Christmas day at last, A service was held by the Padre and most stirring address was followed by the well loved hymns sung, in days gone by, in happier surroundings. Morning passed quickly and finally the whole squadron sat down to their meal in a tent tastefully decorated by El Newman and his gang. Whiskey was doled out and Col. Jan made a stirring speech of congratulation to the whole squadron on their magnificent contribution to the present campaign.
He revealed that we had been credited with 15 victories in the air and over 60 aircraft destroyed on the ground. After sundry toasts, we all stood in silence and drank a toast to our gallant comrades already fallen in the struggle – the shadow parade – that gallant band of men, our comrades, who have gone before us. A wholesome meal was served up and enjoyed by all. The afternoon passed off quietly – well not too quietly for the afternoon's stillness was broken with intermittent heavy explosion – no dear readers, not the enemy, just some frolicsome spirits, led by the “greatest in the land” were indulging in hand grenade throwing.
Jack Friedman’s natal day so we had some further cause for celebration.
The following message of good wishes was received today from Field Marshal and Mrs Smuts:
"I WOULD BE GLAD IF YOU WOULD CONVEY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO ALL OFFICERS AND RANKS OF THE UNION FORCES IN THE M.E.
UPON THIS DAY – THE THIRD CHRISTMAS OF THE WAR—IT GIVES MRS SMUTS AND MYSELF GREAT PLEASURE TO EXTEND TO YOU OUR BEST WISHES THE EFFORTS OF THE PAST YEAR, WHICH IN THEMSELVES CONSTITUTE A NOTABLE RECORD FOR OUR TROOPS, HAVE BEEN CROWNED BY OUR HISTORIC BATTLES IN LIBYA, WHERE OUR ARMY, AIR AND NAVAL FORCES EARNED LAURELS OF UNDYING FAME. STERN DUTY LIES AHEAD, NEVERTHELESS, MY HOPE IS THAT THE COMING YEAR WILL REWARD US FOR OUR UNREMITTING STRUGGLE IN THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM. WE MUST ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY OF VICTORY AND PEACE”.
No flying: Oprep No. 145
Due principally to the very lavish grants received by the Squadron from the D.A.P's. 'Xmas Cheer Fund, all Messes were in the happy position of being able to put up a very good showing in all branches of the catering line. Messes were decorated with palm leaves and greenery from the village. It was difficult to believe that the Squadron was about 1000 miles from anywhere and it is unlikely that anyone present will forget that 'Xmas dinner in the desert. The weather was fine and much warmer than it has been recently.
1720
The day was partially marred – or it may have been the conclusion of the celebrations – by the burning down of the E.P.I.P tent housing the Airmen’s Canteen. In order to prevent the rest of the mess catching fire, it was necessary to drop the remaining tents so the airmen had what was saved of supper in the open – rather a bleak contrast to the conditions prevailing at dinner.
Sergeants Mess Menu Airmen’s Menu
Christmas Day turned out to be the coldest we have yet experienced. Although the rain held off, a bitterly cold wind had sprung up and continued throughout the day. The Airmen had their dinner at 16.00 hours and this function was attended by the O.C. and many of the Officers. In a short, suitable speech to O.C. thanked the Airmen for the manner in which they had carried out their duties and wished them a Merry Christmas. The O.C. and Adjutant, accompanied by several Officers paid visits to the other Messes throughout the day.
12 Marauders airborne from IESI at 11.04 hours, led by Lt. Col. ORD to attack the TREVISO Engine Sheds, with a fighter escort. Due to cloud in the FANO area two aircraft of second Box lost formation and eventually formed up with 24 and 30 Squadron. A third aircraft of this Box while circuiting in formation off FANO at 5,000 feet developed a spin, crew instructed to bale; two gunners jumped and two chutes seen descending and sea rescue action taken by the Leader. The resultant search revealed no trace of these airmen (W.O.1 HAMILTON D. M., S.A.A.F. and F/Sgt. EVANS D.W., R.A.F.). Pilot (Lieut. W.R. CLOETE) corrected at 800 feet; dropped bombs safe at sea and returned to base. First box of six bombed from 12000 feet – pattern resulting in a 300 yards right error and overshoot on edge of town (G.625759 - 622757) among scattered buildings. Second Vic of three aircraft, on which two aircraft of 30 Squadron formated - bombed from 11,700 feet; pattern missed main objective, but straddled main line and junction, with numerous direct hits on tracks. No Enemy opposition from target area; five puffs, inaccurate, heavy ack-ack when crossing coast at PIAVE River mouth. All aircraft down at 13.46 hours.
Sortie Report No. 888.