Friday, 3 March 1944 — War Diary

21 Squadron War Diary

Biferno, Italy

OORLOGSDAGBOEK.—WAR DIARY.OF—VAN21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.Van/From 3rd March, 1944.Aan/To 7th March, 1944.BIFERNO.3rd Cont.Capt. Barrowman paid the Squadron an official visit.Squadron Routine Order No. 19/44.Appendix "E"4thDespite good weather no operations were carried out to-day. Nothing of importance happened during the day.5thNil operations owing to inclement weather. Authority was received promoting Lieut. Faure (Signals Officer) to the rank of Captain. Members of the South African P.F. Band gave a musical entertainment in the Airmens' Mess.6thBad weather hampered operations. Nothing of importance happened to-day.7thThe weather improved during the morning and an operation was carried out. The target was Zagarolo Railway Station. After rendezvous at Vinchiaturo with 12 Baltimores of 223 Squadron they flew to target via Avezzano and returned the same way.

Transcriber's Notes

Capt: Captain.

Operational Lull (March 4th–6th):

Personnel:

Lieut. Faure (Signals Officer): His promotion to Captain reflects the increasing complexity of communications. As the Signals Officer, Faure was responsible for maintaining the squadron's radio equipment, landlines, and ensuring the wireless operators (W.T./A.G.s) were briefed on the day's codes and frequencies—a critical role given the reliance on radio for formation cohesion and navigation.

Mission Details (March 7th):