This first day of the eleventh month was indeed a red letter day in the history of old 21. A smashing raid by nine aircraft was carried out on a DERNA aerodrome. Two very large fires started near the hangars and a tremendous explosion followed. The photographs taken were excellent. Pamphlets were dropped, with what results time can tell. Our aircraft were attacked by two enemy fighters a M.E. 109 and a G.50. Our rear gunners gave them a hot reception and with the pilots weighing in with their scare guns the enemy had an uncomfortable few minutes. Three of our machines were hit, but all got back safely.
No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 127
No. 3 Wing advise that a big land operation is scheduled for tomorrow. Seven raids are required of which three are booked for this Squadron.
Routine Order No. 53/42
Three other ranks (A.I.L.) posted to Staff S.A.O.A. No. 96459 Captain BESTER is posted in from No. 3 Wing to take charge of Squadron Intelligence.
Twelve Baltimores led twelve Bostons from 24 Squadron, followed by another 12 Bostons from 12 Squadron at 10.10 hours, to create a block between B.250235 – 252232 on road ANTRODOCO – AQUILA. Visibility was good. Bombs fell on the SOUTH side of the road and a direct hit was reported.
Sortie Report No. 429.
At 15.05 hours another formation of twelve aircraft left to attack a merchant vessel in the Bay of SPLIT, YUGOSLAVIA. The ship received two direct hits which caused flames and an increase in the volume of smoke; some bombs overshot and hit the jetty. The formation landed at 17.30 hours by means of a flare path.
Sortie Report No. 430
The Power Van, which travelled by sea, arrived and started functioning immediately, lights being set up in the Messes.