In the first week of August only seven bombers approached the island, the lowest number for several months. However, the vital supply convoys came under heavy attack and suffered serious losses of ships and cargoes. However, the survivors of the 'Pedestal' convoy fought their way through the island between 13 and 15 August with just sufficient supplies to prolong the defence until December. The regiment received a few 150 cm S/Ls equipped with searchlight control (SLC or 'Elsie') radar and experimented with integrating them into its procedures. It also operated a regimental training school to train local recruits and during the summer was able to rotate some of the Troops for periods of rest and training, as well as opening a few more S/L sites. By the end of August the regiment had a strength of 32 officers and 1115 other ranks. On 23 August during a daylight raid Sapper Stott brought down a Messerschmitt Bf 109 with Light machine gun fire.