The National Archives' reference AIR 27/273/273
40
"C" [Handwritten]
COPY OF SIGNAL
TO : 21 SQUADRON ADVANCED AND REAR
FROM: ADV. 3 WING A.W. 403 8/10
All operationally serviceable aircraft to
proceed immediately L.G.98 to arrive not later
1815 today (.) If impossible take off first
light tomorrow. Acknowledge
E M E R G E N C Y
A/G OPS. T.O.O. 1527/8 C
T.O.R. 1645/8 C
Phase 2: Technical Expansion (The "Transcriber's Notes")
Glossary of Terms:
* 21 SQUADRON ADVANCED AND REAR: Refers to the forward operational echelon (Advanced) and the logistical/maintenance support echelon (Rear) of No. 21 Squadron, South African Air Force (SAAF).
* ADV. 3 WING: Advanced Headquarters of No. 3 (South African) Wing, the tactical command overseeing SAAF light bomber operations within the Desert Air Force.
* L.G.98: Landing Ground 98. A designated desert airfield in the Western Desert, utilized for tactical positioning and operational security.
* (.) : Signal notation for a full stop or period.
* E M E R G E N C Y: A high-priority message precedence indicating that the signal must be handled with the utmost speed, surpassing standard "Immediate" or "Important" classifications.
* A/G OPS.: Air/Ground Operations.
* T.O.O.: Time of Origin (15:27 hours on the 8th).
* T.O.R.: Time of Receipt (16:45 hours on the 8th).
Operational Context:
This "EMERGENCY" signal, dated 8 October 1942, documents an urgent forward displacement of No. 21 Squadron's combat assets during the final, high-tension buildup to the Second Battle of El Alamein. The instruction for all "operationally serviceable aircraft" to move to L.G.98 "immediately" reflects the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) strategy of concentrating light bomber forces at forward strips to maximize their striking range and sortie frequency against Axis positions.
The deadline of 18:15 hours emphasizes the intent to complete the move before the onset of darkness, a critical safety and security measure in the featureless Western Desert terrain. If environmental or technical factors prevented a sunset arrival, the order mandated a "first light" departure the following morning.
Strategically, this move to L.G.98 positioned the squadron's Martin Baltimore aircraft in optimal striking distance to support the 8th Army's imminent offensive. Such movements were essential for the Desert Air Force (DAF) to maintain constant aerial pressure on German-Italian logistical hubs and armored concentrations. The document is preserved as a high-priority signal copy (Folio 40) in the permanent historical record, highlighting the administrative urgency of air-ground coordination during the definitive North African campaign.
50
Phase 1: Verification & Extraction
Identity Check: 8/10. (Handwritten "41" and "D" also appear in the upper right quadrant).