Monday, 16 August 1943

21 Squadron War Diary

Cuticchio, Sicily
Rear partyEverybody got busy putting up the various section tents and their living tents and soon the moveable war village showed signs of life again.The Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Coppen arrived by air, just before noon, to be cleared from the Squadron, as he was on his way to the Union – officially called R.T.U. It was a great day, for Lieut. Locker, our Transport Officer, as the O.C. brought the Authority for his R.T.U. He was cleared and proceeded with the O.C. to MALTA, from where he was flown to CASTEL BENITO.

Transcriber's Notes

L.T
Local Time.
Lt. Col
Lieutenant Colonel.
Col
Colonel.
R.T.U
Returned to Union (South Africa).
O.C
Officer Commanding.

Lt. Simpson (Pilot)

Lt. Hendley (Observer/Navigator)

F/Sgt Roberts (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)

F/Sgt Shepperson (Air Gunner)

W.O. Hallis and the "Light Italian Aeroplane": Warrant Officer Hallis collecting a "light Italian Aeroplane" (possibly a captured Caproni or Fiat liaison aircraft) highlights the "scrounging" culture of the Desert Air Force. Captured equipment was frequently repurposed as squadron "hacks" for communications or joyriding.

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives