https://www.awm.gov.au/ Biferno, Italy. 10 February 1945. No. 249 (Mustang) Squadron RAF which had two RAAF commanding officers (CO) (both awarded the DSO) in succession, is keeping up the high reputation it built up for itself during the Battle of Britain and blitz days of Malta and is now a part of the Balkans Air Force. It has been operating in Italy for several months in support of Tito's Partisans in Yugoslavia. Pilots stand discussing tactics prior to taking off on a strafing mission over Yugoslavia, left to right: Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt) J. R. Davie of Scotland; Flying Officer D. P. McCaig of Suva; Flt Sgt E. J. Clarke of Eire; 402326 Squadron Leader Charles E. Edmondson of Wodonga, Vic, CO of the Squadron, who has been overseas for more than four years in the Middle East. The Squadron operates from an airstrip covered in steel matting laid on a beach on the Adriatic coast.