21 Squadron War Diary
Iesi, Italy
APPENDIX "C"240SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 102/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.ByLT. COL. D. ORD. DFC.Officer Commanding,21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.9th November, 1944.Para. 368. COURTS-MARTIAL HELD FOR THE TRIAL OF PILOTS GUILTY OF FLYING OFFENCES.(i) A flying officer took off from a R.A.F. station and, after a circuit in which he reached a height of 2,500 ft., dived low across the airfield. He pulled out of the dive and executed a slow roll at a height of less than 400 ft. The aircraft subsequently crashed but the pilot escaped injury. He was convicted on charges laid under the Air Force Act, section 39A (1) (B) and section 40, in respect of this flying, and was sentenced to be dismissed from H. M. service.(ii) A flying officer took off with a pupil on a low flying navigational exercise which ought to have been carried out at a height of not less than 300 feet. In one place he came down to 30 ft. and struck some wires. He was convicted on a charge of negligently damaging aircraft and was sentenced to be dismissed from H. M. service.(iii) A pilot officer took off in a heavy bomber to carry out a night flying test. Being in the low flying area, after completing the test, he decided to low fly, although prior authority had not been given in the manner prescribed in flight orders. The aircraft was damaged in a collision with a tree. The officer pleaded guilty to a charge of unauthorized low flying and was sentenced to be dismissed from H. M. service, but in view of certain mitigating circumstances the sentence was commuted to one of severe reprimand and forfeiture of all seniority.(iv) A sergeant, although not a qualified instructor, was detailed to carry out certain exercises with a pupil. Having time to spare after the completion of the exercises, he flew to the low flying area, and carried out low flying, eventually crashing into the ground and wrecking the aircraft. He pleaded guilty to charges of neglecting to obey group orders regarding low flying, in flying at an altitude of less than 100 ft. and negligently damaging H.M. aircraft. He was sentenced to be reduced to the ranks and to undergo detention for 180 days.(PHQDAF/2072/1/P/1. dd. 29.10.44.)Para. 369. ITALIAN: CLASSES:Personnel desirous of attending classes in Italian are to hand in their names (on a slip of paper) to the Orderly Room before Friday, 17th November, 1944.Para. 370. POST WAR EMPLOYMENT - QUESTIONNAIRE (ENGLISH)Forms are now available (in English) at the Orderly Room, and personnel who have not yet completed this Form, must do so immediately.Para. 371. REPORTING OF CIVIL DISTURBANCES OR BREACHES OF THE PEACE.Frequent difficulties arise in the investigation of civil disturbances and breaches of the peace owing to the lack of eye witnesses of the incident, although it is often disclosed that Allied troops were, in fact, witnesses.Any personnel witnessing any such incidents are to report them to his Commanding Officer. (C.R.O. No. 42. para. 415. dd 19.10.44)(Signature)LT. COL.COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.