We were Informed that the raid on the rail head of the previous night (these raids are now a nightly affair) had caused no damage save a direct hit on a prisoner of war camp where 30 Jerries were killed and 40 wounded! Hoist on their own bombs!!
We had two shows today– the morning one with eight Marylands was a combined show with 12 on gun emplacements near EL ADEM. Again we were escorted by fighters. I think Wing and higher formations have had their lesson of the 20th – Black Thursday and will not repeat their unescorted act. The results of this raid were quite good. As good as pin point bombing will ever be!! The target was well straddled and a huge flash and columns of smoke resulted from one of our explosions.
The second show, after some flat spinning and last minute cancellations was a dispersal of about 25 Tanks and lorries west of BEL HAMED. The target was well straddled, one direct hit and several near misses being the result. The Libyan battle is evidently proceeding according to plan and Jerry is slowly being bottled up. Today saw the boys all hard at work digging into the hardy stony soil making, homes and "funkholes" in preparation for the Hun.
Owing to early flying - 18 aircraft, formation - parade was cancelled. A meeting of Officers in charge of Flights and Sections was held to discuss the new Light Bomber Establishment with a view to advising the A.D.A.P. of considered amendments thereto, in the light of the Squadron's operational experience.
No. 89693 Lieut. W.A.C. CHADWICK posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for return to Union after 18 months service in the Middle East.
One other rank posted to S.A.A.F. Depot - medically unfit.
No. 48086 Lieut. W.H. SASS and No. 48107 Lieut. H.G.LEVI, Observers, posted in from No. 24 Squadron. No. 103964 Lieut. R.R. KLETTE returns on posting, having been non effective and posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for the past few weeks.
To-day was a bright and sunny day and full advantage was taken of this by Allied Air Command; the whole day long the sky was full of aircraft of all descriptions going backwards and forwards, in what appeared to be almost a shuttle service, this Squadron taking part in two raids.
In the first, the aircraft took off at 10.00 hours to bomb guns and troop positions at MOZZAGROGNA. The target area was well covered, direct hits being registered on the main road.
In the afternoon guns and troops were again attacked, approximately ten bursts were seen in the target area while the rest of the bombs fell on the main road in good position.
Sortie Report No. 459
Sortie Report No. 458