Ground Crews - A Tribute from the Air Crews

Much of the JOURNAL concentrates on the aircrews and the missions they flew, which of course was the reason for the Squadron's existence.

However, to mount these missions a great deal of effort was required by the entire ground echelon, and whatever we as aircrews achieved in an operational sense, could not have come to pass without their prodigious but usually unsung efforts.

They kept the aircraft in terrific condition, loaded our bombs, armed our guns, installed our cameras and produced our film records, kept our parachutes and safety equipment always ready for use, kept us fed, paid, clothed, medicated when necessary and administered.

We all had supreme faith in their skills and abilities, and daily trusted our lives and welfare to their care.

They worked unceasingly, often in appalling conditions, enduring the numbing wet and cold of the Italian climate, always giving us their best efforts and their support, and sharing our successes and our failures.

At the time, we seldom expressed our appreciation. So, at this late date, it is appropriate for us to go on record as saying to:

The "Plumber" his Engine and Airframe Fitters and Mechanics, the Armourers, the Electricians, the Instrument Mechanics, the Parachute and Safety Workers, the Photographers, the Cooks, the MT Drivers and Mechanics, the Medical Officer and his Staff, the Adjutant and Pay and Admin Clerks.

THANK YOU, for a job superbly done.

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