Wednesday, 21 October 1942 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

October 21 L.G. 98

Letter from S.A.O., R.A.F., SHANDUROne raid of 12 sorties, with 6 Bostons of 12 Squadron, the target being dispersed aircraft on L. G. 104.Sortie ReportSix Me. 109's provided a diversion this morning at dawn. They came over on a long-distance bombing raid and were welcomed by a fair amount of ack-ack none of which was accurate. We bombed about two miles N-W of the camp.No. 96642. Lieut. J. R. MILLAR posted in from S. A. A. F. Depot as Administrative Officer. One R.A.F. Observer, other rank, posted to 24 Squadron. The two N.C.O's who were wounded on 20.10.42 are posted to S. A. A. F. Depot.Air Vice Marshal Conyngham, A.O.C., W. D., delivered two "gen" talks, one to pilots and aircrews at L.G. 98 and the other to ground personnel at 24 Squadron, when he detailed the probable course of the operations about to commence. All leave is stopped and personnel are confined to camp until further instructions from A.H.Q., W.D.‍

Transcriber's Notes

R.A.F: Royal Air Force.
N.C.O: Non-Commissioned Officer.
A.O.C: Air Officer Commanding.
L.G: Landing Ground.
L.G. 98: Landing Ground 98.
A.H.Q: Air Headquarters.
W.D: Western Desert.

* Intensifying Air War (The "Softening Up" Phase): This entry describes a raid conducted just three days before the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein (Operation Lightfoot). The target, L.G. 17 (Landing Ground 17, likely in the Daba area), was an Axis airfield. The Desert Air Force was engaged in a ferocious campaign to destroy the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica on the ground to ensure air superiority for the coming offensive.