My calendar tells me that way back in “hometown” today is Dingaan's day, when our forbears laid the foundation of the determination to overcome tyranny that has characterised the determination of their descendants to overcome the tyranny of the Hun. Alas we have no holiday or time even for thinking for the work that has yet to be none. Dust again today, but not as bad as yesterday.
Today the squadron again raised its head and smote the enemy a lusty blow. With our depleted aircraft we managed to raise five aircraft and gave BENINA aerodrome a fair pasting. We got the enemy on the hop for the dispersal of their aircraft was very poor and most of our bombs fell among the planes. Two direct hits were obtained and at least seven others destroyed with several more badly damaged. It was a really stirring effort more so as the younger pilots and their as yet raw crews took part and got off to such a good start. We trust that they will keep it up so that when the “veterans” return the squadron will get down and polish the jerries off very rapidly.
Had some excitement this evening when Jerry dropped several flares over railhead but seemed to stooge off soon afterwards and we had no more visits from him during the night.
No. 10 of “Oh 21” was run off today and was eagerly snaffled up. It is surely one of the real features of camp life now in the desert.
Two Squadron sorties of 12 and 6 Baltimores, respectively:
First Sortie: "Oprep" No. 135, Sortie Report and Crew List
Second Sortie: "Oprep" No. 136, Sortie Report and Crew List
Our land forces reached MARBLE ARCH last night. Owing to the distance, the second sortie would seem to close the session for our Light Bombers. There is talk of half of our aircraft being sent back to L.G. 98 and the remainder being used from here for night operations.
A raid was carried out to-day on M.T. and troop concentrations EAST of MIGLIANICO. Twelve aircraft left base at 10.00 hours, the first box bombing at 11.07 hours from a height of 15,500 feet, the second released their bombs at 11.12 hours from approximately 11,000 feet. Hits were registered in the Northern portion of the target area and among gun pits in the SOUTH EASTERN Section. Intense Heavy Ack Ack was encountered over the target area and during the run off but it was not considered to be accurate.
Sortie Report No. 485.
W.O.1. BRODIE (WT/AG) and 4 ground crew personnel posted R.T.U. as tour expired.
Brigadier WILMOT, S.A.A.F. visited the Squadron.