The news of the Japanese surrender on the 14th August, 1945 was received with great relief, although it was difficult to realise that at last the War had ended.
Towards the end of August the Squadron’s impending move caused much activity as the Advance Party was scheduled to leave in mid-September.
On instructions from higher authority, stocks of maintenance spares were brought up to approximately sufficient for 30 days. Balance of stocks have been divided, the majority of which will move off with the Advance Party on redeployment. Total number of demands during this month totals 200. Petrol expenditure totals 30,200 galls.
With AHQ. DAF. Authority all Nissen Huts surplus to Unit requirements were returned to No. 17 A.D. Hutting Dump, together with some spare fittings collected over a period.
Gas equipment was withdrawn for safe custody into stores, in order to forestall any pilfering or loss of same by individuals prior to the coming move, also with the intention of approaching the appropriate headquarters for disposal instructions.
With regards to the weekly issue of cigarettes from the D.I.D. during this month, the supply has been, with the exception of one week, anything but South African cigarettes, which naturally causes a great deal of criticism from all personnel. It would be highly appreciated if some attention could be given to this matter.
The month of August showed small increase of activity in the Armament Section, to meet the demands of practice bombing and gunning.
21 Squadron took the responsibility of preparing the Faniago Practice Bombing Range which has been taken over from 232 Wing. A full week was occupied in this work, as telephone lines and signals had to be prepared and laid. Six members of the Armament Staff are in full charge of the range and the plotting of bombs is being done by this staff.
The usual maintenance work has been carried out. The Armament strength has been increased by five new personnel.
During the month two radio mechanics were posted (one for demobilisation and the other on compassionate grounds) leaving the Signals Section two men under the establishment strength of nine. However, this did not affect serviceability on account of the reduced amount of flying.
The equipment was maintained in a serviceable condition and no failures in communications due to servicing were reported.
Ground spare equipment for maintenance of aircraft radios for three months was lapsed in view of the impending move from Italy. At a Heads of Sections meeting it was decided that two thirds of the signals personnel and equipment would go by the “A” party and the remaining third to follow with the “B” party. No W/Op. air gunners were trade tested during the month for upgrading, all R.A.F. personnel having been posted from this Unit. The remaining S.A.A.F. W.T. Air Gunners maintained a good standard of morse and procedure.
The total mileage of the M.T. Section for August was 55,864 and no accidents occurred. Several old vehicles have been replaced, resulting in 100% serviceability in the Squadron. Preparations are now being made for the impending move.
The work of the Admin. Section can be compared with that of the “Back Room Boys” in that we are known to exist but few members of a Squadron appreciate the extent of our activities. We are popularly supposed to have one of the softest of jobs, out in actual fact this is far from the truth. We do our job in an unobtrusive and probably efficient manner with the team spirit strongly in evidence. There are periods of stress and excitement (particularly in times of moves or postings of groups) and occasionally a slight “flat spin” is inevitable.
Apart from the normal routine work our Adjutant, in his capacity of “Father and Mother” of the Squadron, often has difficult problems to solve. His advice is sought on such diverse subjects as mothers-in-law, post-war employment, marriage to aliens, legal matters, domestic problems, etc. However, he is far more happy in this role of Father Confessor, guide and friend to all in the Squadron than when frowning over charge sheets!
The whole of the Admin. Staff has been sway from the Union for a considerable time, working in varied climates and often under difficult conditions. However, we are a happy crowd and a strong bond of comradeship has been forged during the long period spent working together.
After the 10th of the month peace rumours became very strong and the end seemed near. The news of the Japanese surrender was received in the Squadron with relief but without the hilarious celebrations which attended the unconditional surrender of Germany. The official news was broadcast by the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. C. Attlee, on the 15th August, 1945.
Three well known R.A.F. personalities visited this area in August.
Air Marshal Sir. A.G.R. Garrod, K.C.B., O.B.E., M.C., D.F.C., the A.O.C. R.A.F. Med. M.E., landed at Rivolta on the 7th and addressed the Squadrons of No. 3 Wing S.A.A.F.
Air Chief Marshall A. Tedder, K.C.B. and Lady Tedder, en route to the Union, landed at Rivolta on the 15th and were entertained in the evening at the D.A.F. Hotel, Udine.
On the 28th, Air Vice Marshal R.M. Foster, C.B., C.B.E., D.F.C., A.O.C. D.A.F., who is relinquishing his command to take up a new appointment in Austria, paid a farewell visit to this area. Squadron personnel were assembled on Rivolta Airfield. In a farewell address, Air Vice Marshal Foster thanked them for their efforts which assisted so materially in defeating the enemy and stressed what a good job had been done, frequently under trying conditions. The Air Vice Marshal was given three heavy cheers at the end of his address.
The Squadron is making preparations to move out of Italy, and the first destination was Benina in North Africa. We have been since informed officially that this Squadron will be moved to somewhere outside Alexandria. Arrangements for the transfer of the Squadron are now being worked on by the Heads of Sections.
It was announced in the London Gazette of the 21st August that the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. D. Ord had been awarded a Bar to his D.F.C., and Major W.J.O. Musgrove the D.F.C. These awards were duly celebrated on the Squadron attended by a large number of visitors, including the O.C. 3 Wing, S.A.A.F. Colonel A.C. Jandrell, D.S.O., D.F.C. Major Musgrove could not attend as he was away on duty. Capt. R.P. Jones, who was until recently a member of this Squadron, also received the award of the D.F.C.
Operational Section
Trooping continued during the month and constituted the principal task of the Squadron. In addition to routine trooping to Foggia, Bari and Naples, one aircraft flew to Malta and one aircraft conveyed members of the D.A.F. Cricket Touring Team to England. Approximately 38,000 miles were flown on trooping during the month with a continued 100% accident free record. Approximately 500 passengers were carried.
Training under the new syllabus introduced by D.A.F. continued. This incorporated practice bombing, formation flying, Photo-Navigation, air to sea firing, W/T Training, Shoran and fighter affiliation. Tabulated flying hours are shown at the end of this report.
Three fighter affiliation exercises were carried out successfully. The target was Palmanova which ‘bombed’ by a box of four Marauders. The Gunnery Leader on interrogation stated that most of the attacks made while the bombers were in formation were dead astern which allowed for a large volume of fire power to be concentrated on the fighters and very little if any allowance was required for deflection. It was felt by the gunners interrogated that the fighters would have been severely mauled. After the target was bombed the Marauders broke formation and individual dogfights ensued.
Two Shoran Beam flying exercises were flown and pilots and Observers obtained practice. Two Observers attended a Shoran course at 3 Wing, S.A.A.F. and qualified as Shoran Operators.
A Practice Bombing Exercise was unsuccessful due to faulty bombsight.
Detailed data of flying carried out during the month is as follows:-
Trooping 211.55 hours 51 Flights.
Training 47.05 hours 43 Flights.
Tests 7.00 hours 3 Flights.
266.00 hours 97 Flights.