[Routine Order] APPENDIX "Q"

Friday, 25 February 1944 Other pp. 89

Document

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/2
APPENDIX "Q"
89
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 13/44 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
By
LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C.
Officer Commanding,
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
25th February, 1944.
Para. 58. 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.
Lieut. L.S. Horwitz. Monday 28. 2. 44.
Lieut. A.J. Bester " "
Lieut. D.A. Kendal. Tuesday. 29. 2. 44.
Lieut. E.L. Potgieter " "
Lieut. E.S. Kirby. Wednesday 1. 3. 44.
2/Lt. R. Heyns. " "
Lieut. F.H. Lambert. Thursday 2. 3. 44.
Lieut. P.J. Naude. " "
Lieut. H.C. Longmore Friday 3. 3. 44.
Lieut. M.J. Gildenhuys " "
Lieut. H.C. Murman Saturday 4. 3. 44.
2/Lt. J.A. Pieters. " "
Lieut. W.J.O. Musgrove. Sunday. 5. 3. 44.
Lieut. D.D. Jordaan " "
Should an Officer be unable to report owing to operations, he
will notify the Assistant Adjutant before his tour of duty is to commence
and hand in the name of a substitute. It will be his responsibility to
obtain, and warn, the Officer who is taking his place.
Para. 59. BOMB TAIL CONTAINERS & AMMO. BOXES : URGENT.
All Bomb Tail containers and Bomb and Ammunition wooden boxes
(Brown & Yellow), MUST report MUST be returned to the Armoury not later
than 12.00 hours on Saturday, 26th February, 1944.
Para. 60. CAMP EQUIPMENT.
Personnel in possession of spare parts for tents or camp
equipment surplus to their requirements and belonging to "Q" or "T" stores
must return same to the Stores concerned without delay.
Para. 61. CAMP CLEANLINESS
Personnel must make every endeavour to keep the Camp clean and
make use of the Refuse Bins.
(Signature illegible) LT. COL.
OFFICER COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes:
* Logistics & Supply Shortages (Para 59 & 60):
* "Bomb Tail Containers... MUST be returned": The emphatic language ("URGENT", "MUST report MUST be returned") highlights a critical logistical bottleneck. In the field, sturdy wooden crates (used for shipping bombs and ammo) were highly coveted by soldiers for improvised furniture, tent flooring, or firewood. However, the supply chain relied on reusing these containers to ship fresh ordnance from rear depots. The color coding ("Brown & Yellow") likely differentiated between types of explosives or ammunition.
* "Spare parts for tents": Following the squadron's recent move to the muddy Biferno camp (described in the diary on Feb 18th as a "sea of mud"), tentage was vital. "Q" Stores refers to the Quartermaster Stores (general supplies), while "T" Stores refers to Technical Stores (aircraft parts/specialized equipment). Hoarding of tent poles or canvas was a common problem in wet winter conditions.
* Personnel on Roster:
* Lieut. L.S. Horwitz: Listed for duty on Feb 28th. He previously appeared in Appendix B (Feb 3rd) as an Observer.
* Lieut. F.H. Lambert: Listed for March 2nd. He served as the Observer for Lt. Askew on the Feb 8th raid.
* Lieut. H.C. Longmore: A pilot active during the month, flying missions on Feb 4th and 10th (Appendices D & G).
* Lieut. M.J. Gildenhuys: An Observer who flew with Lt. Musgrove on Feb 4th and 8th. The roster confirms the spelling "Gildenhuys," distinguishing him from "F/Sgt Geldenhuys" who appears in other crew lists.
* Historical Context:
* Date (Feb 25, 1944): The diary entry for this specific day notes: "It was still raining and all our aircraft were grounded". This operational pause likely gave the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Jandrell, the opportunity to address administrative issues like camp cleanliness and equipment returns, which might be neglected during intense combat periods.

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Verification:
Target File Verification: The document is an "APPENDIX 'R'" containing "Squadron Routine Orders No. 15/44". The date in the header is 26th February, 1944.