Australia’s War Diary

50 Years Ago. . .

October 1 – North Africa. The DAF maintains constant pressure on Rommel’s supply routes. Vehicles and equipment unloaded at Benghazi and Tobruk are attacked by long range Beaufighters while making the long journey to the front. In typical sorties, Sgt R Swift of 272 Squadron strafes six lorries, setting two alight; FIO G Pattearson causes a huge explosion in a small camp; and yesterday over the Sollum-Sidi Barrani road, FIO Ted Coate had destroyed a He 111.

Timar. FIO J Alcock and crew in Hudson Al6-243 of 13 Squadron fails to return from a recce over Koepang. Alcock is regarded as one of the squadron’s best reconnaissance pilots. The standard routine is to fly high over the harbour and Penfoei airfield and when the dust of fighters taking off is seen allow five more minutes before leaving. Perhaps Alcock has loitered too long or been ambushed.

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