Monday, 20 September 1943

21 Squadron War Diary

Cuticchio, Sicily
SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS. No. 73/43. 21 SQUADRON S.A.A.F.ByLt. Col. J. F. Britz, D.F.C.Officer Commanding,21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.Middle East.20th September, 1943.COURT OF INQUIRY.Para. 260. A Court of Inquiry, constituted as under, will assemble at a time and place to be decided by the President, to enquire into and report upon the injuries sustained by No. 326758 V. A/M. Esterhuizen A. M. on the 22nd August, 1943. The Court will attach blame if any.CONSTITUTION.PRESIDENT. 2nd/Lt. D. C. Wright.MEMBER. W.O.II. J. H. Schoeman.WITNESSES.The Adjutant No. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. will warn all witnesses to attend and will arrange for the production of relative documents.FINDING.The Court will make a finding.PROCEEDINGS.Proceedings will be delivered to the Officer Commanding, No. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. for disposal.(Sgd) [Signature] Capt.Adjutant, No. 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F.

Transcriber's Notes

S.A.A.F
South African Air Force.
L.T
Local Time.
Lt. Col
Lieutenant Colonel.
Col
Colonel.
D.F.C
Distinguished Flying Cross.
A/M
Air Mechanic.
2nd/Lt
Second Lieutenant.
W.O.II
Warrant Officer Class II.

Expanded Abbreviations

Lt. Col. J. F. Britz, D.F.C.: Jacobus "Jack" Frederik Britz was the Officer Commanding (OC) of No. 21 Squadron S.A.A.F.. He was a highly decorated leader who personally led numerous hazardous nighttime interdiction missions during the Italian campaign.

2nd/Lt. D. C. Wright: Appointed as President of this Court of Inquiry. He is listed on the squadron's nominal roll as a Second Lieutenant in General Duties (Air Gunner).

W.O.II. J. H. Schoeman: Serving as the member of the court. He appears on the nominal roll as a Warrant Officer Class II serving as Clerk, General Duties. His administrative experience would have been essential for ensuring the inquiry's proceedings were documented correctly. Location and Historical Context

AIR 27/276 · The National Archives