[Routine Order] 307A — Orders & Appendices

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307A
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 114/44. PAGE TWO.
411. PREVENTION OF ENTERIC FEVER (TYPHOID).
Enteric fever is at present a common disease in the Ancona - Forli area. The attention of all ranks is drawn to the danger of drinking unchlorinated or unboiled water. There is no exception to this rule in the field. No matter how much local inhabitants may emphasize the purity of their water supply it is to be assured that all water not obtained from Service water points is contaminated and unfit for drinking unless sterilised.
(A.R.U. No. 49 para. 412 d.d. 16.12.44).
412. WITNESSES : RELATIONS WITH CIVIL POLICE.
Any officer or airman who is involved in or has witnessed an incident which is being investigated by the Civil Police is to give his name, rank, number and unit to the Civil Police on request.
Subject to the exigencies of the Service, Commanding Officers are to permit the Civil Police to interview any such personnel under their command and if requested, are to facilitate their attendance at any Court in which they may be required to give evidence.
(A.R.U. No. 49 para. 413 d.d. 16.12.44).
413. BOUNDS.
All brothels are "out of bounds" to all ranks at all times. All civilian cafes and restaurants are out of bounds to all ranks unless specifically marked as being in bounds.
All "Out of Bounds" or "Off Limits" notices, whether erected by the R.A.F., Army, A.M.G. or U.S. Services are to be strictly observed and personnel are not to enter any place in contravention of any such notice except on duty.
(A.R.O. No. 49 para. 414 d.d. 16.12.44).
414. FIELD GENERAL COURT MARTIAL.
No. 1550007 L.A.C. Brown J. of No. 1 M.U.A.U. was on 1st December, 1944 found guilty by Field General Court Martial of being in improper possession of a service vehicle.
He was sentenced to 56 days Field Punishment.
The Finding and Sentence have been confirmed.
(A.R.U. No. 49, para. 415 d.d. 16.12.44).
415. CONTINUED SERVICE FORM.
Personnel who stated that they wished to consider the completion of Form D.D. 88J in several months' time must report to the Orderly Room IMMEDIATELY.
416. UNAUTHORISED FIREARMS.
All unauthorised firearms are to be handed into the Armament Section immediately.
417. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC.
One-Way Vehicular Traffic is in operation and the following route must be followed.
On leaving the camp by the main entrance, turn left in the direction of 12 Squadron, S.A.A.F. Turn left again at the first corner and proceed to the main road in the direction of 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F. The return journey must be made on Highway No. 76 towards Ancona, turn left at the 21 Squadron signboard and return to camp.
(Signature) LT. COL.
COMMANDING, NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.
D.A.F. Command Band will give a performance at 31 A.S.P., THIS EVENING, 19.30 hours. 20 seats are reserved for personnel of this Squadron.

Transcriber's Notes

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
* Abbreviations Expanded:
* O.R. / A.R.U. / A.R.O.: Operational Orders / Administrative Records Unit (or similar administrative reference).
* d.d.: Dated.
* R.A.F.: Royal Air Force.
* A.M.G.: Allied Military Government.
* L.A.C.: Leading Aircraftman.
* M.U.A.U.: Mobile Unit Administrative Unit (likely a maintenance or support unit).
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.
* LT. COL.: Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding Officer D. Ord).
* D.A.F.: Desert Air Force.
* A.S.P.: Air Stores Park.
* Observations about Individuals:
* L.A.C. Brown J.: A member of No. 1 M.U.A.U. whose court martial for the "improper possession" of a vehicle (effectively unauthorized use or "joyriding") serves as a stern warning to the men of 21 Squadron. 56 days of "Field Punishment" was a severe sentence designed to maintain discipline in the chaotic environment of liberated Italy.
* Information about the Location:
* Jesi (Iesi) Base: The squadron was operating from the Jesi Landing Ground.
* Modern Name: This historic site is the present-day Ancona International Airport (Aeroporto di Ancona-Falconara).
* Local Infrastructure: Para. 417 provides a rare look at the layout of the Allied base complex. The "One-Way Traffic" system integrated 21 Squadron with its neighbors, 12 Squadron and 30 Squadron, all part of 3 S.A. Wing. The mention of "Highway No. 76" (the current SS76) confirms the base's location along the vital corridor connecting the interior to the port of Ancona.
* Historical Theatre Context:
* Health and Hygiene: The warning regarding Enteric Fever (Typhoid) in the Ancona-Forli area underscores the collapsed state of Italian civilian infrastructure in late 1944. Allied troops were often tempted to use local wells, but the risk of waterborne disease remained a significant threat to operational readiness.
* Civil Relations: Para. 412 and 413 reflect the complexities of governing a liberated population. The Allied Military Government (A.M.G.) worked to keep soldiers out of local vice districts and cafes to prevent civil unrest and the spread of disease, while maintaining the authority of the Italian Civil Police in non-military incidents.
* Morale and Culture: The final note regarding the Desert Air Force (D.A.F.) Command Band performing at 31 A.S.P. highlights the importance of professional entertainment in maintaining morale during the brutal Italian winter.
* Combat Context: While these administrative orders were being read, the squadron's Martin B-26 Marauder III crews were engaged in high-stakes raids against the Treviso and Zidani Most rail systems to paralyze the German 10th Army.

157
The date written in the 'DATE' line of the memorandum is 29th DECEMBER, 1944.