Flight Operations 3

97 OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK JANUARY - JULY 1943

1.1.43 No flying – weather u/s.

2.1.43 6 aircraft detailed to mine “Deodars” area.  All aircraft successfully laid a total of 24 mines in the allotted position.  Navigation was excellent – a most successful operation despite poor weather conditions.

2/3 January 1943 – Gardening – “Deodars” Area – 4 mines

R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 1656  Down 0146.  Veg successfully planted in primary Deodars garden.  Very dark.  Pin-pointed Pt de la Coubre and made time run from there.
ED425E  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1659  Down 0116.  Report as above.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  Up 1702  Down 0203.  Report as above.
W4355T  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgt R.Kay, F/O R.B.G.Murphy, S/Lt W.H.Lett, Sgts J.G.Ball, J.Baker, J.Freedman.  Report as above.

3.1.43 Air test and Bullseye exercise for five aircraft.

4.1.43 NFTs.  8 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

5.1.43 8 aircraft for ops – later cancelled – weather u/s.

6.1.43 Night flying detailed – cancelled – weather u/s.  Snow and rain all day.

7.1.43 7 aircraft detailed for ops and two for night cross country bombing.  4 aircraft took off to attack Essen, 3 of which successfully reached and bombed the aiming point flares.  No results seen owing to 10/10ths cloud.  The other aircraft abandoned the mission owing to engine trouble.

7/8 January 1943 – Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 SBC

ED310A  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 0356  Down 0823.  Primary target Essen successfully bombed.  Cliud and nothing seen in spite of flares.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  Up 0339  Down 0948.  Essen located by flares.  Cloud over target.  Incendiaries seen burning through cloud after own bombs released.
W4355T  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, W.Langworthy, S/Lt D.S.Watt, M.Griffiths, J.Baker, J.Freedman.  Up 0341  Down 0818.  Primary objective reached with cloud over target. Timing was accurate but PFF were 4 minutes late causing  us to overshoot on first run.  Return run aided by flares but nothing seen after releasing bombs.  Heavy flak encountered.   
R5896Y  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, Trewsdale, J.H.Clay, Thompson, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 0331  Down 0523.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Aircraft very difficult to handle.  Bomb and incendiaries jettisoned safe.

8.1.43 Five Lancasters detailed to attack the town of Duisburg and three aircraft detailed for mining in “Pumpkin” area.  All five claimed to have attacked Duisburg.  The weather over the target was 10/10ths cloud.  All aircraft bombed on observing the marker flares but owing to the weather no results were observed.  Of the three mining aircraft, all dropped their mines successfully.  Sgt Rowson landed at Newmarket aerodrome and the undercarriage collapsed, wrecking the aircraft.  None of the crew was injured.  Night training also detailed.

8/9 January 1943 Duisburg – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1728  Down 2156.  Primary objective Duisburg located by flares.  Cloud over target.  Bursts of HC seen through clouds when own bombs released.  One half can of incendiaries hung up.  Some flak encountered causing holes in aircraft.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, Eaton, R.Muskett, R.Batson.  Up 1726  Down 2120.  Bombs released on primary target but no results seen.  PFF flares enabled us to locate target.  Much cloud.
ED310A  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.G.Brittain, G.Axup, O’Donahue.  Up 1724  Down 2207.  Target not identified visually.  PFF flares clearly seen over target area.  Some cloud but visibility generally good.  Own bombs not seen to explode.  Nothing else observed.  Poer undercarriage collapsed on landing.
R5490M  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, H.Kershaw, Clark, T.S.Cummings, F/O P.Ballantyne, Sgt W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1730  Down 2225.  Primary area reached.  Release point flares seen through cloud.  Bursts of own HC and incendiaries not observed.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 1736  Down 2216.  Cloud over primary target area.  Release point flares seen.  Own bomb bursts unobserved.  Bomb doors slightly damaged when 4000lb HC released.  One can of incendiaries hung up.  Landed at Tangmere.

8/9 January 1943 Gardening – “Pumpkin” area – 4 mines

ED323O  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, W.Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas.  Up 1827  Down 2346.  Primary Pumpkin area.  Veg planted in correct position.  Pin-pointed Rosnaes.  Rear gunner saw all four parachutes open and veg enter garden.

R5559W  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1748  Down 2312.  Primary garden reached.  Rosnaes port visually identified.  Veg dropped in correct position.  Satisfactory trip.
W4175U  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1753  Down 2335.  Dark visibility over primary Pumpkin area.  Pin-pointed Rosnaes Port through gap in cloud.  Veg planted correctly, one possibly exploded on contact with sea.

9.1.43 4 aircraft took off to attack Essen.  Three aircraft claimed to have bombed the target; one aircraft, F/Sgt Colbert and crew are missing.  Weather was fairly good but considerable haze.  One aircraft carried out a night cross country.  On landing across wind owing to only one runway being serviceable, the aircraft glided off the runway and ran into a pile of frozen snow damaging the tail unit.  Due to snow and frost only one runway has been serviceable for the past two days.

9/10 January 1943 Essen – Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED430C  S/L B.R.Hallows, Sgt W.S.Treacy (2ND pilot), F/L P.M.Cutting, F/Sgt D.B.King, F/O P.Ballantyne, F/Sgt W.Broomfield, F/Sgt T.Goacher.  Up 1703  Down 2038.  Primary objective Essen bombed.  Target located by marker flares.  Four sticks of incendiaries seen to start fires when own bombs were released.  Many fires seen, one large one observed from 60 miles away.
R5896Y  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts A.Robinson (2nd Pilot), G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1716  Down 2112.  Essen reached in good visibility with some ground haze.  Bombed by white flares but own bursts not observed.  Several small fires seen.  4 cans of SBC brought back, believed due to icing.
R5738D  F/Sgt S.Colbert, Sgts T.G.Husketh, W.S.Hignell, D.D.Richardson, D.Dell, D.Wright, T.P.Bowles.  Up 1707 – aircraft and crew missing.
W4355T  F/Sgt G.A.West, Sgts R.Kay, W.Langworthy, S/Lt D.S.Watt, Griffiths, J.Baker, J.Freedman.  Up 1725  Down 2200.  Some ground haze when primary objective reached.  Essen identified visually by River Rhine.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Small fires seen south of town.  A good deal of heavy flak encountered.

10.1.43 Stand down for ops but maximum training which was cancelled owing to bad weather.

11.1.43 6 aircraft detailed for ops and one on night cross country and bombing.  F/O Keir has been awarded the DFC and F/Sgt Crouch (Aus) the DFM.  5 aircraft took off for ops against Essen.  Two of the aircraft were abortive owing to engine trouble, the remaining three aircraft successfully reached and bombed on the marker flares.  No results seen owing to 10/10ths cloud.  All returned safely to base. 

11/12 January 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED430C  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt W.S.Treacy (2nd Pilot), W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1716  down 2115.  Marker flares observed over target area.  Bombs not seen to burst.  Heavy flak opposition encountered target.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 1729  Down 2017.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
W4175U  Sgts G.H.Rowson, Robinson, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.G.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe.  Up 1709  Down 1950.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
ED323O  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts W.K.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1725  Down 2210.  Primary objective Essen reached.  Some cloud.  Marker flares seen but not release point flares.  Own bursts not seen but other bursts observed through clouds.  One can of incendiaries hung up.
W4355T  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1721  down 2138.  Primary target bombed.  Bombs dropped by white flares.  Own bombs observed through clouds.  3 cans of incendiaries hung up.  Straightforward trip. 

12.1.43 6 aircraft detailed to attack Essen.  One aircraft returned early due to engine trouble.  The remaining five aircraft reached and successfully bombed the target or target area.  Results not seen owing to 8 – 10/10ths cloud and ground haze but marker flares were seen and bombed.

12/13 January 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4835H  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, P/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 0332  Down 0825.  Primary target Essen reached.  Bombed by release point flares but own bursts not observed.  Cloud obscured ground detail.  Uneventful trip.
ED430C  Sgts V.R.Stephens, H.Kershaw, Trowsdale, T.S.Cumming, L.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 0343  Down 0842.  Much cloud over primary target area.  Bombs released on estimated position but no results observed.  Nothing further seen.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, Brown, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 0345  Down 0817.  Target Essen reached but cloud obscured built up area.  Bombed between marker flares but no results observed.  No camera results – flash hang up.
R5575L  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.G.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe.  Up 0348  Down 0603.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
W4355T  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, W.Langworthy, J.H.Clay, Burr, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 0400  Down 0822.  Primary Essen target bombed.  Cloud over target area.  Bombed by marker flares but no results observed.
ED323O  P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 0410  Down 0837.  Primary target reached.  Much cloud.  Bombed by release point flares, no results seen.  Uneventful trip.

13.1.43 2 aircraft detailed for ops and 3 aircraft on night training.  Only one of the latter carried out the duty owing to the weather conditions.  Both the aircraft detailed to attack Essen successfully completed their sorties.  Weather  8 – 10/10ths cloud.  No results observed.  Both flights carried out fighter affiliation during the day.

13/14 January 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4355T  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1703  Down 2126.  Primary target reached.  Bombed by release point flares.  Some of own bombs seen to burst.  Glimpse of river seen through break in cloud, many fires observed.  Glow seen from 50 miles.  Defences not accurate.
ED430C  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgts P.J.Roberts, D.A.McLean, W/O H.C.Boyd, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1656  Down 2113.  Primary objective reached.  Some cloud.  Bombed by release point flares.  Nothing seen.  Uneventful trip.

14.1.43 4 Lancasters mined Deodars area in the allotted position.  Poor weather was encountered.  All aircraft were diverted on return.  Night training cancelled.

14/15 January 1943 Gardening _ “Deodars” Area – 4 mines

ED430C  Sgts A.Robinson, R.Harvey, C.P Bigg, A.E.Croome, J.West, P.G.Nickerson, R.W.Rea.  Up 1716  Down 0040.  Primary Deodars area successfully planted with veg.  Pin-pointed Pt de la Coubre and made time run from there.
W4835H  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardly, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgt W.Hussey.  Up 1724  Down 0118.  Primary garden successfully planted with veg.  Pin-pointed Pt de la Coutre and made time run from there.
W4355U  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt Bertwistle, W.Whiting.  Up 1727  Down 0116.  Veg planted in Deodars garden.  Report as above.
ED323E  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, W.Hill.  Up 1729  Down 0059.  Sortie completed.  Report as above.

15.1.43 Air firing carried out – ops cancelled – 4 aircraft were detailed.

16.1.43 12 Lancasters took off to attack an aiming point in Berlin.  11 claim to have bombed the target or target area, several large fires being seen many miles after leaving the city.  There was little cloud over the target and visibility was moderate.  One aircraft abandoned the mission at Mano, the rear turret being u/s.

16/17 January 1943 Berlin

W4153H  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, S/Lt D.S.Watt, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/L D.S.Mims, F/Sgt T.Goacher.  14 SBC.  Up 1647  Down 0023.  Primary Berlin target successfully bombed.  Visibility good.  Target in sights when bombs released.  Many fires seen, one particularly large in centre of target area.  Several very large explosions observed.  Fires seen from 60 miles.
R5896Y  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  14 SBC.  Up 1657  Down 2346.  Berlin successfully bombed.  Good visibility.  River Spree identified on run up.  Many fires and large explosions observed.  Glow of fires seen for many miles.
R5612R  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, R.Muskett, R.Batson.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1655  Down 0110.  Alternative.  Aircraft would not climb so bombed at 14,000’, believed Berlin.  Several lakes and flares seen, own bombs seen to explode, other bursts seen.  Fires observed.
R5572F  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts 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 1643  Down 2355.  Primary Berlin target successfully bombed.  Own bomb seen to burst in built up area.  Other large bombs seen to explode but only one good fire seen.  Incendiaries seen burning in open country.
R5614G  F/Sgt V.R.Stephens, Sgts H.Kershaw, Trowsdale, T.S.Cumming, F.A.Thompson, W.F.Guy, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1659  Down 0039.  No cloud but ground haze.  Believed primary target bombed.  Red marker flares over large built up area, this we bombed and own burst seen.  No fires observed.  Some flak encountered causing holes in fuselage.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  14 SBC.  Up 1641  Down 0044.  Primary Berlin bombed.  Definitely identified large built up area which we bombed.  Red marker bomb seen directly after.  Own bursts of incendiaries observed.  Red glow growing as we left target.
R5575L  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.G.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe. 14 SBC.  Up 1634  Down 0053.  Clear visibility but haze and smoke when we reached Berlin.  Marker green flares seen over target.  Built up area in sights when bombs released.  Own bursts not observed but many fires seen.  Opposition heavy and accurate over target.
W4175U  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardly, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P/O D.Rodger, Sgt W.Hussey.  14 SBC.  Up 1650  Down 2100.  Mission abandoned woing to rear turret being u/s – no oil in system.
W4355T  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, W.Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas.  12 SBC.  Up 1720  Down 0019.  Believed primary objective bombed.  Bombed area where incendiaries were seen burning on ETA.  Marker bombs seen 4 minutes after bombing.  Own bursts not seen.  On leaving target, two largish fires were seen.
ED323O  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  14 SBC.  Up 1644  Down 0103.  Believed primary target bombed.  Bombed on marker flares from 24,000’.  Many fires seen but these gave appearance of being dummies.  Some opposition encountered.
R5889V  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  14 SBC.  Up 1653  Down 0033.  Believed primary target bombed.  Bombed on white marker flares in large built up area.  Own incendiaries seen to ignite.  Saw three fires burning.  Some opposition encountered.
R5607X  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/Sgt W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1651  Down 0007.  Primary target not positively identified.  No marker flares observed.  Bombed large built up area after passing over heavy defences.  Other bursts seen in same area.

17.1.43 14 Lancasters detailed to attack Berlin – 11 aircraft took off and successfully bombed the target.  Weather – moonlight and good visibility, slight haze.  Two aircraft returned early due to technical troubles and one aircraft, Sgt Rowson, is missing.  No news received after leaving base.  Aircraft diverted owing to weather on return.  Defence was heavier and many fighters seen.

17/18 January 1943 Berlin – 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC

W4153A  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, R.N.Daniels, W.Hussey.  Up 1648  Down 0137.  Berlin successfully bombed.  No cloud slight ground haze.  Magglesea lake, green marker and red flares enabled identification of target and built up area.  Saw fires just starting after unloading bombs.  Heavy flak encountered.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, F/O D.Rodger, Sgt R.Batson.  Up 1714  Down 0135.  Primary target bombed.  Flares in target area.  Own bombs seen to straddle marshalling yards.  Fires observed over large area.  No help from PFF who apparently failed to locate target.  Completed return journey with 3 engines.
R5575L  Sgts G.H.Rowson, P.Lane, J.E.West, J.Bell, J.G.Brittain, G.Axup, Beebe. Up 1703 – aircraft and crew missing.
W4835H  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt R.E.Manvell, F/O P.D.Hallam, S/Lt W.H.Lett, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, F/L D.S.Mimms, F/Sgt T.Goacher.  Up 1720  Down 1841.  Mission abandoned owing to rear turret deflector sight u/s and artificial horizon u/s.
R5896Y  Sgts A.Robinson, R.Harvey, C.P.Bigg, A.E.Groome, J.West, P.G.Nickerson, R.W.Rea.  Up 1700 down 0107.  Berlin successfully bombed.  Visibiloity good, some ground haze.  ETA, visual fix obtained Basselrot and built up area.  Own bombs seen to burst in built up area.  Scattered fires and incendiaries seen burning.
R5889V  P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1710  Down 0130.  Primary Berlin bombed.  ETA.  Recognied features from previous night.  Own bombs seen to straddle built up area.  Fires observed starting over large area.  PFF failed to ignite target.
ED323O  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts K.W.Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1708  Down 0110.  Primary Berlin bombed.  No assistance from PFF.  Own bombs released on built up area but results not observed.  Many sticks of incendiaries seen falling and some fires scattered over target area.
W4355T  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas.  Up 1717  Down 0122.  Primary Berlin attacked.  PFF late, we waited 20 minutes for them to catch up but none came.  Ground conditions made pin-pointing difficult.  Saw own bombs strike built up area.  No fires of note.  Defences were heavy.
W4575U  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  Up 1719  Down 2110.  Mission abandoned owing to elevator trimmers u/s.  Freezing suspected.
ED425E  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/Sgt W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1716  Down 0230.  Primary Berlin bombed.  Visibility fair.  Built up area identified by flares.  Own bomb seen to explode one mile west of aiming point.  Approximately 9 deep red fires seen.  Much heavy flak over target area.
R5572F  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts 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 1654  Down 0053.  Primary objective bombed.  Built up area identified by flares.  Own bomb burst observed in built up area.  Several sticks of incendiaries seen scattered over target. 

18.1.43 One aircraft to Marnham and return, and fighter affiliation carried out by flights.

19.1.43 4 aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled weather.

20.1.43 Fighter affiliation and NFTs.  4 aircraft for ops and cancelled.

21.1.43 High level bombing training – air firing and formation flying.  4 Lancasters took off to raid Essen – 3 successfully completed the task with cloud and ground haze.  One aircraft abandoned the mission owing to mechanical failure.

21/22 January 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1726  Down 1956.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  One 4000lb bomb brought back to base, remainder jettisoned safe.
R5490M  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  Up 1719  Dwon 2224.  Primary objective Essen successfully bombed.  Thin cloud and ground haze.  Bombed two miles short of red and white release point flares, no results seen.  Incendiries seen igniting but no fires observed.
W4835H  Sgts A.Robinson, R.Harvey, C.P.Bigg, D.H.Meade, J.West, P.G.Nickerson, P.W.Rea.  Up 1724  Down 2146.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Bombed red and white marker flares.  Own bombs seen to burst and large red glow of fire observed through haze.  Uneventful trip.
W4355T  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1729  Down 2218.  Bombed estimated target area.  Thick ground haze from 20,000’.  Bombed estimated position of release point flares.  Own bursts observed. Five red fires seen burning, two appeared to be large.  Some flak encountered.  

22/23.1.43 No flying – weather u/s.

24.1.43 Four aircraft detailed for ops – cancelled owing to weather conditions – 6 for high level bombing also cancelled.

25.1.43 10 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.  7 aircraft carried out night high level bombing and Bullseye training.

26.1.43 9 aircraft for ops – cancelled – weather u/s.

27.1.43 9 aircraft took off to attack dusseldorf.  8 aircraft claim to have bombed the target and one aircraft, Sgt Robinson and crew are missing.  Weather mainly 10/10ths low cloud, but several fires seen through the cloud.  5 more aircraft successfully mined the Nectarine area

27/28 January 1943 Dusseldorf – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4249L  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, Sgts J.Keddie, R.J.Williams, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgt G.Lambert.  Up 1717  Down 2155.  Primary target Dusseldorf bombed.  Bombs released on marker flares.  Fires seen to start from own bomb bursts.  Many other bursts and photo flashes seen in area.  Good work by PFF on this trip.
ED425E  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 1718  Down 2214.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Some low cloud.  Bombs released successfully on target area identified by marker bomb.  Quiet trip, little opposition.  This method of attack good in prevalent weather conditions.
W4135A  Sgts A.Robinson, R.Harvey, C.P.Bigg, A.E.Croome, J.West, R.Muskett, R.W.Rea.  Up 1720 – aircraft and crew missing.
ED323O  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, Sgt P.J.Thomas.  Up 1733 Down 2224.  Dusseldorf bombed.  PFF a little late but we eventually sighted marker bombs and released our own load on the second.  No ground detail could be seen owing to cloud but red glow was observed through cloud.
W4355T  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, M.Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  Up 1735  Down 2210.  Target Dusseldorf bombed.  Visibility good with some broken cloud.  Bombs released on marker bomb but results not seen.  Very quiet except over target.  Uneventful trip.
R5559W  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 1744 Down 2239.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Marker bombs seen.  Own bursts seen through cloud.  Red glow seen through clouds which increased as we left target area.  Straightforward trip.
R5614G  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt Hunt, F/O F.G.G.Lush, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1726  Down 2205.  Primary Dusseldorf bombed.  Released own bomb on marker bomb.  No ground details observed.  Uneventful trip. 
R5607X  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts Parker, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1731  Down 2218.  Primary target bombed.  Released bomb where red and green markers were seen to disappear into cloud. Own burst observed.  Uneventful but successful trip.
R5612R  P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1737  Down 2200.  Dusseldorf successfully bombed.  Cloud over target.  Own bomb dropped on marker and seen to explode.  Many sticks of incendiaries seen burning.  Conditions were ideal for this method of bombing.

27/28 January 1943 Gardening – “Nectarine” Area – 5 mines

R5490M  F/O R.A.Moyle, Sgts W.H.Brunning, D.A.McLean, S/Lt D.S.Watt, Sgts F.J.Davey, P/O L.G.Mussi, Sgt V.Loar.  Up 1747  Down 2112.  Primary Nectarine garden successfully planted with veg.  Pin-pointed on Engleman Plat and made time run from there.
W4835H  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, D.H.Meade, J.Currey, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton. Up 1750  Down 2117.  Veg planted in Nectarine area.  Gee fix.
R5896Y  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1746  Down 2104.  Veg planted successfully in Nectarine area.  Dropped on Gee fix.
W4175U  Sgts D.J Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  Up 1718  Down 2051.  Veg successfully planted in Nectarine area.  Dropped on Gee fix.  Uneventful trip.
R5915Q  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, G.C.Grainger, E.L.Cohn, J.E.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P.Baggs.  Up 1739  Down 2129.  Primary objective planted with veg.  Pin-pointed Engleman Platt and made time run from there.  

28.1.43 Day cross country.  7 aircraft detailed for ops and one aircraft on night training.  All cancelled – weather u/s.

29.1.43 High level formation and SABS bombing training.

30.1.43 13 Lancasters raided Hamburg.  6 of them completed their sorties by bombing the red and green release flares and two aircraft bombed the red markers.  4 aircraft abandoned the mission owing to technical failures.  One aircraft, F/O Moyle (Aus) and crew are missing.  Weather cloudy and ground haze.

30/31 January 1943 Hamburg

R5612R  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts R.M.Nelson, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 0011  Down 0318.  Mission abandoned owing to rear turret u/s.  8000lb jettisoned safe.
W4355T  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, W.Whiting.  1 x 4000lb 10SBC.  Primary Hamburg target successfully bombed.  Cloud and ground haze.  Bombed on red and green release point flares.  Own bombs seen to burst.  Many fires observed and red glow seen from 60 miles away.
R5607X  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, P/O A.R.Poole, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  (no times shown).  Prumary Hamburg successfully bombed.  Bombed red and green release point flares.  No results or ground detail observed.
W4175U  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, Viau, J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 0005  Down 0244.  Mission abandoned over aerodrome owing to port outer boost u/s.
ED323O  F/L Bell,  Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0014  Down 0208.  Mission abandoned over base owing to intermittent drop in revs, oil pressure and boost u/s.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2359  Down 0608.  Primary successfully bombed.  No cloud but considerable ground haze.  Bombed red and green release point flares.  No results of own bombs seen.  Several fires seen burning in target area.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, G.Eaton, R.Batson, F/O D.Rodgers.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0002  Down 0307.  Mission abandoned owing to oxygen failure.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
ED425E  F.L.K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0007  Down 0530.  Primary Hamburg target successfully bombed.  Some cloud when we bombed on red and green release point flares.  Own bursts not seen.  No fires had got properly started but many incendiaries observed burning.
R5614G  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 0004  Down 0556.  Hamburg successfully bombed.  Some cloud.  Bombed on red and green marker flares but no results observed.  Large fire seen through break in clouds.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0008  Down 0630.  Primary target bombed.  Saw and bombed red TI markers, also river and outline of town seen visually.  Own bombs seen to explode in built up area.  Large fires well scattered observed.
W4249L  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, Sgts J.Keddie, R.J.Williams, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgt G.Lambert.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0018  Down 0552.  Hamburg successfully bombed on 1st and 2nd markers.  Own bursts observed.  10 to 12 good fires burning in target area.  Glow could be seen for 150 to 200 miles.  First PFF short of approximate posts but early.
W4833H  F/O R.A.Moyle, Sgts W.H.Brunning, F.Spurr, G.J.Hunt, F.J.Davey, P.J.Thomas, V.Loar.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2348 – aircraft and crew missing.
R5559W  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, D.H.Meade, J.Currey, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb  10 SBC.  Up 0009  Down 0650.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Some cloud.  Bombed on red and green marker flares and observed own bursts.  Fires seen as we left the target.  PFF were on time and their markers clearly seen.  Encountered only moderate flak. 

31.1.43 No flying – weather u/s

1.2.43 11 aircraft detailed for ops – later cancelled.  5 aircraft carried out night training.

2.2.43 9 Lancasters took off on op and one aircraft on night training.  The op was to attack Cologne.  All aircraft successfully reached and bombed the target.  One aircraft landed on return at Docking owing to loss of fuel due to damaged jettison pipe.  Bomb bursts and fires seen in target area.

2/3 February 1943 Cologne – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

R5889V  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, G.C.Grainger, E.L.Cohn, J.E.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P Baggs.  Up 1735  Down 2300.  Primary target Cologne successfully bombed.  Visibility good with slight ground haze.  Green and red markers in sights when bombs released.  River seen and believed identified visually.  Own bursts seen.  PFF right on time.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, W.Hill.  Up 1803  Down 0026.  Cologne successfully bombed.  Bombed on red and green marker flares.  Fires seen in target area.  Little opposition encountered.  Completed return journey on three engines.
W4175U  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  Up 1809  Down 2302.  Primary bombed.  Ground haze.  Own bombs seen to burst and many other incendiaries and fires observed.  Hit by fire from own convoy or ground batteries on return, causing some damage.
W4200A  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, Standring, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  Up 1808  Down 2318.  Red and green marker flares seen and bombed over primary Cologne target.  Other bursts and many fires observed.  Built up area identified visually by light of fires.  Successful trip.
ED323O  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1807  Down 2252.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Clear but thick ground haze.  Bombed on red and green markers.  Own bombs seen to bursts and start fires.  One good fire well going and others starting.  These had taken good hold 15 minutes later.
R5559W  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts T.S.Cummings, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1813  Down 2310.  Primary objective Cologne bombed.  Thin cloud over target but green marker flares were just visible, these were bombed.  Own bursts not seen.  Red fires visible among sticks of incendiaries burning on ground.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, R.Batson, F/O D.Rodger.  Up 1813  Down 2310.  Cologne successfully bombed.  Patchy cloud, thick ground haze.  Bombed on red marker flares, no results for own bombs seen.  Fires seen after leaving target.  PFF on time.
ED425E  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1827  Down 2331.  Successfully bombed primary target.  Bombed marker flares and bend in river identified visually.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Several fires observed in target area.
R5917K  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, F/Sgt Birtwistle, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1820  Down 2326.  Primary target bombed.  Bombed on red marker flares.  Own bursts not seen.  Large fires seen burning in target area.  Flares also observed near target area which appeared to divert attack. 

3.2.43 Cross country and consumption tests.  5 Lancasters detailed to attack Hamburg, 4 of these claim to have bombed the target and one returned early owing to engine trouble.  Weather 10/10ths cloud at 15,000’.

3/4 February 1943 Hamburg – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED323O  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1809  Down 2334.  Primary target Hamburg successfully bombed.  Marker flares in sughts when load dropped.  Bursts not observed owing to cloud.  Lots of heavy flak encountered nearing and leaving target.  PFF flares were seen as briefed.
R5889V  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt Hill.  Up 1807  Down 2110.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble and DR compass u/s.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
R5490M  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, T.S.Cumming, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  Up 1812  Down 0004.  Whole cycle of flares seen in target area before reaching Hamburg but owing to lateness, release point flares had died down on run up and estimated position was bombed.  Uneventful trip.
W4825H  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, P.J.Martin, H.R.Page.  Up 1804  Down 2356.  Primary objective Hamburg successfully bombed.  Cloud over target area.  Bombed on marker flares.  Uneventful trip.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1800 Down 2349.  Primary target bombed.  Release point flares in sights when bombs dropped.  Two major and three smaller fires seen through cloud.  These developed and red glow could be seen after leaving target.  Heavy flak encountered.

4.2.43 Low flying attack on army exercise.  5 Lancasters detailed to attack Turin.  All aircraft successfully reached and bombed target.  Weather clear with slight ground haze.

4/5 February 1943 Turin – Bomb load 14 SBC

ED323O  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts T.S.Cummings, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1816  Down 0256.  Primary target Turin successfully bombed.  Smoke haze over target, otherwise clear.  Bombed on red marker flares, built up area identified visually.  Several fires were seen starting.
R5889V  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, E.L.Cohn, J.E.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P.Baggs.  Up 1806  Down 0203.  Primary objective successfully bombed.  Visibility good.  Bombed on red markers and saw own incendiaries burst across target.  No fires observed until aircraft was leaving area.
ED430C  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  Up 1809  Down 0209.  Primary Turin successfully attacked.  Clear.  Bombed estimated position where red marker flares had been burning.  Other bursts observed in target area.  2 or 3 red fires seen.
R5614G  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1821 Down 0224.  Targte successfully bombed.  Clear – slight ground haze.  Built up area observed visually.  Bombed red marker flares.  Bomb seen to burst on cluster of buildings.  One large fire and lots of smaller fires seen in centre of town.
R5572F  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1813  Down 0157.  Target successfully bombed.  Bombed on three clusters of red marker flares.  One very large fire observed and many small scattered fires over target area.  Flak very poor. 

5.2.43   No flying – weather u/s.

6.2.43 Fighter affiliation – various training.

7.2.43 4 aircraft detailed to attack Lorient.  The op reported highly successful, weather good and target bombed with good results.  Many large fires observed in town and target area.

7/8 February 1943 Lorient

R5559W  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  14 SBC.  Up 1916  Down 0048.  Primary target Lorient successfully bombed.  Thin cloud.  Identified southern point of town visually.  Saw at least 15 good fires burning.  Bombs released and seen to burst in midst of fired area.  One very yellow fire seen.
R5889V  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1757 Down 2351.  Primary target successfully attacked.  Clear, good visibility.  Visually pin-pointed target, saw and bombed on TI markers.  W/Op saw bombs burst.  Whole town covered with incendiaries.  Excellent trip and appeared effective.
ED430C  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, S/Lt W.H.Lett, Sgts J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1805  Down 2359.  Lorient successfully attacked.  Bombed on red TI markers but identified aiming point visually by rivers and docks.  Many fires seen burning in aiming point and in town.  Very successful trip.
W4249L  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, S/L D.S.Watt, Sgt R.J.Williams, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett, Sgt G.Lambert.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1759  Down 2345.  Primary target successfully bombed in good visibility.  Rivers and docks identified visually, bombed red TI marker.  Briliiance of flares spoilt observation of results.  Fires observed across  aiming point.

8.2.43 3 aircraft mined “Privet” area successfully.  Two aircraft night cross country.

8/9 February 1943 Gardening – Danzig Bay – 3 mines

ED323O  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgts J.Pulford, W.Wishart, R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  Up 1700  Down 0335.  Veg successfully planted in primary garden.  Visibility good.  Positively identified mouth of the Vistula and made time run from there.  No opposition encountered.
ED430C  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1645  Down 0235.  Privet garden successfully planted with veg.
W4825H  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1652  Down 0240.  Primary garden successfully planted with veg.  Low cloud.  Area identified visually by coast outline in Hela Bay.  Mines released in allotted position.

9.2.43 3 aircraft detailed for ops – later cancelled.  Bullseye exercise.  ED588 F/O Clayton, on landing ran off the runway and damaged the aircraft.

10.2.43 5 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

11.2.43 Day cross country and air tests.  5 Lancasters detailed to attack Wilhelmshaven.  4 aircraft successfully completed task and one aircraft returned early owing to a technical failure.

11/12 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4355T  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgt J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  Up 1726  Down 1843.  Mission abandoned owing to oil leak in starboard inner engine.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
R5915Q  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt R.Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  Up 1747  Down 2232.  Primary Wilhelmshaven target successfully bombed.  Some cloud.  Bombed centre of marker flares.  Bomb flashes seen through cloud.  Terrific fires seen.  One terrific explosion seen from 100 miles away.
W4285H  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rea, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  Up 1745  Down 2227.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  Bombed on release point flares.  Red glow seen through cloud.  One particularly large flash observed.
ED425E  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, L.Eaton, R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  Up 1741  Down 2218.  Wilhelmshaven successfully attacked.  Cloud over target.  Bombed on TI flares.  Glow seen through cloud which may have been fires burning.  Much larger glow observed when aircraft was 80 miles away.
R5889V  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, Trowsdale, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1743  Down 2246.  Wilhelmshaven successfully bombed.  Saw and bombed red and green marker flares.  Own bursts not observed.  Yellowish red glow seen through cloud.  Two large flashes observed later.  PFF flares were widely scattered. 

12.2.43 No flying – weather u/s.

13.2.43 Fighter affiliation.  14 Lancasters detailed for ops.  12 aircraft successfully attacked Lorient under good weather conditions.  Numerous fires seen.  2 aircraft returned early owing to technical failures.

13/14 February 1943 Lorient

ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1917  Down 0123.  Lorient successfully bombed.  Very clear, visibility good.  Target pin-pointed visually.  Own bombs seen to explode, ¼ mile north of aiming point.  Fires seen.  Flak over target was visible from English coast.
W4249L  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  14 SBC.  Up 1849  Down 0147.  Primary Lorient target successfully bombed.  Visibility good, very clear.  Pin-pointed target visually – rear gunner saw bombs explode on aiming point.  Many large fires observed.
R5483D  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, Trowsdale, J.E.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P.Baggs.  14 SBC.  Up 1910  Down 0203.  Primary objective attacked.  Visibility good but much smoke from fires over target.  Target identified visually.  Saw own bombs explode on aiming point.  Whole town seen to be covered with large fires.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/O W.Kirkwood-Hackett.  14 SBC.  Up 1845  Down 0115.  Lorient successfully bombed.  Smoke haze over target.  River and outline of town easily identified visually.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Whole town seen to be ablaze on both sides of river.  Glow visible from English coast.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, W.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  14 SBC.  Up 1911  Down 0154.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Identified river visually.  Bombs dropped on town but own bursts not seen.  Whole town was well alight but there appeared to be none on the aiming point.
W4157K  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, Parker, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  14 SBC.  Up 1857  Down 0156.  Lorient successfully bombed.  No cloud but smoke from fires.  Pin-pointed on river and town which was identified visually.  Did time run from there as aiming point was not seen.  Town area well alight.
W4887N  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  14 SBC.  Up 1900 Down 0050.  Primary target successfully attacked.  No cloud, some haze.  Pin-pointed river, bombed town just south of aiming point.  Own bursts not seen.  Many large fires observed.  Fires visible 50 miles away.
W4555T  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  14SBC.  Up 1902  Down 0120.  Lorient successfully attacked.  Visibility good.  Identified town visually.  Bombed on aiming point but own bursts not seen.  Whole town seemed to be a mass of fire.
R5559W  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, P/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  14 SBC.  Up 1921  Down 2059.  Mission abandoned – rear turret u/s.  Bombs jettisoned live.
R5889V  F/O I.Covington, Sgt R.Thompson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1907  Down 0105.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  Target identified visually.  Pin-pointed down river bend.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Many fires around target and in town.  Defences strengthened since last attack.  Fighters in evidence.
W4825H  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  14 SBC.  Up 1909  Down 0141.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Considerable smoke haze.  Identified small island south of target.  Bombed estimated aiming point.  Incendiaries seen to burst.  Whole town was well alight and fires observed after leaving French coast.
R5572F  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1925  Down 0035.  Lorient successfully attacked.  Smoke haze over target.  Pin-pointed target visually.  Incendiaries in large concentration observed.
R5612R  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt R.Birtwistle, W.Whiting.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1924  Down 0213.  Over target area was coned by 5 – 6 searchlights – took violent evasive action.  Pulled aircraft out of dive but was again picked up by two searchlights.  Were losing height so let bomb go.
R5607X  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks. 1 x 8000lb.  Up 1922  Down 2144.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bomb jettisoned safe.

14.2.43 14 Lancasters detailed for night ops.  13 aircraft successfully raided Milan in good weather.  13 photos were also taken and two plotted within 2000 yards of the target.  1 aircraft returned early owing to technical failure.  Operation was highly successful.

14/15 February 1943 Milan

W4825H  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  14 SBC.  Up 1830  Down 0353.  Primary Milan target successfully bombed.  Visibility good except for smoke haze.  Target identified visually.  Bombed where red markers had been burning.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Lots of good fires observed.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, Dillon.  14 SBC.  Up 1827  Down 0332.  Milan successfully attacked.  Bombed approximate centre of TI Markers.  Target also identified visually by light of white flares.  14 large fires were seen burning.
W5917K  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, Trowsdale, J.E.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P Baggs.  14 SBC.  Up 1827  Down 0352.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Clear, some smoke base.  Bombed centre of TI markers.  Plenty of fires observed.
R5483D  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  14 SBC. Up 1910  Down 2129.  Mission abandoned due to W/T failure.  Bombs jettisoned.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, W.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.              1 x 4000lb 6 SBC.  Up 1850  Down 0318  Milan successfully bombed.  Visibility good except for smoke haze.  Bombed marker flares and identified visually.  Several large fires seen.  Glow from fires seen 120 miles away.     
W4197A  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, S/Lt D.S.Watt, Sgts J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1846  Down 0431.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  Good visibility.  Bombed on TI markers.  Built up area identified visually.  Own bursts seen.  Half the town seemed well alight.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.L Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1844  Down 0340.  Primary target attacked.  Good visibility.  Visually pin-pointed target.  Bombed on built up area and TI markers which were both in sights.  Target area a mass of flames.  An excellent raid.
W4355T  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, F/O P.D.Hallam, Sgts R.M.Nelson, Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1924  Down 0403.  Milan successfully attacked.  Clear visibility and moonlight.  Bombed on TI markers.  Many bursts seen.  About 20 large red fires observed burning in town.  Attack appeared to be well concentrated.
W4249L  P/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, Griffiths, F/Sgt R.Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  1 x 4000lb 6 SBC.  Up 1850  Down 0318.  Milan successfully bombed.  Clear except for ground smoke haze.  Built up area identified visually.  Bombed red TI markers.  Own bursts seen.  Several fires seen starting when we ran in – these had become good fires after bombing.
W4887N  F/L J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, S/Lt Lett, Sgts E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, F/Sgt E.Speight.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1853  Down 0316.  Milan successfully bombed.  Identified town visually.  Bombed on TI markers, many bursts seen.  Fires in built up area.
ED430C  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 4000lb 6 SBC.  Up 1855 Down 0415.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  Bombed built up area thought to be aiming point.  Marker flares in same area.  Many bursts seen.  A concentration of 20 big fires observed in south section of town.  Good raid.
R5614G  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, White, H.R.Page.  1 x 4000lb.  Up 1848  Down 0433.  Attack successfully carried out on Milan target.  Built up area and TI markers in sights when bomb released.  Many bursts seen in target area.  Many large fires seen in town and visible for 120 miles.
R5772V  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1914  Down 0310.  Milan successfully attacked.  Clear, bright moonlight.  Bombed on marker flares and saw own bursts by main highway in built up area.  No fires seen as we were one of first on target.  Bang on trip but PFF were late.
R5559W  F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunne, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.  Up 1907  Down 0304.  Primary target successfully attacked.  Saw and bombed on red TI markers.  Own bursts were seen.  At least 40 good fires observed burning around TI markers.  Fires visible 100 miles away.  Successful trip – conditions ideal.

15.2.43 Stand down today – no flying.

16.2.43 8 Lancasters for ops tonight.  All successfully attacked Lorient in good weather.  Many fires seen.  On return to base W4197A was badly damaged when the aircraft swung off the runway, trying to  avoid overshooting.  The undercarriage collapsed.  No one was injured.

16/17 February 1943 Lorient – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

W4887N  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, F/L J.Grieves, Sgts E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, F/Sgt E.Speight.  Up 1844  Down 0118.  Primary Lorient target successfully attacked.  Visibility good.  Bombed on TI markers and confirmed visually that these were in correct position.  3 or 4 fires were starting as we left target.
ED430C  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgts P.L.Roberts, D.A.McLean, W/O H.C.Boyd, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1846  Down 0104.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Clear visibility.  Bombed on TI markers but target identified visually.  Aiming Point covered with incendiaries.  Many bursts and fires seen in area.
W4355P  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  Up 1859  Down 0115.  Lorient successfully attacked.  Clear – bright moonlight.  Bombed on TI markers, own bursts not observed.  Defences over target appeared to be more concentrated than in previous raid.
R5889V  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, E.L.Cohn, J.L Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P.Baggs.  Up 1851  Down 0100.  Primary Lorient successfully bombed.  Clear – moon.  TI markers in sights when bombs released but target also identified visually.  Many bursts seen.
R5915Q  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  Up 1855 Down 0129.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Bombed TI markers which were confirmed visually as being in correct position.  Stick of incendiaries seen to straddle town.
ED591M  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  Up 1849  Down 0035.  Lorient successfully bombed.  Easily identified aiming point, both rivers being clearly visible.  Flares laid across aiming point were bombed.  Own bursts seen near aiming point.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts J.F.Jordan, H.R.Page, White.  Up 1848  Down 0137.  Lorient successfully attacked.  Bombed red TI markers which were in sights.  Sticks of incendiaries seen across aiming point.  One very large explosion seen.
W4197A  W/C G.D.Jones, Sgt J.A.Peel, F/O P.D.Hallam, S/Lt W.H.Lett, W.Burr, F/L D.S.Mims, P/O A.R.Poole.  Up 1905  Down 0040.  Primary Lorient target successfully attacked.  Clear, bright moonlight.  TI markers confirmed visually.  Incendiaries seen scattered in town.  Bursts seen after we had bombed.  Opposition was negligible.

17.2.43 The following message received from AOC 5 Group “The last attack on Milan was one of the most concentrated attacks which Squadrons of the Group have yet carried out – 14 Aiming Point pictures have so far been recorded with another 28 within the  target area and many further ones showing a mass of fires have yet to be plotted.  One squadron have achived the record with 6 Aiming Point photos.  All crews deserve the highest praise.  Again it shows that the squadrons in the Group beat all others.  If squadrons can maintain the standard I am certain it will have profound effect on the whole war.”  No flying today – ops stand down.

18.3.43 Air Chief Marshal Sir Edgar Ludlow-Hewitt KCB,CMG,DSO,MC, Inspector-General of the RAF, visited the station today.  7 aircraft detailed for ops – all successfully attacked Wilhelmshaven.  On return all aircraft diverted to Topcliffe.

18/19 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED323O  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1819  Down 2358.  Primary Wilhelmshaven successfully bombed.  Visibility fair with some ground haze.  Pin-pointed built up area visually.  Bombed on red TI markers.  Own bomb bursts seen.  Opposition ineffective.
R5917K  Sgts J.Lennox, S.W.Archer, P/O R.Quinn, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts W.F.Guy, H.R.Page, White.  Up 1828  Down 2358.  Primary target successfully attacked.  Bombed on TI markers and identified target visually.  Own bombs seen to burst in target area.  Other bursts seen.
ED430C  Sgts K.Brown, H.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, Parker, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  Up 1836  Down 2337.  Wilhelmshaven successfully attacked.  Good visibility.  Target identified visually.  Second lot of markers seen over target which we bombed.  4000lb bomb seen to burst on docks.  Very good trip.
W4249L  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  Up 1842  Down 2315.  Primary target successfully bombed.  Good visibility.  Harbour sighted visually.  Bombed on red marker flares.  Own 4000 pounder seen to explode.  Dock area well alight.
ED425E  Sgts W.S.Treacy, W.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  Up 1838  Down 0001.  Primary target successfully attacked.  Good visibility.  Docks identified visually, markers on target were additional guide.  Own bombs seen to explode with target in sights.  Many large fires seen burning.
W4355T  F/O I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1840  Down 2326.  Wilhelmshaven successfully attacked.  Visibility good.  Visual on target with assistance of marker flares, which were right on aiming point.  Saw own 4000 pounder burst.  About 20 big fires observed in dock area.  PFF good.
R5552P  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F.Dillon.  Up 1832  Down 0010.  Primary target successfully bombed in good visibility except for ground haze.  Centre of marker flares bombed but docks were pin-pointed visually.  Many explosions and nine big fires observed.  A good trip. 

19.2.43 6 Lancasters detailed to attack Wilhelmshaven. All aircraft attacked the target and fires were seen.  Weather, haze and low cloud 5-10/10ths.  One aircraft also on night cross country and one on night bombing.

19/20 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven

R5483D  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1806  Down 2240.  Primary target bombed.  13,000’.  Industrial haze.  Bombed on TI markers which were very scattered.  No results from own bombs seen.  Scattered fires observed.  Hit by flak over target, missing mid gunner who kept very calm.
ED591M  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1801  Down 2213.  Wilhelmshaven successfully bombed from 13,000’.  Thin cloud.  Bombed on red TI markers.  North of town identified visually through thinner cloud.  3 fires and many scattered incendiaries seen burning.
R5607X  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts Knight, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, F/Sgt E.Speight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1833 Down 2234.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  18,000’.  Ground haze.  Ran down coast, identified visually, until it became obscured.  Bombed estimated centre of markers.  One large and other fires seen in target area.
R5915Q  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, E.L.Cohn, J.L.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, C.P.Baggs.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1808  Down 2229.  Primary target attacked from 15,000’.  Very hazy with cloud.  Bombed on red TI markers, flash seen under cloud.  No ground detail observed.
R5612R  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1818  Down 2245.  Wilhelmshaven attacked from 15,000’.  Cloud over target area.  Pin-pointed coast visually just north of target.  Bombed on red markers, own bomb bursts seen.  One large and many smaller fires seen.
ED423O  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts R.N.Nelson, W.Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1813  Down 2221.  Primary target attacked from 13,000’.  Thin cloud.  Centre of TI markers in sights which we bombed.  No results or other detail observed.

20.2.43 Some day training.

21.2.43 7 Lancasters detailed for ops and some for training during the day.  All aircraft successfully attacked Bremen.  Weather 10/10ths cloud over target area.  Aircraft diverted on return, 1 to Eastmore, one to Topcliffe, 4 to Aclington and 1 to Middleton St George.

21/22 February 1943 Bremen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

ED425E  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, Parker, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Poyton.  Up 1854  Down 2356.  Attack carried out from 18,000’.  Bombed on red TI markers seen through cloud.  No results observed.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, H.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  Up 1850  Down 2358.  Bremen attacked from 17,000’.  Cloud over target.  Sky flares seen which we bombed – flare in sights.  No results observed.
W4355T  F/O I.W.Covington, J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  Up 1841  Down 2339.  Bremen attacked from 20,000’.  Cloud over target.  Sky marker flares seen and bombed.  Flares in sights.  No ground detail observed.
W4249L  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, F/L J.A.Grieves, Sgts W.F.Guy, A.Channon, G.Lambert.  Up 1848  Down 2345.  Believed Bremen attacked.  20,000’ – cloud.  Flares and TI markers in sights.  Bombs seen to explode through cloud.  Gained no impression of attack owing to cloud.  Defences were not opened up until bombs were dropped.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, P/O R.P.Clayton, Sgts A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/Sgt Mort, Sgt R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  Up 1855 Down 0002.  Bremen attacked from 18,000’.  Cloud over target.  Sky marker flares seen but bombed on TI markers.  Markers in sights.  Bomb flash seen.  Glow of good fire seen through cloud.  Uneventful trip.
R5917K  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donaghue.  Up 1904  Down 2340.  Bremen attacked from 18,000’.  Much cloud over target.  Bombed sky marker flares which were in sights.  No results observed.
ED323C  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt A.Innes, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgt J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1852  Down 0027.  Bremen target attacked.  Cloud over target.  Big red TI marker seen through cloud.  Flashes of explosions seen through cloud.  If PFF bombed, so did we. 

22.2.43 No flying, weather misty.  4 aircraft return from diversion.

23.2.43 No flying, weather hazy.

24.2.43 No flying, weather hazy.  10 aircraft detailed for ops – later cancelled.

25.2.43 9 aircraft detailed to attack Nuremburg.  All aircraft reported successful bombing of the target.  Thick haze was encountered over the target area.  Two aircraft also on night bombing.

25/26 February 1943 Nuremburg

ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, H.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1929  Down 0254.  Nuremburg successfully attacked from 9,500’.  No cloud but strong ground haze.  Bombed on first TI markers to go down.  Not able to see ground detail owing to haze.  PFF were late.  Port inner engine went u/s on return trip.
ED323C  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillen, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1941  Down 0319.  Nuremburg attacked from 10,000’.  Considerable ground haze.  Cluster of red and green TI markers in sights which we bombed.  Good number of fires in area.  PFF about 20 minutes late.
R5896Y  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1948  Down 0327.  Nuremburg bombed from 9,000’.  Ground haze.  No cloud.  Bombed frist red TI markers.  No fires or ground detail observed while over target – fires and explosions seen after leaving.  Little opposition.
W4355T  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1954  Down 0303.  Nuremburg bombed from 9,000’.  No cloud – ground haze.  Bombed of centre of TI markers.  Fires seen through ground haze.  Very straightforward trip.
R5917K  P/O J.Lennox, P/O R.P.Clayton, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts W.F.Guy, H.R.Page, E.White.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1937  Down 0342.  Primary objective Nuremburg attacked from 11,000’.  Considerable ground haze.  Bombed centre of TI markers.  4000 pounder appeared to land on green TI marker.  PFF were late and several aircraft bombed before they arrived. 
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1942  Down 0337.  Nuremburg attacked from 10,000’.  No cloud but hazy.  Bombed green TI markers, no results seen.  Built up area identified visually.  Large fires, presumably factory, burning fiercely.  PFF timing very late.
R3552P  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, S/Lt D.S.Watt, Sgts Williams, T.Skinner, G.Lambert.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1952  Down 0257.  Primary target attacked.  Considerable ground haze.  Bombed between two green markers.  No results observed but several bursts seen.  PFF were late.
R5614G  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, T.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1945  Down 0313.  Nuremburg attacked from 9,000’.  Much ground haze.  Bombed first red TI markers to be dropped.  Bomb fell north of TI marker which lit up built up area.  Believed to be the first aircraft to bomb.
R5612R  F/O J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, S/Lt W.H.Lett, Sgts E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 2005  Down 0331.  Primary target attacked.  Much ground haze.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers.  No ground detail picked out.  Long factory type of building seen to burst into flames followed by large explosion.  Some aircraft failed to wait for PFF.

26.2.43 11 Lancasters detailed to Cologne.  All successfully reached and bombed the target in reasonably clear weather.

26/27 February 1943 Cologne

R5614G  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1913  Down 2327.  Cologne bombed from 20,000’.  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Bombed on red and green TI markers.  No results from own bombs seen.  Good number of fires in target area.
W4887N  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt A.Innes, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1824  Down 0003.  Primary objective attacked from 20,000’.  Clear – ground haze.  Bombed centre of green TI markers.  One area, east of town seen to be well alight.  Many other fires in centre of town and others starting.
R5896Y  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1853  Down 2342.  Primary target successfully attacked from 20,000’.  Smoke and ground haze.  Bombed cluster of green TI markers but target also identified visually.  Many bursts and fires seen in target area.  Opposition was light.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1822  Down 2358.  Cologne successfully bombed from 18,000’.  Many bursts seen after we had released bombs on cluster of green TI markers which were in sights.  Many good fires seen.  If PFF found the right spot, a successful trip.
R5483D  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, Sgts W.Standring, Peters, T.Skinner, G.Lambert.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1838  Down 2312.  Cologne attacked from 21,000’.  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Bombed estimated centre of cluster of TI markers.  Fires seen burning to north of town.  Incendiaries seen burning inside and outside target area.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  1 x 4000lb 12  SBC.  Up 1834  Down 0017.  Primary objective successfully attacked.  20,ooo’.  Some haze.  Bombed centre of green TI markers.  4000 pounder seen to burst in built up area.  Good trip if PFF were accurate.
ED425E  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, G.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1840  Down 2323.  Primary target Cologne attacked from 20,000’.  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Bombed on green TI markers.  Target identified visually.  11 fair size fires seen burning.
W4825H  P/O J.Lennox, P/O R.P.Clayton, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts W.F.Guy, H.R.Page, H.White.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1828  Down 0013.  Target Colgone attacked.  Clear with ground haze from 19,000’.  Target observed visually but bombed centre of green TI markers.  No fires seen.  PFF were dropping their flares all over the place.  Very little opposition.
R5917K  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, J.L.Gardner, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1847  Down 0030.  Primary objective attacked from 20,000’.  No cloud, ground haze.  Saw red TI markers from a distance but bombed on green TI markers by the time aircraft reached target.  Approx 12 good fires starting in target area.
R5612R  F/L J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts Cummings, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1844  Down 2350.  Cologne attacked.  Reasonably clear, some smoke and ground haze.  Bearing taken on red markers.  Released bomb on concentration of green TI markers.  Target identified visually.  Large scattered fires seen burning.
R5572P  Sgts W.S.Treacy, H.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1905  Down 2347.  Primary objective Cologne attacked.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers but no results observed.  Several fires seen starting in target area. 

27.2.43 Two aircraft detailed and successfully laid mines in “Nectarine” Area.  Weather fine but hazy.

27/28 February 1943 Gardening – “Nectarine” Area – 6 mines

R5483D  F/O R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/O F.Chandler, Sgt A.C.Newbegin, F/Sgt H.H.Mort, Sgts R.C.Haviland, Bone .  Up 1848  Down 2243.  Primary target successfully planted with veg.  No cloud but very hazy.  Pin-pointed from western tip of Juist.  Veg landed in correct position.  Uneventful trip.
W4825H  Sgts A.Innes, R.Unwin, C.E.Bellamy, H.M.Frew, A.S.Adger, L.A.Horne, J.Little.  Up 1852  Down 2358.  Nectarine garden successfully planted with veg.  600’, no cloud but hazy.  Made time run from Juist.  Pin-pointed and laid mines in correct position.  Uneventful trip.

28.2.43 10 aircraft detailed to attack St Nazaire.  All aircraft successfully bombed the target and many fires were seen.  One very large explosion was observed.  Weather fine with considerable ground haze.

28 February/1 March 1943 St Nazaire

ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts W.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, P/O D.Rodger.  1 x 4000lb 12  SBC.  Up 1818  Down 2352.  Primary objective St Nazaire attacked from 14,000’.  Clear with ground haze.  Bombed red TI markers.  Several large explosions observed.  Many good fires burning in town.  Successful raid.
R5614G  P/O P.M.Anderson, Sgts R.C.Swetman, T.I.Williams, F.J.Jones, F/O F.G.G.Lush, Sgt A.Channon, F/O T.Trilsbeck.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1819  Down 2334.  Primary target attacked from 13,000’.  No cloud, ground haze and smoke.  Coast line identified visually.  Bombed on green TI markers which were in sights.  One large fire seen and others were starting.
R5917K  P/O J.Lennox, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts Ramsden, H.R.Page, E.White.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1821  Down 0031.  St Nazaire bombed from 14,000’.  Clear but suspected smoke screen.  Bombed on green TI markesr.  Target seemed late in waking up.  Few fires seen starting which increased as we reached French coast.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, H.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1825  Down 2355.  Primary target attacked.  Much ground haze, no cloud.  Bombed on red and green TI markers.  Ground detail not clear enough observe results or pin-point.  Bursts seen and fires observed developing.
ED425E  Sgts K.Brown, M.Hogg, F.N.Alexander, F/L J.A.Grieves, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb 12  SBC.  Up 1831  Down 2344.  Primary objective successfully attacked from 13,500’.  Consdierable ground haze.  Bombed on red TI markers which were in sights.  Coast line identified visually.  Number of small fires seen which increased as we left.
ED323O  F/L Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  1 x 4000lb  12 SBC.  Up 1842  Down 0009.  St Nazaire attacked from 15,000’.  Bombed cluster of green TI markers.  Visual of coast line.  Raid was concentrated and many fires were developing well.  Tail of aircraft collapsed on landing.
W4887N  F/L J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, S/Lt W.H.Lett, Sgts E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, F/Sgt E.Speight.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1843  Down 2338.  St Nazaire successfully attacked.  14,000’, smoke haze.  Bombed on red TI markers.  Saw 4000 pounder but just west of it.  Good concentration of fires seen and developing.  Many explosions observed.
R5552P  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1833  Down 0026.  Primary objective attacked from 13,000’.  No cloud but large amount of smoke and ground haze.  Identified river visually and bombed on red and green TI markers.  Many fires seen getting a good hold.  Hit by flak but carried on.
R5896Y  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, A.J.Silk, P/O Hodkinson, Sgts J.L.Hannah, Strange, W.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 1840  Down 0005.  Primary attacked from 15,000’.  Considerable ground haze.  Bombed centre cluster of green TI markers.  One very large explosion observed followed by flames.  Sticks of incendiaries seen to straddle town.
R5607K  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, P/O W.Langworthy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1838  Down 0035.  Primary St Nazaire successfully attacked.  Ground haze made worse by smoke screen.  Saw and bombed red TI marker flares.  Own bomb burst observed.  One particularly large flash and many fires observed.

1.3.43 11 Lancasters detailed to bomb Berlin.  9 aircraft reported successfully bombing the target or target area and many good fires were seen, the glow from which was visible 150 to 200 miles away.  Weather was fine with no cloud and only slight haze.  One aircraft abandoned the mission due to technical failure and one aircraft, with Sgt Innes and crew are missing.

1/2 March 1943 Berlin

(listed as Pilot, F/E, Nav, A/B, W/Op, MG, RG.)

ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1854  Down 0145.  Primary target Berlin successfully attacked from 19,000’.  Good visibility.  No cloud.  Bombed on red TI markers which were in sights.  15 big fires were well concentrated in built up area.  Glow of fires seen from 70 miles away.
R5896Y  Sgts D.J.Jones, M.Hemming, E.L.Cohn, J.L.Gardener, J.L.Hannah, Strange, J.Brierley.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1859  Down 2158.  Mission abandoned due to technical failure.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1852  Down 0204.  Berlin attacked in good visibility, slight ground haze, at 18,500’.  Centre of TI markers in sights when we bombed, river identified visually.  Numerous fires seen in target area.  Fires seen from 70 miles away.
R5552P  F/O R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/O F.W.Chandler, Sgt A.C.Newbegin, F/Sgt H.E.Mort, Sgts R.C.Haviland, Bane.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1850  Down 0234.  Primary objective bombed from 16,000’.  No clud.  Bombed on green TI markers which were in sights but bursts from our own bombs seen.  Flames from fires seen 100 miles away.  Flak in port wing.
R5490B  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts J.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, F/O D.Rodger.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1906  Down 0139.  Berlin successfully attacked.  Slight haze over target.  Identified built up area and river visually.  Bombed cluster of red and green TI markers.  Many bursts and fires observed.  Glow of fires seen 150 miles from target.
ED425E  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, F/L J.A.Grieves, Sgts Williams, A.Channon, G.Lambert.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1847  Down 0110.  Primary target attacked from 21,000’.  Good visibility.  Target identified by bend in river.  Cluster of TI markers in sights when we bombed.  4000 pounder seen to explode.  29 fires counted in target area.  Raid well concentrated.
R5617K  Sgts K.Brown, H.Hogg, F.H.Alexander, J.Roche, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1856  Down 0134.  Berlin successfully bombed from 20,000’.  Visibility good.  Bombed on red TI markers when in sights.  15 good fires seen.  Glow of fires seen from Hanover.  Flak over target was moderate.  Better raid than previous time.
W4825H  Sgts A.Innes, R.Unwin, C.E.Bellamy, H.M.Frew, Adger, L.A.Horne, J.Little.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 1849 – aircraft and crew missing.
R5612R  F/L J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts F.J.Jones, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1903  Down 0152.  Berlin attacked from 20,000’.  Visibility good – some smoke haze.  Bombed on cluster of red and green TI markers which were in sights.  Too mnay fires to count – concentrated in target area.  Glow of fires seen from Bremen.
R5607X  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, Williams, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1905  Down 0158.  Primary target bombed from 20,000’.  Clear except for slight haze.  Built up area identified visually.  Bombed on cluster of red TI markers which were in sights.  Own bomb seen to burst.  Many fires counted.
R5914G  P/O K.Lennox, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/O P.D.Hallam, F/Sgt D.King, Sgts Ramsden, H.R.Page, E.White.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1855 Down 0209.  Berlin successfully attacked.  Weather perfect except for slight haze.  Bomb seen to burst when released on cluster of red and green TI markers.  Widespread fires whole and well alight. 

2.3.43 One aircraft detailed to lay mines in Deodars Area.  The trip was reported as successful and uneventful but marred by poor visibility.

2/3 March 1943 Gardening in “Deodars” Area – 4 mines

R5490B  F/Sgt W.McLoud, Sgts P.J.Horsham, S.Trowsdale, B.L.May, Thompson, F/O E.A.Adams, Sgt J.Baker.  Up 1929  Down 0527.  Mines successfully laid in Deodars area.  No cloud, very hazy.  Pin-pointed Cordouan Island and made time run from there.  Uneventful trip. 

3.3.43 11 aircraft detailed to bomb Hamburg.  8 aircraft attacked the town and all but one crew saw the marker bombs.  Many good fires were observed and the glow was visible some distance from the target.  One aircraft bombed a last resort, Friedrichskoog owing to technical failure.  Two aircraft jettisoned jettisoned bombs and returned due to technical failures.  No cloud but considerable ground haze over the target.

3/4 March 1943 Hamburg – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC

R5483D  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.E.McAvoy, F/L J.A.Grieves, Sgt Williams, F/O T.Trilsbeck, Sgt G.Lambert.  Up 1923  Down 2340.  Hamburg bombed from 18,000’, misty haze up to 16,000’, smoke on ground.  Bombed centre cluster of red TI markers to south fo fire area.  12 good fires counted which later appeared to be merging into one.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.C.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, Sgts Daniels, W.T.Saunders.  Up 1904  Down 0009.  Primary objective attacked.  No cloud, visibility about 20 miles.  Bombed centre of TI markers, dock area identified visually.  Several fires observed.  Trip according to plan.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts J.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, F/O D.Rodger.  Up 1908 Down 2336.  Last resort – believed Friedrichskogg attacked from 19,000’.  No cloud – rather hazy.  Estuary of Elbe visually identified and estimated position of Friedrichskogg bombed.  4000 pounder seen to burst and start fire.
R5917K  P/O K.Lennox, Sgt S.W.Archer, F/L P.M.Cutting, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts Ramsden, H.R.Page, E.White.  Up 1902  Down 0013.  Hamburg attacked.  Clear of cloud but hazy at 18,000’.  Bombed centre of red and green TI markers.  Only a few scattered fires seen.  Activity over target was not too great.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  Up 1906  Down 2039.  Mission abandoned owing to technical failure.  Bombs jettisoned live.
R5552P S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts R.N.Nelson, W.Burr, P/O A.R.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  Up 1925  Down 2144.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned.
W4355T  F/L R.C.Bell, Sgts A.Wood, W.A.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1910  Down 2358.  Hamburg attacked from 18,000’.  No cloud, visibility fair. TI markers ahd burnt out by the time the aircraft reached the target area.  We therefore bombed south of the area covered with fire.  Fires were many.  Black smoke spread over whole area.
W4200W  F/L J.L.Munro, Sgt F.E.Appleby, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts Jones, E.Pigeon, W.Howarth, E.Speight.  Up 1927  Down 0021.  Primary target attacked at 17000’ but slight haze.  No TI markers seen.  Bombed southern edge of fires started by previous aircraft.  Believed part of dock area identified visually on run in.  Fires rather scattered.
R5896Y  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgts J.Dean, Williams, J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, A.McAlhone, F/Sgt Birtwistle.  Up 1922 Down 0006.  Hamburg attacked from 19,000’.  No cloud but slight haze.  Bombed on centre of green TI markers which were in sights.  Rear gunner saw flash from own bombs.  Many large fires spread over target area.  Great concentration of searchlights.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 1919  Down 2349.  Primary target attacked from 17,000’.  No cloud but ground haze hid everything.  Bombed centre cluster of green TI markers.  Flash from bombs seen.  Many good fires seen.  Glow of fires seen from 85 miles.

R5490B  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, Whiting.  Up 1917  Down 0023.  Hamburg attacked 17,000’.  No cloud.  Green TI markers confirmed by outline of River Elbe – this we bombed and observed own burst.  Number of good fires.  We bombed late in attack.  Ground detail obscured by smoke from fires. 

4.3.43 Stand down today.  No flying.

5.3.43 12 Lancasters detailed to attack the Krupps Works at Essen.  All aircraft reported successfully having attacked the target or target area and all crews agreed the raid was well concentrated.  There were many large fires and explosions, smoke reaching a height of 6,000’.  Weather was fine but hazy.

5/6 March 1943 Essen – Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated

ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.G.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/O F.G.G.Lush, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1842  Down 2319.  Primary target Essen attacked from 20,000’.  7/10ths cloud.  Bombed red TI markers, no ground detail visible.  Fires visible, concentrated and increased as we left target.
R5917K  P/O K.Lennox, Sgt R.C.Swetman, F/L P.M.Cutting, F/Sgt D.B.King, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, H.R.Page, E.White.  Up 1848  Down 2359.  Primary target Essen attacked from 19,000’. No low or medium cloud but hazy.  Bombed on red TI markers which were in sights.  Large number of separate fires seen close together.  One very large explosion observed.
R5914G  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clarke, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1849  Down 2343.  Essen attacked 21,000’.  Clear with ground haze.  Bombed red TI markers which were in sights, own bomb seen to burst.  Fires so concentrated they appeared as one.  Colossal red explosion seen in target area.  Glow of fires seen 150 miles away.
R5607X  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1846  Down 2326.  Essen – Krupps target bombed.  20,000’.  No cloud.  Bombed on TI markers.  Many concentrated fires.  Surprising lack of defences.
R5490B  F/Sgt W.McLoud, Sgts P.J.Horsham, S.Trowsdale, B.L.May, F/Sgt L.E.Thompson, F/Sgt T.Goacher, Sgt J.Baker.  Up 1853  Down 2347.  Primary objective attacked.  No cloud but considerable ground haze.  Time run from yellow markers.  Bombed on red and green markers.  Many fires and several explosions observed.  Quiet trip.
W4200W  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts Nelson, W.Burr, P/O R.A.Poole, P/O L.G.Mussi.  Up 1845  Down 2331.  Primary target attacked.  21,000’.  Thin cloud at 10000’.  Bombed centre cluster of red TI markers.  Approximately 25 good fires, one very large.  Glow of fires visible from Dutch coast.
W4355T  F/L R.C.Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1841  Down 2336.  Krupps works Essen attacked.  21,000’.  Clear but smoke from fires.  Bombed on green TI markers.  Own bombs seen to burst among concentrated fires.  One very large explosion observed on leaving target.
R5612R  F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts J.F.Gardner, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Dillon.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1851  Down 2312.  Primary objective attacked.  22,000’ clear, no cloud.  Bombed red TI markers which were in sights.  One very large explosion seen.  About 30 fires counted as aircraft was about to leave target area.
R5896Y  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/Sgt J.A.McAvoy, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, Freedman, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1857  Down 2322.  Primary target Essen bombed.  No cloud much smoke haze.  Time run from yellow markers.  Bombed on red TI markers.  One very large fire with flames 2000’ high ssen.  Many other large fires.  Every indication that industrial area was bombed.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 1835  Down 2316.  Krupps workd Essen attacked from 19,000’.  Thin cloud, much smoke haze rising in columns.  Bombed green TI markers.  Bombs seen to burst and cause big yellow flash.  Many fires observed.  One large explosion seen on leaving target.
R5483D  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, W.Lochrie.  Up 1847  Down 0001.  Primary objective bombed.  18,000’, thin cloud and haze.  No TI markers after making run from yellow Tis.  Bombed farthest edge of fires.  Large number of concentrated fires observed.
ED430C  F/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, M.Griffiths, F/Sgt R.Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  Up 1858  Down 2339.  Essen attacked 19,000’.  Clear with industrial haze.  Fires made red TI markers difficult to see.  Bombed on red TI markers which were in sights.  Own bombs seen to burst among fires.  Very concentrated fires.  Large explosion seen.  

6.3.43 11 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.  One aircraft on night training.

7.3.43 12 aircraft for ops – later cancelled.

8.3.43 12 Lancasters detailed to attack Nuremburg.  10 aircraft reported success.  PFF markers were scattered, there being three distinct concentrations, most of the crews bombed the largest cluster.  Numerous scattered fires were reported, some being particularly good.  Two aircraft returned early owing to technical failures.

8/9 March 1943 Nurnburg – Bomb laod 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated

R5483D  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/O Crockett (Nav 1), F/Sgt J.A.McAvoy (Nav 2), S/Lt D.S.Watt, Sgts Williams, Skinner, G.Lambert.  Up 1932  Down 0255.  Primary target Nurnburg attacked from 10,500’.  Clear, broken cloud.  Saw built up area by light of green flashes.  Bombed on green TI markers.  Own results not seen.  One bomb seen to explode in railway yard.  Many fires seen.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, F/O Robertson, W/O H.G.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Up 1928  Down 0309.  Primary objective attacked 12,000’, visibility moderate.  Bombed cluster of green TI markers which were in sights.  PFF not so good – TI markers very scattered.  Bomb bursts seen in built up area.  Some good fires.
ED430C  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts J.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, F/O D.Rodger.  Up 1933  Down 0308.  Nurnburg attacked from 12,500’.  Clear.  Bombed cluster of green TI markers in sights.  Built up area observed by light of illuminations.  Numerous good fires, one very big blaze to south east of town.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantingham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, W.Hussey.  Up 1937  Down  0246.  Target Nurnburg attacked.  Clear with ground haze at 13,000’.  TI markers widely scattered, bombed on centre of 4 green TIs.  One very large explosion and scattered fires observed.  Not a good effort – PFF duff.
R5490B  F/Sgt W.McCloud, Sgts P.J.Horsham, Cohn, B.L.May, F/Sgt L.E.Thompson, F/O E.A.Adams, Sgt J.Baker.  Up 1930  Down 2133.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned.
W4355T  F/L R.C.Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1935  Down 0317.  Nurnburg bombed from 14,000’.  No cloud, visibility moderate.  Very scattered TI markers seen.  Bombed largest cluster of green TI markers.  Some fires.  Raid was all over the place.
W4175U  S/L E.F.Nind, Sgt J.Pulford, P/O F.G.Rumbles, Sgts R.N.Nelson, W.Burr, F/Sgt T.Goacher, P/O L.G.Mussi.  Up 1939  Down 0312.  Nurnburg attacked 12,000’.  Clear with slight ground haze.  Centre cluster of green TI markers bombed.  Several large fires seen scattered over a large area.  Suspected enemy of using decoy TI markers just before zero hour.
R5896Y  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/L P.M.Cutting, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, Freedman, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  Up 1925  Down 0324.  Primary objective attacked.  13,000’.  Clear, slight haze.  Saw built up area.  TI markers were very scattered.  Bombed green TI markers which were in sights.  Bomb bursts seen in built up area.  25 fires counted.  Lack of concentration.
W4200W  F/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, M.Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  Up 1924  Down 0320.  Nurnburg target bombed.  Clear with ground haze at 13,000’.  Bombed centre of cluster of green TI markers, own bombs seen to burst.  Bombs seen to land in railway siding.  Numerous scattered fires in target area.
R5915Q  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 1922  Down 2131.  Mission abandoned owing to engine trouble.  Bombs jettisoned and seen to burst.
R5607X  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, Baggs.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1920  Down 0303.  Primary objective attacked.  13,000’.  Clear – hazy.  Built up area observed visually.  Bombed on green TI markers.  Number of good fires seen, one particularly large one.
R5914G  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 1927  Down 0250.  Nurnburg attacked.  Clear with slight ground haze at 14,000’.  Released in cluster of green TI markers which were in sights.  No results seen.  Several scattered fires.  Markers were dropped haphazardly.  Fighter opposition round flares.

9.3.43 9 Lancasters detailed to attack Munich.  9 aircraft successfully attacked target.  Many fires reported, one particularly large in the south east of Munich.  Most crews report having seen a very large explosion followed by fire and smoke.  One aircraft returned early due to technical failure after jettisoning bombs.  10.3.43      Three Lancasters detailed to lay mines in Privet Area and one in Spinach Area.  All report successful laying of mines.  Weather was fine with good visibility.

9/10 March 1943 Munich

ED430C  Sgts A.Johnson, J.Duffy, F/Sgt L.Clark, Sgts R.Rae, Peters, R.N.Daniels, M.T.O’Donoghue.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.Up 2047  Down 2021.  Mission abandoned over aerodrome due to technical trouble.  Bombs jettisoned and seen to explode.
W5609S  F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 2100  Down 0451.  Primary target Munich attacked.  14,000’, clear, visibility good.  Markers had burnt out by the time aircraft reached the target.  Bombed the centre of area where fires were observed burning.  Numerous scattered fires.  One particularly large explosion.
R5612R  Sgts D.C.Plaunt, T.L.Williams, P/O A.J.Smith, Sgts J.L.Viau, R.Frank, A.W.Taylor, Dillon.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 2045  Down 0358.  Munich attacked from 17,000’.  Slight ground haze.  Too late for TI markers so bombed built up area where fires were burning.  One very large explosion seen as we approached target.  Few scattered fires.
R5917K  F/Sgt W.McLeod, Sgts P.J.Horsham, Cohn, B.L.May, F/Sgt L.E.Thompson, F/O E.A.Adams, Sgt J.Baker.  1 x 8000lb.  Up 2045  Down 0358.  Munich bombed.  Late going in to target, no markers were observed.  Bombed area of concentrated fires.  One particularly large explosion was seen in target area.
W4200W  Sgts J.F.Munro, H.Townsley, A.Spencer, E.J.Suswain, S.Nevard, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 2042  Down 0404.  Primary target attacked from 11,000’.  Much smoke from fires in target area.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers which were in sights.  Very violent explosion seen at 00.17 hours.  Concentrated fires seen.
ED425E  F/L K.G.Tew, Sgt P.J.Roberts, W/O H.G.Boyd, Sgt D.A.McLean, F/Sgt P.G.Cross, F/Sgt L.D.Blin, Sgt W.T.Saunders.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2043  Down 0408.  Munich bombed from 9,000’.  No cloud but hazy.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers which were in sights.  Two very large explosions seen.  Many scattered fires observed.
W4926Z  F/O J.V.McCarthy, Sgts J.Radcliffe, A.Westwell, G.Johnson, F/O P.B.Ballantyne, Sgt R.Batson, F/O D.Rodger.  1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.  Up 2049  Down 0415.  Primary target Munich bombed.  13,000’.  Layer of thin cloud.  No TI markers were burning while we over target so bombs were released on centre of fire area.  Haze obscured ground detail.  Several scattered fires.  One large explosion.
R5552P  F/O P.H.Norton, Sgt J.A.Peel, P/O G.C.Francis, Sgts W.Standring, M.Griffiths, F/Sgt Birtwistle, Sgt W.Whiting.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2051  Down 0512.  Munich attacked from 14,000’.  Belt of smoke haze.  Arrived late on target, no TI markers seen.  Bombed centre of fires which were in sights.  Number of small fires blending into one seen.  Searchlights active and heavy flak.
R5896Y  P/O M.R.Cuelenaere, Sgt J.Dean, F/L P.M.Cutting, Sgts J.H.Clay, G.F.Gower, Freedman, F/Sgt H.Weeks.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2052  Down 0411.  Primary objective attacked.  Clear – visibility good.  Time run from lake green TI markers.  One green marker in sights when we bombed.  About 32 scattered fires counted.  One particularly large fire followed by big explosion.
ED591M  Sgts W.S.Treacy, M.Eardley, G.Brantignham, A.Roche, W.A.Halsey, P.G.Nickerson, Baggs.  1 x 4000lb 10 SBC.  Up 2102  Down 0353.  Munich bombed.  13,000’.  2/10ths cloud, visibility good.  Built up area identified visually by light of flares.  Bombed centre cluster of green TI markers.  Concentrated fires and one very large orange flash observed.

10/11 March 1943 Gardening in “Privet” Area – 4 mines

W4355T  F/L R.C.Bell, Sgts A.Wood, J.W.Gillin, E.H.Moore, F.A.Thompson, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Up 1756  Down 1933.  Mission abandoned over aerodrome owing to technical failure.  Vegetables jettisoned safe.
R5896Y  S/L K.H.Burns, Sgt F.Dolby, F/Sgt J.A.McAvoy, Lt D.S.Watt, Sgts Williams, Skinner, G.Lambert.  Up 1828  Down 0424.  Mines laid in Priver area from 800’.  No cloud, dark, visibility good.  Mouth of Vistula identified.  Mines not seen.
ED591M  Sgts K.Brown, H.Hogg, F.H.Alexander, J.Roche, J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, L.C.Boyton.  Up 1804  Down 0356.  Primary target reached, mines dropped in allocated position from 800’.
R5483D