An original day takes place for the No.3 (SAAF) Squadron. The Royal Navy decides to plan a naval raid against the Italian port of Kismaayo. The H.M.S. Southampton must therefore approach around 13:00 to open fire on the various port facilities and ships. For this purpose, the Supermarine Walrus seaplane, transported by the ship, is responsible for guiding the fire.

In order to avoid any threat by Regia Aeronautica, four Hawker Hurricanes (Major Noël G. Niblock-Stuart, Captain John E. Frost and Harvey, Second Lieutenant S.D. Marsh of No.3 (SAAF) Squadron are tasked with patrolling the area (by section of two) between 13:00 and 13:45. In parallel, a Glenn-Martin (Major Charles E. Martin) of No. 14 (SAAF) Squadron must carry out a reconnaissance at the end of the afternoon (16:00 – 18:00) An Italian transport ship is reported destroyed. The result of this raid seems very limited and according to his report: “after the end of the naval bombardment, maritime transport resumed as before”.

Extract from the Logbook of Captain John E. Frost. Collection : SAAF Museum, via Tinus le Roux.