Onoorwinlik
The unofficial history of SAAF Squadron Two One in World War II.
As Winston Churchill famously said, "The soft underbelly of Europe is Italy," and the Allied forces recognized the importance of neutralizing Italian strongholds to gain a foothold in the Mediterranean theater.
This narrative follows the missions of 21 Squadron SAAF and the journey of my grandfather, who was an Air Gunner serving in the Squadron. By the time he returned to the Union of South Africa, the war had shifted, and a new chapter was about to open that would eventually lead to the end of the conflict.
This site is dedicated to the families of 21 Squadron servicemen, ground crews, and aircrews.
On this day — 8 September
Some excitement was caused here today when four men were seen to leave a plane by parachute over No. 12 (S.A.A.F.) Squadron's aerodrome which is only a short distance from here. It was later learned that a Maryland Aircraft of the aforementioned squadron had been severely…
Read this entryAll the squadron's serviceable aircraft today participated in a formation flight which was officially recorded by a photographer from Press Command. Some of these photographs later appeared in the Egyptian press under various sub-titles one newspaper describing a photograph of…
Read this entryA rude shock to-day for our Transport section. We had been led to believe that our reserve transport required to bring us up to full establishment was being held by A.H.Q., Egypt pending our move to Western Desert control. Notification of the change of control having been…
Read this entryNews was received that Italy had unconditionally surrendered, the best news that the Squadron had had for some considerable time. Eight Aircraft took off at ten minute intervals from 20.39 Hrs. to carry out an armed recce on roads, bombs were dropped on AVELLINO.
Read this entryThree R.A.F. WT/AGs reported for duty – Sgts. OVEREE, FOSTER and McHUGH. Twelve aircrews were posted O.T.E. – Capt. ADAM, pilot; Capt. ELLIOTT, Lieuts. KOTZÉ, le ROUX, ROOS, observers; Lieuts. CASE, BENDER, LOMBARD, W.Os. ELLIOTT and RAUTENBACH (WT/AGs) ; Capt. te WATER-POHL and…
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