No operations were carried out by this Squadron during the month of October. Continual rain grounded the Marauders at PESCARA; lack of suitable dispersal and a runway of insufficient length prevented ops at JESI. Although out of ops we unfortunately lost one machine (burnt out) and a further two were damaged when a U.S.A. Liberator burst a tyre taking off and crashed into one of our aircraft parked on the JESI Aerodrome. Fortunately there were no personnel casualties.
During October the Squadron moved from PESCARA to JESI. The move took place practically without incident, although several journeys were made, using the more robust of our war weary transport for the heavy work. The Squadron is experiencing great difficulty in keeping transport on the road owing to batteries becoming U/s. It would appear that replacements for these U/s batteries are extremely hard to obtain.
An advance party had been busy at the new site and when we arrived a Nissen hut was already erected for the Parachute Section, and the camp laid out in a most orderly manner. Much credit is due to the Adjutant, Major RAUTENBACH, for selecting this fine site and a toast of appreciation was proposed to him by the Commanding Officer during the course of an evening in the new Officer’s Mess.
The Officers' Mess is in a building formerly the residence of a Marquis, and a number of the officers are billeted in this villa. During their stay here the "Jerries" had "thoughtfully" erected two large well built huts which were undamaged. These huts we are now using for the Sergeants' and Airmens' Messes.
The Estate is situated approximately three miles from the quaint and somewhat attractive town of JESI. From the main road one enters the "estate" by a road of soft surface and comparative straightness. There are corridors of trees, dim and cool, where the road becomes greasy as it curves. The hillocks are banked with canvas and the silver gold of cultivated fields lies on either side of the site. The horizon can be likened to a turning wheel with the "Casa" as its hub. The Marquis lives in feudal style in a wing that lies adjacent and forms an artistic jig-Saw of houses, store chambers, garden and orchard. Their tea garden gives them privacy and recreational and social facilities but visitors appear to be few.
Let us walk through the gardens and lanes of the camp site drinking in the country in its autumn loveliness. We walk along our sloping road which is as a ruff about the throat of our camp, flanked on both sides by stately trees, and gaze with a pleasant thrill upon a swan occupied, once ornate pool. The surrounding countryside is softly undulating, and in the distance snow capped peaks are faintly visible. Colourful villages are silhouetted against the skyline, forming a picture of rare beauty. Such then, briefly, is SAN UBALDO – home of 21 Squadron.
Rain has fallen practically incessantly this month and we are marooned in an ocean of greasily dappled mud. The dark clouds continually pile up overhead until a bleak wind arrives with a great shiver, and strikes a quick chill into us and the grey rain sweeps down from cloud to earth, at first in single drops, but soon in a furious onslaught. Picture us advancing through slushy, treacherous mud, feeling the ground before us as we put weight upon it. We feel our way slowly around the trees from the Mess to the sanctuary of our tents, the wind and rain beating against us in frenzy fencing for a chink in the armour of our endurance.
Entertainment is far more plentiful in the Jesi district than that of many a previous site. Situated in Jesi itself is the U.D.F.I. Cinema, an E.N.S.A. Cinema and Theatre, and a U.S.A. Cinema. These nightly shows offer a welcome diversion to the monotony of camp life and our Squadron has taken full advantage of these facilities. Interesting instructional films were seen by the whole Squadron; the subjects being "Sex-Hygiene", "Malaria" and "The Louse". The films were presented in an attractive manner and contained much useful and sound advice. During the latter part of the month the D.A.F. Dance Band paid us a visit and their lively tuneful music was enjoyed by all.
The inclement weather has greatly handicapped sporting activities A Wing Athletic Meeting should have taken place during the month but this was also “washed out” by rain. However, several enthusiastic cross-country runners from the Squadron still venture out despite the rain and mud. Several Rugby and Soccer matches have been played and we have the nucleus of two sound teams. Until recently Soft Ball was a daily feature, but now extensive mud has made this popular game out of the question.
A number of new arrivals and departures took place in October.
Good news was received to the effect that Lieut. G. v.d.H. WHITEHOUSE (pilot); W.O. N.H. SWALE (WT/AG) - both apparently wounded - and F/Sgt. J.E. CARTER (pilot), who were reported missing last month, are all prisoners-of-war in German hands.
Lieut. G.B. Stewart (observer) who was reported missing in June of this year, has now been confirmed as a prisoner-of-war by the Germans.