Today saw the departure of two old members of the squadron returning to the Union to enjoy a well deserved rest after nearly eighteen months of active service each. Stan Murray D.F.C. – was a most popular member of the squadron. Modest to a degree he is one who will never make an enemy (except THE enemy of course) end his unfailing cheerfulness and sunny smile will remain as a memory of our happy days together.
Wally Mathias was also of a quiet disposition and popular with all. Good luck and happy landings and don’t forgot the old squadron when enjoying the fleshpots of the Union. The Adj. accompanied by Lts Sheedy and Carroll went to A.H.Q. W.D. to solicit assistance in speeding up supplies. The authorised channels and medium of supply through A.S.P’s was becoming too slow and we were prepared to approach the M.U’s direct. We were told that the rules as laid down had to be followed!!! —We still keep smiling.
About half of ground crews left camp on a two-day tour of the battle fields. No flying: Oprep No. 140
A party was sent to the edge of the QATTARA Depression to locate and obtain information in connection with the crash of Captain POTGIETER's aircraft, shot down on 20.10.42 The crashed aircraft was located and there was evidence that two of the crew had gone in with it. Reliable identification was unfortunately unobtainable.
Postings in: Pilots: No. 103872 Lieut. N. S. CLUTTERBUCK, No. 32331 Lieut. T. W. EATON, Observers: No. 113377 Lieut. D.W.v.d.MERWE, No. 94446 Lieut. R.F. PAWSON, all from S.A.A.F. Depot. Three other ranks were posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for return to Union on replacement.
No. 99823 2/Lt. D. J. MacDONALD, Gas-Defence, attached to R.A.F. Arm. C. W. BRAHCH, w.e.f. 3.11.42.
Our aircraft again visited STAZ DI PALENA in order to bomb guns, troops and M.T. in that area. Some bombs hit the railroad and Station; the aircraft returning to their base at 12.15 hours.
Sortie Report No. 442.
Another formation took off at 14.00 hours to attack PALENA Station. Bombs were dropped through gaps in the cloud, no results being observed, nor was any movement seen in the target area.
Sortie Report No. 443.
Five Air Gunners reported for duty having been posted to the Squadron from Advance Transit Camp.