[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 53/45 continued. Page 2. 262

Sunday, 1 July 1945 Other

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The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/7
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 53/45 continued. Page 2. 262
Para. 205. (5) Ireland or the Isle of Man, when an aircraft makes first ground contact
in any one of them after starting from or calling at any place outside the
same territories. An exit by air is deemed to be made from one of the above
named territories when an aircraft leaves the ground in any one of them with
the object of landing at any place outside the same territory.
(G. R. O. 128. Order No. 327. )
Para. 206. CAFES AND WINE BARS - HOURS OF OPENING:
With effect from 1st July, 1945. cafes and wine bars will be open to
civilians from 07.00 hrs to 22.30 hrs, and to military personnel between 11.00
hrs and 14.00 hrs, and from 18.00 hrs and 22.30 hrs. Proprietors have been
informed of these hours by A.M.G. and warned that they are forbidden to admit
Allied Soldiers between 14.00 hours and 18.00 hours.
(A.R.O. Serial 28. Para, 278.)
Para. 207. FIELD GENERAL COURT MARTIAL:
At a Field General Court-Martial held at REAR HEADQUARTERS, DESERT
AIR FORCE, on 14th June, 1945, No. 1506357. LAC Lookes, E.P.R. of 36 A.S.P.
attached to R.H.Q., (Unit) Desert Air Force, was found guilty of improperly
using service transport, The accused elected trial.
* He was sentenced to undergo Detention for 14 days.
At a Field General Court Martial held at REAR HEADQUARTERS, DESERT
AIR FORCE, on 18th June, 1945, No. 1067779 Lac Sturrock, D. of No. 244 Wing,
was brought to trial on a charge of using service transport improperly and
without authority.
The Court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 56 days
detention.
The Finding and Sentence of the Courts were confirmed by the Air
Officer Commanding on 21st June, 1945.
(A.R.O's 26 & 27. Paras, 239 & 256.)
[handwritten signature]
LT. COL.
COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes")
Glossary of Terms
* 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.: No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force. During July 1945, the unit was based at Rivolto, Italy, engaged in post-hostilities administrative duties and "Air Trooping" operations.
* 36 A.S.P.: No. 36 Air Stores Park, a logistical echelon unit responsible for equipment and supply maintenance.
* A.M.G.: Allied Military Government, the authority managing civil affairs in liberated and occupied territories.
* A.O.C.: Air Officer Commanding.
* A.R.O.: Administrative Routine Order.
* BA-BH (MARTIN BALTIMORE): The twin-engine medium bomber utilized by the squadron until mid-1944. By the date of this order, the unit operated Martin Marauder III (B-26) aircraft, primarily for logistical transport.
* G.R.O.: General Routine Order.
* LAC: Leading Aircraftman, a junior non-commissioned rank.
* MC/GP (MEDIUM CAPACITY / GENERAL PURPOSE): Standard Allied demolition bombs. While kinetic operations had ceased, these were the primary strike tools used during the combat tours of the aircrews currently awaiting repatriation.
* MET: Meteorological data. Summer MET conditions in July dictated the squadron's non-operational flying and troop welfare protocols.
* R.H.Q.: Rear Headquarters.
Operational Context
Target File 271-7_11, Page 2 of Squadron Routine Orders No. 53/45, reflects the shift in focus from tactical air operations to the maintenance of military discipline and the regulation of civil-military relations during the occupation of Northern Italy. The strategic importance of the Rivolto location during this period was logistical, as the squadron functioned as a hub for the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) "Air Trooping" missions to Bari and Naples.
The transition to a post-war footing is evidenced by the regulation of leisure activities and the enforcement of legal conduct. Para. 206, issued in coordination with the Allied Military Government (A.M.G.), implements strict opening hours for cafes and wine bars to prevent friction between Allied soldiers and the Italian civilian population during peak afternoon and evening hours.
Furthermore, the document highlights the ongoing administrative rigor of the Desert Air Force through the promulgation of Field General Court Martial results. The prosecution of personnel for the "improper use of service transport"—resulting in sentences of up to 56 days detention—underscores the command's effort to conserve motor transport (M.T.) assets and prevent unauthorized movement during the demobilization phase. These orders ensure that technical and disciplinary standards were not compromised as the Martin Marauder aircrews and ground personnel of 21 Squadron prepared for eventual return to the Union of South Africa.

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Phase 1: Verification & Extraction
Identity Check: 1st June, 1945.