Operation 'A'
2
P O S T A G R A M.
To : HQ RAF ME
From : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
Serial No : 21 Sqdn/322
Date : 1 JUL 43
OPREP NO. 322 for period ending 1600 hrs 1 JUL 43.
A to K NIL
Comm NIL
TOO 1600 hrs 1 JUL 43.
(Signature: J. S. Besson) Capt.
SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
'A'
2
P O S T A G R A M.
To : HQ RAF ME
From : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
Serial No : 21 Sqdn/322
Date : 1 JUL 43
OPREP NO. 322 for period ending 1600 hrs 1 JUL 43.
A to K NIL
Comm NIL
TOO 1600 hrs 1 JUL 43.
(Signature: J. S. Besson) Capt.
SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
__o_O_o__
Form 541 Transcriber's Notes TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
* Abbreviations Expanded:
* HQ: Headquarters
* RAF ME: Royal Air Force Middle East
* SIO: Squadron Intelligence Officer
* Sqdn: Squadron
* SAAF: South African Air Force
* OPREP: Operational Report
* hrs: hours
* JUL: July
* Comm: Communications
* TOO: Time of Origin
* Capt.: Captain
* Observations about Individuals:
* Captain J. S. Besson: As the Squadron Intelligence Officer (SIO), Captain Besson was the officer responsible for the collection and dissemination of intelligence data for 21 Squadron. His signature on this "Nil" report indicates that no combat sorties were launched during the specified period. This administrative duty was essential for maintaining a continuous record of unit activity, even during lulls in combat.
* Information about the Location:
* Cut-off point (The "Nil" Report): While this specific document does not name a base, historical records for 21 Squadron SAAF place them at Solomon Landing Ground (also known as LG. 138) in Libya during July 1, 1943.
* Modern Context: These North African landing grounds were often temporary desert strips that have long since been reclaimed by the desert or developed into local infrastructure.
* Historical Theatre Context:
* The Intersession (Post-Tunisia, Pre-Sicily): This report from July 1, 1943, falls during a significant transition period in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The North African campaign had concluded with the Axis surrender in Tunisia in May 1943.
* Preparation for Operation Husky: The "Nil" status reported by Captain Besson likely reflects the squadron's focus on intensive training and maintenance in preparation for the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky), which was set to begin just nine days later on July 10, 1943.
* The Martin Baltimore: At this stage of the war, 21 Squadron SAAF was operating the Martin Baltimore, a light-medium bomber that was the workhorse of the SAAF's 3 Wing throughout the North African and Sicilian campaigns.
* The "Nil" Report Importance: In military record-keeping, a "Nil" report is as critical as a mission report. It confirms to Headquarters that the unit is not missing a report and that no activity occurred, ensuring the integrity of the Permanent Historical Record.
3
The date written in the header of the memorandum is 22nd July 1943.
