Wednesday, 7 October 1942 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

October 7 L.G. "Y"

Flying training continued with formation practice. The Commanding Officer and Adjutant flew to L.G.98 to check up on preparation of the Squadron camp there. No. 119361 Lieut. R.H.H. ELWOOD.Squadron Defence Officer posted to N.E.A.S. Wing. He is being replaced by No.175475 Lieut. L. N. S. BREYTENBACH, posted in from S.A.A.F. Depot. No. 209895 Lieut. W.T. SECCOMBE posted to S.A.A.F. Depot for return to Union on medical grounds. One other rank posted in as replacement and two other ranks as reinforcements from S.A.A.F. Depot.‍

Transcriber's Notes

L.G. 98: Landing Ground 98.
N.E.A.S: Non-European Army Services, referring to the messing and administrative organization for the Cape Corps and other non-white personnel.
S.A.A.F: South African Air Force.
W.T: Wireless Telegraphy.

* Strategic Context (Close Support Doctrine): The mention of aircrews being addressed on the "subject of close support" is a critical detail. In the lead-up to the Battle of El Alamein, the Desert Air Force (DAF) was revolutionizing air-ground cooperation. Under Air Vice-Marshal Coningham and General Montgomery, the doctrine shifted to highly coordinated "Tedder's Carpet" bombing and close air support (CAS), where bombers like the Baltimore would strike specific tactical targets (armor, artillery) directly in front of advancing troops. This lecture was likely preparing the squadron for this specific, dangerous role.

N.E.A.S. Wing (Non-European Army Services): You are correct. The UDF was racially segregated. While the flying crews were white, the ground defense, transport, and labor roles were frequently staffed by the Cape Corps ("Coloured" soldiers) or the Native Military Corps (Black soldiers).