News of an Axis convoy in the Mediterranean and possibility of bombing it, sent off six of our aircraft on standby to SIDI REZEGH. The day was a fruitless one and in the early afternoon they returned to base.
A Church service was held this morning by Padre Davies in the Ops tent. There was a most satisfactory attendance and the Padre’s address most instructive. The dust started blowing up this afternoon and an early bed was indicated.
1045
Our aircraft started coming in and all had landed by 13.00 hrs. After a quick turn-over, the Squadron was on stand-by for the rest of the day but, owing to lack of targets, there were no sorties. The enemy has withdrawn from the EL AGEILA line which is without doubt the easiest line to defend along the North coast of Africa. When the withdrawal commenced we picked up a signal from his rearguard to the effect that, as they were being attacked by two armoured divisions with infantry support, they were withdrawing according to plan. As what he saw as "divisions" were actually brigades. It would seem that in his "rapid advance Westwards" Rommel left too much of his guns, armour and morale behind to be able to put up more than a delaying action on this sector of his retreat. It appears that his withdrawal is under control as targets for our Light Bombers are scarce and our land forces are being held up all along the way by his mine fields.
No. 203021 Captain W. E. SCHOCH posted in from No. 4 Squadron.
No.32274 Lieut. D. G. BAILLIE posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot w.e.f. 12 Dec. 1942. No. 102659 Captain D.R.C. MAIN posted to S.A.A.F. Depot (for No. 2 P.R.U., R.A.F.) w.e.f. 30 Nov. 42. No. J. 15415 (R.A.F.) P/O. W.W.H. CORNELIUS and two other ranks (R.A.F. - aircrews) attached from S.A.A.F. Depot. One other rank posted in from No. 60 Squadron, w.e.f. 2 Dec.42.
No. 103621 Lieut. A. R.MARTIN, No. 102305 Lieut. D. R. NOAKES and three other ranks (aircrews) posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for R.T.U. on expiration of tour of duty. Four other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Depot. No.205845 Lieut. S.J. GUARD (Pilot), 186079 2/Lt. B.L. FORSMANN (Observer) and two other ranks (Air Gunners, one R.A.F. and one R.C.A.F.) posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot. Lieut. H. DENTON recently taken off strength as non-effective, is posted back to the Squadron. Three other ranks posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot, two from No. 15 Squadron and two from No. 7 (S.A.) Wing. We are on third sortie for tomorrow but the chances of finding targets are not too good.