21 Squadron War Diary
1500 hrs Iesi, Italy
The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/5APPENDIX "A"APPENDIX WAR DIARY - - 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. MAY, 1945 237With the final surrender of the German forces in ITALYon the 2nd May 1945 the Squadron was left with very few targets withinrange and no operational flying was carried out during the month.From the 1st to the 5th the Squadron was on standby tobomb ST. Veit M/Yards but owing to bad weather and the somewhat confusedconditions in Southern Austria no operations took place.The complete unconditional surrender of Germany wasreceived with relief by the Squadron but as the end was a foregoneconclusion no undue excitement was noted amongst personnel. The officialannouncement of the surrender was received over the radio in talkby Mr. Winston Churchill at 1500 hrs. on the 8th when immediately after-wards the OPS GONG and SIRENS were sounded for a thanksgiving serviceconducted by the Squadron Padre (Capt. Skemp).Prior to the commencement of the service the C.O. in ashort address outlined the record of the Squadron and thanked allpersonnel for their fine work and co-operation in making this recordpossible and which so materially assisted in achieving final victory.On Sunday the 13th the Padre held a full ThanksgivingService which was very well attended. The N.M.C. were present and sangtheir National Anthem very capably led by the Padre much to the surpriseof the European personnel. The proceedings were most impressive.On the 10th normal work was resumed and the training of1st Pilots commenced. Cross-country flights incorporating formationflying practice were carried out daily.On the 14th eight aircraft led by Major Dieu D.F.C. whoalso led No. 3 Wing formation represented the Squadron in an impressive"Fly Past" at the 6th S.A Division Victory Parade held at MONZA, northof MILAN.A Desert Air Force "Fly Past" was held on the 28th atCAMPOFORMIDO A/D, UDINE. A formation of 12 A/C of the Squadron, led byLt. Col. Ord D.F.C. participated. Ten Wings were represented and anaddress was given ny Lt. Gen. J. Cannon K.B.E., U.S.A.A.F. Air Commander-in - Chief M.A.A.F.Bombs were transported from IESI to AVIANO on the 18thand 20th (250 lbs ), and to RIVOLTO on the 21st.On the 27th the Squadron commenced on Air Trooping, con-veying personnel from RIVOLTO to BARI. For this purpose two aircraft"Q" and "S" were converted and are fitted to carry ten passengers each.The conversion consists of the removal of gunturrets, guns and ammunitionand all outside armour plating. This reppresents a saving of 6000 lbs.plus bombload. In the rear bomb-bay two long canvas seats facing eachother have been fitted. These can accomodate 10 passengers with furtherseating capacity in the tail section if required.Wooden floors and protective boxing to take luggage havebeen fitted in the main bomb-bay. The Gangway has not been blocked and thecrew can therefore keep in touch with the passengers.cruisingThe stripped aircraft are capable of carrying comfortablyat 210 IAS at 8000' with a load of 3000 lbs which must make them of thefastest trooping aircraft at present in service.During the month 447.40 Non-operational hours were flownand 56 passengers carried.[handwritten signature]S.I.O.21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F. - - - - - - -