All the Squadron now accommodated in camp. All responsible Officers (Q., T., Signals etc.) immediately began work collecting stores and necessary material etc., from local R.A.F.
sources.
It must be recorded here that, although practically all the M.T. on establishment had been dispatched ex Union addressed to No. 21 Squadron, by the time the Squadron arrived in M.E. this had nearly all been expropriated for use by other squadrons. Only 10 G.S. 3 ton lorries could be obtained, the result being that the frequent movements to and from Cairo and surrounding depots had to be done in 3 ton lorries. This has the double effect of extra expense over light vehicles, and undue wear and tear on the lorries. Light vehicles, however are apparently unobtainable from the Union. All transport necessary has been promised before the Squadron leaves for its operations base.
New course at O.T.U. for Air Crews. Those who arrived by boat and pilots who has been waiting for crews etc. began with this course while those who had already begun a fortnight ago finished lectures and started flying.
Once pilots and crews are formed up it is the policy not to change personnel of crews, thus ensuring the maximum co-operation and understanding between members.
It may be remarked here that of the 16 Marylands that left NAIROBI all 16 arrived in SHANDUR without mishap. Compared with the less fortunate journey of another squadrons this appears to reflect directly the influence of the Commanding Officer on the flying and temperament of pilots, who had only a small number of hours on this type.