The information on victories comes from several sources - originally the information in
Norman MacMillan's books then combat reports at the Public Records Office, then information in
Above The Trenches and, as you have guessed,
The Camel File.
The first Camels arrived in Italy during November 1917 - 28 Sqn arrived in Milan on 12 November, 66 Sqn in Milan on 23 November; 45 Sqn arrived in Padova on 18 December. Barker (28 Sqn) claimed the first RFC victory in Italy on 29 November. 66 Sqn did not start claiming until 8 December and 45 Sqn did not get off the mark until the last day of the year.
I can't recall an "incident" taking place in November 1917 but if you can give me any further details I can try and find mentions in other reference matierial I have (probably not until after Boxing Day!)
Merry Christmas