1941
May 1941 (6)
- (The following is a precis of the events normally recordable in War Diary, which, owing to the…
- Major Pretorius appointed O.C. The nucleus of the Squadron was to consist of approximately ten…
- Every man in No.11 Squadron detachment was interviewed by the Adjutant with a view to settling…
- Major B.B.F. Russell transferred ex No. 4 Squadron as Adjutant.
- O.C., Adjutant and the two Flight Commanders, Capts. M.H. Fowler and J.F. Britz met at A.H.Q…
- Two Glen Martin "Marylands" delivered to Nairobi ex Union These with one already at Nairobi…
June 1941 (9)
- O.C. and 2 Flt. Cdrs. came to NAIROBI to fly these three aircraft back to Nakuru. Every man in…
- Major S. Curlewis appointed to A.H.Q., E.A., for the purpose of equipping Squadrons with…
- Nos. 15 & 16 Squadrons arrived (by Road convoy and sea) from the Union. Shortage of No. 21…
- On Friday 13th June, 2/Lt. Furstenburg, flying Aircraft No. 1657 crashed taking off. The…
- There were now enough men posted to the Squadron to be able to divide them up ~~inte~~ into…
- Col. C.F. Stallard, Minister for Mines visited the station to inspect South African Units there…
- O.C. and Adjutant summoned to A.H.Q., E.A. and told of proposed departure of squadron to Middle…
- Instructions were received to send six of our pilots almost immediately to Middle East and the…
- Returns of Recommendations for Increments and Promotions of Other Ranks submitted to A.H.Q., E…
July 1941 (8)
- Three details of No. 11 Squadron, who had contracted chronic malaria were returned to the Union…
- Movement Order No. 526 received from Movement Control referring to the departure of the…
- Adjutant, two officers and 8 N.C.O's. departed for Mombasa to make arrangements re the ship for…
- Major Britz sent to Mbeya to collect a "Maryland" which had been repaired there after a crash…
- Instructions received whereby four aircraft and crews to depart immediately in advance of the…
- Squadron arrived by train and embarked on H.M.T. "Yoma" which departed for Middle East via…
- At A.H.Q., E.A. the following signal was received from the D.G.A.F. and sent on to Major. J. D…
- At A.H.Q., E.A. the following signal was received from the D.G.A.F. and sent on to Major. J. D…
August 1941 (10)
- Arrival of main body of Squadron at Suez by sea. After waiting all day for opportunity to…
- Disembarkation of troops. Met on quay by Major Pretorius. Transport by road arranged by…
- All the Squadron now accommodated in camp. All responsible Officers (Q., T., Signals etc.)…
- Two more Marylands (Nos. 1612 and 1669) arrived from East Africa. piloted by Capt. R.J. Stewart…
- The funeral took place at Ishmalia. Several Officers and men of the Squadron being in…
- Major R. Hughes, from D.H.Q.,Pretoria, visited the Squadron and instructed concerning the new…
- Colonel Wilmott arrived by a Communication Squadron aircraft at 09.00 hours from Heliopolis to…
- Mr. D. Friedman, London Editor of the S.A. Press Association and brother of W.O.11 Friedman…
- Mr. D. FRIEDMAN, London Editor of the S.A. Press Association and brother of W.O.11 FRIEDMAN…
- An Officer of 202 Group, R.A.F., visited the Squadron this afternoon to inspect and obtain full…
September 1941 (42)
- The new month saw us take our first step into the theatre of war operations, with which both…
- Major Britz left by air for the new L.G. O.21. The main party of the squadron left by train for…
- One of our aircraft Maryland 1646, piloted by 2/Lieut. Cumming crashed on landing here in the…
- One of our aircraft Maryland 1646, piloted by 2/Lieut. Cumming crashed on landing here in the…
- The Officer Commanding, Major Pretorius, flew over to the new camp from SHANDUR, accompanied by…
- The new camp was rapidly taking shape and another step in the progress of our future home was…
- The Officer Commanding again visited the camp to view progress and brought with him additional…
- Capt. W.S. O'Brien arrived here this evening, preliminary to taking over the post of Adjutant…
- Steady progress was being maintained here, and petrol and ammunition supplies which arrived…
- Sixteen of the squadron's aircraft participated in a trial formation flight this morning in…
- Further new arrivals at the camp today included the Intelligence Officer with assistant who…
- Some excitement was caused here today when four men were seen to leave a plane by parachute…
- All the squadron's serviceable aircraft today participated in a formation flight which was…
- A conference, consisting of the Officer Commanding, A. and B. Flight Commanders, Capt. W.S…
- Capt. O'Brien arrived here by air to take over from Major Russell.
- Capt. O'Brien Arrived here by air to take over from Major.Russell.
- Lt. Col. Pretorius today attended a conference at Headquarters 202 Group in regard to our move…
- Major Pretorius was today promoted to the rank of Lt. Col.
- In the meantime special efforts were being made by our Equipment Officers to chase up ell…
- Our landing ground seems quite a popular "halfway house" for some pilots – two Hurricanes and a…
- Lieut. Green, ex 12 Squadron arrived to take over the duties of Armament Officer from Lieut…
- Final arrangements for our departure by road and air were made and schedules were prepared…
- Our convoy of vehicles of assorted shapes and sizes left at 1000 hours by road for the new…
- After a night in the open, the convoy moved on and reached its destination without mishap this…
- After settling themselves in their new quarters, squadron personnel got busy in making the sand…
- Considerable ingenuity was being shown by various sections engaged in digging themselves in –…
- Visits to and from our immediate headquarters were now the order of the day. Officers in charge…
- The morning was devoted to discussions with the visiting officers on matters of personnel and…
- Our Signals Section, after many initial snags, was now functioning well. The snags that had…
- We are now receiving regular visits from numbers of neighbouring squadrons and an excellent…
- Final arrangements for making the Squadron completely ready for operations were taken in hand…
- Our first flight into enemy territory took place today when 12 machines took off on an…
- Today saw the first "real show" as far as the squadron was concerned. A high level bombing…
- There was no operational flying today although flying personnel remained on "stand by" for any…
- The lull continued today. Major General F. H. Theron G.O.C., 2 S.A. Div. today visited the camp…
- There was an early start to the day's activities when 9 machines set off for another spot of…
- [handwritten] War Diary SECRET COMBAT (BOMBER) REPORT 35 46 REFERENCE Pilot : Maj. J. F. Britz…
- The loss of four very popular figures in the squadron cast a temporary gloom over the squadron…
- [handwritten] War Diary SECRET BOMBING REPORT 36 52 REFERENCE Pilot : Lt. MacDonald Observer…
- [handwritten] War Diary SECRET BOMBING REPORT 36 52 [handwritten "53" over 52] REFERENCE Pilot…
- A Photographic recce was carried out on BARDIA early today and this revealed THE SHIP as having…
- With no flying today and a month of desert life behind us, we find time to review the…
October 1941 (34)
- The new month saw the completion of a fine effort on the part of our ground personnel who got…
- The newcomers had an early opportunity of seeing the squadron at work when orders were received…
- All roads (more or less) led to 0.21 tonight, at least as far as surrounding South African…
- 21 SQUADRON S. A. AIR FORCE " S I N G - - S O N G " O 21 Western Desert 20.00 Hours 3/10/41…
- A raid on enemy territory before breakfast this morning, led by Lt.Col. Pretorius, proved most…
- The following message was today received from Headquarters, Medium Bomber Wing "PLEASE CONVEY…
- To-day we "published" our first edition of "Oh21" which it was intended to produce weekly as…
- In response to a signal from 206 Group and from 107 M.U. our Engineer Officer proceeded to the…
- The Officer Commanding, Lt. Col. Pretorius, attended the first meeting of the Tactical…
- A signal was today received from S.A.A.F. Headquarters, Cairo, instructing us to post three of…
- We received a visit today from Air Vice Marshal Coningham, Commanding No. 204 Group, R.A.F. The…
- Our aerodrome was today visited by a "Stuka” dive-bomber, but fortunately the visit was a…
- "SUPER-BOMBING– BLOODY GOOD SHOW” this message sent by of our W.T./Airgunners in Syko was the…
- Four of the visiting Blenheims took off this morning, their pilots having been accommodated at…
- We were given our first long-range objective today when nine machines, led by Major Stewart…
- All the machines that were away from the drome at nightfall yesterday began trickling in today…
- The second meeting of the Tactical Committee, held at Air Headquarters, Western Desert, was…
- Operational Orders for today gave GAZALA aerodrome as our objective and shortly before noon…
- Our thirteenth operation was carried out today without mishap when another nine machines…
- There was a respite from operations today. The introduction of daily news summaries, copies of…
- In preparation for future calls for refuelling on 0.75, three details of this squadron…
- A phone-call was made by Major. O' Brien who was in CAIRO arranging that transport be sent from…
- The show to-day was BENGHASI and ten planes – one acting as a reserve plane and carrying…
- Early this morning Major O'Brien was at PORT TEWFIK awaiting the disembarkation of the South…
- Lt.Col. Pretorius, the Officer Commanding, today attended another meeting of the Tactical…
- The new personnel were distributed to their various flights in the squadron, and the 32…
- Led by the Officer Commanding, nine of our Marylands carried out a successful raid to-day on…
- As to-day was again a "stand-down” for the Squadron, the time was spent profitably by a number…
- This day was spent in quiet relaxation in preparation for further tasks to be allotted to our…
- The “Benghasi Old Boys"- as many of the crews now call themselves— were assembled for another…
- Lieut. Col. Bosch arrived here today to take over the training of R.A.F. personnel undergoing…
- The following signal was today received from Air Headquarters FROM A.O.C. Western Desert…
- The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Marshall A.W. Tedder accompanied by the Air Officer…
- Another month – our first full month of operations – has passed and the various aspects of…
November 1941 (31)
- This first day of the eleventh month was indeed a red letter day in the history of old 21. A…
- Fittingly or should one say paradoxically, this Sunday was a day of rest – a rest from raids…
- The Benghasi "Old Boys" had another innings today when nine Marylands of "A" flight under…
- Capt. "Chick" Thackwray got his chance today and led a raid with six Marylands on dumps near…
- If I mistake not this is Fireworks day way back in civilization. It was indeed "fireworks”…
- As an anti climax today was not so hot, another BENGHASI show with but moderate results…
- The advance road party consisting of 50 details from this squadron and 50 from No 12 Squadron…
- Another run for the "Old Boys" of BENGHASI to earn their "colours" The show was not too hot…
- The only shows today were two further shipping searches over “Mare Nostrum!!” for Musso's…
- Two further searches for Musso’s elusive navy were conducted but there was nothing but the sea…
- Again the six Marylands winged their way to BENGHASI but this time a reception party was…
- Today saw the departure of two old members of the squadron returning to the Union to enjoy a…
- Todays show was to be the last of the BENGHASI “Blitzes” for the nonce. The show was not too…
- Today saw a successful raid on BARCE aerodrome. The bombing was successful and some excellent…
- Today there were two raids on GAZALA dumps. The bombing was fairly satisfactory in the first…
- Two more shows today on MARTUBA WEST Lauding Ground. The first show was conducted in real bad…
- A 2 convoy consisting of the balance of the "A" party left this morning for 0.L.G. 76. The show…
- Notified that the squadron 'B' party would move on the morrow What a day!!! Who said that it…
- What a day!!! Who said that it could rain in the Western Desert, it just poured and poured…
- Leaden skies and chilly winds heralded the great day for the move of “B” detachment and the…
- The convoy of thirty six vehicles resumes its onward trek this morning and with the Adj. in the…
- Today was a"stand down", and it was the squadron's salvation, the day was spent in “licking our…
- Today saw the old squadron spring to life with a vengeance. From a state of 'stand down' to…
- It’s getting really cold out in the desert. Cold as any winter in the Transvaal for instance…
- Freezing cold is still the keynote of our early morning existence but still our wonderful bunch…
- We inspected the bomb crater this morning about 600 yards from our camp. It must have been a…
- We were Informed that the raid on the rail head of the previous night (these raids are now a…
- A Jerry recce. aircraft was stooging around this morning very high however and after taking his…
- Another bitterly cold day. The daily hun recce aircraft was over again today and our ack-ack…
- Two Jerry recce aircraft were overhead again today and although the ack-ack opened up at them…
- Another freezer! Cold as the Artic with numbness in both feet and hands and ears. Balaclavas…
December 1941 (31)
- The new month opened with a feverish digging activity – picks, shovels, crowbars etc were at a…
- Jack Friedman returned to 0 21 with the details to return to the Union. We are sorry to lose…
- Bbrrrr but it is cold this morning – real Arctic weather and conditions were most foul. The day…
- Cold as the Arctic circle again this morning. Most of the morning was taken up by the Efitorial…
- This morning saw the Western Desert at its typically worst!! All day long the dust blew around…
- An early morning show with nine of our Marylands leading nine of 12 Squadron and led by our…
- The cold weather is here again and its freezing. The news is good this morning, the jerries…
- Had the pleasure of a visit from Col. Hingeston S.A.O.A. accompanied by Major Treadwell. Todays…
- This morning started with the receipt of a congratulatory signal from the Air Officer…
- The lads had a field day today with most of them receiving parcels and reading matter. Our…
- The cold weather seems to have disappeared for the nonce but has been replaced by the awful…
- “Ours not to reason why, ours but to do and die” – yea verily we are fighting this year in this…
- I went over to see Doc. Koenig at Wing this morning and gave him my candid (layman’s) opinion…
- News of an Axis convoy in the Mediterranean and possibility of bombing it, sent off six of our…
- Todays dust storm was definitely the worst we have seen in the miserable barren desert. What a…
- My calendar tells me that way back in “hometown” today is Dingaan's day, when our forbears laid…
- A real summers day for a change and the dust and wind were conspicuous mainly by their absence…
- Today despite our depleted Mayfly, we undertook two shows. A magnificent tribute not only to…
- News received today that we move tomorrow to our new destination SIDI REZEGH, it will be…
- Aircraft were off the ground early in the morning conveying aircrews to the new drome. The main…
- Resumed our journey early and at midday crossed the border of LIBYA at SHEFERZEN. There is no…
- Traversed the scene of the battle field of SIDI REZEGH – what a shambles! – a striking…
- A new target today - MARBLE ARCH. Two of our aircraft accompanied by three of 12 Squadron…
- Twas the eve of Christmas! Yes our Christmas seem fated to be spent in the wilds of LIBYA – far…
- Christmas day at last, A service was held by the Padre and most stirring address was followed…
- Spent the morning in travelling to historic TOBRUK. We had the privilege of seeing for our…
- CoId and miserable with intermittent dust storms. Official post informs that Don Duffus, shot…
- Quite a change in the weather today – sunny and clear instead of the monotonous cold, wind…
- Another hard days work getting the aircraft ready. Piet van der Merwe and Sandy Joyner have put…
- The bitter cold and rain returned today – with a vengeance. Our Op today was a failure and the…
- The last day of the dying old year! The Padre, El Newman and party left this morning on a…
1942
January 1942 (31)
- New Year in the desert, a howling gale and driving wind making conditions thoroughly…
- Wintry and icy conditions today . Some of us are even prepared to sample Siberia after a winter…
- All work at a standstill. Rain showers all day long. Tents are leaking and blankets are damp…
- At about ten this morning a German reconnaissance aircraft flew right over our aerodrome at a…
- After the rain and dust storms characteristic of these parts, today is a glorious day. The sun…
- What a morning!!!!! For the first time Jerry gave us the works with a vengeance. At about 4:20…
- Yesterday's bad weather compelled our kites to make landings all over Libya and the Western…
- During the past three weeks the Squadron has participated in five raids which, through no fault…
- Jerry did come over this morning but fortunately restricted his attentions to TOBRUK and we…
- We were really blitzed this morning! Well before the break of dawn the drone of numerous…
- Most of us, on waking this morning, were relieved to note that enemy aircraft were giving us…
- Early risers in camp this morning – and there are many these days now that Jerry's visitations…
- To-day is the 13th and things did go wrong!! This was our 83rd operation, and, as later…
- The performance of our machines yesterday has definitely ruled our squadron out of operations…
- A little Bird whispers that the squadron is to proceed back to the Delta Area shortly but as an…
- Jerry was over as again at an early hour this morning but thank goodness all we saw of him was…
- We receive the news this morning that HALFAYA PASS is reported in our hands and another gallant…
- We took our farewell of Padre Davies, who with the return of the Squadron to the Delta area, is…
- This was no Blue Monday for us today! The boys were astir at an early hour, tents, "bivvies"…
- Permission was obtained to proceed down the famed HALFAYA PASS which had been cleared of mines…
- We were on the road again at an early hour but a rude disappointment awaited many souvenir…
- While on operations this squadron had had no parades – nor was there need for any – but on our…
- Visits by Engineers and others who are to lay out the permanent buildings for our new "home"…
- Everyone is looking spic and span these days – our proximity to civilisation, hot water and…
- Electric light has been connected up to the messes in our camp which, day by day, takes on a…
- The O.C., the Adj. and others went off by air to CAIRO to-day to discuss administrative matters…
- "Johnny" Walker, one of our Flight Sergeants has been fortunate enough to be selected for a…
- More tents arrived to-day and were immediately set up, providing, at a pinch, accommodation for…
- The camp was practically deserted after nine am today, all the holiday-makers having departed…
- Who said that this camp is out of the zone of dust-storm? The wind positively shrieked through…
- And so we come to the end of our first month in the New Year. Once more the opportunity is…
February 1942 (23)
- During this period the greater portion of the Squadron was enjoying well-earned leave in…
- Notification received to-day of the commissioning of three of the squadron's original gunners…
- Numbers of the personnel who were on leave began to roll in to-day, most of them "akker-less”…
- The sequel, to the story came to-day when an official communique published in CAIRO stated: "An…
- This is King Farouk's birthday but the weather took no notice and we were again treated to a…
- The first and long-promised draft of Cape Coloured Corps to take over ground defence duties in…
- Most of the squadron's "holiday-makers" have returned to the fold. A large number were unable…
- The O.C., Lt. Col. Pretorius, after a flying visit to CAIRO today brought back with him flight…
- Maj. O'Brien and Lieut. Newman returned from some "heavy duty" at the Court Martial in CAIRO…
- Lt. Col. Pretorius arrived back from CAIRO this morning with the necessary permission and…
- The days pass and gradually the squadron takes on a more settled appearance. After the hard…
- The necessity for organising sport and other forms of re-creation in the camp is making itself…
- The Adj. Major O’Brien proceeded to CAIRO to-day on matters of Administrative nature and…
- To-day brought another wind – colder than the customary one – but still sending dust swirling…
- Another farewell ceremony this morning when Capt."Buck" Sheedy our hardworking Engineer Officer…
- Church service by Padre Pike at 9.30 am to-day in the Officers Mess attracted attention of…
- Lt. Col. Irvine, accompanied by the S.A.O.A., Col. Hingeston and Major McBlaine, arrived in…
- Yesterday "Pop" Lownds, our Intelligence Officer, moved into his new home, an E.P.I.P. tent…
- A "warming-up" party at which Lt. Col. Irvine had an opportunity of meeting all the members of…
- Electric light has now been installed in all messes and efforts are being directed towards…
- Some of our personnel who were attending the airframes and engines courses on American Aircraft…
- ...engines courses on American Aircraft at Ismailia have returned and the comments of one…
- The month ended with gladdening news for some more of the flying personnel. All the "old" Air…
March 1942 (31)
- Coinciding with the start of the new month, our Sergeant's Mess celebrated the official opening…
- A hearty cheer from a group of happy looking young men on a lorry early this morning signalled…
- Humour is an effective antidote to boredom – and in the absence of genuine work in the squadron…
- The ground personnel of 12 Squadron moved off with all their equipment for their new landing…
- Col. Willmott, O.C. 3 S.A. Wing paid an informal visit to this unit, during “48 hours leave…
- More of the "old hands" left us to-day when a large number of the observer officers who had…
- The O.C., Lt. Col. Irvine returned from KASFAREET and Head-quarters CAIRO to-day with the…
- The first of the Squadron's all-day Sunday cricket matches took place to-day, when two old…
- A feature of the Western Desert campaign has been the regular and frequent delivery of private…
- The first of the series of "Information" lectures was given in the Sergeants' Mess this…
- The Squadron was to-day visited by Air Vice Marshal K. B. Park, D.F.C., Air officer Commanding…
- A second lecture by Information Officer Lieut. Chadwick was given this afternoon, the subject…
- The O.C. and Adjutant proceeded to CAIRO to-day to institute enquiries regarding personnel and…
- Beyond the fact that to-day was Pay-Day and that the weather which has suddenly turned warm…
- To-day, so we are Informed, is Independence Day in Egypt but our orderly room was taking no…
- Tonight saw the official opening of our Parliamentary Debating circle when a fairly large and…
- Tonight saw the culmination of several afternoons and evenings of rehearsal by the squadron's…
- The possibility of the Germans resorting to the use of gas warfare is not being overlooked by…
- The early hours of this morning saw the conclusion of a rather successful "farewell party" to a…
- A telephone call was received from S.A.A.F. Headquarters in CAIRO giving us advance notice that…
- Arriving in the thick of an unpleasant dust-storm, a special dispatch rider brought details of…
- Another day of dust and wind with sand drifts piling up round the tents. Arrangements for the…
- The highlight of a somewhat uneventful day was the visit of a hockey team from No. 6 Armoured…
- A third lecture was given by the Information Officer to the squadron to-day, the subject being…
- Lt. Col. Irvine returned from Headquarters, Cairo, in one of the fiercest dust storms we had…
- Our "Silly Sandphoney" Concert Party are to take part in a concert to be staged at the INYONI…
- Signal received to-day from H.Q. M.E. Authorising the move of 100 ground personnel from the…
- The camp was visited this morning by the South African Broadcasting Mobile Recording Unit which…
- All available officers and men of the squadron attended a special parade and church service –…
- A stirring "shoot-up" announced the arrival of the first of the Baltimore Aircraft, for…
- This being the end of another month on active service, a review of the past 30 days may prove…
April 1942 (30)
- The new month opened on a somewhat hopeful note for the squadron.We now had "on strength" at…
- Only Lieut. Mante of this squadron had had a "conversion course" to Baltimore aircraft and…
- O.C. and Maj. Baxter returned this afternoon with two Baltimore Aircraft, assembled at PORT…
- "A" Flight Commander Maj. Baxter was to-day posted, with his crew, to No. 12 Squadron on…
- Further notification of transfers of personnel were received today. All R.A.A.F. personnel were…
- Shortly after the departure of the "Aussies" this morning, our fourth Baltimore aircraft…
- Another two crews were transferred to-day again to 24 Squadron. This left us with 12 full crews…
- The mail from Air Headquarters Egypt, to-day brought us the latest revised list of the…
- Further personnel movements are recorded to-day Lieut. M. Zackon our Defence Officer being…
- To-day was spent in training the few remaining pilots who had not yet been "converted" to…
- Prior to proceeding on Administrative duties to CAIRO with the Adjutant, the O.C. Lt.Col…
- O.C. and Adjutant returned to camp this afternoon bringing back a new flight commander in Major…
- A start was made this morning on regular flying activities in the squadron, and pilots will…
- Nothing to report.
- The Squadron "Silly Sandphoneys" all had a big thrill this evening when they carried out a…
- The Adjutant Major O'Brien proceeded to 107 M.U. and SHANDUR this morning to visit the…
- A number of our officers are participating at the S. A. A.F. Base Camp in a Court Martial, one…
- We do have some excitement here occasionally and some of us in camp here had a few awkward…
- With the approach of really hot weather, daily bathing parades have been organised, and these…
- Col. Wilmott, O.C. No. 3 (S.A.) Wing visited the squadron this morning for informal…
- After a four-day stay, Mr. Saunders, the American Engineer who discussed at length and in…
- Nil to report.
- The squadron was asked to parade at the S.A.A.F. Base Camp in honour of the visit of the Duke…
- Daily flying practice has been carried out for some time, and attention is now being turned to…
- More excitement this morning when our M.T. Section had their first fire. Damage was slight…
- This day was spent by ground personnel in marking out a bombing range beyond the far edge of…
- Doubtless inspired by the sterling efforts of British bombers over Germany, our Pilots and…
- Further bombing practice took place to-day with more accurate results. Visitors this afternoon…
- After further flying practice by day, the squadron had its first spell of night flying by the…
- Tonight provided a perfect "bomber's moon" but, for a change. Jerry left ALEXANDRIA alone…
May 1942 (31)
- The month opened with a dust storm which resulted in a day of complete inactivity. {For…
- Nothing of note to-day except for an early visit by Jerry on ALEXANDRIA this evening, resulting…
- The day started early for a great number of us when a lone Jerry aircraft could be heard…
- The squadron "Silly Sandphoney” concert party had been invited to "do their stuff' at the 4…
- Over the breakfast table in the Officers’ Mess at 4 S.A. General Hospital this morning, the…
- A telephone call from Air Headquarters, Eqypt this morning informed us that two Baltimore…
- A signal was received from CAIRO to-day advising us of the commissioning of S/Maj. Jack…
- One of the three Boston Aircraft of No. 12 Squadron, while carrying out night flying in the…
- Nothing to report.
- There were many happy reunion scenes to-day when some of the Aussies, ex-members of our…
- A number of somewhat conflicting reports have been received by us regarding the receipt of our…
- The O.C. returned to camp to-day with the information that there had been no change in the…
- Four representatives of the squadron, an Officer and three other ranks, proceeded to ALEXANDRIA…
- Nothing to report except an early morning disturbance caused by another raid in the small hours…
- The detachment of our ground personnel who were at KASFAREET have been returned to us in…
- Major Coppen proceeded by air to KASFAREET today to make enquiries regarding the delivery of…
- Those of us who remained in camp braving another dusty Sunday saw with somewhat envious eyes…
- A Wellington landed here today bringing a crew to take-off another “Wimpy" which had made a…
- Air Vice Marshall Park made his brief tour of inspection of this squadron this morning…
- The O.C. and Adjutant proceeded to H.Q., S.A.A.F., to discuss Administrative matters. 2/Lt. J…
- Summer is with us! A real blisterer of a day with the temperature around 108 degrees in the…
- Another scorcher of a day. Training with R.A.F. crews to commence shortly. No. 12 Squadron…
- Being out of operations the squadron is beginning to get the week end feeling. For the first…
- The everyday summer heat has now obtained a most active ally – the common or garden fly – and…
- Today saw the first influx of our new crews, three of them arriving via CAIRO from their O.T.U…
- The R.A.F. MALTA crews arrived from their various units today. The majority of the men are…
- Another terrific day with swarms of flies and swirling dust to make ones life more miserable…
- So the game is on – and Jerry is pushing this time – probably making a dash at TOBRUK. Judging…
- It is indeed an eye opener to appreciate the reaction of the "boys" to the news of the push…
- We are reduced to one aircraft to operate with, one having had to be surrendered to Ballah…
- A real quiet peaceful Sunday sees the end of the month of May. A month that opened with every…
June 1942 (30)
- The month of June opened in a cheerful note. The news from the desert is good – the news from…
- The training of the MALTA crews is still progressing but is handicapped by the fact that no…
- Another hot day and with the flies assuming the proportions of a major plague. There was quite…
- Another scorcher of a day, the forenoon was without a breath of air to relieve the oppressive…
- A terrific dust-storm broke out during the day and continued until well after dark. Today…
- The training of the Malta crews is going apace and Lt. Vivian and his crew of WOPS and WEMS are…
- A typical Sabbath day. No dust or wind in the morning but freshening towards afternoon. Twelve…
- Today saw the influx of four more crews from O.T.U. The squadron is being gradually brought up…
- Capt. Potgieter left by road to 108 M.U to ferry another of the Malta aircraft to the squadron…
- New crews settling down and allocated to flights where they are busy getting acquainted with…
- News received today that Lieut NEWMAN. our popular “Quarter-bloke” And ex-cypher officer was to…
- The day started quietly enough but the atmosphere was quickly changed to one of electric…
- No time has been lost in getting the “Union cases” on their way and Major COPPEN and Lieut…
- Another sabbath upon us. As usual all who were able went down to the sea or spent the day in…
- There were four welcome additions to the strength of our aircrew today in the person of R.A.F…
- Tonight is the night as far as the sergeants are concerned for their Mess Dance is being held…
- Needless to say there were several casualties from the "after effects of the night before” –…
- Syd DAVIS, Bruce CUMMING and Roger MARTIN left Union-wards this morning. The mess is already…
- In accordance with Routine Orders all other ranks in the squadron must have their photographs…
- A Lockheed arrived at 0715 hrs and at 0800 hrs sharp it took-off with sixteen members of the…
- Another Sunday passed without any untoward incidents. The dust again blew in the afternoon, but…
- There seems to be somewhat of a flap on the go. A message was received that instead of sixteen…
- The day was one of comings and goings – aircraft landing and taking off all day. The duty pilot…
- Fifty six of the Union party were off at a moments notice to SUEZ via CAIRO, proceeding by sea…
- Lieut. CHADWICK, Information officer, gave a lecture on “Turkey, Its political past and present…
- Our O.C. has been instructed to proceed to 12 Squadron on attachment for to gain operational…
- Despite the erroneous and oft-times misleading news items it would appear that the position on…
- The situation forward appears to be grave and in view of the proximity of the front line it was…
- The order to move has finally come in the form of a signal ordering us to stand-by. In reply to…
- The camp was astir at 0345 hrs when reveille was sounded. The M.T. section under their tireless…
July 1942 (31)
- At first light the convoy was astir and after eagerly consumed breakfasts all personnel were…
- This day was spent by the majority of the squadron in setting up home and by the ever busy M.T…
- All ranks are settling down happily to their new surroundings. Arrangements are now in hand for…
- Early morning slumbers were disturbed by the sound of Jerry aircraft overhead, proceeded by the…
- The facilities afforded us in this part of the world, enabling us to escape boredom, also make…
- At the present moment there are only two complete crews – Baltimore trained – in the squadron…
- The Adjutant, Major. O'BRIEN, returned to-day from a brief visit to Headquarters, S.A.A.F…
- Capt. Van HEERDEN, or “T"-man, set off with a small number of trucks to collect additional…
- Lt. Col. IRVINE returned to the squadron late this afternoon bringing the news that our first…
- The O.C. left for the Union this morning. Official intimation was received in to-day’s mail…
- The following suggestions were made in a Postagram from, A.H.Q. Egypt addressed to HQ., R.A.F…
- To-day is Sunday and transport is being provided for all ranks to attend Church Service at…
- Our aerodrome has been receiving a number of visits by aircraft of other units, but an unusual…
- The fact that this is (Fighting) France’s National Day appears to be the only event of note…
- The squadron “Silly Sandphonies" concert party visited No.106 (S.A.) General Hospital at…
- Capt FENNER, Lieut. PARKES and six N.C.O's – all of the PayStaff S.A.A.F. Headquarters –…
- Nothing of note to record except the coincidence brought about by the arrival of a stray…
- Major O'BRIEN attended as Judge Advocate at a Court Martial at No. 15 Squadron to-day. Lieut…
- Apart from the sight of a Hurricane of the Free French Squadron crash-landing beyond our…
- Lieut NEL. (Oom Tollie) our "I" Officer returned to camp to-day having paid a brief visit to…
- Some replacement personnel arrived with the post-truck this afternoon.This was No. 21…
- We have been reliably misinformed! Current rumour had it that we could expect the first of our…
- Nothing to report.
- Some consternation was caused in camp to-day when three patients who reported sick at the M.T…
- Major H.F. RECK arrived at noon to-day to take over duties from Major W. S. O'BRIEN, who is to…
- A second preliminary visit by the squadron was paid to our new camp site when Major RECK…
- The post truck brought a pleasant surprise this afternoon in the shape of some of our personnel…
- Major O'BRIEN left for CAIRO this morning and Major RECK assumed duties as Adjutant.
- Final arrangements completed for moving camp to-morrow.
- Well before scheduled time the Squadron moved off in convoy for KASFAREET and before noon were…
- Advice received by signal this morning that one of the four Baltimores which recently arrived…
August 1942 (31)
- Personnel of the squadron are settled in the new camp after the sixth move of the squadron in…
- Flying a Baltimore this afternoon, Lieut. CORMACK caused some excitement when the engine of the…
- The Adjutant proceeded to H.Q., S.A.A.F. on Admin. matters. Several points in regard to…
- Late this afternoon the funeral party returned, having travelled several hundred miles, all to…
- Signal received from 3 (S.A.) Wing asking whether the Squadron Concert Party can perform for…
- Seven of the personnel of the squadron who can be spared without replacements were sent to…
- F/Lt. TAYLOR of Air Headquarters Egypt called this morning with a view to arrange training for…
- The position was hardly clarified this morning when a further telephone call, emanating from…
- Shortly after the arrival of the squadron at this station, a letter was addressed to Air…
- Adjutant proceeded to H.Q., S.A.A.F., on Admin. matters. It has been found that these personal…
- Work is proceeding on the Baltimore aircraft. By arrangement with 107 M.U. a hangar has been…
- Nothing to report.
- In the early hours of this morning 2/Lieut. R. L. JOYNER was killed in a motor accident. Lieut…
- A funeral with full military honours was accorded the late 2/Lieut. JOYNER this morning at the…
- Major BARNBY proceeded to H. Q. S.A.A.F. to discuss problems relating to the arrival of the…
- Orders were received from KASFAREET station that our Baltimores were to be flown to EL FIRDAN…
- Additional Administrative personnel arrived from S.A.A.F. Base depot this afternoon — including…
- 2/Lieut SMITH A.L., Acting Signals Officer, posted to No. 243 Wing. Major BARNBY, who returned…
- Movement order authorising the above move received to-day from Air Headquarters, Egypt and…
- O.C. and Adj. visited this station to make final arrangements regarding the transfer of the…
- Advance party at work. Other ranks will be housed in Nissen huts which are a considerable…
- Advice received by telephone from S.A.A.F. H.Q., CAIRO, that four crews are to report there in…
- Major BARNBY proceeded to Cairo by air to discuss the position regarding the posting of the…
- Leaving only a working party at KASFAREET the Squadron moved to this station this morning. The…
- The Officer Commanding, No. 3 S.A. Wing, Col. MARTIN D.F.C.and the S.A.O.A. Col HINGESTON…
- The arrival of another modified aircraft from KASFAREET brings the number of aircraft available…
- A number of officials from Air Headquarters Egypt have visited the Unit to discuss forthcoming…
- A programme of General Flying, including altitude tests, was carried out this day. Further…
- A German recce. plane flying at great height passed over this morning. Squadron personnel saw…
- A checkup on Armament problems of the squadron was made by Squadron Leader Lead Chief Armament…
- Bombing and machine-gunning practice was carried out by flying crews. Arrangements were made…
September 1942 (31)
- The normal flying programme already in operation in the squadron was continued to-day. Apart…
- Ranks of our flying personnel considerably increased by arrival of nine crews. Advance…
- The “big” news of the day was our first official intimation that we were now under control of…
- Much excitement occasioned in the Squadron when six Baltimores hove into sight – our third…
- With the arrival of the additional personnel, the crews were all allocated to their respective…
- An immediate signal received early this morning from No. 70 O.T.U., NAKURU brought the tragic…
- Middle East "U1" No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. 118 WAR DIARY GENERAL OPERATIONAL SUMMARY FOR PERIOD…
- O.C. at S.A.A.F. H.Q. this afternoon on operational and Admin. matters.
- A rude shock to-day for our Transport section. We had been led to believe that our reserve…
- Wing Commander SMYTHE of Air Headquarters, W.D. paid the squadron a visit this morning. He came…
- General flying and formation bombing occupied our flying personnel for the greater portion of…
- The O.C., Lt. Col. IRVINE, the Adj. Maj. RECK, Engineer Officer Capt. FOGARTY and “T” Stores…
- Lt. Col. B. RADEMAN, D.F.C., O.C., No. 24 Squadron, was a visitor here to-day. General flying…
- Apart from the continuation of the general flying programme, nothing of importance to record.
- Lieut. L. F. GARDNER while taxying Baltimore A.G. 898 collided with two aircraft wing jacks…
- The O.C, flew to L. G. “Z” and returned this morning after arranging for the lay-out of the…
- The move to L.G. “Z” was completed this afternoon, the squadron's aircraft having been flown…
- The Adj., Maj. RECK, proceeded to S.A.A.F. H.Q., on Admin. matters. Late this evening the last…
- Squadron personnel settling down to normal daily routine and flying programme continued. Advice…
- The demonstration flight over CAIRO and ALEXANDRIA, in which squadron aircraft, led by Maj…
- Crews participating in the "Victory Flight" returned. Formation and general flying practice…
- Authority was received by signal from 3 (S.A.) Wing for the squadron to move to L.G. “Y" about…
- A “clean-up party” on the job at L. G. “Y” arranging for the arrival of the main body of the…
- The move to L.G. “Y” was carried out this morning, the aircraft flying across in a formation of…
- The Adjutant, Maj. RECK, was ordered to hospital this afternoon by the hospital authorities at…
- O.C. proceeded to S.A.A.F. H.Q., to make arrangements in regard to Administration of the…
- Further night flying was successfully carried out to-night at L.G. "Z" The Squadron concert…
- While coming in to land this morning after a practice flight Lieut. J. P. ZAHN found that one…
- Further night-flying was carried out tonight, the programme being completed after midnight. The…
- Owing to the late rising of the moon flying at night was carried out in two “sessions” to-night…
- Advice was received by telephone from S.A.A.F. H.Q., that Capt. F.C. HUNT would be assuming…
October 1942 (32)
- The Squadron continued with operational training. Visit by Majors GELDARD and BROWNING of…
- Whilst other crews were carrying out bombing and target practice, the Commanding Officer did a…
- 04.00 No. 103622 Lieut. J. P. ZAHN, on night flying training, flew into the ground about six…
- 08.00 Advance Party with Captain P.W. van HEERDEN in command left for L.G. 98 to clear site and…
- Operation training of aircrews continues. Squadron visited by Lt. Col. TINDALL and other 3 S.A…
- Aircrews were addressed by Wing A.I.L.O. this morning on the subject of close support. The…
- Flying training continued with formation practice. The Commanding Officer and Adjutant flew to…
- Flying training continues. No. 103964 Lieut. R.R. KLETTE and one other rank posted to S.A.A.F…
- A reply was sent that all serviceable aircraft would leave by first light tomorrow which met…
- The departure of aircraft went to schedule with the exception of one which broke a tail wheel…
- No. 97047 Lieut. I.R.T. EASTMAN, Signals, ceases to be attached to this Squadron and is…
- Instructions received from No. 3 S.A. Wing that only six aircraft are required at L.G.98 at…
- No operational flying.
- No operational flying. Considerable progress made with cleaning camp site and filling in holes…
- No operational flying. Routine Order No. 49/42 Battle Dress made its first appearance towards…
- No operational flying. No. 103068 Major H.F. RECK posted to S.A.A.F. Depot, non-effective since…
- One other rank (Wireless Operator) recently lent to 3 S.A. Wing posted there. At 1600 hours a…
- No flying owing to dust and very little done towards improving the camp site.
- A parade of 3 S.A. Wing, B.G.M.C. and Nos. 12, 24 and 21 Squadrons was held at the wind-sock on…
- Aircraft and ground personnel brought up from B.L.G. where our Base Party now consists of HQ…
- 1518 Fifteen Baltimores took off with three Bostons of 12 Squadron the target being dispersed…
- Letter from S.A.O., R.A.F., SHANDUR One raid of 12 sorties, with 6 Bostons of 12 Squadron, the…
- Message from A.O.C. W. D. to the Allied Air Forces operating in the Western Desert. No. 117069…
- Owing to the light Westerly wind, "drum" fire was heard throughout the early hours of the…
- The Medium Bombers are running a half-hour shuttle service in support of the army today and the…
- Four Raids today: First Raid: Oprep No. 107, Sortie Report and Crew List Second Raid: Oprep No…
- First Raid : Oprep No. 111, Sortie Report and Crew List Second Raid : Oprep No. 112, Sortie…
- One of the Cape Corps details who suffered burns in last night's fire died during the night and…
- Two raids: First: Oprep No. 121, Sortie Report and Crew List Second: Oprep No. 122, Sortie…
- Two raids: First: Oprep No. 123, Sortie Report and Crew List Second: Oprep No. 124, Sortie…
- One Raid : Oprep No. 125, Sortie Report and Crew List Eighteen sorties. Instructions received…
- Signal from AHQ, W.D., quoting signal received from Prime Minister, G.B. to all Flying Units…
November 1942 (30)
- No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 127 No. 3 Wing advise that a big land operation is scheduled…
- Two raids of 18 aircraft each, targets being GHAZAL Station and a Panzer concentration…
- Two raids today, each of 18 aircraft, the targets being dispersed aircraft on L.G. 09 and the…
- Only one raid, the target being retreating enemy M. T. Oprep. No. 132, Sortie Report and Crew…
- Routine Order No. 54/42 One raid, strafing the retreating Hun. Oprep No. 133, Sortie Report and…
- No flying today, the cause presumably being the lack of a target. Oprep No. 134 Message of…
- The bomb line continues to move Westwards rapidly and now passes through SIDI BARRANI. Jerry is…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 135 No flying: Oprep No. 136 Signal received from A.A.H.Q…
- No flying: Oprep. No. 137 Postings in from S.A.A.F. Depot: No. 11927 Lieut. B.O. WOOD, No…
- No flying today: Oprep. No. 138 No. 27827 2/Lt. J.H.M. PICKERILL (Observer) non-effective…
- No flying: Oprep No. 139 Routine Order No. 55/42 Until further orders the Squadrons in No. 3…
- About half of ground crews left camp on a two-day tour of the battle fields. No flying: Oprep…
- No flying: Oprep No. 141 F/Sgt PEARCE J. who was posted out on being wounded on 21.10.42…
- Ground Crews who went touring the battlefields two days ago, having returned, the remainder of…
- No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 143 Fifteen aircraft did local formation flying.
- No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 144. Formation flying training continued.
- No operational flying: "Oprep" No. 145 No. 47245 LIEUT. WRIGHT who has been attached to No. 55…
- Further information having been received regarding the crash of Captain RHODES' aircraft on…
- Eighth Army; Personal Message from Army Commander Squadron Casualty Return The Squadron…
- Oprep No. 148 No. 203216 LIEUT. H. DENTON, Observer, and one other rank posted to S.A.A.F…
- Squadron on stand-by but no operational flying. Eighteen aircraft engaged on training and R/T…
- No flying: Oprep No. 150 1300 Wing, Nos. 12, 21 and 24 Squadrons and B.G.M.C. fell in at our…
- No flying: Oprep No. 151 Inter-Squadron athletics held at 24 Squadron. Our contribution of £15…
- Eighteen aircraft up on formation training. Oprep No. 152 Routine Order No. 57/42 A payment of…
- Eighteen aircraft up on formation training. Oprep No. 153 This morning's parade was held under…
- Owing to early flying - 18 aircraft, formation - parade was cancelled. A meeting of Officers in…
- Parade cancelled owing to early flying. Eighteen aircraft - formation practice. Oprep No. 155…
- No. 103449 Lieut. H. A. PUTTOCK and No. 178697 Lieut. P. S. ASHTON posted in from S.A.A.F…
- Instructions issued by Wing for “B” Parties to move to TMIMI and for “A” Parties, on arrival…
- “A" Party convoy left SIDI BARRANI and took the worst piece of road on the trip, to SALUM PASS…
December 1942 (31)
- The Squadron is now divided into three parties: “A”, consisting of about half of ground staff…
- 0600 “A” convoy formed up ready to leave TMIMI when a Ju. 88 provided a diversion and delayed…
- 1630 “A” Party arrived at SOLUCH. Colonel J.H. MARTIN advises that our aircraft should be here…
- A well-dispersed camp established on the South-Western side of and about 1000 yards from the…
- The whole Squadron “A” Party was employed all day in clearing the aerodrome of loose stones and…
- Preparation of the aerodrome continued. 1400 Commanding Officer took off to return to L.G. 98.
- No. 203493 Lieut. W.J.B. NEL (I) posted to No. 4 Squadron. One other rank posted to S.A.A.F…
- Having been on the U.K. Army ration basis since arrival here, there have been loud complaints…
- 0815 All personnel paraded, with 12 and 24 Squadrons, at Wing, and were addressed by Colonel…
- A side-light on Squadron activities: Yesterday afternoon the Intelligent, the Medical and the…
- Party for bomb unloading of U.S.A.A.F. B 25’s consisting of 6 Armourers, 10 Cape Corps and two…
- About another .5" of rain having fallen, the SOLUCH mud is at its best this morning, as…
- S/Ldr. (Padre) DAVIS held his last service for the Squadron in the Officers' Mess. He has been…
- 1045 Our aircraft started coming in and all had landed by 13.00 hrs. After a quick turn-over…
- 0500 Jerry started a 40-minute raid on BENGHASI, the attraction doubtless being the five…
- Two Squadron sorties of 12 and 6 Baltimores, respectively: First Sortie: "Oprep" No. 135…
- Squadron on stand-by for the third sortie today. 0930 Wing instructs: All our aircraft are to…
- Routine Order No. 61/42 Advice received that No. 100290 Lieut. D.A. STEYN, our Armament…
- Our com. aircraft, 693, arrived with post, pay and food. The Commanding Officer who is piloting…
- A minor stir has been created by accusations that the troops in this vicinity are responsible…
- 1000 Full parade held to collect all unauthorised weapons etc. A search of tents and kit…
- Oprep No. 142 0930 "693" left with post for Base.
- Oprep No. 143 Cold weather continues; a light shower at 16.30 hours.
- No. 102177 Lieut. C. TE WATER-POHL returns to Squadron from an Aircraft Recognition course at…
- No flying: Oprep No. 145 Due principally to the very lavish grants received by the Squadron…
- In the early hours of the morning, it started to rain. By daylight, the camp was under water…
- 1030 Divine Service for the Squadron in the Officers Mess, as usual. Five other ranks posted in…
- About 28" of rain fell before breakfast. No flying at L.G.98.
- Routine Order No. 62/42 Wet weather continues and the Landing Ground has now been…
- "693" got off satisfactorily on its return trip to L.G. 98.
- An athletic meeting – all events open – was held on the runway near 24 Squadron camp and went…
1943
January 1943 (33)
- The first signal to arrive in the New Year advised that the Squadron "com. kite" is to fly up…
- Wing advises having given instructions for our aircraft to fly up from L.G. 98 at the rate of…
- About .5" of rain fell during the night and the landing ground is unserviceable. Scattered…
- Strong wind and rain squalls during the night and until midday. Wing instructs that "A" Parties…
- No. 102658 Captain A.C. SMIT, pilot, 83643 Lieut. G.S. KAY, Observer and two other ranks (one…
- 0615 “A” Party started moving, had a hot breakfast at 06.45 and the convoy pulled out…
- Early start delayed by the non-appearance of the M.T. bowser until 09.00 hours. All vehicles…
- Shortly after an early start, the cook was overtaken about a mile from last night's camp – Just…
- Lt.-Col. WILLIAMS, Wing Ops. Officer, cheered the Squadron up by arriving with an unexpected…
- Ten trucks reported to Wing, for fetching 250lb. bombs from NOFILIA; four more fetched aircraft…
- Operation Instruction for 12 Jan. received from AHQ, W.D. 11.45 Our aircraft started arriving…
- 09.15 Briefing of aircrews followed by the aircraft being taxied out for take-off. This was…
- Camp awakened by the Ops. bell and 18 of our aircraft took off at 08.00 hours to raid an enemy…
- Two raids today and instructions received from Wing that we may be required for operations…
- The Briefing Bell went before dawn but no target came through and there was no flying.—Colonel…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 14TH. JANUARY, 1943, to 15TH…
- For the first time (in Baltimores) the Squadron featured in night ops. last night. Three of our…
- All our aircraft returned safely last night: Oprep No. 170, Sortie Reports and Crew List…
- Oprep No. 171 for last night's raid. Crew List and Sortie Report Routine Order No. 1/43 . Wing…
- Eleven of our aircraft did sorties last night and all returned safely. Oprep No. 172/172A…
- All aircraft returned from last night's raids, the only casualty being an Observer, Lieut. A…
- Ten aircraft operated last night: Oprep No. 174, Sortie Report and crew list Pilots report that…
- Excepting the three stranded at BIR DUFAN, all our aircraft returned safely from last night's…
- Admin. Section arrived from SOLUCH. Twelve aircraft for tonight’s operations. All twelve of our…
- Only nine aircraft were eventually required for last night's raids and all got back safely…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 178 Owing to a large reserve of aircrews on strength – a sore…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 24TH. JANUARY, 1943, to 26TH…
- A large consignment of Official mail caught up with us today. Postings Out: Lt.- Colonel A. D…
- Colonel H.J. MARTIN dined in our Mess and gave us the very good news that we shall not be…
- Heavy ground mist this morning and intermittent showers during the day which has been bleak and…
- A miserably cold day – quite the worst we have experienced in the desert. The Commanding…
- Major COPPEN returned from his attendance of the A.O.C's.conference at CASTEL BENITO. He was…
- The problem of water supply is becoming acute: yesterday the army removed the pumping plant…
February 1943 (36)
- The landing ground occupied by the Squadron, previously referred to as CHEL II, is now…
- The Squadron is slightly over-strength owing to the shortage of Cape Corps personnel (42) being…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 185 Routine Order No. 6/43 No operational flying: Oprep No…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 187
- 1530 Instructions received from Wing that the Squadron is to move to a landing ground – newly…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 3. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 3RD. FEBRUARY, 1943, to…
- Five aircraft took off early to continue the search commenced yesterday afternoon and had been…
- 07.13 "A" Party convoy pulled out for SERTAIN MAIN,struck the tarmac just East of SIRTE, passed…
- 0700 Convoy pulled out, continuing along the main coastal road, through TAUORGA. MISURATA and…
- Camp established on "O" track, West of the landing ground which consists of crossed runways on…
- During the present training period, the Squadron is rationed to 50 bombs and 1,200 gallons of…
- Westerly gale and intermittent showers continue. Wing has arranged a scheme for periods of four…
- 02.00 The gale which has been blowing for the past two days increased and accounted for…
- Gale continues. No operational flying: Oprep No. 196 Routine order No. 8/43
- Gale over but cold weather continues. Major BARNBY endeavoured to take-off with the Commanding…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 9. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 14TH. FEBRUARY, 1943, to…
- Following postings to E.A. Instruction duties w.e.f. 8 Feb 43.: 103348 Captain B. L. CUMMING…
- "V" No. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. Middle East. 87 16 Feb. 43. SQUADRON NOTES ON THE GLENN MARTIN…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 11. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 15TH. FEBRUARY, 1943…
- Pilots Order No. 1/43 No operational flying: Oprep No. 199 Following on the posting of six air…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 13. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 16TH. FEBRUARY, 1943…
- 98066 Lieut. S. S. FORSYTH, Signals Officer, to replace Captain P. C. VIVIAN (injured by mine…
- Routine Order No. 11/43 No. 103123 Lieut. A. B. MURRAY posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot. High…
- Night operations which were to have commenced on the 14th. Feb. 43, are still being delayed by…
- Ten aircraft on readiness for operations tonight. Pilots were given an opportunity to fly…
- Postings out: One other rank to No. 15 Squadron, w.e.f. 12 Feb. 43; three other ranks and one…
- Operations which were arranged for last night were cancelled on Met. report that conditions are…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 16. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 21ST. FEBRUARY, 1943…
- Wing advises that our movement forward will probably come off sooner than was expected – it was…
- Squadron Strength and Casualty Return Wing advised having received a limited supply of tentage…
- Ten aircraft on operations tonight. Little ack-ack was observed and all aircraft returned…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 210
- Major A. C. JANDRELL, piloting “693”, returned from CAIRO. A strong North-Westerly wind raised…
- 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. SQUADRON OPERATIONAL STATE 'A' ( As at 28th. February 1943) A. Fully…
- No operational flying: Oprep No. 212 Wing's instructions of yesterday, to the effect that the…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. PAGE 21. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 28TH. FEBRUARY, 1943…
March 1943 (41)
- No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East. 'Q 2' 203 <u>WAR DIARY.</u> GENERAL OPERATIONAL SUMMARY…
- No flying today. Oprep. No. 212 Lieut. SIMON discharged from Sick Bay today. The Squadron is…
- The convoy consisting of 19 vehicles under Capt. STEYN left for EL ASSA at 08.30 hrs. this…
- No flying today. Oprep. No. 214. No news as yet of the convoy or of the move of the Aircraft.
- Middle East Command 123 "E1" No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Date. 4th March 1943..... DAILY CASUALTY…
- No operational flying today. One Balti. on a comm. flight to TRIPOLI and back. Oprep. No. 215…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 216. Sent an aircraft to KASFAREET this morning for an…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 217. The CO's gas parade showed that we are sadly…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 218. We are now told that the whole Squadron is on two…
- No operational, flying today but the Squadron aircraft were flown to EL ASSA in the afternoon…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 7th. March 1943. SERTAIN MAIN, | 7th. Contd. we get the word to…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON. S. A. A. F. 9th March, 1943. Convoy. Sertain to El Assa. | 9th after the…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No.220. Lt. CHISHOLM admitted to 25 M.R.S. at EL ASSA…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. 9th March 1943. On Convoy. | 9th. Contd. pulled out at 23.30 hrs…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON. S. A. A. F. 10th March 1943. Zuara. | 10th Contd. to await the arrival the…
- No operational flying today, (Oprep. 221.) but the Squadron aircraft flew from EL ASSA to…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 222. No. 3 Wing and 12 Sqn convoys arrived at 0400 hrs…
- No operational flying today. Major F.C. HUNT, our ex adjutant, left in 693 for R.T.U. today…
- The C.O. went to a conference with the A.O.C. WD. this morning accompanied by the other C.O.'s…
- No operational Flying today. R.O. 16/43. There was a certain amount of mild excitement in camp…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. 226. Squadron Ops. State. A conference, presided over by…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 227. No incidents of importance.
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 228. The Commanding Officer, and CO.'s of the other…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 229. We were all lined up ready to go off on a show…
- No operational flying today. Oprep. No. 230. R.O. 18/43. Nothing happened last night, and all…
- Operations again today. Oprep. No. 231, Sortie Report, and Crew List. We sent 18 Aircraft to…
- We had two shows today. The first show was on the road leading away from MARETH Village. Oprep…
- The raid today was led by Capt. CORMACK. We had 12 Balti’s in the show with 6 Bostons. Oprep…
- The first show this morning was led by Major BARNBY. The target was ZARAT Village, enemy…
- 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East Command "V1" DAILY CASUALTY RETURN *********************…
- Capt. ORD, Lt. HODGES and crew posted to the Squadron today from O.T.U. the Commanding Officer…
- The raid last night seemed to be a great success. We sent off 15 machines in two lots. The…
- No. 21 SQUADRON SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE 25th MARCH 1943. ZUARA | 25th Contd. in amongst…
- We did another show last night. Fifteen machines were sent off at three minute intervals from…
- No operational Flying today. We had no further news of Lt. MURRAY’s Machine. The Commanding…
- We had one of the worst dust-storms we have had for a long time today. It was a howling gale…
- This morning we sent five machines with 13 Bostons to bomb M.T. on the road just North of…
- We were on stand-by all day but did not get a target until late this afternoon. We sent off 12…
- No. 21 SQUADRON SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 29th March 1943 ZUARA 29th Contd. are available as…
- This morning the Commanding Officer led a formation of 18 Baltimores on a raid on SFAX el Maou…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 1st APRIL 1943 3rd APRIL 1943 ZUARA | 1st | 0900 This…
April 1943 (33)
- No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East. WAR DIARY. "Q1" GENERAL OPERATIONAL SUMMARY FOR PERIOD 65…
- 0900 This morning Capt. MOUTON led a formation of 18 Baltimores on a raid on SFAX el Maou L.G…
- 0915 12 Baltimores and 6 Bostons of 24 Squadron led by Capt. CORMACK took off to attack enemy…
- 1100 A search for Lt. MURRAY and crew who forced landed after an operation on the 26th of March…
- Our “A” Party under Captain STEYN moved off at 0845 hrs. At 1030 hours instructions were…
- Our Aircraft left ZUARA and arrived safely and without casualties although some pilots…
- Our camp is established once more and work is in full swing again. Major JANDRELL led a…
- We did two shows today. The first show consisting of 18 Baltimores was led by the Commanding…
- We did another two shows today. The first show of 17 Baltimores was led by Major JANDRELL to…
- 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East Command 23 CASUALTY RETURN Date.. 8th April 1943…
- Very bad weather interfered with operations today with the result that plenty of good targets…
- Stand-down today and most of the aircrews spent the day on the beach at ZARZIS. New oath Return…
- No flying again today and a day-out was arranged for ground crews, which was spent in…
- No flying today. 18 Baltimores were flown to HASBUB Main Landing ground for night operations…
- The Commanding Officer led last night’s show and 15 Baltimores were sent off at 3 minutes…
- The Commanding Officer led another show last night and 15 Balti- were sent off at 3 minutes…
- Our “A” Party was on the road at 0600 hours this morning and arrived at EL DJEM at 1100 hours…
- Our Aircraft and “B” Party is still at HASBUB. One Aircraft piloted by the Commanding Officer…
- The Fighter Squadrons are busy moving out and advice has been received that our aircraft will…
- Fighter Squadrons have moved out and our camp was established. Col. MARTIN and Col. DURRANT…
- “B” Party arrived at 1130 hours and once more the Squadron is collected in one camp. The men…
- We were reminded last night that the Luftwaffe still have a few aircraft left. A number of JU…
- We had another visit by Jerry last night, and he received a very hot reception from our A. A…
- The Luftwaffe put in another appearance last night, but again our A .A. was too much for them…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 20TH APRIL 1943. EL DJEM | 20th Contd. posting to 55…
- The “blitz” by Jerry last night did not materialise and we had a night of rest, except those…
- A stand-down today and the aircrews are spending the day in bathing and sight-seeing. Capt…
- Major JANDRELL led a formation of 18 Baltimores to bomb enemy gun positions. The bombs fell…
- We did two shows today, the first show was led by the Commanding Officer and another attack was…
- Nothing of note today. No operational flying. Oprep No.278
- The weather favoured Jerry again over the target today, Capt. CORMACK led a formation of 18…
- The weather again interfered with operations, with the result that the target was not hit. The…
- Nothing of note today except a spot of excitement was caused when the Sergeant’s Mess Kitchen…
May 1943 (32)
- No operational FIying Today. "Oprep" No. 282. The squadron played soccer against the…
- No operational Flying, “Oprep” No. 283 Divine Service for all denominations held in the…
- No operational Flying. “Oprep” No. 284 A meeting was held in the Adjutant's Office to discuss a…
- A formation of 18 Baltimores led by Major BARNBY took off at 0645 hrs to bomb enemy positions…
- Major JANDRELL led a formation of 18 Baltimores to attack the Railhead at K.7452 (Ref. Map…
- Full-out operations as anticipated did not materialise and we did only one show which was led…
- No operational Flying. "Oprep” No. 288 Nothing of importance to record.
- The target for today was dispersed aircraft on PANTELLERIA Landing ground. Major BARNBY led the…
- PANTELLERIA Landing Ground was again bombed by a formation of 18 Baltimores led by Capt…
- We did another two shows today. The first formation of 18 Baltimores was led by Major JANDRELL…
- A formation of 18 Baltimores led by Major BARNBY took off to bomb gun positions in area P.2295…
- Major JANDRELL led a formation of 18 Baltimores to bomb the 9th Light Division in area P.3698…
- As expected there was no operational flying today."Oprep” No. 295 The two Officers who…
- No operational flying. "Oprep” No. 296 Nothing further of importance to report except that a…
- No operational flying. “Oprep” No. 297 The Commanding Officer, Adjutant and several Officers…
- No operational flying “Oprep” No. 298 Opportunity were given to the Air – and ground crews to…
- “Oprep” No. 299. News came through that we will have a definite stand-down for five days. A…
- “Oprep” No. 300 Formation practice carried out and the Tank Officers were given the opportunity…
- “Oprep” No. 301. Further formation flying practice carried out. The aircrews had to be reduced…
- Six of our aircraft took part in a “Victory Flight” over Tunis, the formation was led by the…
- The high light of a somewhat uneventful day was when the Commanding Officer read out the names…
- Nothing of importance to record except that it was officially announced that this Wing will, in…
- The Squadron beat the American Engineers in a soft-ball match this afternoon. R.C. and Free…
- The Commanding Officer flew the following Officers to CASTEL BENITO, who have been posted…
- War Diary "W" 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East Command [Handwritten Strike-through: DAILY]…
- A hearty cheer from a group of happy looking young men on a lorry early this morning signalled…
- Major BARNBY and party left for TUNIS. He is also visiting the scene of Capt. BUDD’s crash…
- Nil to report.
- The Commanding Officer flew the O.C. Wing and other Squadron Commanders to SOLIMAN. Major…
- The Commanding Officer and the Adjutant flew with the O.C.,12 Squadron to SOLIMAN to select a…
- Major BARNBY, Capt. Van HEERDEN, Lt. SANDILANDS, Lt. EVANS left this morning for CAIRO en route…
- A small advance party left for SOLIMAN, they are to establish themselves and meet the aircraft…
June 1943 (24)
- Comm. Flying only. “Oprep” No. 304 At first light the convoy was a stir and after breakfast all…
- The Squadron visited by the S.A.O.A. Tactical Bomber Force HQ. Practically the whole Squadron…
- News was received this morning that Air Sgt. GREEN died in the early hours from heart failure…
- Nothing of importance to report except that it is anticipated that we will start with…
- “Oprep” No. 305 for period 2/6 to 5/6
- The “Ops Bell” came to life again to-day and 12 Baltimores led by Major JANDRELL took off to…
- 12 Baltimores led by Major CORMACK attacked gun positions Nos.19 & 19A on PANTELLERIA Island in…
- Twelve Baltimores led by Major SCHRAVESANDE took off to attack gun position No.17 on…
- 0750 12 Baltimores led by Major SCHRAVESANDE took off to attack gun position No. 17 on…
- 3 Baltimores led by Major CORMACK took off for EL AOURIAL & loaded pamphlets. Rendezvous with…
- 0550 12 Baltimores led by Lt.Col COPPEN raided Gun position No.4A & 5 on PANTELLERIA Island…
- 0945 12 Baltimores led by Capt. STUART, using 250 lb. bombs with extension rods took off to…
- Officially announced that there will be no further operational flying for the month and leave…
- The squadron parade at GROMBALIA Landing Ground in honour of the visit of His Majesty the King…
- Nothing to report except a R.A.F. Concert Party, put up a very excellent show, which was…
- Voting parade held and all members were afforded the opportunity to vote. Capt. SANDERS, pilot…
- The squadron proceeded to Wing this evening to attend a concert given by the “Bandoliers”. A…
- Official intimation received that we are now under 205 Group for Administrative matters. Lt…
- One Warrant Officer and 22 airmen arrived from Adv. S.A.A.F. Base Depot to replace ground crews…
- The Commanding Officer flew Lt. Col. McGREGOR to MALTA and he returned late this evening. Lt…
- A signal received that enemy parachutists will be dropped during the night 28/29 June…
- Nothing of importance to report. Oprep. No. 319
- To the great relief of all concerned no parachutists as anticipated, were dropped during the…
- Nothing of importance to report. Oprep No. 321 Operations and Statistical Summaries Serial No…
July 1943 (67)
- Coinciding with the opening of the new month our landing ground will in future be known as BEN…
- No operational flying. “Oprep” No. 323 The Sergeant’s Mess Dance was a success but ended with a…
- 0940 A formation of 12 Baltimores took off to bomb the landing ground at TRAPANI/MILO in…
- War Diary 14 From : Senior Intelligence Officer, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. To : H.Q., N.A.A.F…
- SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 15 Sortie No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 324 Date. 3…
- War Diary 16 List of Aircraft and Crew List attached to Sortie Report No. 324 21 Squadron…
- War Diary 17 BOMBER COMBAT REPORT attached to Sortie Report No. 324, dated the 3rd July, 1943 -…
- No operational Flying. "Oprep" No. 325 Lieut. FORSYTH, Signals Officer, posted to 40 Squadron…
- 0240 Six Baltimores took off at intervals of three minutes to bomb SCIACCA Landing Ground…
- P O S T A G R A M. War Diary 19 To : HQ. RAF. ME. From : SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF. Serial No : 21…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 49/43 by LIEUT. COL. C. S. COPPEN D.F.C. Commanding Officer, No. 21…
- Five Baltimores took off at intervals to raid the Landing Ground at TRAPANI/MILO. The target…
- 0310 Two Baltimores took off on a night raid on SCIACCA L.G. The target was indicated by flares…
- 0220 Night raid by four Baltimores in SCIACCA L.G. The Commanding Officer was the pathfinder…
- War Diary 31 P O S T A G R A M. To : HQ.RAF.ME. From : SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF. Serial No : 21…
- Two Baltimores raided TRAPANI/MILO L.G. Slight inaccurate A.A. was encountered. Aircraft bombed…
- War Diary 33 P O S T A G R A M. To : HQ.RAF.ME. From : SIO. 21 SQUADRON. SAAF. Serial No : 21…
- Invasion of SICILY. Four Baltimores took off 2100 hrs on a night raid on CANICATTI Village…
- SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 34 Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 331 Date…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 51/43 by LIEUT. COL. C. S. COPPEN D.F.C. Commanding Officer, No. 21…
- 0220 Four Baltimores raided SCIACCA Landing Ground. Lt. Col COPPEN and Major JANDRELL were…
- 0015 Night raid by four Baltimores on road between AGRIGENTO – PALERMO. Visibility was good and…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 43 1st OPERATION: NIGHT. SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 47 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 337 Date…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 48 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 337 Date…
- 0007 Two Baltimores took off to bomb TERMINI Harbour. One aircraft was picked up by search…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 50 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 338 Date…
- Seven aircraft took off last night from 2158 hrs at approximately 5 to 10 minutes intervals to…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 53 NIGHT OPERATION. SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep…
- Seven Baltimores took off at 10 minute intervals from 2100 hrs. last night to interrupt road…
- Eight Baltimores, first aircraft airborne at 2100 hrs (rest at 10 minute intervals) searched…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 57 NIGHT OPERATION. SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 59 NIGHT OPERATION. SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep…
- PROMOTED ORDER NO. 56/43 No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. by War Diary. 60 LIEUT. COL. C. S. COPPEN…
- Three Baltimores took off at 15 minute intervals from 2100 hrs last night to interrupt road…
- Three Baltimores took off at intervals from 2100hrs last night to bomb any movement on roads…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 62 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 343 Date…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 63 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 343 Date…
- 0125 Four Baltimores took off at intervals of 20 minutes to bomb movement on roads leading from…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE 18th JULY, 1943 BEN HAGEN | 18th finally shot down in…
- After several days patient waiting the Malta move was at last affected. D.C.3’s aircraft…
- Rear Party Major JANDRELL, his crew and Capt. VILJOEN (Adm. Officer) left in Baltimore for…
- Rear Party Eighteen Baltimores left with full crews and additional ground personnel left for…
- The Baltimores started to arrive from about 1130 Hrs. and by 1300 Hrs. all 16 landed safely…
- War Diary - 67 To : AHQ. MALTA. HQ. RAF. ME. NAAF HQ. (attention 23rd SCORU) N.A.T.A.F…
- Rear Party Arrangements were made to receive an American Concert Party which was going to give…
- War Diary 68 To : AHQ. MALTA. HQ. RAF. ME. HQ. NAAF (attention 23rd SCORU). N.A.T.A.F…
- A formation of 12 Baltimores led by Major JANDRELL took off at 1430 Hrs to attack PATERNO town…
- War Diary 70 To : S.O.O. Officer AHQ. MALTA. Please repeat to : HQ. NAAF (attention 23rd SCORU)…
- Rear Party Notification was received that a Boston Aircraft of No. 24 Squadron was leaving for…
- 1605 Twelve Baltimores led by Capt. Stuart raided RANDAZZO Village. Bombs fell on SOUTH of…
- Rear Party 142 replacements arrived from CASTEL BENITO and 42 were allotted to this Squadron…
- NO operation flying. “Oprep” No. 349 The Commanding Officer flew to BEN HAGEN this afternoon.
- Rear Party The Junker piloted by Lt. Col. MOSSOP and a Baltimore piloted by Lt. EATON left for…
- 1427 Twelve Baltimores led my Major JANDRELL bombed ADRANO village. One box undershot slightly…
- We did two shows today. The first formation of twelve Baltimores were led by Major CORMACK and…
- Rear Party This was a happy day for the airmen as 42 replacements reported for duty. 63 N.M.C…
- Instructions were received from Wing that all R.T.U., A.P.C's and non signees were to be…
- 12 Baltimores led by Major JANDRELL bombed MILAZZO harbour. Bombs overshot and some fell in the…
- Eleven Baltimores led by Major Cormack took off at 0830 Hrs. to bomb REGALBUTO Village but…
- Two Baltimores carrying replacement aircrews left for MALTA, but returned owing to bad weather…
- Rear Party 58 R.T.U's, A.P.C's and non signees left for CASTEL BENITO. Eleven airmen who were…
- Captain ORD led a formation of 12 Baltimores to attack gun positions 2½ miles NORTH of SFERO…
- A formation of 12 Baltimores led by Major JANDRELL attacked gun positions SOUTH of ADRANO…
- Rear Party Everything was brought in readiness for the move on the following day. The Squadron…
- Another two shows today. The first formation of 12 Baltimores were led by Capt STUART and took…
- Rear Party Nothing of importance to record. T.B.F Movement Order (TBF/409/Org.)
August 1943 (56)
- A formation of 12 Baltimores led by Captain ORD took off at 1043 hours to attack junction of…
- Rear Party Instructions were received from 3 Wing, that the Squadron had to leave at 14.00 Hrs…
- Rear party Besides the final preparations made for Squadron to move the following day, nothing…
- A formation of two boxes of six Baltimores led by Major Jandrell took off at 1110 hours to…
- Rear party All preparations for moving the Squadron were completed early in the morning and the…
- Twelve Baltimores led by Major Cormack took off at 1359 hours to bomb gun positions at H762980…
- Formation of 12 Baltimores led by Capt Stuart took off at 0605 hours and attacked DUMP SOUTH of…
- Rear party Instructions were received from the Embarkation Officer that “B” party, had to…
- Twelve Baltimores were briefed to attack troops and guns in square H7696, (Map reference…
- No. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 5th AUGUST, 1943. LA GOULETTE 5th Cont. dropped…
- Rear party The barge sailed out of the harbour at about 1000 Hrs. and dropped anchor, just…
- No operation flying. Nothing of importance to record.
- Rear party At 1030 Hrs. the Convoy of 13 barges, escorted by 6 sub-chasers sailed for SICILY…
- We did two shows today. The first formation of twelve Baltimores led by Capt Ord took off at…
- Rear party The Convoy arrived safely at LICATA, on the Sicilian Coast at about 1030 Hrs. where…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 8th AUGUST, 1943. GELA, SICILY. 8th at 1030 hours and…
- Rear party The Squadron moved off at 0730 Hrs, to GELA, where it arrived at 1030 Hrs. and…
- No Operational Flying. Nothing of importance to record.
- Information received from 3 Wing that we will in all probability move over to LUQA Landing…
- Rear party Late in the afternoon a message was received that a member of the N.M.C was injured…
- An alert was sounded early this morning, but no raid materialised. Major Robbs, posted to…
- Rear party The town of GELA and the surrounding beach, was put ‘out of bounds’ to all ranks, on…
- Rear party A sight-seeing trip was arranged for some senior N.C.O.’s. The trip was quite…
- Four Baltimores took off from HAL FAR at intervals from 2015 Hrs. last night to attack road…
- Two Baltimores took off at 2300 Hrs. last night and attacked the road at C.9830 and a wadi at…
- Rear party It seemed as if the War had been stopped for a day, as everything looked so quiet…
- Four aircraft took off at intervals from 2255 Hrs. and searched for movement along road…
- Although this was Friday the 13th, the day on which the superstitious people hardly leave their…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 13th AUGUST, 1943. GALA, SICILY. 13th Although this…
- Rear party Major Featherstone and Lieut. Locker, went out to inspect the new camp site for 3…
- Four Baltimores briefed to attack road BAGNORA – GIOIA (ITALY) last night. Aircraft took off at…
- Four Baltimores took off at 20 minute intervals, from 2220 Hrs. last night on an armed recce of…
- Everybody got mobile early in the morning and by 0730 Hrs. the convoy was formed and ready to…
- Rear party Everybody got busy putting up the various section tents and their living tents and…
- No Operational Flying last night. The Commanding Officer, proceeded to SICILY to clear himself…
- Four Baltimores took off at ten minute intervals from 0050 Hrs. on an armed recce of the road…
- Rear party A message was received that the Squadron personnel at MALTA, would arrive the…
- Six Baltimores took off at 20 minute intervals from 2330 Hrs. last night on an armed recce of…
- The MALTA personnel did not arrive as expected and another message was received, informed that…
- Major Jandrell and Crew left for SICILY at 0800 Hrs. and the rest of the aircraft started to…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 19th AUGUST, 1943. CUTTICCHIO. 19th assemble for Col…
- The Aircraft conveying the Squadron Personnel from MALTA started to arrive early in the morning…
- Only two D.C 3’s arrived this morning and again a shuttle service was run. The pilots did very…
- The aircrews went out to the Aerodrome and made fire-breaks round the runway and dispersal…
- No Operational Flying. Two Air Gunners and two Ground Crew posted from CASTEL BENITO.
- No Operational Flying. Except for a very busy day for the Administrative Staff, nothing of…
- No Operational Flying. We were surprised by a terrific rainstorm this afternoon, accompanied by…
- This was an important day for the Squadron, as our new Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Britz…
- Lt. Col. Britz assumed his duties as Officer Commanding of this Squadron. Capt. Schoch was…
- Maj. Gen. Theron, paid the Sergeant’s Mess a social visit. He congratulated the Sergeants on…
- Maj. Featherstone was informed that he was nominated to attend a Staff Officers Course, at…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 24th AUGUST, 1943. CUTICCHI, SICILY. | 24th Cont…
- After a few days rest the Operational Bell was once more heard through the Camp. A formation of…
- Twelve Baltimores, led by Capt. Stuart took off at 0945 Hrs. and attacked the rail road…
- No Operational Flying as the landing ground is unserviceable due to yesterday’s rain. Major…
- No Operational Flying as the landing ground is still unserviceable. Nothing of importance to…
September 1943 (32)
- A formation of 12 Baltimores took off at 0810 Hrs., escorted by six Spitfires to attack troop…
- A formation of 12 aircraft took off at 10.30 Hrs. escorted by six Warhawks to attack RADIO…
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 0715 Hrs. to attack R.R. and R.D. bridges, S.E. of COSENZA. The…
- Lt. Robertson and Lt. McAravey reported for duty. A large number of personnel attended the…
- A formation of twelve of our Aircraft together with twelve Bostons of No. 24 Squadron…
- The Squadron commenced Night Operations. Four Aircraft bombed the town of S.MARCIA CAPRIA…
- W.O.I. Sinclair reported for duty ex No. 40 Squadron. Six Aircraft took off at 19.30 Hrs. to…
- News was received that Italy had unconditionally surrendered, the best news that the Squadron…
- Lt. F.J. Rose and Lt. H.T. Hall reported to the Squadron for duty. At 1930 Hrs. eight of our…
- Eight aircraft took off at 22.10 Hrs. for another Road Recce, all the Aircraft returned at…
- Lt. W.P. Smyth was posted to Advance S.A.A.F., H.Q. in order to attend a Medical Board. Eight…
- Eight Baltimores left base at fifteen minute intervals on an Armed Recce of roads in Central…
- Eight Aircraft took off at 00.50 Hrs to carry out an Armed Recce of roads in the Central Area…
- Another Armed Recce of roads was carried out by four Baltimores. Four other aircraft were…
- Formation took off at 15.15 Hrs. escorted by twelve P.40’s they attacked troops, N.E. of…
- The Airmen’s Mess was destroyed by fire to-day, the Court of Enquiry constituted to…
- E.N.S.A. provided a cinema show for the Squadron, which was much appreciated by all. Eight…
- Lt. Lascelles the new Transport Officer reported for duty to-day. Capt. Ord and Capt. Stuart…
- It was officially announced that Maj. Jandrell, Lt McDermott, 2nd. Lt. Le Roux, 2nd Lt…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 73/43. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. By Lt. Col. J. F. Britz, D.F.C…
- Nil.
- Lt. Blieden, Lt. Webber, Lt. Wright, F/Sgt. Bedford and F/Sgt. Finberg were informed to-day…
- An armed recce of roads was carried out by eight Baltimores. Bombs were dropped from 8000 /…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 74/43. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F., C.M.F. By LT. COL. J.F. BRITZ…
- Four Aircraft took off from 09.15 Hrs., thereafter at four minute intervals to attack roads in…
- Another Armed Recce raid of the AVELLINO area by four Aircraft of this Squadron, bombs were…
- No operations to-day.
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 10.55 Hrs. in order to follow a Boston Squadron, to attack troops…
- Major Coull (pilot) and Capt. van der Burgh (S.A.M.C.) reported for duty. Instructions were…
- The O.C. left for Italy by Air, in order to inspect various Aerodromes that may be utilized by…
- Preparation for departure. All the heavy transport and equipment not required, were moved to a…
- Instructions were received indicating that the move would take place within twenty four hours…
October 1943 (31)
- All arrangements were made for the move to the Italian mainland; vehicles were packed and ready…
- No instructions received as to when the move will take place; all the Squadron personnel…
- Instructions received that the move would take place early on the 4th. The remainder of the…
- At 01.00 Hrs., further instructions were received cancelling the move to-day. All Sections were…
- Several times during the day instructions were issued in regard to the move and subsequently…
- The Squadrons were informed by the Wing that owing to the lack of shipping, they would have to…
- As it was apparent that the rainy weather had set in, instructions were issued that all ranks…
- The O.C. who had flown to GERBINI with flying personnel, visited the Squadron. More rain made…
- As it appeared likely that the Squadron would remain at the staging point for some time, the…
- Nothing of importance to report, Normal Administrative work carried out.
- A meeting of Squadron Adjutants was held at Wing Headquarters, to discuss new arrangements for…
- Wing Headquarters left for MESSINA to embark for Italy.
- No. 12 Squadron moved off to embark for the mainland.
- Another heavy down-pour which made things more uncomfortable for everyone. No. 24 Squadron left…
- The road party, under Major Viljoen left for the staging area at 06.00 Hrs. for MESSINA. The…
- At 06.00 Hrs. the convoy moved off to the beach from where the party was ferried across to the…
- The convoy moved off early next morning and travelled to NICASTRO, where the second halt was…
- The convoy pulled out at 08.00 Hrs. and travelled for about sixty miles before halting at a…
- The convoy was late in moving off as there was a shortage of petrol, in addition is the fact…
- Early next morning the journey across to the East Coast commenced. This was another steep climb…
- At 07.00 Hrs. the convoy moved off travelling over a very bad road for seventy miles and…
- Early next morning the convoy struck the main East Coast Road at TARANTO. The M.T. Officer was…
- The final lap of our long journey to-day. The convoy arrived at the new Camp TORTORELLA…
- A start was made on establishing the Camp; tents were pitched and all Sections cooperated in an…
- By mid-day, after much hard work the Squadron had become fairly well organized and were able to…
- A number of new aircrews reported for duty, A/Sgt. Craig, was injured by the explosion of a…
- The Squadron was on Standby, but later in the day this was cancelled and no operations were…
- There were no operations to-day. Lt. Guard left on his return to the Union.
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 12.30 hours to bomb guns and troop positions at H.331523, clouds…
- No Operations to-day. Nothing to report. Squadron R/O. 82/43
- No Operations to-day. The Sergeants were given permission to utilise a nearby brick building as…
November 1943 (33)
- Twelve Baltimores led twelve Bostons from 24 Squadron, followed by another 12 Bostons from 12…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 1st November 1943 3rd November 1943. TORTORELLA 1st…
- A formation of twelve aircraft left at 10.05 hours to bomb railroad Marshalling yards at COLLE…
- A formation took off to attack a road junction at ALFEDENA. After the target area had been hit…
- NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 3rd November, 1943 6th November 1943 TORTORELLA 3rd…
- No Operations to-day. Nothing unusual to report.
- Twelve aircraft took off at 09.00 hours leading twelve Baltimores of No. 232 Wing in order to…
- No operations.
- Twelve of our Baltimores led No. 12 and No. 24 Squadrons in an attack on Gun Positions (C…
- A formation of twelve aircraft followed No. 12 and No. 24 Squadrons to bomb gun positions at…
- Nil operations. A signal was received from Advance S.A.A.F. H.Q.’s to the effect that a Transit…
- Nil operations. Major General Venter, D.G.A.F., visited the Squadron; he had morning tea in the…
- Capt. Dieu who was reported missing after the raid on the 3rd, returned to the Squadron. He had…
- Our aircraft again visited STAZ DI PALENA in order to bomb guns, troops and M.T. in that area…
- Another raid on STAZ DI PALENA, to-day by twelve of our aircraft. The target was well hit…
- No operations to-day. A terrific wind storm sprang up blowing down some tents and made things…
- No operations again to-day. On verbal authority of the D.G.A.F., during his visit to the…
- No operations. Mail arrived causing a great deal of excitement as no mail had been received for…
- Nil operations. Nothing unusual to report.
- Twelve of our aircraft followed No. 12 Squadron in an attack on RIVISONDOLI leaving the…
- Thirteen men arrived from Advance Base to replace those details who are returning home.
- Nil operations. The Adjutant left for BARI to visit Advance S.A.A.F. Headquarters in order to…
- A formation of Baltimores took off from 08.34 hours in threatening weather to attack gun and…
- No operations to-day. The aircrews left camp in lorries in order to fetch the aircraft left at…
- No operations were possible to-day as it rained heavily all day.
- Twelve aircraft took off at 14.16 hours to bomb guns and troops at point C.370015. The first…
- Lt. Col. C.P. Kotzé, the new Commanding Officer, together with Lt. Carter, his observer…
- To-day was a bright and sunny day and full advantage was taken of this by Allied Air Command…
- Capt. Dieu the Belgian officer who had flown one of the aircraft which crashed on the 3rd…
- The weather was excellent for flying to-day and the Squadron carried out three raids. In the…
- 21 SQUADRON SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 29th November 1943 29th November 1943 TORTORELLA 29th…
- The weather was excellent for flying to-day and the Squadron carried out three raids. In the…
- Twelve of our aircraft took off at 12.03 hours to attack enemy troops and gun positions at…
December 1943 (30)
- The weather was bad and only one raid was carried out to-day. In this twelve Baltimores from…
- At 09.38 hours a formation of twelve of our aircraft took off to attack defended positions in…
- 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 3rd December, 1943. 7th December, 1943. TORTORELLA. 3rd…
- No operations were carried out to-day. In the afternoon several representatives from each…
- Although the weather was fairly good, no operations were carried out to-day. Brigadier…
- No operations. Nothing of importance to report. Squadron Routine Order. No. 94/43
- Twelve of our aircraft set off at 12.33 hours to bomb concentration areas in the WEST ORSOGNA…
- The weather was excellent thus enabling the Squadron to carry out two raids. In the first the…
- Signal arrived stating that Lieut. D.G. Wood had been given the immediate award of the D.S.O…
- Nil operations. It commenced raining early in the morning and rained throughout the day and…
- 11-14 December It rained on and off during this period and no operations were carried out…
- Although it was a bright and sunny day no operations were carried out. Capt. J. Lindsay, the…
- A raid was carried out to-day on M.T. and troop concentrations EAST of MIGLIANICO. Twelve…
- Nil operations. Nothing of note, or unusual, to record. Squadron Routine Order No. 107/43.
- Nil operations.
- The weather was good to-day and the Squadron carried out another raid. The target for this…
- The weather was poor and no operations were undertaken during this period. Two popular…
- Nil operations
- A raid was carried out against enemy positions in the Western portion of ORSOGNA during the…
- Nil operations. Authority was received for the posting O.T.E. of the majority of the R.A.F…
- No operations again to-day. There was a great deal of activity in all the Messes as final…
- 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 25th December, 1943. 27th December, 1943. TORTORELLA 25th…
- Christmas Day turned out to be the coldest we have yet experienced. Although the rain held off…
- The rain, which had started the previous night, continued throughout the day making conditions…
- 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. 27th December, 1943. 30th December, 1943. TORTORELLA…
- Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges and Lieut. McAravey, arrived back at the Squadron after having spent a…
- No operations on account of the weather.
- Although still very cold, the weather conditions had improved sufficiently to allow an…
- A formation took off at 12.02 hours to attack troop concentrations EAST of TOLLO. Bursts were…
- Poor weather again to-day. No operations
1944
January 1944 (33)
- The New Year commenced with the worst weather we have yet experienced in Italy; a strong wind…
- Although the weather had improved, no operations were carried out to-day. Two observers, Lieut…
- The weather was good to-day and the Squadron carried out an operation. The target was shipping…
- A formation of our aircraft took off at 0919 Hrs. to bomb the town of PRETORO. As the ground…
- The weather, unbelievable as it seemed, was worse than that on New Year’s Day, ~~and~~…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 6th January…
- No operations although there was a slight improvement in the weather. Arrangements were made to…
- No operations. Nothing unusual to report.
- No operations. Nothing unusual to report.
- The weather having improved considerably, the Squadron carried out an operation. The target was…
- In the morning a formation of twelve of our aircraft took off to attack the town of PALENA. The…
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 0904 Hrs. to bomb M.T. concentrations in PALENA. NO enemy…
- PALENA was again the target for to-day’s raid. Bursts were seen from the leading box just short…
- Late in the morning a formation of our aircraft took off to bomb the factory area of LORETA…
- Another raid was carried out on the factory area and Tank Repair Shops at LORETA. The…
- Nil operations. Capt. E. Shaw of Advance S.A.A.F. Headquarters visited the Squadron.
- In the early afternoon the aircraft took off to attack defended strong points EAST of TOLLO…
- No operations. Poor weather conditions. Six ground personnel, Other ranks, left for Bari on…
- No operations were carried out to-day. Capt. Nicolle, the new Intelligence Officer, reported…
- Two raids were undertaken to-day. In the first, the aircraft left base at 1019 Hrs. to bomb…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 20th…
- At 0930 Hrs. twelve of our Baltimores took off to bomb POPOLI Railway Station. On identifying…
- Nil Operations. The Africa Star ribbon was issued to Squadron personnel entitled to wear it…
- In the afternoon another attack was made in the POPOLI area; the target for this raid was the…
- In the morning an attack was made on the Railway Station and Marshalling Yards of SULMONA. The…
- Early in the morning a formation of our aircraft took off to bomb PENNE and create a road block…
- At 0900 Hrs. our aircraft set off to bomb TOLLO. Bombs fell to the EAST of target in broad…
- Nil operations. Bad Weather conditions. Squadron Routine Orders No. 5/44
- A formation of twelve of our aircraft took off at 1442 Hrs. to bomb the road junction and…
- In an early raid this morning POPOLI was again the target. Each Vic bombed independently, bombs…
- A raid was carried out on the Chemical Factory at POPOLI to-day. The leading box identified the…
- Instructions received for a stand down for three days, subject to twelve hours recall.
- News received that the O.C., Lt. Col. C.P. Kotzé and Major A.L. Stuart had been awarded the…
February 1944 (63)
- Nil operations. Lt. Col. A.C. Jandrell, D.F.C., who was previously a Flight Commander with the…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE Van/From 2nd February…
- No operations to-day. Lt. Col. Kotzé, a few Officers and senior N.C.O.s., left on a week’s…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE Van/From 3rd February…
- APPENDIX "A" (Part A) Sheet No. | Op/Rep. Ref No. | Date | Squadron |---|---|---| Type of…
- APPENDIX "B" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541A Sheet No. | Op/Rep. Ref No. | Date |…
- APPENDIX "C" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 7/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- The weather was good and the Squadron carried out an early operation. The target was the…
- APPENDIX "A" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date |…
- APPENDIX "B" 72 SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE Van/From 4th February…
- APPENDIX "D" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541A Sheet No. | Op/Rep. Ref No. | Date |…
- The weather was fairly good and an early operation was carried out. Twelve Baltimores took off…
- APPENDIX "D" 74 SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- The weather was very bad with rain and a cold wind and no operations could be carried out…
- Bad weather rendered operations impossible. Lt. Col. Kotzé left for BARI on his return to the…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER No. 9/44 dd. 7. 2. 44 continued. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. 79 PAGE TWO…
- Although the weather improved slightly, no operations could be carried out to-day. Lieut…
- The weather improved considerably and although there was a standby from early morning, the…
- APPENDIX "F" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref No. | Date |…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 4th February…
- APPENDIX "F" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. 76 | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- Again the weather was very bad with rain and a very cold wind. No operations to-day. Lieut…
- The weather cleared and it was a beautiful day. An early operation was carried out by the…
- APPENDIX "G" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date |…
- APPENDIX "G" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. 77 | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- It commenced to rain at about 10.00 hours, and all operations for the day were cancelled. P/O…
- The weather improved, but not sufficiently to enable any operation to be carried out to-day…
- APPENDIX "H" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 9/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- APPENDIX "I" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 11/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. 80 By LT. COL. A. C…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 9/44 dd. 7. 2. 44 continued. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. 79 PAGE TWO…
- Snow fell during the night and lay about two inches deep in the morning. This is the first snow…
- The weather improved remarkably and an early Op. was carried out. The target was COLLEFERRO…
- APPENDIX "K" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date |…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 12th February…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 14th February…
- APPENDIX "J" R.A.F. Form 541 A. 81 SORTIE REPORT (Part A) | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- APPENDIX "K" SORTIE REPORT (Part A) R.A.F. Form 541 A. 82 | Sheet No. | Oprep. Ref. No. | Date…
- On account of bad weather no raids could be carried out. Nothing of importance happened during…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 16th February…
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 08.45 hours to bomb mechanical Transport and supply dumps. Heavy…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 17th February…
- All the aircraft, that landed at POMIGLIANO the previous day, returned safely. No operations…
- The Adjutant and the advance party left TORTORELLA at 09.15 hours, and with the exception of…
- Sites were allocated by the Adjutant; sections and personnel started to settle down. Vehicles…
- The advance party carried on establishing the various sections in readiness for operations as…
- The final order for the move of the rear party was received. After the aircrews were briefed…
- The remainder of the ground crew left at TORTORELLA proceeded to the Advance Camp. The aircraft…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 22nd February…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 20th February…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 22nd February…
- Although the weather was good no operations were carried out by the Squadron.
- It started to rain early in the morning and all operations for the day were cancelled…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 25th February…
- It was still raining and all our aircraft were grounded for the day. Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges…
- During the morning the sun was shining brightly, but the sky became overcast later and…
- Although the weather was fairly good no operations were carried out. The appointment came…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 28th February…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 26th February…
- Twelve aircraft took off at 09.17 hours to bomb CHIETI Railway Station. The route out was…
- The burial of Capt. v.d. Riet, the pilot who was killed the previous day, took place at the…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 28th February…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 29th February…
March 1944 (49)
- The weather was fairly good and there was an early standby but no raids were carried out during…
- GEHEIM — SECRET. OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 2nd March…
- At 08.20 hours twelve aircraft took off to bomb an assembly and gun area in woods at F872375…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 2nd March…
- Information was received that Lieut. Longmore’s crew was safe, also F/Sgt. Robbertse, the…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 3rd March…
- Despite good weather no operations were carried out to-day. Nothing of importance happened…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 19/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- Nil operations owing to inclement weather. Authority was received promoting Lieut. Faure…
- Bad weather hampered operations. Nothing of importance happened to-day.
- The weather improved during the morning and an operation was carried out. The target was…
- Twelve Baltimores took off at 12.29 hours to bomb supply dumps in the vicinity of ZAGAROLO…
- "I" 138 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 20/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL…
- No operations could be carried out owing to bad weather.
- The weather was extremely wet; towards the evening the rain increased causing anxiety to…
- A large proportion of the living tents were flooded owing to heavy rain the previous night. It…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 11th March…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 21/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. BY LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- The weather deteriorated considerably and no operations were carried out. Squadron Routine…
- The day was marked by very good weather enabling two operations to be carried out. On the first…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 22/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- Although weather was fairly good no operations were carried out to-day. W.O. Atkinson returned…
- The Squadron took off early to-day to bomb SAN BENEDETTO Railway Station. The leader’s bomb…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 15th March…
- Wet weather prevented operations in the morning. In the afternoon the weather cleared and the…
- Twelve Baltimores from this Squadron leading a formation from 223 Squadron set off to bomb…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 17th March…
- The target this morning was an Ammo. dump at the Eastern edge of ROME. The leading aircraft…
- Eleven Baltimores took off at 08.52 hours followed by a formation from 223 Squadron to bomb…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 23/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- No operations to-day but practice flying was carried out. Lieut. Otto Greder and W.O.1…
- Nil operations owing to rain. Capt. Adam, Lieut. Mackay (pilots), W.O.11. Lombard, W.O.11…
- Rain prevented operations in the morning. Thirteen Baltimores set off at 16.43 hours to bomb…
- A fire broke out in the Airmen’s Mess at approximately 05.00 hours and despite all efforts the…
- Thirteen Baltimores (one returned after 15 minutes owing to engine trouble) took off at 12.00…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 24th March…
- No operations to-day owing to bad weather. Lieut. Edmayr (observer) reported for duty.
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 24/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- W.O.1. Robbertse (air gunner), A/Sgt Millar, A Sgt. Booysens left for BARI for R.T.U. as tour…
- Thirteen Baltimores took off at 08.25 hours to bomb an Ammo. Factory 11 miles S.W. of CHIETI…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 27th March…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 26/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- No raids were carried out to-day owing to strong winds. The morale of the camp received a boost…
- The weather improved considerably and three operations were carried out to-day. The target for…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 29th March…
- The day was marked with good weather and it appeared as if Spring was setting in at long last…
- Twelve Baltimores airborne by 08.46 hours from BIFERNO to attack the railway bridge near…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 31st March…
April 1944 (35)
- No operations to-day owing to inclement weather. Two Canadian Army officers arrived on the…
- Twelve Baltimores took off by 14.20 hours to attack FOLIGNO Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous was…
- APPENDIX "B" 181 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 28/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- A formation of twelve Baltimores took off at 08.30 hours to bomb the barracks about a mile S.W…
- APPENDIX "D" 185 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 29/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- The weather was fairly good and there was an early standby but no operational flying carried…
- No operations to-day. Lieuts. ASKEW and HARLE were posted R.T.U. and Lieut. BARNES was posted…
- Lieuts. HARLE and MURMAN left for BARI on posting to the Union as tour expired. A raid was…
- Two raids were carried out to-day. On the first raid the GALLETO hydro-electric stations was…
- The road and rail bridges over the VOMANO river were successfully attacked to-day . Moderate…
- APPENDIX "I" 190 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 31/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. BY LT. COL. A.C…
- Inclement weather hampered operations. Capt. BARROWMAN of Advanced S.A.A.F. H.Q. and Capt…
- Rain fell early in the morning . Nil operations and nothing of importance to report. Squadron…
- No operations to-day. Padre BARKER and Capt. van VUUREN left for BARI on official business…
- One operation carried out to-day. Sortie Report No. 627. W.O.1 SCHOEMAN was promoted to the…
- Two raids to-day on road and rail bridges and marshalling yards and good results were observed…
- Nil operations. Lieut. COGGAN, the new transport officer reported for duty. Squadron Routine…
- Two successful raids carried out to-day. The target for the first was a railroad bridge east of…
- APPENDIX "S" 202 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 34/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- Two attacks were made to-day on an Ammo. Dump near SPOLETO and no enemy opposition was…
- Two raids carried out - one on an Ammo. Dump near SPOLETO and the other on POPOLI Railway…
- A successful attack was made on a factory north of POPOLI and no enemy opposition was…
- Nothing of importance to report.
- Nothing of importance to report.
- One operation to-day. Sortie Report No. 640.
- The day was marked with bad weather, rain preventing the carrying out of any operations. Capt…
- A very busy day as the Squadron moved to the new camp site on higher ground. There were two…
- A successful raid was made on the Marshalling Yards at FOLIGNO. Sortie Report No. 644. Lieut…
- Nil operations. Another consignment of very welcome parcels arrived. An accident occurred on…
- APPENDIX "BB" 210 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 36/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- A very dull day with showers and no operations.
- As above and nothing of importance to report.
- One raid to-day and the target was a fuel dump near MASSA MARTANA. Sortie Report No. 648
- Three Baltimores set off to bomb and straff a suspected wireless station in the mountains S.W…
- A windy day and nil operations. Appendix to war diary – 21 Squadron, 3 S.A.A.F Wing Period –…
May 1944 (36)
- The first raid of the month was a successful attack on a Chemical Factory N.W. of POPOLI…
- Two operations took place to-day and excellent results were observed. The target for the first…
- Only one raid to-day which was on an Ammo. Dump near ORTE. Sortie Report No. 654.
- A busy day. Three raids were carried out. The first target was an Ammo. Dump near ORTE but…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 39/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By APPENDIX "H" 238 LT. COL. A.C…
- An Ammo. Dump at ORTE was attacked twice to-day and on the second raid a medium explosion with…
- Only one raid to-day and a Stores Dump east of LORETO was the target. Sortie Report No. 660…
- Nil operations and nothing of importance to report. Squadron Routine Order No. 40/44.
- No operations to-day owing to inclement weather.
- No operations and nothing of importance to report. 10/10 cloud prevented the bombing of the…
- It was opening night for the new Officers' Mess and a number of visitors from other Units…
- Gun positions were attacked West of PONTECORVO on the first raid of the day but cloud over…
- APPENDIX "P" 247 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 41/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- Gun positions near PONTECORVO was the target for both raids to-day. Heavy ack ack was…
- The Squadron carried out two sorties to-day and Gun positions were successfully attacked near…
- The targets on both operations to-day were gun positions near PONTECORVO. Sortie Reports Nos…
- On the first raid of the day the Squadron most successfully attacked gun positions near…
- The Squadron carried out two raids to-day and gun positions and a troop area were attacked. The…
- Gun positions near ROCCASECCA were attacked twice, and the ack-ack was very accurate resulting…
- Only one raid to-day when gun positions were attacked near ROCCASECCA. Sortie Report No. 679
- A similar target was bombed as on the previous day. Sortie Report No. 680. Capt. STRUWIG…
- Nil operations. Nothing of importance to report. Squadron Routine Order No. 47/44
- Two raids were carried out to-day in support of the Army. On the first operation intense, heavy…
- A very windy and unpleasant day and no operations were carried out. Lieut. SAGER of the…
- One operation to-day on road and rail junctions near CISTERNA. Sortie Report No. 685. Group…
- Two operations, one to attack gun concentrations near ROCCASECCA, and the other to create a…
- A successful attack on a railway bridge near FOSSOMBRONE, which was the only raid of the day…
- The target for to-day was an Ammo. Dump and some explosions followed by black smoke were…
- Three operations to-day. On each occasion the object was to create a road-block near…
- APPENDIX "RR" 275 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 48/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- One successful attack on the town of LIVNO. Sortie Report No. 693 Squadron Routine Order No…
- Three raids to-day, all on gun positions. On the first operation the aircraft piloted by Major…
- The targets on two raids to-day were enemy occupied villages and good results were achieved…
- APPENDIX "ZZ" 284 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 50/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- APPENDIX "AAA" 285 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 51/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- MRKONJICGRAD Town, in Yugoslavia, was attached twice to-day as the first raid proved abortive…
June 1944 (37)
- Two raids were carried out and a railway bridge south of CAGLI and entrenched positions were…
- Nil operations. The following aircrews reported for duty : Lieuts. SMELLIE and KENT (pilots)…
- Targets in Yugoslavia were attacked twice to-day. Harbour installations of Split and Omis…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 52/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. APPENDIX "F" 310 By LT. COL. A. C…
- One operation to-day - against Torre Railway Bridge, and no enemy opposition was encountered…
- CATTOLICA Railroad Bridge was the target to-day on one operation. Direct hits were observed on…
- Two operations were carried out to-day. Cattolica Railroad Bridge and Porto San Giorgio…
- Nil operations. Lieut. ELLIOT-WILSON (pilot) reported for duty. The following crews were posted…
- No operations to-day and nothing of importance to report.
- Railway Bridges at CATTOLICA and CHIARAVALLE were attacked during two sorties. Excellent…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO.55/44. 21 SQUADRON, S. A. A. F. APPENDIX "M" 321 By LT.COL. A. C…
- Two raids to-day and railway bridges at CHIARVALLE and FANO were the targets. No enemy…
- Inclement weather prevented operations and nothing of importance to report.
- Inclement weather prevented operations and nothing of importance to report.
- On two raids railway bridges were bombed near FABRIANO and FOSSATO. On the second raid the…
- On the first operation a Railway Bridge near FANO was bombed without enemy opposition. Sortie…
- Nil operations. News was received that the Squadron would be moving up shortly.
- Two operations to-day and railway bridges attacked on both occasions. Sortie Reports Nos. 723 &…
- The Squadron was briefed to attack FANO Railroad Bridge but the raid was cancelled owing to…
- No operations to-day. Nothing of importance to report. Squadron Routine Orders Nos. 57/44 &…
- APPENDIX "Y" 339 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 58/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- No operations to-day. Nothing of importance to report.
- Nil operations. A number of parcels arrived which were quickly distributed to the fortunate…
- FOSSOMBRONE Railroad Bridge and CHIARAVALLE Railroad Bridge were bombed on two operations…
- Bridges at FOSSOMBRONE and CATTOLICA attacked, and good results observed on the second…
- CATTOLICA Railway Bridge successfully attacked to-day. Sortie Report No. 733
- No operations to-day. “A” Party left CAMPOMARINA for PESCARA.
- 3 Wing visited by Field Marshal SMUTS who, after having lunch at 21 Squadron, addressed all…
- Summary of Events and Information: The meal would have done justice to any table. It was quite…
- SAN MARINO Marshalling Yards were bombed on one operation to-day. Sortie Report No. 736 “B”…
- Brigadier HINGESTON accompanied by Col. MOSSOP paid 21 Squadron a visit. Squadron Routine Order…
- No operations. The Squadron has more or less settled down in its new surroundings. Major Jimmy…
- Summary of Events and Information: another move with the vehicles in their present state…
- Summary of Events and Information: fortunately the crew were uninjured. Sortie Report No. 739…
- Twelve aircraft participated in a raid on CESENA Marshalling Yards and while over the target…
- Summary of Events and Information: Major Dalling, D.F.C., O.C. "B" Flight, Lieut. McAravey…
- FAENZA Marshalling Yards and a road bridge near IESI bombed to-day. On the first operation the…
July 1944 (34)
- There were two raids to-day. In the first raid twelve Baltimores took off at 09.33 hours (one…
- Two raids to-day. First raid with 12 Balties airborne at 10.27 hours to bomb LUGO Marshalling…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 2nd July…
- Two raids to-day. First raid twelve Baltimores took off (one returned early with bomb-load due…
- Only one raid to-day. Twelve Baltis airborne at 08.55 hours to bomb railway line between FAENZA…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 63/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. APPENDIX "H" 35 By LT. COL. A.C…
- Heavy rain fell last night which rendered the runway U/s for quite a few hours. Stand-down for…
- Two raids to-day. Twelve Baltis airborne at 09.08 hours (one returned owing to engine trouble…
- One raid to-day. Twelve Baltis airborne at 09.06 hours to bomb RIMINI Jetty with close escort…
- One raid to-day. Eleven Baltis took off at 08.05 hours (one returned with bomb load after…
- APPENDIX "N" 42 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 66/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 65/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. APPENDIX "M" 41 By LT. COL. A.C…
- No raids to-day. Weather inclement, slight rain followed by a typical Transvaal thunderstorm…
- No raids to-day. CHIETI, a village about ten miles from here, has proved quite an attraction…
- One raid to-day. Eleven Baltis airborne at 17.50 hours to attack a gun area 5 miles N.W. of…
- SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 67/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. APPENDIX "P" 44 By LT. COL. A.C…
- No raids to-day. Cloudy weather. Capt. Jan VISSER, who has been in hospital for some time…
- Two raids to-day. First raid with twelve Baltis was airborne at 08.45 hours (one aircraft…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 13th July…
- One raid to-day. Twelve Baltimores airborne at 08.47 hours to attack fuel dumps at TAVOLA. They…
- Two raids to-day. First raid twelve Baltis airborne at 11.45 hours to attack gun positions 3…
- Two raids to-day. First raid twelve Baltimores airborne at 09.10 hours to attack gun positions…
- Two raids to-day. First raid 12 Baltis airborne at 07.10 hours to attack a gun area on the…
- Last raid on Baltimores. Twelve Baltis airborne at 15.02 hours to attack road bridge 10 miles…
- APPENDIX "AA" 55 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 68/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- Nine new pilots and four observers arrived this morning - Lieuts. BECKE, ISTED, ANDERSON…
- An air raid alarm sounded at 22.30 hours; no enemy aircraft seen or heard. Lieuts. WHITEHOUSE…
- Capt. ROBINSON, Lieut. EMSLIE, Capt. DUBY, Lieut. SMITH, Lieut. VOLSCHENK and Lieut. TROUP were…
- Col. VILJOEN visited the Squadron in the course of his tour of inspection. He was entertained…
- 23 to 29 Jul A quiet week apart from the very strenuous work that a conversion entails. Several…
- APPENDIX "EE" 61 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 72/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 22nd July…
- A soccer match was played this afternoon at CHIETI against the Ities. It roused a great deal of…
- Lt. Col. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C. returned from BARI to-day. Since the Squadron has been operating…
August 1944 (30)
- 1 - 15 Aug Continuous Marauder training. Little of outside interest to report.
- Lieuts. FORSTER, WILMOT and W.O. ELK (WT/AGs) reported for duty.
- W.O. GOODWIN (WT/AG) reported for duty.
- Col. ROBINS, Lt. Col. PAPENFUS, Lt. Col. Lewis LANG visited the Squadron.
- Squadron Routine Order No. 73/44
- 2/Lt. WILLIAMS (Pilot) reported for duty and Lieut. WILMOTT (WT/AG) left on posting to 30…
- APPENDIX "B" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 74/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C…
- Lieut. OWEN-HUGHES (Observer) who left us as O.T.E. while in Sicily, reported for duty…
- Once again the Squadron has returned to ops., having successfully converted to Marauders in the…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 15th August…
- Twelve Marauders took off from Pescara at 09.05 hours to attack the Railroad Bridge over the…
- Twelve Marauders airborne at 09.10 hours to attack Railroad Bridge near ROVIGO. The raid was…
- APPENDIX "F" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 75/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. 112 By LT. COL. A.C…
- Nil operations and nothing of importance to report.
- Twelve Marauders airborne by 11.40 hours to attack Railroad Bridge across Adice River 10 miles…
- Twelve Marauders from Pescara by 08.45 hours to attack the PORTO MAGGIORE Marshalling Yards…
- Twelve Marauders took off at 08.30 hours to attack RAVENNA Marshalling Yards. The formation was…
- Twelve Marauders airborne at 08.30 hrs. accompanied by a further six aircraft of 12 Squadron to…
- Twelve Marauders briefed to attack IMOLA Marshalling Yards and formation took off from Pescara…
- Nil operations to-day and nothing of importance to report.
- Great attack on Gothic Line commenced and on the following day the Squadron commenced a new…
- 24 Marauders, in formations of four aircraft each, took off from Pescara during the day to…
- 23 Marauders took off at intervals in five boxes of four aircraft each and one box of three…
- 18 Marauders took off from Pescara during the day to attack two gun areas 6 miles and 10 miles…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 28th August…
- 23 Marauders briefed during the day to attack strong points in the Pesaro area in support of…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 29th August…
- OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY. OF—VAN 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Van/From 29th August…
- Eleven Marauders in three boxes airborne from Pescara at 10.25, 11.06 and 11.44 hours…
- Twelve Marauders briefed to attack enemy strong points near Pesaro. First two boxes straddled…
September 1944 (34)
- "D" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No 79/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL, D.F.C…
- 23 Marauders airborne from PESCARA to attack an Enemy strongpoint about three miles west of…
- Nil operations and nothing of importance to report.
- Nil operations and nothing of importance to report.
- 14 Marauders in four boxes set off at intervals from PESCARA to attack an enemy strongpoint…
- "G" 176 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 80/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A. C. JANDRELL…
- 23 Marauders in five boxes of four and one of three aircraft airborne from PESCARA during the…
- Nil Operations.
- Nil Operations.
- Three R.A.F. WT/AGs reported for duty – Sgts. OVEREE, FOSTER and McHUGH. Twelve aircrews were…
- 22 Marauders in boxes of four aircraft and two boxes of three aircraft each attacked an Enemy…
- 24 Marauders briefed to attack Enemy strongpoints in the RIMINI area. The bombs of the first…
- 23 Marauders airborne from PESCARA to attack enemy strongpoints in the RIMINI sector. First…
- A formation of 12 Marauders in boxes of four aircraft attacked an enemy strongpoint with its…
- 24 Marauders in boxes of four aircraft each airborne from PESCARA during the day to attack…
- Twelve Marauders in three boxes off from PESCARA by 11.25 hours to attack a strongpoint area…
- 12 Marauders in three boxes of 4 aircraft each, briefed to attack an Enemy strongpoint, with…
- "P" 185 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 84/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By MAJOR R. H. AITCHISON…
- Three boxes of 4 aircraft each briefed to attack an enemy strong point area with its centre at…
- "Q" 186 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 85/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By MAJOR R.H. AITCHISON. Act…
- Twelve Marauders in three boxes of four aircraft each airborne from PESCARA at 13.30 hours to…
- 24 Marauders off from PESCARA during the day to attack enemy positions near RIMINI. The first…
- Eleven Marauders in 2 boxes of four and one box of three aircraft briefed to attack an Enemy…
- Nil operations. The following new arrivals reported for duty :- Lieut. COLLENDER, 2/Lt. STUART…
- No operations to-day. Sgt. CORDELL (RAF) pilot; Sgt. DAVIDSON (RAF), F/Sgt. EAVE (RAF) A.Gs…
- Twelve Marauders in three boxes of 4 aircraft set out to attack a Road Bridge at M.629274. The…
- Eleven Marauders, in two boxes of four aircraft and one of three aircraft briefed to attack a…
- Twelve Marauders briefed to attack the Marshalling Yards at FORLI. First box straddled Eastern…
- Nil operations. Lt. Col. D. ORD, D.F.C., previously from this Squadron, arrived to take over as…
- Twelve Marauders airborne at 11.25 hours to bomb area M.707055–M.715055 – 717058 – 707058. A…
- Inclement weather – no operations – nothing of importance to report.
- Inclement weather – no operations – nothing of importance to report.
- Inclement weather – no operations – nothing of importance to report.
- Summary – September 1944 The month of September can be regarded as an outstanding month in many…
October 1944 (5)
- APPENDIX "A" 256 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 96/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- APPENDIX "B" 257 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 97/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- APPENDIX "D" 259 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 99/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. BY LT. COL. D. ORD…
- October was a particularly dull month for 21 Squadron as no operations were possible owing to…
- No operations were carried out by this Squadron during the month of October. Continual rain…
November 1944 (6)
- APPENDIX "A" 238 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 100/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- APPENDIX "B" 239 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 101/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- APPENDIX "C" 240 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 102/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- APPENDIX "D" 241 SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 108/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- Appendix to the War Diary – 21 Squadron – 3 SAAF Wing Period 1st to 30th November 1944…
- Heavy rains during the month of November prevented completion of the necessary hard stands on…
December 1944 (20)
- Stand-down - no operations.
- 2/Lt. BEDFORD (A.G.) reported for duty on a second tour in this Squadron. Lieut. WREN-SARGENT…
- 11 replacements for ground crew arrived. Capt. HILLHOUSE (Armament Officer) posted to 3 Wing…
- Capt. PITCHFORD (Medical Officer) arrived to replace Capt. v.d. BURGH.
- 20 ground crew personnel posted R.T.U. Squadron Routine Order No. 111/44
- Lieuts. FRANCIS, GOUGH and 2/Lts. HORNE and SHEEL (pilots); 2/Lts. ALBERTYN & RYAN (observers)…
- W.O.1. BRODIE (WT/AG) and 4 ground crew personnel posted R.T.U. as tour expired. Brigadier…
- A signal was received to the effect that Enemy paratroopers were in the vicinity of this camp…
- APPENDIX "B" SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 113/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. D. ORD…
- After a long stand-down, operations were resumed to-day when 12 Marauders led by Capt. Nicolay…
- Eleven Marauders were airborne from Iesi Landing Ground at 12.50 hours led by Lieut. Brunette…
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- 12 Marauders airborne from IESI at 11.04 hours, led by Lt. Col. ORD to attack the TREVISO…
- Twelve Marauders airborne from IESI Landing Ground at 11.43 hours led by Capt. NICOLAY to bomb…
- Twelve Marauders airborne from IESI at 10.42 hours, led by Major HAMLET, to attack the TREVISO…
- 12 Marauders airborne from IESI by 11.05 hours to attack three bridges at ZIDANI MOST…
- 12 Marauders airborne from IESI at 11.18 hours to bomb UDINE Marshalling Yards. They set course…
- Owing to adverse weather conditions no operations.
- Twelve Marauders airborne from IESI Landing Ground at 12.22 hours, led by Major HAMLET, to bomb…
1945
January 1945 (31)
- Stand-down - no operations.
- Stand-down - no operations.
- Twelve Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., airborne from JESI Landing Ground at 10.15…
- Twelve Marauders set off from JESI at 11.18 to bomb two bridges at Zidani Most (Yugoslavia) led…
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- No operations - inclement weather.
- Eight Marauders, one of which returned early owing to engine trouble after jettisoning bombs at…
- Nil operations
- Nil operations
- Seven aircraft took off from JESI at 10.27 hours, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., to bomb the…
- Nil operations.
- Nine Marauders led by Capt. NICOLAY took off from JESI Landing Ground at 10.17 hours to bomb…
- No operations carried out.
- No operations carried out.
- Seven Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., took off from JESI at 09.51 hours to bomb CELJE…
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Seven Marauders, led by Capt. NICOLAY, took off from JESI Landing Ground at 09.49 hours to bomb…
- No operations.
- No operations.
- No operations.
- Summary Owing to the inclement weather the squadron was grounded for most of the month. Only…
February 1945 (31)
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Stand-down – no operations.
- Six Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., following eight aircraft of 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F…
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- Nil operations.
- 87 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. : RAID ON CONEGLIANO : 19th FEBRUARY, 1945. OPREP No. 936 _ OPERATION…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Comm. DIEU, attacked a concentration of Railroad trucks in CONEGLIANO…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Lt. Col. ORD, D.F.C., with two Marauders (one of 30 Squadron…
- Ten Marauders, led by Lt. Col. D. ORD, D.F.C., attacked the Sugar Refinery at TERMIDE; area…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Lt.Col. ORD, D.F.C. bombed the SERRIDE Sugar Refinery at F.869057…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Comm. DIEU, attacked the PORTELONGO Sugar Refinery at G.455301. An…
- 994 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. RAID ON PORDENONE RAIL BRIDGE 24th FEBRUARY 1945 T/OFF:- 1300 Hrs…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Lt.Col. ORD, DFC., set out to bomb the railroad bridge at PORDENONE…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Comm. DIEU, briefed to attack the Cellulose Factory at TORRE DI ZUINO…
- 97 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. 26th. FEBRUARY, 1945 T/OFF :- 14.30 Hrs. RAID ON ARSIE ROAD BRIDGE…
- Eleven Marauders, led by Capt. Musgrove, attacked the ARSIE R.D. Bridge at B.283124, with the…
- No operations.
- SUMMARY Due to adverse weather conditions only one operation was carried out up to the 19th of…
March 1945 (8)
- 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. DATE 7th MARCH 1945. ____________________ _________________ 159 RAID ON…
- 159 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. DATE 7th MARCH 1945. RAID ON FACTORY CONTAINING STORES PP M 378793…
- ALTERNATIVE TARGET ATTACKED ARSA COAL JETTY WHARF 160 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. P.P. V 040044 . DATE…
- 5 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. DATE 9th MARCH 1945. 161 RAID ON VERONA M/Y pp C 329429 REF MAP ITALY…
- 5 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. DATE 14th MARCH 1945. 162 RAID ON AMMUNITION DUMP AT pp M 920405 REF MAP…
- 166 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Raid on Gorizia M/Yards. 16th March, 1945 Oprep No. 967 Operation No…
- 166 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Raid on Gorizia M/Yards. 16th March, 1945 Oprep No. 967 Operation No…
- The improved weather conditions in March were most welcome and on the operational side this…
April 1945 (1)
May 1945 (2)
June 1945 (1)
July 1945 (2)
August 1945 (2)
September 1945 (1)
Undated Entries (25)
- During this time the aircraft were being equipped for active service. They had been delivered with many guns short, but…
- they would havebeen a more than useful contribution to any Glenn Martin Assembly Unit. The following remarks under the s…
- SECRET WAR DIARY OF 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. Heavy rains during the month of November prevented completion…
- A Squadron "SAAFI" has been brought into being where a goodly supply of cool drinks and cakes are to be obtained This…
- The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6 242 SECRET JUNE, 1945. WAR DIARY OF 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AI…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 65 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Night Operations Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 344 Date. 18/19 Jul…
- difficult task and it is to be hoped that the aircraft for operational use by this squadron arrive in the near future.…
- An Officer of 202 Group, R.A.F., visited the Squadron this afternoon to inspect and obtain full details of a camouflage…
- progress practically every day. Soccer is still played late in the afternoons when the heat has subsided somewhat and h…
- WAR DIARY - March 1944. CHEMICAL WARFARE:- As a result of "pressure brought to bear" by the Chemical Warfare Section, De…
- It must be remembered that for the major portion of the month we have had to face up to trying conditions, of raids and…
- During this period the greater portion of the Squadron was enjoying well-earned leave in various parts of the Middle Eas…
- L.A.M. Bromstein, R. (116677) while walking an the main road near Shandur, was knocked down by a passing lorry, and died…
- The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/3 98 SECRET MARCH, 1945.…
- The A.O.C. (E.A.) Air Commodore Sowrey, D.F.C., A.F.C., arrived at Nakuru at the invitation of Major Pretorius, for a fi…
- The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/9 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F. 268 WAR DIARY : SEPTEMBER, 1945.…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 45 2nd OPERATION: NIGHT. SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 336 Date. 11/1…
- The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/5 233 SECRET MAY, 1945. WAR DIARY OF 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR…
- SECRET. WAR DIARY OF 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE. No operations were carried out by this Squadron during the mo…
- of the unsuitable nature of this landing ground to perhaps all but experienced pilots was the sight of a Hurricane whic…
- for many of the "old brigade" - and there are some 170 of them - who came up North with the Squadron when it was origin…
- The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/2 APPENDIX "P" APPE…
- R.A.F. Form 441 A. War Diary 74 SORTIE REPORT (Part A.) Sheet No. 1 Oprep. Ref. No. 350 Date. 25.Jul.43 Squadron. 21 SAA…
- WAR DIARY OF 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE PESCARA 1st 23 Marauders airborne from Pescara to attack an Enemy stro…
- Health During the period under review the health of the Squadron was on the whole, very good. Of the 115 details who cam…