A convoy of trucks made their way towards Athens. The journey had started from Piraius, the seaport of the city on the Saronic Gulf. From there they made their way through the south end of the central plain of Attica. As the hand picked group of R.A.F. two-man crews drove their trucks along the winding unmade road they were able to feast their eyes on one of the wonders of the world still standing. The inner city stood just below the Acropolis, the site of ancient Athens.

The temperature climbed as they neared journey's end. This was a welcome relief after the coolness of the mountains three hours away to the east. It had been a tiresome although unexceptional journey. The men were tired and dirty. Nevertheless, a sense of exitement dominated their general feelings.