The second flight, consisting of long
range Hurricanes, was to operate from Aqir and carry out strategic reconnaissances under the direct control of the AOC, Palestine. The Lysander flight operating under “Habforce” was to cover the approach to the pipeline from the north and northeast, and to safeguard the supply routes from Mafraq to Habbaniya. Squadron headquarters were to remain at Gaza.
On 8th June the Army advanced into Syria meeting unexpectedly heavy opposition which held up the right hand Brigade. However our troops were soon advancing along both roads to Merdjayan . At this stage the recce pilots were experiencing great difficulty in identifying our own troops by the agreed sign, namely, a white square displayed on the ground and this limited their usefulness initially. On this day Flight Lieutenant Aldis while on a recce sortie was reported missing, believed killed. Merdjayan was occupied by our forces on 11th June. Late that afternoon a recce was despatched to verify a report that enemy mounted cavalry were in the vicinity of Herzive. The pilot reported a large number of horses watering in the area, otherwise no movement. These animals were subsequently discovered to be the property of the Cheshire Yeomanry!
The right Brigade began its advance from Merdjayan towards Jezzine on 14th June, leaving a small force behind to hold the ground already taken. Saida was taken on 15th; however the enemy put in a counter attack and recaptured Merdjayan. On the same day a tragic occurrence overtook two of the long range Hurricane pilots operating from Aqir in the Damascus area. Both Flying Officer Macrostie and Flying Officer Holdsworth were flying low in preparation for a message drop on our own troops. As a result of the failure of our own antiaircraft defences to identify these aircraft both were fired on by our Bofors guns. Flying Officer Macrostie was brought down and killed immediately, Flying Officer Holdsworth was brought down but successfully force landed his aircraft. He was subsequently killed by machine gun fire from a Sengalese detachment of the Free French Forces while walking towards it with his arms held above his head.
Two days later four new Hurricanes arrived together with the news of two policy changes. Firstly “C” Flight, detached under 7th Australian Division, was to come under Australian Corps Headquarters at Nazareth.
