Early start delayed by the non-appearance of the M.T. bowser until 09.00 hours. All vehicles with enough fuel to get them to the next P.S.P.were put on the road before then with instructions to camp that night just beyond NOFILIA village. Traffic on the road was extremely heavy and it was learned that the reason for the delay of the M.T Section on the previous evening had been the overturning of their workshop vehicle on a built-up section of the road, the driver having turned out to avoid being side-swiped by a tank-carrier. Fortunately little damage was done to the truck and no one was injured.
After doing approximately 25 miles, the leading vehicles turned off the road to wait for the rest of the convoy to come up. It was only when 19 vehicles were dispersed that it was discovered that the very promising dispersal area chosen for the stop was an enemy mine-field. Two vehicles were blown up in as many minutes and instructions were given prohibiting all further movements. The first explosion resulted In three casualties –fortunately all minor – and the second wounded Captain VIVIAN who was the senior officer present and was endeavouring to take the vehicles back onto the tarmac. First aid was rendered by the Squadron M.O. and Staff and the casualties sent off to the nearest C.C.S. Two and a quarter hours later all the remaining 17 vehicles were again on the road without further incident.
At NOFILIA Cross-road, the convoy was advised by the M.P.Information Post N.C.O. that a signal had been received instructing that our Wing and Squadrons were to be diverted onto “O” Track and that the rest of our journey, about 50 miles, would be through the desert. Camp was made for the night just this side of the village but the usual hot supper was missed as the cook - gharri was missing. Fortunately there were plenty of rations and an issue of "Ish" helped to keep the cold out.