21 Squadron War Diary
Ben Hagen
PROMOTED ORDER NO. 56/43 No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F.by War Diary. 60LIEUT. COL. C. S. COPPEN D.F.C.Commanding Officer,No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F.Middle East.17th July 1943.Para. 176: PROHIBITED AREAS:No vehicles, excluding the Chance Light, Ambulance and Fire Tender, are to beparked within 50 yards of the runways at any time during the day and night.(B21/2 Serial 13)Para. 177: DRESS:Attention is directed to G.R.O. 99/43, since the publication of which someweeks have passed. It is clear from numerous reports received that Units havenot yet made a serious effort to comply with the order.Every soldier slovenly or incorrectly dressed, especially in public places,is a pointer to his unit, and conversely every smart soldier reflects credit,not only upon his C.O.; but upon the force which he represents.While a transition period may be necessary before complete uniformity inthe matter, for instance, of shorts of approved length can be achieved, theproblem is to be tackled with energy and persistence.The Military Police have hitherto refrained from taking action againstoffenders; but in future vigorous action is to be taken and every case of suchaction will be reported to Headquarters with a particular view to noting Unitswhich do not maintain the requisite standard.(A.R.O. Para. 95)Para. 178: G.S. and A.S. PERSONNEL:The following is an extract from a letter received from Major General TheronG.O.C. U.D.F."The reply approved by the Minister to contentions by A.S. Personnel that theywill sign the oath after getting leave to the Union or that they are beingvictimised over Union leave, is that shipping is very limited, and for themoment, as G.S. Personnel have to be organised for battle fronts and thereforecannot take leave later, preference is being given them for leave now, beforereorganisation.That is all that the present means, and it is imposed on Defence authoritiesby shipping shortage and urgency in making G.S. Personnel who are qualified,take their leave before going abroad. Then all such G.S. Personnel have beensent to the Union on leave; a commencement will then be made with A.S. Personnelstarting with the married men who have had longer service away from the Union.C.O.'s Units are to make this known to all A.S. Personnel serving under them,in order to remove any lingering impression in their minds that they arebeing deliberately victimised, or are not getting a square deal."(Signature: J. M. J. de Beer) Major.Adjutant No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F.