21 Squadron War Diary
0450 hrs
The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6242SECRET JUNE, 1945.WAR DIARYOF21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICANAIR FORCE * JUNE. JESI LANDING GROUND & RIVOLTA AIRFIELD, ITALY.Early in June, after a lengthy stay in Jesi, the Squadronmoved to Rivolta Airfield (near Udine).The aircraft on strength to this Squadron remained at 16.Two more of these aircraft were converted into "troopers" (H.D. 612and H.D. 557) making a total of four.During the month 71 trooping flights were undertaken andthe total hours flown by this Squadron was 413.50 hours. The averageserviceability was 13 against 3 unserviceable. The ten 50 hourinspections undertaken compare favourably with our operational activ-ities. The reason being the longer flights carried out daily by ourtrooping machines.The Squadron's move from Jesi to our present camp site cameas a pleasant break after our long stay. New scenery, towns, etc.visited and passed through were much appreciated by all. The newcamp site and aerodrome came as a pleasant surprise, after the verybadly War torn surroundings at Jesi. All equipment arrived safely."B" for Bliksem, our record operational flying aircraft,came due for a major inspection, but permission was obtained owingto her splendid condition to prolong her life another 50 hours byallowing her to go to 450 hours. A description of her activitiesand photographs are given as an appendix.The morale of the ground personnel remains high, with theprospect of much sight seeing that they intend doing in the nearfuture. Austria, Venice, etc. is quite the subject of the day.Quite a few dream of a speedy return to the Union, others again areall for the Far East. The food postion remains excellent, especiallynow the vegetable season has arrived.Capt. J. Klaasen assumed charge of the Squadron'sEquipment Section on the 14th vice Capt. Masters, posted to Adv.S.A.A.F. H.Q. A/Sgt. Schultz from "T" Stores was posted R.T.U.towards the end of the month, thus leaving only three corporals inthis section.All surplus clothing and camp kit returned to A.S.P. andunserviceable gas equipment to Salvage Dump, Udine.June has been not only a very busy month for the M.T.Section, but also a very successful one. The total mileage run was91,000 — or an average of 3,000 miles per day — which is double thatof a normal operational month; and the only accident for the monthwas one in which a horse was killed and our vehicle undamaged. Novehicles were written off and none was brought on strength.The Squadron's move from Jesi to its present site — adistance of over three hundred miles, was achieved with a minimumof delays. In fact the main convoy comprising approximately sixtyvehicles arrived on schedule in two days — except for six threetonners with three trailers and these completed the journey in twoand half days. Only one vehicle had to be left at a "RENE" due tomain bearings burning out. It has since been recovered. Apart fromthe normal Squadron equipment and personnel, thirty Nissen huts weretransported from Jesi.There have been times during the month when it has beendifficult to meet the seemingly never ending demands for transportThe National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6243<u>PAGE 2.</u>and, due to current commitments it has been impossible for M.M.S.U. tocarry out our major repairs. However, the majority of the Squadronhas appreciated our difficulties and with the help of volunteersfrom other sections we have even been able to send several LeaveParties to Lake Garda and conduct many liberty runs to Venice,Southern Austria, Trieste, etc.Once again it is desired to place on record that theexcellent work and willing co-operation of the M. T. Mechanics andDrivers has made the foregoing possible at a time when most otherSections of the Squadron have been able to enjoy comparative leisure.June showed little activity in the Armament Section.General maintenance and inspections were carried out, but as nofiring of guns, or dropping of bombs has been taking place, thisentailed the minimum of work.A further two aircraft were stripped of armament forconversion to "trooping". One mid-upper turret had to be partiallydismantled to allow for the removal of the rotation ring, which hadto be replaced in the aircraft, forming part of the aircraft struc-ture.Taking advantage of reduced work, personnel have beenable to proceed on leave and educational courses.Postings R.T.U. during June depleted the staff slightly,but the amount of work called for allows for a big percentage ofpostings.Owing to the moving of the whole Wing from Jesi to Udine,much work was naturally entailed, and the Armament Staff gave will-ing hands to the erection of the new camp.Preparation is now taking place for the commencement of anintensive practice programme.During the month of June many new Wireless Operator - AirGunners joined the Squadron, replacing tour expired men. They weregiven instruction on Marauder wireless equipment and obtainedpractical experience on the wireless test bench in the SignalsSection.No radio failures are on record for operationally 400hours flown and the new WT/AG's soon picked up the procedure in airoperating on trooping aircraft.No difficulty was experienced in obtaining spares oradditional equipment when required, and equipment was maintained ata high standard of serviceability.On the departure of two N.C.O's for demobilisation(falling under the "A" and "B" categories) no replacements arrived.However, the C.S.O. 3 Wing and Squadron Signals Officer decided tocurtail the establishment by 25% in order to fit in with the reducedamount of work caused by non-operational flying.The past month has seen a 50% change in N.M.C. personnel.Details, who had not applied for extended service, were posted toNo. 2 N.E. L.&.T. Camp at Bari and replacements were received from7 Wing, S.A.A.F. The numbers involved were 32 Non. DD88J's plusthree details redundant and 34 respectively. The replacements haveall been away from the Union for over two years but they havesettled down to their new jobs and appear content.The majority of the N.M.C. are still kept fully employedand continue to render satisfactory service.Rations are ample and well prepared. All details arehighly satisfied with their food.Soccer is played every evening and inter-squadron matcheshave been arranged. Efforts are being made to obtain a set of jer-seys and football boots. A weekly open air cinema provides theN.M.C. with further entertainment.No leave facilities are available in this area at thepresent and only casual day passes are allowed.Tents are being used in this camp, and details areThe National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6244<u>PAGE 3.</u> 1b
accomodated 5 or 6 per 180 tent.General camp discipline has been satisfactory. Conditionsgenerally tend to make fraternisation with Italians easier, andthere has been a noticeable increase in this respect. Within thecamp area restrictions are strictly enforced.No replacement has arrived vice S/Sgt. du Plessis M.H.,who was admitted to hospital on 28th May, 1945.A number of personnel changes took place in June. Thatlong awaited event - the repatriation of the first groups to theUnion - commenced at the end of June when "A" and "B" groups wereposted R.T.U. 40 members of this Squadron came under these twogroups. Capt. P.H. Nicolay (pilot) was posted for I.T.S. and Major.H. Gordon Williams posted with "A" group. Capt. S.L. Boshoff ("I"Officer) posted to 19 Squadron; Capt. S.E. Masters, Adv. SAAF. H.Q.("T" Stores); Capt. W.H. Mitchell (Signals Officer) 25 Squadron werereplaced by Lieut. H.R. Dove, Capt. J. Klaasens and Capt. R.R. Groomrespectively. On 28th June Major R.M. Wilkinson arrived as Adjutant.replacing Major E.O. Amm who had been posted as Adjutant of No. 3Wing, S.A.A.F.Due to the fact that 3 Wing were busy moving from Jesi tothe North of Italy during the first two weeks of June, sport waspractically at a standstill. After the various Squadrons had settleddown in this area, the necessity of domestic playing-fields andequipment became the major problem. A Wing Sports conference washeld and sufficient money was raised to purchase any available kit.This Squadron was only able to get cracking properly towards the endof June and our first fixture was a cricket match against a KiwiEleven from the Trieste area. 21 Squadron won this match on the 1stInnings. However, we expect to be kept fully occupied during Julyas our fixtures are numerous.Three members of the Squadron participated in the DesertAir Force Athletic Championships held at Udine on 17th June, 1945.Lieut. D.J. Callaghan was placed 2nd in the Javelin Throw. A/Cpl.Green G.C. was 5th and Lieut. M.J. Smit well up in the upper halfof the large "field" in the 3 miles.Early in June the Squadron moved from Jesi to RivoltaAirfield in the Udine district. The move went very well indeed -the journey taking two days. The "A" Party, under the able leader-ship of Capt. Foster, assisted by the Gunners and Armourers,established the new camp before the "B" Party arrived. A number ofNissen huts was brought up from Jesi and these were quickly erected.The weather was very hot indeed during June, but occasionalthunderstorms help to cool the air. The camp is situated on RivoltaAirfield and an unused taxi strip runs through the centre of thecamp. On a clear day the distant Alps stand out in sharp relief andform an attractive picture.An interesting ceremony took place on 5th June at RivoltaAirfield when the A.O.C., Air Vice Marshal Foster, presented Comm.Dieu (Belgian Air Force) and who is attached to this Squadron, withthe Immediate Award of the D.F.C. The citation was read out byLt. Col. D. Ord and a Marauder aircraft made a picturesque back-ground. The A.O.C. remarked "good show" and immediately after theceremony Comm. Dieu left for a months' leave in Belgium.A signal was received from Rear Headquarters, D.A.F. tothe effect that Major L.G. Hamlet and Capt. P.H. Nicolay had bothreceived the non-immediate award of the D.F.C.Now that Sundays are observed as a holiday full advantagehas been taken of liberty runs to such places as Venice, Trieste,Klagenfurt etc. and make a most welcome break from the monotony ofcamp life.The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6245<u>PAGE 4.</u> At the beginning of the month leave parties were resumed
and a number of Squadron personnel travelled to the vicinity ofMilan as guests of the 6th S.A. Armoured Division, and the splendidhospitality of the "Div" was greatly appreciated.Later in the month a leave scheme to Riva on Lake Gardawas introduced. Three hotels were taken over by 3 Wing, S.A.A.F.and equal reservations made to each of the Squadrons of the Wing.The idea was to provide peacetime amenities for a reasonable costat a holiday resort that was world famous in pre-war years. Thescheme has only just commenced but the "pioneer party" on theirreturn gave glowing accounts of the attractions of Riva! There is ample entertainment at Udine, which is situated
12 miles north of our camp, comprising theatre and cinema shows,and excellent restaurant facilities for all ranks organised byDesert Air Force. In addition, regular weekly camp cinema showsare held in the open air. After such a long and arduous campaignit is fortunate that we are now situated at Udine and, although weall hope to soon return to the Union, the period of waiting is beingpassed as pleasantly as possible amidst delightful surroundings. Courses are being conducted by various Headquarters in a
wide range of subjects, such as Italian Culture, Science, Typewritingand P.T., and many Squadron members are taking full advantage of theexcellent instruction provided. An unfortunate accident occurred on 1st June, 1945 when
No. 226243V. A/Cpl. Schoeman A.J. fell from a lorry and sustainedhead injuries resulting in his death in hospital on 3rd June.A/Cpl. Schoeman was a popular member of our Refuelling Section andhe will be missed by us all. A Court of Inquiry was convened andthe findings will be promulgated next month.<u>OPERATIONAL SECTION.</u> The Squadron moved from Jesi to Rivolto between the 3rd
and 8th of June, the aircraft being flown up on the 7th June. Fora few days thereafter Training Flying was curtailed but troopingcontinued without interruption and minor snags which have arisenhave been easily ironed out. The Camp was soon established and theserviceability of aircraft has remained at a satisfactory level. The Squadron's main activities have been confined to
trooping and all commitments have been successfully carried out.Personnel were flown to Bari, Campiano (Rome), Campo di Chino(Naples), Biferno, Guada and Foggia. The landing strip at Campianois very rough, and is liable to cause damage to tyres and thereforeis very unsuitable for use by Marauder aircraft. Flying weatherexperienced during the month was good, and only one aircraft washeld up at Celone, Foggia for two days owing to a strong andpersistent cross-wind. Aircraft "A" No. 612 and "U" No. 577 were stripped and
converted to passenger carrying machines during the month and theSquadron thus has four trooping aircraft available. A total of 71 trooping flights were made for a total of
245 hours 45 minutes. Cross-country exercise flying re-commenced on the 14th
June when six aircraft flew from Base-Parma-Trento-Base. Trainingincluded formation flying, and other routes flown were Base-Padova-Bolzano-Base, Base-Genoa-Base, and Base-Milan-Bolzano-Base. Withthe lifting of certain flying restrictions over Allied OccupiedAustria, one exercise was flown to Innsbruck to give aircrews achange of route and experience of conditions over the Alps. On thisoccasion the aircraft flew individually.The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/6246<u>PAGE 5.</u> A fighter affiliation exercise was laid on by 3 Wing for
the 19th June. A box of four Marauders were to carry out an attackon Palmanova from 8,000 feet. Fighters were to be vectored onto thebombers who were to carry out normal evasive action. Unfortunatelywhen the leader of the box, Major W.J.O. Musgrove, reached 5,000feet his R/T "Packed up". No. 2 in the Box, Lieut. Reyneke took overbut shortly afterwards his R/T went unserviceable and as a continuat-ion of the exercise was therefore rendered useless, the box wasordered to return to base. In the meantime the fighters carried outseveral dummy attacks and according to the gunners a number offighters would have been "shot down in flames". The armour of the unstripped aircraft is periodically
checked and serviced. The total Marauder flying hours for the month is 414 hours
55 minutes. The following "I" Staff changes are recorded :-
Lieut. S.F. Wiggill was posted to No. 27 Squadron on the
28th May, 1945. Lieut. H.R. Dove reported for duty on the 4th May, 1945.
F/Sgt. S.B. Goodchild posted to 30 Squadron on 15. 6. 45.
A/Sgt. I. Mitchell, ex 30 Squadron, on strength on 12.6.45
and off strength on 23.6.45 for Adv. Base Transit Camp R.T.U. for7 Wing, S.A.A.F. Capt. S.L. Boshoff off strength on 15. 6. 45 - posted to
19 Squadron. A/Cpl. M. Levy, ex 16 Squadron, on strength on 25. 6. 45.
I have read over this diary and the facts are correct.
[handwritten signature] D. Ord LT. COL. COMMANDING, 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.