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

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APPENDIX "M"
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 77/44.
21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
119
By
LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C.
Officer Commanding,
21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
23rd August, 1944.
292. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INTESTINAL DISEASES.
In view of the number of cases of Typhoid reported in the vicinity of the aerodrome the eating of fruit or green vegetables privately purchased is forbidden, unless such purchases are properly washed in the containers with the prescribed solution which has been placed at all messes.
Particular care must be taken to see that the skin of the fruit is unbroken before purchasing.
293. CENSORSHIP OF PRIVATE MAIL.
Although "Air Letters" written by airmen are no longer subject to unit censorship, all other letters, whether sent by air or surface mail, are still subject to censorship.
The endorsement of a privilege certificate on an ordinary envelope is prohibited and does not in any event turn such envelope into a privilege envelope.
(A.R.O. Serial No. 91, para. 281, d.d. 12.8.44).
294. BADGES OF RANK - WARRANT OFFICERS.
When wearing a tunic or any other garment with the sleeves rolled down, Warrant officers will wear their badge of rank midway between the wrist and the elbow, in the centre of the two seams, on the outside of the sleeve of the right arm.
When wearing rolled-up sleeves, the badge of rank will be worn on the turn-up of the sleeve.
(G.R.O. Serial No. 95, para 317, d.d. 11.8.44).
295. M.T. ACCIDENTS.
Whenever possible, the driver of a vehicle concerned in an accident, will endeavour to obtain the assistance of a R.A.F., or Military Policeman, but he is not to leave the vehicle unattended for this purpose. The rank, name, number and unit of the Service Policeman giving such assistance is to be obtained by the driver and included in his statement on the accident.
(G.R.O. Serial No. 95, para. 319 d.d. 11.8.44).
(Signed) L.R. Alexander capt for LT. COL.
COMMANDING, NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
* Abbreviations Expanded:
* S.A.A.F. / SAAF: South African Air Force.
* LT. COL.: Lieutenant Colonel.
* D.F.C.: Distinguished Flying Cross.
* A.R.O. / G.R.O. / d.d.: Army Routine Order / General Routine Order / Dated.
* M.T.: Motor Transport.
* R.A.F.: Royal Air Force.
* Observations about Individuals:
* LT. COL. A.C. Jandrell, D.F.C.: The Officer Commanding (O.C.) of No. 21 Squadron. His leadership was instrumental during the squadron's high-speed transition to Martin B-26 Marauders in August 1944.
* Captain L.R. Alexander: Serving as the Acting Adjutant and Diarist, Alexander signed these orders on behalf of the C.O..
* Location and Modern Names:
* Pescara: The squadron was based at Pescara on the Adriatic coast during this period. The wartime airfield site is now the Abruzzo Airport (Aeroporto d'Abruzzo).
* Historical Theatre Context:
* Sanitary Challenges: The ban on privately purchased fruit and vegetables due to Typhoid outbreaks highlights the poor sanitation in war-torn Italy. This followed orders for mandatory Typhus booster shots issued just twelve days earlier, indicating a significant health threat to the unit.
* Operational Security (OPSEC): The regulations on private mail censorship and "Air Letters" underscore the military’s ongoing battle to prevent sensitive location or operational data from leaking home, even as some restrictions were gradually eased.
* Gothic Line Context: These administrative orders were issued only two days before the massive Allied ground offensive against the Gothic Line (Operation Olive) began on August 25, 1944. Maintaining unit health and discipline was critical as the squadron ramped up its "shuttle service" of tactical bombing missions in support of the Eighth Army.

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Target File Verification: The date written in the 'DATE' column is 26th AUGUST, 1944.