[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 4/44 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. — Orders & Appendices

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SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 4/44 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
By
LT. COL. C. P. KOTZE. Officer Commanding.
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
22nd January, 1944.
Para. 17. CENSORING OF MAIL.
Duty Officers:
The undermentioned Officers will Report to the Assistant Adjutant
for the above duty at 14.00 hours on the dates set out opposite their names.
Lt. G. H. Askew. Monday 24. 1. 44.
Lt. C. te Water-Pohl " "
Lt. S. R. Hodges. Tuesday 25. 1. 44.
Lt. V. van Schalkwyk " "
Lt. K. H. Lambert Wednesday 26. 1. 44.
Lt. E. Jansen. " "
Lt. V. C. Richards. Thursday. 27. 1. 44.
2/Lt. F. Loots. " "
Lt. R. M. Stuart. Friday 28. 1. 44.
2/Lt. J. A. Pieters. " "
Lt. F.J.M Rose. Saturday 29. 1. 44.
2/Lt. J. K. du Preez. " "
Lt. D. J. Rowe. Sunday 30. 1. 44.
2/Lt. R. Heyns. " "
Para. 18. DUTY-FREE PARCELS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Duty-free parcels will NOT be accepted for despatch by registered
post. (G.R.O. Serial No. 75. Para. 1304.d/31.12.43)
Para. 19. SECURITY.
The use of old office correspondence or papers bearing stencil or
typewriter impressions of documents of a service nature will on no account
be used for the wrapping or packing of postal packets. (G.R.O.Ser.75.Para 1312)
Para. 20. PREVENTION OF THEFTS.
Recent thefts have proved that starter trolley wheels are very
attractive to native thieves. The thefts have normally occurred while the
trolleys have been left in the open near the perimeter wire.
Starter trolleys must be put under cover after use during the day
or, if this is impracticable, be removed to the Safest possible place. In no
circumstances are they to be left lying about near the perimeter wire.
Para. 21. RATE OF EXCHANGE - GREEK DRACHMAE.
The official rate of exchange for Greek drachmae until further notice
is 15,000 drachmae equals £1 Sterling.
Accountants Officers are authorised to exchange drachmae for serving
personnel provided it is reasonably established that the currency has been
received as pay and allowances or as small change.
Currency notes of "Cassa Mediterranea di Credito per la Grecia",
which title appears on the notes in Roman characters, will NOT be exchanged.
Any such notes tendered are to be accepted against a receipt for safe custody
and full details reported to H.Q., R.A.F., M.E.
Any case of suspected speculations in drachmae is to be reported to
H.Q., R.A.F., M.E. (G.R.O. Ser. 75.Para. 13141 d/ 31. 12. 43).
page 2.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes:
* Lt. Askew and Lt. Lambert: The duty roster for mail censorship on Monday, Jan 24th, lists Lt. G. H. Askew and Lt. K.H. Lambert (scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 26th). These are the Pilot and Observer from your grandfather's crew. It was standard practice for aircrew officers to perform administrative duties like censorship when not flying. This roster confirms Lt. Askew's initials are G.H., which is a valuable detail for searching service records (distinguishing him from other Askews).
* Security Violations (Wrapping Paper): Para 19 forbids using old office paper ("bearing stencil or typewriter impressions") to wrap parcels. In a resource-scarce environment, soldiers often reused scrap paper. However, old orders or rosters could contain sensitive intelligence (names, unit strength, movements), hence the strict prohibition on sending them out of the theater.
* Theft of Starter Trolley Wheels: Para 20 highlights a specific logistical problem: "starter trolley wheels are very attractive to native thieves." Starter trolleys (accumulators used to start aircraft engines) had rubber-tired wheels, which were incredibly valuable on the Italian black market where shoes and tires were scarce. The order to hide them reflects the desperate economic conditions of the local population surrounding the airfield.
* Greek Drachmae Exchange: Para 21 regarding the exchange rate for Greek Drachmae (15,000 to £1) seems unusual for a squadron in Italy. However, the squadron operated under RAF Middle East (M.E.) command. Personnel might have transited through Greece or had dealings with Greek units. The specific ban on "Cassa Mediterranea" notes refers to occupation currency issued by the Italians in Greece, which the Allies declared worthless to undermine the Axis economy.
* G.R.O.: Abbreviation for General Routine Orders, issued by higher command (RAF Middle East).
* Starter Trolley: These were heavy battery carts (often called "Trolley Accs") plugged into the aircraft to turn over the engines, saving the onboard battery. Losing the wheels rendered these critical pieces of equipment immobile.

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Verification: Target File Verification: The document is Page Two of "SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 4/44" (continued from the previous file). While there is no standard "Date" column on this page, the text is a continuation of the previous page dated 22nd January, 1944 and contains internal dates like "8.1.44" (8 Jan 44) in the references.