The Squadron returned to training in its established role of Fighter Reconnaissance and particular attention was paid to air combat, photography and weaponry using the gyro-gunsight. These exercises together with bomber affiliation and GCI practice constituted Squadron routine for many months to come. The routine was broken only between June and August 1950 when a small detachment was sent to Asmara to provide air support to the Military and Police Forces operating against the Shifta in Eritrea. Their task was mainly to establish regular communications between Police posts, “Ferret forces” and Army formations in the field.
…... was returned to Fayid the same day by the Egyptian Army and brought with him the first news of the attack. The following day flying was cancelled and the Squadron was stood down pending publication of Foreign Office reaction to this incident. Jewish radio announced that Flying Officer McElhaw had been taken prisoner and it was learned soon after that one of the two remaining pilots was also in their hands. On 17th January the Squadron was informed that the fourth pilot had been killed.
This incident caused world wide comment though it was incredible how widely reports of the incident varied in the world press. Further embarrassment was avoided however when UN mediation eventually secured a set of Armistice agreements, and on 24th February Egypt became the first of the Arab States to sign agreements with Israel.
