JESI Landing Ground, Italy.
"Ve" Day was a happy day for the Squadron, and a large crowd assembled to hear the broadcast of Prime Minister Churchill's speech. After a short, informal service of Thanksgiving the celebrations commenced in real earnest.
On the 9th May an open air party in the form of a "braaivleis-aand" took place in the camp grounds and was a great success.
The Adjutant, Major G. Wegger, travelled by air to Udine to select the new Squadron campsite, and later in the month an Advance Party left to establish the Camp.
During the month of May "T" stores continued to function satisfactorily and all urgent demands for equipment were supplied by 31 A.S.P. without delay.
The conversion of two Marauder aircraft to trooping machines created a big demand for wood and canvas. The canvas was obtained after a short delay ex 31 A.S.P. , but the wood had to be obtained ex Army Engineers’ Stores. Both aircraft were satisfactorily converted.
Towards the latter end of May F/Sgt. Rauff, the senior stores N.C.O. was granted a months Union leave. This N.C.O. had completed 42 months service with 21 Squadron, and has at all times had the interests of “T” stores and the Squadron before him. No replacement was posted in his stead consequently the burden of his work had to be borne by the remaining staff, who, it might be added, have worked extremely well and are a credit to the Store.
“Q” stores are well stocked and practically all demands on 31 A.S.P. have been satisfied. Boots and socks nave been in light supply, but recently socks started coming in. Owing to personnel wearing their boots beyond economic repair an abnormally high percentage have been condemned, and replacements have not been exchanged at the same rate thus creating a temporary shortage. In this connection an order has been published warning personnel that disciplinary action will be taken against those who wear their boots beyond repair.
During the month F/Sgt. Hassall returned to the Union on compassionate grounds and so far no replacement has been provided, thus reducing the “Q” Stores staff to two.
The staff continue to carry out their duties in an exemplary manner.
The aircraft on strength to this Squadron remained at 18. All flying was non-operational and amounted to 466 hours. Nine 50 hours inspections were carried out.
The month under review saw the departure of war operations replaced by peaceful flying. The conversion of two Marauders for "trooping" proved highly successful. The ground crews were full of enthusiasm to get the conversions completed, no doubt Influenced by the fact of an early R.T.U.
Ground crew morale remains very high and the prospect of the Squadron's move to Udine acted like a tonic after so long a stay at Jesi.
Very little flying took place during the last few days of hostilities and aircraft serviceability remained high throughout the month.
With the cessation of hostilities work in the Armament section falls off to maintenance only.
Dispersal areas and bomb dumps were cleaned up, and all bombs, save four loads which were ferried to Udine, were returned to 124 M.U.
Two aircraft were stripped of all armament and converted into troop carriers. 45,000 rounds of .5" ammunition were also ferried by these aircraft to Udine.
The overhaul of maintenance equipment has taken place, and the condition and quantity of tools is fairly adequate.
Owing to the termination of hostilities in Europe and the cessation of operational flying - nothing of importance has taken place in the Signals Section during the period under review.
The month of May was a happy one for the M.T. Section, Peace in Europe bringing a very welcome relief from the hard work of the last four weeks or war. Vehicles were prepared for the pending move to Udine and fifteen 3 Tonners conveyed the “A” Party there, suffering only one burst tyre in the total of 3,000 miles for the return trip.
Ironically, after using improvised water tank carriers for the Squadron's water requirements for the duration of the European War, we were issued with 3 x 200 gallons Water Tenders during May.
Serviceability at the end of May was excellent. Total mileage for the month was 54,000 with no serious accidents.
In spite of the cessation of hostilities the N.M.C., have been kept fully employed and there has been only a slight reduction in their labours.
Lt. Col. Smith ADNEAS and Capt. Knoetze, DAAG/NEAS visited the Squadron on the 4th May, 1945 and inspected the N.M.C. lines.
Rations continue to be well prepared and the meals are of a very high standard.
Satisfactory progress is being maintained in the Educational Classes and the regular attendance of pupils reflects credit on the teacher. The NE-AES lecturer continues to give weekly talks.
Several inter-squadron matches have been played and enthusiasm is still high. Details were able to attend four cinema performances this month. A radio has been purchased for the N.M.C. Mess.
No details were sent on service leave this month.
The first half of the month was completely free from breaches of discipline, but in the second half two details were awarded Field Punishment and several minor breaches of discipline occurred.
Capt. P.H. Nicolay (pilot) arrived on a second tour with this Squadron.
Capt. J.N. Isted, Deputy Flight Commander, and Capt. R.P. Jones Flight Gunnery Leader were posted for R.T.U. as O.T.E.
Lieut. Wiggill, “I” Officer, was posted to No. 27 Squadron, S.A.A.F.
Owing to the impending move little organised sport took place during May with the exception of several inter-sectlon softball matches.
The capitulation of the German forces in Italy was swiftly followed by the disintegration of the remaining Nazi resistance in Germany. On the evening of the 7th May the prolonged tolling of Church bells announced the end of the European War, although no official Allied statement had been made. The following afternoon practically the whole Squadron assembled in the open outside "Ops” to hear the Prime Minister's broadcast speech. As was generally expected he announced “Ve” Day and this was the signal for a vigorous attack on the Ops bell by the Padre - the Rev. S.R. Skemp.
Than followed a short, informal serivce of Thanksgiving conducted by the Padre. When this was over several members of the Squadron continued the attack on the Ops bell, but this was soon rendered U/s owing to the vigour of the onslaught. The celebrations that followed were of a quiet nature as it was realised that we still had a war on our hands. The 9th of May was proclaimed a Public Holiday and it was decided to hold a "braaivleisaand" in our attractive camp grounds. This was a great success - sandwiches were provided and drinks were "on the House." The huge fire made a fine spectacle and this party will long be remembered as one of the most pleasant functions of our Squadron life.
On Sunday, 13th May an open-air Churoh Service wae held conducted by the Padre, the Rev. S. R. Skemp. This was attended by a large gathering of Squadron personnel, and a photograph of the service forms an appendix.
Two open air cinema shows were held during the month and an excellent R.A.F. Band paid us a visit
A donation was made to the South African Red Cross of 41,050 lire representing collections made over a period.
During May it was announced that the Squadron would be moving to Udine. The C.O. and the Adjutant selected the site for the Squadron's new camp and after several postponements the Advance Party left for Udine. To most of the squadron this was a welcome move as we had been established at San Ubaldo for a long time and a change was needed.
Operational Section
With the final surrender or the German forces in Italy on the 2nd May, 1945 the squadron was left with very few targets within range and no operational flying was carried out during the month.
From the 1st to the 8th the Squadron was on standby to bomb St. Veit Marshalling Yards but owing to bad weather and the somewhat confused conditions in Southern Austria no operations took place.
On the 10th normal work was resumed and the training of 1st pilots commenced. Cross-country flights incorporating formation flying practice were carried out daily.
On the 14th eight aircraft led by Major Dieu, D.F.C. who also led No. 3 Wing formation, represented the Squadron in an impressive “Fly Past” at the 6th S.A. Division Victory Parade held at Monza, North of Milan.
A Desert Air Force "Fly Past" was held on the 28th at Campoformido, Udine. A formation of twelve aircraft of the Squadron, led by Lt. Col. D. Ord, D.F.C. participated. Ten Wings were represented and an address was given by Lt. Gen. J. Cannon, K.B.E.
U.S.A.A.F. Air Commander-in-Chief, M.A.A.F.
Bombs were transported from Iesi to Rivolta on the 18th and 20th (250 lbs.)
On the 27th the Squadron commenced on Air Trooping, conveying Personnel from Rivolta to Bari. For this purpose two aircraft “H” and “T” were converted and fitted to carry ten passengers each. The conversion consists of the removal of gun turrets, guns and ammunition and all outside armour plating. This represents a saving of 8,000 lbs. plus bomb-load. In the rear bomb-bay two canvas seats facing each other have been fitted. These can accommodate 10 passengers with further seating capacity in the tail
section if required.
Wooden floors and protective boxing to take luggage have been fitted in the main bomb-bay. The gangway has not been blocked and the crew can therefore keep in touch with the passengers.
The stripped aircraft are capable of cruising comfortably at 210 I.A.S. at 8,000' with a load of 3,000 lbs. which will make then one of the fastest trooping aircraft at present in service.
Appendix to the War Diary : 21 Squadron : S.A.A.F. May, 1945
With the final surrender of the German forces in ITALY on the 2nd May 1945 the Squadron was left with very few targets within range and no operational flying was carried out during the month.
From the 1st to the 8th the Squadron was on standby to bomb St. Veit M/Yards but owing to bad weather and the somewhat confused conditions in Southern Austria no operations took place.
The complete unconditional surrender of Germany was received with relief by the Squadron but as the end was a foregone conclusion no undue excitement was noted amongst personnel. The official announcement of the surrender was received over the radio in talk by Mr. Winston Churchill at 1500 hrs. on the 8th when immediately afterwards the OPS GONG and SIRENS were sounded for a thanksgiving service conducted by the Squadron Padre (Capt. Skemp).
Prior to the commencement of the service the C.O. in a short address outlined the record of the Squadron and thanked all personnel for their fine work and co-operatlon in making this record possible and which so materially assisted in achieving final victory.
On Sunday the 13th the Padre held a full Thanksgiving Service which was very well attended. The N.M.C. were present and sang their National Anthem very capably led by the Padre much to the surprise of the European personnel. The proceedings were most impressive.
On the 10th normal work was resumed and the training of 1st Pilots commenced. Cross-country flights incorporating formation flying practice were carried out daily.
On the 14th eight aircraft led by Major Dieu D.F.C. who aIso led No. 3 Wing formation represented the Squadron in an impressive “Fly Past” at the 6th S.A Division Victory Parade held at MONZA, north of MILAN.
A Desert Air Force “Fly Past” was held on the 28th at CAMPOFORMIDO A/D, UDINE. A formation of 12 A/C of the Squadron, led by Lt. Col. Ord D.F.C. participated. Ten Wings were represented and an address was given by Lt. Gen. J. Cannon K.B.E., U.S.A.A.F. Air Commander-in-Chief M.A.A.F.
Bombs were transported from IESI to AVIANO on the 18th and 20th ( 250 lbs ), and to RIVOLTO on the 21st.
On the 27th the Squadron commenced on Air Trooping, conveying personnel from RIVOLTO to BARI. For this purpose two aircradt “H” and “T” were converted and are fitted to ocarry ten passengers each. The conversion consists of the removal of gun turrets, guns and ammunition and all outside armour plating. This represents a saving of 8000 lbs.
plus bombload. In the rear bomb-bay two long canvas seats facing each other have been fitted. These can accommodate 10 passengers with further seating capacity in the tail section if required.
Wooden floors and protective boxing to take luggage have been fitted in the main bomb-bay. The Gangway has not been blocked and the crew can therefore keep in touch with the passengers.
The stripped aircraft are capable of cruising comfortably at 210 IAS at 8000' with a load of 3000 lbs which must make them of the fastest trooping aircraft at present in service.
During the month 447.40 Non-operational hours were flown and 56 passengers carried.