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[Page 60]
"Greatest in the war and undoubtedly hastened the collapse that followed in making this achievement possible. You gained for us absolute supremacy of the air thereby enabling my cavalry, artillery and infantry to carry out their work on the ground practically unmolested by hostile aircraft. This undoubtedly was a factor of paramount importance in the success of our arms here. I desire therefore to personally congratulate you on your splendid work. I congratulate not only the Flying Officers, but also your mechanics for although the Officers did the work in the air, it was good work on the part of our Mechanics that kept a high percentage of your machines serviceable. I wish you all 'bon voyage' and trust that the peace now attained will mean for you all future happiness and prosperity. Thank you and good-bye."
Three cheers were then given for the Commander-in-Chief, who thereupon proceeded to return direct to JAIFA.
WIRELESS: Throughout the whole of the operations covered by this report, wireless stations, manned with personnel from this Squadron, were maintained with all R.H.A., R.F.A. and R.G.A. units. In addition, continuous watches for hostile aircraft alarms were kept throughout the hours of daylight. This section, under the supervision of Lieut. H. Johnson, also carried out a considerable amount of experimental work in connection with the transmission of signals from our machines, which were received for distances up to 100 miles.
MISCELLANEOUS: During January 21 reinforcements arrived from Australia, and 28 from England. On March 1st 47 other ranks, chiefly Men who originally left Australia with the Squadron, and had remained in the East throughout, embarked for England.
67th Squadron became 1st Squadron on 6.2.1918.
The Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force on 31st March/1st April 1918.
1st Squadron re-mustered to Royal Air Force nomenclature 13th December 1918.