[Routine Order] APPENDIX "D"

Friday, 13 July 1945 Other

Document

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/7
APPENDIX "D"
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 47/45 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. 260
By
LT. COL. D. ORD, D.F.C.
Officer Commanding,
21 Squadron S.A.A.F.
13th July, 1945.
Para. 174. WASHING AND BATHING IN IRRIGATION CANALS:
Washing and Bathing in the Irrigation Canals is forbidden until
further notice.
There have been four cases of Weils Disease in this area. This
is a disease that affects the kidneys and has a 30% mortality.
Showers are being constructed on the site at present used by the
Sick Bay and will be available shortly.
Para. 175. CIGARETTES : PERSONNEL ON LEAVE TO RIVA.
Personnel proceeding on leave to Riva will not be entitled to their
ration cigarettes on their return. The weekly ration will be drawn by them
whilst on leave at their hotel.
Para. 176. COURSES:
Personnel nominated for Courses are notified that their regular
attendance is compulsory. They may be excused attendance by no one other
than the Adjutant. Failure to comply with this instruction will result in
disciplinary action.
Para. 177. EMPLOYMENT IN S.A.R. & H AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE FORCES ON DISCHARGE FROM MILITARY SERVICE.
3000 graded posts in the service of the S.A.R. and H are open to
members of the Forces in C.M.F. and M.E.
It is stressed that ONLY men who have NO pre-enlistment employment
will be considered.
All information and application forms available in the Orderly Room.
[handwritten signature] D. Ord
LT. COL.
COMMANDING, NO. 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. At this stage of July 1945, the unit had transitioned to a post-hostilities administrative and "Air Trooping" role based at Rivolto, Italy.
* BA-BH (MARTIN BALTIMORE): The twin-engine light/medium bomber utilized by the squadron from 1942 until mid-1944. While no longer on strength, the unit's veteran aircrews achieved many of their 100+ mission tallies in this type.
* C.M.F.: Central Mediterranean Force.
* D.F.C.: Distinguished Flying Cross.
* M.E.: Middle East.
* MC/GP (MEDIUM CAPACITY / GENERAL PURPOSE): Standard Allied demolition bombs. By July 1945, these were replaced by the logistical loads associated with transporting approximately 1,000 personnel during the month.
* MET: Meteorological data. Summer MET conditions at Rivolto included heavy rain and thunderstorms, which complicated ground hygiene and water management.
* S.A.R. & H: South African Railways and Harbours.
* WEILS DISEASE: Leptospirosis. A severe zoonotic bacterial infection typically transmitted via water contaminated by rodent urine. The order notes a 30% mortality rate, reflecting the clinical gravity of the outbreak in the Udine sector.
Operational Context
Target File 271-7_9, designated as Appendix "D", consists of Squadron Routine Orders No. 47/45 issued by Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C. on 13th July, 1945. This document reflects the administrative shift from kinetic combat to occupational management at Rivolto Landing Ground following the German surrender in Italy.
The strategic significance of the location during this period was primarily logistical, serving as a hub for the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) repatriation efforts. However, the occupational force faced significant non-combatant threats. Para 174 highlights a critical medical crisis: an outbreak of Weil's Disease in the local irrigation canals. The prohibition of bathing and the emergency construction of showers near the Sick Bay were essential tactical hygiene measures to preserve the strength of the squadron, which was then tasked with flying intensive "Air Trooping" missions to Bari and Naples.
Furthermore, the orders illustrate the dual-track focus of the Allied command: maintaining current discipline while preparing personnel for their "Return to the Union" (South Africa). While recreational leave to Riva on Lake Garda was encouraged to maintain morale, it was strictly regulated through cigarette ration controls (Para 175). Simultaneously, Para 177 initiates the demobilization process by offering 3,000 graded posts in the South African Railways and Harbours to personnel without prior employment, a move designed to stabilize the post-war South African economy as veteran airmen and technical staff were phased out of military service.

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Phase 1: Verification & Extraction
Identity Check: 27th July, 1945.