We took our farewell of Padre Davies, who with the return of the Squadron to the Delta area, is going back to 3 Wing.
A grand fellow, and very popular among all ranks of the squadron, Padre Davies will be missed by all of us. Apart from his cheery personality, his kindness and understanding have done much to help us in times of stress and difficulty. His farewell sermon was impressive and contained a deal of good advice. As the service ended we heard the familiar roar of a Maryland “shoot-up” announcing the return of the O.C. and Adjutant who informed us that the squadron would leave in convoy as early as possible tomorrow.
We took an official farewell of our Wing in the evening when Col. Willmott was asked to attend a farewell party in the Officers' Mess. Lt. Col. Pretorius, in taking leave of 3 Wing praised the work that had been done by this organisation, and thanked Col. Willmott for his collaboration and co-operation.
Col. Wilmott, in reply(!) said that he knew a number of pilots were due to return to the Union after their tour of duty. He asked them to consider returning to operations however as the war had yet to be won. While in the Delta area, he said, pilots should concentrate on night flying.