Tuesday, 22 February 1944 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

Biferno, Italy

The National Archives' reference AIR 27/269/2OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 22nd February, 1944.Aan/To 25th February, 1944.BIFERNO.22nd | Cont. | and road immediately east of the station also received direct hits. One aircraft, due to A.A. and slight wounds sustained by 2nd Lieut. Case, had to force-land at Pomigliano. All the others returned safely. Sortie Report No. 561| | Squadron Routine Order No. 12/44.| | Appendix "O"| | Appendix "P"23rdAlthough the weather was good no operations were carried out by the Squadron.24thIt started to rain early in the morning and all operations for the day were cancelled. Authority was received for the R.T.U. of Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges and A/Sgt. Earp-Jones.25thIt was still raining and all our aircraft were grounded for the day. Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges and A/Sgt. Earp-Jones left for Bari on their return to the Union. Their R.T.U. was a loss to the Squadron as they were fine men and aircrews.Squadron Routine Order No. 13/44.Appendix "Q"

Transcriber's Notes

A.A: Anti-Aircraft fire (Flak).
R.T.U: Returned to Union (South Africa).
Major Ord: The formation leader.
A/Sgt: Acting Sergeant.
Sgt: Sergeant.

Abbreviations:

Personnel:

Major Ord, Lieut. Hodges, A/Sgt. Earp-Jones: These seasoned aircrew members departing for South Africa ("the Union") marks a loss of experience for the squadron. "Major Ord" is likely a Flight Commander. The specific mention of their loss being felt highlights the tight-knit nature of bomber squadrons where crew cohesion was vital for survival.

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