Leaden skies and chilly winds heralded the great day for the move of “B” detachment and the early morning was spent in digging the trucks out of the mud – what a sticky job. I’ve seen the Abysinian mud at its worst but it’s got nothing on the sodden slush of the Western Desert – it looks, and probably also tastes, like cheap Yankee chewing gum!!! Anyway after Piet van der Merwe and “Sandy” Joyner and their gangs had worked like demons the convoy was on its way earlier than anticipated and after being stuck in devious places, we finally crossed the railway line at SHIR-EL-SHIBUB after commandeering all the available building material for to construct the crossing.
Twas midday before we struck the main road and then we went on our way without mishap reaching Charing Cross for the the evening halt where we dispersed after a welcome meal and crept into a more welcome bed.
Today’s show was from L.G. 76 Nine Marylands took off to attack enemy concentrations near TOBRUK. The raid was a good success and one huge fire was started in a concentration of M.T. vehicles and all bombs were well within the target area and extensive damage was evidently done.
Eighth Army; Personal Message from Army Commander
Squadron Casualty Return
The Squadron Athletic Meeting commenced yesterday was concluded this afternoon with a motor cycle race, the motor cycles being some of the less dangerous trophies collected during the recent tours of the battle fields.
Programme
No flying today: Oprep. No. 147
The Commanding Officer attended a conference at Wing this morning, at which instructions were received for intensive training to commence forthwith and for daily parades to be held.
Thirteen men arrived from Advance Base to replace those details who are returning home.