Flight Operations 2

97 SQUADRON - OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK 1942

(THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE ORB HELD AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AT KEW - REF AIR27/766)

2.1.42 Three aircraft detailed for ops – one u/s.  Target the docks at St Nazaire.  Bomb load 6 x 1000lb.

2/3.1.42   One aircraft successfully bombed the primary target, the other bombing the flare path at St Servan.  Both aircraft diverted to Boscombe Downs due to bad visibility at base.

3 January 1942 – St Nazaire (Dock Yard)

L7457 Y  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, Sgt C.Jones, F/Sgt Booth, Sgts R.S.Canham, Desmond, Concannon.  Up 1713  Down 2215.  Bomb load 6 x 1000lb.  Successful.  Bombed target, no bursts observed due to cloud.  Small amount of flak.  Diverted to Boscombe Down.  Visibility moderate.
L7475 B  F/O Blakeman, P/O McMurchy, Sgts Isted, Nicholl, Allen, P/O Weir, Sgt McKenzie.  Up 1710  Down 2300.  Spent 45 minutes trying to locate target but unsuccessful owing to cloud.  Encountered new type of heavy flak, flashes were observed on the ground but no flak in the air.  The bursts could be seen in bright moonlight.  St Servan aerodrome was observed on return and bombs dropped on the flare path.  Diverted to Boscombe Down on return.

4.1.42 Ops cancelled.

5.1.42 4 aircraft wanted for ops – weather cold and small fall of snow.  Only 2 aircraft took off, lack of starter accumulators preventing the other two aircraft starting.  Docks and battleships at Brest were bombed successfully, there being a gap in the clouds over the target area.

5/6 January 1942 - Brest (Raid on the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau)

L7457 Y  W/O Mycock , Sgt West, W/O Harrison, Sgts R.H.Jones, Sgts Eades, Shelley, Donoghue.  Bomb load 1 x 4000HP4, 4 x 500 SAP.  Cloud 8-9/10ths at 6000 feet, with occasional gaps through which bombs were dropped.  Fair amount of light and heavy flak, the latter bursting close.  Fracture of brake pressure line in port wing.
L7453 X  F/Sgt Fletcher, Sgt McKenna, P/O Blair, F/Sgt Elcoat, Sgts Warren, Bale, Sugar.  Estimate 8/10th cloud over target.  Much light and heavy flak but inaccurate.  Only bomb flashes observed through cloud.  500lb bombs burst in fires, 4000lb overshooting slightly.

6.1.42 Six aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled due to weather. 

8.1.42 Five aircraft detailed for ops and two for special attacks.  The latter were cancelled and only two aircraft eventually took off.  One aircraft successfully bombed the docks at Brest, starting a large fire – the other aircraft brought bombs back being unable to identify the target due to cloud.     

8 January 1942 - Brest

L7488 F  F/L Mackid DFC, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree,  Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Day, Bennett.  Bombs 1 x 4000, 4 x 500.  Owing to much medium and low cloud, target could not be observed.  Circled approximate area for half an hour and finally returned to base with bombs.
L7522 V  F/Sgt Hughes, Sgt Croppi, P/O Dorward, Sgts Gibson, Concannon, McMahon, Overton.  Bomb load 1 x 4000, 4 x 500.  Main target hidden by cloud.  Docks bombed through gap in cloud.  A large fire was observed, possibly an oil fire.  Very little flak and few searchlights.

9.1.42 Five aircraft detailed for ops, only four taking off – target being Brest.  One aircraft returned owing to instrument failure, two brought bombs back owing to being unable to locate the target, and the fourth carried out a low level attack from 500 feet, landing at Pershore on the homeward run.

9/10 January 1942 – Brest (Attack on Scharnhorst and Gneisenau)

L7475 B  F/O Hallows, Sgts Smith, Cutting, F/Sgt Louch, Jones, Goacher, Broomfield.  One gap in the clouds was found but unable to locate target through this.  Heavy flak of doubtful accuracy.  Spent 15 minutes over target and only dropped nickels, returning to base with bombs.
L7457 Y  F/O Deverill, F/Sgt Worswick, F/O Hepburn, Sgts Irons, Mackay, Keane, Canning.  Trouble with DR compass put this aircraft on reciprocal course!  On discovery of error it was too late to continue to target and the aircraft returned to base.
L7455 X  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, Sgts Bennett, Canham, Desmond, Jones, Concannon.  Thick cloud obscured the moon and unable to pick up target.  It was clearing as return trip was started but time limit was up so returned with bombs.
L7476 K  W/O Mycock, P/O Hooey, W/O Harrison, Sgts Jones, Eades, Shelley, Donoghue.  A low dive attack was carried out from 1500 feet coming out and away from the target at 200 feet.  Bomb released when target area was in sights but ships not discernable, owing to camouflage possibly.  Much light flak which was more accurate after bomb was released.

10.1.42 Four aircraft for ops – Wilhemshaven Station – two aircraft bombed the target successfully, another the town and the fourth owing to generator trouble bombed Emden.  No results observed.

10/11 January 1942 – Wilhemshaven (Town and Railway Station)

L7488 F  F/O Blakeman, P/O McMurchy, Sgts Isted, Nicholl, Allen, McKenzie, P/O Weir.  Bombs 1 x 4000, 4 x 500.  Slight difficulty experienced in locating target.  Bombs were dropped and flashes observed through cloud.
L7475 B  F/O Keir, P/O Hallam, Sgts Bond, Shepherd, Jenkins, Saw, Wharton.  Port generator switch had been knocked off and this aircraft returned a considerable distance before this was discovered.  Owing to time limit for time over target, Emden was bombed instead.
L7489 T  F/L Coton, P/O Butler, Sgts West, Neale, Ferguson, Middleton, McMahon.  Visibility good despite u/s bomb sight, bombs were dropped and seen to burst in target area.  Two fires were observed on the dockside.
L7432 V  F/L Penman DFC, P/O Ifould, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgts Croppi, Elwood, Tales, McDonald.  Perfect weather over target.  Bombs dropped from 14000 feet.  After bombing flak much heavier and searchlight activity, only one getting anywhere near the aircraft.

14.1.42 Ops cancelled – Squadron received its first Lancaster and dual was given to the two Flight Commanders.

15.1.42 Six aircraft for ops.  Further dual given to 1st pilots on Lancasters.  Target for ops was Hamburg which was bombed through gaps in clouds.

15 January 1942 – Hamburg (Bombs 14 SBC’s)

L7491 C  F/L Mackid DFC, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day.  Owing to low cloud it was difficult to distinguish target.  Pin-point on Danish coast obtained.  Searchlights were active and a certain amount of flak encountered.
L7473 H  F/O Hallows, F/Sgt Louch, Sgts Smith, Cutting, Jones, Goacher, Broomfield.  Set course for target from pin-point on Danish coast.  Target identified by light from previous stick of incendiaries.  Bombs dropped across the area.
L7489 T  P/O Maltby, Sgts Lancey, Smith, Grimwood, Rouse, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett, Legace.  Bombs dropped on town, close to another stick of incendiaries.  A dummy fire was observed at Gluckstadt.
L7476 K  F/Sgt Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, Oates, Townley.  With aid of the River Elbe, target was identified and bombs dropped on NW of town.  Flak sporadic and inaccurate, as also were searchlights
L7453 X  F/Sgt Fletcher, Sgt McKenna, P/O Blair, F/Sgt Elcoat, Sgts Warren, Bale, Sugar.  Pin-point on Danish coast.  Flak heavy over target and searchlight activity experienced.  Fires were observed on leaving target.  Landed at Acklington.
L7522 V  F/Sgt Adams, Sgts Falls, Bedell, Stafford, Wilkinson, Shelley, F/O Mims.  Target covered by broken cloud.  Much flak, both heavy and light observed.  Many other groups of incendiaries were observed to fall in the target area.

16.1.42 News came through today that W/O Mycock had been made an immediate award of the DFC for his low level attack on Brest on 9.1.42.

17.1.42 Delivery of two Lancasters – five aircraft detailed to bomb Bremen.

17 January 1942 – Bremen (Bombs 14 SBC’s)

L7491 C  F/L Mackid DFC, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day.  10/10th cloud experienced over target – bombs brought back.  Flares, flak and searchlights were in operation.
L7489 T  F/O Deverill, F/Sgt Worswick, P/O Hepburn, Sgts Irons, Canning, Keane.  10/10th cloud over target – bombs brought back.  Plenty of heavy and light flak, not accurate.
L7473 H  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Simpson, Cummings, Crisp.  Bombed target according to DR position using flak from Bremenshaven and Cuxhaven as a guide.  Many flares were seen, illuminating cloud tops.  Little heavy but much medium and tracer seen.
L7423 S  F/Sgt Hughes, Sgt Croppi, P/O Derward, Sgts Gibson, McMahon, McDonald, Overton.  Unable to locate target owing to 10/10th cloud.  Did not drop bombs but on coming over a clear patch, much heavy and light flak encountered.  Bombs dropped as a result.  Target believed to Bremenshaven.  Very large fire observed later.
L7476 K  F/Sgt Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Ferara, Oates, Townley.  Pin-point obtained at mouth of River Elbe.  Bombs dropped on ETA Bremen.  Heavy accurate flak over target area.  Hydraulic pipe to rear turret burst on outward journey.

(Reference to various training on Lancasters for the rest of the month)

31.1.42 Aerodrome unfit – continuous snow – present strength of aircraft is 4 Lancasters and 4 Manchesters.

Total non-operational flying hours for January 1942 – 172
Total operational hours for January 1942 – 127

17.2.42 Squadron now has eight Lancasters and one Manchester

(Bad weather, local training and cross-country flights during rest of month)

28.2.42 Squadron now has 12 Lancasters.

Total non-operational hours for February 1942 – Lancasters 99, Manchesters 40. 

Operational hours – nil.

1.3.42 Instruction received from 5 Group on 17.2.42 – part of squadron is moving to Woodhall satellite.  The party moving out today consists of 292 airmen (ground crews).  A percentage of Maintenance under F/L Rolfe will continue to live and work at Coningsby, consisting of only a skeleton groundstaff.

2.3.42 All NCO’s and aircrews moved to their respective quarters at Tattershall Thorpe today.  The OC, Adjutant and HQ staff to their offices at the satellite and all effects of the Flight Commanders.

3.3.42 Woodhall – w.e.f. tea-time all officers will be in their quarters and the officers’ mess.

4.3.42 Squadron getting settled in at the satellite.

9.3.42 Total aircraft strength is 12 Lancasters - cross country and local flying.

15.3.42 Strength of Lancasters now 16, 9 serviceable - 6 aircraft required for ops, later cancelled and six night cross countries detailed and carried out.

17.3.42 Strength of Lancasters now 18, 9 serviceable.

18.3.42 Seven aircraft detailed for ops - cancelled due to weather.

19.3.42 Five aircraft detailed and briefed for gardening ops. Cancelled in the afternoon owing to weather.

20.3.42 Six Lancasters detailed for ops - F/L Mackid DFC, F/O Rodley, F/L Coton, W/O Harrison DFM, W/O Rowlands and F/Sgt Fletcher are the captains. Morning briefing and take-off early afternoon. All the aircraft went off in 6 minutes. Weather fine, visibility poor. Five sorties were successful, 30 mines being laid in the "Nectarine" area. W/O Harrison crash landed at Abingdon due to soft state of the aerodrome, no-one being injured. F/O Rodley crash landed at Frieston shore after hitting a roof with the wing tip at Boston, no-one was injured and only slight damage caused to the house at Boston.  Two others landed at Upper Heyford and another diverted to Bicester.  F/L Mackid DFC had a very successful trip and also machine-gunned some buildings and a party of soldiers on the beach at Ameland.  Several were seen to fall. 

20 March 1942 – Gardening in “Nectarine” Area (Bomb load six mines each)

now flying Lancasters

L7570  B  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cummings, Crisp, Ratcliffe.  After take-off in low cloud base, Boston was sighted, turning to avoid it ground was obscured and the starboard wing tip hit a roof.  The port wing tip also was damaged for unknown reason.  Crash landing was made at Frieston near Boston, all uninjured.
R5482 C  F/L Mackid, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day.  Up 1433  Down 1753.  Flew along coast of Ameland, weather poor all way, low cloud.  Flew low along the beach at Ameland, machine-gunned buildings, hotel and party of soldiers.  Successfully planted.  Sighted Me109 and immediately climbed into cloud and set course for home.  Very satisfactory trip.
R5490 H  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, platen, Preston, Ferara, Townley, F/Sgt Oates.  Six mines laid successfully.  Crash landed at Abingdon due to soft ground and avoiding quarry at end of drome.  No-one injured.
L7577 T  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, P/O Boddington, F/Sgt Watkins, Sgts Newall, Middleton, C.Robinson.  Up 1438  Down  1832.  Visibility under cloud 4 miles daylight, pin-pointed Terschelling.  Mine parachutes seen to open.  No opposition.  Clouds ideal for task.
R5486 F  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, W/O Booth, F/Sgt Turner, P/O Grieves, Sgt C.A.Jones, F.Sgt Concannon.  Up 1439  Down  1825.  Visibility poor, flew about 200 feet successfully planted mines.  Diverted to Bicester.  10/10ths cloud all the way.
R5487 V  F/Sgt Fletcher, Sgts McKenna, Creeth, Wilkinson, Warren, Bale, Sugar.  Up 1437  Down 1845.  Unable to pin-point owing to low cloud.  Vegetables dropped on DR position on ETA.  Results unobserved owing to cloud.  No opposition encountered.  Landed at Upper Heyford. 

23.3.42    Seven aircraft detailed for ops – all cancelled later due to bad weather coming in from the east – intensive training being carried out instead with orders to be grounded by 2200 hours.  F/Sgt Hartley was diverted to Finningley where he crash- landed, the undercarriage collapsing.  The aircraft caught fire and was burnt out, the crew being uninjured.

24.3.42    Ops ordered and cancelled late owing to bad weather.

25.3.42 6 aircraft detailed for ops.  Weather good – some cloud later.  One aircraft unable to operate owing to turret trouble.  Another aircraft was u/s just before take-off.  The target was Essen.  Three successfully bombed the target or area, the weather was hazy and target obscured.  One aircraft abandoned mission owing to engine trouble.

25 March 1942 – Essen (Bomb load 14 SBC each)

L7572 L  F/L Mackid DFC, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day.  Up 1938  Down 2322.  Bombed on TR at 19000 feet, very hazy, target obscured.  Bombs seen to burst, considerable fire started, these were the first to be dropped.  Large number of searchlights and heavy flak.  This was also encountered on most of the trip back to enemy coast.  Successful.
R5502 M  F/O Rodley, P/O Keough, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cummings, Crisp, Ratcliffe.  Up 1945  Down 2345.  No cloud, much industrial haze.  Rhine visible against moon.  Target not visible but incendiaries dropped on TR fix.  Large burning patch seen.  20 bundles of nickels dropped.  Heavily shelled and flak pierced fuselage.  Many searchlights, successful.
L7573 K  F/Sgt Altree, F/Sgt Brown, Sgts McMechan, Burton, Rigg, Burke, Ceane.  Up 1950  Down 0026.  TR failed before crossing coast.  Climbed to 20000 feet.  Essen not visible owing to ground haze.  Bombs dropped on concentration of flak, bursts were seen.  Two fighters observed in target area.  Severe and accurate flak and searchlights.  Successfully returned to base.
R5487 V  F/O Deverill, P/O Friend, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, Devine, Keane.  Up 1947  Down 2300.  Task abandoned owing to port outer engine u/s.  Jettisoned 14 x SBC in sea.  Landed base safely.  Unsuccessful.

26.3.42 F/L Coton and F/O Hallows were detailed to fly to Tain for ops.  F/O Hallows crashed on take-off, the undercarriage being retracted too soon.  The Second Pilot, F/Sgt J.M.Smith, was injured and placed on the D.I. list.  None of the remainder of the crew were hurt.  Signal received from Group re failure of “flush rivets” attaching wing-tip skin and skin wrinkling – aircraft grounded for ops.

28.3.42 F/L Coton returned from Tain – op cancelled due to aircraft grounding.

31.3.42 W/C J.H.Kynoch DFC posted to Upper Heyford.  W/C J.D.D.Collier DFC posted to this squadron from Waddington 420 Squadron and assumed command of Squadron w.e.f. today.

Total operational hours for March – 36
Total non-operational hours for March – 230

1 - 7.4.42 Training and practice – Wainfleet.

8.4.42 Six aircraft detailed for ops – 4 on gardening, 2 on bombing.  One aircraft bombed Hamburg, and the other jettisoned bombs in sea, being unable to locate target.  Three aircraft successfully planted their vegetables in the correct position, the fourth bringing its vegetables back, being unable to pin-point gardening area.

8/9 April 1942 – Gardening (“Rosemary” Area)

L7569 A  F/O Miller, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Grossmith, Robertson, P/O Eslick, Sgts Nickerson, Westgate.  Up 2145  Down 0158.  Unable to locate target area, returned to base with mine load.  On outward journey obtained fix and altered course to reach target, but found position among islands, presumably the Frisians, but were unable to pin-point to set course.
L7573 K  F/O Hallows, P/O McMurchy, P/O Cutting, F/Sgt Louch, Sgts Jones, Broomfield, Goacher.  Up 2109  Down 0227.  Uneventful trip.  Vegetables planted in correct position from 700 feet.  Cloud 5/10ths at 7000 feet.  Bomb load 2 ASS 22 2 ORD 1 PDM2.
L7572 L  F/O Blakeman, P/O Blease, Sgts Shrybman, Nicoll, Allen, P/O Weir, Sgt McKenzie.  Up 2124  Down 0145.  Very successful trip, vegetables planted in correct position in Rosemary area from 700 feet.  Cloud light haze.  Starlight.  Bomb load 3 ASS 22 2 ORD 1 PDM 3.
R5495 N  F/O Maltby, Sgts Lancey, M.R.Smith, Grimwood, Rouse, Humphrey, F/Sgt Legace.  Up 2116  Down 0130.  Successfully planted vegetables in correct position in Rosemary area, uneventful trip.  No cloud, visibility 6 miles.  Bomb load 3 ASS 22 2 ORD 1 PDM1.

8/9 April 1942 – Hamburg

L7577 T  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, W/O Booth, F/Sgt Turner, Sgts Desmond, C.A.Jones, F/Sgt Concannon.  Up 2129  Down 0224.  Objective not reached.  The navigator had no idea of position and could not fix himself by any means.  Jettisoned bombs in sea.
R5496 U  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, Devine, F/Sgt Keane.  Up 2132  Down 0303.  Low cloud made visual identification impossible.  Run on TR 1335 made and bombs dropped, after dropping flak opened up from that area.  Visibility good above cloud.  Bombed from 20000 feet on primary.  Bomb load 14 x SBC.  Incendiary bursts seen.

10.4.42 4 aircraft detailed for ops.

10/11.4.42 Primary target Essen.  Two aircraft successfully bombed target, one aircraft bombed alternative target – Cologne.  F/Sgt Hartley did not take off – engine trouble.

10/11 April 1942 Essen

L7575 Y  S/L Dugdale, Sgt Croppi, F/Sgt Bennett, F/Sgt Bennett, P/O Grieves, Sgts Martin, Linnett.  Up 2211 Down 0306.  Assumed bombs dropped in target area on green flares, bursts not seen, ground not visible.  9/10th cloud.  Twenty bundles of G7 dropped.  Searchlights accurate and occasional flak beneath.  Bombs were dropped from 18500 feet.  Bomb load 12 x SBC, 2 x 250 incendiaries.
R5496 F F/L Penman, P/O Hooey, P/O Ifould, F/Sgt Elwood, Sgt Tales, Overton, Hebdon.  Bombed alternative target – Cologne.  As bombs went, aircraft was hit by flak and held by searchlights.  Violent turns and large losses of height, the searchlight was evaded.  Bombed from 15000 feet, no bursts seen.  10/10th cloud.  Bomb load 12 x SBC, 2 x 250 inc.  Journey home uneventful.
R5502 M  F/L Mackid, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day.  Up 2202  Down 0228.  Bombs dropped on green flares, no bursts seen.  8/10th cloud.  Bombs dropped on Essen from 16000 feet.  Trip disappointing – could not see target.  Searchlight activity was great, flak above and below aircraft.  Bomb load as above. 

13.4.42 Six aircraft on formation flying with 2 reserves.  Bomb load 4 x 1000lb dummy, 4 x 11 1/2lb practice bombs.  Cross countries as detailed, bombed Wainfleet.  Group Captain Rowe flew with S/L Sherwood.

14.4.42 8 aircraft took-off for formation cross country and bombing Wainfleet with same load as yesterday.  W/C Collier flew with S/L Dugdale.  Formation exercise successfully carried out – duration 5 – 5 ½ hours.

15.4.42 Bombing at Wainfleet and tests.

17.4.42 Six aircraft detailed for daylight ops in formation with two reserve aircraft and crews.  Seven took-off in five minutes commencing 1455 hours.  W/O Harrison in aircraft “H” went u/s.  W/O Rowlands flew as far as Selsey Bill as reserve, not being required, returned to base.  The raid being in daylight, flew in formation of 6 aircraft, the captains being S/L Sherwood DFC, F/L Hallows, F/O Rodley, F/L Penman DFC, F/O Deverill DFM, W/O Mycock DFC.  The attack was of very great importance on the MAN Diesel works – Augsburg, South Germany, being a total of 1500 miles.  All six aircraft flew over France and low over Germany and successfully reached the target, all dropped their bombs.  S/L Sherwood and W/O Mycock were seen to be hit by flak over the target, caught fire and crashed near the target area.  F/L Hallows aircraft was badly damaged and all the other aircraft received a certain amount of damage, but they all managed to reach base safely without any casualties.  The op was highly successful, the press giving excellent reports, also the BBC broadcast an account mentioning that this raid was the finest of its type during the war.  The names of the formation leaders – S/L Sherwood and F/L Penman were also broadcast.  Definite from the reports of the captains of the aircraft that large amount of damage was caused to the essential parts of the factory.  The following signals of congratulation have been received from 5 Group.

The following has been received from AOC-in-C Bomber Command – the following message has been received by the AOC from the Prime Minister – “We must plainly regard the attack of the Lancasters on the U-boat engine factory at Augsburg as an outstanding achievement of the Royal Air Force.  Undeterred by heavy losses at the outset, 44 and 97 Squadrons pierced and struck a vital point with deadly precision in broad daylight.  Pray convey the thanks of His Majesty’s Government to the officers and men who accomplished this memorial feat of arms in which no life was lost in vain”.

Message from Chief of the Air Staff – “I would like 44 and 97 Squadrons to know the great importance I attach to this gallant and successful attack on the diesel engine factory at Augsburg.  Please give my warmest congratulations and thanks”.

From Air Marshal A.T.Harris “Convey to the crews of 44 and 97 Squadrons who took part in the Augsburg raid, the following; - the resounding blow which has been struck at the enemy’s submarine and tank building programme will echo round the world.  The full effects of his submarine campaigns cannot be immediately apparent, but nevertheless they will be enormous.  The gallant adventure penetrating deep into the heart of Germany in daylight and pressed home with outstanding determination in the face of bitter and unforeseen opposition takes its place amongst the most courageous operations of the war.  It is moreover yet another fine example of effective cooperation with the other services by striking at the very sources of the enemy effort.  The officers and men who took part, those who returned and those who fell, have indeed served their country well”.  

17 April 1942 - Augsburg   

L7573 K  S/L Sherwood DFC, P/O Webb, F/O Hepburn, Sgts Page, Cox, F/Sgt Harrington, F/Sgt Wilding.  Up 1455.  Leader of the formation.  Shot down over the target by flak.  Seen by other aircraft to be in flames and crash.  Missing.
R5537 B  F/O Hallows, P/O Friend, P/O Cutting, F/Sgt Louch, Sgts L.G.Jones, Broomfield, Goacher.  Up 1456  Down 2312.  Nothing of note until 2 miles from target when everything started to shoot, including heavy flak.  Visibility 20 miles and bombed from 400 feet on target, possibly overshooting owing to aim being upset by shell in starboard wing.  Leader was shot down so continued with remaining number of formation.  Successful.
R5488 F  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cummings, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 1457  Down 2325.  Approached enemy coast at 100 feet and from there kept just above ground to target.  No flak encountered on way.  On approach saw huge red flames leap up from the target, on entering target area much light and some heavy flak was shot up.  Visibility good, slight haze, bombed from 200 feet.  Bombs burst on part of works west of canal, saw other bombs hit the main buildings.  Saw leader smoking and then a fire grew from his inner petrol tank and crash north of town in ball of flames.  Damaged slightly by flak.  Continued home low until crossing French coast at 11000 feet amidst further flak.  Landed at base.  Successful raid.
R5496 U  F/L Penman DFC, P/O Hooey, P/O Ifould, F/Sgt Elwood, Sgts Tales, Overton, Hebdon.  Outward journey no opposition.  Navigation was perfect.  Approaching target, guns opened up on all sides and all the aircraft in the formation were hit, nos 2 and 3 catching fire.  Bombs were dropped in two sticks in centre of chimney clusters from 400’.  No 2 pocked up position leaving target.  Continued flying low until dark enough to climb to 18000 feet and home.  Damage, light flak holes.  Successful.
L7575 Y  F/O Deverill DFM, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, Devine, F/Sgt Keane.  Up 1459  Down 2315.  Target attacked in formation.  No cloud, from 400 feet bombs were dropped on target area.  No 3 “P” was seen to catch fire in the air and crash.  Very heavy flak and light predicted flak and S.A tracer.  Aircraft caught fire on starboard side of fuselage and bomb bay but was extinguished by the efforts of the Wireless Operator and Mid gunner.  Both mid and rear turrets u/s from target.  Port outer engine was u/s and feathered on leaving but was restarted before reaching coast.  Formated again on No 1 “U” for protection and landed base.
R5513 P  W/O Mycock DFC, Sgt Hayes, W/O Harrison, Sgts Eades, Macdonald, Shelley, Donoghue.  Up 1500.  Entered target area, was seen to drop bombs.  Hit by flak, caught fire in the air and was seen to crash near target.  Missing. 

19.4.42 Two aircraft detailed for gardening ops.

19/20.4.42  Area being “Nectarine”.  F/L Miller believed to have dropped mines two miles west of allotted position.  F/Sgt Davies successfully planted his mines.  Trips were uneventful.  F/Sgt Davies had trouble with his port inner engine, uneventful return trip, made heavy landing at Coningsby causing starboard undercarriage to collapse.  None injured.  Eight aircraft detailed for mining ops – cancelled at 1730 due to weather.

19/20 April 1942 – Gardening “Nectarine” area – Bomb load 6 veg

R5538H  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgt Grossmith, Sgt B.Robertson, P/O Eslick, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 2115  Down 2354.  Planted vegetables believed two miles west of area, mines released on TR fixes, confirmed by visual ETA.  Visibility extremely poor.  Uneventful trip.
R5483D  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.G.Smith, Earnshaw, Goddard.  Up 2119  Down 0015.  Mines dropped on TR fix.  Visibility poor.  Uneventful trip until large coolant leak developed in port inner engine which caught fire about 100 miles from the English coast.  Carried on to drop mine on TR fix.  Returned still on three engines, made heavy landing which caused starboard undercarriage.  Landing made at Coningsby aerodrome.  No one injured.

21.4.42 Seven aircraft detailed for day gardening – cancelled due to weather.

23.4.42 One officer  - P/O Chorlton i/c 58 airmen (ground crews) were moved to Lossiemouth on 21.4.42 by train.  Seven Lancasters flew to Lossiemouth today on detachment, the captains being S/L Dugdale, F/L Coton, F/L Mackid DFC, F/O Blakeman DFM, F/O Maltby, W/O Harrison DFM, W/O Rowlands.  Two aircraft detailed for ops tonight.  Sir Archibald Sinclair, Secretary of State for Air, interviewing aircrews who took part in Augsburg operation in the crew room at the satellite. 

23/24.4.42  Tonight’s raid was some 1100 miles flying total against Rostock on the Heinkel aircraft works.  F/L Miller did not take off owing to hydraulic trouble.  F/Sgt Fletcher bombed the factory from 3500 feet, bombs were seen to fall in the centre, 4 bursts and 2 large fires seen burning on factory when aircraft arrived.  The raid was very satisfactory, the bomb load being 4 x 1900lb.  Visibility good.

23/24 April 1942 – Rostock (Heinkel Aero Works) – Bomb load 4 x 1900lb

R5497E   F/S Fletcher, F/S McKenna, F/O Blair, F/S Wilkinson, Sgts Warren, Sugar, F/S Bale.  Up 2316  Down 0525.  Nothing to report on way out, arrived target and saw a great number of fires.  Flew around for 30 minutes to make sure of target and bombed from 3,500 feet.  Visibility good, slight haze and encountered only light defence.  Numerous fires were burning in the town.  Rear Gunner saw four bursts in centre of target.  Very successful trip.

24.4.42 Two aircraft for ops tonight.  One aircraft u/s before take-off.  F/L Miller successfully bombed the Heinkel works at Rostock.  Several large fires seen and numerous fires in town.  Successful raid, visibility excellent.

24/25 April 1942 – Rostock (Heinkel Aero Works) – Bomb load 4 x 1900lb

R5512G  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, P/O Eslick, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 2240  Down 0440.  Visibility excellent, no cloud.  Bombed target and bursts observed in south half of area.  Several high fires were being steadily bombed and well ablaze, also numerous bright fires in the town.  Bombs dropped from just over 4000 feet.  Successful.
 
25.4.42 Four aircraft have been detailed for ops tonight, all of which successfully bombed again the Heinkel Works at Rostock.  Visibility was good and very large fires seen, defence fairly light but accurate.

25/26 April 1942 – Rostock (Heinkel Aero Works) – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x SBC

R5512G  F/S Davies (P), P/O Keough (2nd Pilot), Sgt Murphy (N), Sgt Goodwin (Wop), Sgt E.G.Smith (FG), Sgt Earnshaw (MG), Sgt Goddard (RG).  Up 2255  Down 0444.  Target easily identified, visibility very good, no cloud but smoke haze from fires.  Dived from 14000 feet to 6500 feet and released bombs which were seen to burst on aerodrome just north of target.  Light flak intense.  Aircraft seen in flames over target area, also another in flames over Denmark.  Navigation was very good.
R5488F  F/S Altree, F/S Brown, Sgt McMechan, F/S Burton, Sgt Lloyd, F/S McPhee, Sgt Coone.  Up 2248  Down 0454.  Visibility good, ground haze.  Successfully bombed Heinkel factory.  Rear Gunner saw the 4000lb bomb burst on the assembly sheds.  Fires seen on arrival and increased in density on leaving.  Flak accurate, not many searchlights.
L7571X  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Creeth, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Burke.  Up 2305  Down 0507.  Successfully bombed the target area from 8500 feet, good visibility heading into moon.  Rear Gunner saw 4000lb bomb burst in target area.  Flaming mass fell in pieces from 15000 feet, probably aircraft shot down.  Considerable AA tracer up to 10000 feet over target.
R5497Z  F/S Fletcher, W/C Slee, F/O Blair, F/S Wilkinson, Sgt Harris, F/S Sugar, F/S Bale.  Up 2300  Down 0442.  Bombed target from 6,700 feet.  No cloud, visibility good.  Rear Gunner saw bomb burst but thought it was on south corner of factory.  Observation difficult owing to smoke over factory.  Several fires seen in town.  Quite a successful trip.  Defences have definitely improved.  Heavy AA guns in considerable numbers.  Remainder of trip uneventful.

25/26.4.42 W/C L.C.Slee assumed command of the Squadron during the absence of W/C J.D.D.Collier while on leave.  One aircraft detailed for ops tonight – target Rostock – successfully bombed by F/L Miller.  Good defences and searchlights were much stronger.  Weather fit, visibility good.

26/27 April 1942 – Rostock (Heinkel Aero Works) – Bomb load 6 x 1000lb, 3 x 500 GP

R5488F  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, P/O Eslick, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up not shown, Down 0535.  Target silhouetted against moon, visibility good, released bombs at 3,500 feet.  Rear Gunner reported five bursts on roof of buildings believed to be main assembly sheds.  Fires burning in town.  Intense flak in target area, otherwise trip was moderately quiet.

27.4.42 Mining in “Forget me Not” area and “Hawthorne” by two aircraft.   

27/28 April 1942 – Gardening “Forget me Not” area – Bomb load 6 mines

R5497Z  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Burke.  Up 2213  Down 0357.  Visibility good, no cloud.  Mines laid in primary.  Six parachutes seen to open and mines enter water.  Successful trip.  Slight AA over Denmark on way in, none afterwards.
L7571X  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.G.Smith, F/S Goldie, Sgt Goddard.  Up 2219  Down 0244.  Due to petrol and engine cut, laid mines in first alternative, “Hawthorne” area.  Mission completed on starboard inner tank.  Landed at base with 100 gallons available and 500 gallons non available.  Navigation good.

29.4.42    The six detailed aircraft and crews arrived back from Lossiemouth this evening.  They completed two raids on the Tirpitz, Trondheim on successive nights, the 27/28 and 28/29th.  The actual results are not yet known, but considerable damage in the target area seems to have been done.  One of our aircraft, F/L Mackid DFC and crew are missing from the first op which operated from Lossiemouth.  No fix was received and no news from the other crews beyond several crews having seen a ball of flame shoot down over the target and crash which may have been the missing aircraft. 

27/28 April 1942 – Tirpitz at Trondheim (alternative Sheer or Prinz Eugen) – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 500lb

R5496U  S/L Dugdale, F/S Croppi, F/S Bennett, F/S Turner, F/O Grieves, Sgts Martin, Linnett.  Up 2030  Down 0517.  Visibility good, full moon.  Dropped 4000lb bomb from 8000 feet, reckoned to have undershot by about 150 yards astern of ship, primary being the target.  Flash seen.  Cruised about the target until 0135 dropping flares and 500lbs.  Much light flak and little heavy accurate flak over target.  On the other side of the fiord where the Prinz Eugen is situated, presumed to be aircraft on fire and crashed on frozen lake to the east of the fiord.  Crew co-operation and navigation excellent.
L7577T  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, F/S Watkins, Sgt Newell, F/S C.Robinson, Sgt Middleton.  Up 2023 (down not shown).  Nearly full moon, visibility perfect.  Neither target seen owing to smoke.  Released bombs on runway Vaernes aerodrome.  Bursts observed.  Light flak, light firing at higher level attack, very wild.  Heavy flak and searchlights negligible.
R5495N  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.Smith, Grimwood, Rouse, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2020  Down 0430.  Visibility good, dropped 4000lb bomb from 8000 feet.  Bomb seen to burst and flash lit up the end of the ship – primary being attacked.  Burst assumed between ship and cliff.  Released 500lb bombs on island west of target on flak and searchlight, bursts not observed.  Trip in and out uneventful.
L7572L  F/L Mackid, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Day, Bennett – missing from the operation.
R5538H  F/O Blakeman, P/O Blease, F/S Shrybman, Sgts Nicoll, Allen, P/O Weir, Sgt McKenzie.  Up 2020  Down 0436.  Clear weather.  Bombed primary target from 6000 feet, burst seen in water or near ship being estimated position on coast where ship was believed to be.  Smoke screen encountered.  Other bombs dropped on battery position.  All types of flak encountered.  Trip home uneventful.
R5487V  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, P/O Dorward, F/S Crerar, Sgt Desmond, F/S Concannon, F/S C.A.Jones.  Up 2022  Down 0418.  Visibility clear, bombed primary target, bursts seen on peninsular.  Made two run ups but were too far north, dropped bombs as time was pressing.  Light and heavy flak experienced in target area.  In and out trips uneventful.

28/29 April 1942 – Tirpitz at Trondheim (alternative Prinz Eugen and Sheer) – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 500lb

R5502M  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, F/S Oates, Sgt Townley.  Up 2100  Down 0500.  Visibility good except for slight smoke screen in target area.  4000lb bomb fell 150 yards south-east of Tirpitz and the 500lbs fell 100 yards east.  Three in the sea and one on the shore, five bursts being seen.  Searchlights active, caught and held by them for several minutes.  Flak was accurate for height and direction.  Bombs released from 8000 feet.
R5496U   S/L Dugdale, F/S Croppi, F/S Bennett, F/S Turner, F/O Grieves, Sgts Martin, Linnett.  Up 2100  Down 0535.  Almost full moon, visibility good.  Bombed Tirpitz from 10,000 feet on assumed position in sights.  Target area filled with smoke.  Stick of four bombs seen to burst landward to target.  More heavy flak over target than previous night.  Two night fighters observed on reciprocal course on bombing run at 8000 feet.  Crew and navigation excellent.
L7577T   F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, F/S Watkins, Sgt Newell, F/S C.Robinson, Sgt Middleton.  Up 2057  Down 0450.  Visibility good, bombed primary, results not seen owing to smoke screen.  Large burst observed.  Set course for alternative target and dropped bombs.
R5495N   F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.Smith, Grimwood, Rouse, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2057  Down  0450.  Visibility good, bombed primary.  Results not seen owing to smoke screen.  Large burst observed.  Set course for alternative and dropped bombs across inlet at 8000 feet.  Results unobserved.  Flak heavier and more accurate.  Set course for base.
R5487V   W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, P/O Dorward, F/S Crerar, Sgt Desmond, F/S Concannon, F/S C.A.Jones.  Up 2100  Down 0440.  Clear visibility, attacked primary from 8000 feet.  Target not visible, estimated position bombed.  Bombs released on flak positions and on Vaernes aerodrome.  Flak heavier and more accurate than previous night.

30.4.42 Ten aircraft detailed for tonight’s op.  Lancaster R5541 F/Sgt Altree crashed on the NFT near Wragby, Lincs.  F/Sgt Altree suffered a broken nose and the 2nd Pilot damaged his ankle, the remainder being uninjured.  The aircraft is a complete write-off.  Cause is yet unknown, pilot states that the port engine cut, then both the starboard engines.  Ops cancelled at 1000 due to weather report.

Total operational flying hours for Apri1942 – 244
Total non-operational hours – 305.

1.5.42 P/O Chorlton and 58 ground crew arrived back from Lossiemouth.  11 aircraft serviceable.

2.5.42 Nine aircraft detailed for ops – 6 allotted “Daffodil” area and 3 “Privet” area.  All mines successfully laid.  All aircraft and crews returned safely to base.  The three aircraft were on an exceptionally long trip and carried only three mines with full petrol.  S/L Dugdale has now finished his 200 hours operational span.

2/3 May 1942 – Gardening “Daffodil” area – load 6 mines

R5537B  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.G.Smith, F/S Goldie, Sgt Goddard.  Up 2241  Down 0522.  Mines planted in correct position in primary area.  Good visibility.  Heavy flak at Copenhagen, otherwise trip uneventful.
L7569A  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, Townley, F/S Oates.  Up 2238  Down 0513.  Pinpointed Copenhagen.  Full moon, no clouds.  Mines dropped on ETA from pinpoint, observed to fall in water.  Nothing encountered.  Uneventful.
R5553S   F/O Blakeman, P/O Blease, Sgts Shrybman, Nicoll, Allen, McKenzie, P/O Weir.  Up 2258  Down 0508.  Uneventful successful trip.  Mines laid on ETA.  Weather good.  Small amounts of heavy flak at Copenhagen.
R5512C  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, P/O Eslick, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 2235  Down 0458.  Target found by visual aids and mines dropped  according to instructions.  Trip uneventful. Visibility excellent.
R5502M  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Quinn.  Up 2225  Down 0540.  All mines seen to drop in primary.  Very successful trip, excellent weather.  No opposition except in target area and near Heligoland on return.
R5487V  F/S Hartley, Sgt C.Smith, F/S J.Canham, F/S Dean, Sgts Mayland, Gross, Griffiths.  Up 2244  Down 0445.  Mines successfully released from 400 feet and seen to float to sea.  Encountered some light flak and searchlights otherwise uneventful.  Visibility good – no cloud.

2/3 May 1942 – Gardening “Privet” area – load 3 mines

R5497   F/S Fletcher, F/S McKenna, Sgt Creeth, F/S Wilkinson, Sgts Warren, Harris, F/S Bale. Up 2044 Down 0449.  Weather unsuitable for mining in target area owing to fog patches.  Mines dropped in position near primary area, as cloud would have made location of alternative impossible, having no definite pinpoint to set course from.
L7571X  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, Sgts Newell, Middleton, F/S C.Robinson, Sgt Macmahon.  Up 2050  Down 0600.  Heavily diffused moonlight.  Heavy rain.  Mined “Privet” area but not specified pinpoint.  Numerous ships sighted between Bonholm and “Privet” area.
R5495N  S/L Dugdale, W/C Slee, F/S Bennett, F/S Turner, F/O Grieves, Sgts Martin, Linnett.  Up 2120  Down 0522.  Attempted to mine “privet” area, visibility nil, cloud below 500 feet and up to 14,000 feet.  Hills on mainland near Boholm went up to 2000 feet.  Decided it wisest to drop mines before  target – approximately 15 minutes before.  Assumed that alternative had weather as bad.  Swedish towns brilliantly lit up.  Stalked a twin engined Hun after crossing the Danish coast.  Rear gunner gave short burst and avoiding action was taken.  Enemy aircraft seen no more.  Crew co-operation and navigation excellent.

4.5.42      Seven aircraft detailed for ops – 6 bombing and one Freshman gardening.  Weather fit.  P/O Hughes gardening cancelled later.  6 aircraft took off for op. 4 attacked primary target, one developed engine trouble, S/L Penman DSO DFC and dropped bombs believed to be at Ostend on searchlight and flak.  F/O Maltby abandoned mission owing to hydraulics damaged by enemy action.  On return to base, over-ran aerodrome and crashed in a field with full incendiary load.  Aircraft is a complete wreck but the crew were uninjured.

4/5 May 1942 – Raid on Engineering Factory – Stuttgart (alternative – town of Stuttgart) – Bomb load 14 SBC’s

L7569A  S/L Penman, W/C Slee, F/O Ifould, F/S Elwood, F/S Tales, Sgt Hebdon, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2243  Down 0040.  Immediately on take off oil pressure seen to drop on port inner engine.  Flew as far as enemy coast where bombs were released rather than jettisoned in the sea.  Visibility clear.  Bombs released from 15,000 feet on searchlights and flak, believed to be Ostend.
R5502M  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cumming, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 2246  Down 0454.  Bright moon, much haze.  Dropped bombs on believed to be Stuttgart from 14,000 feet.  Layer of cloud obscured target.  Many fires burning over a large over.  Trip uneventful except at the French coast and minor defended areas.
R5538H  F/O Blakeman, P/O Blease, F/S Shrybman, Sgts Nicoll, Allen, P/O Weir, Sgt McKenzie.  Up 2252  Down 0417.  On reaching the target area moderate flak was encountered and a number of flares observed.  Area covered by low cloud.  Bombs were dropped on primary and a number of photographs taken.  Trip home was uneventful.  Successful.
R5496U  F/S Hartley, Sgt C.Smith, F/S J.Canham, F/S Crerar, Sgts Mayland, Gross, Griffiths.  Up 2255  Down 0523.  Target was attacked on TR fix over cloud from 14,000 feet.  Bombs released on fires burning on ground.  Nickels also dropped and return to base.  Successful.
L7571X  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, P/O Dorward, Sgts Brummitt, Desmond, F/S Concannon, Sgt C.A.Jones.  Up 2249  Down 0447.  Route as briefed.  Cloud over target 5-6,000 feet.  Impossible to obtain pinpoint. Dropped bombs from 14,000 feet on Stuttgart, fires and flak pinpoint.  TR very accurate for majority of the op.
R5553S  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.H.Smith, Grimwood, Rouse, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2257  Down 0114.  Reaching the French coast, undercarriage came down of its own accord, suspected hit by flak, all types of accurate flak coming up when failure occurred.  Mission was abandoned, bomb doors failed to open so forced to land with full load without flaps with result that the aircraft overshot and crashed without injury to the crew.  Aircraft a complete write-off.  

5.5.42 4 aircraft detailed for ops against an engineering factory at Stuttgart.  Owing to weather conditions, all attacked the alternative, being Stuttgart Town.  Fires observed.  All returned safely to base.

5/6 May 1942 – Engineering Factory Stuttgart – Bomb load 6 x 1000lb GP, 3 x 500lb GP

R5537B  F/L Hallows, P/O McMurchy, P/O Cutting, F/S Louch, Sgts L.G.Jones, Broomfield, Goacher.  Up 2235  Down 0526.  Uneventful trip, flak plentiful over target.  Dropped bombs from13,000 feet in centre of town, bursts not seen but 6 fires burning in town.  At least 15 dummy incendiaries round target area.  Cloud nil, haze.
L7569A  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, Townley, F/S Pates.  Up 2240  Down 0540.  9 bombs observed to fall short of large fires in town.  Heavy ground haze.  Heavy concentration of searchlights and small amount of heavy flak over target.  Trip otherwise uneventful.
R5538H  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.G.Smith, F/S Goldie, Sgt Goddard.  Up 2238  Down 0550.  Bombed town, target not visible owing to haze and dummy fires.  Bombs released on fire.  Trip uneventful.
R5496U  F/S Fletcher, F/S Falls, Sgts Creeth, Wilkinson, Kelleher, Warren, F/S Bale.  Up 2249  Down 0534.  No cloud, considerable haze made target difficult to identify.  Made run across assumed position of town, did not see bombs burst.  No opposition on whole of route except at Karlsruhe and over target.

7.5.42   13 aircraft serviceable.  8 detailed for gardening ops.  AVM W.A.Coryton (AOC 5 Group) and G/C H.V.Satterly (SASO) visited Squadron today.

7/8.5.42   4 aircraft successfully mined the “Forget me Not” area and three aircraft successfully planted their vegetables in “Asparagus” area.  Visibility good, practically daylight.  F/L Miller was unable to take off.

7/8 May 1942 – Gardening “Forget me Not” area – load 6 mines

R5497Z  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, F/S Keane, Sgt Devine.  Up 0050  Down 0629.  Moonlight, no cloud.  Planted mines from 700 feet in the correct position.  Mines seen to drop in water evenly spaced.  Encountered flak and machine gun tracer from two small vessels.  Damage one hole in mainplane.
L7571X  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 0038  Down 0640.  Almost daylight.  Planted mines from 600 feet in correct position.  Trip uneventful except for flak ships in Langelands Belt.  Flak holes in port wheel nacelle.
R5512C  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgts Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Quinn, Buxton.  Up 0053  Down 0710.  Very successful trip carried out for the most part in almost daylight conditions.  Planted mines from 500 feet in correct position.  Negligible opposition from light AA guns.
L7569A  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cumming, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 0044  Down 0703.  Successful trip, experienced no trouble.  Planted mines from 600 feet.  Relief in finding low cloud after leaving coast on way home.  Gunners noticed two U-boats in the Baltic, one of which crashed dived west of Halnaes.

7/8 May 1942 – Gardening “Asparagus” area – load 6 mines

R5496U  F/S Fletcher, F/S McKenna, F/O Blair, Sgts Wilkinson, Kelleher, Warren, F/S Bale.  Up 0047  Down 0656.  Successful trip.  Some light flak and searchlights encountered from Sproggo.  Planted mines in correct position from 700 feet by visual pinpoints.
R5537B  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.Smith, F/S Goldie, Sgt Goddard.  Up 0056  Down 0650.  Planted mines from 600 feet, practically daylight.  Some light flak and searchlights at Nyborg.  Gunners returned fire and extinguished two searchlights.  Return trip owing to daylight was made at low altitude.  Navigation good.
R5487V  F/S Hartley, Sgt C.Smith, F/S J.Canham, Sgts Gross, Mayland, Suckling, Griffiths.  Up 0059  Down 0622.  Successfully planted mines from 600 feet.  Slight flak experienced from Korsor Headland.  Mines in correct position.  Returned low across Denmark, thence to base.

8.5.42 AVM Coryton and Lord Trenchard visited the Squadron this morning to interview the Augsburg Raid aircrews.  AM Harris conferred the honour on the Squadron by the presentation of the personal message addressed to him from the Prime Minister in a silver crested frame.  The presentation will be a lasting and much prized record of the exploits of Augsburg.  10 aircraft detailed for ops.

8/9.5.42   F/L Hallows DFC returned early due to defective immersion pump.  The other nine aircraft reached and bombed the target area.  The actual identification of the target being made very difficult owing to great searchlight activity.  Defences were also very heavy.  F/L Coton received some damage to his aircraft.  All crews returned safely to base.  This morning the CO with F/L Hallows tested the faulty aircraft and had exactly the same trouble with the immersion pumps.

8/9 May 1942 – Heinkel Works at Warnemunde – Bomb load 6 x 1000lb GP

R5496U  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, Sgts Newell, Girvin, F/S Robinson, Sgt MacMahon.  Up 2143  Down 0456.  During first run over target aircraft was picked up by many searchlights and flak, causing the bomb aimer to be blinded.  Proceeded out to sea, climbed and repeated attack.  Bombs seen to burst.  DR compass, two radiators and skin damaged by flak.
R5552P  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, F/S Keane, Sgt Devine.  Up 2200  Down 0408.  Bombed primary from 6,700 feet.  Visibility good but nullified by searchlights.  Impossible to identify buildings owing to dazzle.  Bombs dropped on estimated position.  Results not observed.  Aircraft held in searchlights and subjected to intense, accurate heavy flak also some light flak.  Aircraft and crew returned safely.
R5538H  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, Lloyd, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 2138  Down 0418.  Bombed primary from 6000 feet.  Light good, no cloud.  Target clearly identified on run up but searchlights impaired view when bombs released.  Bomb bursts not seen owing to avoiding action.  Fired on by flak ship on homeward journey.
R5569D  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, Townley, F/S Oates.  Up 2201  Down 0440.  Bombed primary from 6000 feet.  Visibility good.  Bombs not dropped by distributor owing to failure, but were jettisoned on completion of run.  Bomb bursts seen by rear gunner.  Believed to be on dock area at Warnemunde.  Trip to and from target uneventful.
R5487V  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2152  Down 0526.  Bombed primary by pinpoints on Warnow.  Target only in sights at beginning of run owing to searchlight glare.  Bursts not observed.  Saw several flashes in the sea after leaving target – believed to be 4000lb bombs.  Homeward trip otherwise uneventful.
R5559W  F/S Hartley, Sgt C.Smith, F/S J.Canham, Sgts Gross, Mayland, Suckling, Griffiths.  Up 2207  Down 0510.  Bombed primary.  Visibility 8 miles.  Bombs thought to overshoot slightly.  Returned across Denmark to Ringkoking and thence to base.
R5497Z  P/O Hughes, F/S Croppi, Sgt Isted, F/S Crerar, Sgts Harris, Mercer, Overton.  Up 2205  Down 0431.  Bombed works by visual pinpoints.  No cloud and very dark.  When aircraft was held by two large batches of searchlights, IFF was used and found to be very effective.  No results seen although fires were observed five minutes after leaving target area.
L7569A  P/O Keir, Sgt Bond, P/O Hallam, Sgts Shepherd, Jenkins, Saw, Wharton.  Up 2210  Down 0447.  Proceeded to target and saw many searchlights and considerable light flak.  Rear gunner saw an aircraft in flames and Wireless operator picked up an SOS.  Bombed target position on estimated pinpoints.  Gunners observed three bombs burst in town believed to be Kelding (Denmark).
R5495N  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.Smith, F/S Goldie, Sgt Goddard.  Up 2211  Down 0515.  Visibility good but made very difficult by searchlights.  Recommended route followed and target reached at 0140 hours.  Area was easily identified and good approach was made – but searchlights spoiled recognition.  Return trip uneventful. 

10.5.42    8 aircraft detailed for ops – later cancelled due to weather.

13.5.42 Day ops detailed for 6 aircraft, briefing early afternoon – cancelled later (lots of bad weather between 10th and 13th).  F/L Hallows in Lancaster  R5537B has been detached Prestwick today.

14.5.42 9 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled later owing to weather.

16.5.42 7 aircraft for ops.  A letter has been passed to the Squadron from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dudley Pound, conveying congratulations on the Augsburg Raid, as follows :- “I have now seen the photograph and assessment report K1316 produced by the RAF station at Medmenham about the raid on the M.A.N. works at Augsburg on 17th April.  I am particularly impressed with the results which have been achieved and I am sure that this attack will have helped greatly in achieving our object of reducing the output of U-boats in the future.  I should be grateful if you would express my congratulations to ACM Harris and to all who took part in the raid.  I much deplore the comparatively heavy casualties but I feel sure that their loss was not in vain.  You will, I am sure, forgive me for not having expressed my appreciation earlier, but I have waited to read of the full effects of the raid”.  Ops were successfully carried out by 7 aircraft, 4 mining the “Daffodil” area, 1 the “Forget me Not”, 1 in “Sweet Pea” and 1 in “Raddish” area.  Only F/O Rodley planted his mines in alternative area “Endive” due to weather conditions.

16/17 May 1942 – Gardening “Sweet Pea” area – Load 5 mines

R5559W  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, F/S Keane, Sgt Benbow.  Up 2214  Down 0429.  Vegetables planted in primary area.  No cloud, visibility good.  Pinpoint on Godsor Head and five vegetables seen to enter water.  Crossed Denmark at 800 feet.  Trip uneventful.

16/17 May 1942 – Gardening “Raddish” area – Load 5 mines

R5569D  P/O Keir, Sgt Bond, P/O Hallam, Sgts Shepherd, Jenkins, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgt Wharton.  Up 2238  Down 0505.  Veg seen to enter water in position as ordered.  Heavy local rain in target area.  Fired on by ship off Dovns Cliff.  Trip otherwise completely uneventful.

16/17 May 1942 – Gardening “Daffodil” area – Load 5 mines

R5502M  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cummings, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 2219  Down 0420.  Veg planted in alternative area – Endive, owing to bad visibility.  Parachutes were seen to open and veg seen to enter water in correct position.  Observed flare path lit up near Skern.
R5575L  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Quinn.  Up 2217 Down 0518.  Veg planted in primary.  Quiet trip with no AA or fighter opposition.  Weather dark and dirty at times but visibility good.  Three enemy flare paths observed, one being extinguished as aircraft dived to shoot it up.
R5487V  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2218  Down 0420.  Visual pinpoint on Falstabo and veg planted in required position.  Five mines seen to enter water.  Visibility good 6-7/10ths cloud.  No flak seen at all and only one searchlight seen south of Copenhagen.
R5495N  F/S Hartley, Sgts C.Smith, Creeth, Gross, Mayland, Suckling, Griffiths.  Up 2223  Down 0512.  Veg sown in appointed garden and rear gunner saw mines fall in the sea.  Poor visibility and very little light below cloud.  Returned across Denmark at 800 – 500 feet and set course for base.

16/17 May 1942 – Gardening “Forget me Not” area – Load 6 mines

R5497Z  W/O Rowlands, P/O Briant, P/O Dorward, F/S Turner, Sgt Desmond, F/S Concannon, Sgt C.A.Jones.  Up 2237  Down 0446.  Mines seen to drop on primary from 600 feet.  Visibility good, no cloud.  Large fire seen at Hajnsvig.  Trip otherwise uneventful.

17.5.42 F/L Hallows' aircraft has gone u/s at Prestwick – crew returning by train and a ground crew are travelling up there tomorrow to change an engine.

18.5.42 8 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled due to weather.

19.5.42 7 aircraft detailed to bomb Mannheim “A”.  One aircraft F/O Deverill returned owing to intercom failure.  F/O Keir bombed Ostend owing to lack of oxygen.  Two aircraft detailed to take part in searchlight exercise over London.

19/20 May 1942 – Mannheim “A” – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb HC, 6 x SBC’s

R5495N  F/S Hartley, Sgts C.Smith, Creeth, Gross, Mayland, Suckling, Griffiths.  Up 2238  Down 0405.  Port inner engine failed on reaching target.  Bombs dropped on built up area near target.  4000lb bomb seen to burst, also incendiaries observed.
R5487V  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2217  Down 0424.  Port outer flame trap fell off while avoiding searchlights after crossing French coast, thus causing aircraft to be lit up.  Incendiaries seen to burst but not 4000lb – 20 miles west of target.  Aircraft caught by accurate flak at Dunkirk on return causing aircraft’s port rudder to be holed.
R5497Z  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay, F/S Keane, Sgt Benbow.  Up 2231  Down 0029.  Intercom system failed on becoming airborne, failing completely at 13,000 feet over the Belgian coast.  Returned to base.
R5502M  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, Sgts Henley, Merralls, Cummings, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 2241  Down 0412.  Bombed primary.  No cloud.  Thick haze and poor visibility vertically.  Fires were observed both sides of the river.  Large explosion seen in west of target and incendiaries seen to fall on fires.  Five cones of searchlights around Appau.
R5569D  P/O Keir, Sgt Bond, P/O Hallam, Sgts Shepherd, Jenkins, Saw, Wharton.  Up 2246  Down 0141.  After climbing to 16,000 feet gunners reported lack of oxygen so docks were bombed at Ostend.  6 SBC’s were brought back as the might have dropped in town.
R5512C  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts Murphy, Goodwin, E.G.Smith, Coone, Goddard.  Up 2252  Down 0459.  Bombs dropped on primary in believed position confirmed by TR fix.  Rear gunner reported a large fire and a heavy concentration of searchlights in target area.
R5575L  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Quinn. (No times shown).  Target found quite easily with aid of W/T loop and TR.  Considerable AA and searchlight activity over target.  Bombs believed to fall about a mile short.  Dark, little cloud and visibility good.

20.5.42 8 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled due to weather.

21.5.42 Ops and training cancelled – weather.

22.5.42 Ops Gardening.  F/L Hallows set out for primary “Willows” area but due to electrical trouble, placed vegetables in “Hawthorne” area.  Convoy of six ships seen.  F/L Miller planted vegetables in primary.  F/S Berridge successfully planted vegetables in primary, saw convoy of 20 ships.  Machine gunned a ferry boat. P/O Keir planted veg in “Willows” (primary area).  Successful and uneventful.  F/O Maltby successful at primary.  Encountered searchlights and light flak.  One searchlight doused by gunners.

22/23 May 1942 Gardening “Willows” area – Load 5 mines

R5558J  F/L Hallows, F/O Friend, F/O Ifould, F/S Louch, Sgts L.G.Jones, Broomfield, Goacher.  Up 2159  Down 0236.  Course set for primary.  Trouble experienced with EDG – starboard discharging and port dangerously overcharging.  In view to weather at base a pinpoint was obtained off Westerhaven and veg planted in “Hawthorne” garden.  Convoy of six ships seen and reported.
R5538H  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, L.Smith, F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 2201  Down 0509.  Planted veg in primary garden.  Visibility excellent, no cloud.  Pinpoint obtained off Jasmund Rock.  Splashes observed as mines dropped in correct position.
R5575L  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgt Connely, F/S Donahue, Sgts Fleming, Buxton, Quinn.  Up 2203  Down 0530.  A very successful trip.  Veg seen to fall in correct position.  No cloud and visibility fairly good.  Jasmund identified.  Mist over Denmark.  Encountered convoy of about 20 ships.  Machine gunned ferry boat after vegs dropped.
R5512C  P/O Keir, Sgt Bond, P/O Hallam, Sgts Shepherd, Jenkins, Saw, Wharton.  Up 2202  Down 0500.  Vegs planted in primary “Willows” area from 600 feet.  All five parachutes seen to open.  Pinpointed Rangow and made timed run from there.  Light flak at south end of viaduct at Middlefort.  Otherwise uneventful.
R5487V  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2210  Down 0511.  Vegs successfully planted in primary garden.  No cloud.  Pinpointed on Sasnitz and made timed run from there.  Parachutes seen to open.  Bad conditions expected not found.  Weather good.  Uneventful trip across Denmark both ways.

R5559W  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Mackay. F/S Keane, Sgt Benbow.  Up 2214  Down 0505.  Planted veg in primary from 600 feet.  Good visibility 8-10 miles and no cloud.  Parachutes seen to open.  On return trip at 600 feet encountered slight searchlight activity and light flak (white tracer) from Sprogo Island and Nyborh.  All gunners replied and one searchlight dowsed.

23.5.42 2 aircraft carried out AA co-operation at Derby.

24.5.42 F/S Baines carried out dusk and dark landings.

25.5.42 Day training – night ops detailed but cancelled.

26.5.42 Gardening – F/O Miller in “Asparagus” successful and F/O Maltby in “Broccolli” – heavy ack ack shell burst under nose of F/O Maltby’s aircraft – made a dent in the nose.

26/27 May 1942 – Gardening “Asparagus” area – Load 4 mines

R5538H  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S Westgate, F/S Nickerson.  Up 2325  Down 0453.  Pinpointed Halskov and made timed run from there.  Parachutes seen to open as veg fell in correct position.  Uneventful trip – 10/10ths cloud over target area, but visibility underneath quite good.

26/27 May 1942 – Gardening “Broccolli” area – Load 4 mines

R5487V  F/O Maltby, F/S Lancey, Sgts M.R.Smith, Rouse, Mather, F/S Legace, Sgt Humphrey.  Up 2312  Down 0605.  Quiet trip over cloud at 12,000 feet on ETA.  10/10ths cloud so turned north hoping to find a break.  Cloud broke over Samso.  Planted veg.  On returning, while climbing at 13,000 feet a heavy AA shell burst under nose causing dent.  Rest of trip uneventful.

28.5.42 F/S Baines carried out night cross-country and W/C Collier DFC did dusk and dark landings.

29.5.42 4 aircraft for ops on Gnome and Rhone engine works at Gennevilliers.  F/L Coton bombed primary from 3,000 feet.  He encountered very accurate light flak and fairly accurate heavy flak.  F/O Keir made 4 attempts to identify target, meeting a heavy concentration of flak and searchlights.  His starboard outer engine was hit and failed.  Bombs dropped safe due to rapid loss of height.  Sgt Bond (2nd Pilot) was hit and died on the return journey.  F/S Berridge found target and bombed.  He encountered heavy barrage of light AA and searchlights, which caused considerable damage to mid upper turret.  Mid gunner was slightly wounded in leg when his turret was riddled.  P/O Hughes made two dives but could not identify target.  He brought his bombs back but dropped incendiaries in the Dieppe area.

29/30 May 1942 – Attack on Gnome & Rhone Engine Works at Gennevilliers – Bomb load 6 x 1000lb

L7577T  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, Sgts Newell, P.Martin, F/S Robinson, Sgt MacMahon.  Up 0030  Down 0511.  Bombed primary from 3000 feet.  One bomb burst seen and then blinded by searchlights.  Very accurate light flak and fairly accurate heavy flak was encountered at coast on outward journey to target.  10 bundles of F8X also dropped.
R5569D  P/O Keir, Sgts Bond, M.R Smith, Shepherd, Jenkins, Saw, Wharton.  Up 0025  Down 0527.  Impossible to identify target owing to searchlights and heavy concentration of flak.  Made four attempts to identify target and then outboard starboard engine was hit and failed.  Sgt Bond (2nd Pilot) was hit in thigh and died on return journey.  Bombs were dropped safe owing to aircraft rapidly losing height.
R5575L  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgts Connely, Fleming, Hellyer, Buxton, Quinn.  Up 0023  Down 0451.  Target found quite easily in bright moonlight after flying through heavy banks of cloud.  Intense light AA encountered during run causing considerable damage to aircraft.  Mid upper gunner was slightly wounded in leg when his turret was riddled.  Results not seen owing to flak.
R5497Z  P/O Hughes, Sgt Lawton, F/S Isted, F/S Crerar, Sgts Harris, Mercer, Overton.  Up 0045  Down 0525.  Two dive attacks at 240 mph in area but target not identified.  Clear visibility.  Held in searchlights on four occasions but dived out of beams.  Bombs brought back.  12 bundles of F8X dropped on Dieppe area.

30.5.42 Ops at Cologne – 16 aircraft detailed.  One, P/O McMurchy failed to take off due to a broken tail wheel.  F/S Baines jettisoned his bombs safe in the sea and returned due to low oil pressure and high oil temperature.  All remaining aircraft attacked target successfully.

30/31 May 1942 – Cologne – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x SBC 4 lb

R5502M  F/L Hallows, F/O Friend, P/O Cutting, F/S Louch, Sgts L.Jones, Broomfield, Goacher.  Up 0007  Down 0435.  Bombed primary at 15,000 feet at 0155 hours.  Heavy smoke up to 10,000 feet.  Fires made observation difficult but incendiaries seen burning when 60 miles away.  Intercepted by single engined fighter but lost in evasive action.  Trip otherwise uneventful.
R5552P  W/C Collier, F/O Hooey, F/O Ifould, F/S Turner, Sgts Brummitt, Martin, F/S Jones.  Up 0008  Down 0455.  Bombed town from 15,000 feet.  No cloud and visibility good.  Bombs dropped on west bank of river.  Bursts not observed owing to many fires.  Rows of buildings seen on fire.  Trip amazingly uneventful.
R5538H  F/L Miller, F/S Cullinane, Sgts Grossmith, B.Robertson, L.Smith.F/S Nickerson, F/S Westgate.  Up 0008  Down 0554.  Bombs dropped on west bank of river.  Bursts not observed.  Visibility good – no cloud.  Flak only moderate.
R5559W  F/O Deverill, Sgt Cooper, P/O Butler, Sgts Irons, Devine, Benbow, F/S Keane.  Up  0011  Down 0335.  Bursts observed on primary from 13,800 feet.  No cloud and visibility good.  Many fires burning.  East of river obscured by smoke.  Very quiet trip, practically no opposition, only slight searchlight activity.
R5497Z  P/O Hughes, Sgts Lawton, Isted, F/S Crerar, Sgts Harris, Mercer, Overton.  Up 0015  Down 0530.  When approached by FW190, bombs were dropped immediately on target.  No bursts observed owing to the many fires.  Port inner engine failed over North Sea.  Flaps and undercarriage u/s also hydraulic tank burst.  Dense smoke pouring from feathered engine.
L7577T  F/L Coton, Sgt Kruger, F/O Boddington, Sgts Newell, Martin, F/S Robinson, Sgt McMahon.  Up 0013  Down 0550.  Bombs dropped in south-west position of city.  No cloud, visibility good.  Burst of 4000lb bomb observed, also numerous fires.  Flew through considerable quantity of heavy flak, smoke but no actual fire.  Nothing else of interest.
R5512C  F/L Blakeman, P/O Blease, F/S Shrybman, Sgts Nicoll, Allen, F/L Trueman, Sgt McKenzie.  Up 0055 Down 0504.  Bombed middle of town from 14,000 feet.  Clear bright moon.  Impossible to identify bursts as target a mass of flames.  Visibility perfect.  Opposition was negligible.  Return trip uneventful except numerous encounters with British aircraft.
R5552P  W/O Harrison, Sgts Crouch, Platten, Preston, Farara, Townley, F/S Oates.  Up 0042  Down 0433.  Bombed primary from 15,000 feet.  No cloud, slight ground haze and extensive smoke over target, which was identified by River Rhine.  Bombs seen to fall just south of marshalling yards at North-west Cologne.  Fires visible 100 miles away on return.
R5496U  F/S Adams, F/S Falls, Sgts Creeth, Stafford, Dawson, F/S Goldie, Sgt Linnett.  Up 0037  Down 0539.  Bombs dropped from 10,480 feet south-west of Cologne.  Bomb flashes were observed.  Very little opposition encountered.  Trip seemed to be unqualified success.
R5612R  F/S Baines, Sgts Bunt, Cook, Kelleher, Griffiths, Guy, Desmond.  Up 0046  Down 0302.  4000lb jettisoned safe in sea.  Oil temperature rose to 95 degrees c and pressure to 60lbs per sq inch.  As temperature and pressure did not improve, the captain decided to return.
R5614G  F/S Berridge, F/S Long, Sgts Connely, Fleming, Hellyer, Buxton, McPhee.  Up  0034  Down 0519.  Bomb probably dropped in western part of city.  Burst observed amid extensive fires.  Considerable AA activity but without accuracy. Many other aircraft seen during trip but no opposition from night fighters.  Searchlights fairly active.

R5609S  F/S Hartley, P/O Briant, W/O Canham, Sgts Gross, Mayland, Suckling, F/S Legace.  Up 0045  Down 0530.  Attacked centre of town on west bank of Rhine.  Bursts observed.  Large area of city in flames.  Heavy black smoke rising to 5-8000 feet.  Spasmodic flak only from town.
R5571A  F/S Davies, P/O Keough, Sgts McMechan, Goodwin, E.Smith, Coone, Goddard.  Up 0029  Down 0507.  Bomb burst in south centre of city.  Target easily identified in brilliant moonlight and terrific fires were observed.  A running fight between a Wellington and a Me 109 was seen but result not.  Return trip uneventful.
R5607X  F/S Fletcher, F/S McKenna, F/O Blair, F/S Wilkinson, Sgt Garland, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett, F/S Bale.  Up 0040  Down 0545.  No bursts observed owing to many fires, but bombs dropped on west bank of Rhine.  Little AA opposition at target.  Visibility very good.  Numerous fires burning in town.  Nothing of interest to report on return journey.
R5572F  F/O Rodley, P/O Colquhoun, F/S Bennett, Sgts Merralls, Cumming, Ratcliffe, Crisp.  Up 0031  Down 0417,  Bombs dropped in city east of river.  Bursts not observed owing to many fires burning in town.  Crossing the North Sea one generator and one gun in mid upper turret went u/s. 

31.5.42 13 aircraft for ops – scrubbed due to weather conditions over target area.    

1.6.42  14 aircraft detailed for ops tonight.  13 aircraft successfully reached and bombed the target at Essen or the target area.  Of the other two aircraft, one returned early owing to a technical failure and the other, F/S Davies and crew, failed to return.  No news of them having since been received.  The weather over the target was bad but considerable damage was done.  This raid consisted of over 1,000 bombers, being the second highest raid of the war, the first being on Cologne.      

1/2June 1942 – Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5571A  F/S H.L.Davies, P/O W.J.Keough, Sgts E.B.Goodwin, A.G.McMechan, E.Smith, E.H.Coone, J.L.Goddard.  Up 2350.  Missing from this op.
R5487V  F/S R.Fletcher, F/S G.McKenna, F/O T.Blair, F/S J.Wilkinson, Sgt J.Garland, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett, F/S D.Bale. (no times shown).  Bombed primary from 12,000 feet.  8/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet.  Bombs released on TR fix, confirmed by visual.  No bursts observed.  Flew over convoy on way out – no opposition from it.  Little heavy flak.  Quite a few searchlights and numerous dummy fires.  Saw two aircraft shot down.
R5502M  F/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt J.H.Dinning, P/O P.Cutting, F/S B.Louch, F/S L.Jones, Sgt W.Broomfield, Sgt T.Goacher.  Up 2340  Down 0203.  Rear turret failed when about to cross the Dutch coast.  As there was no target to attack without going inland, decided to return to base.  Bombs were jettisoned to allow weight to come within landing load.
R5559W  F/O E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.Irons, J.Devine, J.Benbow, F/S H.Keane.  Up 2321  Down 0240.  Bombed primary from 17,200 feet.  Good visibility but 7/10ths light broken cloud at 7/8000 feet.  Average searchlight and flak activity over large area.  Uneventful outward and return journey.
R5496U  F/S J.Adams, F/S F.Falls, Sgts H.Creeth, A.Stafford, J.R.Dawson, F/S J.Goldie, Sgt N.E.J.Linnett.  Up 2336  Down 0303.  Approach was made as per briefing and bombs dropped from 14,000 feet.  1/3 can of incendiaries hung-up.  Very little opposition was encountered.  A large ship was seen to be approaching the Dutch coast.  Position and time plotted.  Heavy flak was observed from this ship.
R5612R  P/O M.Hughes, Sgts H.Lawton, W.Isted, F/S A.Crerar, Sgts R.Harris, G.Mercer, D.Overton.  Up 0020  Down 0424.  Soon after crossing Dutch coast a huge red glow was observed.  Dropped bombs visually in centre of Essen as TR went u/s on way out.  Despite cloud, fires observed 60 – 70 miles away on return journey.  Starboard inner failed after leaving target.
L7577T  P/O G.Hartley, P/O N.Briant, W/O J.Canham, Sgts R.Gross, C.Mayland, D.Suckling, F/S H.Concannon.  Up 2338  Down 0320.  Primary attacked from 17,000 feet on TR.  Flares illuminated approximate target area but did not illuminate ground.  Three compartments of incendiaries hung-up.
R5609S  P/O C.Keir, F/S N.Croppi, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts C.Shepherd, K.Saw, H.Jenkins, E.Wharton.  Up 0011  Down 0350.  6/10ths cloud over target.  Bombs released on TR fix from 15,000 feet.  Three distinct fires observed.  A good trip – no trouble anywhere.
R5538H  F/L C.W.Miller, F/S M.D.Cullinane, Sgts A.T.Grossmith, B.Robinson, N.L Smith, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2328  Down 0246.  Bombed primary from14,500 feet on TR fixes.  River sighted just after bombs released.  Ground detail very difficult to identify owing to cloud.  Flares, many sticks of incendiaries and few H.E.’s.  Trip to and from target much livelier than two nights ago.   
R5512C   F/L H.Blakeman, P/O T.Blease, F/S H.Shrybman, Sgts N.Nicoll, S.Allen, F/L J.Trueman, Sgts F.McKenzie.  Up 0006  Down 0341.  Not a very satisfactory trip – target was bombed on TR.  6/10ths cloud at 13,000 feet.  Bombed from 17,000 feet.  Dummy fires observed.  Flak not up to usual standard.  Trip home uneventful.
R5495N   F/S P.Baines, Sgts J.Bunt, B.Cook, W.Kelleher, M.Griffiths, W.Guy, A.Desmond.  Up 0016  Down 0401.  Built up area in sights believed to be Essen.  Burst of 4000lb observed.  Many fires burning – visible for 85 miles.  Large dummy fires observed north-west of Essen.  Target in red flames.  Flak and searchlights scattered and ineffective.
R5552P   W/O S.Harrison, Sgts F.Crouch, D.J.Platten, E.Preston, G.Farara, W.Townley, F/S R.Oates.  Up 0016  Down 0412.  10/10ths cloud over Essen but clear immediately north.  Thick ground haze and smoke screen.  Bombed on TR.  At least two large fires at Essen and Gelsenkirschen.  Flak poor except where they were able to concentrate on a single aircraft.
R5614G  F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.Connely, L.M.Fleming, L.V.Hellyer, R.Buxton, A.J.McPhee.  Up 0025  Down 0430.  Visibility moderate.  Bombed on TR fix confirmed by visual.  Bursts observed.  Damage and fires were widespread across the whole Ruhr area.
R5607X   P/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts S.Girvan, J.Hebdon, O.Barraclough.  Up 2340  Down 0315.  Bombs dropped on Essen from 18,000 feet.  Visibility poor.  Number of yellow flares seen but not much in identifying target.  Flak and searchlights not intense.  Fires visible for 100 miles on return.
R5572F   F/O E.E.Rodley, P/O I.L.Colquhoun, F/O F.L.Ifould, Sgts E.Merralls, T.Cummings, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2338  Down 0321.  Slight flak seen at Hague.  Crossed Dutch coast at 17,000 feet.  Saw Rhine and continued past obvious dummy fires.  Some flak was encountered, quite accurate but not plentiful.  Aerodrome was seen lit up on the east of Overflakke.  

2.6.42 6 aircraft detailed for ops.  Five aircraft successfully reached and bombed Krupps at Essen or the target area.  The remaining aircraft, owing to engine trouble, bombed what is believed to be Hamborn.  All returned safely.

2/3 June 1942 – Essen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 8 x SBC 4lb

R5496U   F/S J.F.Adams, F/S F.M.Falls, Sgts H.Creeth, A.Stafford, J.R.Dawson, F/S J.Goldie, Sgt N.Linnett.  Up 0022  Down 0346.  Bombs were seen to burst on target.  The incendiaries were seen to be changing colour to red on leaving target.  Machine gun fire observed about 2,000 feet above us.  The attack was made at 13,000 feet.
R5538H   P/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts S.Girvan, T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 0028  Down 0349.  Bombs released on TR confirmed by visual.  Believed to have dropped in Krupps area.  No cloud.  Visibility good and slight ground haze.  4000lb flash seen.  Incendiaries not distinguished.  Searchlights intense.  Flak fairly accurate and heavy.  Wings and fuselage holed by flak.
R5559W   F/S R.Fletcher, F/S G.McKenna, F/O T.Blair, F/S J.Wilkinson, Sgt J.Garland, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett, F/S D.Bale.  Up 0019  Down 0337.  Bombs dropped from 12,000 feet on TR fix with built up area, believed to be Essen, in sights.  Uneventful outward and return journey.  Numerous dummy fires around Essen and large number of searchlights.
L7577T   F/L E.Coton, Sgt F.C.Kruger, F/O R.Boddington, Sgts F.A.Newell, P.Martin, F/S C.Robinson, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 0015  Down 0317.  Starboard outer engine failed.  It was decided to proceed into Germany and bomb last resort.  Position estimated by visual and TR fix to be Hamborn.  4000lb flash seen and incendiaries burning on eastern bank of Ruhr.
R5502M   F/O E.E.Rodley, P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgts P.E.Henley, E.Merrals, T.Cummings, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 0026  Down 0355.  Bombed southern end of town.  No trouble experienced until the Ruhr was reached where much heavy flak came up.  Target was lit up by batches of flares and fires on the ground.  After leaving Krefeld, a single engined machine was seen flying parallel and slightly behind.  We lost height and avoided fighter by entering the darker below.
R5495N   F/S P.Baines, Sgts J.Bunt, B.Cook, W.Kelleher, M.Griffiths, W.Guy, R.Martin.  Up 0024  Down 0355.  Pinpointed River Rhine and made DR run at 17,000 feet.  Visibility good and cloud nil.  One section of container of incendiaries brought back owing to TR failure.  Flak and searchlights much more effective than previous night.  Some dummy fires 15 miles north-west of town observed again. 

3.6.42 R5612 collected from Prestwick. Three aircraft detailed to attack Bremen. All successfully bombed the primary, one aircraft having engine failure, and returned safely to base.

3/4 June 1942 – Bremen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5559W  F/O E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.Irons, J.Devine, J.Benbow, J.R.Dawson.  Up 2340  Down 0318.  Bombed primary from 17,000 feet.  No cloud – poor light, slight haze.  Bomb Aimer aimed to overshoot river ½ mile but was blinded by searchlights after bomb had gone.  Rear gunner saw burst and estimated ¾ mile north-east of marshalling yard.  Searchlight activity considerable but not very accurate.  Considerable light flak and moderate heavy flak.
R5538H   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts F.N.Crouch, A.T.Grossmith, B.Robertson, N.Smith, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2332  Down 0329.  Bombed north part of target area from 15,500 feet.  Light not too good, haze in target area.  Rear gunner saw burst and fires start.  Small tin of incendiaries hung up.  Large concentration of searchlights around target – flak not heavy.
R5497Z   P/O M.Hughes, Sgt H.Lawton, F/S W.Isted, F/S A.Crerar, Sgts R.Harris, D.Overton, F/S R.Turner. (no times shown).  Identified target by river and rail junction.  One large fire and smoke up to 1000 feet.  Flak and searchlights intense.  Port outer engine feathered due to engine failure from u/s coolant.

4.6.42 F/O Kier and P/O Briant took part in fighter co-operation.  Two Freshman detailed for ops – weather fine – both aircraft reached and bombed target, docks at Dieppe, and returned to base.

4/5 June 1942 – Dieppe Docks – Bomb Load 14 x 500lb GP

R5559W   F/S P.Baines, Sgts J.Bunt, B.Cook, W.Kelleher, M.Griffiths, W.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2324  Down 0307.  Bombed primary from 12,000 feet by light of flare dropped by another aircraft and TR.  No cloud – good visibility but very dark.  Target believed hit but no results from the bombs were observed.
R5502M   P/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts S.Girvan, T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 2325  Down 0251.  Primary bombed from 14,000 feet.  Visibility good.  Followed River d’Armfries from coast to target.  First stick fairly well across the target.  Fires observed on last run out.  Very scattered defences.  Flak all flashless, not very accurate.

5/6 June 1942 – Essen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5495M   P/O M.Hughes, Sgt H.Lawton, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/S A.Crerar, Sgts R.Harris, D.Overton, G.Mercer.  Up 2357  Down 0403.  Bombed alternative (Essen town) from 16,000 feet.  Target well lit by flares but fairly hazy.  Built up area identified after crossing the Rhine.  Tremendous amount of searchlights, light and heavy flak.  Owing to faulty petrol cocks, three engines became u/s.  Port outer picked up at 12,000 feet after one and a half hours.
R5512C   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgt J.Forsyth, F/O F.L.Ifould, Sgts B.Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S A.Nickerson. F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2347  Down 0345.  Bombed town from 17,000 feet.  Light quite good – dark and clear.  Visibility good.  Several searchlights, little flak.  IFF found to be very effective.
R5559W   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgts J.Dinning, P.Henley, E.Merrals, T.Cummings, F/S J.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2355  Down 0352.  Essen town attacked at 16,500 feet.  Fairly hazy but ground lit up by flares very well.  Rhine was observed by light of numerous flares.  Much heavy flak and huge concentration of searchlights around target.  Many fires and bomb flashes west of river.
R5496U   F/S J.Adams, F/S F.Falls, Sgts H.Creeth, A.Stafford, J.R.Dawson, N.Linnett, F/S J.Goldie.  Up 2350  Down 0417.  Area around target obscured by ground haze.  No cloud.  Route was as briefed.  Dummy fires seen well before target was reached.  Large cones of searchlights were seen around target and much light flak in evidence.  Defences on the Belgian coast opened up on return.  

Stand down and training

8.6.42 6 aircraft detailed for ops – Aiming Point “B” at Essen – the town as alternative.  Five aircraft attacked the town of Essen and one aircraft, P/O Hughes and crew, failed to return.  No further news of aircraft has been received.  Five aircraft returned safely to base.   

8/9 June 1942 – Essen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5495N   P/O M.Hughes, Sgt H.Lawton, D.J.Platten, F/S A.Crerar, R.Harris, D.Overton, G.Mercer.  Up 2339.  Missing from this operation.
R5538H  F/L C.W.Miller, Sgt J.Forsyth, F/O F.L.Ifould, Sgts B.Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S R.Oates, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2359  Down 0404.  Bombed alternative (Essen town) at 17,000 feet.  Light and visibility good.  A timed run was made from a fix on the Rhine.  Flares seemed to drop short of the target.  Numerous searchlights and much flak of all types.
R5575L   F/O E.E.Rodley, P/O T.Blease, Sgts P.Henley, E.Merrals, T.Cummings, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2341  Down 0416.  Uneventful trip as far as Ruhr.  Rhine not seen owing to searchlight dazzle.  Four pyrotechnic missiles seen.  Journey back uneventful except for dodging aircraft which approached after yellow lights had blinked on the ground towards the aircraft.
R5559W   F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.Irons, J.A.Devine, J.Benbow, N.W.Keane.  Up 2344  Down 0422.  Bombed Essen town from 17,000 feet.  5-6/10ths cloud, visibility good, light very poor.  Few fires observed in Ruhr area.  Cloud and poor light made target invisible, so bombs dropped on TR.  Considerable searchlight and heavy flak in Ruhr.  Aerial mines were seen in target area.
R5487V   F/O D.J.Maltby, P/O N.J.Briant, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/S H.Concannon, Sgt A.H.Desmond, F/S C.Jones, F/S D.W.Bale.  Up 2342  Down 0432.  Bombs thought to fall in south-east Essen.  Flares dropped by other aircraft very useful.  4000lb jettisoned four seconds after proper release.  Fairly uneventful trip.
L7577T   F/S J.Adams, F/S F.Falls, Sgts H.Creeth, A.Stafford, J.R.Dawson, F/S J.Goldie, Sgt N.Linnett.  Up 2347  Down 0406.  Route taken as briefed.  Very heavy flak encountered on run over target.  Searchlight concentration intense.  Very little opposition encountered after leaving target area.  Rear turret damaged by flak.

10.6.42 6 aircraft for ops – cancelled later due to weather.

11.6.42 7 aircraft for ops – 5 aircraft successfully carried out task in mining the “Geranium” area.  The sixth, F/O Maltby, failed to take off owing to a faulty oil gauge.  The 7th aircraft, P/O Colquhoun (Freshman) successfully mined the “Nectarine” area.  All aircraft returned safely to base.

11/12 June 1942 – Gardening “Geranium” area – Load 4 mines

R5497Z   F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.Irons, J.A.Devine, F/S N.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2225  Down 0455.  Mines laid in correct position in primary area.  Patchy low cloud 7/10ths at 2,000 feet.  Good visibility and light.  Made timed run from pin-point on coast.  Rear gunner saw the four mines enter the water.  Uneventful trip.  No flak or searchlights directed at us.
L7574N   F/S J.Adams, F/S F.Falls, Sgts H.Creeth, A.Stafford, J.R.Dawson, N.Linnett, F/S J.Goldie.  Up 2229  Down 0500.  Vegetables seen to enter water at 400 feet in primary area.  No cloud, visibility good.  Target area found by map reading.  Held in two searchlights while mines were dropped.  Another aircraft was seen to be hit and burst into flames just after attack was made.
R5537B   S/L B.R.Hallows, F/O A.W.Friend, F/O F.L.Ifould, F/S B.Louch, Sgts J.Hamon, W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2227  Down 0435.  Mines planted in primary from 600 feet.  No cloud, visibility good.  Four parachutes seen to open.  An entirely uneventful trip.  Little flak, one blue searchlight.  Visibility was 20-30 miles.  Exceptional lack of darkness.
R5538H   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, B.Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2230  Down 0450.  Vegetables seen to fall in correct position from 550 feet.  Uneventful trip except in target area.  Port wing hit by light flak.
R5512C   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, I.V.Hellyer, R.K.Buxton, P/O J.C.Weir.  Up 2233  Down 0527.  Successful trip carried out with good weather conditions.  Mines seen to drop in given position.  Considerable AA and searchlights along coast near Swindemunde while making gardening run, but no hits registered.

11/12 June 1942 – Gardening “Nectarine” area – Load 6 mines

R5634L   P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgt J.Dinning, P/O P.M.Cutting, Sgt E.Preston, P/O J.N.Eslick, Sgt W.Townley, F/S R.J.Oates.  Up 0147  Down 0443.  Mines planted in primary.  Slight haze, no cloud.  Rear gunner observed parachutes opening.  Few flak ships seen in target area.

13.6.42 5 aircraft for ops – cancelled owing to bad weather.

Bad weather until training on 16th June

17.6.42 6 aircraft for ops – Gardening in “Nectarine” area.  Five aircraft successfully carried out task but the sixth failed to take off – immersion pump u/s.

17/18 June 1942 – Gardening “Nectarine” area – Load 6 mines

R5512C   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, B.Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 0127  Down 0446.  Vegetables planted in primary from 1,500 feet.  Light and visibility good.  Mines sown on TR fixes.  Quiet trip – shot at by flak ships near target area – shooting bad.
R5502M   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H Fleming, I.V.Hillyer, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 0129  Down 0444.  Vegetables released on TR in primary position from 1,200 feet.  Quite dark and hazy.  Rear gunner saw vegetables drop.  A quiet uneventful trip.  A little flak from ships off Terschellin but due to bad visibility only one ship was sighted.
R5496U   F/S J.Adams, F/S G.W.Lancey, Sgts H.L.Creeth, J.P.Dawson, A.Stafford, F/S J.Goldie, F/S C.Robinson.  Up 0139  Down 0508.  Mines dropped by TR in primary position from 600 feet.  Route taken as briefed.  Rear gunner returned fire of flak ship which opened  with pom-pom fire.
L7574N   P/O W.A.McMurchy, P/O R.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, Sgt E.Grimwood, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts T.A.Grey, R.C.Martin.  Up  0141  Down 0501.  Six parachutes seen to open by rear gunner as vegetables fell in correctly judged position.  Light flak and two searchlights on east end of Ameland.  Nothing else of interest.
R5537B   F/S P.R.Baines, Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/S W.C.Isted, Sgts M.Griffiths, W.Kelleher, W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 0150  Down 0506.  Vegetables planted in primary.  Good visibility.  Convoy of about 12 ships sighted and reported to Group at 0345 hours.  Flak ships opened fire at us, but was temporarily silenced when mid upper gunner fired back.

19.6.42 5 aircraft for ops – Aiming Point “A” at Emden with Osnabruck as alternative.  Three aircraft successfully bombed alternative target.  P/O McMurchy returned owing to rear turret being u/s and jettisoned some incendiaries in the sea.  The 5th did not take off owing to the Captain, F/S Adams, being taken ill at the last moment.

19/20 June 1942 – Essen (Osnabruck alternative) – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5548A   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, B.Robertson, N.L.Smith, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.Westgate.  Up 2355 Down 0406.  Bombed alternative (Osnabruck town) as primary was obscured by 10/10ths cloud.  Visibility very good.  Bombs dropped on target, bursts seen in town which was lit by flares.  Alternative found on short run up on TR.
R5634L   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, I.V.Hellyer, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2354  Down 0420.  Bombed alternative as primary was obscured by 10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on TR.  Incendiaries 3 miles south-east of town.  4000lb believed nearer the town.  Target well lit up with flares which were most effective but too late.  AA negligible but considerable evidence of fighter activity.
R5559W   F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.A.Devine, J.Benbow, F/S H.W.Keane.  Up 2359  Down 0400.  Bombed alternative, primary obscured by 10/10ths cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombs appeared to fall approximately 300 yards west of aiming point.  No flak over target.  Two combats seen, one fighter  believed shot down.  Very satisfactory trip.
R5502M   P/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.H.Morgan, P/O K.J.Williams, Sgt E.Grimwood, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 2356  Down 0218.  Returned early from position 53.58N 0350E with rear turret u/s.  Jettisoned eight SBCs twenty miles east of Skegness at 0155 hours, height 5,000 feet.

20.6.42   4 Freshman for ops – one cancelled owing to indisposition of the pilot, F/S Cullinane.  The remaining three aircraft attacked the harbour installations at Emden.  Quite uneventful trips and all aircraft returned to base.

20/21 June 1942 Emden – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 8 x SBC 4lb

R5543A   P/O T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (Flt Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, F/S J.Tales, Sgts B.Earnshaw, J.F.Jordan, C.Robinson.  Up 2355  Down 0311.  Bombed primary from 16,000 feet.  Visibility clear, target being identified visually.  Flares illuminated water soth of twon, thus giving clear guide and bombs dropped in town.  Some opposition of heavy flak and occasional light flak.  A pleasant and uneventful trip.
R5502M   P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgt I.Whittaker (Flt Eng), P/O P.M.Cutting, Sgts E.Preston, G.G.Farara, W.Townley, F/S R.J.Oates.  Up 2357  Down 0316.  Bombed primary from 15,000 feet.  Slight haze.  Trip quiet until we crossed the Frisian coast, encountered light flak.  Very accurate flak all round target.  Saw plane go down in flames.  Target well illuminated by flares.  Bombs thought to have fallen in north-west of town.
R5496U  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt E.A.Musgrave (Flt Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/S H.Concannon, F/O J.A.Grieves, P/O K.H.Harrison, Sgt A.Desmond.  Up 2359  Down 0321.  Bombed primary.  Trip out uneventful.  On first run up target obscured by smoke or haze.  Fair amount of heavy and light flak.  On second run up target clearly illuminated by flares and bombs released on town north of docks.  On first run up heavy burst felt under aircraft.  Medium flak accurate at 13,000 feet.    

21.6.42  News from the International Red Cross that S/L Sherwood of the Augsburg Raid has been captured and is now a prisoner of war.  Rest of the crew reported killed.  Today a signal has been received that HM The King has approved the immediate award of the DSO to S/L Sherwood, J.S.  Four aircraft and two Freshman detailed for ops tonight.

21/22.6.42 The four aircraft successfully planted their five mines in the correct position in the “Deodar” area.  Of the Freshman, F/S Croppi had to return early owing to W/T failure and jettisoned his mines safe.  The other aircraft planted his mines in the correct position in “Nectarine”.

21/22 June 1942 Gardening “Deodars” area – Load 6 mines

R7544N  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.A.Devine, J.R.Dawson, J.Benbow, F/S H.W.Keane. times???  Outward journey as ordered and uneventful.  Approached garden east to west, where vegetables were planted OK.  Considerable medium and light flak experienced during run up and getaway.
R5487V   P/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.H.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, Sgt E.Grimwood, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 2225  Down 0455.  Garden located by landfall on Cardouan Island.  Lighthouse seen by mid upper gunner when turning into garden.  Vegetables planted in correct position.  Parachutes seen to open.  Visibility 4 miles – good moon.  Heavy and light flak on French coast.  Not very accurate.  Fired at by two ships – also not very accurate.
R5548A   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (Flt Eng), Sgts P.Henley, N.L.Smith, V.A.Hamon, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2224  Down 0409.  Very quiet trip.  Vegetables planted in correct position – 3rd and 4th vegetables exploded on hitting water.  Moon shone on coast making map reading possible at 8,000 feet.  Descended to 1,000 feet at mouth of Cironde, saw Cordouan lighthouse and steered a timed course.  Returned without mishap.
R5634L   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, I.V.Hellyer, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2236  Down 0512.  Successful and quiet trip.  No cloud, slight haze, visibility good.  Vegetables planted in correct position.  Parachutes seen to open.  Pinpoint on Point de la Coubre, made run form there.  Little AA, but two enemy aircraft sighted, no attack made.

21/22 June 1942 Gardening “Nectarine” area – Load 6 mines

R5502M  F/O A.W.Friend, Sgt E.Hayward (Flt Eng), F/S H.Shrybman, Sgts N.Nicoll, S.J.Allen, P/O J.C.Weir, Sgt F.McKenzie.  Up 2357  Down 0344.  Vegetables dropped on TR fix in correct area.  Some slight light flak in spots a good distance away, possibly from islands.  Very uneventful trip.
R5497Z    F/S N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (Flt Eng), F/S H.W.Bennett, F/S R.L.Turner, Sgts C.Farrimond, J.G.Liney, R.Brook.  Up 0003  Down 0152.  Returned early on account of W/T failure.  Jettisoned safe in position 53.27N 01.08E.

23.6.42 Two Freshman detailed for ops in “Deodars” area.  Both successfully completed the task without encountering much opposition.

23/24 June 1942 Gardening “Deodars” area – Load 5 mines

R5512C   F/O A.W.Friend, Sgt E.Hayward (Flt Eng), F/S H.Shrybman, Sgts N.Nicoll, S.J.Allen, P/O J.C.Weir, Sgt F.McKenzie.  Up 2243  Down 0518.  Planted vegetables in primary position.  Parachutes seen to open and first two hit the water.  Slight enemy opposition.  Heavy and accurate flak over Guernsey and some light flak from shore at garden.  Oil leak in rear turret on return trip.
L7574N   F/S N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (Flt Eng), F/S H.W.Bennett, F/S R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, C.Farrimond, J.G.Liney.  Up 2250  Down 0526.  Good visibility.  Vegetables planted in primary position.  Pinpointed at Cordouan Island and run up made according to instructions.  Light flak near to target area and heavy flak at Guernsey and Lauriente.  All crew co-operated very well.

25.6.42 16 aircraft detailed for ops for tonight to attack the Focke Wulf aircraft factory at Bremen.  Three aircraft abandoned mission owing to technical failures.  The remainder were unable to identify the target owing to 10/10ths cloud and bombed the area around Bremen.  Results were not seen.  All returned safely to base.  This raid consisted of over 1,000 bombers.  The AOC 5 Group conveyed his congratulations to all members of air and ground crews for the magnificent performance put up by the Squadron.

25/26 June 1942 Bremen – Load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5512C  W/C J.D.D.Collier, Sgt J.Forsyth, F/O F.L.Ifould, Sgt N.L.Smith, P/O J.N.Eslick, F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.A.Westgate.  Up 2337  Down 0407.  Attacked primary target on TR fix.  10/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet.  Bombs believed to have fallen on eastern end of town.  Nothing of interest on way out.  Red glow under cloud near Bremen.  On way out saw what was thought to be a fighter go down in flames.  Lots of friendly aircraft in target area with navigation lights on.
R5548A   S/L R.B.Hallows, Sgt J.Dinning, P/O P.M.Cutting, F/S B.G.Louch, Sgts V.A.Hamon, W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2330  Down 0400.  Bombs dropped on town of Bremen on DR as TR went u/s 15 minutes after take off.  Visibility very good with 10/10ths cloud.  Fine display of red and green flak in curtains in flak belt.
R5672D   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgts A.McNeill (Flt Eng), P.E.Henley, A.Merrals, P/O P.Ballantyne, Sgts J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 0007  Down 0323.  During outward journey, red light of the starboard outer engine was burning.  Ran into flak defence area, decided to go above it.  At 14,500 feet starboard engine suddenly failed.  After rectifying the trouble, decided we had insufficient petrol to get us out of enemy territory, so returned to base.
R5634L   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, C.Donahue, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2340  Down 0324.  Bombs released on Bremen on TR and visual sign of fire.  Large fires seen in district.  At 0210 a large explosion occurred about 3 miles south of town.   Smoke rose to about 5,000 feet.  One enemy aircraft seen but it did not attack.
R5558J   P/O T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (Flt Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, F/S J.Tales, Sgts B.Earnshaw, J.F.Jordan, L.Robinson.  Up 2339  down 0530.  Bombed alternative, Bremen town on TR fix.  Target identified by TR and fires seen through cloud.  Ground seen only through two or three small breaks in clouds between coast and target.  One 1000lb bomb hung up.
R5502M   P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgts I.Whittaker (Flt Eng), B.Cook, E.Preston, G.G.Farara, W.Townley, F/S R.J.Oates.  Up 2342  Down 0430.  Bombed primary target on TR from 14,000 feet.  Bomb aimer saw flashes as bomb burst.  Made three circuits of target as there was no break in cloud but had to drop our bombs on TR.  Fair amount of flak encountered on route up to target.
R5675H   F/O A.W.Friend, Sgt E.Hayward (Flt Eng), F/S H.Shrybman, Sgts N.Nicoll, S.J.Allen, P/O J.C.Weir, Sgt F.McKenzie.  Up 2344  Down 0511.  10/10ths cloud over target area so bombed on TR.  Visibility above cloud perfect.  Saw one 109 on way from target area.  Fair amount of heavy and light flak experienced, some of the heavy flak quite accurate.

R5572F   F/O C.D.Weir, Sgt V.J.Butler (Flt Eng), P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, A.T.Grossmith, Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 0006  Down 0540.  Bombs released on primary target on TR fix.  Unable to identify target.  Observed an aircraft in flames and saw five parachutes coming down.  Over Heligoland saw a fighter attack a Wellington which burst into flames and crashed.  A very disappointing trip.
L7577T  S/L E.Coton, F/S F.C.Kruger, F/L R.Boddington, Sgts F.A.Newell, M.Middleton, G.McMahon, F/L J.Trueman.  Up 2355  Down 0515.  Bombed primary  on TR.  10/10ths cloud completely obscured target.  Much light and heavy flak, also searchlights on cloud were encountered before TR position was reached.  One fire seen through gap in cloud, believed to be genuine.
R5559W   F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.A.Devine, K.Mackay, F/S H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2339  Down 0025.  Port main petrol cock jammed first on inner tanks, after considerable leverage by members of the crew, the cock was moved to centres.  Efforts to move it back were unavailing, so in view of the doubtful efficiency of the cocks, it was decided to return.
R5486W  F/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.H.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, O.Barraclough, T.A.Grey.  Up 2352  Down 0435.  Returned early – artificial horizon u/s 150 miles out at sea.  Planted incendiaries in North Sea.
R5497Z   P/O N.C.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (Flt Eng), F/O L.C.Dorward, F/S H.Concannon, F/O J.A.Grieves, P/O K.H.Harrison, Sgt A.H.Desmond.  Up 0001  Down 0504.  Trip out uneventful until 5 miles from Dutch coast when port inner engine failed.  10/10ths cloud over primary so bombed alternative on TR fix.  Several fires seen in target area.  Flak heavy over target but widely spread.  Trip home uneventful.

R5552P   F/S J.Adams, Sgts F.Nuttall, H.L.Creeth, A.Stafford, F/S J.Robertson, F/S C.Robinson, F/S J.Goldie.  Up 0004  Down 0525.  Bombs were released on target on TR fix as 10.10ths cloud obscured target.  Visibility in the area very good.  Several other British aircraft observed over target.  Both light and heavy flak was shot up through cloud.  Several large areas of fires seen burning in target area.
R5612R   F/S P.R.Baines, Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/S W.C.Isted, Sgts M.Griffiths, G.N.Dean, F.Martin, W.F.Guy.  Up 2358  down 0535.  Bombed town of Bremen from 15,000 feet.  Bomb bursts observed.  Huge explosion  seen in target area which was covered with numerous fires.  Two enemy fighters observed, both Ju88.  The first was successfully evaded and we dived into cloud to avoid the second which was overhauling us fast.
L7574N   F/S N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (Flt Eng), F/S H.W.Bennett, F/S R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, C.Farrimond, J.G.Liney.  Up 0003  down 0418.  Bombs released on primary on TR fix and which were thought to fall in town.  Number of fires seen in target area.  Aircraft seen shot in flames.  Two single engine fighters seen which did not attack.  Some accurate flak.  All crew co-operated well on this trip.
R5614G   F/S F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (Flt Eng), P/O T.W.Blair, Sgts R.Canham, A.McAlhone, W.Mather, C.A.Jones.  Up 0002  Down 0437.  Run up made on TR and bombing done visually through gap in clouds.  Bomb seen to burst among scattered fires.  Concentrations of light flak were active around target area but quite inaccurate.

26.6.42 No flying - all on rest.

27.6.42 Ten aircraft detailed to attack Bremen.  None of the aircraft were able to identify target and all bombed on TR, results believed to be good, although 10/10ths cloud.  F/O Friend (Rhodesian) and crew failed to return – no news received after take off. 

27/28 June 1942 Bremen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

R5558A   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (Flt Eng), F/S P.Henley, Sgts A.Merrals, T.Cummings, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2328  Down 0414.  Bombed primary on TR fix.  Very bright moon, 10/10ths cloud with one small break over target area.  As we approached Dutch coast, small aircraft came from opposite direction and skirted round us to the north.  Much accurate flak encountered over target.  On leaving Bremen, followed by enemy aircraft but no attack made.
R5674H   F/O A.W.Friend, Sgt E.E.Hayward, F/S H.Shrybman, Sgts N.Nicoll, S.J.Allen, P/O J.C.Weir, Sgt F.E.McKenzie.  Up 2332.  Missing from this operation.
R5558J   P/O T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (Flt Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, F/S J.Tales, Sgt B.Earnshaw, F/S A.J.McPhee, Sgt L.Robinson.  Up 2343  down 0422.  Primary bombed on TR.  10/10ths strato cumulus.  Saw no flak until well into enemy territory.  Concentration of heavy and light flak over target area.  After bombing followed route out through line of flak from Wilhelmshaven running south.  Uneventful trip home.
R5634L  F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, C.Donahue, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2337  Down 0442.  Bombed primary on TR from9,000 feet.  Two runs made, bombs released on second run which confirmed that first run was as accurate as possible.  Considerable AA opposition over the target and evidence of much fighter activity.  Appreciable fires left burning.
R5502M   P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgts I.Whittaker (Flt Eng), B.Cook, E.Preston, G.G.Farara, W.Townley, F/S R.J.Oates.  Up 2341  Down 0410.  Bombed primary on TR and red glow beneath the clouds.  Flashes observed from bombs.  Saw small plane attacking a Stirling.  Heavy flak over target but little elsewhere except on the way home.  Good cloud protection.     
R5559W   F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts J.A.Devine, K.Mackay, F/S H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2346  Down 0359.  Primary bombed on TR.  Bombs fell in area in which white and red glow could be seen reflecting on cloud.  Very little flak on way out but considerable over target and at points on the way home.  A line of flak positions seems to have been established between Wilhelmshaven and Emden.
R5487V   F/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.H.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 2345  Down 0405.  Bombed primary on TR.  10/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet.  Light above cloud.  Three enemy aircraft seen, one possibly Me110 came in to attack three times.  Evasive action caused him to break off without firing.  Considerable flak over target.
R5497Z   P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (Flt Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/S H.Concannon, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgt A.Desmond, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2343  Down 0431.  Primary bombed on TR fix.  Six fires seen burning in target area through cloud.  Trip uneventful until Dutch coast.  Trailed by single engine fighter, which did not come in close.  Heavy flak over target area.  One large ball of fire exploded close to us.  Trip home uneventful.
R5552P   F/S J.Adams, Sgts F.Nuttall, H.L.Creeth, A.Stafford, F/S J.Robertson, F/S J.Goldie, F/S C.Robinson.  Up 0003  Down 0437.  Primary attacked.  Bombs released on TR.  Heavy cloud prevented results being observed.  Both light and heavy flak encountered.  Bomb doors damaged by shrapnel.  Photo flash dropped and photo taken.
L7574N   F/S N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (Flt Eng), F/S H.W.Bennett, F/S R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, J.G.Liney, C.Farrimond.  Up 2353  Down 0353.  Primary bombed entirely on TR.  Bombs believed to have fallen on town.  No bursts seen.  Aircraft seen to explode over target area.  Large amount of accurate flak.  All crew co-operated extremely well on this trip.
      

28.6.42 No flying – crews on rest after ops.

29.6.42 12 aircraft detailed for ops tonight – 9 aircraft reached and bombed the target, Bremen.  One aircraft did not take off, becoming bogged.  The other two returned early owing to technical failures.  Most bombed on TR and bursts seen.  All aircraft returned safely to base.

29/30 June 1942 Bremen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 8 x SBC 4lb

L7577T  S/L E.Coton, F/S F.C. Kruger, F/L R.Boddington, Sgts F.A.Newell, M.Middleton, F/L J.Trueman, Sgt S.F.Girvan.  Up 2325  Down 0437.  Bombed primary from 14,000 feet.  Heavy flak opened up from around position of bomb burst as it exploded.  Attempts at map reading were made at heights between 10-15,000 feet – unsuccessful.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts R.P.Irons, K.Mackay, F/S H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2327  Down 0336.  Normal trip.  Bombed primary from 13,000 feet.  10/10ths cloud.  No appreciable opposition on route.  Three fighters seen near target.  On breaking away to north, river seen through break in cloud and number of fires seen.  Some flak and searchlights.
R5487V   F/O W.A.McMurchy, F/S R.H.Morgan, P/O K.Williams, F/S J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, T.A.Grey, O.Barraclough.  Up 2344  Down 0322.  Bombed primary from 13,000 feet.  Good visibility above cloud.  Fairly heavy flak over target area.  During run in to target, dummy fires seen through cloud breaks.  Glow seen through cloud as bomb burst.
R 5497Z   P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (Flt Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/S H.Concannon, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgt A.Desmond, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2323  Down 0415.  After obtaining a fix on the Dutch coast the TR 1335 failed.  The primary target was reached on DR and bombed visually through break in cloud.  Flak heavy over target and we were fired at most of the way out.  Trip home uneventful.
R5552P   F/S J.Adams, Sgts F.Nuttall, H.L Creeth, A.Stafford, F/S J.Robertson, F/S J.Goldie, F/S C.Robinson.  Up 2350  Down 0430.  Bombed primary from 12,000 feet.  Route taken as briefed.  Flak encountered on way out and two fighters approached.  Evasive action was taken, rear and mid upper gunners opened fire.  The fighters broke off the engagement.
L7574N   F/S N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (Flt Eng), F/S H.W.Bennett, F/S R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, J.G.Liney, C.Farrimond.  Up 2334  Down 0330.  Owing to failure of TR and loop W/T set, position was uncertain.  Bombs were jettisoned safe in North Sea.  Tried unsuccessfully to obtain frombase from 0142 to 0310 hours.  Eventually obtained QDM after crossing coast when extremely near base.  Fired at by own defences in the Yarmouth area.
R5678D   F/S F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O T.W.Blair, Sgt R.S.Canham, F/S C.Jones, Sgt W.Mather, P/O Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2338  Down 0404.  Bombed primary from 9,000 feet.  TR failed 52 miles from target and run in made from DR and visual.  Many fires seen.  Circled target several times and identified winding river.  Descended to 9.000 feet and bombed.  Heavy flak and quite accurate.
R5548A   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, N.L.Smith. P/O J.N.Eslick,  F/S A.Nickerson, F/S R.A.Westgate.  Up 2338  Down 0343.  Bombed primary from 13,500 feet.  10/10ths cloud.  Visibility good above cloud.  Quiet trip.
R5512C   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (Flt Eng), F/S P.Henley, Sgts A.Merrals, T.Cummings, J.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2342  Down 0423.  Uneventful trip.  Large dummy fire about ten miles before reaching target.  10/10ths cloud broke as we reached primary target and we bombed on TR.  Large fires on western and eastern banks of river.  Much accurate flak.
R5502M   P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgts J.Dinning, B.Cook, I.V.Hellyer, V.A.Hamon, W.Townley, F/S R.J.Oates.  Up 2317  Down 0156.  As we left the coast we were climbing and had just levelled out at 13,000 feet at 125 miles from base when the starboard inner engine began to give trouble.  Port mag u/s and engine still gave trouble on the good mag, so returned to base.
R5575L   F/S B.Berridge, F/S V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.H.Fleming, C.Donahue, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2346  Down 0441.  Reasonably successful trip but definite results not seen owing to AA opposition and low cloud.  Visibility good above cloud.  One fighter attacked as we crossed coast, north of Emden, but did not open fire due to violent evasive action.  Aircraft held by searchlights.

30.6.42 Stand down

Total operational hours for June 1942 – 391
Total non-operational hours – 79.

1.7.42 Three Lacasters detailed to mine Broccoli and Asparagus areas. Mining successfully carried out and trips uneventful.

                         

1/2 July 1942 Gardening “Asparagus” Area

Crews listed in the following order – Pilot, Second Pilot/Flight Engineer, Navigator, Wireless Op, Front Gunner, Mid Gunner, Rear Gunner.

R5548A     S/L R.B.W.Hallows, Sgt J.H.Dinning, P/O P.Cutting, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts V.A.Hamon, W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2301  Down 0405.  Veg planted visually in primary garden in correct position.  No cloud in garden.  Uneventful trip until garden reached when about 20 ships seen, all about 1500 tons.  They all opened fire with light flak and some pom-pom fire.  Veg placed okay and returned home.
R5558J  F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, N.L.Smith, P/O J.N.Eslick, F/Sgt A.Nickerson, F/Sgt R.J.Westgate.  Up 2301  Down 0405.  Veg planted in primary garden visually.  Third mine seen to explode on hitting water.  Visibilti good.  Quiet trip.  Slight amount of light flak, inaccurate, in garden.

1/2 July 1942 Gardening “Broccoli” Area

R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.S.Cooper, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts R.P.Irons, K.Mackay, F/Sgt H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2302  Down 0412.  Veg laid in position as detailed.  No low cloud, very good visibility and light.  Five parachutes seen in water by Rear Gunner.  Entirely uneventful trip.  Route there and back as detailed.
 

2.7.42 9 aircraft detailed for ops.  6 aircraft bombed target at Bremen and 3 aircraft attacked and bombed the laternative of the town of Bremen.  All aircraft returned safely.           

2/3 July 1942 Bremen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 8 x SBC 90 x 4lb

L7574N  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (F/Eng), F/Sgt P.E.Henley, Sgts E.Merralls, T.S.Cummings, J.T.Ratcliffe, S.F.Girvin.  Up 0005  Down 0400.  Bombed primary on TR fix.  Visibiltiy clear – slight ground haze and smoke.  River seen in moonlight but as we approached Bremen the moon was obscured by high cloud.  Fires were burning in target area.  We were caught in a blue searchlight as we made our way south.  The Rear Gunner reported seeing three parachutes coming down in a searchlight beam over the target area.  Much heavy and light flak but no flashless shells noticed.
R5548A  F/Sgt B.Berridge, F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts H.F.Connely, L.M.Fleming, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2330  Down 0415.  Bombed town of Bremen on TR fix confirmed visually on leaving.  HE seen to explode near river bank.  AA opposition at Ducth coast appreciable.  Heavy AA at target and considerable searchlight activity.  Two fighters seen but neither closed in.  A fairly quiet and probably successful trip.
R5672D  P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgts J.Dinning, B.Cook, L.V.Hellyer, S.Lloyd, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2333  Down 0334.  Bombed primary from 15,000’.  We saw a fork in the river and could pin-point the target.  Concentration of searchlights and flak covering the whole of Bremen and a little to the south.  As we turned right off the target a single engined fighter passed over us.  There were also a number of fighter flares on the coast going out.
R5558T  P/O T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (F/Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, F/Sgt J.Tales, Sgts B.Earnshaw, F/Sgt A.J.McPhee, Sgt L.Robinson.  Up 2335  Down 0428.  Primary bombed from 10,500’ on pin-point and TR.  Rear Gunner reported incendiaries in buildings.  No cloud over target.  Reasonable visibility.  Searchlights and light and heavy flak over target area which was surrounded with dummy fires.  A fighter followed us for quite 12 minutes on the way out but did not open fire.
R5487V  F/O W.A.McMurchy, Sgt R.H.Morgan, P/O K.J.Williams, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts E.N.Grimwood, T.A.Grey, J.Barraclough.  Up 2336  Down 0410.  Primary bombed from 12,000’.  Bend in river clearly seen on run up to target.  Visibility excellent over target area in which were numerous fires.  Heavy and accurate AA fire around dock area.  Numerous flares seen on route, appeared to be dropped by fighters.
R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), F/O L.C.Dorward, F/Sgt H.Concannon, F/O J.A.C.Grieve, Sgt A.H.Desmond, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2338  Down 0442.  Bombed primary from 15,500’ on TR fix confirmed visually by map reading.  Route to target lined with searchlights and flak.  Intense light and heavy flak encountered over target area.  On return journey four large fires seen 80 miles from target.  Little opposition on route out, some light flak on coast.
R5552P  F/Sgt J.F.Adams, Sgts F.Nuttall, H.L.Creeth, A.O Stafford, F/Sgt J.Robertson, F/Sgt J.Goldie, F/Sgt B.Robinson.  Up 2349  Down 0500.  Bombed alternative from 13,000’.  The target was identified by vision and confirmed by TR.  Much heavy flak was encountered and violent evasive action taken.  Aircraft was damaged by flak splinters.  Many searchlights encountered and photo taken.
L7574T  F/Sgt N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (F/Eng), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, J.G.Liney, F/Sgt C.A.Farrimond.  Up 2345  Down 0345.  Bombed town of Bremen from 16,000’ on TR fix.  Position confirmed by identification of river.  4000lb and incendiaries seen to burst.  Comparatively little flak.  All the crew cooperated well on this sortie.  Two other bomb bursts from other aircraft seen in the river.
R5559W   F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), F/O T.Blair, Sgt R.S.Canham, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2354  Down 0452.  Owing to haze, bombed town of Bremen, the alternative.  On arrival at the target area we reduced height to 11,500’, circled various parts of the area and followed the river in an attempt to find the primary target.  Finally ran up across river into burning area, reduced height to 11,000’ to bomb visually with TR check.  No fighters were seen at this height.
 

5.7.42 Five aircraft detailed for ops – later cancelled.

8.7.42 Nine aircraft detailed for ops – 6 aircraft successfully bombed target at Wilhelmshaven, one bombed Bremerheven, one returned early owing to engine trouble.  One aircraft failed to take off.

8/9 July 1942 Wilhelmshaven Docks – Bomb Load 14 x SBC 4lbs

R5569D   F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (F/Eng), F/Sgt P.E.Henley, Sgt E.Merralls, P/O  D.R.Radbourne, Sgts J.T.Ratcliffe, J.H.Crisp.  Up 2346  Down 0415.  Bombed primary from 15,000’.  Heavy flak encountered all the way from Borkum to target.  Flares illuminated target very clearly and sticks of incendiaries seen burning across the town.  Dummy fire seen to north of town.
L7577T   S/L E.Coton, F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, F/L A.Boddington, Sgts F.A.Newell, M.A.Middleton, S.F.Girvin, F/L J.Trueman.  Up 2342  Down 0424.  TR fixes mostly over open ground and Bomb Aimer unable to identify target.  Bremerheven (last resort) bombed visually.  Results unobserved.
R5686H   F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, N.L.Smith, P/O J.N.Eslick, F/Sgt A.Nickerson, F/Sgt R.J.Westgate.  Up 2350  Down 0341.  Wilhelmshaven bombed from 14,000’.  Vertical visibility poor and target bombed on TR.  No fires seen and Bomb Aimer saw water on starboard.  Trip uneventful.
R5634L  F/Sgt B.Berridge,Sgts C.Smith, H.F.Connely, L.M.Fleming, F/Sgt C.Donahue, R.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2352  Down 0430.  Very little light owing to 8/10ths cloud but target well lit up locally and bombed visually from 10,000’.  Target was in sights when bombs released.  Incendiaries seen but no large fires.  Considerable AA fire.
R5559W  F/Sgt J.Adams, Sgt J.Nuttall, W/O J.Canham, Sgt A.O.Stafford, F/Sgt J.Robertson, F/Sgt J.Goldie, F/Sgt C.Robinson.  Up 2359  Down 0358.  Primary bombed from 12,000’ on Tr and visual fix.  Visibility moderate, no flares seen.  Very dark over target area.  Bombs believed to have dropped in target area.  Photo flash dropped and photo taken.

Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb, 2 x SBC (90 x 4lb)

R5502M  P/O J.T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (F/Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, Sgts T.S.Cummings, B.Earnshaw, F/Sgt A.J.McPhee, Sgt L.Robinson.  Up 0002  Down 0139.  Returned early – starboard inner engine oil pressure dropped completely off.  Bombs jettisoned in sea, 4000lb exploded on contact.
R5487V  F/O W.McMurchy, F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, P/O K.J.Williams, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, J.Barraclough, T.A.Grey.  Up 2356  Down 0422.  Flares dropped short of target.  Primary bombed from 15,000’ by TR and visually by flares.  Fires seen burning in what appeared to be target area.  Flak was not very heavy and not very accurate.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), F/O T.Blair, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, P/O F.L.Austin, Sgts B.F.Suckling, W.Mather.  Up 0005  Down 0405.  Approached primary on TR and bombed visually from 12,500’.  Ground detail obscured by intense light from flares and freshly dropped incendiaries.  Large fire seen close to water’s edge.  No fighters encountered.

(lots of formation flying training during the day from 4 – 10 July 1942)

11.7.42 Nine aircraft and two reserves detailed for daylight ops on the submarine works at Danzig.  The aircraft taking off in the afternoon owing to the length of the trip.  Weather was good at take off but proved bad nearing the target.  Seven aircraft bombed the target or area, bombs seen to burst and fires reported.  One aircraft, F/Sgt Baines was hit by a shell at Christiansund and had to abandon his mission and jettison his bombs.  The remaining aircraft, F/L Miller is missing.  No news has been heard of them, having broken formation some way before the target owing to low cloud.  The following received from AOC Bomber Command “Your Lancaster crews put up a magnificent show yesterday.  A great contribution to the Naval War and the War as a whole.  Well done.”  The raid on Danzig was long, S/L Coton taking 11 hours.

11/12 July 1942 Danzig – Bomb Load 5 x 1000lb RDX

 

L7577T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt C.Smith, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts F.A.Newell, M.H.Middleton, G.F.McMahon, F/L J.Trueman.  Up 1639  Down 0339.  Set course in formation but formation lost over Danish coast owing to thick cloud.  Low cloud over target which was bombed visually from 2,000’ after half an hour’s search.  Aircraft held in searchlight and heavy and light flak encountered.  Bursts were seen on target and gunners disposed of 11 searchlights.  Returned to base slowly in order to conserve petrol supply.  Small holes in fuselage, one larger one in mainplane.

R5559W  F/O W.McMurchy, F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, P/O K.J.Williams, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, J.Barraclough, T.A.Grey.  Up 1640  Down 0239.  Kept below cloud on outward journey.  Primary bombed from 4,000’.  Bombs seen to burst in target area and three fires seen burning.  Flak encountered over target and on eastern side of Denmark.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), F/O T.Blair, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, P/O F.L.Austin, Sgts W.Mather, D.F.Suckling.  Up 1641  Down 0306.  Bomb load 4 x 1000lb RDX.  Low cloud all way to target.  Circled town with map reading at 3,000’, reducing to 2,000’ to bomb definitely identified area.  Four bursts seen and one large fire on coast.  Concentration of searchlights and heavy and light flak over target.  Navigation on return proved very successful considering shortage of petrol.  One aircraft seen to go down over target.
R5696H  F/L C.W.Miller, Sgts J.Forsyth, A.T.Grossmith, N.L.Smith, P/O J.N.Eslick, F/Sgt A.E.Nickerson, F/Sgt R.J.Westgate.  Up 1642 – missing from this operation.
R5672D  P/O J.T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch, P/O L.A.Davies, P/O E.J.Smitherman, Sgt B.Earnshaw, F/Sgt A.J.McPhee, Sgt L.Robertson.  Up 1642  Down 0230.  Bomb load 4 x 1000lb RDX.  Weather very poor.  TR and Lorenz totally u/s for entire journey.  Arrived at target after searching, pin-pointing and following coast.  Think bombs fell short of target but in target area.  Bursts seen in buildings.
R5634L  F/Sgt B.H.Berridge, Sgts J.H.Dinning, H.F.Connely, L.M.Fleming, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 1644 Down 0318.  Target bombed visually, definitely identified and probably hit.  Bombs seen to explode and fires break out.  An exciting trip because of nad weather and intense AA.
R5572F  F/O C.D.Keir, F/Sgt J.M.Smith, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts L.V.Hellyer, H.H.Jenkins, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1651  Down 0230.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb.  Set course on formation at 1718 hours.  Formation lost on climbing into cloud on Danish coast.  Ran in from the west, having previously pin-pointed Mele and the river was clearly indicated.  On approach to target caught and held by searchlights, evaded them and made second run up, greeted by heavy flak.  Bombs aimed at buildings in dock area and bursts seen.
R5612R  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts W.H.P.Kelleher, S.Trewsdale, F.S.Martin, M.Griffiths.  Up 1653  Down 0147.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb.  Hit by small shell from Swedish coastal battery at Christiansund at 5,000’.  Jettisoned 1 x 4000lb bomb.  No flak over target area.  Damage by small shell not yet ascertained, landed at Coningsby.
R5614G  F/S J.F.W.Adams, Sgt F.Nuttall, W/O T.Canham, Sgt A.O.Stafford, F/Sgt B.Robertson, F/Sgt J.Goldie, Sgt S.F.Girvin.   Up 1652  Down 0150.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb.  Set course in formation at 1718 hours, lost on climbing into cloud.  Spasmodic contact with other aircraft until target was reached.  10/10ths cloud.  Bomb dropped on ETA.  Results unobserved owing to thick cloud.

12.7.42 No flying today – crews resting.

13.7.42 Night Flying Tests and 7 aircraft detailed for ops.  Sgt Warren, detached to Wigsley, has been reported killed today in a flying accident in an Oxford aircraft.  The op is a raid on Duisburg.  One aircraft cancelled before take off, five aircraft reached and bombed target or target area.  F/O Blease and crew apparently bombed the target but on return crashed into the sea about 4 miles off Wells, Norfolk.  The weather was bad and cloud reported down to 300’ over the sea.  Two signals asked for QDM’s were received and the aircraft was on the correct route.  Sea rescue was sent out and they found the Navigator, P/O Davies, clinging to the wreckage – no trace of any of the others could be found.  Aircraft searched the sea all day and, late at night the bodies of F/O Blease and F/Sgt McPhee were recovered and sent to RAF Bircham Newton.  P/O Davies died later in Wells Hospital.

13/14 July 1942 Duisburg – Bomb Load 5 x 2000lb HC

R5512C  P/O I.L.Colquhoun, Sgt I.Whittaker (F/Eng), Sgts B.Cook, E.Preston, G.G.Farara, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0028  Down 0404.  Bombed primary from 15,000’.  10/10ths cloud all the way to target, where a break in the cloud occurred and the Bomb Aimer identified town.  Bombs dropped in town just south-east of aerodrome.

R5559W  F/O W.J.McMurchy, F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, P/O K.J.Williams, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts E.Grimwood, T.A.Grey, J.Barraclough.  Up 0042  Down 0412.  Primary bombed on TR through light cloud.  Gunners reported red glow as aircraft left target area.  Flares seen to south of town.  Dummy fires very effective.

R5558T  P/O J.T.Blease, Sgt C.G.Leitch (F/Eng), P/O L.A.Davies, F/Sgt J.Tales, Sgt B.Earnshaw, F/Sgt A.J.McPhee, Sgt L.Robinson. – missing from this operation.
R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/Sgt H.Concannon, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts J.R.Dawson, C.Mayland.  Up 0049  Down 0432.  Bomb dropped on primary from 16,000’ visually and by map reading.  TR was u/s.  Target invisible owing to cloud.  Fired at on way out by a single ship.  Trip home uneventful.
R7574N  F/Sgt N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (F/Eng), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts R.S.Donald, J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 0047  Down 0441.  Took off in very bad weather conditions.  Target identified by TR fix and docks seen through break in cloud.  Bombed from 14,500’.  Large number of fires in target area.  Flak inaccurate.  All crew cooperated extremely well.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), F/O T.Blair, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, P/O F.L.Austin, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0052  Down 0449.  Run up was done on TR at 13,000’.  Then primary target bombed visually from 12,000’.  Target illuminated by flares and incendiaries, and dummy fires seen.  Considerable amount of light flak over target.  Two fighters observed five minutes before reaching target.

14.7.42 F/O Hooey was on dusk to dark.  After the first landing he taxied the aircraft to the Watch Office owing to flap trouble.  When stationary, the aircraft, with engines running, suddenly sank, the undercarriage having retracted for reasons unknown.  No one injured, aircraft badly damaged.

17.7.42 7 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled –weather u/s.

18.7.42 Funerals of F/O Blease, P/O Davies and F/Sgt McPhee taking place at Bircham Newton at 1100 hours today.  Several of our officers and NCO aircrew are attending.  Day ops for three aircraft detailed but cancelled – weather bad here.  S/L Coton and F/L Boddington have been awarded the DFC and F/Sgt McMahon the DFM on the Danzig raid.

19.7.42 Three aircraft for ops – nuisance raids over Germany.  Weather cloudy at base and aircraft took off at 1100.  Later they turned back and returned to base after 1½ hours flying.

20.7.42 Three aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled – weather unfit.

21.7.42 Three aircraft for mining trips – only one, Sgt Crouch successfully laid mines.  The other two aircraft did not take off.

21/22 July 1942 Gardening “Trefoil” Area

R5512C  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), B.Cook, E.Preston, G.G.Farara, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0224  Down 0508.  No cloud, visibility good.  Pin-pointed Zwahenwater and made time run from there.  Veg planted in correct position.  Parachutes seen to open.  No flak or opposition encountered.

22.7.42 Three aircraft for mining ops – cancelled – weather.

23.7.42 Nine aircraft detailed for ops against a target at Duisburg.  All aircraft reached the target area and bombed on TR, owing to cloud.  Results not observed.

23/24 July 1942 Duisburg – Bomb Load  14 SBC 4lb

Crews listed in the following order : Pilot, Second Pilot/Flt Eng, Navigator, Air Bomber, Wireless Op, Mid Gunner, Rear Gunner.

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt V.R.Stephens, P/O P.Cutting, P/O J.D.Lariviere, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 0024  Down 0410.  No great enemy activity until target area was reached.  10/10ths cloud.  Primary target bombed from14,000’ on TR fix.  Flares burning all round target.
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (F/Eng), F/Sgt P.E.Henley, P/O D.R.Redbourn, Sgt E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 0032  Down 0429.  Primary bombed on TR fix from 14,000’.  Heavy fire over target and Perspex holed in front.  10/10ths cloud and glowing from fires underneath.  A dummy fire seen to port.
R5502M  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, L.M.Fleming, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 0041  Down  0503.  Approximately 20 flares lighting target area.  10/10ths cloud with breaks over the target whixh was bombed from 13,000’.  Bursts seen by Rear Gunner in built up area.  No fires seen.
L7574N  F/S P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.B.Martin.  Up 0039  Down 0451.  Two groups of flares illuminated target area and coincided with the TR fix, illuminating ground detail and especially the River Rhine.  Target bombed from 15,000’.  Cloud 9/10ths but breaks over target gave a pin-point after bombs had been dropped.
R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up 0106  Down 0504.  Target not positively identified owing to 9/10ths cloud and TR partly u/s.  Red glow seen under cloud.  Flares were ineffective, many seen dropping at 0231 when our bombs were released.  Landed at Coningsby.
R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 0035  Down 0515.  Trip to Dutch coast uneventful.  Target area obscured by cloud and bombs dropped on TR.  Flares seen directly beneath aircraft when bombs dropped.  No ground detail observed.  Heavy intense flak encountered and held despite weaving action taken.  IFF switch appeared to have little effect.
R5552C  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O T.Blair, P/O P.D.Hallam, P/O F.L.Austin, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0043  Down 0419.  Run up was done on TR up to 3 miles from target and incendiaries were released over area visually by Bomb Aimer.  Flak was not intense, no fighters were seen  and no flares over area until our bombs were released.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox, P/O E.R.Butler, P/O P.Anderson, Sgts R.A.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 0104  Down 0418.  Primary target bombed from 13,400’.  Bombs were released on TR and fell in extremely large fire.  After bombing, Navigator looked through blister and identified road across the Rhine with large fire in target area.  Bomb Aimer agrees this is almost certainly the fire on which our bombs fell.  Flak over target nothing extraordinary.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), B.Cook, G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0102  Down 0500.  A quiet trip – primary bombed on TR from 15,500’.  Flares not very effective owing to cloud.  Small fires seen burning.  

24.7.42 Two aircraft for ops – cancelled – weather.

25.7.42 Ten aircraft for ops.  One aircraft did not take off owing to engine trouble.  The remaining seven aircraft attacked a target at Duisburg, all these reached the area and bombed on TR.  Results not observed owing to cloud.  Two aircraft successfully laid mines in the “Deodars” area.  All returned safely.

25/26 July 1942 Duisburg – Bomb Load 14 x SBC 90 x 4lb

R5497Z   P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 0018  Down 0440.  Trip to target uneventful.  Target area obscured by cloud but some large glows seen beneath.  Bombs dropped on TR.  Flak intense over target, aircraft holed in many places.  Trip home uneventful.
R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up 0039  Down 0423.  On leaving base quickly climbed to 17,000’. Near enemy coast went through tops of cumulus clouds, then approached target at 16,000’.  Bombs dropped on TR.  Fires visible in target area.  Heavt and accurate flak. 
L7577T  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/S J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.B.Martin.  Up 0028  Down 0339.  9-10/10ths cloud from coast to target area.  One flare observed above white dummy fire, but target as fixed by TR totally obscured by cloud.  A group of searchlights and flak to the north of Duisburg were seen.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, P/O F.L.Austin, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0029  Down 0345.  Approached target over cloud at 14,000’, run up being done on TR.  Intense flak over target area.  Eight enemy aircraft seen, one closed in to 300 yards but was lost in evasive action.  Excellent navigation and cooperation of crew throughout.
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (F/Eng), F/Sgt P.E.Henley, P/O D.R.Redbourn, Sgt E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp. (no times shown).  Nothing to report except a large fire just before we bombed.  A large square tower could be seen against the flames.  Fairly heavy flak but no searchlights.  Fighter trails seen above us on way back.
R5634L  F/O C.D.Keir, Sht W.McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, L.M.Fleming, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 0025  Down 0348.  Bombs dropped in target area.  Fix confirmed by visual and ETA.  A good trip but horribly clear.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), B.Cook, G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0035  Down 0429.  Moderate visibility.  Bombed on TR, ETA coincident.  Flak fairly heavy and accurate.  One large fire started and Rear Gunner saw some buildings on fire.  An interesting trip. 

25/26 July 1942 Gardening “Deodars” Area

R5437V  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), V.Langworthy, N.E.Linnett, J.A.Devine, P.Martin, A.McAlhone.  Up 2302  Down 0543.  This was my first operational trip with a Lancaster which I was very pleased to carry out.  Little opposition was encountered and the trip was carried out just below good cloud cover with good visibility beneath.  Good pin-points obtained and navigation was accurate.  On way home “J” beam was picked up clearly over 170 miles from our coast.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgts S.W.Archer (F/Eng), R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2250  Down 0534.  Visibility good below cloud.  Veg seen to enter water in correct position.  Navigation was excellent, light house identified on small island and coast line.  Some flak but not very accurate.

26.7.42    16 aircraft for ops against a target at Hamburg.  14 completed the task, one, F/O Keir, returned early owing to engine trouble and one, F/O McMurchy and crew failed to return.  No news received since leaving base.  All other aircraft returned safely to base.        
 
26/27 July 1942 Hamburg

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt V.R.Stephens, P/O P.Cutting, P/O J.G.Lariviere, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2241  Down 0314.  Weather conditions over town ideal.  Got a visual pin-point at mouth of Elbe and map read our way to target.  Bombs released and seen to burn on ground.  Flak very accurate and about 20 searchlights.  Due to necessary evasive action, no attempt made at photography.
L7577T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, F.A.Newell, F/L J.Trueman, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 2247  Down 0420.  Visibility clear with no haze.  Plenty of opposition but not effective.  Three single engined fighters encountered.  One turned in and we turned in as well and fighter vanished.  Excellent conditions for bombing.
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill (F/Eng), F/Sgt P.E.Henley, P/O D.R.Redbourn, Sgt E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2249  Down 0406.  Visibility excellent.  A little heavy flak encountered over Kiel Canal.  As we approached target about 60 searchlights caught and held us for about 10 minutes in spite of vigorous evasive action.  Heavy accurate flak burst close to us, causing our starboard outer engine to fail and damaging airframe.
L7574N  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox, P/O E.R.Butler, P/O P.Anderson, Sgt R.A.Irons, F/Sgt H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2254  Down 0352.  Very good visibility.  Flak on way in, Kiel Canal etc, and on the way out.  Merely a few searchlights and practically no flak over target.  Impossible to miss target.  A very satisfactory trip.
R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up 2258  Down 0538.  Visibility very good.  Attacked target from north and held by searchlight for 4-5 minutes.  Accurate and heavy flak.  Searchlights plentiful.  On route to enemy coast crossed near Wilhelmshaven.  Intercom and TR9 u/s so unable to land until light.
R5738D  W/C J.D.Collier, F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, F/O F.L.Ifould, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, T.S.Cumming, J.A.Howard.  Up 2257  Down 0356.  Visibility very good.  Target clearly identified and bombed east of lake in endeavour to fan up two large fires.  Little opposition.  On way out saw flash in sky and what appeared to be an aircraft burning in sea.  Again on way home saw flash in sky and an aircraft crash in sea.  Crew worked very well and altogether a very enjoyable trip.
R5538H   Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), B.Cook, G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2301  Down 0441.  Visibility good, no cloud.  Flak and searchlights intense and very accurate.  Incendiaries dropped in one square and large fires were seen burning.  A good and interesting and we hope a successful trip.
R5487V  F/O W.McMurchy, Sgt J.P.Doyle, P/O K.J.Williams, Sgt E.Grimwood, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgts T.A.Grey, J.Barraclough.  Up 2303 – missing from this operation.
R5634L  F/Sgt B.Berridge, F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgt H.F.Connely, P/O R.H.A.Evans, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 2308  Down 0413.  Visibility clear, no ground haze.  Target easily identifiable visually and successfully bombed.  Bombs believed to have fallen between Binnen Alster and docks.  Little opposition at target area but intense searchlight and light and heavy flak in area north of Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven.  A successful trip.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, P/O F.L.Austin, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.   Up 2325  Down 0345  Approached target by navigation until mouth of river was reached.  Followed north bank of river until docks were sighted and released incendiaries visually on Aiming Point.  Heavy flak intense over target.  Heavy barrage of light (coloured) flak was seen to port on way out.  Excellent navigation throughout.
R5471K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgts S.W.Archer (F/Eng), R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden. Up 2317  Down 0453.  Visibility good.  Actual target obscured by smoke so dropped bombs about one mile west of Aiming Point.  Bomb bursts seen by Rear Gunner.  Many searchlights but little flak.  Jamming switch worked well.  Good trip.
R5537B  F/O G.C.Hooey, Sgts V.J.Butler (F/Eng), A.H.Withers, F/Sgt C.Donahue, P/O E.Smitherman, Sgts R.C.Martin, P.V.Parry.  Up 2322  Down 0536  Weather was very good during whole trip.  Primary target bombed visually.  Mid upper gunner saw burst from 4000lb bomb.  Large amount of flak seen.  One enemy aircraft seen on leaving target.
R5614G  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.B.Martin.  Up 2320  Down 0527.  Visibility very good over target.  Town of Hamburg was burning fiercely but the docks appeared to be untouched by fire.  Target in flames could be seen from the coast both on the way in and way out.
R5572F  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2314  Down 0443.  trip to first Aiming Point uneventful.  Flak thrown up from Heligoland and other islands off coast.  Bomb dropped in target area.  The centre of town was well alight, the Bomb Aimer counted at least 20 smaller fires.  Trip home without incident.
R5612R  F/Sgt N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (F/Eng), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgt R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.L.Turner,  Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 2334  Down 0522.  No cloud but target obscured by smoke from ground.  Bombed primary target visually.  Bomb believed to fall in centre of town and burst seen by Rear Gunner.  Object believed to be ship seen burning in sea.  All crew cooperated extremely well on this trip.

27.7.42 Very heavy rain.  Signal received from AOC Bomber Command “Congratulations on last night’s magnificent effort against Hamburg.  One of the outstanding successful attacks of the whole war.  This operation together with the three highly effective Duisburg-Ruhr attacks completes a week’s work in the face of the most difficult weather which the German enemy will long have cause to remember.  You will eventually get the Boche down for the count.  It is but a question of time and numbers.  You may as yet be too few but you are dammed good.”

28.7.42 Ops cancelled.

29.7.42  Five aircraft operated against Saarbrucken – all bombed target area successfully and returned to base.   

    

 29/30 July 1942 Saarbrucken

R5548A  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2354  Down 0412.  Visibility moderate.  Bombed primary target from 7,000’ on TR fix confirmed visually.  Enemy aircraft met near Luxembourg but dived from 12,000’ to 7,000’ and lost fighter.  Very little opposition over target but trailing aerial shot away by heavy flak.
R5634L  F/Sgt B.Berridge, Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.F.Connely, P/O R.H.A.Evans, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke.  Up 0004  Down 0454.  Although smoke obscured the town area, navigation and general layout pointed to it being the correct target.  Opposition was nil and target and very light on the coast at Lille.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgts S.W.Archer (F/Eng), R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 0002  Down 0440.  Primary bombed from 5,000’.  6/10ths cloud at 7,000’ and heavy haze.  Bombs were seen to burst amongst buildings.  Opposition not very intense and only one searchlight.  No fighters seen.  Good navigation and also a good trip.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.B.Martin.  Up 0005  Down 0500.  10/10ths cloud at 5,000’ was encountered until 10 miles from target, when it became broken and enabled us to identify the target visually.  Two balloons seen by light of a dropping flare over the town.  Many fires seen on both sides of the river in target area.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, P/O F.L.Austin, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0007  Down 0448.  Bombed primary target from 5,500’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Visual pin-points were obtained, confirmed by TR and ETA.  Bombs believed to have fallen in or around west end of marshalling yards.  Most certainly a highly successful operation.      

30.7.42 16 aircraft for ops – later cancelled – weather u/s.

31.7.42 6 aircraft detailed to attack Dusseldorf – 11 successfully bombed the target or area.  One returned early with turret trouble, one failed to start owing to intercom u/s.  Two got bogged down off the perimeter, hampering another aircraft which was unable to take off.

31 July/ 1 August 1942 Dusseldorf

R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgts A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), E.Langworthy, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 0016  Down 0408.  Primary bombed from16,000’.  Visibility good but ground haze.  Little flak encountered until target area reached.  Flak over target not intense.  Bomb Aimer pin-pointed the river west of target and dropped bombs with target in the sight.  TR confirmed this.  Trip home uneventful.
R5758D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts S.Brans, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton..  Up 0018  Down 0141.  Returned early as rear turret was u/s.  Jettisoned incendiaries in sea off Wainfleet but brought 4000lb back. 
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill, F/Sgt P.E.Henley, P/O D.R.Radbourn, Sgt E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 0020  Down 0342.  Primary bombed from15,000’.  No cloud, brilliant moon, moderate ground haze.  Krefeld’s defences were quite intense.  Dusseldorf’s defences were visible and we skirted Krefeld and pin-pointed the Rhine.  Fires were seen in the target area but many sticks were wasted around the town and at Krefeld.  This would not have happened if the route in had been further from Krefeld.
R5634L  F/Sgt B.Berridge, F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgt H.F.Connely, P/O R.H.A.Evans, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.Burke (last three crew members not actually shown in ORB).  Up 0041  Down 0412.  A straightforward and probably successful trip.  Primary target bombed from 9,800’.  Visibility moderate, bright moon and target clearly seen.  No opposition until caught in searchlights over Antwerp on return trip.
R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up 0103  Down 0505.  Bombed primary on Tr fix from 17,500’.  Visibility good.  Set course base from enemy coast at 17,000’, climbing to 13,000’ at enemy coast and then to target which was attacked in a power glide to 17,000’.  Searchlights numerous but ineffective north and east of target but not a great deal of heavy flak.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0051  Down 0512.  Visibility was good and Bomb Aimer definitely identified bend in river.  This coincided with TR reading.  Numerous searchlights and heavy but not accurate flak.  Large fires were started.
L7514N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, Sgts N.E.Linnett, F.Martin.  Up 0125  Down 0519.  Target located successfully owing to good visibility and the river landmark showing up exceptionally well.  Flak not accurate over target but a big display of searchlights were seen to east of target (probably Essen).
R5612R  F/Sgt N.C.Croppi, Sgt F.Sandiford (F/Eng), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgts R.S.Donald, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts J.G.Liney,  C.A.Farrimond.  Up 0100 Down 0450.  Bombs dropped on primary target on TR and believed to have fallen in town.  Convoy and flak ships were firing at our convoy off Lowestoft on way out??????? Much heavy flak over target and large number of searchlights.  Saw aircraft shot down near target.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, P/O F.L.Austin, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0106  Down 0444.  Bombed alternative from 12,500’.  Approached target on DR.  TR went u/s about 50 miles from target area.  Great fires were seen raging in built up areas.  One aircraft seen diving in flames near target.  Marine distress signals were sighted on returning across North Sea.  Reported with TR fix.
R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt V.R.Stephens, F/O P.Cutting, P/O J.G.Lariviere, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 0110  Down 0455.  Primary bombed from 15,000’.  Cloud was nil nearly all the way with excellent visibility.  Smoke over target made observation impossible.  Saw 7 aircraft burst into flames in Holland and Germany, unable to identify position.  Flak most unpleasant.  150 searchlights in target area.
R5614G  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, M.Griffiths, L.E.Thompson, C.O.Trudell.  Up 0055  Down 0436.  Bombed primary visually from 16,000’.  Visibility good but plenty of smoke haze.  Trip uneventful except for searchlights near target area. 1st trip as Captainof Lancaster.
R5572F  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley (F/Eng), T.Whitehead, E.Mackay, S.F.Girvin, H.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 0113  Down 0457.  Bombed primary objective, visually confirmed by TR.  Uneventful trip.  Scattered flak over coast and target.  Two white flares about 15,000’ over target dropping slowly and heating up searchlight activity round Antwerp on way out.  Burst seen in target area by mid gunner.

Total operational flying hours for July 1942 – 419.5
Total non-operational hours – 219.5

1-6.8.42  Various ops cancelled due to weather being u/s.                          

3/4 August 1942 Gardening “Forget-me-not” Area

R5537B  F/O G.C.Hooey, Sgts V.J.Butler (F/Eng), A.H.Withers, R.B.Walls, P/O P.B.Smitherman, Sgts R.C.Martin, P.V.Parry.  Up 2321  Down 0614.  Visibility 4 to 5 miles.  5/10ths cloud down to 2,000’.  Mines laid in correct position.  Light and medium flak was encountered near Flensburg and aircraft sustained slight damage.  Rest of trip quiet though weather bad and we had an uncomfortable landing with horn blowing and red warning lights although bottle was pulled.
L7574N  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, A.O.Stafford, L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2331  Down 0442.  Mines were jettisoned owing to 10/10ths cloud and the impossibility of pin-pointing.  On the way home an enemy aircraft was sighted but evasive action was taken and the enemy aircraft lost.
R5701Y   F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), E.Langworthy, N.E.Linnett, J.A.Devine, P.J.Martin, A.McAlhone.  Up 2341  Down 0534.  Set course for Nando and flew over North Sea at 4,000’.  10 minutes before ETA we came down to 1,000’ and pin-pointed island.  Map read and pin-pointed from island as briefed.  On way home we were a bit north of track and ran into concentration of light flak from Fano.  After this, trip was uneventful and we returned to base without further incident.

4/5 August 1942 Gardening “Nectarine” Area

R5552P  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, A.O.Stafford, L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 0221  Down 0538.  Veg planted in Nectarine area by TR fix and seen to fall with parachutes open by the Rear Gunner.  Some flak was encountered in garden from ships.  Base reached without incident.

1. Nine aircraft detailed for ops – 1 did not take off due to turret trouble.  remaining 8 reached and bombed Duisburg or the target area.

 

6/7 August 1942 Duisburg

L7577T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, F.A.Newell, F/L J.Trueman, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 0047  Down 0452.  Bombs dropped on primary target on TR fix.  No results observed.  Scattered flak on approach and heavy opposition encountered on run up.  Spasmodic flak encountered until we were well into Holland.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox, P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgts R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 0053  Down 0421.  Visibility very bad, thick ground haze so bombs dropped by TR on Duisburg Town.  Numerous incendiaries seen over an area 1 mile by 10 – 15 miles.  Practically no flares seen over target area but a number seen over the Maas area.
R5738D  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.J.McNeill (F/Eng), F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 0055 Down 0502.  Visibility bad, thick ground haze and low cloud, so bombed alternative.  After bombing, very accurate predicted flak was experienced.  Two enemy aircraft approached, one carrying green and white lights.
R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up 0105  Down 0522.  Bombed alternative as primary was obscured by thin cloud.  Searchlights over target were ineffective and the flak moderately accurate.  Bombs were dropped on TR but no results were observed.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 0102  Down 0516.  Bombed alternative as primary was obscured by haze.  Bombs fell into fires which were estimated to be in centre of town.  Much searchlight activity from target area to Tilburg.  “Jammer” proved effective against searchlights.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.J.Smith, F/Sgt R.L.Turner, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt F.B.Martin.  Up 0117  Down 0527.  Primary bombed from 15,000’.  Visibility quite good.  Some accurate heavy flak met in target area with cones of searchlights.  Trip home uneventful.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0108  Down 0510.  Bombed primary target on TR fix which was confirmed visually by light of flares.  10/10ths cloud experienced until just before target was reached when everything cleared up beautifully.
R5497Z  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), E.Langworthy, N.E.Linnett, J.A.Devine, P.J.Martin, A.McAlhone.  Up 0115  Down 0437.  Bombed alternative Duisburg Twon, as primary was obscured by haze.  Bombs were dropped on TR fix, no results being observed, but fires appeared to be burning and reflected through haze.  Pretty uneventful trip. 

1. 10 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled.

 

1. 6 aircraft detailed for training – 4 took off.

8/9 August 1942 Gardening in “Silverthorn 2” Area – Load 5 mines

R5738D  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.J.McNeill (F/Eng), F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2229  Down 0420.  Veg planted in garden in primary position from 1,000’.  Visibility clear but dark.  Rear Gunner saw all parachutes open.  Uneventful mission successfully completed.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2237  Down 0435.  Veg planted in correct position in Quince area from 600’.  Broken cloud at 2-3,000’.  Visibility clear but very dark.  All parachutes seen to open by Rear Gunner.  Uneventful trip.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox, P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgts R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2221  Down 0331.  Veg planted in Silverthorn area from 1,000’.  Rear Gunner saw four parachutes open.  Uneventful trip, mission successfully completed.   

8/9 August 1942 Gardening in “Raddish” Area – Load 5 mines

L7577N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts A.J.Smith, W.H.Kelleher, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt F.Martin.  Up 2250  Down 0501.  Veg planted in primary position.  Visibility moderate, very dark.  Results unobserved.  Trip uneventful until return journey when we were caught in light defences and hit in tail.  Rear Gunner and Mid Gunner accounted for 6 searchlights.

1. F/L Blakeman DFM, now 97 Conversion Flight, has been awarded the DFC.  7 aircraft detailed for ops – 5 aircraft successfully located and bombed Osnabruck or the area, the remaining 2, S/L Hallows turned before reaching the target, the rear turret being u/s and bombed Dealen Aerodrome.  The other aircraft, F/Sgt Kruger, abandoned owing to starboard outer failure and jettisoned bombs safe.

9/10 August 1942 Osnabruck

L7577N  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy, F/L R.A.Boddinton, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L J.Trueman, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 0020  Down  0409.  Bombed primary from 14,000’.  No cloud.  Good visaibility.  Reached target area without serious opposition but had to wait until flares were dropped, during which time heavy flak fire developed, becoming accurate.  Town was easily identified by accurately dropped flares.

R5701Y  P/O G.H.Hartley, P/O F.McBurney, W/O J.Canham, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, D.F.Suckling.  Up  0023  Down 0425.  Primary target bombed from 15,000’.  Built up area seen on ETA by Rear Gunner and Mid Gunner.  Thin layer of cloud very near ground obscured vision.  Trip uneventful.
R5634L  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt V.R.Stephens, F/O F.L.Ifould, P/O J.G.Lariviere, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 0019  Down 0320.  After crossing enemy coast, Rear Gunner reported turret u/s, so decided to return.  On return trip saw an illuminated flare path, complete with visual Lorenz system, and an obvious dummy about 3 miles to the south.  Decided to bomb target.  On run up lights were doused except for the dummy.  Bomb seen to burst   Many searchlights and some flak encountered.
R5497W  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), E.Langworthy, N.E.Linnett, J.A.Devine, P.J.Martin, A.McAlhone.  Up 0035  Down 0434.  Primary target bombed from12,000’.  Target was difficult to identify owing to ground haze but concentration of light and aerodrome flarepath led me to believe we were over Osnabruck.  Results were unobserved.  Trip home uneventful.
R5552P  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 0036  Down 0247.  On reaching Dutch coast aircraft was unsteady and revs decreased on starboard outer.  Eventually I feathered the engine and decided to return.  Bomb load was jettisoned in the North Sea and a safe landing was made at base.

R5741 (no letter shown) W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgts S.W.Archer (F/Eng), R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 0013  Down 0441.  Bombed primary objective from 13,000’.  Visibility bad with low cloud at 5,000’.  Flares that had been dropped spread over an area of about 15 miles.  Considerable light flak encountered on way in but very little on way out.
R5537B  F/O G.C.Hooey, Sgts V.J.Butler (F/Eng), A.H.Withers, R.B.Walls, P/O P.B.Smitherman, Sgts R.C.Martin, P.V.Parry.  Up 0046  Down 0404.  Primary bombed from 14,000’.  Target identified visually.  Visibility clear but slight ground haze.  Bombs seen to explode by Wireless Op and Mid Gunner.  No incidents.
   

• 9 aircraft detailed for ops – all successfully bombed target at Mainz with one exception that failed to take off due to rear turret u/s.

11/12 August 1942 Mainz

R5548A  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.J.McNeill (F/Eng), F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2235  Down 0055.  After leaving English coast, starboard oil pumps were noticed to be 90 degrees and port 60 degrees.  We levelled off for 5 minutes and temperature dropped to 80 degrees.  On recommencing to climb, temperatures quickly rose to 90 degrees so we decided to abandon trip.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgts W.McLeod, H.F.Connely, H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2245  Down 0341.  Primary target bombed from 9,000’ after pin-pointing on Rhine.  Considerable amount of bombs dropping on both sides of the town.  East end of town burning well as we left the target area.  Good trip.
L7577T  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave (F/Eng), F/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.C.Grieves, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2242  Down 0407.  Visibility clear with slight ground haze.  Bombed primary from 7,000’.  Target identified visually but results unobserved.  Nickels dropped in Coblenz area.  Some good fires burning in target area as we left.  Quiet trip home.
R5537B  F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2301  Down 0337.  Some opposition encountered between Calais and Dunkirk.  Bombed primary from 5,000’.  Target in sights and the Rear Gunner saw bombs burst approximately 1 mile away from Aiming Point. Trip back uneventful.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2258  Down 0417.  Cloud was about 8/10ths over most of the route and much heavy flak from the French coast to about 20 miles inland.  Target easily identified as cloud broke.  Not much opposition over target and very few searchlights.  Some opposition over Dutch coast but no fighters.
R5502M  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2250  Down 0347.  Bombed primary target visually.  Rear Gunner saw bombs burst and illuminate buildings.  Numerous fires seen.  Dropped 16 bundles of 0.39 in Ruhr.  A thoroughly satisfactory trip completed without incident.
R5701Y  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), E.Langworthy, C.H.Deen, J.A.Devine, J.C.Ball, A.McAlhone.  Up 2307 Down 0357.  Visibility good.  Primary believed bombed.  Jamming switch very useful against searchlights.  The 1335 failed and river was sought for guidance but was not seen until 5 seconds after bombs released.  Trip home uneventful.  Accurate navigation.
R5634L  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), D.Roberston, J.S.Mack, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2303  Down 0348.  Bombs dropped on primary objective.  A steady run up at 7,000’.  Very little opposition, target well in sights.  Results should be good.

• 9 aircraft detailed for ops – Mainz and gardening “Nectarine” area.  One aircraft failed to take off due to rear turret u/s.  5 aircraft bombed Mainz – one abandoned mission due to rear turret u/s.  One aircraft successfully mined, the other 3 miles east of position.

12/13 August 1942 Mainz

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt V.R.Stephens, F/O F.L.Ifould, P/O J.G.Lariviere, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2230  Down 0455.  Unable to locate target owing to weather so bombed on ETA.  Descended to 9,500’ and were caught in heavy flak.  Took evasive action and climbed out.  Bombs released on glow through clouds.  Activity seen in Aachen area.  Return journey uneventful.
R5538B  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.J.McNeill (F/Eng), F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2234  Down 0421.  Bombs dropped on primary target through break in clouds.  Nothing seen of own bombs except glow through clouds.  Large building seen burning.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgts W. McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2244  Down 0459.  Built up area in primary target bombed after 10 minutes search, on ETA.  Visibility good below 7,000’.  Flares were of some assistance but we were not able to pin-point.
R5701Y   F/Sgt F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2242  Down 0021.  Immediately after take-off, rear turret went u/s so flew out to sea to jettison bombs before landing.
L7477T   F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2250  Down 0447.  Primary bombed from 7,000’.  Target in sights as bombs released.  One large fire seen on north bank of river, small scattered fires also seen.  Koblenz appeared to be receiving some part of attack.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2246  Down 0452.  Pin-pointed island in river 6 miles west of target and dropped bombs on primary objective from 6,500’.  10/10ths cloud above 6,500’ so came down through cloud and bombed  built up area.   Trip home uneventful.

12/13 August 1942 Gardening in “Nectarine Area 1”

L7574N  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley (F/Eng), T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.F.Girvin, R.Brook, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 0123  Down 0603.  Veg planted in correct position in primary garden.  Visibility very poor.  Pin-pointed on Juist and made timed run from there.  Parachutes seen to open.
R5502H  F/Sgt G.L.McKenna, Sgts F.W.Ambrose (F/Eng), D.W.Wallis, S.Lloyd, F/Sgt J.C.Wilkinson, Sgts J.D.Garland, G.Hincks.  Up 0125  Down 0445.  Planted veg in primary garden after pin-pointing on Juist and made run from there.  Veg planted about 3 miles east of allotted position.  Low cloud at 2,500’ and rain.  Parachutes seen to open.
 

1. 9 aircraft for ops – 6 to Dusseldorf (5 aircraft successful and 1 abandoned).  3 aircraft successfully mined “Nectarine” area.

15/16 August  1942 Dusseldorf

R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgts W.McLeod (F/Eng), H.F.Connely, H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 0009  Down 0359.  Bombs dropped on built up area in primary objective from 16,000’.  River seen by Rear Gunner.  No results of own bombing observed but several scattered fires seen – on particularly large – on leaving target.
R5502M  W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 0022  Down 0505.  Primary bombed from 11,500’.  Built up area in sights as bombs were released.  Small hole in bomb doors and tail planes from light flak.  16 bundles of 0.43 dropped in target area.  Krefeld seemed to be receiving an attack as well.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 0028  Down 0235.  Returned early from this op as artificial horizon was u/s.  Jettisoned bombs safe.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 0025  Down 0431.  Primary bombed.  River pin-pointed on run up 1 & ½ minutes before bombing.  Accurate TR fix obtained  2 & ½ minutes before reaching target.  Flares dropped with bombs.  Opposition was average and base was reached without further incident.
R5701Y  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley (F/Eng), T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.F.Girvin, R.Brook (shown as H.Brook earlier), W.F.Gray.  Up 0030  Down 0417.  Bombed primary from 15,000’.  Guided by river seen by light of flare.  Target definitely identified.  Bomb seen to burst in fire already burning.
L7577T  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), D.Robertson, J.S.Mack, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 0032  Down 0421.  Primary target bombed from 17,500’.  Target not positively identified but fires were seen.  No results were observed.  Flares and incendiaries appeared to be very scattered.  16 bundles of nickels dropped in target area.

15/16 August 1942 Gardening in “Nectarine” Area

R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgts W.S.Randall (F/Eng), H.L.Creeth, S.Brans (?), B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, Sgt H.W.Howard.  Up 0112  Down 0451.  Mined primary froma time run on TR fix.  Veg planted in correct position.  4th veg blew up on hitting water.  Parachutes seen to open.  There was 10/10ths cloud at 6’000.
R5512C  Sgts J.H.Dinning, W.Spooner (F/Eng), E.V.Cope, V.A.Harnon, C.H.Brummitt, B.Quinn, H.J.Endley.  Up 0109  Down 0502.  Veg planted in correct position in primary garden.  Sea mist – approx 1 mile.  Rear Gunner saw all mines enter water.  Mission completed without incident.
R5537B  Sgts G.L.McKenna, F.W.Ambrose, D.W.Wallis, S.Lloyd, J.C.Wilkinson, J.D.Garland, G.Hincks.  Up 0116  Down 0511.  Veg planted in correct position in primary garden.  5/10ths cloud at 2,000’ clearing slightly over garden.  Parachutes seen to open.  A quiet trip.

1. 6 aircraft for mining ops – 3 in “Spinach” and 3 in “Geranium”.  Of the “Spinach” aircraft only one successfully completed task.  One failed to take off and the other returned early owing to suction pump u/s.  Two aircraft successfully completed task in “Geranium”, third aircraft returned early owing to seizure of starboard engine.

 

16/17 August 1942 Gardening – “Spinach” Area

R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/S R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2152  Down 0531.  Veg planted in required position in primary garden.  Pin-pointed Jasmund and made a timed run from there.  Parachutes not seen.  Successful trip in spite of difficulties in obtaining pin-points.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2155  Down 0512.  Veg planted in correct position.  Successful trip in spite of low cloud and poor visibility.  Rear and Mid upper gunners shot out at least two searchlights when over Denmark.  Light flak shell entered aircraft in region of Mid upper turret and burst – no casualties.

1. 5 aircraft to Osnabruck – all successful.

 

17/18 August 1942 Osnabruck

R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts E.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2145  Down 0130.  Bombed primary from 13,300’.  Visibility good but very thick ground haze.  Rear Gunner saw bombs explode and incendiaries catch fire in middle of some light flak.  Nothing of interest to report.  Opposition moderate.
L7574N  W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2151  Down 0203.  Osnabruck bombed from 16,000’.  Approached target area on ETA, circling to identify target by light of flares but this proved unsuccessful, so dived to 10,000’ and released bombs near sighted built up area.  Searchlights not very effective and very little heavy flak.
R5537B  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.J.McNeill (F/Eng),  F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2149  Down 0219.  We homed on to the Dummer See by TR and set course for the target.  Dropped two flares and being then light saw double bend in river in river which resembled the loop in the target, so we bombed  southern bank.  Incendiaries seen to glow red after about 10 minutes.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (F/Eng), P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2203  Down 0154.  Bombed primary from 15,000’ on DR navigation.  Bomb bursts seen but exact location not known.  Flares dropped by other aircraft no help but 2 flares dropped by our own aircraft were of great help.
R5741K  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall (F/Eng), F/Sgt H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, H.W.Howard (shown as J.A.).  Up 2153  Down 0141.  Primary bombed from 16,000’.  Visibility good but thick ground haze.  On crossing coast at Vlieland greeted with searchlights and heavy flak.  Target obscured by thick haze and bombs dropped on ETA with fires below us in middle of searchlight cone.  Return trip uneventful.

1. 3 aircraft detailed for a day op – orders to standby.

 

1. 5 aircraft standing by for op against an enemy sea raider.
1. Standby cancelled.  3 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled – weather.

 

1. F/Sgt West overshot on landing, the Manchester aircraft crossing over a ditch, the main road to Woodhall and another ditch into a cornfield where the starboard undercarriage collapsed., the aircraft slewing round and coming to rest.  None of the crew injured.  7 aircraft for mining ops – cancelled later owing to bad weather.
1. 14 aircraft detailed for ops – 5 cancelled before take off.  9 aircraft attacked Frankfurt, 8 of which reached and bombed target.  F/O Hooey DFC and crew are missing.  The aircraft was seen to be shot down in flames over the target.

 

24/25 August 1942 Frankfurt

R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox, P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts E.Mackay, R.P.Irons, F/Sgt H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2101  Down 0314.  Visibility good apart from cloud which was 10/10ths in patches.  Bombed primary on DR from clearly identified Rhine.  Uneventful trip out and back except for inexplicable bumps with no visible connection with flak, but bearing all the characteristics of near misses by heavy flak.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2146  Down 0321.  Bombed primary from 15,000’ by ETA and visual pin-points prior to arriving at target.  Very scattered fires burning in area, some very large.  Target covered by smoke.  Left the target and came down to 3,000’ and bombed all the villages we saw with nickels.
R5548A  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall (F/Eng), P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, Sgt H.W.Howard.  Up  2105  Down 0230.  Primary bombed from 13,000’ by ETA and concentration of fires.  Visibility good all the way to target but target area obscured by cloud thus spoiling accurate pin-pointing.  Bombs dropped on the concentration of fires.
R5502M  F/O D.Rowlands (could be P/O), P/O S.L.McBurney, F/S H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2139  Down 0240.  Bombed primary target which was identified by ETA and river.  An uneventful trip.  Weather conditions better than expected.  Defences in target area not as heavy as anticipated but very accurate.  Aircraft seen shot down over target area.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/S R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2103  Down 0303.  Uneventful trip until target was reached.  Searchlights.  Primary bombed from 16,000’ by ETA and TR fix and visual pin-point on way to target.  Pin-points difficult to obtain.  Trip home quiet.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, W.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.T.Rtcliffe, F/Sgt R.J.Otes.  Up 2108  Down 0255.  A very quiet trip marred by cloud over target area.  Primary bombed from visual pin-points on run up to target.  16 bundles of 0.41 dropped in target area.  Nothing of any note to report.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt Smith, F/Sgt W.H.P.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2111  Down 0215.  Visibility good but hampered by drifting cloud over target.  Bombed primary target on ETA.  Bombs seen to burst.  Several Lancasters observed over target at the same time as us.  Were coned by searchlights at Ostend at 12,000’.
R5552P  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley, T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.F.Girvin, R.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 2122  Down 0246.  Bombed primary objective from 13,000’.  Uneventful trip.  Very concentrated heavy flak over target.  Weather better than expected.  A number of scattered dummy fires around target.  Aerial mine exploded in target area on run up to bomb.
R5537B  F/O G.C.Hooey, Sgts V.J.Butler, A.H.Withers, F/S Grundy, P/O E.Smitherman, Sgts R.O.Martin, P.V.Parry. – missing from this op.

1. 13 aircraft for ops – cancelled weather u/s.
1. 11 aircraft for ops – cancelled weather u/s.

 

27.8 42    14 aircraft for ops – 8 aircraft to attack Kassel – 2 did not take off owing to engine trouble.  5 aircraft reached and bombed target or area and one aircraft, F/Sgt McKenna and crew are missing, no news received after take off.  Remaining 6 aircraft detailed to attack the Graf Zeppelin in Gydnia Port, the battleship Gneisenau  being the alternative in the same port.  3 aircraft claimed to have bombed the port or alternative target – 1 aircraft bombed Puck ten miles north east of Gydnia Port and 2 aircraft abandoned owing to technical failures.  On this target 5,600lb bombs were used.

27/28 August 1942 Gydnia

R5548A  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, G.L.Johnson, G.F.McMahon.  Up 1940  Down 2221.  Mission abandoned.  Returned owing to petrol leakage.
R5614C  F/L J.B.Smyth, P/O R.A.Hoyle (2nd Pilot). P/O H.L.Creeth, W/O J.L.Canham , Sgts B.Robertson, W.Broomfield, H.W.Howard. (no times shown) Primary target bombed.  Bomb believed to have burst on the Graf Zeppelin in Gydnia Port.  Visibility limited but good.  3/10ths cloud prevented Bomb Aimer from seeing the target until we were right over it.  Little opposition was encountered from flak or searchlights.
R5607K  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt J.Stewart (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt Smith, F/S W.H.P.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, P.B.Martin.  Up 2017  Down 0515.  Target was found easily but the individual ships were very difficult to locate.  The bomb was seen to burst on the docks of the Gneisenau’s berth but no actual result was observed.  Visibility good although there was a ground haze.  Flak and searchlights not as heavy as expected.
R5609 (no letter shown)  W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt Henley, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1948  Down 2208 – mission abandoned owing to the failure of the port outer engine.  Bombs brought back.
R5496Z  P/O N.J.Briant, P/O F.McBurney, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/Sgt Beaumont, Sgts A.H.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2032  Down 0504.  Everything went according to plan until target was reached.  On run up, intense light flak was encountered, west of the Hole.  Bombs believed to have fallen near village of Puck, due to the inexperience of Bomb Aimer.  Base reached without incident.
R5572F  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgts W.McLeod, H.H.Jenkins, P/O R.B.Murphy, Sgts C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1952  Down 0413.  Primary objective believed bombed.  Pin-point obtained on Hole and docks seen through break in clouds.  Bombs caused an enormous flash and smoke seen to about 8,000’.  Returned without incident.

 

27/28 August 1942 Kassel

R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.B.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2106  Down 0216.  Primary believed bombed although target not in sights.  Visibility good, no cloud but ground haze.  ETA coincided with with fires and bomb flashes seen just after bombing.  Fires seen in built up area.
R5701Y  P/O D.H.Rowlands, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, F/Sgt H.H.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgts R.G.Gross, J.Baker, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2124  Down 0205.  Primary bombed from 11,500’.  Route in as briefed.  Returned north of Munster and not very much opposition.  Nothing else of interest to report.
R5559W  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley, T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.F.Girvin, R.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 2109  Down 0130.  Primary bombed from 8,500’ on ETA and river clearly identified, but area not seen owing to evasive action.  Fires and bomb flashes seen in target area.  Quiet over Dutch coast but considerable flak and searchlights on route and on the way back.
R5552P  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts P.Martin, H.C.Rouse, B.L.May, F/Sgt R.L.Humphrey.  Up 2111  Down 0245.  Successful trip, navigation excellent.  Primary bombed from 7,000’ on ETA and pin-point on river.  Flak medium over target but heavy belt of searchlights and light and heavy flak between Munster and Ofal.  Two enemy aircraft seen but did not attack.
W4139V  F/S G.L.McKenna, Sgts F.W.Ambrose, D.W.Wallis, S.Lloyd, F/Sgt J.Wilkinson, J.D.Garland, G.Hincks.  Up 2115 – Missing from this operation.
L7574N  Sgts C.Smith, F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, F/Sgt D.Robertson, Sgts C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 2113  Down 0230.  Target bombed on ETA and pin-point on river and also identified by fires.  Visibility good but some ground haze.  Should consider it a very successful trip.

28/29 August 1942 Nuremburg

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), F/L F.L.Ifould, Sgt A.F.Lear, F/Sgt B.G.Louch, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2047  Down 0319.  Visibility clear and no cloud.  Target identified by fires from Pathfinder Force and also ETA and visual pin-points.  A perfect trip from every point of view.  Several cones of searchlights in Mannheim and Halne areas.
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt A.McNeill, P/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2046  Down 0003.  Abandoned mission owing to rear turret going useless.
L7574N  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2050  Down 0345.  Primary target identified by intersection of rivers and visual identification of town and bombed from 13,000’.  Starboard blister hit by flak and smashed.  Opposition average over target area.  A successful trip.

R5552P   W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 2110  Down 0335.  Approached area on ETA but as operation was not begun we continued on same heading to verify position of target.  By time of return to area great fires were seen to be raging.  Numerous lights were seen on our track from the French coast to the target.
R5502M  Sgts J.H.Dinning, W.Spooner, E.V.Cope, V.A.Hamon, J.Brummitt, H.J.Endley, B.Quinn.  Up 2102.  Missing from this operation.
R5609S  W/C J.D.D.Collier, Sgt A.R.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, G.L.Johnson, J.Hollshon (?).  Up 2113  Down 0326.  Primary visually pin-pointed on river, bombed from 13,000’.  Enormous column of smoke and debris flew into the air as bomb burst.  Many searchlights over target area.
R5614G  F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, Sgts J.H.Wright, J.Durc(?), R.B.Walls, L.G.Jones, F.P.Coaker, A.F.Priest.  Up 2053  Down 0441.  Good visibility, slight ground haze.  Target area seen in bomb sights, but explosion not seen due to evasive action.  Quite a successful trip.  Two engines wne u/s but reached base safely.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2059  Down 0405.  Primary target bombed from 9,500’.  Target in bomb sights and bomb bursts seen.  Fires still seen from 50 miles on return trip.  Otherwise uneventful trip.
R5741K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2105  Down 0353.  Bombed primary from 14,000’.  Fires seen and bombs bursting in centre of town.  Visibility good and target identified visually.  Very successful trip.
R5497Z P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts P.Martin, H.C.Rouse, B.L.May, F/Sgt W.L Humphrey.  Ip 2107  Down 0326.  Arrived early at target and as petrol consumption was too great to search the area, we dropped bombs on what was believed to be Nurnburg.  Bomb bursts seen.
R5738D  F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgts F.Nuttall (2nd Pilot), H.W.Hammond, W.Llewellyn, L.V.Hellyer, J.S.Fayle, L.B.Larin.  Up 2108  Down 0417.  Primary target believed bombed.  Visibility good, slight ground haze.  Two bursts seen in centre of town.  No opposition on route and after circling for 15 minutes decided to bomb built up area believed Nurnburg.    

 

1. No flying – crews resting and weather.
1. No flying – weather u/s.

 

• 10 aircraft for ops – cancelled – weather.

Aircrew Movements – August 1942

Officers

Number                  Rank & Name                      Trade                Posting                                                   Date
                                P/O P.Anderson                            GDO                To 17OTU                                                    3.8.42
J15596                    P/O G.W.Lancey                           GD                Appt to Comm Rank                                          1.5.42
                                                                                                To 97 Conv Flt                                 10.8.42
                                                                                                To 97 Sqn                                                         22.8.42
122056                    P/O G.H.Hartley                           GD                To 49 Conv Flt                                 20.8.42
                                P/O D.H.Rowlands                        GD                To 97 Sqn from 49 Conv Flt                           20.8.42
J8133                      P/O J.D.Lariviere                         GDO                To 425 Sqn                                         18.8.42
Aus400262                F/O M.R.H.Smith                         GDO                To 97 Conv Flt                                                10 – 22.8.42

Aus407847                P/O R.A.Moyle                              GD                To 97 Sqn from 14OTU                   14.8.42
128003                    P/O H.L.Creeth                            GDO                Appt to Comm Rank                                          28.8.42
107930                    P/O R.J.Smitherman                   GDO                Missing                                                  25.8.42
65525                      F/O G.C.Hooey                             GD                Ditto                                                       25.8.42
128372                    P/O J.H.Howard                            GDG                Appt to Comm Rank                                          7.5.42

Airmen

Number                  Rank & Name                      Trade                Posting                                                   Date
920990                    F/Sgt P.E.Henley                             Nav B                To 97 Conv Flt                                 2.8.42
1158662                  Sgt M.Griffiths                            W/AG                N/E Sick                                                  2.8.42
1285218                  Sgt S.M.Gorton                            F/E                Ditto                                                       6.8.42
930924                    F/Sgt N.C.Croppi                            Pilot                To 16OTU                                                    6.8.42
918535                    Sgt F.Newell                 W/AG                To 20OTU                                                    6.8.42
647215                    F/Sgt H.Concannon                        W/AG                To 23OTU                                                    6.8.42
646008                    F/Sgt B.Berridge                             Pilot                To 97 Conv Flt                                 1.8.42
906392                    Sgt F.W.Ambrose                         F/E                To 97 Sqn from 1654CU                 11.8.42
1315446                  Sgt D.Francis                                AG                To 97 Sqn from No1 AGS                        18.8.42
1316109                  Sgt H.R.Page                                AG                Ditto                                                       18.8.42
1331427                  Sgt L.A.Ketley                              AG                Ditto                                                       18.8.42
1334018                  Sgt P.H.Edwards                           AG                Ditto                                                       18.8.42
R70617                   F/Sgt H.P.Legace                             AG                To 425 Sqn                                         18.8.42
NZ404957                               F/Sgt J.M.Smith                              Pilot                To 97 Sqn from RAF Coningsby                             1.8.42
1184059                  Sgt A.F.Lear                 Nav B                To 97 Sqn from 14OTU                   21.8.42
755233                    F/Sgt P.F.Edge                  W/AG                To 97 Sqn from 83 Sqn                   23.8.42
1104375                  Sgt W.G.Black                             W/AG                Ditto                                                       23.8.42

1. 10 aircraft for ops – Saarbrucken.  9 aircraft bombed target or target area and 1 aircraft, F/Sgt Morgan and crew is missing.  The weather over the target was very clear and target easily identified.  The operation appears to have been very successful.

 

 

1/2 September 1942 - Saarbrucken

R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2343  Down 0536.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary bombed from 7,000’.  Visibility good and target was identified visually and Pathfinder flares observed dropping over target.  Very heavy accurate flak.  Fires observed in target area 90 miles away.
R5741K  F/Sgt R.H.Morgan, Sgts A.McNeill, A.Byron, R.B.Walls, L.G.Jones, F.P.Coaker, A.F.Priest.  Up 2346 – missing from this operation.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2349  Down 0500.  Visibility good and clear.  Target pin-pointed and checked by ETA.  Saarbrucken bombed from 12,500’.  About 6 large fires seen in target area.  Slight opposition only.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow. F/Sgt H.W.Keane (no rear gunner shown in ORB).  Up 2357  Down 0455.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary bombed from 12,000’.  Target in sights when bombs released.  Very little flak and no searchlights over target.  16 bundles of G43 dropped.
R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond,  J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Town of Saarbrucken bombed from13,000’.  Visibility clear and no cloud.  Target area was in sights when bombs were released and bursts were seen.  Large fires observed by Rear Gunner over 100 miles away on return journey.
R5552P  W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts F.Spurr, M.Griffiths, W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0001  Down 0530.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Saarbrucken bombed from 8,500’.  Bomb believed to have fallen ½ mile east of Aiming Point.  Visibility – slight haze and 1/10th cloud.  16 bundles of G41 dropped on town.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up  0017  Down 0602.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Primary target bombed visually from 10,000’.  Target well illuminated by flares from Pathfinder Force.  Defences not very good and no searchlights over target area. 
R5496U  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley, T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.M.Girvin, R.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 0009  Down  0457.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Saarbrucken bombed visually from 11,000’.  Visibility good, no cloud over target.  4000lb bomb seen to burst on north near Aiming Point.  Pathfinder flares seen when some distance before reaching target.
R5634L  F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgts F.Nuttall (2nd Pilot), H.W.Hammond, W.Llewellyn, L.V.Hellyer, J.S.Fayle, L.B.Larin.  Up 0012  Down 0542.  Bomb load 4 x 2000lb.  Visibility good but some smoke haze.  Saarbrucken identified visually by river and with the aid of flares.  Bombs believed to straddle river east of Aiming Point.  Successful trip.
R5701Y   Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), S.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 0014  Down 0606.  Bomb load 4 x 2000lb.  Saarbrucken bombed from 14,000’.  Target identified by special Pathfinder Force flares and fires burning in target area.  Terrific explosion in target area when 25 miles from target on return journey.

1. 9 aircraft for ops – Karlsruhe.  All aircraft successfully reached and bombed target or target area.  Visibility was good and all aircraft visually identified the target.

2/3 September 1942 Karlsruhe

R5609S  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy (2nd pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts G.L.Johnson, A.O.Stafford, F/L J.Trueman, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 2338  Down 0515.  Bomb load 1 x 8000lb.  Clear, no cloud – visibility good except for smoke.  Bomb dropped Karlsruhe town from 13,000’ and bursts seen, although details of town were invisibile owing to smoke.  Opposition ineffective.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2318  Down 0450.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Town of Karlsruhe bombed from 11,000’.  Electrical system of bomb release fault caused the bomb to hang up and it eventually fell ½ mile short of the Aiming Point.  Moderate flak over target.  Uneventful trip out and home.
R5497N  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2319  Down 0535.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Karlsruhe town bombed visually and on ETA.  Large fires seen with a great deal of smoke.  Visibility good, clear and no cloud.  Uneventful trip.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2322  Down 0444.  Visibility good below cloud.  Karlsruhe identified visually and bombed from 12,000’.  Bomb bursts seen.  No opposition encountered on route back.
R5496U  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley, T.Whitehead, N.E.Linnett, S.M.Girvin, R.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 2327  Down 0450.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC. Karlsruhe town bombed from11,000’.  Visibility good and no cloud at all.  Docks seen clearly on run up and town bombed visually under directions from Bomb Aimer.  Fires still visible 90 miles away.
R5701X  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), S.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 2325  Down 0552.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Good visibility except for smoke.  Target reached late owing to being south of track.  Target identified by special flares of Pathfinders and pin-point on river.  Bombs dropped in target area.
R5512C  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, T.S.Cumming, E.Mackay (shown as K.Mackay believed in error), R.Hayward.  Up 2335  Down 0530.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Karlsruhe visually bombed from 12,000’.  River and docks seen.  Flares dropped as signal that aircraft had identified target.  Bombs fell in target area.  Karlsruhe well ablaze.  Successful trip.
R5738D  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2349  Down 0550.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC – no debrief details in ORB
R5634L  F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgts F.Nuttall (2nd Pilot), H.W.Hammond, W.Llewellyn, L.V.Hellyer, J.S.Fayle, L.B.Larin.  Up 2332  Down 0509.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Karlsruhe bombed from 11,000’ and identified visually.  Straightforward trip, target easily identified as Karlsruhe was silhouetted against fire.  16 bundles of G43 dropped. 

1. No flying – crews resting.
1. Bombing training and NFT’s.  Three aircraft attacked the Focke Wulf works at Bremen.  All three successfully bombed target.  The remaining eight aircraft attacked another target in Bremen, two of these returned early due to engine trouble and one aircraft, Sgt Cooper and crew are missing.

 

4/5 September 1942 Bremen

R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins. C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2356  Down 0459.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from 11,000’.  4000lb bomb seen to fall and burst on buildings believed to be Focke Wulf factory, Bremen.  4000lb bomb started large fire giving forth white smoke.  Successful trip.
R5497Z   P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2359  Down 0544.  5 x 1900lb.  Some flak and searchlights encountered on route to target, which was believed the primary.  Ground haze made it impossible to pin-point in the target area and bombs eventually dropped in existing fires.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 0001  Down 0426.  5 x 1900lb.  Primary target believed bombed from 10,500’.  Visibility clear with hazy patches.  Light and heavy flak but not directed at us on run up.  Buildings adjacent to aerodrome in bomb sights as bombs released.  Bursts not observed.
R5496U  Sgts J.S.Cooper, R.Oxley, T.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.H.Dean, Sgts S.M.Girvin, R.Brook, W.F.Gray.  Up 0003.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Missing from this operation.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts A.G.Smith, W.H.Kelleher, W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 0009  Down 0533.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bremen town bombed from 13,000’.  Target identified visually by flares and by ETA.  Bomb seen exploding in built up area.  Route out strongly defended all the way with searchlights and flak.  Route in was free from any interference.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 0012  Down 0315.  1 x 4000 12 SBC.  Oil pressure fell off to zero on starboard inner engine, so feathered engine and returned to base.  Abandoned mission.
R5512C  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L Roberts, W.G.Chapman, T.S.Cummings, E.Mackay (shown as K.Mackay believed in error),R.Hayward.  Up 0016  Down 0454.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bremen twon bombed from 15,000’.  Visibility clear and target identified visually and pin-point on river.  Fires observed in town and on west side of river.  More searchlights than on previous occasion.
R5701Y  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), S.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 0141  Down 0503.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Visibility clear with slight haze.  River and docks identified and target well illuminated by ordinary flares.  Bombs released on dock area of Bremen town.  Fires scattered in target area but increased later and visible from Juist on return journey.  Fired at by flak batteries in open country.
R5634L  F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgts F.Nuttall (2nd Pilot), H.W.Hammond, W.Llewellyn, L.V.Hellyer, J.S.Fayle, L.B.Larin.  Up 0017   Down 0454.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  4000lb bomb seen to burst in Bremen town.  Target identified visually by river and ETA.  Visibility clear.  Four large fires seen in target area.
R5607X  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.R.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O Stafford, G.L.Johnson, G.F.McMahon.  Up 0024  Down 0504.  1 x 8000lb.  Bremen town bombed from 16,000’.  Bombing run handicapped owing to flares having gone out.  Target area in bomb sights as bomb released.  Fires clearly showed up buildings and river.
R5609S  W/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Kay, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts F.Spurr, M.Griffiths, W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0029  Down 0230.  1 x 8000lb.  Returned early owing to starboard outer engine overheating, so abandoned mission and returned to base.

1. No flying today.
1. Bombing training and one aircraft on day cross country.  8 aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg – one aircraft abandoned mission due to technical failure.  Remaining aircraft successfully carried out the raid.

 

6/7 September 1942 Duisburg

R5548A  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 0106  Down 0444.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Duisburg bombed from17,000’ visually and by pin-point on river.  Visibility good with slight haze.  Bomb bursts seen.  Considerable activity over target.  Very quiet trip on way out and back.  One engine failed on return over sea.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 0112  Down 0538.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Attacked Dusiburg from 16,000’.  Visibility good and no cloud over target.  Target located by TR.  Numerous but widespread fires in target area.  Defences good.
R5634L  F/Sgt J.M.Smith, Sgts F.Nuttall (2nd Pilot), H.W.Hammond, W.Llewellyn, L.V.Hellyer, J.S.Fayle, L.B.Larin.  Up 0117  Down 0445.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Duisburg bombed from 18,000’.  Visibility clear over target.  Bomb burst seen to east of river.  About four fires seen in target area.  16 bundles of C.41 dropped to west of Duisburg.
R5607X  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 0126  Down 0522.  1 x 8000lb.  Visually bombed Duisburg from 14,000’, confirmed by TR.  Little cloud and slight haze.  Bomb bursts seen.  Many searchlights and some flak over target.  Huge column of smoke observed after bomb explosion.
L7577T  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts F.Spurr, M.Griffiths, W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 0123  Down 0322.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Returned early and abandoned mission owing to engine failure.
L7474N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, F/Sgt A.J.Smith (blvd A.G.Smith), Sgts W.H.Kelleher, W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 0121  Down 0529. 6 x 1900lb. No cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed Duisburg after run up on TR.  Target illuminated by about 50 flares.  An 8000lb bomb was observed to explode which produced a huge column of smoke and which rose to about 14,000’.
R5559W  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, T.S.Cummings, E.Mackay (shown as E.Mackay blvd in error), R.Hayward.  Up 0135  Down 0512.  6 x 1900lb.  Duisburg bombed from 17,000’.  4/10ths cloud over target area.  Very good fires seen in target area.  A successful trip.  16 bundles of C.41 dropped.
R5701Y  Sgts C.Smith. M.P Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 0141  Down 0503.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Duisburg attacked.  Route as detailed.  Target identified by pin-point on river.  Ten fires seen burning in target area.  Very heavy flak over target but remainder of trip quiet.

1. 7 aircraft for ops – cancelled weather u/s.

 

• Bombing training.  7 aircraft detailed to attack Frankfurt.  6 aircraft believed reached and bombed target or target area.  One aircraft abandoned – rear turret u/s.

8/9 September 1942 Frankfurt

R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Randall (blvd Rendall), P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, J.H.Howard.  Up 2038  Down 0358.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombed Frankfurt from 9,000’.  Were caught in searchlights many times and were only able to escape after violent evasive action.  Front turret damaged by flak.  Large fires seen burning in target area and many scattered fires.
W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan. J.Hebden.  Up 2044 Down 0318.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombs believed to have dropped on Frankfurt.  Visibility fair, hazy and 6/10ths cloud.  Many searchlights and four large fires seen in target area.  16 bundles of C.49 dropped in target area.  Uneventful trip.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2047  Down 0310.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Target reached on TR and Frankfurt believed bombed.  10/10ths cloud over target.  Many Pathfinder Force flares scattered over target but not as helpful as on previous occasions.  Many cones of searchlights over target.
R5497Z  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts P.Martin, H.C.Rouse, B.L.May, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 2033  Down 0300.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Frankfurt bombed from 16,000’.  Town seen in bomb sight and bombs seen to burst.  Several large fires burning in target area.  Slight haze over target but visibility fair.
R5559W  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, R.Blackler, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2050  Down 0322.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Frankfurt believed bombed from 13,000’.  Visibility hazy with 6/10ths cloud with gaps.  Bomb bursts seen.  Many searchlights and several large fires burning in target area.  Uneventful trip.
R5538H  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham. P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts W.Parker, P.J.Davey, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2059  Down 2249.  4 x 2000lb.  Returned early owing to rear turret going u/s.  Bombs jettisoned.
R5609S  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2056  Down 0323. 1 x 8000lb.  Bombed Frankfurt from 16,000’.  River seen after bombing.  6/10ths cloud in target area.  Terrific flash seen in target area.  Numerous searchlights and some flak.  16 bundles of G49 dropped over target.

1. Bombing training.  1 aircraft detailed for mining in “Kraut” area.  Operation successfully carried out.

 

9/10 September 1942 Gardening in “Kraut” Area – Load 4 mines

W4170K  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts W.Parker, P.J.Davey, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2349  Down 0618.  Veg planted in primary garden on a time and distance run from Laeso Island.  Visibility goo and no cloud.  A very successful trip. 

1. 12 aircraft detailed to raid Dusseldorf, 3 did not take take off for various technical reasons.  1 aircraft returned early owing to electrical failure.  Remaining 8 aircraft successfully bombed target or target area.

10/11 September 1942 Dusseldorf

R5607X  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, P/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2040  down 0032.  1 x 8000lb.  Dusseldorf town bombed from 16,000’.  Bomb seen to burst in built up area.  No fire visible at time of bombing but activity increasing as aircraft left.  Heavy ground haze but no cloud.
R5512C  F/O E.E.Rodley, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, Sgt J.H.Crisp.  Up 2143  Down 0100.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bomed from 16,000’.  Target identified by bend in River Rhine and bridge across river.  Built up area seen on both sides of river.  Fires seen to be starting.
R5614G  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2045  Down 0116.  1 x 4000lb.  Dusseldorf town successfully bombed from 16,000’.  Definite pin-point obtained from bend in river and bridge.  Marker flares seen over town and large fires observed in centre of town.
W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyen, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan. J.Hebden.  Up 2052  Down 0109.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Dusseldorf successfully bombed.  Visibility good, very clear.  An uneventful trip, defences as anticipated.  Pathfinder Force effective, making ground detail very clear.  Bombs seen to explode.
R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, F/Sgt E.Burton ( shown as Button),Sgt B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 2048  Down 0050.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Dusseldorf bombed from 16,000’.  Target in bomb sight but bombs not seen to explode.  No searchlights and flak encountered on approach to target.  Pathfinder flares very useful for identification.  Two aerial mines seen over target.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E/Preston, W.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2056  Down 2249. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Returned early to base and abandoned mission owing to an electrical failure.
R5866U  F/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts P.J.Martin, H.C.Rouse, B.L.May, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 2107  Down 0133.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from16,500’ on TR fix and visual pin-point on town between Pathfinder Force flares.  Visibility good, slight haze.  Bomb bursts observed.
R5701Y  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt A.G.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2059  Down 0146.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Successful operation owing to accuracy of Pathfinder Force flares.  Intense searchlight activity to north and south of Dusseldorf.  Scattered fires seen in Dusseldorf town.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, R.Blackler, M.Griffiths, L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2105  Down 0125.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Bombed estinated position of Dusseldorf town.  No ground detail seen before bombing due to ground haze and smoke.  Marker flares seen.

1. Bombing training.  W/C G.D.Jones DFC is posted to Squadron.  14 aircraft for ops – later cancelled - weather u/s.  Capt Gammons MP and Mr Tonkin visited the Squadron today on behalf of the Straits Settlements and is staying the night, leaving in the morning.

 

1. 15 aircraft for ops – cancelled – weather u/s.  The following message received by AOC 5 Group from C in C Air Chief Marshall Harris “ Would you please convey to all aircrews and ground personnel that their recent efforts have achieved most outstanding success and that the squadrons have now become almost a by-word in the whole command.  There is no doubt that the country as a whole, and the Air Force in particular, owe them the greatest thanks, Winston’s famous saying after the Battle of Britain undoubtedly is also applicable to your Squadrons.”
1. 14 aircraft for ops – Bremen.  One aircraft did not take off, two returned early owing to technical problems.  Remaining 11 aircraft reached and bombed the target or target area.  There was no cloud over the target bit ground haze, and intensity of searchlights hampered observations of crews.

 

13/14 September 1942 Bremen

R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 2252  Down 0327.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Approached target on ETA and bombed Bremen from 14,000’.  Although target area was free from cloud, ground detail was obscured by haze.  Bomb burst was seen but no results observed.
R5701Y  P/O D.H.Rowlands, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2250  Down 0427.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Visibility fairly clear, slight haze.  Town of Bremen bombed from 15,000’.  Target identified by ETA, river and flares over built up area.  Main defences were to the west of town.
 R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 2309  Down 0454.    1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Good pin-point obtained on loop of Weser at Achim and run up made on to target up river which could be seen through haze.  Front turret damaged by shell.  Red glow seen reflected on clouds after bombing.
R5738D  F/O E.E.Rodley, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), F/L F.L.Ifoulf, Sgts L.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, W.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2320  Down 0444.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bremen town bombed from 16,500’.  Target identified by river and ETA.  Built up area in sights as bombs released.  Large barrier of searchlights and moderate and heavy flak encountered, fortunately inaccurate.
W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2306  Down 0315. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Town of Bremen bombed visually from 17,000’. No results observed.  Visibility poor.  Flak accurate up to 20,000’.  Fires seen developing after bombing.
R5538H  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgts F.Sandiford, E.Langworthy, A.G.Smith, F/Sgt W.H.Kelleher, Sgts W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Mission abandoned and returned early owing to electrical fault.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2311 Down 0402.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombed Bremen town from 18,000’.   4000lb bomb seen to burst.  No cloud but strong ground haze.  Starboard inner engine u/s before crossing enemy coast on return trip.  Feathered.
R5512C  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, J.A.Devine, J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 2302  Down 0337.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from 15,000’.  Three large cones of searchlights encountered on approaching target.  Plenty of light and heavy flak.  All crew cooperated very well.
R5548A  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, L.Morton, W.G.Chapman, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 2317  Down 0504.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from 14,000’ identified by TR and visual on river confluence.  Large bomb seen to burst North-east of Aiming Point.  Fires observed to south of city.  Heavy opposition from the ground.
R5607X  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, F/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, M.Middleton, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2324  down 0414  1 x 8000lb.  Uneventful trip to target area.  Pathfinder flares seen but no ground detail observed owing to haze.  Bomb dropped on Bremen twon.  Bomb seen to explode but results not observed.
R5609S  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgts T.Starkie, R.Mathams, D.B.King, M.Griffiths, P/O D.Rodger, Sgt K.W.Dykes.  Up 2340  Down 0434.  1 x 8000lb.  Primary target bombed.  A quiet trip to target.  Engaged over target by heavy AA of slight density but extremely accurate.  The run up was made on TR and built up area which was not definitely identified as Bremen.
R5572F  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts P.J.Davey, W.Parker, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2336  down 0315.  1 x 8000lb.  Bremen bombed from16,500’.  Bombs estimated to have fallen in docks area.  No cloud, slight haze.  Five bundles of G51 dropped in target area.  Successful trip.

1. 14 aircraft to attack Bauhaven – Wilhelmshaven.  9 took off, 1 aircraft returned early owing to technical trouble.  The remaining 8 aircraft reached and bombed the target or target area.

14/15 September 1942 Wilhelmshaven

L7577T  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt R.Kay, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2043  Down 0031.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  West dock area bombed from 16,000’.  Visibility clear, slight haze and about 8/10ths cloud at target.  No results seen but glow observed to south of target.  Uneventful trip.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 2016  Down 0116.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Wilhelmshaven bombed from 14,000’.  Pin-points difficult owing to ground haze.  Built up area seen on leaving target.  Several fires seen.
R5548A  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2054  Down 0059.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Primary bombed from 17,000’.  Target identified visually and docks recognised by Captain and Bomb Aimer.  Considerable opposition encountered.
W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2031  Down 0107.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Town of Wilhelmshaven attacked from 16,000’.  Bright orange flash seen in Tirpitz Haven.  Not many searchlights over target.  Plenty of light tracer going up to 14,000 to 15,000’.  Successful trip.
R5701Y  P/O D.H.Rowlands, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2019  Down 0007.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Alternative bombed as alternative was obscured by 10/10ths thick haze.  Several bursts seen through haze.  Bombs released on position marked by Pathfinder Force flares.
R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 2029  Down 0038.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Wilhelmshaven bombed from 13,000’ visually.  Primary target in sights as bomb released.  Light flak was encountered just north of Aiming Point.  16 bundles of G51 dropped in target area.
R5538H  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts P.J.Davey, W.Parker, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2030  Down 2222.  Abandoned mission and returned early owing to engine trouble.
R5512C  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, L.Morton, W.G.Chapman, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 2041  Down 0048.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Wilhelmshaven bombed from 12,000’.  Target identified visually and built up area in bomb sight as bombs released.  Bomb seen to explode.  Low cloud from coast to target.  Many flares over town.
R5607K  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, F/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2025  Down 2354.  1 x 8000lb.  Very cloudy, poor visibility.  Target not identified, bomb dropped early.  Trip uneventful.      

1. Stand down from ops.

 

1. 11 aircraft took off for ops – Krupps Works, Essen.  2 aircraft abandoned due to failures.  Remaining 9 successfully reached and bombed the target or target area.  Medium cloud and haze.  Two aircraft, F/L Smyth and P/O Rowland obtained good photos of the Aiming Point.

16/17 September 1942 Essen

R5497Z  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, F/O L.C.Dorward, F/O J.A.Grieves, Sgts A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 2009  Down 0116.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary bombed from 16,000’.  Cloud 3-4/10ths in patches.  Bomb Aimer pin-pointed marshalling yard.  Heavy opposition was encountered.  Many aircraft seen shot down on way out.
R5701Y  P/O D.R.Rowlands, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2011 Down 0110.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Essen bombed from 15,500’.  Pin-pointed on Rhine and ???? and bombs dropped on built up area.  Some fairly good fires seen burning.  Strong defences on French coast.
R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgts W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 2019  Down 0102.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC. Town of Essen attacked from 10,000’.  Bomb dropped on estimated position of Krupps works.  Searchlights active and some inaccurate heavy flak.  When about 60 miles from target, terrific explosion seen in Essen area.
W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2031 Down 2157.  Immediately after take-off intercom went u/s so abandoned mission.
R5548A  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 2022  Down 0125.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Bombs dropped on town of Essen from 16,000’  3/10ths cloud over target area.  Existing fires seen in sights and bomb seen to burst about ¼ mile from this fire.  Successful raid.
L7577T  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt H.W.Keane, Sgt J.Benbow.  Up 2026  Down 0135.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Essen bombed from 13,000’.  No results observed.  No ground detail observed owing to cloud and searchlights.  One aerial mine seen in target area.
R5738D  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts L.M.Fleming, Sgts R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 2043  Down 0057.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Essen bombed on ETA and bomb believed to have fallen in existing large fire.  Defences were extremely heavy.  A very thick column of grey smoke rising from target area.  Fires seen 40 miles away.
R5490M  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts W.Parker, P.J.Davey, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2035  Down 0041.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombs believed to have fallen on primary objective.  6-10/10ths medium cloud.  Target identified by ETA and fires.  Intense searchlight activity.
R5512C  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 2045  Down 0146.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombed area of intense searchlight and flak activity, believed Essen.  Salvo of flares dropped and large railway junction observed.  Dived to 8,500’ and bombed this area.  Great amount of heavy flak after release of bombs.
R5572F  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 2047  Down 2310. (no bomb load shown).  From take off ‘G’ and loops were u/s so abandoned mission.  Bombs dropped safe in North Sea off coast of Holland.
R5607X F/S P.R.Baines, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts A.G.Smith, W.H.Kelleher, W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  Up 2023  Down 0110.  1 x 8000lb.  Bombs dropped on town of Essen.  Hazy, variable medium cloud.  Insufficient illumination over target.  Number of small fires seen.  16 bundles of C51 dropped in target area. 

17.9.42 No flying today.

18.9.42 9 aircraft for mining – 6 successfully laid mines in “Spinach” area and three in “Sweetpea” area.  All aircraft except one were diverted to different bases due to weather.

18/19 September 1942 Gardening in “Spinach” Area – Load 3 mines

R5634L  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.McLeod (2nd Pilot), P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 1904  Down 0440.  Veg planted in allotted position in primary garden.  Visibility good, no cloud.  Pin-pointed Hell Spit.  Successful trip.
R5559W  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts A.V.Airy (2nd Pilot), D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1911  Down 0301.  Veg planted in correct position.  Parachutes seen to open.  Patchy cloud over target, rest of route very cloudy.  Successful operation.
L7574N  F/Sgt P.R.Baines, Sgts M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts A.G.Smith (shown as A.J.Smith blvd in error),W.H.Kelleher, W.F.Guy, F.Martin.  (no other details shown in ORB).
R5738D  W/O M.D.Cullinane, P/O Carswell (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/P O.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden,  Up 1919  Down 0437.  Veg planted in correct position in “Spinach” area.  Poor visibility and thick cloud but clear over target.  Lighthouse operating at Loguare doused as we approached.  Parachutes seen to open.
R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt M.Middleton, F/Sgt R.S.Canham, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1917  Down 0432.  Mines planted in correct position in “Spinach” area.  Visibility clear over Sweden and target.  Parachutes not seen to open.  Successful trip.
R5701Y  P/O D.H.Rowlands, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1918  Down 0300.  Veg planted in “Spinach” area in allotted position.  Visibility good.  Pin-pointed Gydnia (?).  Nothing further of interest to report.

18/19 September 1942 Gardening in “Sweetpea” Area – Load 5 mines

R5496M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1934  Down 0310.  Veg planted in correct position in “Sweetpea” area.  Good visibility.  Nothing of interest to report.
L7577Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.G.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, R.S.Turner, J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1915  Down 0204.  Veg planted in allotted position in primary garden.  Good visibility.  Bright moonlight, cloud broke over target.  Perfectly straightforward trip – good co-operation by crew.
R5569B  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, E.Langworthy, R.Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, A.McAlhone.  Up 1925  Down 0256.  Mines planted in allotted position in “Sweetpea” area.  Visibility good.  Nothing further to report.      

19.9.42 9 aircraft detailed to attack Munich.  One aircraft abandoned due to technical trouble.  The remaining aircraft reached and bombed the target or target area.  Visibility good.

19/20 September 1942 Munich

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle, F/O P.Cutting, Sgts L.E.Thorneycroft, E.Merralls, W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 2004  Down 0312.  1 x 4000lb 6 SBC.  Primary bombed from 10.000’.  No cloud.  Visibility moderate due to haze.  Bombs dropped after identifying target visually.  Approximately 100 searchlights round town of Munich and moderate flak but not very accurate.  Large fire seen in Saarbrucken.
R5538H   Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2009  Down 0401.  1 x 4000lb 6 SBC.  Primary bombed visually from 10,000’.  Bomb seen to burst in town west of river.  A successful trip.
R5634L  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe, Sgts P.J.Davey, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2011  Down 0306.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Munich town bombed from 12,000’ on time run from lake.  Bomb seen to explode.  Large fires observed in target area.  Satisfactory trip.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 2006  Down 0355.  Munich town bombed from 8,000’.  Bombs released on time run from lake and pin-point on river.  Visibility good.  Target well lit up by flares.  Little heavy flak but a quantity of light flak pipe-hosed.  Numerous searchlights but ineffective.
R5552P  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgts C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, M.Griffiths, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 2016  Down 0335. 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Town of Munich bombed from 11,000’ on pin-point from river and timed run from lake.  Target well illuminated by Pathfinder flares.  Searchlights and flak fairly heavy over target.  Large explosion seen 10 minutes after release of bombs.
W4170K  Sgts C.Smith, F.Sandiford, J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt J.Richardson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 2013  Down 0322.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Primary objective bombed from 9,000’.  Visibility moderate, no cloud.  Target identified by pin-point on lake and river.  Incendiaries seen burning after bombing.
R5701Y  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2032  Down 0343.  3 x 2000lb HC.  Primary bombed.  Visibility moderate to good – slight haze.  Large explosion seen after leaving target.  Not a great deal of opposition.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2026  Down 2247.  Mission abandoned owing to loss of oil and petrol.
R5512C  F/S V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 2020  Down 0328.  3 x 2000lb HC.  2-3/10ths cloud at target.  Bombs released on timed run from lake and visual pin-point on river bend.  Built up area bomb sight.  Several fires seen burning in town.

20.9.42 Command stand down.  Wigsley carried out circuit and landings here.

21.9.42 Training – two night cross countries.  Weather bad.

22.9.42 Command stand down – weather unfit – no flying today.

23.9.42 12 aircraft detailed to attack Wismar, three detailed specially to attack the Dornier Assembly Factory.  All were to attack between 1,000 and 2,000 feet.  Two aircraft successfully bombed factory, one being unable to locate target, bombed Wismar town.  Of the remaining aircraft, 2 abandoned – technical troubles – remaining 7 bombed town of Wismar.

 

23/24 September 1942 Wismar

W4170K  W/O M.D.Cullinane, P/O Carswell (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt R.Quinn, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts J.F.Jordan, J.Hebden.  Up 2242  Down 0647.  14 SBC.  Dornier assembly Factory at Wismar bombed from 1,500’.  Pin-points obtained in Denmark and continued low to target and obtained pin-points on Lubeck Bay leading to target.  Target well ablaze.  Very little opposition.
R5538H  Sgts F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, W.Townley, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 2249  Down 0625.  14 SBC.  Unable to locate Dornier factory so bombed town from 5,000’.  Descended to 2,000’ in attempt to find target without success owing to weather conditions.
R5701T  P/O D.H.Rowlands, P/O S.L.McBurney (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 2314  Down 0201.  Mission abandoned owing to failure of starboard inner engine.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F.Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 2256  Down 0128.  Abandoned mission owing to failure of interruption gear causing a runaway gun.
R5559W  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt J.Lennox (2nd Pilot), F/L F.L.Ifould, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 2313  Down 0635.  14 SBC.  Dorneir Assembly Factory attacked from 1,200’.  Heavy rain on way to target.  Two balloons observed flying at 1,400’.  Slight but accurate light flak and about four searchlights.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, E.Langworthy, R.Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, A.McAlhone.  Up 2304  Down 0613.  14 SBC.  Town of Wismar bombed from 1,000’.  Bombs released near existing fires.  Fair amount of flak over target.  Trip home in very bad weather with cumulo nimbus from sea level to 22,000’.
R5569B  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 2253  Down 0558.  6 x 1000lb RD.  Wismar bombed from 1,800’.  Railway lines and sheds seen in light of fires.  8/10ths cloud almost to ground level.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 2302  Down 0643.  6 x 1000lb RD.  Wismar town bombed from 2,000’.  3/10ths cloud at 1,500’.  Several fires seen burning.  Hit in tail by light flak.  Successful trip.
R5634L  P/O G.E.MacIntosh, Sgt P.J.Horsham, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgt J.Ratcliffe (blvd F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe), P.J.Davey, F.E.Mitchell, S.F.Mattoon.  Up 2309  Down 0551.  6 x 1000lb RD.  Wismar bombed on ETA from 1,200’.  No results seen.  Nothing could be seen after leaving Dutch coast on way in until reaching it again on the way out.  Unsatisfactory trip.
R5738D  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 2316  Down 0655.  14 SBC.  Bombs dropped on Wismar on DR position from above 10/10ths cloud.  Static conditions.  Made three attempts to get below cloud but was forced up again owing to icing.
R5497Z  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart, J.Trowsdale, G.L.Johnson, C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 2311  Down 0619.  14 SBC.  Wismar bombed on DR.  Target not identified visually.  Extremely bad weather conditions on return, thunder and very active static conditions.  Route as detailed.
R5552P  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 2307  Down 0532.  14 SBC.  Bombed built up area of unidentified town on DR.  10/10ths cloud over target area.  Descended to 900’ to try and get pin-point but unable to do so.  

24.9.42 No flying – weather unfit.

25.9.42 9 aircraft for mining – cancelled – weather.  Following message received by the AOC-in-C from the First Sea Lord, dated 19th September “Congratulations on last night’s magnificent minelaying effort which has already borne fruit.”  Some NFT’s were carried out during the day, the weather became very foggy – P/O MacIntosh overshot the runway on landing and crashed on the outer edge of the aerodrome.  Aircraft badly damaged, crew uninjured.

 

26.9.42 8 aircraft for ops – cancelled weather u/s.

27.9.42 Some day training and bombing. 

28.9.42 6 aircraft with starred captains detailed for day intruder ops.  Cancelled later owing to weather. 

29.9.42 Training during morning.  7 aircraft stand by for ops – later cancelled - bad weather.  Also night cross country cancelled.

30.9.42 Weather bad during morning, clearing later.  11 aircraft for ops – later cancelled due to weather being unfit.

1.10.42 4 aircraft to attack Wismar and 2 aircraft to attack Dornier works, Wismar.  All successfully reached and bombed target area.  Aircraft were diverted to Leeming.      

                                       

1/2 October 1942 Wismar

R5548A  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, Holding, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 1810  Down 0125.  14 SBC (8 x 30).  Target bombed from 6,000’.  Visibility good but dark.  Unable to identify target.  Bombs seen to burst.  Aircraft believed hit by flak.
R5559W  P/O D.H.Rowlands, Sgt C.Leary, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgt K.Mackay, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Baker, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1811  Down 0108.  14 SBC (8 x 30).  Bombed Wismar on ETA.  Target not in sights as bombs were released but bombs were seen to burst and fires appeared to be starting.  10/10ths cloud over target.
R5738D  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgt B.A.Hayes, F/Sgt D.J.Robertson, Sgt N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1823  Down 0203.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC (8 x 30).  Bombs dropped in target area.  Visibility poor.  Unable to identify target owing to haze.  Built up area on fire seen through gap in clouds.
W4701K  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 1815  Down 0142.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC (8 x 30).  Target area reached but could not positively identify ground detail.  Came down to 5,000’ but still in cloud, so climbed just above cloud and bombed fires in built up area aeen through break in clouds.
R5569B  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, E.Langworthy (shown as B.W.Langworthy blvd in error), R.Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, A.McAlhone.  Up 1816  Down 0130.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombs dropped in target area.  Unable to to positively identify ground details.  Some flak and searchlights.  Moderate fires seen burning.  Aircraft thrown over by blast from 4000lb bomb from other aircraft.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1821  Down 0110.  3 x 1000lb RD 12 SBC (90 x 4).  Bombs dropped on Wismar area from 6,000’.  Visibility very poor.  Encountered heavy and light flak on approaching target area.  Bombs seen to explode in target area. 

2.10.42 Diverted aircraft returning all day.  6 aircraft to attack Krefeld.  Owing to weather conditions over target, all aircraft believed to have bombed town.  4 aircraft diverted owing to weather at base.

2/3 October 1942 Krefeld

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), P/O P.Cutting, P/O J.G.Walker (could be J.C.Walker), P/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 1916  Down 2241.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from 15,000’.  Weather over sea and Holland moderately clear, but in Ruhr area thick haze on ground.  Built up area in bomb sight as bombs released.  Opposition not up to Ruhr standard.
W4170K  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt Anderson (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, Sgts K.Mackay, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 1932  Down 2300.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary believed bombed.  Thick haze and very dark.  Number of incendiaries seen burning in open fields.  16 bundles of G54 dropped in target area.
R5497Z  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1924  Down 2314.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary bombed from 9,500’.  Bomb seen to explode.  Thick haze obscured ground detail, making flares useless.  Scattered fires seen.
R5569B  F/O C.D.Keir, P/O J.McCarthy (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts Westwell, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1920  Down 2322.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed on ETA, Pathfinder Force flares and built up area.  Visibility hazy.  Bombs seen to explode.
R5490M  F/Sgt F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt C.Ratcliffe (blvd should be J.Ratcliffe),F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 1929  Down 0040.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombs dropped in primary area from 16,000’.  Thick ground haze.  Path Finder Force flares were over open land north of target.  Experienced heavy opposition after bombing.
R5701Y  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt R.Kay, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1926  Down 2333.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Bombs dropped in primary target area.  Target area identified by Pathfinder Force flares and ETA.  Results observed – apparently successful.

4.10.42 Stand down from ops – collecting from diversions and formation flying.

5.10.42 8 aircraft for raid on Aachen – 7 aircraft reached and bombed area.  Bad weather conditions, electrical storms and icing conditions on outward journey.  F/O Briant and crew are missing, no news after leaving base.  P/O McCarthy and crew encountered very bad conditions, W/T and instruments all u/s and blisters broken by ice.  Aircraft landed safely at base.

5/6 October 1942 Aachen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

L7577T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.V.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L C.A.Patten, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1909  Down 2352.  Primary area believed bombed.  9/10ths cloud over target – hazy.  Bomb flash seen through cloud.  Icing encountered after crossing French coast.  Return journey uneventful.
R5701Y  P/O N.J.Briant, Sgt A.E.Musgrave, F/O L.C.Dorward, Sgts K.Mackay, A.Desmond, J.R.Dawson, P/O K.H.Harrison.  Up 1911 – missing from this operation.
R5552P  Sgts C.Smith, M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 1913  Down 0002.  Alternative target bombed as it was impossible to see target owing to 8/10ths cloud.  Visibility nil, save a thunderstorm encountered on way out with intense static conditions.  Scattered fires seen in target area.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1919  Down 0013.  Alternative bombed from 14,000’.  Visibility poor.  Target identified by ETA and built up area with fires burning.  Moderate flak.  No searchlights over target.
R5548A  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, P/O E.A.Adams, P/O J.H.Howard.  Up 1915  Down 0006.  Primary target bombed from 17,500’.  “Gee” fix obtained  40 miles from target.  Icing conditions encountered and severe electrical storm on way to target.
R5538H  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, M.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 1941  Down 0056.  Alternative bombed on TR and ETA.  Visibility poor.  3/10ths cloud broken, hazy.  Bad weather conditions.  Little opposition from ground and many fires seen burning.
W4170K  P/O J.McCarthy, Sgt Radcliffe, F/Sgt Brayford, Sgts Westwell, Eaton, Batson, Muskett.  Up 1917  Down 0032.  Bombed alternative as instruments were u/s owing to icing.  Bombs dropped on ETA and fires burning in target area.
R5490M  Sgts Anderson, Swetman, Williams, F.Jones, P/O Lush, Sgt Channon, P/O Trilbeck.  Up 1921  Down 0110.  Alternative bombed as primary was obscured by cloud.  Visibility fair through gaps in cloud.  Great concentration of fires and bomb bursts observed.

6.10.42 10 various aircraft dispersed on aerodrome from previous nights’s ops.  6 aircraft to attack Osnabruck.  5 aircraft successfully reached and bombed target area, 1 aircraft abandoned mission owing to electrical trouble.

6/7 October 1942 Osnabruck – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, P/O R.A.Moyle, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts T.S.Cummings, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1924  Down 2325.  Bombed Osnabruck from 1,600’.  Visibility medium, hazy.  5/10ths cloud over target.  Fire observed to start immediately after bombing.  Very quiet trip.
R5548A  Sgt F.N.Crouch, I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt J.Ratcliffe, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 1940  Down 2345.  Primary target bombed from 1,600’.  Visibility fair.  Pin-pointed on ??? See and bombed on timed run to target.  Some accurate light and heavy flak.  Fires seen burning in target area.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.F.Connely, Sgts D.B.King, L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1937  Down 2358.  Primary target bombed on ETA.  Bombs seen to burst.  Scattered fires seen in target area.  7-8/10ths cloud made visual identification of target impossible.
L7577T  P/O D.H.Rowlands, Sgt F.Sandiford, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgt M.Griffiths, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt G.L.Johnson, P/O W.B.Kirkwood – Hackett.  Up 1921  Down 2326.  Bombed town of Osnabruck from 7,500’ though break in cloud.  Slightly hazy.  Pin-pointed and set course from Durgger See.  Good fires burning in town.  Flares well placed over lake.
W4175U  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1934  Down 2026.  Mission abandoned owing to electrical trouble.
L7574P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie. (no times shown).  Town of Osnabruck bombed from 8,500’ visually.  Slight haze, 5/10ths cloud at target.  Many Pathfinder flares over lake and target illuminating at 13,000’ interfered with search of ground detail.

7 – 11.10.42                Formation flying, bombing and fighter affiliation.

12.10.42 4 aircraft to attack Dornier Works at Wismar.  1 aircraft returned early with engine trouble, remaining 3 aircraft reached and bombed town.  6 aircraft also detailed to attack Wismar.  All reached and bombed target except 1 aircraft which bombed an aerodrome.  Thick haze and darkness made identification and pin-pointing impossible.

 

12/13 October 1942 Wismar

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), F/O P.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt W.Broomfield, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1759  Down 1805.  Mission abandoned owing to constant speed unit being u/s.
R5497Z  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O H.L.Creeth, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, J.Baker, G.F.McMahon.  Up 1746  Down 2350.  14 SBC.  Wismar bombed from 8,000’.  Thick haze, visibility practically nil.  Target identified by Frisian Islands and ETA.  Over target area were caught in cone of searchlights.  Flak moderate and not accurate.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt A.V.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1736  Down 0051.  14 SBC.  Impossible to identify target owing to cloud and darkness so dropped bombs on an aerodrome seen through gap in clouds.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgt B.A.Hayes, F/Sgt D.Robertson, Sgt N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1745  Down 0029.  14 SBC.  Target not identified though search was made for 25 minutes.  Bombs dropped on estimated position in relation to searchlights.  Searchlights in target area very effective.
R5538H  F/Sgt F.N.Crouch, Sgt I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts G.G.Farara, E.Preston, F/Sgt E.Ratcliffe (may be wrong initial), F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 1750  Down 0017.  14 SBC.  Bombed on ETA after obtaining pin-point on coast.  Incendiaries were seen to ignite.  Moderate, heavy and light flak and about 50 searchlights.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1751  Down 0100.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombs dropped in east of Wismar town not positively identified, but bomb believed to have fallen near the Dornier Factory.  Bombing run made between two cones of searchlights.
R5569B  F/Sgt V.R.Long, F/Sgt J.Waite, F/Sgt M.L.Roberts, Sgts W.G.Chapman, Morgan (blvd to be L.Morton),E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 1753  Down 0046.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Visibility poor, with little cloud but very hazy.  Bomb dropped between two fires in sights, was seen to explode and start another fire.  Three flares were dropped with bombs.
W4255V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1755 Down 0023.  1 x 4000lb.  Cloud and haze over target area, unable to identify Aiming Point so dropped bombs on Wismar town on ETA and in middle of flak and searchlights.  Flak medium, searchlights heavy.
R5559W  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.G.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O P.G.G.Lush(?), Sgts Channon, P/O T.Trilbuck(?).  Up 1817  Down 0038.  3 x 1000lb RDX.  Bombed Wismar from 6,000’.  Visibility poor with 10/10ths cloud.  Pin-pointed on Frisian Islands and coast line.  Defences light where bomb fell but many searchlights around target.
L7574N  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts M.P.Stewart, J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling (no gunners shown in ORB but these are the regular crew gunners). Up 1748  Down 0005.  14 SBC.  Route as detailed.  Target obscured by cloud and haze.  Identified by ETA on crossing coast and flak and searchlights round target.  Moderate flak and quite accurate.

13.10.42 9 aircraft to Kiel, 6 aircraft reached target or target area, 2 abandoned mission owing to technical trouble and 1 aircraft failed to take off owing to difficulty in loading bombs.

 

13/14 October 1942 Kiel

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle, F/O P.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt W.Broomfield, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1834  Down 0002.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Visibility good.  Inner dockland basin and construction basin bombed.  Held in cone of searchlights 5 miles west of target and suffered accordingly from light flak.  Port outer engine caught fire on return journey.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt Webster, P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane. (no times shown). 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Kiel town bombed from 15,000’.  Bombs believed to have hit factory building.  Effective smoke screen over target.  Considerable increase in defences over Central Denmark.
R5738D  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt A.V.Airy (shown as Airey), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1835  Down 0015.  Mission abandoned owing to failure of aileron controls.
R5538H  F/Sgt F.N.Crouch, Sgt I.Whittaker, F/Sgt B.Cook, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgt E.Merralls, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, F/Sgt R.J.Oates.  Up 1859  Down 2032.  Mission abandoned owing to an electrical failure.
W4255V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, W/O Isaacs, Sgt H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1851  Down 0036.  1 x 4000lb.  Primary target bombed from 17,000’ visually.  Pin-pointed on lake and Pathfinder flares.  Moderate flak and plenty of searchlights.  Large fires seen burning in town of Kiel.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1847  Down 0012.  1 x 4000lb.  Kile town bombed from 13,000’.  Pin-pointed on ???? See which was illuminated by Pathfinder flares.  Eastern part of town visible through smoke screen.  Many incendiaries were burning ni town.
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, A.O.Stafford, L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1849  Down 0022.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.   Kiel town bombed from 16,500’.  Visibility good but thick haze or smoke screen.  Pin-pointed lake west of Sel?? See and made timed run from there. 
R5569B  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.F.Connely, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1844  Down 0027. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary objective bombed from 15,000’ visually with the aid of Pathfinder flares.  Built up area seen under smoke screen by light of an HE. Visibility perfect.

14.10.42 No flying – weather.

15.10.42 10 aircraft to Cologne.  8 aircraft reached and bombed target or target area, 1 aircraft abandoned mission owing to engine failure and one aircraft, F/L Smyth and crew failed to return – no news recorded since leaving base.  Weather was poor, 10/10ths cloud, bombing mainly on ETA.

15/16 October 1942 Cologne

R5559W  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.V.Airy (shown as Airey), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L C.A.Patten, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 1916  Down 2208.  Mission abandoned owing to engine failure.
R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/L F.L.Ifould, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgt W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1918  Down 2326. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Cologne town bombed from 15,000’ on ETA.  10/10ths cloud over target area.  Passed over area lit by incendiaries and flares but identified as open country, so bombed through 10/10ths cloud.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, E.Langworthy, R.Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, A.McAlhone.  Up 1925  Down 0006.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Bombed Colgone from 15,000’.  Broken cloud at 6,000’.  River Rhine and built up area seen.  Many scattered fires seen.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1929  Down 2341.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  River obvserved on approach to target but target area obscured by 10/10ths cloud.  Some rather feeble searchlights and flak.  Several large fires observed through clouds.
W4170K  F/L J.B.Smyth, Sgt W.S.Rendall, P/O A.D.Walker, Sgts S.Brans, B.Robertson, F/Sgt J.T.Ratcliffe, P/O J.D.Turner.  Up 1928.  Missing from this operation.
W4175U  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt I.Whittaker, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1933  Down 2346.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary target bombed from 17,000’.  Visibility hazy.  Small lake three ,iles from town pin-pointed.  Bomb burst observed by Rear Gunner.  Many good fires burning.
R5569B  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgt J.Waite, F/Sgt M.L.Roberts, Sgts W.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 1931  Down 2327.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Cologne town bombed on ETA.  10/10ths cloud at 5,000’ over target.  Incendiaries were scattered over a wide area.  16 bundles of C.54 dropped.
R5538D  Sgts P.K.Anderson, R.G.Swetman, G.I.Williams, P.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.? Channon, P/O T.Trilbeck.  Up 1936  Down 2359.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Primary objective bombed on ETA and pin-pointed on river.  Conditions were favourable and visibility clear.  Tow enemy aircraft encountered on return but were shaken off.
R5607X  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts M.P.Stweart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 1936  Down 2352.  1 x 8000lb.  Target identified on ETA and by Pathfinder Force flares.  Ground detail obscured by clouds and haze.  Numerous fires seen in target area.
R5572F  Sgts V.R.Stephens, Sutton, F/Sgt H.F.Connely, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1940  Down 0010.  1 x 8000lb.  Cologne town bombed from 12,000’.  Target identified by bend in river.  No other ground detail seen.  Bomb released through break in clouds.  Scattered incendiaries seen burning to south of town.

16.10.42 Formation and bombing during the afternoon.

17.10.42 87 Lancasters of this Group took off to bomb Le Creusot in daylight, flying in formation, low level.  9 aircraft of this Squadron took off for op, 6 of these were to attack the Schneider Works and 3 the transformer and switching station.  2 aircraft had to abandon mission owing to technical failures.  7 remaining aircraft all reached their targets and successfully bombed them.  Weather was good with slight haze.  All crews spoke highly of the attack which was “wizard”.

17 October 1942 Daylight raid on Le Creusot

 

 

 

 

R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt M.Ellwood, Sgts W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1159  Down 2205,  14 SBC.  Approached primary target at head of left flank of formation and wheeled on to target to drop incendiaries among sheds in north of town.  After releasing Rear Gunner reported seeing incendiaries ignite among the sheds.  After bombing lost height and circled to machine gun power works which was on fire and spouting green flashes presumably electrical.
W4255V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts Clay, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1156  Down 1410.  Mission abandoned.  Could not keep up with formation.
W4278T  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt Webster, P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgts R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 1159  Down 2222.  8 x 500lb.  Primary target bombed from 500’.  Target identified visually.  Bombs seen to overshoot main control room but to straddle isolating switch house and 120KW transformers.  Whole area inside wire fence machine gunned.

W4175U  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt A.V.Airy (shown as Airey), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, AO.Stafford, F/L C.A.Patten, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 1159  Down 2157.  5 x 1000lb.  Primary target bombed from 7,000’.  A quiet well planned trip.  The whole target was recognised and there was no opposition.  Judging by the number of people who waved to us and the number of lights flashed from houses after dusk, there is nothing wrong with the spirit of France.


W5497Z  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 1151  Down 2142.  5 x 1000lb.  Primary target identified visually and bombed from 700’.  Direct hits claimed.  No fighter opposition.  On return landed at Boscombe(?) owing to petrol shortage.
R5569B  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgt J.Waite, F/Sgt H.L.Roberts, Sgt W.G.Chapman, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 1150  Down 2225.  8 x 500lb.  Direct hit claimed on primary target.  Bombs released from 500’ and seen to burst on target.  Visibility clear below cloud base at 5,000’.  No opposition.
R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), P/O F.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 1152  Down 1211.  Mission abandoned owing to constant speed unit being u/s.
R5538H  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt I.Whittaker, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1209  Down 2212.  4 x 1000.  Schneider and ???? works bombed from 6,000’.  Bombs fell in primary area.  Transformer station was observed to be getting a “beat up”, large blue flashes were seen.  Fires were burning and whole area covered by smoke.
R5590M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.F.Connely, F/Sgt B.Cook, Sgts L.M.Fleming, R.K.Buxton, J.R.Burke.  Up 1152  Down 2216.  4 x 1000lb.  Primary target claimed to be completely demolished.  Target identified visually by railway line and water.  Visibility good.  Excellent raid

18.10.42  The following message has been received from C-in-C Bomber Command, “Congratulations to all concerned in yesterday’s brilliantly executed and highly successful operation.  In less than five minutes at the cost of one aircraft missing to at least two enemy aircraft destroyed, you have deprived the enemy of one of his major sources of armament supply.  The timing and navigation to within one minute and less than one mile over a source of 2,000 miles and the landing of nearly 100 aircraft in darkness under bad weather conditions on strange bases without bending a rivet, evidence a standard of airmanship throughout your command which has yet to be surpassed.”  Signals of congatulations were also received from AOC 5 Group, AOC 9 Group, the C-in-C Coastal Command, and Mr Chadwick, the Lancaster designer.  All aircraft which were diverted return to base.    

19.10.42 No flying today.

20.10.42                  Formation flying.

21.10.42 9 aircraft for ops – cancelled due to bad weather.

22.10.42 11 aircraft for ops.  At 1400 hours trials were carried out by a Manchester aircraft on Arrester Gear – the performance appeared satisfactory.  The AOC 5 Group and many Station Commanders and Squadron Commanders were present.  Ops against Genoa, Italy – 1 aircraft failed to take off and two abandoned mission owing to failures and engine trouble.  The remaining 8 aircraft reached and successfully bombed the target.  The raid was very successful.  Bright moonlight over target and visibility good.  Little opposition.  All aircraft were diverted – weather bad over base.  W4278 overshot the aerodrome at North Luffenham due to bad visibility and little petrol to spare.  All crew uninjured, aircraft badly damaged

22/23 October 1942 Genoa – Bomb Load 2 x 1000lb 1 x 4000lb 6 SBC

W4278T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.V.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Midleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L C.A.Patten, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 1713  Down 0500.  Bombed primary target from 10,000’.  Visibility excellent, bright moonlight.  Target was visually pin-pointed by light of flares.  Bombs seen to burst in town area.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt Cuelenaere (2nd Pilot), P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgts R.P.Irons, J.Bnebow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 1716  Down 0220.  Primary target bombed visually from 10,000’.  9/10ths cloud over target.  Attack appeared to be well concentrated.  Good fires burning and were visible 100 miles away.
W4175U  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts F.Spurr, J.Griffiths, W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1717  Down 0225.  Genoa bombed from 9’000’ by visual fix.  Incendiaires seen to fall in point of aim.  1/10th cloud over target, visibility good.
L7576N  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, F/Sgt Long, Sgts H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1722 Down 2304.  Mission abandoned owing to failure of port outer engine.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1719  Down 0230.  Primary target bombed in bright moonlight.  A run was made from the jetty and bombs were seen to fall a little to starboard of aiming point.  A lot of fires visible from the Alps.  Some excellent Pathfinder flares.
R5607X  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgts M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, F/Sgt J.Robertson, Sgt C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, Sgt R.Johnson.  Up 1725  Down 0045.  Genoa bombed visually from 14,000’.  Bombs released on fires already burning in town area.  Visibility good.
R5572F  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt B.Cook, F/Sgt W.C.Isted, Sgts E.Merralls (shown as C.Merralls blvd in error), F.E.Mitchell, J.R.Burke.  Up 1724  Down 0300.  Primary objective bombed from 11,000’.  Target visually identified in bright moonlight.  Bombs dropped on fires already burning in town.
R5609S  F/O C.D.Keir, P/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1720  Down 1840.  Mission abandoned owing to W/T failure.
R5538H  F/Sgt V.R.Long, Sgts J.Waite, H.L.Roberts, W.G.Chapman, L.Morton, E.Mackay, R.Hayward.  Up 1727  Down 0240.  Genoa identified by docks and harbour.  Roads in vicinity of aiming point clearly seen and bomb seen to explode in area near aiming point.  Good fires were seen in target area.
R5512C  P/O J.McCarthy, Sgt Radcliffe, F/Sgt Baryford, Sgts Westwell, Eaton, Batson, Muskett.  Up 1740  Down 0215.  Genoa bombed visually in bright moonlight from 16,500’.  Bombs dropped on large fire in vicinity of aiming point.  Jetty protruding on west of docks was well alight.

23.10.42   Aircraft returning to base, no other flying.

24.10.42   7 aircraft to attack Milan in daylight.  S/L Coton was late in taking off owing to aircraft not being reday and failed to catch up with formation.  Aircraft returned to base early after reaching French coast.  Remaining aircraft except for F/O Keir successfully reached and bombed target.  Weather was good on route but cloudy over target.

24 October 1942 Daylight - Milan

R5538H  S/L E.Coton, Sgt A.V.Airy (2nd Pilot), F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L C.A.Patten, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  Up 1242  Down 1530.  Returned early after a late take-off, unable to catch up formation.
R5512C  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts F.Spurr, M.Griffiths, W.Mather, F/Sgt J.Goldie.  Up 1218  Down 2215.  12 SBC.  Milan bombed from 4,500’.  Descended through cloud to 4,500’ and definitely identified marshalling yard.  Fires seen about 2 miles from aiming point.  After bombing dived below cloud again to assess damage. 
W4175U  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, N.E.Linnett, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1219  down 2106.  12 SBC.  Primary target believed bombed from 8,500’.  8/10ths cloud at 5,000’.  Ran in along canal west of Milan.  Built up area definitely seen through gap in clouds.
R5559W  F/L E.A.Deverill, Sgt Webster, P/O E.R.Butler, F/Sgt C.A.Jones, Sgts R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, F/Sgt H.W.Keane.  Up 1220  Down 2126.  4 x 1000lb RD 2 SBC.  Primary objective believed bombed.  Bombed on ETA, large built up area seen through gap in cloud and imed at buildings, believed factory.  9/10ths cloud at 3 –4 ,000’.
R5607X  F/S C.Smith, Sgts M.P.Stewart (2nd Pilot), J.Trowsdale, Johnson, C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, P/O W.B.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1222  Down 2223. 1 x 4000lb.  Primary objective bombed from 8,000’.  Marshalling yard identified to north of aiming point.  One fighter seen after leaving target, but no attack made.  Several fires observed in target area.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts Cuelenaere (2nd Pilot), E.Langworthy, R.Blackler, F/Sgt R.S.Turner, Sgts J.G.Liney, C.A.Farrimond.  Up 1221  Down 2144.  4 x 1000lb 2 SBC.  Milan bombed in primary target area.  Railways and built up area seen on ETA.  On leaving target smoke could be seen coming up through cloud.
R5548A  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, P/O H.L.Creeth, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts E.Merralls, F.E.Mitchell, J.R.Burke.  Up 1224  Down 2200  14 SBC.  Milan bombed from 6,000’ through gaps in cloud.  Built up area seen in sights.  No AA encountered.  Incendiaries seen burning and HE’s seen to burst.

25 & 26.10.42                Training  

27.10.42 Sgt Cuelenaere detailed for mining op in “Silverthorn” area.  Visibility hazy, area not located.  Mines brought back to base.

             

 

27/28 October 1942 Gardening in “Silverthorn” Area – Load 4 mines

L7574N  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.H.Dean, K.J.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  Up 1726  Down 0132.  Visibility hazy, very dark.  Set course for Annolt Island from Swedish coast, but in spite of square search, unable to identify.  Vegs brought back.

28.10.42 9 aircraft for ops – cancelled due to weather.

 

29 & 30.10.42                Ops cancelled due to weather.

31.10.42 8 aircraft detailed for ops and two aircraft for night cross countrys.  Ops cancelled.  One of the night exercise aircraft, W4239, crashed just outside the aerodrome for reasons unknown.  The navigator, Sgt Matthams (Aus) and the air bomber, Sgt Francis were both badly injured and died shortly after in  Sick Quarters, Coningsby.  Sgt McLeod (pilot) is on the SI list and Sgts Starkie and Dykes are injured at Rauceby.  Sgt Guy (W/Op) escaped with minor cuts.  The aircraft was completely broken up.

1-5.11.42 No flying and various ops cancelled. 

6.11.42 9 aircraft for ops and 2 aircraft on night cross countries.  Night cross countries were cancelled.  Four aircraft did not take off owing to two aircraft getting bogged down and holding up the other two aircraft.  Five aircraft took off to attack Genoa and successfully bombed the target or target area.  Weather was good and target easily identified.  One aircraft landed at Exeter, returning to base later.

   6/7 November 1942  Genoa – Bomb Load 10 SBC

R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, P/O R.A.Mayle, F/O P.M.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.Ballantyne, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.
Up 2129  Down 0626.  Whole target and dock area well illuminated.  Bombs seen to fall on town.  Glow from fires still visible when returning over Alps.  Weather was perfect over whole trip until enemy coast crossed on return.
R5512C  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt W.Ratcliffe, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  Up 2139  Down 0659.  Town and docks clearly visible.  Bombs not seen to burst.  Incendiaries sene butsting in town to east of dock area.  Port engine became u/s roughly 600 miles from home on return journey.
R5569B  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt B.Cook, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts E.Merralls, F.E.Mitchell (not visible in ORB but assumed), J.R.Burke.  Up 2148  Down 0730.  Primary objective bombed from 6,000’.  Bursts not seen.  Area of approximately one square mile appeared to be covered with incendiaries.  Only one good fire burning.
R5917K  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, P/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 2142  Down 0625.  Over Genoa at 13,000’.  Visibility excellent.  Target in sights when bombs released.  Good fires seen in target area.  A very satisfactory trip.
R5896Y  Sgts M.R.Cuelenare, J.Dean, K.J.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  Up 2204  Down 0726.  Port of Genoa clearly visible at 10,000’.  Target in sights when incendiaries released and seen to ignite.  Several large and small fires seen to spread over area.  Flak was shot up at aircraft at French coast.  

7.11.42 6 aircraft for ops – Genoa.  One aircraft did not take off owing to damaged rudder, another had engine trouble over the aerodrome and returned.  Three aircraft successfully attacked the target, F/Sgt Crouch abandoned mission – port outer engine having caught fire.  Weather good and target easily identified.

  

7/8 November 1942 Genoa

W4175U  S/L E.Coton, Sgt E.Sutton, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, J.G.Hebdon, G.F.McMahon.  Bomb load 2 x 1000lb 6 SBC.  Up 1728  Down 0205.  Primary objective bombed from 8,000’.  Rear Gunner saw bombs burst in town.  Hundreds of incendiaries seen burning.  AA fire was fierce but much reduced when first flares were dropped.  Excellent trip. 
R5889V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  10 SBC.  Up 1730  Down 0238.  Docks clearly seen.  Many fires in target area.  Photographic failure but film shows mass of fires in one corner and other fire tracks.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, J.G.Liney, P.J.Davey.  10 SBC.  Up 1731  Down 0227.  Primary objective bombed from 8,500’.  Bursts seen in docks and marshalling yards area.  Many other bursts and fires seen.  Flares were very helpful.  Opposition ceased as we went into target.
R5490M  F/Sgt F.N.Crouch, Sgt M.P.Stewart, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgts R.R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, O’Donaghue.  Bomb load 10 SBC.  Up 1738  Down 0003.  Port outer engine caught fire when about 20 miles from Geneva.  I decided to use fire extinguisher and return to base.  Height was being lost rapidly over high ground, so decided to jettison load in open country.
R5896Y  F/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, Sgt F.Spurr, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett. 2 x 1000lb 6 SBC.  Up 1740  Down 1820.  Mission abandoned over aerodrome.  Port outer engine failure.

8.11.42 3 aircraft for mining ops.  Two aircraft successfully laid mines in Deodars area and one aircraft failed to pin-point position owing to haze.

8/9 November 1942 Gardening – “Deodars” Area – Load 5 mines

R5917K  S/L B.R.Hallows, F/O R.A.Moyle (2nd Pilot), F/O P.M.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.Ballantyne, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  Up 1720  Down 2326.  Veg successfully planted in correct position.  Weather excellent.  Route over French peninsula is becoming rather dangerous.  One aircraft shot down after being caught in cone of light flak over Vennes area.  No activity in garden area except from ship 2 miles from coast which Rear Gunner silenced.
R5569B  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt Johnson (F/Eng), F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  Up 1723  Down 2352.  Veg dropped but unable to pin-point owing to haze.  Parachutes seen to open.
R5559W  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/Sgt D.Robertson, Sgt T.S.Cumming, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.H.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1726  Down 0002.  Clear visibility.  Veg successfully planted, parachutes seen to open.  Pin-pointed Cordonan.  Mission carried out successfully out.

9.11.42 6 aircraft took off to raid an aiming point at Hamburg.  F/O Keir abandoned mission owing to the artificial horizon being u/s and jettisoned bombs in the sea.  The remaining five aircraft successfully completed the mission but due to 10/10ths cloud bombing was on ETA and results unobserved.

 

9/10 November 1942 Hamburg

R5559W  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean(F/Eng), K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.P.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1806  Down 2346.  Cloud at 15,000’, nothing seen.  Endeavoured to break cloud by descending to 11,000’, but did not succeed.  Bombs released from 17,000’.  Large amount of heavy flak encountered over target area.
R5569B  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt K.P.Mercer (F/Eng), P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts C.H.Shepherd, H.H.Jenkins, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1809  Down 1915.  On becoming airborne found artificial  horizon to be u/s so flew out from Skegness and jettisoned bombs in sea before making immediate return.
R5917K  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman (F/Eng), G.I.Williams, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgts F.J.Jones, A.Channon, P/O T.Trilsbeck.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1811  Down 2337.  Estimated position of alternative target bombed from 12,000’.  Impossible to obtain pin-point owing to cloud.  Nothing seen.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), B.Langworthy, McIntyre, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1813  Down 2322.  Bombed estimated position of target due to cloud.  Large red glare seen through cloud.  Port outer engine became u/s 40 miles from English coast – completed trip on three engines.
W4175U  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan (F/Eng), J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, P.J.Davey, J.G.Liney.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1824  Down 2337.  Estimated position of target bombed owing to cloud.  Nothing seen except gun flashes through cloud.
R5607X  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, Johnson, C.Mayland, C.Robinson, D.F.Suckling.  Bomb load 1 x 8000lb.  Up 1839  Down 2330.  Bombed estimated position of target.  Cloud at 10,000’.  White glare seen through cloud.

10.11.42 Three aircraft for mining in Deodars area.  10/10ths cloud over area whixh affected result of op.  F/O Keir landed at Tangmere.

10/11 November 1942 Gardening _ “Deodars” Area – 5 mines

R5917K  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt Pearce, F/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1753  Down 0153.  Cloud in Deodars area.  Veg laid in position.  One veg exploded on hitting water.
W4175U  F/S J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan (F/Eng), J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, P.J.Davey, J.G.Liney.  Up 1737  Down 0130.  Veg planted in position in Deodars area.
R5889V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary (F/Eng), P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1809  Down 0200.  Cloud in Deodars area.  Veg laid in position.  No results seen.

11/12.11.42                No flying – weather unfit.

13.11.42 Two day cross countries carried out.  5 aircraft detailed for ops – Genoa.  Three aircraft in night flying Bullseye exercise.  One of these on the exercise, Lancaster R5569, Sgt Mercer (Can) and crew crashed near Scampton aerodrome.  The aircraft was diverted to Sacmpton owing to bad visibility at base.  It has been reported that the aircraft was landing and apparently overshooting, the captain tried to go round again but was seen to crash and burst into flames about a mile from the aerodrome.  All were killed except Sgt Collings, who died from injuries the following day at Bracebridge Hospital.  Of the ops, four aircraft successfully attacked Genoa in good weather.  One aircraft, S/L Coton DFC, obtained a good photo of the aiming point.  The fifth aircraft, P/O McMarthy, was attacked by a Ju88 – took violent evasive action – lost enemy aircraft but port outer engine overheated and caught fire, causing abandonement of mission and jettisoned bombs in sea.  All aircraft diverted to various aerodromes.

 

13/14 November 1942 Genoa

R5497Z  S/L E.Coton, Sgt E.Sutton, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, J.Benbow, G.F.McMahon.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 2 SBC.  Some haze over Genoa but no cloud.  Target identified visually, bombs dropped on target.  Large and scattered fires seen burning in town and dock area.
R5552I  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, Johnson, C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, D.F.Suckling.  Bomb load 2 x 1000lb 7 SBC.  Up 1832  Down 0500.  Visibility good with target in sights.  Bombs seen to fall in target area.  Slight trouble with undercarriage on landing.
R5889V  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay (F/Eng), B.W.Langworthy, S.F.Mattoon, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell.  Bomb load 2 x 1000lb 7 SBC.  Up 1819  Down 0347.  Bombs dropped on target area but no results seen.  Weather good over target.  Port engine failed.
R5512C  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt Radcliffe (F/Eng), F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  Bomb load 11 SBC.  Up 1829  Down 0425.  Mission abandoned.  Attacked by Ju88 at 2122 hours at Loule Le Saulndere at 17,000’.  Took violent evasive action and lost enemy aircraft in three minutes.  Shortly afterwards port engine caught fire.  Bombs jettisoned.
R5490M  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman (F/Eng), G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, P/O T.Trilsbeck.  Bomb load 11 SBC.  Up 1833  Down 0312.  Visibility moderate at target.  Bombs seen to burst in target area.

14.11.42 No flying – P/O McCarthy and crew returned by road.

15.11.42 Diverted aircraft returned today.  Two aircraft detailed to attack Genoa – op successfully carried out.  F/O Keir completed first tour.  Both aircraft diverted to Waddington.

 

15/16 November 1942 Genoa – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 3 SBC

R5548A  F/O C.D.Keir, Sgt S.Colbert, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts H.H.Jenkins, C.H.Shepherd, K.C.Saw, E.Wharton.  Up 1757  Down 0240.  Good moonlight visibility.  Built up area clearly seen illuminated by flares.  Bursts seen over target.  Two very large fires seen burning in southern part of town, east of Genoa bay.
R5559W  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgt B.A.Hayes (F/Eng), F/Sgt D.Robertson, Sgt T.S.Cummings, L.E.Thompson, R.S.Donald, C.C.Trudell.  Up 1801  Down 0258.  Good visibility.  Identified town and Genoa bay.  Bombs seen to burst slightly north of aiming point.  Two large fires seen in area east of harbour.  Trip carried out without difficulty.  Aircraft landed on 3 engines.

16.11.42 Two aircraft Bullseye exercise.  No other flying.

17.11.42 Bombing, overshoots and TR 1335 training.  6 aircraft for mining operations and two aircraft for night cross countries.  One aircraft, Sgt Rowson, did not take off – aircraft u/s.  The rest were diverted to various aerodromes.  Three aircraft completed tasks, remaining two aircraft returned early due to technical troubles. 

17/18 November 1942 Gardening in “Privet” and “Pollock” areas – 3 mines

R5548A  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt W.Radcliffe, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  Up 1740  Down 0028.  Veg did not reach “Privet” garden.  Aircraft lost – compass u/s.  Sortie not completed.
R5490M  Sgts P.H.Anderson, R.G.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, P/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1741  Down 0334.  Veg dropped in “Privet” garden.  Nothing eventful to report.  Landed at Leconfield.
R5889V  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, R.P.Irons, J.Hebdon, J.G.Liney.  Up 1737  Down 2211.  Did not reach privet area owing to generator trouble.  Veg jettisoned safe.  Landed at Topcliffe.  Sortie not completed.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Lamgworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mithcell.  Up 1739  Down 0156.  Veg dropped in Pollock area.  Cloud very broken.  Uneventul trip.  Landed at Leconfield.
W4355T  P/O S.L.McBurney, Sgts J.Izatt (F/Eng), L.Thorneycroft, A.J.Smith, W.H.Kelleher, Bull, Darrock(?).  Up 1734  Down 0156.  Veg planted in Pollock area.  Nothing to report.  Landed at Leconfield.

18.11.42 No flying – weather unfit.

20.11.42 7 aircraft to attack Fiat works at Turin – 2 aircraft did not take off, being u/s.  Two aircraft returned early after jettisoning bombs, the former owing to engine trouble and the latter to the rear turret being u/s.  The remaining three aircraft successfully carried out the task.

20/21 November 1942 Turin

R5572F  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt Horsham (F/Eng), F/L P.M.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, P/O P.Ballantyne, Sgts W.Broomfield, T.Goacher.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1818  Down 1926.  Engine trouble.  Starboard outer engine seized.  1 x 4000lb jettisoned in sea off Skegness.  Dropped safe and exploded on hitting sea.
R5607X  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, MacIntyre, C.Mayland, F/Sgt C.Robinson, D.F.Suckling.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1829  Down 0255.  Haze covered target and therefore not definitely in bomb sight.  Bomb bursts seen in position of target area.  Numerous fires seen burning.  One enemy fighter seen on outward journey but no attack made.
R5575L  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer (F/Eng), F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts L.A.Ketley, F.J.Jordan, F.B.Martin, H.R.Page.  1 x 4000lb 5 SBC.  Up 1830  Down 0303.  Primary target (Fiat works) bombed.  Target identified by river, fires and ETA.  No result of own bombing seen.  Large fires seen by side of target giving off thick black smoke.  Flak around target very inaccurate.
R5497Z  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.E.Manvell (F/Eng), F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt W.C.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  1 x 4000lb 5 SBC.  Up 1833 Down 2050.  Sortie not completed.  Rear turret u/s and port inner oil temperature 100 degrees.  Bomb load jettisoned safe.
R5889T  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean (F/Eng), K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  1 x 4000lb 5 SBC.  Up 1835  Down 0211.  Primary objective bombed.  Large rectangular building with stick of incendiaries burning over it positively identified as target.  Bursts seen bur no other results.  Fires too numerous to count.

21.11.42 No flying – weather

22.11.42 6 aircraft detailed for Stuttgart and 2 aircraft for mining – the latter being cancelled.  Five aircraft successfully completed the task and one returned early owing to rear turret being u/s.  Identification was difficult owing to haze and a thin layer of cloud which obscured the ground.

 

22/23 November 1942 Stuttgart

R5548A  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw (F/Eng), F/Sgt B.Cook, F/Sgt C.Donahue, E.Merralls, W.Townley, J.R.Burke.  1 x 4000lb 9 SBC.  Up 1836  Down 0301.  Primary target bombed.  Some cloud obscured ground detail.  On fourth run in fires were seen.  We bombed fires – own bombs seen to burst in middle of fires.  6 good fires seen.  Some light flak encountered.
R5552P  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt W.Radcliffe, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  2 x 1000lb  10 SBC.  Up 1844 Down 0213.  Town of Stuttgart in bomb sight.  Aerodrome just west of town seen by flares.  Many bombs seen to burst but not our own.  Large fires seen in western part of town.
W4355T  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgt B.A.Hayes, F/Sgt D.Robertson, Sgt T.S.Cummings, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  14 SBC.  Up 1841  Down 0231.  Town and railway yard seen by flares.  Own incendiaries seen to fall in town.  Whole town seemed to be getting incendiaries.  Scattered fires seen burning.
R5889V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt C.Neary (F/Eng), P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  14 SBC.  Up 1839  Down 0225.  Visibility good over target but some industrial haze.  Primary objective bombed.  Incendiaries seen to burst in town.  Numerous fires seen in target area.  No night fighters encountered.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell.  14 SBC.  Up 1846  Down 2204.  Returned early.  Rear turret u/s and oil leak.  Jettisoned load in sea but some bombs hung up.  Short trip, uneventful except for aircraft trouble.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, J.Hebdon, J.G.Liney.  14 SBC.  Up 1846  Down 0220.  Thin cloud obscured ground detail.  Target area seen by flares.  No results from our bombs seen.  Fires seen in target area.  Uneventful trip.  Landed at Topcliffe. 

23.11.42 2 aircraft for mining ops – op successfully carried out and aircraft diverted to Chivenor owing to bad weather at base.

23/24 November 1942 Gardening in “Deodars” area – 5 mines

R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh(F/Eng), W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  Up 1707  Down 0034.  Veg planted in primary target.  Veg seen to enter sea.  Light flak encountered.
R5917K  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, L.Clark, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.H.Daniels, M.O’Donaghue.  Up 1705  Down 0057.  Veg successfully planted in Deodars area.  Veg seen to enter sea – last one seen to explode.  Light flak encountered off Point de Grave.

24/25.11.42                No flying – weather unfit.

26.11.42 4 aircraft for mining – cancelled – weather.

27.11.42 12 aircraft for ops – cancelled just before take off owing to weather.

28.12.42 Night flying tests.  12 aircraft detailed for ops – Turin.  10 aircraft attacked the primary aiming point, one aircraft experienced engine trouble and landed at Downham Market, the remaining aircraft developed engine trouble, both aircraft jettisoned bombs.  Raid was successful and weather clear over target, many bombs seen to burst.

 

28/29 November 1942 Turin

W4355T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt E.Sutton, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts M.H.Middleton, A.O.Stafford, F/L D.S.Mims, Sgt G.F.McMahon.  13 SBC.  Up 1856  Down 0407.  Good visibility, slight ground haze.  Flares concentrated over south and west of town.  Bombs seen to burst.  Many fires seen burning.  One big fire at north end of Fiat works.
R7574N  P/O S.L.McBurney, Sgt J.Izatt, F/Sgt L.Thorneycroft, F/Sgt A.J.Smith, Sgts W.H.Kelleher, G.Bull, C.H.Elliott.  13 SBC.  Up 1859  Down 0321.  Primary target identified by loop in river and flares.  Incendiaries dropped in town and seen to burst.  Many fires seen burning.
R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt W.C.Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  13 SBC.  Up 1908  Down 0302.  Whole town well lit up by flares.  Primary objective bombed.  Many sticks of incendiaries dropping, unable to identify own stick.  One very large fire seen, many others starting.  Slight aircraft trouble.
R5497Z  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt W.L.Webster (F/Eng), P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, P/O A.P.Poole.  13 SBC.  Up 1903  Down 0315.  Primary target bombed.  Many bomb bursts seen.  Many fires seen in target area.  Glow could be seen from the Alps on the way in and way out.
R5609S  F/Sgt F.C.Kruger, Sgts B.A.Hayes, D.Robertson, T.S.Cummings, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgts L.E.Thompson, C.C.Trudell.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1905  Down 0346.  Haze and smoke over target area.  Primary ibjective not positively identified.  Bombs seen to burst in built up area.  Fires seen burning.  Hit by flak on way in to target.
R5607X  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, S.F.Mattoon, C.Mayland, J.Benbow, D.F.Suckling.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1901  Down 0358.  Primary oibjective identified by bend in river.  Own bombs seen to burst on target.  Whole town seemed well alight with several large fires.  No fighters encountered, defences only moderate.
R5896Y  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  13 SBC.  Up 1907  Down 0255.  Primary objective bombed.  Incendiaries seen to burst in built up area.  Fires seen burning in target area from a distance of 90 miles.
R5512C  P/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgt W.Radcliffe, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts A.Westwell, L.Eaton, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  13 SBC.  Up 1853  Down 2351.  No attack.  Port outer engine overheated and pressure falling rapidly.  Forced to abandon mission.  Jettisoned incendiaries.
R5572F  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, L.Clark, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1841  Down 0306.  Target not bombed.  Port outer engine developed violent vibration for few minutes and then packed in.  One 4000lb bomb jettisoned safe.
R5548A  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts L.A.Ketley, F.J.Jordan, F.B.Martin, H.R.Page.  13 SBC.  Up 1844 Down 0326.  Built up target area located by river bend.  Many bursts seen.  Many fires in target area visible from Alps coming in and journey out.
R5538H  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, P/O T.Trilsbeck.  13 SBC.  Up 1854  Down 0332.  Primary target bombed.  Built up area located by fires and flares.  Other bomb bursts seen.  Glow of fires seen from a distance of 80 miles.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt B.Cook, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts W.F.Guy, W.Townley, J.R.Burke.  13 SBC.  Up 1857  Down 0327.  Primary objective bombed.  Flares and fires illuminated whole of target area.  Incendiaries seen to fall in built up area.  At least a dozen good fires burning.  Some incendiaries hung up and were brought back.

29.11.42 2 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

30.12.42 aircraft for mining ops – cancelled – weather unfit.

 

Total operational hours for Nov 42 – 439.40

Total non-oiperational hours – 133.30.

1-3.12.42 Various ops cancelled due to weather.

4.12.42 6 aircraft detailed for mining ops in “Spinach” and “Privet” areas, only 1 aircraft succeeded in planting in “Spinach” area – owing to adverse weather conditions.  2 aircraft planted in the alternative “Pollock” area.  Of the remaining aircraft, 2 jettisoned and 1 aircraft brought mines back to base, being unable to locate allotted areas.

 

4/5 December 1942 Gardening _ “Privet” and “Spinach” areas – 3 mines

L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgt F.E.Mitchell.  Up 1634  Down 0337.  Visibility almost nil with rain and snow.  Veg planted successfully in Spinach area, 2 parachutes seen to open.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, J.Hebden, J.G.Liney.  Up 1637  Down 1957.  Mission abandoned owing to very bad weather.  Veg jettisoned safe.
R5889V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt Webster, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1637  Down 0205.  Weather extremely bad over whole trip.  Primary Spinach garden very dark and nothing visible from 500’.  Veg were therefore planted in secondary (Pollock) garden where weather was slightly better.
R5896Y  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, S.Trowsdale, M.H.Middleton, R.P.Irons, J.Benbow, D.F.Suckling. (No times shown).  Area not located.  No visibility.  Veg jettisoned safe.  Landed at Docking owing to fuel shortage.
R5512C   F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgts R.Batson, R.Muskett.  Up 1632  Down 0157.  Veg planted successfully in alternative area.  Weather very bad throughout whole trip.
R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts W.F.Guy, J.Freedman, J.R.Burke.  Up 1639  Down 0323.  Unable to find primary or secondary area owing to filthy weather.  Veg brought back to base.  Landed safely minus a tail wheel.

5.12.42 6 aircraft for ops – cancelled due to weather.

6.2.42 7 aircraft for raid – Mannheim.  Owing to adverse weather encountered, bombing on visual identification of target was only made by one aircraft.  Four aircraft bombed estimated position of Mannheim by PFF flares and navigational aids.  2 aircraft abandoned mission owing to oxygen failure and the other receiving a recall signal in error.

6/7 December 1942 Mannheim

 

W4355T  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell.  14 SBC.  Up 1747  Down 2339.  Mannheim located by loop in river – bombs released through gap in cloud on major road in built up area.  Aiming point not identified.  Bombs not seen to burst owing to cloud.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgt W.C.Morgan, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgts R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1737  Down 0006.  Cloud obscured target area, position of Mannheim estimated.  Fires appeared to be burning beneath cloud.  No other ground details observed.  ETA corresponded with actual time over target.
R5896Y  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  14 SBC.  Up 1736  Down 0032.  Estimated position of target with “G” fix.  Glow of fires seen through cloud over target area.
R5548A  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1736  Down 0040.  Cloud over Mannheim area.  Bombed area where flares were burning.  Terrific flash followed dropping of bombs.  Red glow seen through gap in cloud.
R5512C  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts W.F.Guy, J.Freedman, F/Sgt Burton.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1741  Down 2003.  Returned to base on receipt of signal from 5 Group “Jettison bombs and return to base”.  These instructions were carried out.  Bombs jettisoned safe at 1921 hours.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, Henderson.  14 SBC.  Up 1744  Down 1930.  Mid upper gunner’s oxygen supply u/s.  Returned to base on instructions from ground.  Jettisoned bombs safe.
R5538H  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgts R.Batson, R.Muskett.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1746  Down 2313.  Whole target area covered by cloud.  Estimated position Mannheim.  Bombs released over estimated position of target area but not seen to burst.  Nothing of interest observed. 

7.12.42 Two aircraft to lay mines in “Furze” area.  Both aircraft successfully completed task after a flight of nearly ten hours.  Lancaster W4356, Captain Sgt Johnson reported to have crashed at Kirkbridge near Carlisle.  None of the crew were injured.  Crash was apparently caused by two starboard engines cutting and when attempting to land port engine cut.  Engineers report not yet to hand.

7/8 December 1942 Gardening in “Furze” area – 3 mines

R5512C  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, F/Sgt C.Donahue, Sgts W.F.Guy, J.Freedman, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 1653  Down 0215.  Primary Furze area located in good visibility.  Veg successfully planted, parachutes seen to open.  Successful and uneventful op.
W4355T  F/Sgt C.Smith, Sgts F.Sandiford, J.Trowsdale, Johnson, R.P.Irons, F/Sgt J.Benbow, F/Sgt D.F.Suckling.  Up 1705  Down 0237.  Veg successfully planted in Furze area.  Paracgutes seen to open.  A very nice and uneventful trip.

8.12.42 10 aircraft operated against Turin.  Many fires seen in town aiming point.  One particularly large fire in south of town.  Target area well lit by incendiaries.  All aircraft except one, which was diverted to Linton, returned safely to base.  Weather mainly no cloud, slight haze. 

 

8/9 December 1942 Turin

R5572F  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1726  Down 0153.  Primary objective located in good visibility by bend in river.  Target seen in bomb sight – own bursts seen.  Many fires and three large explosions seen close together.  Defences were negligible.
R5614G  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clarke, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue. 1 x 8000lb.  Up 1745  Down 0130.  Target successfully bombed.  Area around Aiming Point burning well.  Own bomb bursts seen.
W4355T  S/L E.Coton, Sgt E.Sutton, F/L R.A.Boddington, Sgt M.H.Middleton, F/Sgt E.Burton, F/L D.S.Mims, Sgt G.F.McMahon. (no bomb load shown).  Up 1856  Down 0407.  Primary objective bombed in good visibility.  Little ground haze.  Flares lit up target area.  Own bombs seen to burst.  South of town burning well and one very large fire seen in the northern end of the Fiat works.
R5552P  P/O F.M.Falls, Sgt R.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt Jones, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.Mather, P/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  14 SBC.  Up 1908  Down 0302.  Target easily located.  Whole area well lit up by flares.  Bags of built up area seen.  Bombs believed slightly south of aiming point.  Many sticks of incendiaries dropping – unable to identify own.  One particularly large fire seen.
R5889V  P/O G.W.Lancey, Sgt Webster, P/O M.R.H.Smith, Sgts B.L.May, H.C.Rouse, P.H.Edwards, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  14 SBC.  Up 1735  Down 0210.  Primary objective observed by flares and loop in river.  Own bombs seen to burst.  Many fires seen in town, one particularly large in south.  Smoke from fires becoming thicker.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt J.Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney.  14 SBC.  Up 1739  Down 0140.  Target successfully bombed.  Flares lit up centre of target area.  Own SBCs not seen to burst – too many others.  Fires appeared mainly in centre of town.  Light and ineffective flak encountered.
R5896X  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  14 SBC.  Up 1747  Down 0215.  Slight smoke haze over target area.  Built up area identified by flares.  Own incendiaries seen to ignite in town.  Many fires and one very large explosion seen.
R5548A  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, Sgts Ramsden, R.Batson, R.Muskett.  1 x 4000lb  8 SBC.  Up 1741  Down 0134.  Primary objective bombed.  Visibility hazy.  Own bursts not observed.  Many fires seen and many incendiaries seen burning in town.  One large flash, believed 8000lb bomb, seen to burst in built up area.
R5738D  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Ball, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 1752  Down 0113.  Bombs successfully dropped on Turin town.  Own bursts not seen.  Blazing buildings and many large fires seen in centre of town.  Slight flak encountered.
R5538H  Sgts S.Colbert, T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 1749  Down 0221.  Primary objective bombed through groundhaze and smoke.  Own bursts not seen.  Many large fires concentrated round aiming point.

9.12.42 9 aircraft to attack Turin – 2 aircraft abandoned mission owing to failures.  Remaining aircraft bombed target or target area, smoke and haze hindering pin-pointing and results of bombing.

 

9/10 December 1942 Turin

 

R5607X  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.A.Devine, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1754  Down 0119.  Primary objective reached.  Flares covered smoky area.  Identified built up area by flares.  Own bomb bursts enn and felt.  Whole town well alight – whole blocks appeared to be blazing.  Glow could be seen from Alps.
R5889V  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clarke, R.Rae, O.B.Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1752  Down 0213.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Much smoke and haze over whole town.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Three very large fires burning in centre of town.  Many smaller scattered fires.
R5572F  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.Manvell, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon (not actually shown but assumed to be MG), P/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1748  Down 0040.  Primary objective located by flares and lots of built up area.  Much smoke over target.  Own bursts seen in smoke covered area.  Many fires just starting to get going.
W4355T  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  14 SBC.  Up 1736  Down 0132.  Turin successfully bombed.  Target located by flares and loop in river.  Own bomb bursts seen.  About 20 fires seen just starting.  Sprays of light flak encountered.
R5738D  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe.  14 SBC.  Up 1731  Down 1840.  Mission abandoned owing to artificial horizon being u/s.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
R5538H  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardosn, D.Dell, D.Wright, Henderosn.  14 SBC.  Up 1741  Down 0053.  Primary objective reached but smoke hindered identification.  Target area located by bend in river and flares.  Own bursts seen.  Many fires, rows of buildings seen blazing.
R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt J.Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 1753  Down 0100.  Target area identified by flares and bend in river.  Bombs seen to burst.  Many large fires seen burning.  Encountered a great deal of flak and our mid upper turret was hit.
R5548A  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, F/Sgt W.Brayford, F/S P.F.Edge, Sgts R.Batson, R.Muskett.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 1738  Down 2134.  Mission abandoned owing to haydraulics u/s.
R5575L  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, F/Sgt H.W.Bennett, Sgt M.H.Middleton, F/Sgt E.Burton, Sgt J.Freedman, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  1 x 4000lb 8 SBC.  Up 1750  Down 0123.  Haze and smoke over primary target.  Bombs aimed at built up area in west of town and seen to burst.  Many other incendiaries seen dropping.  Ground detail not observed. 

10.12.42 Stand down from ops

11.12.42 NFTs and ops detailed – cancelled.  All aircrews instructed to stand by for ops and confined to camp.  Cancelled before midnight – heavy rain.

12-13.12.42 Formation flying and fighter affiliation.  On 13th one of the fighter aircraft crashed near Coningsby and pilot killed.

14.12.42 Fighter affiliation and two aircraft for mining ops.  S/L Nind was recalled when about to take off.  P/O Eales was recalled after crossing the English coast.  Op called off due to weather.

15.12.42 Formation flying – 10 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

16.12.42 Formation flying and day cross country.  Night cross country bombing carried out.

17.12.42 6 aircraft detailed to carry out a nuisance raid on North-west Germany, having the town of Neustadt as the primary target.  Only 5 aircraft took off owing to the early start, the 6th aircraft was not bombed up in time.  One aircraft returned early after reaching Osnabruck owing to u/s hydraulic system.  2 aircraft bombed last resort targets, weather being bad.  2 aircraft are missing – F/Sgt Bunt and F/O McBurney and crews – no news having been received to date.

 

17/18 December 1942 Neustadt

R5497Z  F/Sgt J.E.Bunt, Sgts W.C.Morgan, J.S.Mack, R.S.Donald, C.A.Farrimond, F/Sgt J.Hebden, Sgt J.G.Liney.  2 x 1000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1708.  Aircraft and crew missing.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgt R.Kay, P/O R.B.G.Murphy, Sgts Blackler, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell, J.Freedman.  3 x 1000lb 11 SBC.  Up 1718  Down 2218.  Lingen town bombed as a last resort.  Target identified in good visibility by roads, railway and river.  Own bursts of incendiaries seen but not Hes.  Fires were just getting started when we circled after bombing.
R5548A  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, W/O H.W.Bennett, Sgt T.S.Cumming, F/Sgt P.F.Edge, Sgt W.F.Guy, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  2 x 1000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1700 Down 2107.  Bombs brought back to base from Osnabruck.  Forced to return early owing to hydraulic trouble.
R5738D  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  2 x 1000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1710  Down 2156.  Bombed last resort, believed Diepholm town owing to trouble with bomb doors which would not open at first attempt.  When bombs eventually released, incendiaries seen to straddle town and start fires.  Opposition nil.
ED333B  F/O S.L.McBurney, Sgt J.Izatt, F/Sgt L.E.Thorneycroft, Sgts S.F.Mattoon, W.H.Kelleher, G.Bull, C.C.Trudell.  3 x 1000lb  11 SBC.  Up 1722 – aircraft and crew missing. 

18.12.42 No flying – weather unfit.

19.12.42 Day practice bombing.

20.12.42 Local formation and bombing training, also day cross country.  9 aircraft detailed for ops against Duisburg.  6 aircarft successfully attacked town in weather conditions of good visibility and no cloud but slight ground haze.  Some good results were seen and several large fires were seen to start in the town.  2 aircraft abandoned task owing to technical troubles and the remaining aircraft, P/O Eales, failed to return.  No news has since been received.

20/21 December 1942 Duisburg

R5490M  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, W/O H.W.Bennett, Sgts T.S.Cumming, F.A.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1756  Down 2155.  Primary Duisburg identified by bends in river and bombed.  Bombs seen to burst and 12 good fires going.  Flares hindered visibility of aiming point.  Flak was moderate and accurate.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.F.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, J.P.Bowles. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1758  Down 2009.  Returned early owing to elevator trimming tabs being u/s.  12 SBC jettisoned safe, 1 x 4000lb brought back to base.
R5538H  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1804  Down 2209.  Primary target bombed in clear and good visibility.  Rhine and docks identified.  4000lb bomb seen to burst in built up area.  Several fires seen.  Opposition not up to Ruhr standard.
R5896Y  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1845  Down 2229.  Target identified by Rhine and docks.  Fairly heavy opposition encountered over target.  Many bursts and fires seen in dock area.  Returned home safely on three engines.
W4355T  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P.J.Thomas.  14 SBC.  Up 1817  Down 2220.  Primary target bombed.  Own bursts seen.  Several good fires starting, one very large – buildings seen in glow.  Some flak opposition.
R5548A  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffey, L.Clark, R.Rae, Ramsden, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue.  14 SBC.  Up 1806  Down 2203.  Primary objective reached in clear and good visibility.  Followed river and identified docks.  Own bombs seen to burst and several fires beginning to burn nicely.  Very successful trip.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, B.A.Hayes, F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts W.Prker, J.F.Jordan, Martin, H.R.Page.  14 SBC.  Up 1802  Down 2214.  Rand down river and identified docks in primary target area.  Visibility good.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Three very large fires and several smaller fires seen.
R5575L  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe.  14 SBC.  Up 1819  Down 2044.  Returned early owing to rear and mid upper turrets being u/s.  Also engine trouble.  Jettisoned incendiaries safe.
R5512C  P/O W.N.Eales, Sgts J.Donald, S.V.Deed, M.A.Harper, A.Mortimer, R.H.Bambury, G.Henderson.  14 SBC.  Up 1808 – aircraft and crew missing.

21.12.42 Fighter affiliation.  9 aircraft for ops against Munich.  8 aircraft claim to have attacked target in weather conditions of 10/10ths cloud at 4-5,000’ but with good visibility.  Most of the aircraft were forced to bomb through gaps in the cloud which greatly hampered the success of the raid.  Several fires were seen reflected through the cloud.  One aircraft abandoned task on account of intercom failure.  F/Sgt West was attacked by fighters and received much damage to his aircraft, also three of his crew received svere injuries during the attacks.  With great difficulty, together with his navigator, F/Sgt West managed to fly his aircraft to Bodney where he managed a crash landing without further injuires to any of the crew.

21/22 December 1942 Munich

R5572F  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.C.Brittain, G.Axup, H.C.Beebe.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1720  Down 0010.  Estimated primary objective bombed.  Thin cloud over target.  Fires and flares directed us to built up area.  Own bomb seen to burst through break in clouds.  Several fires seen reflected through cloud.
R5614G  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, L.Clark, R.Rae, F/Sgt Cross, Sgts R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1729  Down 0055.  Munich located by flares and glow of fires.  Pathfinder job very good.  Own bomb seen to explode.  No fighter opposition encountered.
R5548A  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt Horsham, F/L P.M.Cutting, Sgt D.B.King, F/O P.Ballantyne, F/Sgt W.Broomfield, F/Sgt T.Goacher.  13 SBC.  Up 1722  Down 2203.  Sortie not completed.  Forced to return early owing to intercom u/s, oxygen supply giving trouble and considered risk of entering fighter area too great.  13 SBC jettisoned safe.  Weather was not as forecast.
R5538H  Sgts P.M.Anderson, R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1728  Down 0058.  Primary Munich located, target not pinpointed owing to lack of downward visibility.  Bombed on ETA but bombs not seen to burst.  Glow of fires seen through cloud.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, F/Sgt R.Quinn, Sgts W.Parker, J.F.Jordan, Martin, H.R.Page.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1723  Down 0200.  Primary objective reached.  Cloud over target.  Bombed by ETA but no results seen.  Glow of fires seen through clouds.  Poor conditions – disappointing trip. 
R5796M  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts  W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, Johnson, Thompson, R.Batson, R.Muskett. 13 SBC.  Up 1725  Down 0050.  Primary target bombed.  Built up area located by flares and bombed, own incendiaries seen to ignite.  Starboard outer engine u/s.  Port inner also gave trouble.  Forced to land at Bottesford.  Terrible weather.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, Baker, Bowles.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1735  Down 0235.  Estimated primary Munich.  Cloud over target.  No results from own bombs seen.  Elevator trimming froze up and forced to land at North Coates.
R5559W  Sgts M.R.Cuelenaere, J.Dean, K.L.MacFarlane, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, H.Weeks.  13 SBC.  Up 1732  Down 0153.  Thin cloud over estimated primary target.  Pin-pointed Wormsee and bombed on time run from there.  Many good fires burning red counted through cloud.  One very large fire on south side of town.
L7574N  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, B.Langworthy, Blackler, J.G.Ball, F.E.Mitchell, P.H.Edwards.  13 SBC.  Up 1734  Down 0015.  Thin cloud, good visibility when we reached Munich.  Bombed with town in sights.  Own bombs not seen to burst but several large fires visible in built up area.  Aircraft damaged by flak and fighter.  Extent of damage not ascertained.  Crew worked well together after being shot up.  Three members of the crew injured. Landed at Watton. 

22.12.42 1 aircraft cross country.

23.12.42 8 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

24.12.42 Day cross country formation flying.

25-27.12.42 No flying – thick mist weather u/s.

28.12.42 NFTs.  9 aircraft for ops which were cancelled.  Two aircraft carried out Bullseye exercises.  The aircraft “A” for “Queenie” (autographed by Queen Elizabeth) was very badly damaged.  The aircraft was loaded with incendiaries and petrol ready for ops when the photoflash exploded killing A/C Taylor (Armourer) who was in the aircraft.  The fuselage from the wings to the tail was completely destroyed.  Altough other airmen were near the aircraft and one on the starboard wing, no one else was injured beyond the armourer.  This was due to the explosion blasting out to port.  The cause remains unknown but an investigation has been convened.

29&30.12.42 Bullseye & cross countries

 

31.12.42 6 aircraft for mining ops in “Deodars” area.  5 aircraft took off, one being cancelled owing to IFF failure.  2 aircraft abandoned task owing to technical trouble.  The remaining three aircraft successfully laid mines in poor visibility.

31 December 1942/ 1 January 1943 Gardening in “Deodars” Area – 4 mines

R5917K  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt Horsham, F/L P.M.Cutting, F.Sgt D.B.King, F/O P.Ballantyne, F/Sgt W.Broomfield, F/Sgt T.Goacher.  Up 2138  Down 0321.  Primary target “Deodars” reached.  Pin-pointed Pt de la Coubre and made time run from there.  Very dark, impossible to see whether over sea or land.  Cartridge illuminating was helpful.  Veg successfully planted in correct position.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin(?), Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 2133 Down 0406.  Veg planted successfully in Deodars area.  Cloud and very dark.  Pin-pointed Pt de la Coubre and made time run from there.  Successful trip.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  Up 2146  Down 2258.  W/T and R/T found to be u/s just after setting course, forced to return early.  Veg jettisoned safe.
ED430C  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, W/O H.W.Bennett, Sgts T.S.Cumming, F.A.Thompson, Sgt W.F.Guy, F/Sgt L.W.Humphrey.  Up 2136  Down 0343.  Veg successfully planted in Deodars area.  Pin-pointed at Pt de la Coubre and made time run from there.  Successful op.
ED323O  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, W.Langworthy, S/L D.S.Watt, Sgts J.G.Ball, J.Baker, J.Freedman.  Up 2140  Down 0101.  Two escape hatch covers blew off on take off.  No cover to camera hatch.  Returned early.  Veg brought back to base.

Total operational hours for December 1942 – 390.50 hours

Total non-operational hours – 254.15 hours.