Diary of Garth Edward Sommerville Clabburn - 1942-1944 - Part 6

[*April May 11th*]
3 sq pilots were on leave today &
we all pushed off for the beach &
spent a very happy time. I went
for a long walk around the rocks
& explored dozens of German & Italian
dugouts. There was bags of gear lying
about & it was interesting looking
through all their magazines & standard
equipment.
We all got pretty sunburnt & slept
like logs last night.
The sea was beautifully fresh & blue this
day & did us a world of good.
[*April May 12th*]
Beaufighters & Kitties from 250 sq took
off early this morning & intercepted
the German ferry service flying between
Bato & Derma. There was terrific
slaughter as the Kitties & Beaus
went in. They shot down 13
JU 52's & 2 ME110s. Only 3 JU's
escaped from the whole show &
that was only because our
boys ran out of ammunition.
One of the Beaufighters crashed
into the sea - but that was
our only loss. A Kitty & another Beau
crashed on landing but can be repaired.
It must have been hell inside those JW 52's
for they were carrying many passengers & also
gasoline & perhaps ammunition.
We stood by during the afternoon but no
job turned up. It was exceedingly hot &
dusty & we had some fun with a
chameleon that had been caught on the
beach the day previously.
I wrote my people this evening &
retired fairly early.
[*April May 13th*]
Just discovered that I have been

thinking in April & writing in May. -
I must be "sand happy!"
This morning 3 sq sent off a patrol over
Gazala. During the first ½ hour two kites
had to return with engine trouble & another
two came back to look after them. The
other eight were jumped by two ME109F
from out of the sun. F/O Pace was
shot down & killed & Macdimiard was
wounded in the legs & baled out. He
is now safe in Tobruck hospital.
Garth Neill evidently very lucky for one

E/A dived on him & fired but evidently
misjudged Neill's speed & consequently
missed. Neill did not see him at
all during this attack. During the afternoon
I went on 5 mins standby &
we scrambled twice. The first time
we were recalled after 15 mins for
the bandits were too far away. The
second time we carried out a 
patrol from Gazala to BirHachian &
this trip took 1 hr 25 mins. It was hard
& hot work & the sun was in a very
bad position & did not favor us at 
all. However, we saw nothing & after
landing stood by until 8 P.M. During
the evening I wrote Marcus a hurried
letter & had two bottles of beer with
the boys. The cook turned on a grand
meal this evening of steak & potatoes &
everyone was very happy about the
whole show.

The Wing/C came over about 8 P.M. & gave
us the word that we would be taking
part in a big show on the morrow.
I am to fly No 2 to F/Lt Gare.
[*May 14th*]
Rose at 7.30 AM & had breakfast. Were just
about to board the truck for dispersal when a
phone call told us that the big show was
cancelled until tomorrow. I was dissappointed
for I like to get these things over & done
with. It is the continual waiting around that
gets most people a bit jumpy. When the engine
is turning over & there is plenty to keep
you busy - things are not half so bad.
We are now on ½ hrs notice for the rest 
of the day. Garth Neill & a couple of
others went back to base last night to
bring up some more kites, for we have
lost three during the past three days.
C Flight took over in the afternoon & B flight
made for the beach. It was very hot out
& beautifully cool in, & we reaped much
exercise.

Cannon Shells.
Macdiamard returned this morning & apparently|
had a lucky time. A cannon shell had blown
away his instrument panel & cut his controls
& also pumped some shrapnel into his
shoulder. He managed to get out at 3000'
after diving from 14000' & must have been

doing 350-400 when he left the kite. He

is none the worse for wear & I think a very
steady character. Was very tired this evening &
retired early. Garth Neill over shot this drome
when returning from base & landed at El Adam.
[*May 15th 1942.*] 

A was not included in the big "do" early this
morning. I have had a shave & read though
many old letter from home. My sister Coral most
certainly writes the most humerous & likable
letter - se is a great girl. Nothing doing
for the squadron this afternoon so a
swimming parade was held. The trip to the 
beach & back was very rough going in
the old 3 ton truck. As the day
was cold & rough I did not swim
but read & took what sun there
was.
[*16th*} 

Very dusty this morning 3 Flight stood
by from 8 till 1.30 p.m. & were
all thoroughly fed up by them.
Group would not give us a
job & no Jerry would come
& interfear with anything
consequently we just spent
the whole morning waiting for

something that didn't happen This is harder
work than flying all the time. Strangely
enough the weather here has been quite
cold for the past two days. It is ideal
for war activity & both sides could start
a big push - but no body seems very
keen: I cannot understand many
things about the war on this front -
but suppose I will see the tactics
laten on. I am sure that both sides
are heartly fed up of living in this
dusty waste & would be be very happy
getting the show finished either one way
or the other. Then again I think that 
the fellows get used to living out here
& forget the beautiful spots they used
to live in - anyway it is not for
we privates & Sgts & P/o's to say
which way we go & when, we
unfortunately have to take what
orders there are, when they come -
from that mystic & intangible
disorganisation under the title of
The Allied Supreme Command. I
fear we will all grow old out here.
[*know now that
this was the
voice of inexperience
talking. I did
not know the 
score but learnt
later on & now 
have supreme
faith & admiration 
for out Allied 
Supreme Command.
They work hard
& with purpose
& if we dont
know we should
not judge.
30/5/43.*]

Was told this evening that I was to be on
a definite show in the morning. Twelve
of fett Hawks were attacked by 3MC10y
this evening 450Sq were top cover for us
& they same straight down through our
six. A general mix up ensued with
only one ME attacking & very leisurely at
that. One of 450sq spun in & another
baled out & one of our fellows
bellied landed. One of our kites was

badly shot up by what we fear

was one of 450's 4 kitties & this
fellow was very lucky to get back.
Altogether it was a pretty poor
show & showed up very clearly
what a loss we are at trying
to fight these German A/C which
can our climb & dive us by"
about 100 M.P.H.
[*Better team work
& less panic needed
on Keith's part.
20.5.43.*]
[*May 17th*]
Was called at 5.15 A.M. & stood by until
0840hrs. Took off & landed at El 
Adem & Boardman Sgt crashed on landing.
After breakfast we took off 5 Kitties
& two recco Hurricanes to fly right
through the heaviest enemy concentrations.
crossing the coast at the Bay of Bomba we
struck heavy & accurate ACK-ACK, which
was my first & very worrying. Saw
many kites taking off from Mataba &
was further worried. Struck three more
good doses of A/A but got through
without a scratch. Landed after two
hard hours flying & was tired. The
show was quite successful.
Mr Casey is to visit the camp tomorrow.
Enemy radio location had our little formation
taped or plotted all the time, & consequently
each gun post was waiting for as as we arrived.
This we found out on returning to Gambut.
I received two little letters from Elizabeth this
evening & after reading them through twice
retired early at about 8 P.M. Fred Ryan
is at Base collecting another kite & Sgt
Thomas has just moved into our hut.
[*May 18^th 1942*]
Mr Casey turned up but I missed the parade.
We heard what he had to say in the mess
re. returning to Australia & he was
not convincing at all. In truth he tried
to tell us nicely that we were to 
[*The Hurricanes
evidently saw what
they were looking
for
2/6/43*] 

stay on in the desert fighting Germans &
that there was no chance of returning
home this year.
112sq lost two men dive bombing this
day I think it was the accurate A/A
fire that got them. I realise how
lucky we were to get away with
yesterday's show now that I hear that
7 ME109F's were chasing us all the
way back to El Adem.
[*Entertainment for
front-line troops is
a very fine thing &
a major moral builder.
2.6.43.*]
During the evening a Sth African
crowd turned on a picture show in
an E.P.I. staring Gracie Fields in Queen
of Hearts. A good time was had by
all & during the screening Jerry dropped
many flares a short way off but
no bombes.
[*May 19th*] 

This day has been very dusty & hot &
as I was not on standby I passed
the time writing letter thanking people
for my Christmas Parcels which have
just arrived. They came from Mother
Coral Heather & Margaret in Ottawa
Mothers cake was badly knocked about
& I am afraid it has been exposed
to the air for too many months for it has
a pecular taste — perhaps a bit sour.
I retired ad About 8.30P.M. & no sooner
was I in bed than E/A came over &
dropped many flares lighting the camp up
as bright as day. Soon bombes came
down & a couple fell about 500 yds
from the mess. I decided they were
becoming too accurate & made for a
slit trench about 100 yds away. Had
not reached it when a big one came
whisteling down & I flattered out
like a lizard drinking. Fortunately it
did not explode. After a few more
flares & bombes they went away & we
returned to bed.
[*May 20th 1942*]
The occupants of our tent — myself
included spent this morning digging
a slit trench in the form of a
V. It is now nearly finished & we
will now be ready for the many
more raids that we are expecting.
I believe the Jerries have said
over their radio that they intend 

[*Typical "Bust"
2/6/43.*]
trying to bomb the W/D Fighter Squadrons
off the earth's face — I hope they dont try
too hard. The big bomb — (560 lbs) that
did not go off last night was blown
up at 1.30 P.M. today & made a hell
of a bang. Great pieces of hot jagged
shrapnel could be found all around
the camp.
I have now been moved into another tent
together with Charles Coward & Phippen. It
is much smaller than the last & has
four beds in it — still it has a good
slit trench!
[*May 21st*] 

This morning Air Vice Marshal Conningham
visited the Squadron & told all we pilots
what to expect in the very near future.
A full scale German push is expected before
the full moon & he warned us about
parachute troops. The enemy is expected to
try & take Tobruk & to shell the
Fighter Squadrons for these are the greatest
menace to his campaigne. The A.V.M. told
us we could expect 4 or 5 sorties per
day & had about 400 German & Italian
A/C  against us. He appeared to be
a very fine fellow & spoke straight &
evidently told us all be knew. Like Mr
Casey he also said that there was little
or no chance of returning to Australia.
[*May 22nd.*]
[*Fighter & Fighter-
Bomber Squadrons will
always be the
deciding factor in any
coming large attacks.
2/6/43.*]
Evidently the fighter squadrons are the
heart & soul of this coming offensive
for all the important people at the Middle
East Command are paying us a visit. This evening
Air Marshal Tedder the head of the Middle 
East Command came into the mess &
we had a very happy informal two
hours. He promised nothing & we did
not get very far with him. About the
only thing that might eventuate from
the Spence's entreaties is that we
might carry out our sweeps into enemy
territory in the twilight hours. As it
is it is impossible to see the 109's up
in the glaring sun.
This morning I went on a big escort job
over the Gulf of Bomba- at least that
is as far as we went before being
attacked by four or five 109's simultaneously.
During the scrap two E/A were
shot down 1 by the CO & another by Nick 

[*Did not use
enough throttle
to gain height
& consequently
stalled.
2/6/43.*]
Barr, behind who I was supposed to be.
Unfortunately, I stalled & went onto my
back during the first attack & was below
the majority of our squadron during the
show which lasted about 10 mins. Nicky's
kite was quite heavily shot up but he
landed well 450 sq. lost two pilots & 112
sq-one. They had the difficult job of
protecting the 9 bostens right around &
over the target area. We really acted as
a diversion succeeded in only drawing
a few fighters off. The whole show was
quite successful for five E/A were destroyed
in the Air & all the bombes fell in the
target area & hits were observed. We
lost no bombes. It has been a full &
interesting day & we had some near
misses on both sides.
[*May 23rd 1942*]
On stand by 0830 hrs but was relieved
at 1000 because my kite was taken
to Ismalia to have a bomb rack
fitted. We will shortly be dive
bombing enemy troops & what not.
All the new 190 personnel have arrived at base
together with about five new pilots. xxx The
C.O. & Nick are down there today fixing things
up. They will have many things to adapt themselves,
these new fellows having, come straight
from Australia. A further 190 ground staff are
preparing to leave this A.L.G. tomorrow,
bound for Australia & are they happy
with the prospect!! There are many others
who would like to being going along also
but that will have to wait for there is
much fighting to be gotten through here befor 
Libya is ours.
This morning five U.S.A. Baltimores tried to raid
Derna. I think the bombing was carried out
& they were to return by way of Tobruck
where we were to pick them up & clear
away any E/A that might be attacking
this formation. They were unescorted
to this point. Over boys did not contact
them & received news on landing that
all five had been shot down &
destroyed. There was insufficient
briefing on this operation & the delousing 
fighters had insufficient 

information as to the height & return
course of the returning bomber - with the
resultant cost of about 20 lives &
five new A/C.
Some at the boys have gone for a
seven this afternoon & the remainder
of us are on ½ hour stand by. It
is exceeding hot & the atmosphere holds
a tenseness of the ensuing battle.
A rumour has circulated that xxxx
the Germans have broken through at one
point to the West — but that must
be just a little eye wash — perhaps typified
Nav propaganda.
Nothing tuned up diving the afternoon except
news of an early job tomorrow.
The bombers were over again tonight & dropped
some beg ones but fortunate they fell some
distance from us
[*May 24th.*] 

Much has happened this day & throughout
the camp there has been quite a deal
of disorganisation because about 100
ground staff were celebrating their
departure from the Western Desert
prior to returning home. At 9 A.M. I
took off with five other to escort the
A. O. C. (Air Marshal Tedder) to
Masa Martu. Jack Donalds Kite would
not start & we had to leave him
behind. It was a very pleasant trip
& took about 2 hrs & nothing turned
up to worry the Air Marshal. We went
on 15 mins standby from 1200 to 2000hrs.
but were not ordered off.
All the new fellows arrived at about
1600 hrs & the old fellows piled on to
the trucks & made off for base.
We now have many Gurkas guarding
the dome & kites & they are
dangerous fellows with their long curved
knives they use these only at
night in preference to using
fire arms. — Do very quiet!
received letter from Coral, Mrs Clarke
Magaret, & Elizabeth this morning &
read them while waiting to take
off after the A.O.C. in C.
The new fellows got their first taste
of front line staff when the bombes
came over at about 2100hs & dropped 

plenty of flares through the broken
cloud & a few bombes as well.
I gave my past diary to some fellow
Going home today & in the rush of
getting aft on the escort job I failed
to see him personally. I hope he can
deliver it to my Father at Gardens &
Taing.
[*May 25th*]

I was on ready ness for the morning but relieved
for the afternoon. Went for a swim at the old
Yeoman workshops with with Nick Bar, Findlyson, Curtis,
& Furniss. An army major from India also came
along & be proved himself a very likable fellow
& is a great man in the mess. We were
bombed heavily during the evening & got
little sleep.

[*May 26th*]
Rose at 4 A.M. in the midst of a heavy
raid & the explosions shook the ground
all around. Had the A/C lined up by 0545
& it was just getting light. Were scrambled
soon after & met 5 JU88 with top
cover at 109's coming towards Gambut Main.
I climbed behind Nick & attacked the
bombers from above head on but
saw no really. In the meantime
several fighter had come in & were
straffing our own drome very effectivly
We were lucky to get aft when we did.
Made a second attack on bomber after
We had dopped their sticks, & had
difficulty catching them. From dead
line astern attack saw 1 JU88's pent
engine belch black smoke & a few
Chuncks at plating fly aft. Each attack had
to be made through our own A/A fire.
The C.O. baled out & hurt his ankle on
landing I don't know as yet the reason
for abandoning his A/C but he must
have been hit by one of the 109's..
[*Was credited with

1/3 JU88.

C.O. hit by rear

gunner & broke

his ankle on landing.*]

One bomber crashed but was claimed by
Another sq. I claimed one damaged.
Thee men were shot through the chest
last night by a rear gunner, & two
E/A crashed. The crew of one is
still at large.
[*Entered by

Fred Ryan while

I was walking in

the "Blue"
2/6/43*]

Day before he was reported

missing.

[*May 27*] 

Big Activity this day then enemy are on the
move The C.O. returned with broken ankle
& has gone to Palistine It was the rear
gunner of one of the JU88's that set
his engine on fire. Much bombing during
the night but no direct hit.
[*May 28*]

We have been bombing enemy advancing
columns all day. 400 tanks & 1200
transport enemy vehicles are advancing
North of Biz Hashian & we are trying
to stop them for they are encircling our
troops at Goy Ala.
Went off on bombing raid at 1600 hs &
two kites went back with engine trouble
Biz Hashian just as I was dive
bombing I was attacked by three 109Fs.
Raced East at 50 in of boost but
could not evade attacks. Was right
on deck at 300 M.P. & did 4 360^o
turns & got in two attack. Hit the
ground during fourth attack at 200 M.P.H.
& got away with it. Was hit slightly
in right ankle. Forced hood & got
out & was immediately staffes on
the ground. Four attacks were
made as I ran around & managed
to dodge them all. E/A showed no
mercy. After this attack took off the
overall & rolled away & the next
A/C to attack straffed the overall.
When A/C departed I collected water
bottles & first aid kit from kite —
also clock & made off in N.E.
direction. Walked till 10:30 PM. & covered
about 10-12 miles. (only 1 inch of water
was in bottle.) Took shot at Morphia
& dozed on desert till 6 A.M. (very cold).
Gather I was in no-mans land for I saw
no one but found some burning
vehicles.
[*May 29th.*] 

Walked till 11.30 AM & was dizzy
[*Effect of Drug.

2/6/43.*]

& sand happy & very thirsty. Three

armoured cars turned up (ours) &
gave me water & coffee. Returned
will them to their C.O. then onto
some provision waggons & journeyed
East. Spent the night with a W.O. of
a big provision show & was bombed
but got a fair sleep.
Have just figured this must