[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 33/44. Continued. PAGE TWO. — Orders & Appendices

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SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 33/44. Continued. PAGE TWO.
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125. BLACK-OUT.
Recently there has been a marked deterioration in
black-out precautions in this camp, and all concerned are
instructed to give this matter their personal attention.
(A.R.O. 7/1944 3 (S.A.) W. d.d. 12.4.44.).
126. BOUNDS : CAMPOMARINO.
Campomarino is now in bounds to all ranks of 3 (SA)
Wing from one hour after sunrise until one hour before
sunset.
(A.R.O. 6/1944 3 (S.A.) W. d.d. 7.4.44.).
127. CHANGE OF COMMAND.
Air Vice-Marshal W.F. Dickson, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E.,
A.F.C., assumes command of Desert Air Force vice Air Vice
Marshal H. Broadhurst, D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., with effect
from 23rd March, 1944.
(A.R.O. Serial 14 Para. 118 d.d. 7.4.44.).
128. WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply through 60 Sub-Area is now just
sufficient for the number of troops in the area.
2. During the summer months the supply will decrease
particularly in the Vasto area which is fed from springs.
3. From now on strict economy is to be exercised in the
use of water. In no circumstances is any vehicle to be
washed from the main supply.
(A.R.O. Serial 14, Para. 123 d.d. 7.4.44.).
129. BOUNDS - NAPLES.
The town of Naples is now in bounds for organised
parties to attend entertainments. ALL personnel in such
parties are to be in possession of a pass signed by an
officer.
(A.R.O. Serial 14, Para. 126 d.d. 7.4.44).
130. FIRING OF ARMS.
The dangerous practice of discharging fire-arms in
camp must cease forthwith.
131. M.T.
Drivers of vehicles are warned not to use the road
through 12 Squadron to proceed to Wing Headquarters or
Termoli.
(Signature illegible) Major.
LT. COL.
COMMANDING, NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes:
* Change of Command (Desert Air Force):
* New Commander: Paragraph 127 records a major shift in the theater command structure. Air Vice-Marshal W.F. Dickson (later Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir William Dickson) took command of the Desert Air Force (DAF), replacing the legendary Air Vice-Marshal Harry "Broady" Broadhurst. Broadhurst had led the DAF since Tripoli in early 1943 and was a key architect of the close air support tactics used in North Africa and Italy.
* Honors: The post-nominals listed—C.B. (Companion of the Bath), D.S.O. (Distinguished Service Order), O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire), A.F.C. (Air Force Cross)—reflect the high distinction of these career officers.
* Resources and Logistics (Water Crisis):
* Summer Shortages: Paragraph 128 provides a glimpse into the logistical struggle of supporting a massive army in Southern Italy. The water supply from "60 Sub-Area" was "just sufficient," and the order grimly predicts that "During the summer months the supply will decrease," particularly in the Vasto area where springs would dry up. The strict ban on washing vehicles with mains water highlights how critical conservation was to ensure there was enough water for drinking and hygiene.
* Troop Welfare & Discipline:
* Naples (R&R): Paragraph 129 places Naples "in bounds" for organized parties. Naples, captured in October 1943, had become the primary Rest and Recuperation center for Allied troops in Italy. Access to its "entertainments" (opera, cinema, restaurants) was a major morale booster, controlled via "organised parties" and passes to maintain discipline in the chaotic city.
* Firing of Arms: Paragraph 130 reprimands the "dangerous practice of discharging fire-arms in camp". Accidental discharges or bored soldiers taking potshots at local wildlife were common hazards in rear areas, posing a risk to friendly personnel.
* Local Relations: Paragraph 126 opens Campomarino (the town adjacent to the Biferno airfield) to troops during daylight hours. This suggests that the typhoid scare mentioned in previous orders (regarding Petacciato) had not affected this immediate area, or relations with the locals had improved enough to allow commerce.
* Abbreviations:
* A.R.O.: Army Routine Order (or Air Routine Order).
* S.A.: South African.
* W.: Wing (likely referring to No. 3 Wing SAAF).
* d.d.: dated.
* M.T.: Motor Transport.
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.

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Verification:
Target File Verification: The document is dated 15th April 1944 in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (No. 631) labeled APPENDIX "O", detailing the mission flown on the morning of April 15th, 1944.