21 Squadron War Diary
Pescara, Italy
APPENDIX "A"256SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. NO. 96/44. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F.ByLT. COL. D. ORD, D.F.C.Officer Commanding.21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.7th October, 1944.Para. 340. POSTAL - ARRANGEMENTS - CHRISTMAS MAIL.In order to ensure timely delivery, Christmas Mail addressed to the UNION, should be posted not later than the dates shown hereunder:-AIR MAIL. SURFACE MAIL.7th December, 1944. 31st October, 1944.Christmas Mail for NEW ZEALAND.Bags close N.Z. Base. A.P.O., C.M.F. as follows:-PARCELS & NEWSPAPERS. SURFACE LETTERS. AIR LETTER & AIRGRAPHS.1st October, 1944 10th October '44. 1st December, 1944.Para. 341. COMPOUND VITAMIN TABLETS - AIRCREW.All aircrew are to take one Compound Vitamin Tablet (large yellow tablet) in addition to one tablet of mepacrine daily.These tablets will be put out in the Messes concerned.Para. 342. CARE IN THE USE OF RIVER, STREAM AND POND WATER.Personnel are warned of the danger of contracting disease by the use of water from rivers, streams and ponds, particularly in Italy, where most of these are rat-infested and the water polluted with dangerous germs.The diseases are not necessarily caused by swimming in the water, but may be due to its use for personal ablutions and domestic purposes, e.g. laundering of clothes, washing of Motor Transport, etc. Wherever possible, personnel should use aqueduct piped water or deep-well water for these purposes. (C.R.O. Ser. 51. para. 7. dd. 23.9.44.)Para. 343. "MESSAGE FROM H. M. THE KING"THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM H.M. THE KING HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY THE SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE:-"I have greatly appreciated the opportunity you have afforded me of seeing so many of my Armed Forces and of those of the Allies in the Italian Theatre of War.During the past few days I have traversed the ground from Cassino to the present front line, a distance of some 250 miles, through which, since the middle of May, the Eighth and Fifth Armies have driven a powerful and highly experienced German Force. It is true to say that the enemy has been out-generalled and out-fought. This brilliant campaign has added much to the glories of the British, the Dominions and the Allied Armies. Such success could never have been achieved without the full co-operation and powerful support of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and their Allied Brothers-in-Arms.I am very pleased to have been able to see for myself some of the splendid work they are doing. Please convey to all under your command my best wishes and my confident belief that final victory will be theirs. I pray that the day is not too far distant when I shall be able to welcome you home again."THE FOLLOWING REPLY WAS SENT TO H. M. THE KING BY THE SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER, MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE:"On behalf of all ranks of the British, Dominions and Allied Services, it is my humble duty to convey their thanks for Your Majesty's message which they appreciate greatly. The visit of Your Majesty to Italy has given encouragement and inspiration to everyone to complete the task which lies ahead of them." (C.R.O. Ser. No. 99 dd. 25 Sep.'44)(Signature: Rautenbach) LT. COL.for COMMANDING. 21 SQUADRON. S.A.A.F.