War Diary of 1 Sqn SAAF 1st - 31st December 1941

Extract for 13th December 1941 - "Rhubarb Day"

"Rhubarbs" were introduced into the Squadron today. "Rhubarbs" consist of pairs of aircraft taking off at intervals (about 10 mins) and, taking advantage of the cloudy weather, flying over enemy territory in the hope of coming across small parties of enemy aircraft. If there are any stragglers in these formations the "Rhubarb" aircraft can attack it and then take cover in the clouds.

Two "rhubarbs" were carried out during the afternoon. The first pair Major Osler and 2/Lt Connell took off at 16.10 hrs, and when in the Gazala area encountered about 30 enemy aircraft - bombers and their escort-.

Coming out of a cloud, Major Osler, who was separated from from Connell, found himself among the enemy aircraft. He shot down one Me202, before getting away from five enemy fighters that attacked him.

2/Lt. Connell also ran into the enemy formation, and caused much damage before he decided that he had "had it". Connell's undercarriage was damaged during the engagement, and when he landed at base his right wheel arm collapsed. Connell was uninjured, but his aircraft was seriously damaged. [ Ever so slightly! It caught fire and was written off!]