21 Squadron War Diary
Rivolto, Italy
The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/8265SECRET AUGUST, 1945.WAR DIARYOF21 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICANAIR FORCE * AUGUST. RIVOLTO LANDING GROUND, ITALY.The news of the Japanese surrender on the 14th August,1945 was received with great relief, although it was difficult torealise that at last the War had ended.Towards the end of August the Squadron's impending movecaused much activity as the Advance Party was scheduled to leave inmid-September.On instructions from higher authority, stocks of mainten-ance spares were brought up to approximately sufficient for 30 days.Balance of stocks have been divided, the majority ofwhich will move off with the Advance Party on redeployment.Total number of demands during the month totals 200.Petrol expenditure totals 30,200 galls.With R.H.Q. D.A.F. authority all Nissen Huts surplus to Unitrequirements were returned to No. 17 A.D. Matting Dump, togetherwith some spare fittings collected over a period.Gas equipment was withdrawn for safe custody into stores,in order to forestall any pilfering or loss of same by individualsprior to the coming move, also with the intention of approaching theappropriate Headquarters for disposal instructions.With regards to the weekly issue of cigarettes from theE.F.I. during this month, the supply has been, with the exceptionof one week, anything but South African cigarettes, which naturallycauses a great deal of criticism from all personnel.It would be highly appreciated if some attention could begiven to this matter.The month of August showed small increase of activity inthe Armament Section, to meet the demands of practice bombing andgunnery.21 Squadron took the responsibility of preparing theManiago Practice Bombing Range which has been taken over from 232Wing. A full week was occupied in this work, as telephone linesand signals had to be prepared and laid. Six members of the Armam-ent Staff are in full charge of the range and the plotting of bombsis being done by this staff.The usual maintenance work has been carried out.The Armament strength has been increased by five newpersonnel.During the month two radio mechanics were posted (one fordemobilisation and the other on compassionate grounds) leaving theSignals Section two men under the establishment strength of nine.However, this did not affect serviceability on account of thereduced amount of flying.The equipment was maintained in a serviceable conditionand no failures in communications due to servicing were reported.Ground spare equipment for maintenance of aircraft radiosfor three months was lapsed in view of the impending move fromItaly. At a Heads of Sections meeting it was decided that twothirds of the signals personnel and equipment would go by the "A"Party and the remaining third to follow with the "B" party.No w/op. air gunners were trade tested during the monthThe National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/8266<u>Page 2.</u>for upgrading, all R.A.F. personnel having been posted from thisUnit. The remaining S.A.A.F. W.T. Air Gunners maintained a goodstandard of morse and procedure. The total mileage of the M.T. Section for August was
55,564 and no accidents occurred. Several old vehicles have beenreplaced, resulting in 100% serviceability in the Squadron.Preparations are now being made for the impending move. The work of the Admin. Section can be compared with that
of the "Back Room Boys" in that we are known to exist but fewmembers of a Squadron appreciate the extent of our activities. Weare popularly supposed to have one of the softest of jobs, but inactual fact this is far from the truth. We do our job in an unob-trusive and probably efficient manner with the team spirit stronglyin evidence. There are periods of stress and excitement (particul-ly in times of moves or postings of groups) and occasionally aslight "flat spin" is inevitable.Apart from the normal routine work our Adjutant, in hiscapacity of "father and mother" of the Squadron, often has difficultproblems to solve. His advice is sought on such diverse subjectsas mothers-in-law, post-war employment, marriage to aliens, legalmatters, domestic problems, etc. However, he is far more happy inthis role of Father Confessor, guide and friend to all in theSquadron than when frowning over charge sheets!The whole of the Admin. Staff has been away from theUnion for a considerable time, working in varied climates and oftenunder difficult conditions. However, we are a happy crowd and astrong bond of comradeship has been forged during the long periodspent working together. After the 10th of the month Peace rumours became very
strong and the end seemed near. The news of the Japanese surrenderwas received in the Squadron with relief but without the hilariouscelebrations which attended the unconditional surrender of Germany.The official news was broadcast by the Prime Minister of GreatBritain, Mr. C. Attlee, on the 15th August, 1945. Three well known R.A.F. personalities visited this area
in August.Air Marshal Sir. A. G. R. Garrod, K.C.B., O.B.E., M.C.,D.F.C., the A.C.C. R.A.F. Med. M.E., landed at Rivolta on the 7thand addressed the Squadrons of No. 3 Wing, S.A.A.F.Air Chief Marshal A. Tedder, K.C.B. and Lady Tedder, onroute to the Union, landed at Rivolta on the 15th and wereentertained in the evening at the D.A.F. Hotel, Udine.On the 28th, Air Vice Marshal R. M. Foster, C.B., C.B.E.,D.F.C., A.O.C. D.A.F., who is relinquishing his command to take upa new appointment in Austria, paid a farewell visit to this area.Squadron personnel were assembled on Rivolta Airfield. In afarewell address, Air Vice Marshal Foster thanked them for theirefforts which assisted so materially in defeating the enemy andstressed what a good job had been done, frequently under tryingconditions. The Air Vice Marshal was given three hearty cheersat the end of his address. The Squadron is making preparations to move out of Italy,
and the first destination was Benina in North Africa. We havesince been informed officially that this Squadron will be moved tosomewhere outside Alexandria. Arrangements for the transfer of theSquadron are now being worked on by the Heads of Sections. It was announced in the London Gazette of the 21st
August that the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. D. Ord had beenawarded a Bar to his D.F.C., and Major W. J. O. Musgrove the D.F.C.These awards were duly celebrated on the Squadron attended by alarge number of visitors, including the O.C. 3 Wing, S.A.A.F.The National Archives' reference AIR 27/271/8267<u>Page 3.</u>Colonel A.C. Jandrell, D.S.O., D.F.C. Major Musgrove could notattend as he was away on duty. Capt. R.P. Jones, who was untilrecently a member of this Squadron, also received the award of theD.F.C.<u>OPERATIONAL SECTION.</u> Trooping continued during the month and constituted the
principal task of the Squadron. In addition to routine troopingto Foggia, Bari and Naples, one aircraft flew to Malta and oneaircraft conveyed members of the D.A.F. Cricket Touring Team toEngland. Approximately 38,000 miles were flown on trooping duringthe month with a continued 100% accident free record. Approximately500 passengers were carried. Training under the new syllabus introduced by D.A.F.
continued. This incorporated practice bombing, formation flying,Photo-Navigation, air to sea firing, W/T Training, Shoran andfighter affiliation. Tabulated flying hours are shown at the endof this report. Three fighter affiliation exercises were carried out
successfully. The target was Palmanova which was 'bombed' by abox of four Marauders. The Gunnery Leader on interrogation statedthat most of the attacks made while the bombers were in formationwere dead astern which allowed for a large volume of fire power tobe concentrated on the fighters and very little if any allowancewas required for deflection. It was felt by the gunners interrog-ated that the fighters would have been severely mauled. After thetarget was bombed the Marauders broke formation and individualdogfights ensued. Two Shoran Beam flying exercises were flown and pilots and
Observers obtained practice. Two Observers attended a Shoran courseat 3 Wing, S.A.A.F. and qualified as Shoran Operators. A Practice Bombing Exercise was unsuccessful due to faulty
bombsight. Detailed data of flying carried out during the month is
as follows :- Trooping 211.55 hours. 51 Flights. Training 47.05 " 43 Flights. Tests 7.00 " 3 Flights. ------ ---------- 266.00 hours. 97 Flights. ------------- ----------
I have read over this Diary and the facts are correct.
[handwritten signature] LT. COL. COMMANDING, NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.