92 Squadron, form 540 

01/06/43 (Tuesday) Two of our pilots went to HERGLA today and flew aircraft from there to base. There was no other flying. It was a sad parting today when we bid “Au Revoir” to F/Lt. NEVILLE DUKE, DSO., DFC. and BAR and to F/Lt. C.G. WOOLGROVE. It is our hope that “Neville” is able to go to ENGLAND and continue his grand work from there. “DOC” WOOLGROVE is to become a “Base Wallah” at HELIOPOLIS and we wish him every success.

 

02/06/43 (Wednesday) Several of our pilots carried out training flights this morning and others did some night flying at the end of the day. We shall miss F/O. SIMPSON, P/O. BRUCKSHAW and P/O. MacFARLANE who left us today at the end of their operational tour.

 

03/06/43 (Thursday) During the morning some practice flying was carried out. Orders were received for our first party to move tomorrow to an unknown destination, and these men were fully kitted at the store during the day. It had been arranged that Squadron Sports Competition would be held but with the move of a large number of men being so imminent, it was decided that a sing-song would be held in the Airmen’s Canteen. Six hundred bottles of beer had been laid on for the occasion and several large fruit cakes bought in CAIRO at GROPPI’S six months ago and sandwiches were provided. By 2100 hours there was not much “Song” in the sing-song but everyone was warmed up for a happy evening which extended until the early hours of the next day. It was an enjoyable party.

 

04/06/43 (Friday) The move of the first party was postponed for 24 hours. There was some flying done during the day by pilots testing aircraft received from the R.S.U. F/Sgt. V. CARTER (Signals), who has been with the Squadron since it was re-formed on 10th October 1939, was today posted to 244 WING HEADQUARTERS to await his commission.

 

05/06/43 (Saturday) In accordance with Movement Order No. 1 issued by 214 Group our first party left BEN GARDANE at 1115 hours for an undisclosed destination. F/Lt. SAVAGE and F/O. LONGSTAFF attended a conference at WING HEADQUARTERS where GROUP CAPTAIN J. DARWIN spoke on forthcoming events. There was a little flying done in the way of air tests of aircraft.

 

06/06/43 (Sunday) There was some training carried out during the day. S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS returned from CAIRO where he had been attending a course.

 

07/06/43 (Monday) Long-range tanks on several of our aircraft were tested today and seven pilots carried out night flying later.

 

08/06/43 (Tuesday) A convoy of 15 of our vehicles with drivers and F/O. WIHAK and F/Sgt. MacKAY proceeded to TRIPOLI for forward disposal to MALTA. There was more training during the day. P/O. W.E. ALLEN left the Squadron on posting to 206 GROUP and F/Lt. RICHARDSON and F/O. HAZEL joined us. A supply of 800 bottles of beer was obtained and the Squadron enjoyed a very happy party.

 

09/06/43 (Wednesday) Our pilots continued with their training programme.

 

10/06/43 (Thursday) There was more practice flying today.

 

11/06/43 (Friday) P/O. DIBDEN, 2/Lt. GASSON, and Sgt. KING joined us today on posting from the WING TRAINING FLIGHT. Our pilots are eager to be on operations again, but the only flying done was training to fit themselves to beat the best the HUN can put up against us.

 

12/16/43 (Saturday) F/O. BRADLEY SMITH was today posted to No. 22 P.T.C. for transfer to the USAAF. WE shall miss him very much as he has been amongst the keenest of our pilots. F/Sgt. C.F. BROWN, in charge of “B” FLIGHT, has been awarded the AIR FORCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL — 18 years undetected crime!!

 

13/06/43 (Sunday) F/O. LONGSTAFF and P/O. PHILLIPS left by air for MALTA. Long range tanks were air-tested on more of our aircraft today to prepare for tomorrow’s trip.

 

14/06/43 (Monday) F/O. CORNISH, P/O. PROBERT, P/O. IVES, F/Lt. RICHARDSON, P/O. McDERMOTT and F/O. HAZEL left for TRIPOLI with 44 men today for shipment to MALTA where they landed (in TRIPOLI) without incident after one and a quarter hours in the air.

 

15/06/43 (Tuesday) Only one aircraft took off today and that was for an air test.

 

16/06/43 (Wednesday) There were several more air tests today but no operational flying. Eight vehicles left BEN GARDANE with ten men for TRIPOLI

 

17/06/43 (Thursday) More air tests of aircraft and their long range tanks were carried out today. The party of six officers and 44 men arrived in MALTA

 

18/06/43 (Friday) There was some training in the air today.

 

19/06/43 (Saturday) Our last party arrived in MALTA today. A Squadron practice formation was flown in preparation for a “show” tomorrow.

 

20/06/43 (Sunday) At last we begin operations again! With No. 145 SQUADRON we carried out an offensive sweep of COMISO area in SICILY but it was uneventful. The personnel are finding it difficult to cope with the “Bull” on the island after the comparative laxity of life in the desert.

 

21/06/43 (Monday) From dawn today we had two sections of four aircraft on Readiness and it was not until 1930 hours that there was any flying. Four aircraft then patrolled the island on an interception patrol without incident. We were released at dusk.

 

22/06/43 (Tuesday) This morning our Squadron and No. 1 SAAF Squadron carried out a sweep of SOUTH-EASTERN SICILY. Ever since June last year, when we first flew with SOUTH AFRICANS, there has been a grand spirit of friendship and co-operation between our Squadrons and we hoped that together we might open the score for the WING in operations over MALTA. Our luck was out, however, for there was no sign of the HUN.

 

MALTA

 

23/06/43 (Wednesday) There was no flying today although we had a team available at Dispersal throughout the day. We are settling down here but shall be happier when operations begin in earnest.

 

24/06/43 (Thursday) We were released today but a message received during the morning recalled all pilots to the aerodrome to meet the SECRETARY OF AIR, SIR ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR, who had arrived by air to thank the WESTERN DESERT Squadrons for their grand work in the last campaign.

 

25/06/43 (Friday) An early morning call for 0300 was booked by our pilots who were doing pre-dawn readiness today. The ride in the bus to the aerodrome awakened them thoroughly but it was not until late in the morning that any were required to take-off. At that time, and again at 1930 hours, a section of four of our SPITFIRE IX’s carried out an interception patrol. The first was uneventful but in the second operation two Me 109’s were sighted 10 miles NORTH OF GOZO. Our pilots chased them as they dived from 25,000 to 7,000 feet but lost them in the haze about five miles from SICILY. Better luck next time we hope. 

 

26/06/43 (Saturday) We had a team available at Dispersal all day but they were not required. In the afternoon, the pilots not on the team bathed near SLIEMA and did some dinghy drill there.

 

27/06/43 (Sunday) This afternoon eight of our aircraft  with 10 from No. 145 Squadron escorted No. 40 SAAF Squadron on a sweep to CATANIA. There was no sign of the enemy but our pilots had their first glimpse of ITALY before they turned about for base.

 

28/06/43 (Monday) Throughout the day pilots have been available at Dispersal but they were not called for operations.

 

29/06/43 (Tuesday) The Squadron was released today so S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS, our C.O. took a large party of pilots to ST. PAUL’S BAY for an outing which was thoroughly enjoyed. S/Ldr. “BABE” WHITAMORE — ex 92 pilot, now C.O. of No. 81 Squadron — was the guest of the Squadron on this trip. It was with deep regret that we learned today that Sgt. W.C. LAWSON was killed recently at BEN GARDANE during training.

 

30/06/43 (Wednesday) We are pleased to record that the following members of the Squadron have been MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES:-

 

805184 W/O JENKINS. F.A.C.,

513822 W/O. SAnDERSON. G.,

365145 F/Sgt. BROWN. C.F.,

568330 F/Sgt. WILLIAMS. F.E.,

969070 Cpl. FINNIE. W.,

847690 Cpl. HUMPHRIES. A.W.,

1206411 Cpl. COBBETT. L.,

912662 LAC. HUGHES. E.J.

1283457 LAC. McCARTHY. E.M.

1063063 LAC. ORMEROD. D., 

1407460 LAC. WHITE J.H.W.,

1016577 LAC. HATTLE. J.,

1335957 ACI. EAGLE. D.

 

With ten aircraft of No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON we carried out a sweep of the COMISO area this afternoon. Plots of enemy aircraft were reported but our pilots saw no sign of the HUN. Our total of operational hours for this month amounted to only 63 hours 15 minutes whereas our non-operational hours totalled 113 hours 5 minutes day and 8 hours 25 minutes for night flying.

LUQA, MALTA

 

01/07/43 (Thursday) FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.M.V. CARPENTER DFC., joined us today to take over “B” Flight in place of FLIGHT LIEUTENANT E. SLY who became O.T.E. Once again our pilots spent the day at Dispersal but they were not required for operations.

 

02/07/43 (Friday) There was a wing sweep over COMISO today in which six of our SPITFIRE V’s and four of our IX’s took part with aircraft  from No. 1 SAAF and No. 145 Squadrons. This proved to be a stooge trip for there were no enemy aircraft in sight.

 

03/07/43 (Saturday) We had two sections at Dawn Readiness today. Just after 1700 hours in the evening we provided one Section of four aircraft to patrol a dinghy which was just over five miles from the Sicilian coast. When the launch arrived to pick up the pilot it was announced on the R/T that it was a HUN in the dinghy! A poor show on the part of the enemy to allow us to snatch one of his pilots from under his nose.

 

04/07/43 (Sunday) F/O. B. BAKER opened our score for operations from Malta by damaging a Mc 202 over COMISO today. He did this on a show in which 12 of our aircraft, with 12 from No. 145 Squadron, gave high cover to MITCHELLS and MARAUDERS which bombed GERBINI aerodrome.

 

05/07/43 (Monday) During this evening, with No. 1 SAAF Squadron, we gave high cover to 36 MARAUDERS to GERBINI again but there was no sign at all of any enemy aircraft. Later in the day, eight of our SPITFIRE V’s patrolled over a dinghy ten miles from the SICILIAN coast until five men in it were picked up by the A.S.R. launch. What grand work these A.S.R. men do!

 

06/07/43 (Tuesday) We had 12 aircraft available today and eight of them we “On the line” for a couple of hours in the afternoon but we were not sent off.

 

07/07/43 (Wednesday) This afternoon our Squadron, with 601 and 417 Squadrons, were detailed to give escort and high cover to 48 LIBERATORS bombing GERBINI Satellites 1 and 6. We flew to the target are and patrolled between it and CATANIA for 35 minutes but there was no sign either of our bombers or any enemy aircraft. After tea we had two sections at Readiness for three hours until dusk.

 

08/07/43 (Thursday) We had two Sections at Dawn Readiness but they were no required to take off. After noon, with 601 Squadron, we escorted 24 MITCHELLS which plastered COMISO aerodrome with bombs.

 

09/07/43 (Friday) Today we were given the “gen” on forthcoming operations and our pilots are keyed up to deal effectively with enemy opposition. We wish our forces the best of luck. Our first operation today was to be an escort, with No. 1 SAAF Squadron, to 24 MITCHELLS bombing COMISO, but the bombers did not turn up at the rendezvous. Our SPITFIRE V’s were ordered to return to base but our IX’s swept SOUTH-EASTERN SICILY. They saw no enemy aircraft. In the afternoon F/Lt. T SAVAGE led the Wing escort to 24 LIBERATORS which bombed COMISO. There was no opposition by A.A. or enemy aircraft.

 

10/07/43 (Saturday) The invasion of SICILY has begun and we have been engaged in maintaining air cover over the PACHINO PENINSULAR throughout the day. We have done a total of 42 sorties. F/Lt. T. SAVAGE opened the score for the Squadron, and the Wing, for operations from MALTA when he destroyed a Ju 88 in his third show today. Our aircraft attacked six Ju 88’s with an escort of 12 Me 109’s and at least 2 Mc 202’s, and besides F/Lt. SAVAGE’S success, 2/Lt. J.E. GASSON (SAAF) damaged another Ju 88. Our joy was overshadowed, however, by the news that both F/Lt. T. SAVAGE and F/O. DICKS-SHERWOOD are missing. It is believed that “A” Flight’s FLIGHT COMMANDER baled out and we are anxious for definite news. At Dusk a Section of six aircraft carried out another patrol of the same area — they saw no enemy aircraft and all made perfect night landings on their return. We are warned that our pilots must be prepared to fly at dawn to an aerodrome in SICILY

 

11/07/43 (Sunday) The move of our aircraft was postponed until 13th July. Our pilots had further success this afternoon during a patrol of the beaches between SCELAMBRI and GELA. They attacked a formation of 12 Ju 88’s which were escorted by 30 plus fighters and in the ensuing combat four Ju 88’s were destroyed, one probably destroyed and one damaged. F/Lt. RICHARDSON destroyed one and damaged one, F/O. M. JOWSEY destroyed one, Lt. A. SACHS and W/O. S.R. FRY each destroyed one and 2/Lt. J.E. GASSON damaged one. This is 92 Squadron in its form again! We regret that WING COMMANDER PETER OLVER — who was flying with us — has not yet returned.

 

12/07/43 (Monday) From dawn until dusk today our aircraft patrolled over the beaches in SOUTH-EAST and SOUTHERN SICILY, but no enemy aircraft were encountered.

 

13/07/43 (Tuesday) Early this morning eleven of our pilots took off from LUCA to patrol the beaches in the PACHINO PENINSULAR and landed at the new landing ground at PACHINO after an uneventful patrol. Our other pilots flew direct to the new L.G. In all, 41 sorties were flown today in patrols over the beach and our new base. Late in the afternoon P/O. G. WILSON forced landed near SYRACUSE short of petrol, but the local inhabitants proved to be very friendly and gave him food and shelter for the night. His aircraft was only slightly damaged. Squadron personnel left MALTA for SICILY this afternoon. They were delighted to find F/O. DICKS-SHERWOOD at the docks. He had been landed at MALTA from a trawler which picked him up on 10th July.

 

PACHINO, SICILY

 

14/07/43 (Wednesday) Before our personnel arrived at PACHINO today our pilots had carried out two patrols. In the second of these our aircraft were jumped by six Mc 202’s and Sgt. T.E. BRISTER’S aircraft was badly shot up. He landed safely at base however. It is interesting to note that although the enemy aircraft had the advantage of height and numbers, they would not stay to fight after the initial attack. There were three more patrols during the day and early in the afternoon, F/O. M. JOWSEY and P/O. PROBERT in SPITFIRE IX’s encountered 12 Mc 202 fighter-bombers. F/O. JOWSEY destroyed one while P/O. PROBERT destroyed one and damaged another.

 

15/07/43 (Thursday) Two SPITFIRE VIII’s were delivered to us today and the pilots are anxious to tes them. We did five patrols over the AUGUSTA — SYRACUSE area. It was in the third show that four of our SPITFIRE V’s engaged six Mc 202’s and in the combat F/O. M JOWSEY and F/Sgt. M. ASKEY each damaged one. After expending all his ammunition, F/O. M. JOWSEY continued on the tail of the Mc 202 for five minutes just in case the enemy aircraft found it possible to reverse the position.

 

16/07/43 (Friday) Nothing more dangerous than KITTYHAWKS were seen on the two patrols we did over the AUGUSTA area early this morning. Eight of our aircraft covered a large number of warships which were off SYRACUSE this afternoon. Included in this convoy were the RODNEY and NELSON which bombarded CATANIA at dusk. Orders were received for the Squadron to move at dawn tomorrow for a new L.G. at CASSIBILE.

 

CASSIBILE

 

17/07/43 (Saturday) Not one enemy aircraft was seen during the five patrols carried out today. It appears, almost, as if the HUN knows that our pilots are spoiling for a fight and he dare not risk his aircraft! It is confirmed that F/Lt. T. SAVAGE lost his life on 10th July. When he destroyed a Ju 88 he followed it down and was hit by A.A. from our warships but was unable to bale out. He will be greatly missed by the whole Squadron, for, quite apart from his grand leadership in the air, he had a charming personality. He had a quiet, unassuming manner which endeared him to officers and men alike.

 

18/07/43 (Sunday) At dawn we patrolled over the CATANIA — GERBINI area but there were no hostile aircraft in the area. During the morning we were to escort 38 KITTYHAWKS on an armed recce of the CATANIA — MESSINA road and the rendezvous was to be at 500 ft over our L.G. However, the fighter –bombers flew over at 8,000 feet and our aircraft were unable to contact them. We patrolled over the area where the KITTYHAWKS were operating but the patrol was uneventful.

 

19/07/43 (Monday) One more day without any sign of enemy air activity! We carried out the usual patrol over the CATANIA area — where our ground forces are meeting stiffer resistance — and later in the day, 18 of our aircraft gave top cover to three Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS on an armed recce north of CATANIA. It is truly amazing the way in which the air battle has died down. With a few hours of leisure available at the odd times of the day, the Squadron has been able to appreciate the countryside in which it finds itself. This is the nearest thing to home we have seen for 18 months.

 

20/07/43 (Tuesday) This has been another day of “stooge” patrols over the CATANIA — GERBINI area. Appreciation has been expressed by the airmen for the supply of “Composite Rations” which is being issued at present. It is hoped that we can continue to obtain these items which are a great improvement on the “Hard Rations” we had in the Desert.

 

21/07/43 (Wednesday) We welcomed F/lt. H. HARDS DFM., who reported today from No. 601 Squadron to be FLIGHT COMMANDER of “A’ FLIGHT. F/Lt. R. RICHARDSON, who joined us on 8th June this year, has been posted to No. 93 Squadron. He takes with him our congratulations on his promotion to Flight Commander and our best wishes for the future. Throughout today we have had a Section at Advanced Readiness. It was not until the evening that they “left the deck” and then they were scrambled for an interception 40 miles East of AUGUSTA. There was no sign of any hostile aircraft when our pilots reached the position.

 

22/07/43 (Thursday) Once during the morning and again in the afternoon our Squadron escorted KITTYHAWKS which bombed targets in NORTH-EASTERN SICILY. There was no enemy opposition.

 

23/07/43 (Friday) We escorted two squadrons of KITTYHAWKS this morning on an armed recce of the roads WEST and EAST of TROINA and, later in the day, were close escort to 24 medium bombers which attacked RANDAZZO. Once again, there was no sign of the LUFTWAFFE.

 

24/07/43 (Saturday) S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS, our COMMANDING OFFICER, announced today that one of our former pilots of the BATTLE OF BRITAIN days had been appointed GROUP CAPTAIN in charge of our WING. He is none other than GROUP CAPTAIN BRIAN KINGCOME, DSO., DFC. and BAR. Soon after dawn we carried out a convoy patrol — the only result reported was a distinct soreness on the pilots’ posteriors after a one hour and 40 minutes “stooge” trip. In the afternoon our C.O., S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS, and P/O. R. PROBERT climbed up to 29,000 feet in SPITFIRE VIII’s hoping to intercept an enemy recce plane but no plots were reported by the controller. Our last show of the day was to have been top cover to 24 BOSTONS but they did not turn up at the rendezvous so we were instructed to patrol the target area. This proved uneventful. MAJOR “SNOWY” MOODY, DFC., of  No. 1 SAAF Squadron, called on us during the evening to say “good-bye.” We shall certainly miss him but are pleased to hear that an ex-92 pilot, MAJOR H. FAURE, DFC., takes his place as their SQUADRON COMMANDER. 

 

25/07/43 (Sunday) There were three shows for us today. The first was an escort to 24 KITTYHAWKS which bombed the roads NORTH of MOUNT ETNA. The other two we carried out sweeps with No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON over the coastline between CAPE MILAZZO and CAPE ROSCOLNO. It was in that area that SPITFIRES of 322 WING destroyed 21 Ju 52’s, 4 Me 109’s and 1 Mc 202 earlier today but we saw no sign of the enemy in the air. “A” Party moved to LENTIN WEST L.G. this afternoon.

 

 

LENTINI, SICILY

 

26/07/43 (Monday) At 0700 hours our aircraft flew to the new airfield and were at Readiness all day. We did another sweep over the NORHT-EAST SICILIAN coast but had no luck — perhaps the HUN learned his lesson yesterday! Sgt. PEACOCK arrived today on posting from 244 WING TRAINING FLIGHT.

 

27/07/43 (Tuesday) Three times today we were detailed to escort BOSTONS which bombed targets at AGIRA and CAPE MILAZZO. There was no enemy opposition apart from some flak.

 

28/07/43 (Wednesday) F/O. R.S.S. DICKS-SHERWOOD destroyed a Me 109 when he and 2/Lt. GASSON were on patrol over AUGUSTA. This brought his personal score to 5½  — 1 — 5. Three other pairs patrolled AUGUSTA and SYRACUSE without incident. In the afternoon we were detailed to be close escort to MEDIUM BOMBERS, but they did not turn up at the rendezvous so we patrolled just North of AUGUSTA for an hour. We intercepted four aircraft which proved to be friendly.

 

29/07/43 (Thursday) WING COMMANDER DUNCAN-SMITH led the Squadron giving top cover to BALTIMORES which bombed a target at CAPE MILAZZO this morning. On returning from this trip he dived on two aircraft over NICOSIA, hoping for joy, but they turned out to be MUSTANGS. With 601 Squadron giving top cover, six of our aircraft provided close escort to 12 BOSTONS towards the target at CAPE MILAZZO. The cloud was too low and thick for the bombers which returned with their load. Bad weather caused the cancellation of further operations planned for the afternoon.

 

30/07/43 (Friday) In pairs, our aircraft patrolled over SYRACUSE and AUGUSTA throughout this morning. Several aircraft were intercepted but each proved to be friendly. Four were scrambled for an interception patrol SOUTH-WEST OF CATANIA, but they saw no enemy planes.

 

31/07/43 (Saturday) Twice this morning, we have provided close escort to medium bombers. There were 12 MARAUDERS in the first show with PATERNO as the target and 12 BOSTONS bombed SAN MARIA in the second. The object of the bombing was to prevent enemy reinforcements being moved from CATANIA westward toward ADRANO and CENTURIPE. There was no enemy opposition. In 88 operations this month our hours have totalled 809.50 day and 10.00 night, while non-operational hours amounted to 23.20. Eight enemy aircraft have been destroyed, one probably destroyed, and six damaged for the loss of two aircraft Cat. III. With one pilot safe, and one aircraft Cat. II through enemy action.

LENTINI WEST

 

01/08/43 (Sunday) We provided close escort to medium bombers again today. The targets for the three shows were PATERNO, BIANCAVILLA and MILAZZO and on no occasion was there any enemy opposition. In the late afternoon six of our aircraft maintained a standing patrol over base in anticipation of an enemy raid which did not materialise. F/Lt. E.A.G.C. BRUCE was posted to the Squadron (for the third time!) today.

 

02/08/43 (Monday) There was only one operational trip for us today. We escorted 12 BALTIMORES which dropped bombs at ADRANO.

 

03/08/43 (Tuesday) Early this morning three sections of two aircraft provided escort to a WALRUS which attempted to rescue a pilot in the sea off RIPOSTO. Unfortunately, only wreckage was seen. The Squadron maintained a standing patrol over the road between FIUMEFREDDO and BARCELLONA, while KITTYHAWKS were strafing in the area. No enemy aircraft were seen during that patrol nor later in the day when we patrolled between RANDAZZO and TROINA. What has happened to the LUFTWAFFE? There have been signs of the enemy ground forces withdrawing their heavy equipment today so we can expect big movements before long.

 

04/08/43 (Wednesday) We carried out a total of 42 sorties today and maintained a standing patrol between CATANIA and TAORMINA. KITTYHAWKS, strafing in the area, destroyed many enemy M/T and our warships blocked the coast road by accurate shelling. CATANIA, the second largest town in SICILY, fell to the 8th ARMY today.

 

05/08/43 (Thursday) Escort was provided, on two occasions today, to a Squadron of KITTYHAWKS of 57 PURSUIT GROUP on armed reconnaissance. The first trip was over MESSINA where we experienced concentrated accurate flak from both sides of the STRAITS and S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS’ aircraft had a large hole in the wingtip. It was over the “Toe” of ITALY, between CAPE D’ARMI and CAPE SPARTIVENTO, on the second show, that we expected some excitement, but no enemy aircraft were encountered and no targets were found for the KITTYHAWKS.

 

06/08/43 (Friday) An armed recce over the North-East Coast of SICILY was carried out by KITTYHAWKS which we escorted this morning without incident. Twice, in the afternoon, we provided close escort to MEDIUM BOMBERS which attacked RANDAZZO with good effect. For the first time in many days we met some opposition in the air. It was after the MITCHELLS had dropped their load that we were attacked by 9 plus MC 202’s which dived on our formation from 18,000 feet. They climbed after their initial attack and were unwilling to fight. F/O. M. JOWSEY and F/Sgt. M. ASKEY in SPITFIRE VIII’s both fired but saw no results apart from strikes.

 

07/08/43 (Saturday) Soon after dawn, we escorted 12 MITCHELLS to RANDAZZO where they dropped their bombs across the town blocking the road. Later in the morning, ten of out aircraft patrolled between MALETTO, RANDAZZO and FRANCAVILLE to give indirect cover to several formations of KITTYHAWKS which were operating in the area bombing and strafing enemy transport. The third operation was a close escort to WARHAWKS of 64 SQUADRON on an armed recce of the MESSINA STRAITS. Not once during the day was an enemy aircraft sighted.

 

08/08/43 (Sunday) We expected to be kept busy today because 168 MEDIUM BOMBERS had a 12-hour programme with RANDAZZO as their target but we were disappointed. Ten of our aircraft, in pairs, escorted a WALRUS to ten miles east of TAORMINA, where a pilot was picked up, and back to AUGUSTA, and the only other job we had was a close escort to WARHAWKS of 86 SQUADRON on an anti-shipping recce in the MESSINA STAITS, which proved uneventful.

 

09/08/43 (Monday) Our pilots are all anxious for action and are fed up with “stooge” operations in which they meet no opposition. A suggestion has been made that permission be requested for pairs of our aircraft, with long-range tanks, to carry out a sweep over the airfields around NAPLES to stir up the HUN. We provided close escort to KITTYHAWKS of 239 WING on an anti-shipping recce NORTH of MESSINA early this morning, and our pilots brought back valuable information about enemy shipping movements in the STRAITS. Two aircraft were scrambled just before lunch and ordered to patrol base but apparently it was a false alarm because they were ordered to “pancake” after being airborne for 15 minutes.

 

10/08/43 (Tuesday) Only six of our pilots took to the air today; four of them escorted eight KITTYHAWKS of 239 WING on an armed recce of the MESSINA STRAITS and the other two were sent off to patrol over AUGUSTA just before dusk. Ten minutes before this pair was due to take off, four aircraft of No. 1 SAAF Squadron were scrambled to a position several miles of AUGUSTA where they encountered two F/W 190’s. They destroyed one and damaged the other. How envious we were of them!

 

11/08/43 (Wednesday) At dawn this morning two of our aircraft carried out an hour’s patrol over AUGUSTA and were relieved by two more. There was no incident. During the morning we provided close cover to KITTYHAWKS of 79 GROUP on an anti-shipping patrol in the MESSINA area, and in the afternoon, we escorted KITTYHAWKS of 239 WING which bombed a special target of gun positions near MALETTO.

 

We entertained a nursing sister in our mess this evening. She was an old friend of “DOC” HOLT but quite a warm friendship sprung up during the course of the evening between our guest and “ADT” TRAVIS until F/Lt. “TONY” BRUCE came on the scene. He it was who took the visitor out to “have a look at one of our kites” but during this very pleasant interlude the HUN decided to bomb our airfield. It is said that the gallant “TONY” threw himself over the body of the Nursing Sister to protect her from the blast. Three of our aircraft were badly damaged and three more slightly damaged but there were no casualties to personnel. Our pilots and airmen did some grand work helping to extinguish fires which broke out in other dispersal areas.

 

12/08/43 (Thursday) Although our airfield was made serviceable by mid-day, none of our aircraft took off. There remain three unexploded bombs on the taxying strip on the North side of the runway.

 

13/08/43 (Friday) At 0630 hours this morning two of our pilots were scrambled to AUGUSTA where they intercepted an aircraft which proved to be friendly, Once during the morning and twice after lunch we provided close escort to KITTYHAWKS on armed shipping recces, in the MESSINA STRAITS and, apart from intense flak of all calibres, there was no enemy opposition.

 

14/08/43 (Saturday) Early this morning we covered 12 MEDIUM BOMBERS which attacked a target at SAN NICOLA and then we had four “shows” during the day in which we escorted KITTYHAWKS on the usual anti-shipping patrols over MESSINA. Again here were no enemy aircraft about.

 

15/08/43 (Sunday) The KIYYHAWK escort shows are becoming monotonous. We began at 0600 hours this morning and escorted three formations during the day, without seeing any sign of the HUN in the sky. His shipping is being attacked all day long with good results and it must be demoralising for the NAZI troops to see only aircraft with ALLIED markings.

 

16/08/43 (Monday) W/Cdr. DUNCAN SMITH DSO., DFC., led four of our aircraft on an offensive sweep over VIBO VALENTIA this morning, but the only enemy aircraft seen were two on the scrapheap there. Eight pilots took off at 0725 hours and gave cover to 12 WARHAWKS bombing shipping in the MESSINA STRAITS and six escorted 12 BALTIMORES to MESSINA later in the morning. After noon, we patrolled over warships 12 miles S.E. of TAORMINA for an hour. It is with the deepest regret that we record that F/O. BRENDAN BAKER is missing from the show in which he led four of our aircraft escorting KITTYHAWKS NORTH OF MESSINA. Two of these pilots were forced to return early owing to engine trouble and the two remaining aircraft were attacked by five plus Mc 202’s when five miles S.W. of PALMI. F/O. G. WILSON diced with three of them for several minutes until the enemy aircraft dived away and were lost in the haze. After that operation we escorted another KITTYHAWK formation to the same area and our pilots kept a good look out for a dinghy there but saw no sign of one.

 

17/08/43 (Tuesday) We were the duty Squadron from dawn till dusk today and seven Sections were scrambled for local interception. On three occasions friendly aircraft were intercepted but not once was the enemy sighted. With the entry of ALLIED troops into MESSINA early today the SICILAIN campaign has been brought to a close. It has been disappointing from our point of view because we have met only slight opposition in the air.

 

18/08/43 (Wednesday) Our Wing was released today and so our C.O., S/Ldr. P.H. HUMPHREYS, arranged for the airmen to have a tour around MOUNT ETNA. Pilots and officers also took the opportunity to have an outing to CATANIA and TAORMINA.

 

19/08/43 (Thursday) We are again released all day but several pilots did some practice flying in the morning.

 

20/08/43 (Friday) Although we had a team Available at Three Hours Notice today, most of the Squadron were able to get a swim in the sea. There was some practice flying before lunch.

 

21/08/43 (Saturday) Three times today we provide cover to KITTYHAWK on armed recces over the “TOE” of ITALY, but there was no sign of enemy aircraft on any trip.

 

22/08/43 (Sunday) Squadron was released again but there was some practice flying.

 

23/08/43 (Monday) There was a considerable amount of practice flying but no “ops”. Full advantage has been taken of our days off and both pilots and airmen have paid visits to MOUNT ETNA’S crater.

 

24/08/43 (Tuesday) We had a Wing “show” with long-range tanks this afternoon, in which we took part with 12 aircraft of No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON and 12 of No. 601 SQUADRON. It was a delousing operation for 96 MUSTANGS which attacked targets in SOUTHERN ITALY. It was disappointing because the HUN was conspicuous by his absence.

 

25/08/43 (Wednesday) Another day off! F/Lt. “TONY” BRUCE left us today on posting to 417 SQUADRON. Several members of the Squadron proved their fitness by climbing MOUNT ETNA again, but there were a number of stragglers!

 

26/08/43 (Thursday) We were again released, but there was some practice flying in the morning. At night we entertained four CANADIAN NURSING SISTERS who had been invited by P/O. R. PROBERT. F/Lt. J.H. NICHOLLS, DFC., joined the Squadron on posting from the WING TRAINING FLIGHT where he had been CHIEF INSTRUCTOR. He is to be FLIGHT COMMANDER of “B” FLIGHT in place of F/Lt. J.V.M. CARPENTER, DFC., who has contracted malaria.

 

27/08/43 (Friday) Twice today, four of our aircraft provided close escort to six BOSTONS which bombed enemy gun positions to the East of REGGIO. We encountered neither enemy aircraft nor flak in these operations.

 

28/08/43 (Saturday) The Squadron was released today and some more practice flying was carried out during the morning. F/O. “HINDU” HENDERSON and F/O. K. SISSONS joined us today for flying duties.

 

29/08/43 (Sunday) Six of our SPITFIRE VIII’s were at Standby for several hours today in anticipation of an enemy raid on AUGUSTA and two operations were arranged for them at 1650 and 1850 hours but, owing to heavy rain during the afternoon which rendered the airfield unserviceable, they could not take off.

 

30/08/43 (Monday) The landing ground was still unserviceable this morning and, in consequence, the Wing was released. Five of our pilots went to TAORINA for 48 hours leave. They were F/O. E. DICKS-SHERWOOD, F/O. G. WILSON, F/Sgt. M. ASKEY, Sgt. P. SAVILL and Sgt. H. PERCIVAL. At mid-day we were ordered to send an “A” Party to GERBINI MIAN AIRFIELD. From there we carried out an escort to a WALRUS which successfully rescued two pilots from the sea EAST of the “TOE” of ITALY

 

31/08/43 (Tuesday) It was just after dawn when four of our pilots took off this morning and patrolled over PACHINO for an hour without incident. We received instructions to return to LENTINI WEST L.G. and immediately after lunch the aircraft and “A” Party moved back. There were no further operations. Our total operational hours for this month amount to 433 hours 40 minutes, which is a very low figure compared with that of July when our Squadron flew more hours than any other fighter squadron. We carried 356 sorties on “ops” and there were 126 non-operational sorties involving 77 hours 30 minutes of flying time.

01/03/43 (Monday) We shall remember this day for a long time although there was only one operational trip for us. Five aircraft were scrambled for a local interception patrol of the HASBUB area in the morning and were vectored on to three MACCHI 202’s. F/Lt. DUKE, DFC and BAR shot down two of them, thus being able to avoid the 13th score appearing on his aircraft. At 1700 hours the enemy started to shell the landing ground from the hills South-west of us and it was not long before he was able to get the range of the runway and dispersals. An order was received for all pilots to sit in the cockpit of their aircraft and in this we were fortunate in having six aircraft at “Standby” and another six at “Readiness. Just after 1800 hours, when the sun was going down, all aircraft were told to take off for landing grounds East of us. What a sight it was! Aircraft from three squadrons taking off from two narrow runways missed each other by inches. The ground personnel later received instructions to evacuate the landing ground.

 

02/03/43 (Tuesday) When the ground parties arrived at BEN GARDANE L.G. today they found 14 of our aircraft were already there, having flown from other landing grounds this morning. Many were the tales we heard of superb night landings made last night with the aid of emergency flare paths. Only one aircraft crashed and that was in taxying after a successful landing. We carried out two local interception patrols today without incident — the first with six aircraft and the other with two.

 

03/03/43 (Wednesday) F/Lt. DUKE DFC. And BAR, added another to his score on the first show this morning when three of our pilots gave independent top cover to aircraft of 145 SQUADRON “delousing” in the OUDREF AREA. His score is now 15 destroyed. Later in the morning we again operated with 145 SQUADRON in a sweep of the forward areas but no enemy aircraft were seen. Six of our Squadron were in a WING sweep of the GABES area in the afternoon but nothing, apart from heavy ack-ack was reported. We were very pleased to welcome F/Lt. HUMPHREYS who has joined the Squadron today.

 

04/03/43 (Thursday) F/Lt. DUKE’S day again today! In a local interception patrol, when eight of our aircraft encountered two Me 109’s escorting three or four Me 109 fighter-bombers engaged in bombing HASBUB L.G., he destroyed both of them. His score is now 17 confirmed — he has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft in the last four days. This was the sole operation of the day.

 

05/03/43 (Friday) We suffered a sad loss this morning in the only operational trip of the day. Four aircraft were providing independent top cover to No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON when they were attacked out of the clouds by seven Me 109’s. A dog-fight followed lasting for 15 minutes, but our pilots had no success. FLYING OFFICER (“HAPPY”) MacMAHON did not return and we heard later that he had crashed and been killed. Late this evening we received orders to move to HASBUB again tomorrow morning.

 

06/03/43 (Saturday) At 0600 hours this morning the enemy began a small offensive on this front and consequently all orders to move forward were cancelled. We carried out two offensive sweeps over the battle area. The first trip was uneventful and in the second our only interception was of “bogies” which proved to be HURRICANES. Interesting reports were received from the pilots of ground activity and later in the day we heard officially that 30 enemy tanks had been knocked out without our armour being engaged.

 

07/03/43 (Sunday) Today has been a very busy day for us. Forty-four sorties in all — the first at 0710 hours and the last at 1720 — and what great work our pilots have done! Without any loss to ourselves, five enemy aircraft were destroyed, three probably destroyed, and four damaged. F/Lt. DUKE DFC. and BAR brought his personal score to 19 destroyed and the Squadron bag now tops 250 destroyed. The total of the Squadron’s score now stands at 254½  destroyed, 101 probably destroyed and 134 damaged. The ground crews did magnificent work keeeping up the serviceability throughout the day and tribute must be paid to them in addition to the pilots for such a grand day’s performance. The other scorers were;- F/Lt. CHISHOLM DFC and BAR, 1 destroyed, 1 probable and 1 damaged. Sgt. ASKEY, 1 destroyed. F/O. SLY, 1 probable. F/Sgt. SAILS, 1 probable. F/O. JOWSEY, 1 damaged, F/Sgt. PATERSON, 2 damaged.

 

08/03/43 (Monday) In the five operations carried out today we have seen very few enemy aircraft. F/Lt. HUMPHREYS and P/O. WILSON both attacked F/W 190’s — encountered for the first time on this front — but their cannons jammed and they saw no results from machine-gun fire. With everything right forward and the “tit” pressed they were unable to keep up with the enemy aircraft which pulled away from them easily at 14,000 feet. We congratulate a former 92 pilot who has just been awarded the DSO. He is SQUADRON LEADER D.E. KINGABY, DFM and 2 BARS, who left on obtaining a Commission in October, 1941

 

09/03/43 (Tuesday) Six of our aircraft flew to HASBUB SATELLITE L.G. at dawn this morning and were scrambled from there for an uneventful patrol. They landed at BEN GARDANE and another six went to take their place at the forward base. Another patrol was carried out in which two Me 109’s were spotted but were lost in the haze. These pilots had instructions to remain overnight and were joined by six more just before dusk. The Squadron was ordered to move to the HASBUB L.G. at first light next morning.

 

10/03/43 (Wednesday) The Squadron arrived at HASBUB L.G. just before mid-day and heard a thrilling tale of five of our pilots who had been led by the WING COMMANDER in an escort to HURRICANE “TANK-BUSTERS” The “L” FORCE of the FREE FRENCH had been attacked by the enemy and were saved by the work of the HURRICANES which destroyed many enemy armoured vehicles and M.T., besides a couple of tanks. A message of congratulations was received from GENERAL LE CLERK, the OFFICER COMMANDING of “L” FORCE. Four other operations carried out seemed dull after this grand effort. Squadron personnel, after lunch, were sent to another L.G. by the coast at BU GRARA and they arrived there there in a short time to receive the aircraft. We welcome two new pilots – SEARGEANTS T.E. BRISTER and J.W. IVES.

 

11/03/43 (Thursday) A fairly quiet day with no joy for us on our two operational trips. Although a few HUNS were reported, none were seen. P/O. BRICKHILL and F/O. BRUCE returned from leave today with the news that each had been promoted. Besides having an additional ring F/Lt. BRUCE had also had a haircut!

 

12/03/43 (Friday) Only one show all day! In it we escorted a formation of BOSTONS to the forward areas but only one of our pilots saw an enemy aircraft. He, W/O. PROBERT became separated from the Squadron and was bounced by three Me 109’s over MARET. He diced with them all the way to base where he landed safely. F/Lt. DUKE DFC and BAR, F/Lt. CHISHOLM DFC and BAR, and F/Lt. HUMPHREYS were entertained by No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON tonight.

 

13/03/43 (Saturday) Two trips today, one an escort to KITTYHAWKS and the other involving six aircraft scrambled to augment the escorting section when they were engaged with Me 109’s. In the scrap, F/O. SIMPSON destroyed a Me 109, and both F/O. SAVAGE and F/O. BAKER damaged one. We congratulate F/Lt. E.A.G.C. BRUCE on taking over command of “B” Flight in place of F/Lt. W.L. CHISHOLM DFC and BAR, who has completed a most successful tour. In the evening when the Sergeants are being entertained by the Pilot’s Mess, F/Lt. DUKE makes an announcement which is greeted by prolonged cheers. It is that the Squadron is shortly to be equipped with SPITFIRE IX’s. We learn today of a tribute to our late COMMANDING OFFICER, S/Ldr. J.H. WEDGWOOD, DFC and BAR, by RICHARD CAPELL writing in the “DAILY TELEGRAPH” of 17th February, 1943. He said: “ I can mention some of its gallant leaders — Wedgwood, that crack Spitfire Commander so unmistakeably a born leader of men and as authoritative as lion-hearted……. Grievous to relate, S/Ldr. Wedgwood, that knightly commander, was killed flying back to England, his tour done.”

 

14/03/43 (Sunday) The only operation of the day was carried out without incident although it added one hour and 20 minutes to six pilots’ log books. A very happy evening was spent with WING COMMANDER GLEED, DSO. DFC., and MAJOR MOODY DFC., and several pilots from No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON as guests.

 

15/03/43 (Monday) Although the Squadron got many Stand-by hours in today, the aircraft did not take off for any operational trip. Our COMMANDING OFFICER, S/Ldr. HARPER returned from CAIRO where he had been attending a course.

 

16/03/43 (Tuesday) Before breakfast a section of four aircraft was scrambled for an uneventful patrol and no further operations were carried out. A representative of PATHE GAZETTE took some “shots” of our pilots, including one of F/Lt. DUKE DFC. and BAR in his aircraft marked with his score of 19 destroyed. The film will be on view in ENGLAND during the next month.

 

17/03/43 (Wednesday) Both F/Lt. BRUCE and F/Lt. HUMPHREYS added a damaged Me 109 to their score in the first trip today which was an interception patrol. The Squadron with 12 aircraft encountered 12 Me 109 fighter-bombers with a cover of six plus Me 109’s and three MACCHI 202’s. Unfortunately a Mc 202 got on F/O. BRICKHILL’S tail, scored hits in his mainplane which exploded his ammunition and he was forced to bale out. So far it has been impossible to get any definite news of him, but one report says he is safe in an M.R.S. The second patrol today was carried out without incident.

 

18/03/43 (Thursday) Very bad weather caused the cancellation of operations laid on for us today, and although the Squadron was at Stand-by for several hours, our aircraft did not take off. No definite news about F/O. BRICKHILL today, but a signal is received from army sources which reads “Friend says pilot safe but not on our side” and it may refer to him or to another pilot in the Wing who baled out on the same day.

 

19/03/43 (Friday) A strong North wind has been blowing all day and there has been 10/10ths cloud as low as 15,000 feet which has curtailed offensive operations. Early in the morning two of our pilots carried out a weather recce over the forward areas and later on two interception patrols were carried out but no enemy aircraft were seen. In the evening CAPTAIN HEFFORD — who has returned to the WING as A.L.O. — and F/O. HALES were entertained in the Pilot’s Mess.

 

20/03/43 (Saturday) WING COMMANDER GLEED, DSO., DFC., and S/Ldr. OLVER, DFC., flew with the Squadron today escorting KITTYHAWKS bombing at EL HAMMA. Not one enemy aircraft was seen. Ou aircraft were at Stand-by for several hours during the day in anticipation of “STUKA” raids on the NEW ZEALAND troops, but no further  operations were carried out. A few days ago some of our pilots bought some ducks and they have kept them in a pen near the Mess. Today a notice appeared in D.R.O’s which read:- “The undermentioned officer has been appointed Poultry Officer w.e.f. 18th March, 1943. all personnel interested in Big Game are to submit their names to the Officer i/c Poultry forthwith — F/O. SLY, P.K.U.” !! What we are really interested in is when they will be fat enough to appear on the table. 

 

21/03/43 (Sunday) No enemy aircraft were seen on the two operational trips today. Most of the time was spent by the Squadron intercepting friendly aircraft.

 

22/03/43 (Monday) The Squadron escorted “TANK-BUSTER” HURRICANES in a most interesting operation this afternoon. The NEW ZEALAND FORCES who have outflanked the MARETH LINE were about to be attacked by enemy armour but the HURRICANES inflicted heavy damage on tanks, armoured cars and other vehicles and 1,500 prisoners were taken by the “KIWI’S”

 

23/03/43 (Tuesday) Before dawn today, F/Lt. DUKE DFC., and BAR, F/O. JOWSEY, P/O. WILSON and F/O. PROBERT flew to ALGIERS to collect four Spitfire IX’s for the Squadron. They arrived back — delighted with the performance of the new aircraft — before dinner. Thirty-six sorties were carried out by the Squadron today, but, although in one operation several pilots fired, no claims were made. There was an amusing incident over the HUN L.G. at GABES when F/O. SAVAGE was on the tail of a 109 about to land there. The Hun, apparently thinking our pilot intended to land with his wheels up, fired a red Verey light at him! The windscreens on F/Lt. HUMPHREYS’ and W/O. FRY’S aircraft iced up when, diving to deck level from 20,000 feet, they attacked a F/W 190 and Me 109 respectively and they were unable to observe results from their fire.

 

24/03/43 (Wednesday) It was an impressive sight when the Squadron and 601 Squadron gave close cover this morning to three Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS and a Squadron of HURRICANE “TANK-BUSTERS” attacking enemy transport and armoured vehicles in the EL HAMMA area. In the second operation of the day, F/Lt. BRUCE was forced to return owing to engine trouble and this gave F/O. BAKER his first opportunity to lead the Squadron formation. No enemy aircraft were seen but the capability of F/O. BAKER as a leader was evident in his handling of the formation over the intense “flak” the enemy put up.

 

25/03/43 (Thursday) A total of 33 sorties were carried out today, including 11 with the new SPITFIRE IX’s. In the second operation several pilots fired at a JU 88 which they encountered, but F/Lt. DUKE was the only one to observe results of his attack. He set the enemy’s port engine on fire and claims a damaged. It is announced that the DFC has been awarded to LIEUTENANT S. RABIE, SAAF. He left this Squadron on December 11th last year after completing a tour in which he excelled himself as “Professional No. 2” to S/Ldr. WEDGWOOD. Grand show, Bill!

 

26/03/43 (Friday) F/Lt. P.H. HUMPHREYS has been appointed FLIGHT COMMANDER of “B” FLIGHT in place of F/Lt. BRUCE, who was injured yesterday when his plane crashed on return from an operational flight. In the four operations today not once was an enemy aircraft encountered. From 1500 to 1800 hours the Squadrons of this WING did a record number of sorties — 72 — covering KITTYHAWKS who spent the afternoon bombing and strafing enemy transport and armour. The A.O.C. sent a signal congratulating everyone on “a magnificent performance”

 

27/03/43 (Saturday) Soon after dawn this morning a telephone call came through to F/Lt. NEVILLE DUKE at Dispersal from the A.O.C. with the grand news that an award of the DSO had been made to him. A well-earned “gong” is the Squadron’s opinion. During the first week of the month, while acting Squadron Commander during S/Ldr. HARPER’S absence, “NEVILLE” destroyed seven enemy aircraft bringing his total bag to 19 destroyed, four probably destroyed and three damaged. The Squadron undertook three operations today. In the first one F/O. BRADLEY SMITH had a lucky escape when his aircraft received a direct hit from BREDA fire — he was able to coax it back to base. We suffered a sad loss in the third trip when one Me 109 flew straight down through one of our sections and F/Sgt. SAILS was seen to go into a spin — probably hit — over the enemy lines. He has not yet returned and it is feared that it was his aircraft which was seen burning on the ground.

 

28/03/43 (Sunday) There was only one operation, involving a section of six aircraft, for us today and no enemy aircraft were seen. For the first time since we were at CASTEL BENITO there was a supply of half-a-pint of beer for the airmen. The Pilot’s Mess drew lots for eight bottles which was its quota. It is hard to understand why the N.A.A.F.I has not made an effort to get supplies to the forward Wings more regularly.

 

29/03/43 (Monday) A much busier day for us and once again F/Lt. DUKE, DSO., DFC. and BAR, added to his bag bringing his total to 20 destroyed. F/O. SAVAGE also brought down a 109 and F/O. BRADLEY SMITH damaged one. In all, we carried out 40 sorties in the SFAX area. The 8th ARMY got through the MARETH LINE and GABES is reported to be in our hands already. Our Medical Officer, F/Lt. WOOLGROVE, had an interesting experience when he went out in a motor boat to an Air Sea Rescue off DJERBA ISLAND today. The launch had been bombed and strafed ten miles off SFAX after it rescued a pilot who had been in the sea for five hours. At the end of the day our scoreboard showed a full total of 498½ and we hope that we shall reach the 500 mark tomorrow.

 

30/03/43 (Tuesday) Our hopes expressed yesterday were realised just after noon today when F/O. SLY probably destroyed a Me 109, F/Lt. HUMPHREYS damaged a Me 210 and F/O. SIMPSON damaged a Me 109, bringing the full total to 501½. In this operation our Squadron spotted 12 210’s escorted by 18 plus Me 109’s and went into the attack, forcing the enemy bombers to drop their bombs in their own territory near CEKHIRA. There were three other trips but no enemy aircraft were sighted.

 

31/03/43 (Wednesday) In the first operation today we “deloused” for two squadrons of KITTYHAWKS and 18 MITCHELLS over SFAX but no enemy forces appeared to add interest to our part of the job. Again, in the afternoon, during the only other operation, there was no sign of “Jerry” although a few were reported by the Controller. This month has added 13 destroyed, four Probables, and 12 Damaged to our score.

BU GRARA, TUNISIA

 

01/04/43 (Thursday) Out total sorties amounted to six only today. There was no sign of the enemy when four of our Spitfire IX’s with aircraft of No. 1 SAAF and 145 Squadrons deloused for MITCHELLS and KITTYHAWKS over the SFAX area, and later in the day the weather was too bad for further bombing operations; two of our aircraft reported low cloud covering the area when on a weather reconnaissance.

 

02/04/43 (Friday) This was a much busier day. Four times a section of six were scrambled for interception patrols but on no occasion was the enemy seen. The Squadron, with four Spitfire IX’s and eight Spitfire V’s, gave independent cover to KITTYHAWKS which bombed M.T. west of CEKHIRA this afternoon, but nothing turned up to upset the operation.

 

03/04/43 (Saturday) It was just as well that there was only one operation today because several pilots have had a bout of “Gyppy tummy.” The “DOC” has expressed his considered opinion that our water supply has caused this trouble, and he has the matter in hand. Our six aircraft which took off on an interception patrol were unable to fly inland in the SFAX area because of cloud at 1,000 feet over the area. A supply of TRIPOLI beer arrived and each man was allowed a half-pint. There have been no reports that anyone was unable to cope with this quantity.

 

04/04/43 (Sunday) The Squadron was released for the day and several pilots spent the day on DJERBA ISLAND, while others visited ZARZIS. In the afternoon we were asked to come to readiness but the only pilots available were four still suffering from internal trouble.

 

05/04/43 (Monday) We expected a busy day but there was only one operation and that was when six aircraft were scrambled for an interception North of GABES. The only aircraft intercepted proved to be SPITFIRES of 145 SQUADRON!

 

06/04/43 (Tuesday) All records for the number of sorties flown in any one day were broken by the WING today when a total of 247 was reached. From early morning till dusk continuous patrols were maintained over the battle area. There was little sign of the enemy until the afternoon, although the COMMANDING OFFICER, S/Ldr. W.J. HARPER, got a “squirt” at a Me 109 in the morning. The enemy aircraft dived vertically, apparently out of control, but no claim was made. WING COMMANDER GLEED, DSO., DFC., damaged a Me 109, when leading our formation in a patrol late in the afternoon, but our pilots were unable to get within range.

 

07/04/43 (Wednesday) The patrols over the enemy side of the battle area were continued all day today, and once again the enemy put up little opposition to our effort. Our pilots brought back valuable information, regarding HUN troop movements, which kept the Light Bombers and Fighter-bombers busy.

 

08/04/43 (Thursday) Our “A” Party was instructed to be on the move by mid-day and to report at ADVANCED GROUP H.G. for routeing instructions. They arrived there before dusk and were told to be ready to move on a minute’s notice, but no further instructions were received. The Squadron carried out 34 sorties today at MAHARES — MEZZOUNA area. On two operations enemy aircraft were seen but the combats in each case were inconclusive. F/Lt. HUMPHREYS had an argument with the GROUND CONTROLLER regarding the identity of an aircraft he had attacked. While he was convinced that it was a Me 109, the Controller was positive that it was a F/W 190.

 

09/04/43 (Friday) Six aircraft escorted KITTYHAWKS which attacked shipping in SFAX harbour this morning, but there were no further operations. Meanwhile, the “A” Party remained near ADVANCED GROUP H.Q. without news until late in the evening when they were instructed to move at first light next morning to CECKIRA.

 

10/04/43 (Saturday) At dawn, a section gave independent top cover to KITTYHAWKS on an armed reconnaissance in the EL DJEM area. No enemy aircraft were reported or seen. At CEKHIRA, the “A” Party found Squadrons of 79 FIGHTER GROUP setting up camp so they remained packed up awaiting further instructions. It was almost 2200 hours before any were received so it was decided to move to the new landing ground before breakfast next morning.

 

LA FANCONNERIE

 

11/04/43 (Sunday) Before noon, camp was set up by the “A” Party at LA FANCONNERIE L.G. and the aircraft arrived in the afternoon. No operations all day.

 

BU GRARA

 

12/04/43 (Monday) “B” Party moved up to H.Q. No. 211 GROUP for instructions and remained for the night in the vicinity. Once again, we were not called on for operations.

 

LA FANCONNERIE

 

13/04/43 (Tuesday) After two days rest our pilots were pleased to get “off the deck” today. An interception patrol in the morning was uneventful and no enemy aircraft were seen either by them or later in the day when we gave cover to two squadrons of No. 7 SAAF WING in an offensive sweep of the forward areas. Before noon he “B” Party arrived at BOU GOUBRINE but the landing ground had not been prepared so they set up camp on a hill overlooking the site.

 

14/04/43 (Wednesday) Two offensive patrols were carried out today — the first by four Spitfire IX’s and the other by four Spitfire IX’s and six V’s. In the second operation two Me 109’s dived at high speed past the starboard section but their speed prevented interception.

 

BOU GOUBRINE

 

15/04/43 (Thursday) The “A” party moved up to join the rest of the Squadron at BOU GOUBRINE after the aircraft left this morning. Packing up had been delayed slightly when six pilots took off for an offensive sweep, but the Squadron was complete again just after noon at the new landing ground.

 

16/04/43 (Friday) Two new SERGEANT PILOTS joined us today, they are Sgts. SAVILL and PERCIVAL. They arrive in time to see five enemy aircraft destroyed added to our total score. When three of our SPITFIRE IX’s gave top cover to 145 SQUADRON on a sweep to CAPE BON, 18 S.M. 82’s were spotted flying low over the sea and F/Lt. DUKE, DSO, DFC and BAR, led the attack, destroying two himself , while F/O. T. SAVAGE got another two “flamers” and P/O. G. WILSON added the fifth. F/Lt. DUKE was attacked by six plus Me 109’s, but by brilliant evasive action got home without  one hole in his aircraft. There were 24 sorties in all, but no more enemy aircraft were seen.

 

17/04/43 (Saturday) There  have been many promotions in the Squadron recently which have not been recorded so it may be well to give a list of pilots and officers now with us. Our COMMANDING OFFICER is S/Ldr. W.J. HARPER. And the FLIGHT COMMANDERS are F/Lt. N.F. DUKE, DSO, DFC, and BAR, and F/Lt. HUMPHREYS. The following pilots are operational;- F/O. E. SLY, F/O. B.D. BAKER, F/O. T. SAVAGE, F/O. M. JOWSEY, P/O. G. WILSON, P/O. H. PATERSON, W/O. S. FRY, F/Sgt. L. MacKAY, F/Sgt. P. INCHCOMBE, F/Sgt. M. ASKEY and Sgt. P.E. BRISTER in “A” FLIGHT, and F/O. D. TURVEY, F/O. K. SIMPSON, F/Lt. M. JACKSON, F/O. BRADLEY-SMITH, P/O. W. BRUCKSHAW, P/O. R. MacFARLANE, P/O. R. PROBERT, Lt. A. SACHS, F/ Sgt. F. SYMES, F/Sgt. W. IVES, F/Sgt. K. WARREN, F/Sgt. MacNAMARA, Sgt. G. BUCHANAN, F/Sgt. H.G. JOHNSON in “B” FLIGHT. Our ADJUTANT is F/Lt. L.M. PAGE and the other “Penguins” are F/Lt. C.G. WOOLGROVE (“DOC”), F/O. J. RAWES (ENGINEER OFFICER), F/O. G.J. CORNISH (INTELLIGENCE OFFICER) and P/O. ALLEN (EQUIPMENT OFFICER). May this team soon see TUNIS in our hands! We have carried out two sweeps over the CAPE BON PENINSULAR today. The first one with No. 1 SAAF and 145 SQUADRONS and the second covering two Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS. There was no sign of the enemy in the air, but reports were made of a little shipping activity. In the evening MAJOR MOODY, DFC., and several pilots from No. 1 SAAF SQUADRON visited us and we spent a very happy time with their company in spite of the fact that the only liquor available was lemon juice. F/Lt. a. GLENDINNING, a former pilot with this Squadron, has been awarded a well-deserved DFC., and we offer him our sincere and hearty congratulations.

 

18/04/43 (Sunday) Soon after dawn our Squadron escorted KITTYHAWKS of No. 7 SAAF Wing on an offensive sweep of the CAPE BON PENINSULAR which passed off uneventfully and during the morning a section of six aircraft carried out an interception patrol without meeting any enemy aircraft. It was a late sweep of the CAPE BON PENINSULAR that provided the excitement of the day. We gave escort and top cover to four Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS  and that in itself was an impressive sight but when they were near RASO EL AHMAR large numbers of enemy transport planes were spotted flying low to the North-east with a close escort of fighters. The KITTYHAWKS “waded in” to the enemy aircraft while we covered them. The only enemy aircraft seen above the KITTYHAWKS were one Me 109, which F/Lt. DUKE  chased out to sea until his cannons jammed, and one Mc 202, which F/O. M. JOWSEY shot down into the sea. The KITTYHAWKS got the amazing score of 58 Ju 52’s, 14 Me 109’s and two Me 110’s destroyed, a Ju 52 and a Me 109 probably destroyed, and 11 Ju 52’s, six Me 109’s and one Me 110 damaged. Their leader thanked our Squadron for the successful cover they gave them and said that it was due to the knowledge that they would not be attacked from above that they were able to amass such a grand score.

 

19/04/43 (Monday) This was a day after our pilots’ hearts because each operation was a show which had been laid on in advance with only a short period of Stand-by before they took off. The first formation of ten aircraft were off at 0630 hours and they escorted and gave top cover to KITTYHAWKS in an offensive sweep of CAPE BON PENINSULAR with the intention of intercepting more enemy transport aircraft. We were out of luck, however, and there was no sign of the enemy in the air. In the afternoon, three more sweeps were carried out with large formations of KITTYHAWKS, but again no enemy aircraft were seen. It has been announced during the past 24 hours a total of 96 enemy planes have been destroyed on this front.

 

20/04/43 (Tuesday) F/Sgt. M. ASKEY was our outstanding pilot today — he claimed three Mc 202’s destroyed while F/O. SLY and F/O. BAKER destroyed two more Mc 202’s between them. W/O. FRY and Sgt. BRISTER damaged one Mc 202 each. The first two operations were escort and top cover to KITTYHAWKS over CAPE BON PENINSULAR, and it was in the first of these that F/O. SLY and F/Sgt. ASKEY disposed of two out of three enemy aircraft encountered. Just after mid-day, there was a Wing Offensive Sweep EAST OF KELIBIA and our Squadron spotted a “gaggle” of 12 plus Me 109’s and Mc 202’s about 1,000 feet above them. We attacked with the splendid result of three Mc 202’s claimed as destroyed and two damaged. In the last trip of the day, four of our SPITFIRE IX’s gave top cover to No. 1 SAAF escorting HURRICANE “TANK-BUSTERS” but no suitable targets were found. F/O. JOWSEY chased a lone Me 109 to REYVILLE but he was unable to close to more than 600 yards and he makes no claim. Our C.O., S/Ldr. W.J. HARPER, several pilots and our ENGINEER OFFICER, F/O. RAWES, spent an exceedingly happy evening with No. 1 SAAF Squadron, while others celebrated the Squadron’s success at F/Sgt. ASKEY’S expense in our own mess.

 

21/04/43 (Wednesday) After the intensive operations of the last few days we reached an anti-climax today when the Squadron sat in their cockpits on Stand-by for three hours in the hot sun without being sent off at all. The only operation was a weather reconnaissance carried out by two aircraft over KORBA. In the evening S/Ldr. HARPER, F/Lt. PAGE, our ADJUTANT, and F/O. J. RAWES, the ENGINEER OFFICER, were entertained at the WING OFFICERS’ MESS where beer flowed freely and a happy time was had by all. F/O. F WIHAK joined us today on posting from 238 SQUADRO.N

 

22/04/43 (Thursday) The Squadron did an hour and a half Stand-by before taking off to escort KITTYHAWKS on an offensive sweep over the GULF OF TUNIS. We were unfortunate in not encountering any enemy aircraft because other SPITFIRES from our WING with KITTYHAWKS of 239 WING and 7 SAAF WING ran into a large formation of Me 323’s escorted by Me 109’s and Mc 202’s and destroyed 25 of the six-engined transport planes together with seven Me 109’s. In the late afternoon 14 of our pilots were on Stand-by for another hour and a half, but did not take off. We are now without supplies of beer, spirits or cigarettes, but have hopes that the N.A.A.F.I. will come to our aid before long.

 

23/04/43 (Friday) There was no sign of the HUN during our three shows today. Two of the “ops” were delousing jobs for bombers who attacked enemy gun positions in the forward areas and the other was a close escort to KITTYHAWKS on a sweep of the GULF OF TUNIS. F/O. L.R.G SMITH — now O.T.E. — left us today on posting to A.D.U., and with him went F/Sgt. McNAMARA, who is to report to 238 SQUADRON. We are sorry to see them go. We were delighted to read a letter addressed to “DOC” WOOLGROVE from our grand old “ADJ” McGOWAN. He is in SCOTLAND but misses the boys from 92. F/O. TRAVIS reported today to take over the duties of adjutant from F/Lt. PAGE.

 

24/03/43 (Saturday) Rather a quiet day. Two pilots took off at dawn to patrol over a convoy nearing SFAX harbour and later in the morning our two FLIGHT COMMANDERS went up to attempt an interception of an enemy recce plane but they had no luck. The Squadron escorted four Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS just after mid-day on a bombing operation in the ENFIDAVILLE area but no enemy aircraft were seen. Two cuttings from English newspapers have arrived out here referring to the award of the DSO., to F/Lt. DUKE. One from the “SUNDAY EXPRESS” dated 27th, March, 1943, says:- “HALF-PLANE OFF RECORD — GETS DSO. – A RAF pilot who is half a plane short of the record “bag” for the MIDDLE EAST, has just been awarded the DSO. — but he is now operating against the JAPANESE in the PACIFIC. (Note. Where the hell did they get that yarn!!!) He is ACTING FLIGHT LIEUTENANT NEVILLE FREDERICK DUKE, who already has a bar to his DFC., and who has already destroyed 19 aircraft.” The other cutting is from the “TONBRIDGE COURIER” dated 2nd APRIL, 1943, and reads:- “ACE TRIUMPHS AGAIN. Readers will learn with pride and interest that FLIGHT LIEUTENANT NEVILLE F. DUKE, of TONBRIDGE, has now been awarded the DSO., his third distinction in less than 18 months. F/Lt. DUKE, who is the son of Mr. and MRS. F.H. DUKE, of 82, HADLOW ROAD, TONBRIDGE, was awarded the DFC., last year, and we recently reported that he had received his BAR. With his latest award this intrepid officer has now brought his score up to 19½ , the final plane being “shared” with another pilot. The latest distinction, contained in a Press cablegram from CAIRO, was probably for seven “kills” in one week.”

 

25/04/43 (Sunday) Forty-four sorties were carried out today but the HUN did not show himself at all. In the first “Op” we gave independent cover to 36 BALTIMORES and 32 KITTYHAWKS which attacked a target North of ENFIDAVILLE. It was the second trip which provided the excitement of the day when we carried out a sweep of the GULF OF TUNIS with three squadrons of KITTYHAWKS. Although no enemy aircraft appeared, the enemy showed his unfriendliness by sending up intensive Ack-Ack from RASS EL FORTASS area, scoring a hit on P/O. R. PROBERT’S SPITFIRE IX. He was forced to bale out when ten miles East of KORBA, but was reported to be safe in his dinghy when the Squadron left him. Six of our aircraft later escorted the intrepid pilot of the WALRUS to the position and picked him up safe and sound. He had spent two and a quarter hours paddling around in his dinghy, but his only complaint was that he had lost one shoe of a pair he had bought only the previous day. The COMMANDING OFFICER and three others carried out a reconnaissance of the SOLIMAN landing Grounds in preparation for an attack by 54 Light Bombers and six Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS in the late afternoon for which we provided independent cover. At night we entertained F/O. HALES and the WALRUS pilot who had rescued P/O. PROBERT.

 

26/04/43 (Monday) In thick mist, F/Lt. DUKE took off at dawn to do a recce of the SOLIMAN area and GULF OF TUNIS. The weather was too bad for him to land here so he had breakfast with friends of 450 SQUADRON at KAIROUAN.  It had cleared a little when F/O. TURVEY and W/O. FRY carried out another recce of the same area, but they also reported the weather unsuitable for bombing operations. A targe just North of ENFIDAVILLE was attacked at mid-day by BALTIMORES and KITTYHAWKS, to which we provided independent cover. In the afternoon we did two sweeps of the SOLIMAN and CAPE BON areas but no enemy aircraft were encountered. Rather an uneventful and quiet day.

 

27/04/43 (Tuesday) Cloud covered enemy territory at heights varying from 6,000 to 23,000 feet during today’s operations. A standing patrol was maintained throughout the morning by our Wing over GROMBALIA area and we contributed 14 sorties to this operation without encountering the enemy. Nine plus Me 109’s were seen during an interception patrol by the Squadron in the afternoon, but the enemy aircraft were very anxious not to engage in combat and found sanctuary in the clouds. Both F/Lt. p.H. HUMPHREYS and F/O. BRADLEY SMITH fired, but they were unable to observe results of their attacks. SEARGEANT PILOTS LAWSON, ALLEN and RATCLIFF joined us today on posting from 244 WING TRAINING FLIGHT.

 

28/04/43 (Wednesday) Very little doing for us today. In the morning S/Ldr. OLVER, of 244 WING, and three of our pilots carried out an offensive sweep of the CAPE BON area, but there were no enemy aircraft about. F/O. TURVEY was leading a section of eight, later in the morning, as cover to three Squadrons of KITTYHAWKS and two Squadrons of special HURRICANES, but when they reached the rendezvous they were told that the operation had been cancelled. Two Mc 202’s were destroyed and a Me 109G damaged in a delousing operation by four of our SPITFIRE IX’s, led by F/O. SAVAGE, in the afternoon. They met ten plus enemy aircraft, but several of them climbed away, on sight of our planes, into cloud. F/Sgt. ASKEY added a destroyed to his score which now stands at five confirmed, and W/O. Fry destroyed the other. F/O. SAVAGE severely damaged the 109 whose undercarriage dropped, but it was able to climb away slowly into cloud pouring volumes of white smoke. Our Squadron score is now 270½ destroyed, 102 probably destroyed and 145 damaged. The “bag” since we arrived in the MIDDLE EAST is 77 — 21 — 87.

 

29/04/43  (Thursday) Three operations were carried out today in connection with anti-shipping patrols by KITTYHAWKS in the CAPE BON area. In the first “show” 12 of our aircraft escorted three Squadrons of 239 WING but no enemy aircraft were seen. Later, four of our SPITFIRE IX’s deloused for KITTYHAWKS and encountered three Mc 202’s. Both P/O. Paterson — who led the formation after the leader ws forced to return with engine trouble — and P/O. WILSON fired as they followed the enemy aircraft in a dive. Our pilots recorded 450 m.p.h. in their dive but lost the MACCHIS at 2,000 feet. We were more fortunate in our last operation of the day when 12 of our aircraft escorted four Squadrons of 79 PURSUIT GROUP. We were attacked by 12 plus Me 109’s, Mc 202’s and F/W 190’s and Lt. SACHS damaged a Me 109. Five other pilots fired at several aircraft each and a parachute was seen at 10,000 feet over CAPE BON. We are claiming an unidentified aircraft destroyed and await the result of the combat films because no pilot will put forward an individual claim for it.

 

30/04/43 (Friday) After viewing yesterday’s combat films it was decided that the aircraft destroyed yesterday should be credited to F/O. D.L.G. TURVEY. Our six operations today have all been in connection with anti-shipping patrols by KITTYHAWKS. During the last show we were attacked by three Mc 202’s and later another nine Me 109’s and Mc 202’s  joined in the fight which took place in and out of the cloud. This cloud prevented full observation of results but P/O. MACFARLANE, Lt. SACHS and F/O. BRADLEY SMITH each damaged a Mc 202. We suffered no loss. This month we have carried out 581 sorties with a total of 841 hours 40 minutes operational flying time. F/Lt. L.M. PAGE left us today and F/O. G.L. TRAVIS has taken over the duties of SQUADRON ADJUTANT.

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