Heavy rains during the month of November prevented completion of the necessary hard stands on the Aerodrome and no operations were carried out. This Autumn has been exceptionally wet and the once grassy slopes of our camp site are now a veritable "sea of mud".
Towards the end of the month advantage was taken of two clear days to put in some practice bombing and formation flying.
Brigadier Hingeston, accompanied by Col. Mossop, visited the Squadron early in the month. The camp was very wet and muddy but he inspected all three Messes. The Brigadier was impressed by the Sergeants' efforts to make themselves comfortable, the Gunners' Gen Room, and the improvised kitchen stoves.
Advice was received of honours won by former members of the Squadron. Lt. Col. Jandrell, D.F.C., the previous C.O. , has been awarded the D.S.O. for his splendid leading of 21 Squadron and gallantry in operations. Capt. R.R. Farrant, D.F.C. received the Bar to D.F.C.; Major P. de Wet, Capt. C. te Water-Pohl and Lieut. C. v.d. Westhuizen have all won the D.F.C. for gallantry in operations.
Many ground crew replacements arrived during the month and the face of the Squadron is slowly changing. Most of the "Desert Lads" have now gone R.T.U. , but several old members have returned on a second tour.
Despite the bad weather the Squadron participated in quite a number of rugby, soccer and softball matches, results as follows:-
Rugby. 21 Squadron 6 pts. 15 Squadron 6 pts.
21 " 9 « 3 Wing 0 W
21 " 13 " 24 Squadron h II
21 » 9 \* 12 Squadron 0 N
Soccer. 21 Squadron 4 goals 12 Squadron 3 goal 8
21 " 3 " 31 A.3.P. s N
21 " 2 \* 12 Squadron 6 II
soft Ball. 21 Squadron 13 Pts. 24 squadron 5 Pts.
A few softball matches were also played between the Officers, Sergeants and Airmen's Messes.
A member of the Squadron took part in a Services Cross-Country Race held at Ancona. The course was over 4 ½ miles hilly country and resembled an "assault course". However, the race was enjoyed at least by the spectators and our entrant finished 7th out of the 150 starters.
Advantage has been taken of the stand-down period to send leave parties to Rome and Florence. The opportunity of seeing the famous antiquities of these two cities was greatly appreciated and was a memorable experience to all concerned - in fact, an education to many. Rome, the cradle of civilisation, has been the major attraction. The Other Ranks are not in favour of staying at the Rest Camp at Rome. They feel that when on leave one should get away from the “military” atmosphere, and it is impossible to do so while staying at a Leave and Transit Camp. The Voortrekker Club at Florence is most popular and the accommodation facilities all that can be desired.
"Jackie", an Egyptian Gazelle and the Squadron Mascot, "celebrated" his second birthday during November. Jackie is one of the oldest members of the Squadron and has been with us since Egypt. He has adapted himself very well to the changes of climate and conditions, and his quaint antics provide us with a continual source of amusement.
At 22.00 hours on the 18th November information was received that a party of saboteurs were making for the Jesi Aerodrome. Guards were put on aircraft immediately but the expected visitors did not materialize.
Entertainment has been plentiful and varied and the nightly "bioscope runs" form a popular diversion to camp life.
Christmas preparations are afoot and a squad of turkeys, purchased at a fantastic price, duly reported for duty and we are looking forward to making their acquaintance on the 25th of next month. A strong effort is always made to render "Christmas in the Field" as bright and cheerful as possible, and it is hoped to make this Yuletide a "bumper effort".