The highlight of the month was the visit of Field Marshal Smuts to Rivolta Aerodrome on 11th July, 1945, where he addressed a large gathering of South African personnel.
The returning to 17 A. D. of surplus equipment continued throughout the month., as arranged with Section Heads, in order to obviate chaos prior to the move to North Africa.
Three aircraft struck off strength to 3 Wing, R. S. E. for major inspections and one received in return, The South African Engineers were approached regarding a small supply of 3" x 3" timber in order to crate gun turrets removed from aircraft on trooping service. This request was immediately attended to and the supply thereof effected without delay.
A brief visit was paid to the Squadron by the S. E. S. O., Bari, prior to R. T. U. posting.
Five 50 hours inspections and one receipt inspection were carried out during July. 268.55 hours trooping were flown – making 339.05 hours total flying.
Slight increase of activity during the month of July took place in the Armament Section, owing to the number of 50 hours inspections, receipt inspections, and the construction of heavy timber cases for four mid-upper turrets.
For some two months these turrets have been carefully canvassed, awaiting the arrival of official turret cases. As these are not forthcoming, timber has been utilized in making substantial frames in which these turrets may be transported in safety.
Owing to lack of consistent work, a number of the Armament Staff have volunteered to aid various other sections who are short staffed due to postings.
The willingness of the Armament Staff to apply themselves to these other occupations for the sake of the Squadron gives sufficient evidence that their morale is of the highest degree.
During the first week of July two wireless operator mechanics arrived replacing two "A" and "B" groups mechanics, who had left the previous month. In the second week a further two wireless mechanics arrived replacing two tour expired men, thus maintaining the Signals Section up to strength in personnel.
On the 13th July, 1945 five R.A.F. Sergeant W/Op - A/Gs wrote examinations for up-grading from Grade 11 to Grade 1 and the Board consisted of the Signals officer as President with two leading W/Op – A/G's as Members. They all qualified with an average assessment.
S.A.A.F. W.T/A.G's were given instruction on manipulation of the wireless equipment in use, especially the new arrivals, some of whom had not previously worked with the equipment. Wireless procedure and air operating was kept at a fairly good standard, in spite of adverse weather conditions often resulting in delays - especially during thunderstorms when static interference made it almost impossible for good reception.
The equipment was maintained at a high standard of serviceability, no failures were reported during the month, and when spares were needed they were always easily obtained.
The Squadron's total mileage for July was 72,064 – a considerable drop from that of June and once again we are able to report only one accident. We were unfortunate in having two vehicles stolen – one three tonner and one 15 cwt. The three tonner has since been recovered.
Serviceability of vehicles has been up to standard but with five Squadron trucks employed dally on aerodrome maintenance it has been difficult to muster enough M.T. Drivers for all our internal requirements.
The morale or the N.M.C. attached to this Squadron remains satisfactory, and they continue to render useful service.
The high standard of preparation of the rations has been maintained.
A set of football jerseys and boots has been obtained and this has increased their enthusiasm. Inter-Squadron matches are still being played. The bi-weekly camp cinema shows are usually well attended by the N.M.C. The weekly information talks create a great deal of discussion and are appreciated.
An N.E. Leave Centre is now in operation and 25 details have been sent on 7 days leave this month.
Camp discipline is satisfactory. A nightly piquet has been inaugurated and is functioning well.
No GSC/NEAS N.C.O. replacement has been received.
Considerable personnel movements took place in July. Fourteen members of the Squadron were posted when "C" group was called for repatriation. It was found necessary to retain four Fitters, in order that essential trooping and other flying could be carried on, as replacements had not arrived for the "A" and "B" groups posted last month. It is hoped that replacements will soon be forthcoming for these four men so that they will not be unduly delayed. The R. S. M. , W.O.1. L.I. Dreyer, was posted with "A" group. All the R.A.F. Gunners with the Squadron were posted during July.
We were sorry to see them go as they had been with us a long time and were very popular with all ranks. The entire Medical Section has been posted and all medical matters are now conducted through 3 Wing, S. A. A. F.
July found this Squadron fairly well settled down and we were able to concentrate a good deal on sport in general. We were handicapped from time to time owing to some of our "star" types proceeding on leave, or due to minor injuries sustained by some of our regular players, but, all things considered, we coped quite well.
The atmosphere which prevailed during all our games was one of absolute friendliness and the hospitality extended by our opponents usually left little to be desired.
Here follows, briefly, a list of the inter-unit fixtures, and does not include the various domestic, inter-section matches which we play from time to time:-
Saturday 1st : Cricket – 21 Sqdn. vs. 15 Sqdn. 21 were all out for 79 but the match was abandoned due to heavy rain.
Tuesday 3rd : Rugby – 21 Sqdn. vs. 12 Sqdn. Result: Draw 0 – 0
Friday 6th : Rugby – 21 “B” vs 24 “B” Result: Lost 0 – 11
Monday 9th : Rugby – 21 Sqdn. vs 15 Sqdn. Result: Won 11 – 3
Tuesday 10th : Cricket – 21 Sqdn. vs 215 British Heavy A.A. A.A. were all out for 38. 21 all out for 128.
Wednesday 11th: Cricket – 21 Sqdn. vs. 3 Sqdn. Abandoned due to rain.
Saturday 14th : Cricket – 21 Sqdn. vs 215 British A.A. British A.A. won on first innings.
Monday 16th : Rugby – 21 “B” vs 15 Sqdn “B”. 21 won 18 – 5.
Wednesday 18th : Rugby – 21 Sqdn. vs 3 Sqdn. SAAF. 21 won 28 – 3.
Friday 20th : Rugby – 21 Sqdn. vs 15 Sqdn. SAAF. 21 won 3 – 0.
Saturday 21st : Soccer – 21 Sqdn. vs. 215 British H.A.A. British won 8 – 0.
Monday 23 : Rugby – 21 “A” vs. 12 Sqdn. “A” 21 “A” drew 3 – 3
21 “B” vs 12 Sqdn. “B” won 6 - 0
Friday 27 : Rugby – 21 Sqdn. vs. 3 Sqdn. 21 Lost 6 – 12.
Sunday 29 : Soft Ball. 21 Sqdn. vs 40 Sqdn. at Klagenfurt. Result 21 Sqdn. won 5 - 1
Monday 30 : Soft Ball. 21 Sqdn. vs 24 Sqdn. 21 won 12 – 9.
The Squadron had a Red Letter Day on 11th July when Field Marshal Smuts addressed local S.A.A.F. Units and Non-Div. personnel at Rivolto Aerodrome. In a forceful address Field Marshal Smuts laid stress on the excellent performance of the S. A. A. F. which did a wonderful job without getting the publicity which attended the activities of the 6th S.A. Division. Three hearty cheers concluded his address, followed by a spontaneous "Three Cheers" for Ouma.
The weather deteriorated in July and several heavy rain and thunderstorms were experienced. However, the ground dries rapidly in this district leaving little or no mud.
Owing to several cases of Weils disease being reported in this area washing and bathing in the canals is now prohibited. However, the Hygiene Section soon erected excellent showers and the loss of the canals for washing is not felt.
Full advantage has been taken of the excellent leave facilities for this Wing that exist at Riva on Lake Garda. Liberty runs on Sundays are as popular as ever, and several trips a week are made to Pordenone to attend the lively dances that are held in this town.
Operational Section
The Squadron has settled down at its new home at Rivolto and training and trooping have continued without interruption during the month.
Favourable flying weather was experienced and no aircraft were held up or diverted due to weather.
All trooping commitments were carried out and personnel were flown to Bari, Naples and Foggia. Approximately 1,000 personnel were transported during the month.
Training included Cross-Country formation flying - the routes being: Base - Venice - Begamo - Base; Base - Padua - Verona – Base; Base - Milan - Base.
One Squadron Aircraft was detailed to carry personnel and stores for the fighter escort which was to have accompanied the Field Marshal to Cairo, but owing to a non-stop flight from Foggia to Cairo the aircraft was not required to continue from Foggia and returned to
Base.
During the month aircraft “B” (Bliksem) No. 561 completed 450 flying hours but authority was received from the R.S.E. granting a further 50 hours extension, making a total extension of 100 hours.
The following three aircraft were returned to M.U. Naples on completion of 400 hours flying X R. 471 - YY 537 – D. 454. One replacement, aircraft No. 696, was received, making the present Marauder strength 16 aircraft.
A statistical record of the months flying is shown hereunder:-
Trooping flights - 60. Trooping hours - 273.10 hours.
Other flying – 72.30 hours. Auster - 11.20 hours.
Total hours for month – 345.40