Every effort was made to keep the flies down and “straffers” (a piece of wire gauze about three inches square provided with a handle) were issued.  With these instruments, the flies were killed as fast as the “straffers” could be brought down upon them.  Medical officers inspected the camp and pronounced the sanitation excellent; yet the flies continued to flourish!  The result of this fly-pest is seen in the number of men that were admitted to hospital from our Squadron:  weeks ending May 10th, three; 17th, six; 24th, eight; 31st, three; June 7th, six; 14th, eight; 21st, nine; 28th, sixteen (including two officers, Lieut.  Millman and Lieut.  King); total 59, i.e. more than a quarter of the whole strength within eight weeks, and all for sickness, believed to be caused by flies!

THE “R.A.F.”  AT SARONA.

As mentioned before, the Squadron camp overlooked the Aerodrome, and many fine exhibitions of flying were seen there.  Boche planes paid us a visit occasionally, but that was only when none of ours were “up,” and as soon as our men got moving he made off at top speed.  Yet, the Boche brought off two coups that were, no doubt, pleasing to him!  It should be mentioned that the British had one, sometimes two, observation balloons in this sector, from which the enemy’s line, and the country behind it, could be seen very distinctly indeed, thus enabling our artillery to make it very unpleasant for any of the enemy’s troops, not entrenched; the Turk, on the other hand, had no such opportunities.  Our balloons, therefore, became special objects of the Turk’s attention, and on two occasions, when he flew over to attack them, he was successful in bringing down on the first occasion two, and the second time one—­in flames!  Fortunately, the observers were all able to make their descent in parachutes!  The Turk escaped, but only just in time—­our machines were quickly on his “heels,” and in spite of all his attentions, the following day found another British balloon in position just as if nothing had happened!

[Illustration:  At Sarona.

A view from our camp.  R.A.F.  Hangars can be seen in the distance.]

SQUADRON COMPETITIONS.

The Squadron, by this time, had made great progress in its training.  It was, however, prevented from reaching that high state of efficiency which is always aimed at—­owing to the constant change in its personnel, which was due to such numbers “going sick” to hospital.

A series of inter-sub-section competitions, however, was organised by the Officer Commanding, which were spread over a few weeks and proved very popular.  The principal events were:—­

   “Detachment Competition in Marching Order”; points being given for
   condition of animals and general turn-out—­Won by No. 1 Detachment of
   “E” Sub-section, under Lance-Corpl.  Smith.