CoId and miserable with intermittent dust storms.
Official post informs that Don Duffus, shot down on 20th November, is a prisoner of war. Also Tiny Meyer, George Parsons and Sugar Louw – good show the squadron was delighted to hear the news that Molly Lamont and his crew Ted Reynecke, Peter Blyth and Gerry Jones are prisoners of war and takes our total eight of whom we have definite news. May we all meet again soon!!
Another show over TOBRUK with another fireworks display but it did not last long and Jerry was on his way.
1030
Divine Service for the Squadron in the Officers Mess, as usual. Five other ranks posted in from S.A.A.F. Base Depot. Thirty four Officers and other ranks recorded messages home and four items from the 'Xmas eve entertainment in the Airmen’s mess were repeated for recording at No. 3 (S.A.) Wing.
Oprep No. 147
Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges and Lieut. McAravey, arrived back at the Squadron after having spent a month in England on official duties. Major Ord immediately arranged lectures in the various Messes so that Squadron personnel could reap the benefit of the knowledge he had acquired whilst on the trip. The bad weather continued and there were no operations. Lieut. D. Shaw left of BARI on his return to the Union. A complete aircrew (pilot – Lieut. Ashton) reported for duty.
Twelve Marauders airborne from IESI at 10.42 hours, led by Major HAMLET, to attack the TREVISO Engine Sheds. After meeting their escort of six Mustangs over FANO set course for target. First box - stick started with two or three direct hits on track and overshooting in built up area North of Railway lines (G.629759 - G.630762). Several direct hits on buildings and much brown smoke resulted.
Two near misses with 250 lbs (spinners) on Engine Sheds were also observed. Bombs from the second box fell in a long pattern straddling railroad lines, with two direct hits or near misses on semi-circular Engine Sheds and various hits on Marshalling Yards and buildings. No enemy opposition encountered and all aircraft landed by 13.08 hours. Sortie Report No. 890.
Squadron Routine Order 114/44.