[Routine Order] APPENDIX "T" — Orders & Appendices

Document

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/2
APPENDIX "T"
93
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 17/44 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
By
LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL. D.F.C.
Officer Commanding,
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
27th February, 1944.
Para. 72. THIS UNIT IS DUTY SQUADRON FOR THE WEEK 28 FEB. TO 6 MAR. '44.
(a) Flare Path Crews will be detailed by the Engineer Officer.
Crews will be responsible for the efficient operation of
Electric Flare Path and Chance Light when necessary.
In the event of the Electric Flare Path becoming unserviceable
the Duty Officer will arrange for a "gooseneck" flare path to be laid on.
A Double Flare path will be used, provided the equipment is available.
The Flare Path will be at least 1400 yards long.
The removal of the Flare path and Chance Light will be the
responsibility of the Crew before flying operations commence the follow-
ing day.
Crews will be available at any time during the night and will
on no account leave the aerodrome until relieved. They will sleep in the
E.P.I.P. Tent provided.
(b) Duty Officers will be responsible for organisation of the Crews.
Electricians, will be detailed for duty by the Engineer Officer.
(c) Fire Tender Crews will be detailed for duty by the Engineer
Officer.
The Fire Tender will be parked near Flying Control and the Crew
will be in attendance throughout the day.
The R.S.M. will be responsible to see that the Crew is fully
conversant in operating the Fire Tender and will carry out a practice
once a day.
(d) Duty M.T. Drivers will be detailed by the Transport Officer.
A Duty Truck and driver will be available for marshalling
purposes, and will be directed by the Duty Officer.
(e) Duty Officers:
Flight Commanders will detail and instruct Duty
Officers with regard to their tour of duty and their duties. Duty Officers
will be either Pilots or Observers and will certify that they have read
and understand the orders laying down the duties of Airfield Controller.
Certificates for which will be kept in the Ops Room.
Breakfast will be laid on for 06.45 hrs for details on duty.
The midday meal will be sent to the Aerodrome. Details on night duty will
have their evening meal at 17.15 hrs.
Transport will depart at 07.15 hrs in the morning and 17.45 hrs
in the evening.
(Signature) LT.COL.
OFFICER COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Notes:
* Operational Readiness (Duty Squadron):
* "Duty Squadron": Being designated the "Duty Squadron" meant 21 Squadron was responsible for managing the entire airfield's operations for the week (Feb 28 - Mar 6), not just their own flights. This included manning the control tower, fire services, and runway lighting for all units based at Biferno.
* Flare Path: The detailed instructions for the "Electric Flare Path" and backup "gooseneck" flares (kerosene-filled pots) highlight the primitive night-flying facilities at the new temporary strip. A "Double Flare path" of 1400 yards was standard for bomber operations.
* "Chance Light": A powerful mobile floodlight used to illuminate the touchdown zone for landing aircraft at night.
* E.P.I.P. Tent: "European Privates, Indian Patterns" tent. A large, heavy canvas tent commonly used for housing troops or acting as a field office/guardroom.
* Safety Procedures:
* Fire Tender: The requirement for the crew to be "fully conversant" and practice "once a day" underscores the high risk of crashes and fires at a muddy, PSP-surfaced airfield like Biferno.
* "Gooseneck": If the generator failed (a common occurrence), the "Duty Officer" had to manually light and place the gooseneck flares—a dirty and time-consuming task in the winter mud.
* Logistics:
* Meal Delivery: "The midday meal will be sent to the Aerodrome." This indicates the domestic camp (tents/mess) was separated from the flight line ("Aerodrome") by some distance, requiring transport for meals to keep the crews on station.
* Abbreviations:
* M.T.: Mechanical Transport.
* R.S.M.: Regimental Sergeant Major.
* E.P.I.P.: European Privates, Indian Patterns (Tent).
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.

49
Verification:
Target File Verification: The document is an "APPENDIX 'U'" Operational Report (OPREP). The date in the header is 28 Feb 44.