The camp was astir at 0345 hrs when reveille was sounded. The M.T. section under their tireless leader "Sandy" JOYNER had not slept the whole night and the heavy section of the convoy was soon ready for the road. The promised trucks did not arrive on time but the first section were sent on their way at 0600 hrs.
At about 0900 hrs the trucks began to arrive driven by R.A.F. aircrews. 55 and ourselves decided to halve the trucks between the squadrons as it would appear that some had been badly damaged en transit and would not be of any use on convoy.
As rapidly as they arrived they were refuelled, serviced and, loaded at 1000 hrs the balance of the convoy were on their way. We left our home with mixed feelings, but the majority seemed to be glad to leave such a desolate and wind swept part of the desert and looked forward to seeing some green trees and running water again. All were loath to leave with the idea that they were on the run from Jerry and if the squadron had been operating they would have been keen as mustard on carrying on – but with the aircrews in the Union and no aircraft or hope of any for some considerable time to come, it was generally felt that we were only in the way.
The roads were a slowly moving block of two way traffic and the convoy did slow time and arrived at MENA Staging camp just before dusk. Here the squadron spent the night. Soon the campfires were going and the cooks prepared a splendid meal thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.
General remarks
The squadron has now been out of operations for close on six months and with the second half of 1942 ahead of us we all look eagerly forward to the day when we can take our full share in driving the Hun from Egypt. The inactivity of the past six months has undoubtedly had its effect – but the spirits of the men are still high, despite the wearying and detrimental effects of enforced idleness.
The family spirit is a noticeable feature in the squadron and squadron pride remains as high as ever; the advent of our aircraft will be all that is required to put us back where we rightfully belong – among the successful S.A.A.F. bombing squadrons now harassing the Hun, day and night.
Health has been good and the ailments reported are mostly of a minor character.