Wednesday, 3 November 1943

123456789101112 0900 hrs

21 Squadron War Diary

0900 hrs Tortorella, Italy
NO. 21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.3rd November, 1943 6th November 1943TORTORELLA3rd Cont.personality who had taken a keen interest in the Squadron and was most popular with all ranks. His loss will be keenly felt by those who knew him and to that branch of the Service which he has served so well.4thNo operations to-day. Nothing unusual to report.5thTwelve aircraft took off at 09.00 hours leading twelve Baltimores of No. 232 Wing in order to block road at G.910350. The target was well patterned by the first and second boxes and at least 4-6 direct hits were scored. The second box encountered intense Heavy Ack Ack fire.Sortie Report No. 435Appendix "F"Colonel C. G. Ross, S.A. A.F., visited the Squadron today.Squadron Routine Order No. 84/43Appendix "G"6thNo operations.

Transcriber's Notes

Ack Ack
Anti-Aircraft fire.
S.A
South African.

Combined Operation with No. 232 Wing (Nov 5th): 21 Squadron (part of No. 3 Wing SAAF) is recorded here "leading twelve Baltimores of No. 232 Wing." No. 232 Wing (RAF) was a sister Baltimore formation, often including 55 Squadron RAF, 223 Squadron RAF, and 454 Squadron RAAF. Leading a composite formation of 24 bombers demonstrates the high regard in which 21 Squadron's navigational and leadership skills were held, despite the recent loss of their commander.

Colonel C. G. Ross: This refers to Colonel Charles Gordon Ross, a founding member and senior leader of the South African Air Force. His visit immediately after the death of the Officer Commanding was likely intended to stabilize the unit and boost morale during a difficult transition period. Ross was a veteran of WWI and a key figure in SAAF administration.

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives