21 Squadron War Diary
Biferno, Italy
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 39/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.ByAPPENDIX "H"238LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C.Officer Commanding,21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.4th May, 1944.para. 142. LOSS OF FIREARMS.It has been noticed with concern, that recently,the loss through negligence of firearms has greatlyincreased.All Ranks to whom firearms are issued areinstructed to take every precaution to eliminate the like-lihood of loss by theft or other reasons.(E.A.I. Equip. No. 25 d.d. 27.4.44).para. 143. LOOT AND TRAFFIC IN ARMS.It has been definitely established that personnelhave been selling captured arms and ammunition.All ranks are forbidden to retain in theirpossession any public enemy property; any captured Warmaterial in the possession of service personnel must besurrendered immediately.Anyone who disposes of captured arms to otherpersons is directly assisting the enemy since such armsfind their way to those who work for the enemy. Alloffences of this nature are to be dealt with by CourtMartial, and are punishable by a sentence of two yearsimprisonment. (C.R.O. 24 para. 3 d.d. 22.4.44).para. 144. UNAUTHORISED MOVEMENTS OF PERSONNEL.Cases are continuing to occur in which movementsof personnel are being effected without proper authority.All officers and airmen must be in possession ofproper written authority when moving from one place toanother. Personnel on leave must be in possession of asigned pass.(C.R.O. 24 para. 4, d.d. 22.4.44).para. 145. SECURITY OF M.T. VEHICLES.Vehicles are not be left unattended at any time.A vehicle placed in a guarded vehicle park or lock-upgarage is however considered as "attended". The loss ofa vehicle establishes a presumption that this Order hasnot been complied with, and in the absence of any otherevidence, Commanding Officers are to ensure that discip-linary action is initiated against the officer or otherrank responsible.Before leaving a vehicle in a vehicle park orlock-up garage, the driver will take the following precaut-ions :-(1) Ensure that the vehicle park is properly underguard.(2) If left in a lock-up garage, ensure that thebuilding is properly secure.(3) In addition to sub-paragraphs (1) and (2),carry out any practicable method of immobilising thevehicle.(4) Remove any maps, official documents or any looseitems of Government property.(5) If a vehicle contains large quantities of storesor equipment, the driver is to sleep in the vehicle.(G.R.O. Serial 14 para. 9 d.d. 1.3.44).