SUMMARY
Due to adverse weather conditions only one operation was carried out up to the 19th of the month. On the 8th six aircraft attacked the GORIZIA Marshalling Yards with fairly good results.
A Liberator landed when the Squadron was taking off and obstructed the runway and three aircraft were unable to take off. On the 20th, 21st and 23rd two raids a day were carried out. Four Marshalling Yards in Northern Italy were attacked with good results. One raid was abortive due to 10/10ths cloud over the target area. Other targets consisted of Sugar Refineries and a Cellulose Factory. On the 23rd outstanding results were obtained when 90% of bombs of eleven aircraft fell on the PONTO LONGO Sugar Refinery. Two Railroad Bridges the PORDENONE and ARSIE, were also targets for the month. Against the PORDENONE Bridge delayed action bombs were used. Raid on the ARSIE Bridge was abortive due to thick ground haze in Northern Italy. On this raid one aircraft piloted by Lieut. D.L. BECKE developed engine trouble five minutes before the target was reached. Aircraft broke formation, one engine was feathered, and a course set for base closely guarded by two Spitfires of the fighter escort. The coast was crossed just north of the Bombline en route and the sound engine sustained direct hits by 20 mm. ack-ack. The aircraft was nevertheless brought back as far as CESENATICO where a successful landing was made.
On the 27th February, the G.O.C. – Major General F.H. Theron visited the camp, accompanied by Lt. Col. Hudson and Major Kennedy, and appeared to be satisfied with the position and general condition of the Camp.
Early in February, Major L. G. Hamlet “A” Flight Commander and Capt. P. H. Nicolay Deputy "A" Flight Commander were posted for R.T.U. as operational tour expired. Lieut. J.O. Harle (observer) arrived on a second tour with this Squadron. the R.S.M. W.O.1.
L.A.J.Atkinson was posted for R.T.U. as tour of duly expired and W.O.1. L.I. Dreyer arrived as his replacement.
Towards the end of February the weather suddenly changed for the better. After several sunny days the mud began to dry and at last we were able to shed our gumboots, don ordinary footwear and could walk about the camp without the anxiety of losing a shoe at the next step!
Entertainment was of the usual high standard during February. The highlight of the month was the visit of an Italian Opera Company who put on the well known Operas “The Barber of Seville” “La Boheme” and “Rigoletto”. Their performances were first-class and compared favourably with those of the premier opera companies of Rome.
Owing to the bad weather and transport difficulty in providing covered trucks to Jesi, our nearest convenient centre for entertainment, some alternative had to be found. Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C. the C.O. of the Squadron had a "brainwave" - which was to use a Nissen Hut as a Recreation Hall. The matter was discussed with Major Rautenbach (squadron Adjutant) who went one better and suggested joining two or three Nissen Huts, and further that the huts should be placed on sloping ground so as to obtain "modern theatre" construction effect. The Hall was built as suggested, lined with a brick floor, and a modern stage and dressing rooms were constructed.
Further credit is due to Lt. Col. Ord for his "scrounging ability" in obtaining from "unknown sources" sufficient benches to comfortably seat 250. The Padre, Rev. S.R. Skemp, rendered valuable assistance in supervising the completion of the interior fixtures. The Recreation Hall has already proved its worth -lectures and cinema shows have been held, and the conditions found to be excellent. It is confidently anticipated that our "Nissen Hut" Recreation Hall will be copied in the near future by 30 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
During February leave was resumed and weekly parties were sent to Florence and Rome. The Voortrekker Club in Florence is most popular with members of this Squadron. It is central, food and sleeping accommodation both excellent, and the Club provides that essential change from the normal camp routine.
Five members of this Squadron were selected for the 3 Wing Rugby Team who defeated No. 205 Group by 6 points to 3 at Foggia. With the welcome change in the weather Softball has begun once again. Apart from inter-section games this Squadron defeated No. 12 Squadron and 30 Squadron by a large margin of points. Of the inter-section teams the “Pilots” still seem to be on top.
Appendix to the War Diary : 21 Squadron S.A.A.F. : 3 Wing
FEBRUARY 1945
Between the 1st and the 19th of the month due to adverse weather conditions only one operation was carried out. On the 8th six aircraft attacked the GORIZIA Marshalling Yards with fairly good results. A Liberator landed when the Squadron was taking off and obstructed the runway and three aircraft were unable to take off.
A break in the weather from the 19th of the month afforded the squadron the opportunity to show its teeth . On the 20th, 21st and 23rd two raids a day were carried out. Four Marshalling Yards in Northern Italy were attacked with good results. One raid was abortive due to 10/10ths cloud over target area.
Other targets consisted of Sugar Refineries and a Cellulose Factory. On the 23rd outstanding results were obtained when 90% of bombs of 11 aircraft fell on the Ponto Longo Sugar Refinery.
Two R.R. Bridges, the Pordenone and Arsie were also targets for the month. Against the Pordenone Bridge delayed action bombs were used. Raid on the Arsie Bridge was abortive due to thick ground haze in Northern Italy. On this raid one aircraft piloted by Lt. Becke developed engine trouble five minutes before the target was reached. Aircraft broke formation, one engine was feathered and a course was set for base closely guarded by two Spitfires of the fighter escort.
The coast was crossed just North of the Bomb line en route and the sound engine sustained direct hits by 20 mm ack ack.
The aircraft was nevertheless brought back as far as Cesenatico where a successful landing was made.
114 Sorties – 292.05 hrs. were completed and a total of 194 tons of Bombs were dropped.
Non-Operational flying totalled 57.20 hrs and were mostly devoted to Practice Bombing and the passing out of 1st Pilots.