Sunday, 5 March 1944

123456789101112 1400 hrs

21 Squadron War Diary

1400 hrs Biferno, Italy
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS No. 19/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.ByLT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C.Officer Commanding,21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.5th March, 1944.Para. 74. CENSORING OF MAIL : DUTY OFFICERS.The undermentioned Officers will report to the Assistant Adjutant for the above duty at 14.00 hours on the dates set out opposite their names.Lieut. R.M.P. Stuart Monday 6. 3. 44.Lieut. C. teWater-Pohl. " "Lieut. D.J. Rowe Tuesday 7. 3. 44.Lieut. J.H. v.d. Merwe. " "Lieut. B.T. White Wednesday 8. 3. 44.Lieut. C. van Schalkwyk. " "Lieut. F.J. Ross. Thursday 9. 3. 44.Lieut. W.S. Walters. " "Lieut. P.J. Rushforth. Friday 10. 3. 44.Lieut. C. Meltz. " "2/Lt. J. Thompson. Saturday 11. 3. 44.Lieut. F.J.M. Rive. " "2/Lt. A.J. Case. Sunday 12. 3. 44.Lieut. C. Strydom. " "Should an Officer be unable to report owing to operations, he will notify the Assistant Adjutant before his tour of duty is to commence and hand in the name of a substitute. It will be his responsibility to obtain, and warn, the Officer who is taking his place.Para. 75. JERRICANS.All surplus Jerricans are to be returned to the M.T. Section, immediately. Three Jerricans will be allowed per tent for water purposes.Para. 76. M.T. ON AIRFIELD.No vehicles, except the Ambulance and Fire Tender and then only in an emergency, are allowed to proceed along or across the new steel runway or within 200 feet of either side of it. The steel perimeter track may, however, be used excepting when aircraft are taxying to or from dispersal areas.Para. 77. REMOVAL OF MATERIAL FROM AERODROME.It has been brought to the notice of this Headquarters that quantities of Hessian and lengths of pierced steel plank have been removed from the aerodrome.No. 69 C.R.E. (Airfields) has advised that unless this material is returned further construction on the drome will be delayed.Squadrons will ensure that any such material removed is returned immediately.Disciplinary action should be instituted against personnel failing to comply with this instruction.(Extract A.R.O. 3 (S.A.) Wing 4/44 para. 7; 4/5/44).Para. 78/ Continued Page 2.

Transcriber's Notes

S.A.A.F
South African Air Force.
L.T
Local Time.
D.F.C
Distinguished Flying Cross.
2/Lt
Second Lieutenant.
M.T
Motor Transport.
C.R.E
Commander Royal Engineers.
A.R.O
Area/Air Routine Order.
S.A
South African.

Routine Orders (Administration):

Censorship Duty:

Names of Interest:

Camp Logistics & Scrounging:

"Removal of Material... Hessian and lengths of pierced steel plank": This paragraph (Para. 77) confirms the "scrounging" culture mentioned in the monthly narrative. Soldiers were stealing PSP (Pierced Steel Planking)—intended for building the runway—to reinforce their muddy tents or build walkways.

Airfield Safety:

Abbreviations:

AIR 27/269 · The National Archives