21 Squadron War Diary
Ben Hagen
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDER NO. 51/43 by LIEUT. COL. C. S. COPPEN D.F.C. Commanding Officer, No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. Middle East. 10th July 1943.Para. 167: WATER SUPPLIES:Water supplies in DJED JERDA and SARDA areas are unsafe and should not be used for any purpose whatsoever. (21S/1801/2 Serial 108)Para. 168: DISCIPLINE - AIRMEN:Numerous official complaints have been received concerning the behaviour of Allied Troops on pass in various towns in Tunisia, particularly in regard to Drunkenness, disorderly conduct and the molestation of women. Leave privileges will be curtailed generally unless this disgraceful behaviour ceases forthwith. The importance of maintaining high standards of discipline, deportment and appearance is to be impressed on All Ranks. Unkempt appearance and poor conduct are indicative of neglect of discipline and control, and further indicate that the personnel concerned are not imbued with a pride of country or respect for the arm of service which they represent. (A.R.O. 134)Para. 169: NIGHT LIGHT BOOBY TRAPS:A number of light candles have been discovered fitted with a booby trap mechanism which explodes immediately the wick is lit. The charge is sufficient to cause serious injury.The night light is contained in a cardboard cup two and a half inches diameter by one inch deep; the surface of the wax is coned, and the wick protrudes approx. one eight inch from the top of the cone.All Ranks are warned NOT to light these objects, but to return them to the nearest ORD. ARM. Depot for disposal. (A.R.O. Para. 137)Para. 170: CONSERVATION OF WATER SUPPLIES:The attention of all concerned is drawn to urgent necessity of conserving water during summer months. The water supply of Algeria and Tunisia is derived entirely from the winter rains and snow, as there is no summer rainfall. As a result of the lateness of the rain and lack of snow last winter the natural reservoirs of the country are low and there is considerable fear of an acute shortage in the late summer.The water consumption of the civil population of the country is normally cut down in summer months and the addition of considerable British and U.S. Forces together with some 250000 prisoners will throw a severe strain on the limited reservoirs available.All possible measures must be taken to ensure that the strictest economy of water is observed. (A.R.O. Para. 138)Para. 171: PREVENTION OF DYSENTRY:Fruit and vegetables are particularly dangerous unless cooked before consumption. No uncooked greenstuffs or vegetables and no tomatoes with broken skins should be eaten. Fruit and tomatoes normally eaten raw should be steeped and thoroughly washed in a solution of one teaspoonful of bleach to two gallons of water and thereafter washed in drinking water. Alternatively fruit may be soaked in a solution of Potassium Permanganate for two hours. (A.R.O. Para. 139)(Signature: J. S. Besson) Major,Adjutant No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F.