Bomb Joined SAAF 1 Squadron in November 1941.
The squadron was situated in the Sidi Rezegh area (Libya) when Bomb arrived.
Rommel's offensive in early 1942 resulted in the retreat of the Allied forces(Gazala gallop) and the squadron moved back to Egypt east of the Alamein defensive line. The squadron had a short regroup period at El Gamil near port Said.
During the Alamein offensive of late 1942, the Allies advanced deep into Libya and 1 squadron moved accordingly as a front line fighter unit.
On 8 February 1942 Bomb's Hurricane was damaged by enemy fire and he performed a forced landing. He sustained injuries during this incident and was hospitalized for one month in Egypt.
Bomb reached his OTE and left the squadron on 5 December 1942 to go back to the Union after the maximum of 200 operational hours were reached. (OTE : Operational Tour Expired)
In this tour Bomb flew 143 combat missions. He flew Hurricanes mk II b and c. In the last month of his tour the squadron converted to Spitfires mk v (tropical).
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Video on how Bomb got shot down. More videos on pages to be entered on the left.
Seated Bomb's close pal, Billy Herbert, who was killed in action while Bomb was in hospital.
Servaas Viljoen, Bomb, Colin Sinclair, ??