[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 63/44. Continued. PAGE TWO.

Tuesday, 4 July 1944 Other pp. 36

Document

SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 63/44. Continued. PAGE TWO.
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Para. 240 Parks are established as follows :
(i) RAZZA DEL ESEDRA (ii) RAILWAY STATION AREA.
The usual precautions to immobilise the vehicle are to be
taken.
(Ref. RHQDAF/S.1002/26/ORG. d.d. 18th June, 1944).
Para. 241. PARACHUTES.
Unless there is an immediate standby, parachutes will
NOT be left in the open, etc.
Para. 242. GAS EQUIPMENT.
Storage of personal anti-gas equipment is to conform
to the following instructions :
Respirator : Is to be accessible for use at night, stored
in a dry place off the ground and away from a source of heat,
cleaned, removed from haversack, and worn each week and eye-
pieces are to be anti-dimmed at all times.
Haversack : Is to be marked with name, number and rank of
owner, to contain the legitimate equipment correctly placed,
and press studs are to function easily.
Cape : Is to be hung, the pocket is to contain one
tin of ointment and cotton waste.
Curtain S.H. : Is to be hung, and is not to be fitted to
steel helmet.
Para. 243. M.T.
Civilian Italians will NOT be transported in any 21
Squadron vehicle. Under no circumstances will drivers
accept instructions to carry civilians.
Para. 244. BASIC TRAINEES : RATES OF PAY PRIOR TO 1 JUNE, 1943.
Personnel who were transferred from the Y.T.B. to the
S.A.A.F. prior to 1 June '43 were entitled to an increase in
pay to 3/6 per diem on attaining the age of 17 years or
from date of transfer, whichever is the later.
All personnel to whom the above applies are to report
to the Orderly Room immediately.
(G.RO. Serial No. 88, para. 219 d.d. 16.6.44).
[Signature] LT. COL.
COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
FOUND : Three bunches of keys. Owners report to the Orderly Room.

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes:
* Security in Rome (Parking & Immobilization):
* Designated Parking: Para 240 continues the instructions regarding visits to Rome (from the previous page). Vehicles were restricted to specific parking areas: "RAZZA DEL ESEDRA" (likely Piazza dell'Esedra, now Piazza della Repubblica) and the "RAILWAY STATION AREA" (Termini Station).
* Theft Prevention: The order emphasizes "usual precautions to immobilise the vehicle are to be taken." In the chaos of a liberated city teeming with black market activity, military vehicles (jeeps and trucks) were prime targets for theft. Removing rotor arms or chaining steering wheels were common immobilization tactics.
* NBC Warfare Readiness (Gas Equipment):
* Lingering Threat: Para 242 provides detailed instructions on the maintenance of "personal anti-gas equipment.". Despite gas not being used in the European theater, the threat remained a significant concern for military planners (fearing a desperate German last resort).
* Drills: The order mandates that the "Respirator... [is] worn each week" and eyepieces kept "anti-dimmed." This ensures the rubber face masks didn't crack and the soldiers remained familiar with fitting them quickly.
* Equipment List: The kit included the Respirator (gas mask), Haversack (bag), Cape (anti-gas cape/poncho), Ointment (likely anti-gas ointment for skin decontamination), and Curtain S.H. (a gas curtain or hood that attached to the Service Helm/Steel Helmet).
* Fraternization Limits (Transport Ban):
* Strict Prohibition: Para 243 is explicit: "Civilian Italians will NOT be transported in any 21 Squadron vehicle.". This rule served multiple purposes: preventing unauthorized travel of refugees or spies, reducing liability in accidents, and stopping soldiers from using military fuel/vehicles for personal "dates" or black market taxi services.
* Pay and Administration (The "Y.T.B."):
* Youth Training Brigade: Para 244 addresses pay discrepancies for personnel transferred from the "Y.T.B." (Youth Training Brigade) to the S.A.A.F. The Y.T.B. was a South African institution for training young men (often under 18) before they could formally enlist for combat service. The pay rate mentioned is "3/6 per diem" (3 shillings and 6 pence per day).
* Abbreviations:
* M.T.: Motor Transport.
* S.H.: Steel Helmet (or Service Helmet).
* Y.T.B.: Youth Training Brigade.
* G.RO.: General Routine Order.
* d.d.: Dated.
* RHQDAF: Rear Headquarters Desert Air Force.
* ORG.: Organization.
* Structure:
* The page ends with the signature block of the LT. COL. COMMANDING (Lt. Col. Jandrell) and a "Lost and Found" note for "Three bunches of keys.".

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Verification:
Target File Verification: The document is dated 6th.JULY 1944. in the "Date" field. It is a Sortie Report (Appendix "I") labeled 37 in the top right corner.