[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No.63/1943 No.21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Wednesday, 22 September 1943 Other

Document

SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No.63/1943 No.21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
By
Lt. Col. J.F. BRITZ, D.F.C.
Officer Commanding,
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
Middle East.
22nd September, 1943.
217. SPEED LIMITS. The Speed limit for ALL VEHICLES in 3 Wing Camp area i.e., 3 Wing, 12, 24 & 21 Sqdns, is 20 M.P.H.
218. DRAINAGE OF OCTANE FROM AIRCRAFT. It has been reported that unauthorised persons have been draining octane from aircraft. This practice must cease forthwith and in future only ground crews of the aircraft concerned will be allowed to drain octane from their respective aircraft, and then only when required for inspection.
219. BOUNDS. With the exception of Catania all towns in Sicily are in bounds between 0800 and 1930 hours. The consumption of ice cream, mineral waters, milk, milk products, butter, cheese or other food products prepared by other than authorised sources and purchase of these foodstuffs is forbidden. (SIC.H.Q.R.A.F. P.857. d/8.1.9.43)
220. VISIT OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING. Units will be gratified to learn that a formal letter of commendation has been received by the Air Officer Commanding from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in connection with the Parade held at Amman on the occasion of the visit of His Majesty the King.
The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief refers to the impression created by the appearance of the airmen and their aircraft as excellent. (ARC.27/219 d/8.3.7.43.)
221. UNITED NATIONS ART EXHIBITION. The Societe des Amis de l'Art, the British Council and the Artists' International Association propose to held in January, 1944 in Cairo, a United Nations' Art Exhibition of works by men and women in the Fighting Forces in the Near and Middle East.
All contributions should be forwarded to A.F.P.F. S.A. Public Relations, c/o G.C.A. U.I.F., M.E.F., who will be responsible for handing them over to the Committee responsible for deciding which contributions shall be exhibited and will also arrange the return of contributions.
Full details regarding the conditions of entry and rules governing contributions to this Exhibition may be had on application to the Orderly Room.
222. TYPHOID FEVER. A case of typhoid fever has recently occurred in this WING and the patient is now gravely ill. He caught the disease by eating ice-cream in CATANIA. He had not been inoculated with T.A.B. for a year and half, as he was away from the SQUADRON a good deal and had not troubled.
Personal health is a personal responsibility, but the following orders are to be obeyed:—
(a) All drinking water is to be chlorinated.
(b) No locally made foodstuffs to be eaten.
(c) Inoculation state to be 100%.
223. N.M.C. PERSONNEL. Attention is drawn to the fact that personnel of the N.M.C. are soldiers and hold ranks. All ranks dealing with members of the N.M.C. or addressing them, are to bear those facts in mind at all times.
224. COUNTERFEIT B.M.A. (STERLING) NOTES. A certain number of forged B.M.A. notes are in circulation. The following information is given for guidance in detecting suspected forgeries:—
(a) The genuine note contains a metal thread.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes
* Expanded Abbreviations:
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.
* D.F.C.: Distinguished Flying Cross.
* M.P.H.: Miles Per Hour.
* SIC.H.Q.R.A.F.: Sicily Headquarters Royal Air Force.
* A.F.P.F.: Air Force Post Office (or similar administrative postal function).
* M.E.F.: Middle East Forces.
* T.A.B.: A vaccine against Typhoid and Paratyphoid A and B.
* N.M.C.: Native Military Corps.
* B.M.A.: British Military Authority (currency).
* Observations on Individuals:
* Lt. Col. J.F. Britz, D.F.C.: Jacobus "Jack" Frederik Britz, the Officer Commanding (OC) of 21 Squadron. He was a highly respected leader who was instrumental in the squadron's transition to the Martin Baltimore and its operations during the Italian campaign.
* The Typhoid Patient: While unnamed, the text serves as a stark warning about the breakdown of medical discipline ("had not troubled" to get inoculated) leading to grave illness.
* Locations and Historical Context:
* Catania, Sicily: This city serves as the backdrop for the medical and disciplinary warnings. 21 Squadron was based in Sicily during this period (September 1943) as part of 3 Wing, supporting the invasion of mainland Italy.
* Amman, Jordan: The mention of a parade in Amman for King George VI refers to his visit to the Middle East earlier in 1943. The delay in the formal letter of commendation (Order 220) arriving in September reflects the slow movement of administrative accolades through wartime channels.
* The Volturno and Winter Lines: While this is a "Routine Order" focusing on camp life, the date (Sept 22) coincides with the Allied advance from Salerno. These orders ensured the "Excellent" appearance and health of the men as they prepared for the grueling winter campaign ahead.
* N.M.C. Personnel: This order (No. 223) reflects the racial dynamics of the SAAF at the time. The Native Military Corps consisted of black South African soldiers who served in non-combatant but vital support, logistics, and guard roles. The order serves to remind the largely white commissioned and non-commissioned officer corps that these men were formal soldiers with recognized military rank.
* Counterfeit Currency: The mention of forged B.M.A. notes indicates the economic instability in newly liberated Sicily, where military currency was often targeted by counterfeiters.

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Verification: This specific page is a continuation (Page 2) of the Squadron Routine Orders and does not have a 'Date' column; however, it is the direct continuation of the orders issued by Lt. Col. J.F. Britz dated 22nd September, 1943.