Freezing cold is still the keynote of our early morning existence but still our wonderful bunch of mechanics are on the job – hard at it from the break of dawn. There is no doubt but that the very existence of the Air Force is built up on its ground staff of artisans, men who have come from all walks of life, who have thrown up lucrative positions, to do their bit in blazing the name of our young and gallant Air Force across Libyan and East African skies – let us not forget them, heroes one and all.
Today was another midday show – a medium level bombing attack on M.T. on the Eastern side of EL ADEM. Eight Marylands took part in the raid. The raid was very successful several direct hits on M.T. were observed and numerous fires started. The day was dull and overcast and a few drops of rain fell. The startling news that 30 enemy tanks and a number of M.T. vehicles had broken through the main forces and were approaching the fence towards our direction caused quite a flutter in camp. Adequate arrangements to meet all contingencies were made by the O.C., Adj. and Defence Officer. Just after all plans had been perfected we heard an aircraft overhead.
For a moment we did not pay any attention when suddenly swish-swish-swish —boomph and an ugly looking bomb dropped on the outskirts of our camp. Evidently a jerry was on the stooge and had an invitation from 12 squadron who had two nice big bonfires blazing away – just what the little jerry pilot wanted and the result was one perfectly good Maryland aircraft (of 12 Sqd.) written completely off and one damaged. The bomb about a 250 lb one fell about 75 yards from the edge of the living quarters of 12 squadron!!! We were on the qui vive for the rest of the night but Jerry sheered off and concentrated on the Railhead about eight miles from camp when we were treated to a real fireworks display lasting for some hours. Ack-ack, tracers and flaming onions, lit up the sky like a giant neon sign in crimson and orange streaks. We had a disturbed night and slept but fitfully with the distant thud-thud of the bombs and the faint roar of the Bofors guns in reply.
Eighteen aircraft up on formation training.
Oprep No. 152
Routine Order No. 57/42
A payment of £140 having been received from the D.A.P's 'Xmas Cheer fund and this having been divided on a pro rata basis amongst all the Messes, arrangements are being started for the purchase of extras for 'Xmas. Purchases are being effected through the Squadron Institute (S.A.A.F.I.) and no effort is being spared to assure that the season will be suitably celebrated by everyone in the Squadron. To date 53% of personnel, S.A.A.F. and Cape Corps, have submitted applications for service outside Africa.
Twelve aircraft took off at 14.16 hours to bomb guns and troops at point C.370015. The first box slightly undershot, the second box hit the S.E. portion of the target. A few bursts of light Ack Ack was encountered in the vicinity of the target.
Sortie Report No. 456