This morning started with the receipt of a congratulatory signal from the Air Officer Commanding, Western Desert:
PERSONAL FROM A.O.C. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VERY FINE SHOW RAID ON DERNA. IT WAS A GRAND SHOW AND VERY DAMAGING”.
It would appear that our little surprise on DERNA was possibly the most devastating and damaging raid that we have had. The first show this morning was a single Maryland search for an enemy ship in BARDIA harbour. The ship was located and bombed but with no better result than two near misses!!
The second show was an attack on aircraft at DERNA landing ground by nine Marylands.
The show was a very good one and once again the aerodrome was given a good pasting, with two direct hits on aircraft and several good sticks of bombs among dispersed aircraft. On the way home our formation was attacked by enemy aircraft by 3 ME 109's and two G 50’s. During the ensuing combat, which was not pressed home by the enemy with the same determination as previously shown and one of our rear gunners, or possibly all of them succeeded in shooting one of the G 50's down in flames and damaging the second one very badly. In the early afternoon a further attack was made on the elusive ship in BARDIA harbour by two Marylands and again all we had was the consolation and cold comfort of our near misses! A truckload of parcels arrived by road from 21 and tomorrow promises another days eating and reading for the lads.
0815
All personnel paraded, with 12 and 24 Squadrons, at Wing, and were addressed by Colonel HINGESTON on the matter of service – outside of Africa. To date 54% of the Squadron has applied and this is not the final figure. It appears that the reason why a large number is not applying is that they have had various promises made to them since joining up and these have not been fulfilled. Added to this, there are several agitators who have come into their own on the matter. The two flights are clearing their aircraft dispersal runways and generally preparing for the arrival of the aircraft which should be here in the next day or two. One other rank (non-effective) posted to S.A.A.F. Depot.
Signal arrived stating that Lieut. D.G. Wood had been given the immediate award of the D.S.O. for his excellent showing on the 29th of last month. The O.C., Adjutant and several Officers from the Squadron, visited the Hospital in order to convey the good news to him.
One raid was carried out to-day, the target again being troop and gun positions WEST of MIGLIANICO. The first box bombed from a height of 15,000 feet, but owing to the cloud at 6,000 feet over the target, the results could not be seen but it was considered that the bombs fell in the North-Eastern portion of the target. The second box bombed from 16,000 feet and reported direct hits on roads. Intense heavy Ack Ack was again encountered.