Friday, 3 December 1943

1233 hrs

21 Squadron War Diary

1233 hrs Tortorella, Italy

21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.3rd December, 1943. 7th December, 1943.TORTORELLA.3rd Cont.method of remustering, and the system of promotion was fullyexplained. The many and various questions asked clearlyindicated the interest that Squadron personnel had in thesematters. Lt. Col. Borcherds visited the Squadron and inspectedthe "Q" Section.4thAlthough the weather was fairly good, no operations werecarried out to-day. Brigadier Hingeston, Lt. Col. Blaine andMajor Woodrow paid an official visit. The Brigadier announcedthe promotion of one of the most popular Officers in theSquadron - Capt. A.C. Smit who had been promoted to the rankof Major and was heartily congratulated by all.5th& 6thNo operations. Nothing of importance to report.Squadron Routine Order No. 94/43.Appendix "D"7thTwelve of our aircraft set off at 12.33 hours to bomb

Transcriber's Notes

L.T: Local Time.
Lt. Col: Lieutenant Colonel.
Col: Colonel.
Capt: Captain.

Major Stanfield's Talk (Remustering & Promotion): The entry for December 3rd concludes the description of the talk given by Major Stanfield (Air Records Office) mentioned on the previous page. The topics—"method of remustering" (changing trade or role) and "system of promotion"—were vital career concerns for the "erks" (ground crew) and NCOs, especially those conscripted for the duration of the war. Clarity on these issues directly impacted morale.

"Q" Section: Quartermaster Section. Lt. Col. Borcherds' inspection of this section focused on supply and logistics—clothing, equipment, rations, and fuel. In the winter conditions of Foggia, an efficient Q-store was essential for survival.

AIR 27/268 · The National Archives