Saturday, 31 October 1942

21 Squadron War Diary

October 31 L.G. 98
Signal from AHQ, W.D., quoting signal received from Prime Minister, G.B. to all Flying Units, W.D.One raid, 18 aircraft, four of which were holed by ack-ack, two extensively but no casualties.Oprep. No. 126, Sortie Report and Crew ListOperations and Statistical Summary, Serials Nos. 1a – 8a and .1 – 23/42 for the month of October, 1942 (on S. A. A. F. copy only)‍

Transcriber's Notes

A.H.Q
Air Headquarters.
W.D
Western Desert.

* Battle of El Alamein (The "Crumbling" Phase): These entries document the squadron's activity during the "crumbling" phase of the battle, where Montgomery's forces were wearing down Axis defenses before the final breakthrough (Operation Supercharge). The notation on Oct 29th that "enemy ack-ack was intense, heavy and accurate" with 11 aircraft holed indicates the ferocity of the German Flak defenses protecting their remaining positions.

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives