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”.