Resumed our journey early and at midday crossed the border of LIBYA at SHEFERZEN. There is no difference – just the same old dreary sandy wasteland! Owing to the heavy loading and the rough nature of the country the going was extremely slow out the vehicles behaved themselves very well and were able to make the night stop within striking distance of our objective.We were treated to a real fireworks display from over TOBRUK. The enemy aircraft were given a real warm reception from the ac-ac and It seemed that an aircraft was shot down during the show.
A show that took place today was a flop and the aircraft returned to base without dropping their eggs.
1000
Full parade held to collect all unauthorised weapons etc.
A search of tents and kit followed but a very poor assortment of enemy weapons and only very few, were collected. The Advance Parties of three Wellington Squadrons have arrived and are putting up their camps round the landing ground. It is understood that they will be operating from here in the near future. One other rank posted to S.A.A.F. Depot on medical grounds. 693 arrived from Base (L.G.98) with post and part of our ‘Xmas cheer. The remainder is to be flown up on the 24th. and as this includes the dinner, it is devoutly hoped that the weather will not Interfere with, or prevent, delivery. Sixteen other ranks posted to S.A.A.F. Depot on expiration of tour of duty, for R.T.U.
Oprep No. 141
Extremely cold weather continues.
2110
Air Raid alert but no aircraft heard.
After a long stand-down, operations were resumed to-day when 12 Marauders led by Capt. Nicolay took off from Iesi by 13.35 hours to attack Engine Sheds at the Eastern end of TREVISO Marshalling Yards. One aircraft returned with bombs after 50 minutes with engine trouble, and, on landing, overshot runway – aircraft Cat.2 but no personnel injured. Both boxes straddled briefed pinpoint, with direct hits on large engine sheds and surrounding approach tracks, and buildings. End of pattern finished on Main lines, stationary train and junction of two separate lines of tracks leading into Eastern section of Marshalling Yards. Moderate, fairly accurate, heavy ack-ack at first Box after bombing and four aircraft were holed; none at 2nd Box. Last aircraft down at 16.05 hours. Sortie Report No. 884.