O.C. and 2 Flt. Cdrs. came to NAIROBI to fly these three aircraft back to Nakuru.
Every man in No.11 Squadron detachment was interviewed by the Adjutant with a view to settling any queries re pay etc. In this connection it must be recorded that there were several complaints from the which in most cases appeared to be justified.
Broadly the complaints were as follows:-
Owing to the mobile nature of the operations of No. 11 Sqn. in Abyssinia, it appears that recommendations for increments were in some cases overlooked – possibly because a man might have been on a detached duty, or sick, and thus escaped notice when the recommendations were compiled. Consequently they fell behind their contemporaries in the Union, who had received increments in the normal manner. Thus, when it became a question of promotion from 10/- to T/A/Cpl, many of those who had seen active service for a year were unable to be promoted as they were possibly still only earning 8/- or 9/- The dissatisfaction thus caused led to many requests for return to the Union in order that the men might once more complete for promotion.
A second cause for complaint, made by a good many men, was the fact that promises of promotion, or of an excessive increment, were made, probably all in good faith, but with a lack of knowledge of the promotion system, under which such promises never should have been made.
Thirdly, it must be recorded that the majority of personnel of No. 11 Squadron belonged to the Permanent Force, and their complain that, while they were on active service with a squadron, filling positions on Establishment to the detriment of quick promotion, their comrades in the Union were receiving rapid promotion and as a result of the enormous expansion of the S.A. Air Force, certainly appears to be a very genuine grievance. The result of these drawbacks is still being felt and statements are continually being received along these lines.
About this time A.H.Q., E.A., were asked to consider leave to the Union for a few of the individuals who had seen over one year’s active service, or alternatively to consider the exchange of equivalent duties with the Union. Both these requests, however, were refused, even when there were contributory causes such as family sickness or death. It is strongly submitted here that this state of affairs has had a deleterious effect on the Morale of the men.
The natural psychological reaction of a man towards recognition of his war service, of however short a duration, has not been overlooked in recording the above complaints, but the justification for such recording is intimately connected with the whole question of the formation of new squadrons in E. Africa which will be dealt with later.