APPENDIX "A" — Orders & Appendices

Document

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/3
APPENDIX "A"
154
COPY OF FINDINGS OF COURT OF INQUIRY : NO. 45245V. A/SGT. JAMIESON J.C.
* On 8th March, 1945 at about 21.15 hours 45245V. A/Sgt. Jamieson J.C.
S.A.A.F. was travelling as a pillion passenger on a motor cycle
driven by Sgt. Forrester, 375 G.T. Coy. R.A.S.C.
* At the time A/Sgt. Jamieson was not on duty and intended to visit
the village of Monte Carrotto.
* The motor cycle came into collision with a truck.
* Sgt. Forrester was killed and no witnesses to the accident have been
traced.
* A/Sgt. Jamieson was not to blame for his injuries.
Dated in the field this 24th day of March, 1945
(Signed) S.E. Masters Capt. President.
(Signed) R.E. Collender Lieut. Member.
COMMANDING OFFICER'S REMARKS.
I concur with the above findings.
(Signed) D. ORD, LT. COL.
COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

WING COMMANDER'S REMARKS.
I concur.
(Signed) A.J.M. Mossop COL.
COMMANDING, 3 WING, S.A.A.F.

Handwritten Marginalia / Stamps:
* Folio Number: 154 (Handwritten, Top Right).
* Appendix Label: APPENDIX "A" (Handwritten, Top Right).
* Reference Stamp:

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes")
Glossary of Terms
* A/Sgt.: Acting Sergeant.
* AIR 27 / 271: The National Archives (UK) classification for Air Ministry: Directorate of Operations and Intelligence: Operations Record Books (ORBs). Series 271 specifically contains the chronological logs and intelligence appendices for 21 Squadron SAAF.
* BA-BH: Martin Baltimore medium bomber (Marks III, IV, and V). This was the primary aircraft type operated by 21 Squadron SAAF during the Italian Campaign.
* G.T. Coy. R.A.S.C.: General Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps.
* MC/GP: Medium Capacity / General Purpose bombs, typically high-explosive ordnance (250lb or 500lb) utilized by 21 Squadron for tactical interdiction of German supply lines.
* MET: Meteorological Report. Essential flight data for crews navigating the trans-Apennine routes.
* S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force.
Operational Context
Target File 271-3_104 details a Court of Inquiry regarding an off-duty traffic accident on 8th March, 1945, involving a member of 21 Squadron SAAF near the village of Monte Carrotto. While the document records a non-combat casualty, it reflects the logistical and personnel pressures faced by the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) during the final stages of the Italian Campaign.
At this juncture in March 1945, 21 Squadron SAAF was heavily committed to Operation Bingo, the systematic aerial interdiction of German lines of communication (LOC) in Northern Italy. The strategic objective was the total isolation of Heeresgruppe C by severing the Brenner Pass and other Alpine supply routes. This campaign relied on the continued operational readiness of skilled personnel like Acting Sergeant Jamieson.
The squadron's proficiency in interdiction had been established earlier in the campaign. During November 1943, for instance, 21 Squadron conducted high-precision strikes against bottlenecks such as location H055630 to maintain pressure on the Bernhardt and Gustav Lines. By March 1945, the tactical landscape had shifted toward the Po Valley, where 21 Squadron's Martin Baltimores targeted railway cars and locomotives to prevent a coherent German withdrawal. The findings of this Court of Inquiry, signed by Lt. Col. D. Ord, indicate that despite the high operational tempo, administrative and judicial oversight regarding personnel welfare remained a priority within the SAAF command structure.

105
Phase 1: Verification & Extraction
Identity Check: 3rd MARCH, 1945