We did another show last night. Fifteen machines were sent off at three minute intervals from 0205 hrs onwards. The last machine was down at 0507 hrs this morning. The target was the same as last night and the enemy had another thorough workout.
Visibility was poor, but the results were good. Oprep 240, Sortie Report and Crew list.
The Squadron had the honour of leading a great show. Major led a formation of 6 Baltimores, from this Squadron, 6 Bostons from 12 Squadron, 6 Bostons from 24 Squadron, 12 Baltimores from 232 Wing and 12 B25's from 12 B. Group U.S.A.A.F. The target was enemy strong points in the area TY 9111 (Ref. Map Tunisia 1:500,000 Gabes) in support of our old friends the New Zealand Division.All bombs fell in the target area and the raid was a huge success.
Messages of congratulation were received from the A.O.C. W.D.,General Montgomery and from the O.C. 211 Group.
One machine was missing from the formation. The crew was Lt. MURRAY, Lt. P. ASHTON, and F/Sgts S. BERNITZ and P. CLACK. They started to drop back from the formation soon after leaving the target area and were last seen in our territory under control at about 2000 feet. Soon after this a message was received from their machine saying "Have forced landed" No further message could be got to them. Another of our machines had to forced land on the beach 4 miles up the coast from ZUARA, due to engine failure. No-one was hurt seriously, Lt. FORSMAN twisted his knee in the crash. After the bombing was over the fighters sent over 21 Squadrons to bomb and strafe the enemy, making the shambles as complete as possible. Sortie Report 241, Oprep 241 and Crew List.
Major L.J. SCHRAVESANDE and 2/Lt. V. HERRING and crew posted to the Squadron from O.T.U. Lt. CHISHOLM and Lt. FORRSMAN posted to S.A.A.F. Base Depot.