Operational Order No. 2/44

Thursday, 22 June 1944

1944-06-22

APPENDIX "DD" 345 MOVEMENT ORDER NO. 2/44. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F. By LT. COL. A.C. JANDRELL, D.F.C. Officer Commanding, 21 Squadron, S.A.A.F. 22nd June, 1944. "A" Party will move on Saturday morning the 24th of June, 1944 at 07.00 hours, sharp, from Biferno L.G. to Pescara Aerodrome. Camp will be struck and all equipment, tents and personal effects loaded on to the respective vehicles, and vehicles in position to move by 06.45 hours. Breakfast will be served from 06.00 hrs. to 06.30 hrs. at the Sergeants' Mess. Drivers will ensure that their vehicles are filled up with petrol, oil and water, and correct pressure in tyres. All batteries to be checked regarding distilled water. Convoy spacing will be 50 (fifty) yards at all times. There will be no overtaking, except in passing broken down vehicles. On stopping one person from each vehicle will stand on the opposite side of the road and conduct oncoming traffic. A very serious view will be taken of any person or vehicle not ready to move on the abovementioned time. "B" Party will move on Monday or as and when instructed. (Signature illegible) LT. COL. COMMANDING, NO. 21 SQUADRON, S.A.A.F.

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Original page(s): 345

Transcriber's Notes

Transcriber's Historical & Tactical Notes: * The Move North (Pescara): * Strategic Relocation: This Movement Order No. 2/44 signals a major shift in the squadron's base of operations. They are ordered to move from Biferno L.G. [Landing Ground] (near Campomarino) to Pescara Aerodrome. * Advancing the Line: Pescara had been liberated by Allied forces earlier in June 1944. Moving the squadron approximately 60 miles (100 km) north shortened the flight time to targets near the Gothic Line (Rimini, Bologna, etc.), allowing for deeper penetration or increased bomb loads. It also moved them out of the mud-prone Biferno airfield. * Logistics of the Move ("A" & "B" Parties): * Staggered Deployment: The squadron was split into "A" Party (moving June 24th) and "B" Party (moving "Monday or as... instructed"). This staggered approach ensured that the squadron remained partially operational during the transition. "A" Party (likely the advance echelon with essential ground crew and equipment) would set up the new base at Pescara, allowing the aircraft to fly in and operate immediately upon arrival, while "B" Party cleaned up the old site. * Convoy Discipline: * Strict Rules: The order imposes strict discipline on the road convoy: "spacing will be 50 (fifty) yards," "no overtaking," and "one person... will stand on the opposite side of the road and conduct oncoming traffic" during stops. These measures were vital to prevent accidents on the narrow, war-torn Italian coastal roads, which were often clogged with supply trucks, tanks, and civilian refugees. * Vehicle Readiness: The specific instruction to check "distilled water" in batteries highlights the maintenance challenges of operating in the Italian summer heat. * Abbreviations: * L.G.: Landing Ground. * S.A.A.F.: South African Air Force. * D.F.C.: Distinguished Flying Cross. 57 Verification: Target File Verification: The document is dated 23rd June, 1944 in the "DATE" field. It is a Sortie Report (No. 733) labeled APPENDIX "EE" (page number 346).