Photographic reconnaissance carried out by the Squadron throughout the war had always been in the vertical plane which limited the amount of information that could be obtained from the photographs. By mid October a new technique was being used on the Squadron, that of oblique photography; it was hoped that this would prove more helpful, however the pilots initially found it more difficult to obtain good results.
In order to evade interceptions by patrols of enemy aircraft a system of enemy surveillance had been introduced in August operated by 211 Group. Much reliance had to be placed on “Commander”, the Group Controller, and all pilots visited the operations now at Group to acquire confidence and learn to rely on R/T for warnings. By the end of October “Commander” was able to give warning of enemy aircraft positions and advise Squadron aircraft when to take off to avoid interception. As a result of this system fighter escort was withdrawn. For the month of October no pilots were killed or posted missing, and no aircraft were written off.
On 25th October 1942, the Second Battle of El-Alamein began, injecting a spark of life into the static situation on the front. The 8th Army widened the gap on the Northern Front and deployed armoured forces through it taking up selected positions before being attacked by the enemy. Reconnaissance flights showed a heavy concentration of enemy tanks moving towards the area which was just what the Allies wanted. 200 bombing sorties were carried out against these concentrated Panzer divisions causing great destruction. On 28th October the Squadron located a further concentration of 200 tanks and 2000 MT which was massing for a counter attack on our armour in the North. Again heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy by bombers and artillery and the attack did not materialise; now however a new spate of activity was taking place along the whole front.
