There is no Operations Record Book available for “F” Beach Balloon Unit. Information found from other sources is given below.
On 17th July 1943, the commanding officer of “F” Balloon Unit, F/Lt. Gates contacted F/O Burn of “K” Balloon Unit with instructions from Rear H.Q. Desert Air Force to combine units operationally and be ready to proceed to Catania.
Between 19th and 26th July equipment was collected from the beaches in the South of the island and brought by road to Units’ camp site in the Park at Carlentini.
At 05.30 hrs on 5th August, the combined “F” and “K” Balloon Units moved to Catania, where they inflated and flew a barrage of four balloons and established their Headquarters. The next day they increased the barrage to nine balloons and re-adjusted the positions. F/Lt. Gates then received orders for “F” Unit to return to North Africa.
“L” Unit were to replace “F” Unit and F/Lt. Hood of “L” Unit arrived to take charge pending “L” Unit move to Catania.