHASI on the journey home.
Two machines sent out to search for the missing plane located it close to the MERSA SIWA road. It later transpired that Lt. Murray had made a perfect landing on rough ground some distance short of extensive minefields. Lt. Murray and his crew were accommodated by an infantry unit which provided night guards for the machine and assisted in clearing a runway for the machine to take off later in the day.
At the close of day we were able to report "all planes returned safely”.
A letter of thanks was addressed to the South African Infantry officer and his men for the kind treatment given to Lieut. Murray and his crew and for their help in enabling the machine to take off and return to 0.21.
On his return Lieut. Murray was informed of the following signal received at A.D.A.F. from the Director General of Air Force "FROM D.G.A.F. to LIEUT. MURRAY NO.102794 HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS ON AWARD OF THE D.F.C. THE S.A.A.F. IS PROUD OF YOU".
Lieut. Murray at the conclusion of the previous month had received the award of the D.F.C. for "gallantry and devotion to duty” in Abyssinia when he attempted to rescue his flight Commander,Capt. (Now Major) Britz.
No operational flying. No. 103068 Major H.F. RECK posted to S.A.A.F. Depot, non-effective since 27/9/42, for probable return to the Union. Nine other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for return to Union, their replacements having arrived and taken over their duties. One other rank (Clerk Intelligence) posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot. Colonel W. HINGESTON, Colonel H. J. MARTIN and Major McBLAINE paid the Squadron a short visit this afternoon.
The road party, under Major Viljoen left for the staging area at 06.00 Hrs. for MESSINA. The second party under Capt. van Vuuren remained behind, as arrangements had been made for them to travel by sea with the T.B.F. party. When the road party arrived at MESSINA, they were informed that they would make the crossing the following day.