Two raids to-day. First raid twelve Baltimores took off (one returned early with bomb-load due to engine trouble) at 09.30 hours to bomb PORTO DI CORSINI. One direct hit on edge of quay, and one near-miss on barge. Second box owing to steep turn on, exceptional lateral error to the right from N631463 to N627465. No enemy opposition, visibility hazy. Close support of six Spitfires. Sortie Report No. 747.
Second raid with twelve Baltis airborne at 14.46 hours to bomb same target. Some hits on wharves on both sides of harbour and on a building on N. bank. No enemy opposition and all aircraft returned to base at 17.12 hours. Eight Spitfires provided escort. Sortie Report No. 748.
Wing phoned this morning to say that an analysis had been made of the Vino sold by the local inhabitants which revealed 20% +,-, urine. What a shock to those unfortunates who thro’ their desire to partake of the wine of the country were inadvertently sipping the excreta of the Iti - Hell !!
In spite of operations the Squadron is also busy converting onto Marauders. We persuaded the powers to give us four Marauders so as to start a conversion plan to run concurrently with ops.
Our chief desire is to cut the stand-down period to the minimum for the sake of the war effort and in the interest of the spirit of the Squadron.
2/Lieuts. WINN, DICKENSON and BAILEY (Observers) reported for duty.