Flight Operations 4

1.8.43 Air firing and bombing training.  Circuits and landings by S/L Garlick.

2.8.43      Bombing training, NFTs, dual circuits and landings.  20 aircraft detailed for ops against Hamburg.  2 aircraft failed to take off due to technical troubles.  12 aircraft detailed as markers and 6 on main force.  Moderate accurate predicted heavy flak to 20,000’.  No searchlights operating.  Thunderstorm with cloud up to 30,000’ in target area.  Results were not seen owing to cloud and were considered rather scattered.  All aircraft returned to base.

2/3 August 1943 Hamburg – Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated

EE105L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, Sgt R.J.Williams, F/Sgt E.H.Skinner, F/Sgt G.Lambert.  Up 2256  Down 0416.  Primary target abandoned – 20,000’.  Dark – thick cloud.  Bombed flak area.  No results seen.
ED814D  F/O R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, P/O F.W.Chandler, Sgts A.C.Newbegin, W.A.Halsey, R.C.Haviland, F/Sgt P.O.Bone.  Up 2258  Down 0415.  Hamburg abandoned owing to bad weather conditions.  15,000’.  Dark – thick cloud.  Bombed defended area believed Bremerhaven.  No results seen.
ED869S  W/C E.F.Nind, F/Sgt P.J.Roberts, P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, Sgt G.F.Gower, F/L L.G.Mussi, F/L McKinna.  Up 2302  Down 0358.  Primary abandoned.  Bombed gun position Wesermunde.  Dark.  10/10ths cloud 19,000’.  Unable to get through cloud and lightning.  Own bomb flashes and gun flashes seen.
ED938J  P/O J.F.Munro, F/O W.Riches (2nd Pilot), Sgt G.Winter (F/E), P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgts J.Wrigley, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 2305  Down 0452.  Hamburg attacked on ETA.  15,000’  Dark 10/10ths cloud, visibility bad.  Scattered bombs on ETA.  Nothing seen.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt W.N.Roberts (2nd Pilot), S/L K.J.Foster, Sgt S.J.Peek, F/L E.H.Parrott, Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, F.Edwards.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.  Up 2315  Down 0400.  Hamburg not reached.  Furthest point Wesermunde.  19,000’.  Unable to get through thick cloud and lightning.  Port inner engine failed.  No results of bombing seen.
ED867Q  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, P/O E.L.Cohn, Sgts J.L.Gardner, J.Baker, S.N.Neill, F/Sgt R.K.Baggs.  Bomb load as Rodley.  Up 2316  Down 0405.  Hamburg not attacked.  Unable to penetrate cloud – icing and electric storms.  Compasses and W/T u/s.
JA715H  F/Sgt L.Baker, Sgt W.Vaughan, P/O C.W.Webb, Sgts A.Davie, J.Richards, M.Edwards, G.Lowden.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2325  Down 0344.  Primary objective not attacked.  No TIs or route markers seen.  Weather bad.  19,000’.  Chased by fighter.  Gee u/s, API u/s, rear gunner’s turret u/s.  Intercom microphones froze up.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.G.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2327 Down 0435.  Weather conditions unsuitable on route to target.  Believed Nordhole bombed – no results observed.  Lightning lit up sky.
ED948W  F/O B.H.Berridge, P/O R.C.Swetman, W/O L.Bremner, F/Sgt W.Parker, F/Sgt A.E.Flowerday, F/Sgt W.Lochrie, F/Sgt G.Pearce.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2335  Down 0502.  Hamburg attacked.  Lightning.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and glow from fires.  Glow in bomb sight when bombs released.
EE168B  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgts R.C.Pike, J.C.McLeish, A.M.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2344  Down 0525.  Secondary target believed Bremen area attacked.  9/10ths cloud.  Visibility nil.  Lightning.  Thunderstorm, 20,000’.  Bombed heavily defended area.  Nothing seen.
JA846E  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O L.C.Jones (A/B), P/O A.N.Carlton (A/B), F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2348  Down 0508.  Hamburg attacked.  13,500 feet.  Target identified by river and fires.  Bombed on fires, estimated position to be Hamburg.  Two very good fires going in dock area.  Bombing very scattered.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, Sgts C.E.Addison, W.G.Clutterbuck, K.Prouten, F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombes.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 2350  Down 0457.  Believed Klashorne.  Impossible to get through cloud and lightning to primary objective.  Bombed area that was burning and giving off heavy smoke.  No markers seen.
ED870T  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, H.W.Clausen, T.E.Stamp, A.J.Croll, F.A.Hughes.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 10 x 500lb.  Up 2307  Down 0430.  Primary target not reached.  Bispingen believed reached.  Weather conditions impossible.  Aircraft heavily iced and losing height.  No results of bombing seen.
JA716V  F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Bomb load as F/O Moodie.  Up 2311 Down 0455.  Possibly target Hamburg reached.  Weather bad, lightning practically continuous.  Bombed on ETA and light from yellow TI (believed).  Glow from fires.  No other results seen.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, T.L.Pritchard, C.Press.  Bomb load as F/O Moodie.  Up 2312  Down 0514.  Hamburg not reached.  Severe icing conditions.  Bombed anti-aircraft defences.  10/10ths cloud.  No markers or results observed.
EE176O  Sgts C.S.Chatten, C.Baumber, L.R.Armitage, F/O L.S.Webb, Sgt W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt J.R.Kraemer, Sgt L.V.Smith.  Bomb load as F/O Moodie.  Up 2317  Down 0445.  Believed Hamburg attacked.  19,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA.  No results seen except for some scattered bombing.
JA708Z  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, C.Watson, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  Bomb load as F/O Moodie.  Up 2310  Down 0424.  Hamburg attacked.  No moon.  10/10ths cloud.  Visibility nil.  No markers seen.  Bombed on time run but nothing in bomb sight.  Big explosion seen at 0223 hours.
ED866P  F/Sgt H.A.Pond, Sgts E.J.Gillman, S.B.Stevenson, F/O V.C.Peters, Sgts T.M.Kenny, O.Ramsden, F/Sgt T.N.McGrath.  Bomb load as F/O Moodie.  Up 2316  Down 0438.  Hamburg abandoned.  Furthest point reached Brenhafen.  Icing, electrical storm and severe static.  Bombs jettisoned fused.  No results seen. 

3.8.43 Circuits and landing. No other flying.

4.8.43      Fighter affiliation and air tests.

5.8.43      Air firing, fighter affiliation.  Dual and solo circuits and landings.

6.8.43      All aircraft grounded for inspection for 3 to 4 hours by Station Engineer.  Five aircraft on Bullseye exercise at night.

7.8.43      Day cross countries and bombing practice.  5 aircraft detailed for ops, Milan being the target.  All aircraft were visual markers.  No cloud, no moon and visibility good.  Raid was concentrated and considered satisfactory.  Large explosions seen and big fires developing.  All returned to base. 

7/8 August 1943 Milan – Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb unless stated

JA916L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, F/Sgt R.J.Williams, F/Sgt E.H.Skinner, F/Sgt G.Lambert.  Up 2127  Down 0508.  Primary objective Milan attacked.  10,000’.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  Target identified visually in light of flares and red TI markers.  Bombed on red TI marker.  Fires from incendiaries seen developing as aircraft left target area.
JA857C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.E.Bell, S/L K.J.Foster, F/O L.S.Webb, Sgts C.T.Ambrose, A.J.Croll, F/L R.A.McKinna.  Up 2129  Down 0528.  Target Milan successfully attacked from 12,500’.  No moon.  Visibility good.  Target identified visually and red TI.  Bombed big building in bomb sight, near isolated red TI.  Big red explosion seen immediately after bombing.  Good concentration of fires – visibile about 80 miles away.
JA908N  F/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, F/Sgt E.Wheeler, F/O J.E.Blair, Sgt G.W.Wood.  Up 2131  Down 0521.  Milan attacked.  No moon.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  12,000’.  Bombed on centre of concentration of red and green TIs, overshot 4 seconds.  Fires average, rather scattered.  One column of smoke up to about 5,000’.
JA846E  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Up 2134  Down 0536.  Primary target Milan bombed.  13,500’.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  Red TI markers in bomb sight when bombs released.  One very large explosion seen at 0125.  Good fires raging as aircraft left target.
ED938J  F/O J.F.Munro, F/O W.Riches (2nd Pilot), P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgts J.Wrigley, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Up 2136  Down 0524.  Target Milan attacked.  Visiblity good except for smoke haze.  11,500’.  Single red TI marker in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Seven good fires seen increasing north of aiming point.  Glow seen from Alps on return journey.

8.8.43      Standown from operations.  Some flying training during the day.  

9.8.43      Various flights training during day.  20 aircraft detailed for ops tonight.  Owing to a cross wind leaving only the short runway, the aircraft and crews are to fly to Wyton to be briefed and bombed up.  Some of the aircraft were flown over and Lancaster ED948 F/O Berridge had an accident after landing, the undercarriage collapsing for reason at present unknown.  No one was injured.  Originally there were two targets to be attacked but later it was decided that the target at Mannheim was to be the only one.  Eight aircraft were detailed to make the raid, some being briefed at Bourn and the others at Wyton.  The raid was very successful from reports, explosions seen in built-up area, many fires starting.  The weather and visibility were good.  6/10ths cloud, tops 6,000’, no moon.  All aircraft returned to base.

9/10 August 1943 Mannheim – Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb unless stated

JA846E  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Up 2319  Down 0438.  Primary objective Mannheim attacked.  18,800’.  Visibility good.  Bombed on concentration of yellow TI markers.  Fires well concentrated in target area.  Red explosion seen at 0126.
JA916L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, F/Sgt R.J.Williams, F/Sgt E.J.Skinner, F/Sgt G.Lambert.  Up 2238  Down 0428.  Primary target Mannheim attacked.  20,000’.  7/10ths cloud.  Target identified by concentration of fires.  Bombed built up area but not pin-pointed.  A green TI had disappeared before bombing.  Large fires seen burning on both sides of river.
ED838J  P/O J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, F/O Chambers, Sgt K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 x 500lb.  Up 2245  Down 0405.  Target Mannheim bombed.  No moon.  7/10ths cloud.  17,000’.  Red TI in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Built up area identified visually.  Own bursts seen in built up area.  Large fires seen as aircraft left target.
ED939H or M  W/C R.C.Alabaster (Capt), F/O W.Riches (Pilot), Sgts G.Winter (F/E), H.W.Watts (Nav), K.H.Pack (A/B), J.Wrigley (W/Op), R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2242  Down 0417.  Primary objective attacked.  8/10ths cloud.  No moon.  Visibility fair.  Bombed centre of large scattered group of red TI markers.  One explosion seen at 0130.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stephens, C.Watson, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2243 Down 0413.  Mannheim successfully attacked.  19,000’.  6/10ths cloud.  Red TI marker in bomb sight when bombs released.  Own results not observed.  One large yellow explosion seen at 0137.  Very large fire seen in centre of marked area.
JA716V  F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2228  Down 0422.  Target Mannheim attacked.  19,500’.  8/10ths cloud.  Red TI markers – centre of built up area – in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Many bursts seen around TI markers.  One big red explosion seen at 0130 near main railway yards.
ED567Q  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bamlett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, T.L.Pritchard, C.Press.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2240  Down 0432.  Mannheim attacked.  18,000’.  6/10ths cloud.  Visibility good.  Built up area identified visually.  Bombed built up area, ½ mile from red TI marker.  Numerous concentrations of fires developing as aircraft left target area.
ED879C or G  Sgts C.S.Chatten, C.Baumber, P/O L.R.Armitage, Sgts Standen, W.A.Reffin, O.Ramsden, L.V.Smith.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2237  Down 0402.  Target Mannheim attacked.  19,000’.  8/10ths cloud, visibility good.  Bombed on two red TI markers -  in bomb sight.  Many fires from incendiaries were starting up with cloud of smoke forming over built up area.
 
10.8.43    18 aircraft detailed for tonight’s operations.  Only 17 aircraft took off owing to a gunner in F/O de Wesselow’s crew refusing to fly because of domestic troubles.  The raid was against Nuremburg.  Only moderate flak which seemed ineffective was encountered.  Searchlights could not penetrate cloud which covered target area.  Visibility above cloud was good.  Two crews F/L Covington DFC  and P/O Baker are missing from this operation.  No news of them having been received since aircraft left base.  Lancaster JA715 P/O Brown was rendered CAT A.C. due to enemy flak.  The raid started off widely scattered.  Some markers believed to have fallen in the town and bombs were seen bursting in built up area.  12 aircraft were backers up and 5 nom-markers. 

10/11 August 1943 Nuremburg – Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb unless stated

JA708N  F/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, F/Sgt E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, Sgt G.W.Wood.  Up 2148  Down 0514.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  16,000’.  Half moon.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified in light of white flares.  Bombed on centre of red TI markers.  No actual fires seen but glow under cloud observed on leaving.
JA751H  P/O K.Brown, Sgt M.Hogg, F/O F.N.Alexander, F/Sgt K.W.Knight, F/Sgt J.Curry, Sgt J.T.Sullivan, F/Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Bomb load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 500lb, 2 x 250lb incs.  Up 2157  Down 0434.  Primary oibjective Nuremburg attacked.  19,500’.  Visibility good.  8/10ths cloud.  Red and green TI markers in bomb sight at time of bombing.  TIs and bombs seemed to be very scattered.  No results observed.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt K.J.Bell, S/L K.J.Foster, S/L E.H.Parrott, Sgts C.T.Ambrose, A.J.Croll, F/O L.J.Williams.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2155 Down 0439.  Primary Nuremburg bombed.  18,000’.  9/10ths cloud.  Half moon.  Bombed on centre of red TI markers – none actually in bomb sight.  One good fire burning and rising smoke pall.  Raid appeared scattered.
JA707K  F/L C.B.Robertson, Sgt W.G.Peel, F/L G.C.Crockett, F/Sgt P.Scott, F/O J.C.Frizzell, Sgts W.Wilkes, W.St C.Hebb.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2153  Down 0458.  Nuremburg attacked.  15,000’.  Half moon.  Visibility good above cloud.  Bombed on red and green TI markers in bomb sight.  Fires were spread over about 5 miles.  Early markers too scattered.
ED939M  P/O L.Baker, Sgt W.Vaughan, P/O G.W.Webb, Sgts A.Davie, J.Richards, M.Edwards, G.Lowden.  Bomb load as P/O Brown – aircraft and crew missing.
JA938J  F/O B.H.Berridge, Sgt P.H.Fryer, W/O L.Bremner, Sgt W.Parker, F/Sgt A.E.Flowerday, F/Sgt W.Hill, F/O E.A.Adams.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2201  Down 0427.  Primary objective Nuremburg attacked.  16,800’.  Half moon.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed centre of concentration of red TI markers – not in bombsight.  Some fires starting up but attack appeared scattered.
ED866F  F/O R.A.Fletcher, Sgts J.Nelson, J.Dunn?, J.Beesley, F/Sgt W.H.Layne, Sgts V.White, W.F.Coates.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2203 down 0455.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  18,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Visibility good above cloud.  Bombed on one red TI marker disappearing into cloud – in bomb sight.  Red explosion seen at 0122.  Nothing else seen.
EE168E?  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgts R.C.Pike, J.C.McLeish, A.M.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2207  Down 0517.  Primary Nuremburg attacked.  20,000’.  9/10ths cloud.  Target identified by red TI markers and fires.  No TIs at time of bombing – bombed centre of group of scattered fires.  Cloud obscured further detail.
JA711Y  F/Sgt V.D.Evans, F/Sgt C.Neary, Sgt T.J.Lightfoot, G.E.Edgecombe, F.Martin, F.R.Higgins, A.L.Pole.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2212 Down 0510.  Nuremburg attacked.  Medium light.  9/10ths cloud.  15,500’.  Target identified by glow from fires.  Bombed on fires burning below cloud.  Fires below cloud appeared scattered.
ED911E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/Sgt A.W.P.Pepper, Sgts W.Williams, J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.J.Billows.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2210  Down 0544.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  Half moon.  9/10ths cloud.  Bombed on estimated centre of fires below cloud.  Only one TI seen (before bombing).  Occasional flashes below cloud but little else seen.
ED875R  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, R.C.Grainger, P/O E.L.Cohn, Sgts J.E.Gardner, J.L.R.Baker, S.N.Neill, F/Sgt R.K.Baggs.  Bomb load as P/O Brown.  Up 2217  Down 0537.  Primary objective attacked. 18,500’.  8/10ths clouds.  Target identified visually by rivers and burning fires.  Bombed on fires presumed to be target area.  No TIs seen.  Fires seemed scattered.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, H.W.Clausen, T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Bomb load as
P/O Brown.  Up 2227  Down 0533.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  19,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Target reached by ETA.  Target identified by glow from fires below cloud.  Glow in bombsight.  Only glow from fires seen.
JA716V  F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, Sgts F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Up 2137 – aircraft and crew missing.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, C.Watson, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  Bomb load as F/L Covington.  Up 2150  Down 0425.  Primary objective Nuremburg attacked.  17,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Visibility good above cloud.  Bombed on centre of concentration of red TI markers in bombsight.  One or two small fires only seen.
ED870T  F/Sgt H.A.Pond, Sgts E.J.Gillman, S.B.Stevenson, F/O V.G.Peters, Sgts T.H.Kenny, O.Ramsden, T.H.McGrath. Bomb load as F/L Covington.  Up 2152  Down 0510.  Nuremburg target attacked.  Half moon.  5/10ths cloud.  18,000’.  Bombed on centre of red and green TI markers – in bombsight.  Scattered fires seen short of aiming point but cloud obscured detail.
ED950K  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.N.Pack, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Bomb load as F/L Covington.  Up 2146  Down 0507.  Nuremburg bombed.  18,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Visibility good above cloud.  Single red TI marker in bombsight at time of bombsight.  No results seen.
ED868A  Sgts C.S.Chatten, C.Baumber, P/O L.R.Armitage, Sgts Standen, W.A.Reffin, O.Ramsden, L.V.Smith.  Bomb load as F/L Covington.  Up ?  Down 0502.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  8/10ths cloud.  19,000’.  Bombed on centre of concentration of red TI markers.  Bombing appeared very scattered.  Nothing seen in way of results owing to cloud. 

11.8.43 Standown from operations.

12.8.43    18 aircraft and two reserves have been detailed for operations.  One aircraft detailed for blind marking, 2 aircraft visual marking, 12 aircraft backers up and 3 non-markers.  All aircraft took off to attack Milan.  One aircraft returned early.  The raid seemed to be well concentrated and if TIs were in correct position the raid should have been a complete success.  Opposition was very poor – no cloud over target and visibility was very good.  Fires gave off good glow visible from beyond Turin.  Windows were also dropped.  All 17 aircraft returned safely to base. 

12/13 August 1943 Milan – Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt F.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/O E.A.Adams (A/B2), F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Up 2105  Down 0530.  Target Milan attacked.  13,500’.  No cloud.  Some haze.  Target identified visually and by red TI markers.  Bombs dropped north of aiming point on red TIs.  Own bombs were seen to burst.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, P/O F.P.Burbridge, F/Sgt E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair,  S/L R.A.McKinna.  Bomb load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb.  Up 2123  Down 0523.  Primary Milan bombed.  12,000’.  No cloud.  Visibility moderate.  Bombed on concentration of red TI markers which covered town.  20 to 30 large well concentrated fires observed.
JA916L  F/L O.B.Robertson, Sgt W.G.Peel, F/L G.C.Crockett, F/Sgt P.Scott, F/O J.C.Frizzell, Sgts W.Wilkes, F/Sgt W.St C. Hebb.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2117 Down 0516.  Target Milan attacked.  12,000’.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  Built up area visually identified.  Aiming point in bombsight at time of bombing on red TI.  Fires well concentrated and visible 70 miles away.
ED938J  P/O J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, F/L Chambers, Sgt K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2119  Down 0525.  Primary objective bombed.  14,000’.  No cloud.  Visibility.  Bombs released on yellow TIs and visually.  Own bomb bursts seen in centre of town.  Fires just starting up round red TI markers.
ED874K  P/O K.Brown, Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/Sgt K.W.Knight, F/Sgt J.Curry, Sgt J.T.Sullivan, F/Sgt W.T.Saunders.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2128  Down 0513.  Milan attacked.  13,000’.  Moon, no cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed visually and by red TI markers which were in bomb sight.  Own bombs seen to burst.
JA708Z  S/L E.E.Rodley, G/C N.H.Fresson, Sgt K.J.Bell, S/L K.J.Foster, S/L E.H.Parrott, Sgt C.T.Ambrose, F/O L.J.Williams, Sgt A.J.Croll.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2134  Down 0549.  Target Milan bombed.  14,000’.  Thin cloud, hazy.  Yellow TI markers in sight when bombs released.  Extensive concentration of fires in centre of town.
ED814D  F/L R.F.Clayton, Sgts W.N.Roberts, A.S.Palmer, F/O F.W.Chandler, Sgt A.C.Newbegin, F/Sgt W.A.Halsey, Sgt R.C.Haviland, F/Sgt P.O.Bone.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2125  Down 0535.  Target Milan attacked.  14,000’.  ¾ moon.  No cloud but ground haze.  Bombed yellow and red TI markers, overlapping in bomb sight.  Own results not seen.  Large concentration of fires – glow seen from Turin.
ED866P  F/O R.A.Fletcher, Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgt J.Beesley, F/Sgt W.H.Layne, Sgt V.White, F/O L.G.Mussi.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2130  Down 0519.  Primary objective attacked.  10.500’.  Bright moon.  Smoke and haze over target.  Bombs released on yellow TI markers.  Fires well concentrated particularly in north of town.  Fires visible from the Alps.
ED875R  Sgts D.A.Montgomery, G.C.Grainger, P/O E.L.Cohn, Sgt J.E.Gardner, F/Sgt J.L.R.Baker, Sgts S.N.Neill, R.K.Baggs.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2132  Down 0545.  Milan bombed.  18,000’.  Moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Bombed between two green TI markers in bomb sight.  Early on target – nothing startling in way of fires.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, F/O Cameron (2nd Pilot), Sgts W.G.Clutterbuck, K.Prouten, F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombes. Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2135  Down 0552.  Primary target Milan bombed.  14,600’.  No cloud, haze.  Bombed on yellow and green TI markers.  Heavy smoke obscured target area.  Fires well concentrated and visible 80 miles away.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2145  Down 0532.  Target Milan bombed.  14,000’.  Moon light, thin layer cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed concentration of red and green markers.  Smoke and fires observed.
ED168B  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgts R.C.Pike, J.C.McLeish, A.M.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2139  Down 0558.  Milan attacked.  Moon, no cloud.  Visiblity good.  14,000’.  Bombed on green TI markers in bomb sight.  Fires and smoke seen over whole of target area.
ED953W  F/O B.H.Berridge, F/Sgt Roberts, W/O L.Bremner, F/Sgt W.Parker, F/Sgt A.E.Flowerday, F/Sgt W.Lochrie, F/Sgt G.Pearce.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2117  Down 0537.  Target Milan attacked.  10,000’.  Small amount of cloud.  Bombed on centre of town over green TI markers which were in bomb sight.  Extensive large red fires observed.  Own TIs fell in centre of fire area.
JA711Y  F/Sgt V.D.Evans, F/Sgt C.Neary, Sgts T.J.Lightfoot, G.E.Edgecombe, F.Martin, F.R.Higgins, McGrath.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2137  Down 0556.  Primary objective Milan attacked.  4/10ths cloud.  Visibility moderate.  Built up area visually identified.  Bombed on yellow and green markers, overlapping in bomb sight.  Good fires started among fires with huge explosions.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, D.E.Harvey, W.A.Laing, F.Kirby.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage,  Up 2141  Down 2310.  Mission abandoned – navigator sick, returned early.
EE176O  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, E.O.Charlton, J.Kenny, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt F.Edwards.  1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Up 2109  Down 0507.  Milan attacked.  14,000’.  Moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Built up area identified visually.  One red TI marker in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Fires were getting good hold.  One particularly large explosion seen west of aiming point.
EE105E  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Pack, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Bomb load as S/L Garlick.  Up 2114  Down 0540.  Objective Milan bombed.  12,300’.  Moon.  No cloud over target but thunderstorm to east.  Able to see buildings and railway station.  Bombed on centre of two lines of red TIs.  Whole town seemed well alight.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, Sgts P.H.Fryer, F.H.Baker, J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  Bomb load as S/L Garlick.  Up 2121  Down 0543.  Primary objective Milan attacked.  14,000’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Bombed on yellow TI markers falling in fire area.  Large explosion seen at 0149.

13.8.43    Standown from operations.  Flying clothing parade and sort out in the afternoon.

14.8.43    9 aircraft and two reserves detailed for ops against a target at Milan.  Two aircraft on visual marking, 5 aircraft B/U and one non-marker.  The raid was considered very successful with no cloud over target.  There was ground haze and moonlight.  Defences slightly increased since previous raid.  Fires were seen.  One aircraft returned early after crossing the French coast due to engine trouble.

14/15 August 1943 Milan – Bomb Load 10 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb unless stated

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Up 2129  Down 0545.  Target Milan attacked.  No cloud, visibility hazy.  11,700’.  Target located by H2S.  Bombs hung up over target but were jettisoned before recrossing the Alps.  Flares appeared to be well placed.  A large fire seen.
JA916LF/L O.B.Robertson, Sgt W.G.Peel, F/L G.C.Crockett, F/Sgt P.Scott, P/O L.G.Mussi (A/B 2), F/O J.C.Frizzell, Sgts W.Wilkes, W.St C.Hebb.  Bomb Load as F/L Eaton-Clarke.  Up 2132  Down 0530.  Primary objective Milan attacked.  Full moon, no cloud, hazy.  9,000’.  Target identified visually.  Own bombs seen to burst on aerodrome buildings.  Aerodrome and works seen to be on fire.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, Sgt N.Cohen, F/L J.E.Blair, Sgt G.W.Wood.  Bomb load as F/L Eaton-Clarke.  Up 2136  Down 0540.  Breda Works Aerodrome (Milan) bombed.  10,000’.  Thick haze.  Target identified visually and bursts on aerodrome seen.  Fires seen starting up.  One buildings in works seen to disintegrate.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, D.E.Harvey, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb.  Up 2136  Down 0550.  Target Milan (works and aerodrome) attacked.  Bright moon, no cloud, visibility hazy.  15,000’.  Built up area visually identified.  Bombed on yellow TI markers.  One very big fire seen in bombed area and smaller scattered ones.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, F/Sgt Penny (2nd Pilot), Sgts C.E.Addison, W.G.Clutterbuck, K.Prouten, F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombes.  Bomb load as F/L Mackenzie.  Up 2138  Down 0523.  Primary objective bombed.  15,300’.  Visibility good but hazy.  Target identified by markers and visual.  Bombed between two red TI markers in bomb sight.  Many bursts seen in target area and fires were burning.
JA857G  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.P.Pepper, Sgts W.Williams, J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.J.Billows.  Bomb load as F/L Mackenzie.  Up 2139  Down 0102.  Returned early owing to port outer engine becoming u/s.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgt J.Brett, F/Sgt R.G.Christie, Sgts J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as F/L Mackenzie.  Up 2141  Down 0522.  Milan attacked.  Moonlight, no cloud, ground haze.  15,700’.  Target identified visually and by TI markers.  Bombs released on yellow TI markers.  Big explosion seen in north of town at 0125.  8 big red fires seen.
JA711Y  P/O K.Brown, Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/O Griffiths (Nav 2), F/Sgt K.W.Knight, Sgts J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, F/Sgt W.Hill.  Bomb load as F/L Mackenzie.  Up 2143  Down 0535.  Target Milan bombed.  No cloud but ground haze.  14,000’.  Bombed on concentration of yellow and green TIs in built up area.  Many other bursts seen.
JA707V  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, E.O.Charlton, C.Watson, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt M.Edwards.  1 x 4ooolb, 5 x 500lb.  Up 2127  Down 0525.  Primary target Milan attacked.  12,000’.  Moonlight, no cloud, hazy.  Saw railway station illuminated by red TIs – we bombed with both in sights.

15.8.43    Training carried out and standown from operations.

16.8.43    Some training flights in the morning.  In the afternoon all aircrews were paraded, after which all NCOs changed quarters in order that A,B, and C Flights should be allotted sites 1,2 and 3 respectively.

17.8.43    Cross countries, air firing and bombing.  20 aircraft detailed for ops and 2 aircraft reserve.  Three aircraft did not take off.  One returned early from the operation due to instrument failures.  The remaining 16 aircraft attacked the target at Peenumunde in the Baltic.  Weather was fine with small patches of cloud over the target area.  Numerous bomb bursts were seen and buildings burning.  Fires were seen in the distance on return.  Many enemy fighters seen.  All our aircraft returned safely to base.

17/18 August 1943 Peenemunde – Bomb Load 16 Flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.  Up 2046  Down 0406.  Target Peenemunde attacked.  Full moon.  No cloud, smoke haze.  13,500’.  Visually by coast and river and red TIs.  Bombs released on concentration of red and yellow markers.  Two very large explosions observed.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, F/Sgt E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, Sgt G.W.Wood.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Up 2108  Down 0358.  Primary target bombed.  11,700’.  Moonlight.  6/10ths cloud.  Green TI markers in bombsight at time of bombing.  Smoke and cloud obscured ground detail.  Red glow visible fro one hour after leaving target.
JA958K  F/L O.B.Robertson, Sgt W.G.Peel, F/L G.C.Crockett, F/Sgt P.Scott, F/O J.C.Frizzell, Sgt W.Wilkes, F/Sgt W.St C.Hebb.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2148  Down 0424.  Peenemunde attacked.  12,000’.  Full moon, patches of cloud – thick in places, hazy.  Green TIs in bombsight at time of bombing.  Own results not seen but many other bursts observed in marked area.  Glow of fires seen.
ED938J  P/O J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgts Campbell (A/B 2), Underwood, K.S.Bennett, F/Sgt W.Hill.  7 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Up 2048  Down 0337.  Peenemunde attacked.  13,000’.  Moon obscured by thin cloud.  Smoke haze or screen.  Target identified by coast line.  Bombed on yellow and green TIs.  No results seen owing to smoke.
EE107F  P/O K.Brown, Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, Sgt Graham (Nav 2), F/Sgt K.W.Knight, Sgts J.Curry, J.T.Sullivan, W.T.Saunders.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2100 Down 0428.  Primary objective attacked.  15,000’.  Bright moonlight, little cloud.  Yellow TI markers in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Several fires burning – glow visible 50 miles away.
JA923H  W/C E.F.Nind, F/O Stevens (2nd Pilot), P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, Sgt G.F.Gower, F/O E.A.Adams, F/O L.G.Mussi.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2055  Down 0013.  Task abandoned.  Compasses inaccurate and navigation aids u/s.
ED869S  F/O R.A.Fletcher, Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgt J.Beesley, F/Sgt W.H.Layne, Sgts W.A.Laing, H.R.Page.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2105  Down 0355.  Target Peenemunde attacked.  Moon, no cloud, visibility good.  14,000’.  Bombed centre of cluster of red TI markers.  Own bombs appeared to fall on railway.  Smoke screen prevented observation of ground results.  Fire glow seen.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt K.J.Bell, S/L K.J.Foster, S/L E.H.Parrott, Sgt C.T.Ambrose, F/O L.J.Williams, Sgt A.J.Croll.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2107  Down 0408.  Primary target Peenemunde attacked.  14,500’.  Some cloud, visibility good apart from smoke screen.  Bombed on TI markers.  Flash from own bombs seen in midst of TIs.  Reflection fo fires seen under cloud.
ED814D  F/L R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/L F.W.Chandler, Sgt A.C.Newbegin, F/Sgt W.A.Halsey, Sgt R.C.Haviland, F/Sgt P.O.Bone.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2115  Down 0412.  Primary target bombed.  Little cloud, visibility good apart from smoke screen.  12,500’.  Bombed on red TIs  - in bomb sight.  No ground detail visible.  Glow from fires seen 100 miles away.
JA711Y  F/O B.H.Berridge, Sgt O.Ramsay, W/O L.Bremner, F/O Griffith (Nav 2), F/Sgt W.Parker, F/Sgt A.E.Flowerday, F/Sgt W.Lochrie, F/Sgt G.Pearce.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2117  Down 0349.  Target Peenemunde attacked. 5,500’.  9/10ths cloud patchy.  Bombs released on concentration of red TI markers.  Cloud obscured most detail.  Big orange explosion seen at 0034.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, Sgts C.E.Addison, W.G.Clutterbuck, K.Prouten, F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombs.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2119  Down 0419.  Primary objective bombed.  12,500’.  ¾ moon.  10/10ths cloud (thin layer).  Bombed on concentration of green TI markers – none actually in bomb sight.  Results difficult to observe owing to thin cloud and smoke.
ED875R  P/O D.A.Montgomery, Sgt G.C.Grainger, P/O E.L.Cohn, Sgt J.E.Gardner, F/Sgt J.L.R.Baker, Sgt S.N.Neill, F/Sgt R.K.Baggs.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2128  Down 0417.  Peenemunde attacked.  Full moon, no cloud.  Visibility good.  11,000’.  Bombed cluster of red TIs.  Own bombs seen to burst in marked area.  Big explosion seen at aiming point “B” at 0039 hours.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgts Roberts (2nd Pilot), J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as P/O Munro.  Up 2130  Down 0422.  Primary target “B” bombed.  Full moon.  10/10ths thin cloud over target.  Bombs released on concentration of red and green TI markers.  Big explosion seen at 0048 and several fires observed.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bamblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, C.Harris, O.Press.  1 x 400lb 96 x 40GP.  Up 2103  Down 0352.  Primary target “F” attacked.  16,000’.  Moonlight, clear over target, cloud to east.  Visually saw road and buildings of sleeping quarters – these were bombed with green TIs in bomb sight.
ED870T  Sgts J.H.Saxton, P.H.Fryer, F.H.Baker, J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  7 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Up 2144  Down 0433.  Primary target attacked.  Bright moonlight, target partly obscured by smoke.  14,500’.  Bombed green TIs – not acyually in bomb sight.  Fries seen burning round yellow TIs.  Glow from fires visible 100 miles away.
JA707V  F/Sgt H.A.Pond, Sgts E.J.Gillman, S.B.Stevenson, F/O V.C.Peters, Sgts T.M.Kenny, O.Ramsden, T.N.McGrath.  1 x 4000lb, 96 x 40lb GP.  Up 2057  Down 0437.  Primary target Peenemunde attacked.  13,500’.  Moon, 4/10ths cloud.  Bombed centre of concentration of green TI markers.  Own bombs seen to burst in aiming point “E” area.  Fires just beginning to take hold.
EE105Q  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, A.E.Carlton, N.Cohen, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt M.Edwards.  Bomb load as F/Sgt Pond.  Up 2050  Down 0400.  Peenemunde.  15,400’.  Moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Built up section visually identified.  Bombed cluster of green TIs, none actually in bomb sight.  Raid appeared to develop at later stage.
EE176O  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Pack, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Bomb load as F/Sgt Pond.  Up 2102  down 0430.  Target Peenemunde attacked.  Moonlight.  3/10ths cloud.  12,000’.  Red TI markers in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Smoke screen obscured ground detail except for yellowish glow from fires.  

18.8.43    Air test, no further flying.

19.8.43    Air firing, NFTs.  21 aircraft detailed for ops which were later cancelled.

20.8.43    Day cross countries and special bombing training.  Bullseye exercise at night cancelled.

21.8.43 Air test, no other flying – weather unfit.

22.8.43    Bombing and Y exercises.  Air firing and high level bombing.  14 aircraft detailed for ops, also 2 reserve aircraft.  One aircraft did not take off, the remaining 13 aircraft attacked Leverkusen near Cologne.  Weather was fine over England but 8-10/10ths cumulous over the target.  Bombs were dropped on glow of fires through the cloud, no results seen.  One aircraft returned early owing to compass and repeater failures.  All returned safely to base.  Special Order of the Day by Air Commodore D.C.T.Bennett CBE, DSO, Commanding Path Finder Force “To all ranks of the PFF.  On the 15th August 1942, five squadrons, each representing a group in Bomber Command, assembled on allotted aerodromes to form the PFF.  In one year the PFF has played a large part in showing the enemy how effective bombing can be as a direct means of breaking his morale and thereby winning the war.  It is conceivable that he can crack up tomorrow.  On the other hand his Gestapo rule may make it possible for him to continue indefinitely.  Bombing is our most rapid and effective method of preventing his continued struggle but only if it is effective.  The PFF have done much but they must do more.  The quality of our bombing is in your hands.  Keep at it and good luck to you all.”

22/23 August 1943 Leverkusen – Bomb load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb unless stated

EE105E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.P.Pepper, F/Sgt W.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.J.Billows.  Up 2120  Down 0207.  Leverkusen attacked.  18,500’.  10/10ths cloud.  Visibility nil on ground.  Bombed on ETA and glow from red TI below cloud.  Area heavily defended.  Only red glow under cloud observed.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, F/Sgt Penny (2nd Pilot), Sgts C.E.Addison, W.G.Clutterbuck, K.Prouten, F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombs.  Up 2124  Down 0204.  Leverkusen area.  10/10ths cloud.  Visibility fair, 13,500’.  Bombed on ETA and glow of fires seen below cloud.  Only fire glow seen, no other results, no markers.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/O Stevens (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.M.Layne, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Up 2131  Down 0214.  Target Leverkusen attacked.  18,500’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and red glow which might have been fire or TI marker.  Glow of scattered fires only seen.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, Dawkins, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  Up 2129  Down 0220.  Primary target Leverkusen attacked.  20,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and glow.  Only glow from incendiaries observed.
EE105Q F/L D.I.Jones, Sgt M.Hemming, P/O A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, Sgt F.Strange, F.Sgt J.Burke.  Up 2135  Down 0150.  Leverkusen area.  20,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA.  Nothing seen owing to cloud except occasional sight of Rhine.
EE168B  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgts R.C.Pike, J.C.McLeish, A.M.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Up 2139  Down 0211.  Target Leverkusen bombed.  20,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA.  No markers seen.  No results seen.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, H.W.Clausen, T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Up 2137  Down 0227.  Leverkusen area attacked.  19,500.  9/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and faint glow under cloud.  On leaving target scattered fires were seen along track fro about 25 miles.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, Sgts P.H.Fryer, F.H.Baker, J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates. Up 2140  Down 0024.  Mission abandoned owing to compass failure and all repeaters.
JA707V  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, A.E.Charlton, Gadsby, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt F.Edwards.  1 x 4000lb 6 x 1000lb.  Up 2112  Down 0159.  Leverkusen area.  20,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and possible reflection of red TI markers.  After leaving target very scattered bombing could be seen below cloud. Over an area of 10 miles, some 30 miles.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bumblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, C.Harris, O.Press.  1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb.  Up 2114  Down 0144.  Leverkusen area attacked.  18,000’.  4/10ths cloud.  Bombed on red and green TI markers, two greens overlapping in bomb sight.  Two very good explosions observed.  No fires seen.
ED814D  Sgts C.S.Chatten, C.Baumber, P/O L.R.Armitage, Sgts Standen, Cowen, F/Sgt J.R.Kraemer, Sgt L.V.J.Smith.  Bomb load as F/O de wesselow.  Up 2131  Down 0219.  Leverkusen area.  18,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on ETA and what was assumed to be a red TI marker under cloud.  Several scattered fires seen on leaving target.
ED948W  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, Sgts G.D.Nicholl, N.Cohen, P/O W.W.oods, Sgt M.Sharp.  Bomb load as F/O de Wesselow.  Up 2126  Down 0225.  Primary objective Leverkusen attacked.  19,000’.  ¼ moon.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombs released on fires under cloud and defended area – coincided with ETA – no markers seen.  Very scattered fires observed on leaving.
ED839C Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeall, S.J.Peek, P/O L.C.Jones,  Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, J.R.Chapman.  Bomb load as F/O de Wesselow.  Up 2133 Down 0230.  Leverkusen area.  16,700’.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed on fires seen through breaks in cloud and ETA.  Fires in bomb sight.  Bursts seen in centre of fires aimed at.  Three large scattered fires seen. 

23.8.43    21 aircraft and one reserve have been detailed to operate against Berlin. Early briefing and take off at 0815 hours.  21 aircraft took off, 2 aircraft abandoned their sorties, in one case the rear turret was u/s and in the other the mid upper gunner was very sick.  All the remaining aircraft attacked the target at Berlin.  Large area of fires seen in target area after bombing and were well concentrated.  Moon was just rising – no cloud and visibility good.  W/Cmdr Burns DFC was selected and acted as Master of Ceremonies over the target.  Bundles of windows were dropped.  P/O Fairlie and crew failed to return.  Sgt Chatten was attacked by enemy intruder when over Norfolk and was shot down, the aircraft catching fire.  All the crew baled out except for the mid upper F/S Kraemer (Aus) whose body was found later in the wreckage.  Sgt Chatten landed safely, but was wounded from gunshot in the leg and ribs and was taken to Ely Hospital – he is progressing favourably.  The remainder of the crew baled out safely and were uninjured beyond minor bruises.  P/ Dawson was hit by enemy flak which damaged his aircraft.  The brake pressure which was damaged caused the aircraft to overshoot beyond the roadway and into a cornfield on landing.  The undercarriage did not collapse and there were no injuries, but the aircraft was made Cat A.C. The remaining aircraft landed safely at base.  The raid was considered very successful – much damage reported.

23/24 August 1943 Berlin – Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, G/C N.H.Fresson (2nd Pilot), F/O Cameron (3rd Pilot), Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, Newman.  Up 2015  Down 0305.  Primary objective Berlin attacked.  20,000’.  No moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Dropped 4 reds on aiming point by use of Nav aids “Y” which were working well.  3 other reds fell at same time.  Concentration was maintained as aircraft left.  Too early for results to be observed.
JA916L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, W/O R.J.Williams, Sgt E.F.Bryan, W/O O.Lambert.  4 x TI, 1 x 4, 2 x 1000lb.  Up 2019  Down 0347.  Primary Berlin attacked.  No cloud, visibility good.  18,500’.  Target found by ETA.  H2S faulty over target.  Own bombs seen to burst but thought to be well west of aiming point.  Large area of fires seen in target area after bombing.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, F/Sgt Penny (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, W/O E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, F/Sgt G.W.Wood.  5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.  Up 2147  Down 0321.  Primary Berlin attacked.  Dark, no cloud, visibility fair.  18,000’.  Bombed centre of concentration of red TIs – none actually in bomb sight.  Incendiaries and fires well concentrated.
JA923H  F/L K.Brown, Sgt Miller (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/O Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2057  Down 0356.  Berlin bombed.  ¼ moon, no cloud, smoke haze.  20,000’.  Bombs released between two green TI markers – not actually in bomb sight.  Well concentrated fires starting up.  Two large explosions at 0010 and 0014.
JA960E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.P.Pepper, F/Sgt W.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.J.Billows.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2030  Down 0333.  Target Berlin attacked.  Moon just rising.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed on red and green TI markers which were “bang on” target.  No red spot fires seen.  Fires were starting up as aircraft left target.
JA966S  W/C E.F.Nind, F/O Stevens (2nd Pilot), P/O Brown, P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, Sgt G.F.Gower, F/O E.A.Adams, F/L L.G.Mussi.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2034  Down 0328.  Berlin attacked.  19,000’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Target identified visually and by TI markers.  Bombed on red TIs – in bomb sight.  No red spot fires seen, own brought back.  Fires not started – none seen.
ED938J  F/L J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgt Underwood, F/Sgt K.S.Bennett, W/O W.Hill.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2036  Down 0309.  Berlin target bombed.  18,500’.  No cloud, very hazy.  Bombed centre of concentration of red TIs – in bomb sight.  Big red explosion seen at 0111.  Big fires seen – smoke visible from coast on way back.
JA958K  F/L D.I.Jones, F/Sgt M.Hemming, P/O A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, F/Sgt F.Strange, F/Sgt J.Burke.  Bomb load as S/L Suavage.  Up  2036  Down 0312.  Primary target bombed.  20,000’.  No moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Bombed cluster of red TIs – none in bombsight.  Fires had not started up while over target but were seen later from Baltic coast.
ED814D  F/L R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/L F.W.Chandler, F/Sgt A.C.Newbegin, W/O W.Halsey, Sgt R.C.Haviland, W/O P.O.Bone.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2040  Down 0317.  Target Berlin attacked.  19,000’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Target identified visually.  Bombed concentration of red TI markers, not in bomb sight.  Red spot fires brought back, none seen.  Too early on target for results.
ED950X  P/O K.Fairlie, Sgt C.E.Addison, S/L Forrest, S/L E.H.Parrott, Sgts F.Ball, A.J.Cossins, G.Coombs.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2038 – aircraft and crew missing.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sht J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.M.Layne, F/Sgt V.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2044  Down 0336.  Bombed Berlin.  ¼ moon, no cloud, visibility good.  19,000’.  Bombed centre of cluster of green TIs surrounded by reds – none actually in bomb sight.  One large explosion at 2152.  Huge smoke pall as aircraft left.
JA708E?  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2049  Down 0345.  Primary Berlin attacked.  20,000’.  No cloud, smoke from fires obscured parts of target area.  Bombed green TI (overshot 2 seconds).  Large orange explosion at 0011.  Numerous well concentrated fires seen and visible from 100 miles.
ED875R  P/O D.A.Montgomery, Sgt G.C.Grainger, P/O E.L.Cohn, F/Sgt J.E.Gardner, F/Sgt J.L.R.Baker, F/Sgt S.N.Neill, F/Sgt R.K.Baggs.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2046  Down 0325.  Berlin attacked.  19,500’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Target identified visually and by markers.  Bombed in cluster of red and green TIs.  Large explosion seen at 2355.  Fires were getting a good hold.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, F/Sgt H.W.Calusen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2051  Down 0351.  Target Berlin attacked.  No cloud, visibility good.  Target identified by TIs and visually.  Bombed centre of concentration of green TI markers – in bomb sight.  Many good fires burning.
EE107F  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.T.Pratt, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, Dawkins, W.A.Lang, F.Kirby.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2042 Down 0343.  Primary Berlin bombed.  19,500’.  Little moonlight.  No cloud, visibility good.  Bombed centre of green and red TIs – none actually in bomb sight.  Great mass of fires seen over large area.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, F/Sgt P.H.Fryer, F/Sgt F.H.Baker, Sgts J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2053  Down 0353.  Berlin attacked.  19,000.  ¼ moon.  No cloud, visibility good.  Bombed concentration green TI markers – not in bomb sight.  No red spot fires seen.  Large fires burning in marked area.
EE105Q  Sgts C.S.Chatten, C.Baumber, P/O L.R.Armitage, Sgts Standen, W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt J.R.Kraemer, Sgt L.V.Smith.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Up 2015  Down 0300 (approx – shot down).  Berlin bombed.  19,000’.  No cloud.  Slight haze.  Bombed centre of three red TI markers.  Built up area and big white buildings were seen visually.  Bombs believed on aiming point.  Fires seen after bombing, numerous and well concentrated and visible about 40 miles away.  On reaching English coast were shot down by an intruder.  All safely baled out except mid upper gunner who was killed.  Captain received leg injuried.  Aircraft a total loss.
JA707V  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, A.E.Charlton, Gadsby, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt F.Edwards.  Bomb load as Sgt Chatten.  Up 2022  Down 0314.  Target Berlin attacked.  18,300’.  No cloud, ground haze.  Illuminated buildings and roads visually identified.  Bombed estimated centre of red and green TIs.  Fires seen starting up.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bamblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, C.Harris, O.Press.  Bomb load as Sgt Chatten.  Up 2025  Down 2209.  Mission abandoned.  Mid upper gunner sick.  Bombs jettisoned safe.
ED839C  Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeall, S.J.Peck, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, J.R.Chapman.  Bomb load as Sgt Chatten.  Up 2032  Down 2242.  Mission abandoned.  Rear turret u/s.  Burst oil pipe, bombs jettisoned safe.      

24.8.43    Standown from ops – no flying.

25.8.43    Weather unfit for flying.

26.8.43    Weather unfit for flying.

27.8.43    22 aircraft and one reserve detailed for ops tonight.  1 aircraft, F/L Jones did not take off due to last minute failures.  There was not enough time left to transfer to the reserve aircraft.  The remaining 21aircraft took off to attack a target at Nurnburg.  No moon, no cloud, visibility haze and smoke.  Bombs were seen to burst in built up area – fires were beginning and glow was seen from about 100 miles away.  F/Lt Robertson and crew and F/Sgt Pond and crew failed to return – the remaining aircraft returned safely to base.  Intense flak was directed at markers.  Red Star vereys were shot off by enemy fighters who seemed to do this on sighting or attacking bombers.  Many aircraft were seen to fall at target and as far as Mannheim on return.

27/28 August 1943 Nuremburg – Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgts Miller (2nd Pilot), G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, sgt E.Hambling, S/L R.A.McKinna.  Up 2101  Down 0424.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  No cloud, visibility good.  14,000’.  Target found by “Y” equipment.  First on scene, no markers seen.  Bombed on built up area.  Own bombing results not seen.  Red TI seen.  Incendiaries starting to fall on leaving target.
JA923H  F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/O Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.  Bomb load as F/L Eaton-Clarke.  Up 2104  Down 0405.  Nuremburg attacked.  16,500’.  No moon, no cloud, visibility.  Bomb sight not used.  Red TIs and built up area visually bombed.  Own bombs seen to burst in built up area.  Too early to see results or fires.
JA916L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, W/O R.J.Williams, W/O E.H.Skinner, W/O O.Lambert.  5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Up 2123  Down 0339.  Primary Nuremburg attacked.  17,500’.  Haze and smoke.  Park, river and lake by “Y” aids.  Bombed near river in centre of town.  One large explosion east of twon (believed gasometer) at 0047.  Fires were raging as aircraft left target.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, F/Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, W/O E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, F/Sgt G.W.Wood.  5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.  Up 2141  down 0449.  Nuremburg bombed.  18,000’.  No cloud, no moon.  By Nav aids “Y” bombed workshops and railway marshalling yards and built up area.  No results seen.
JA958K  F/L O.B.Robertson, Sgt W.G.Peel, F/L E.G.Crockett, W/O P.Scott, F/O J.C.Frizzell, F/Sgt W.Wilkes, F/Sgt W.St C.Hebb.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2143 – aircraft and crew missing.
JA966S  W/C E.F.Nind, F/O Steven (2nd Pilot), P/O Brown (3rd Pilot), P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, Sgt G.F.Gower, F/O E.A.Adams, F/L L.G.Mussi.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2115  Down 0411.  Primary objective Nuremburg attacked.  18,000’.  No cloud, no moon.  Hazy.  Bombed on concentration of red and green TI markers – in bomb sight.  Saw several 4000 pounders burst within circle of red and green TIs.
JA960E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.P.Pepper, F/Sgt W.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.J.Billows.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2122  Down 0433.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  18,000’.  No moon, no cloud, visibility good.  Bombed concentration of red, green and yellow TIs and on instructions from MC.  One red in bomb sight.  Own results not seen.  Fires just beginning.
ED938J  F/L J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgt Underwood, F/Sgt K.S.Bennett, W/O W.Hill.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2124  Down 0348.  Nuremburg bombed.  13,000’.  No clud but smoke haze.  Built up area identified visually.  Centre of five red TI markers in bomb sight when bombs released.  Several large fires seen on leaving – visible about 100 miles away.
EE186B  F/L R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/L F.W.Chandler, F/Sgt A.C.Newbegin, W/O W.Halsey, F/Sgt G.W.Wood, W/O P.O.Bone.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2126  Down 0356.  Primary target Nuremburg.  18,000’.  Visibility good.  Bombed between groups of red and green TIs – none actually in bomb sight.  Little seen in way of results.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.M.Layne, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2150  Down 0351.  Target Nuremburg bombed.  Some haze and smoke over target area.  15,500’.  Bombed red and green TI (not in bomb sights) and on MC instructions.  Several fires seen, one particularly large, in centre of red TIs.  Glow seen 100 miles away.
ED875R  F/O B.H.Berridge, Sgt O.Ramsay, W/O L.Bremner, W/O W.Parker, W/O A.E.Flowerday, W/O W.Lochrie, W/O G.Pearce.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2135  down 0401.  Nuremburg attacked. 15,000’  Little cloud.  Bombed centre of concentration of green TIs.  Built up area seen in light of photoflash.  Two very large explosions seen.  Two or three fires at west edge of target area.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, W/O D.W.Burt, Sgts H.Bryson, E.F.Bryan, W/O Harris.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2137  down 0449.  Target Nuremburg attacked.  18,500’.  No cloud.  Visibility.  Bombed concentration of red and green TI markers – in bomb sight.  Fires taking hold on leaving target.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, F/Sgt H.W.Clausen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2132  Down 0441.  Primary objective Nuremburg bombed.  16,000’.  No cloud, some haze.  Bombed centre of concentration of green TIs.  Scattered fires seen in southern part of town.  Red spot fires brought back – none seen.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as S/L Suavage.  Up 2145  Down 0444.  Nuremburg attacked.  No cloud, visibility good.  16,700’.  Bombed concentration of green TIs, right on target.  Own results not seen.  Several good fires burning and glow cloud be seen from 100 miles away.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, F/Sgt P.H.Fryer, F/S F.H.Baker, Sgts J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2147  Down 0415.  Target Nuremburg bombed.  18,000’.  Ground haze.  Bombed centre of cluster of green TIs – in bomb sight.  Six large fires raging to west of town.  Red spot fires brought back – none seen.
JA707V  F/Sgt H.A.Pond, Sgts E.J.Gillman, J.E.Rainsford, F/O V.C.Peters, Sgts T.M.Kenny, O.Ramsden, F/Sgt T.N.McGrath.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Aircraft and crew missing.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bamblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, sgts F.White, Newman, O.Press.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Up 2056  Down 0359.  Nuremburg target attacked.  18,000’.  No cloud.  Visibility good.  Targte visually identified.  Bombed on concentration of red and green markers.  Visually identified marshalling yards.  Own 4000 pounder seen to burst.
ED948W  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Pack, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Bomb load as F/O de Wesselow.  Up 2128  Down 0419.  Nuremburg attacked.  16,500’.  2/10ths cloud.  Ground haze.  Target identified visually by river.  Concentration of red TIs in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Five separate fires taking hold on leaving target.

JA711Y  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, Sgts G.D.Nicholl, N.Cohen, P/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharp.  Bomb load as F/O de Wesselow.  Up 2109  Down 0407.  Primary objective attacked.  No cloud.  Ground haze.  Bombed centre of cluster of green TI markers, one overlapping in bomb sight.  Five large fires seen on leaving.
JA963Q  Sgts J.A.Penny, R.T.Fathers, J.Graham, J.N.Campbell, J.R.Cowen, P/O P.W.Bates, P.W.Dries.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2110  Down 0407. Nuremburg target bombed.  No moon, no cloud, smoke haze.  18,000’.  Factory buildings  identified visually.  Bombed between two concentrations of red and yellow TIs.  Believed bombs fell south of the river.  Big long fire seen on leaving.
EE107F  P/O W.H.Roberts, Sgt J.D.Tinsdeal, S/L K.J.Foster (Capt), Sgt S.J.Peek, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, J.R.Chapman.  Bomb load as S/L Sauvage.  Up 2117  Down 0436.  Nuremburg attacked.  No cloud, visibility fair.  16,500’.  Built up area identified visually.  Bombed centre of group of red TI markers, one red in bomb sight.  On target too early for results to be apparent. 

28.9.43 No flying – stand down from operations 

29.8.43 Bourn aerodrome will be unserviceable on the 30th August for approximately 4 days owing to the runways being reconditioned.  It is therefore necessary for the squadron to operate from other airfields during this period.  Each Flight will constitute a separate detachment under the Flight Commander who will act as the detachment commander as follows:-

“A” Flight                       W/Cmdr Burns DFC                         RAF Gransden Lodge

“B” Flight                                W/Cmdr Nind                         RAF Graveley

“C” Flight                              W/Cmdr Alabaster                  RAF Oakington

Aircraft and crew took off from Bourn this morning for their respective airfields.  Duty was carried out according to plan.  No ops detailed.  

30.8.43 Squadron detachments were detailed to put on 16 aircraft for ops.  1 aircraft did not take off – remaining 15 aircraft attacked Munchengladbach.  No moon and 10/10ths cloud (cumulus) up to 6,000’.  Visibility good above cloud over target area.  Some fires seen to start but very little result could be seen owing to cloud.  All aircraft and crews returned to their respective bases.

30/31 August 1943 Munchen Gladbach – Bomb load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb

ED938J  F/L J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgt J.N.Underwood, F/Sgt R.S.Bennett, W/O W.Hill.  Up 0024  Down 0342.  Target Munchen attacked.  17,000.  9/10ths cloud.  Bombed on glow from red TI marker which was in bomb sight.  One big blue/white explosion at 0202.  No results observed owing to cloud.
JA846M  F/L B.H.Berridge, Sgt C.Baumber, W/O L.Bremner, P/O Carlton, W/O A.E.Flowerday, W/O W.Lochrie, W/O G.Pearce.  Bomb load as F/L Munro.  Up 0025  Down 0344.  Munchen.  17,700’.  8/10ths cloud.  No moon.  Bombed on red TI marker through break in cloud.  No results observed owing to cloud.
JA715X  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Peck, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Up 0041  Down 0443.  Munchen attacked.  17,800’.  No moon.  3/10ths cloud.  Bombed centre of three red TI markers – in bomb sight.  Several good fires seen – rather scattered.
JA711Y  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, Sgts G.D.Nicholl, N.Cohen, P/O W.Wood, Sgt M.Sharp.  Bomb load as F/O Riches.  Up 0045  Down 0423.  Target Munchen attacked.  17,000’.  Very thick cloud and smoke over target area.  Centre of a few green TIs in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Every appearance of fires below cloud and smoke.
JA708Z  Sgts J.A.Penny, R.T.Fathers, J.R.Cowen, J.Graham, J.N.Campbell, F/O P.W.Bates, Sgt P.W.Dries.  Bomb load as F/O Riches.  Up 0048  Down 0416.  Munchen bombed.  No moon.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed centre of concentration of red and green markers – none actually in bomb sight.  One big explosion at 0220.  Many fires observed.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, W/O D.W.Burt, Sgt H.Bryson, W/O A.J.Harris, F/Sgt E.F.Bryan.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb.  Up 0042  Down 0334.  Primary objective attacked.  19,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed on one red TI marking burning on ground in bomb sight.  One large explosion at 0204 – clouds lit up by bright flash.  Nothing else seen.
ED814D  F/L R.F.Clayton, Sgt A.S.Palmer, F/L F.W.Chandler, F/Sgt A.C.Newbegin, W/O W.Halsey, F/Sgt Woods, W/O P.O.Bone.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 0046  Down 0417.  Munchen.  18,500’.  8/10ths cloud.  One red TI marker in bombsight at time of releasing bombs.  Glows of fires observed.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgt J.Brett, F/Sgt R.G.Christie, Sgts J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 0052  Down 0420.  Primary target bombed – Munchen.  No moon.  10/10ths cloud.  Bombed on glow from fires reflecting through cloud – in bomb sight.  Glow from fires only results seen.
JA960E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.P.Pepper, F/Sgt W.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, C.J.Billows, T.Hesselden.  Bomb load as S/L Rodley.  Up 0035  down 0400.  Munchen attacked.  8/10ths cloud.  No moon.  Bombed on red TI markers – in bomb sight.  Own results not observed.  Several fires seemed to be taking hold.
EE107F  Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeal, Peck, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, J.R.Chapman, H.B.Stedman.  1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Up 0041  Down 0427.  Target Munchen bombed. 15,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed on fires south of concentration of TI markers.  Area seemed well on fire, definite results not seen.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J,Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.M.Lyne, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb.  Up 0023  down 0357.  Munchen.  17,500’  No moon, no cloud.  Bombed centre of red TIs.  Several fires seen taking hold and 4000 pounder seen to burst.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, F/Sgt H.W.Clausen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Bomb load as F/L Fletcher.  Up 0044  Down 0429.  Target munchen.  6/10ths cloud.  17,500’.  Bombed on red TIs.  Own results of bombing not seen.  Several fires seen burning.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, F/Sgt P.H.Fryer, F/Sgt F.H.Baker, Sgts J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  Bomb load as F/L Fletcher.  Up 0047  Down 0415.  Munchen.  16,500’.  9/10ths cloud visibility.  Target founf by ETA and concentration of fires.  No TIs seen at time of bombing.  Bombed on light of fires.  Good fires were burning.
EE179U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts bamblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, Newman, O.Press.  Bomb load as F/L Fletcher.  Up 0052  Down 0441.  Munchen.  16,500’.  No moon, no cloud.  No TIs seen.  Bombed on concentration of fires.  Fires burning really well on leaving target.
ED935?W  Sgts J.A.Miller, P.E.?White, D.F.Evans, P.H.Hurst, G.N.Brown, T?Williams, F.G. Thomas.  1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Up 0047  down 0446.  Munchen 20,000’.  No moon, no cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed concentration of red TI markers – not in bomb sight.  Own bombs seen to burst.  Large number of scattered fires observed on leaving target.

31.8.43    Squadron detachments again detailed 20 aircraft for ops.  The target was an area in Berlin.  Weather was 9/10ths cloud, visibility good, no moon.  Bombs were dropped as detailed but too early for many results to be seen.  Incendiaries were seen burning and scattered fires started.  Moderate heavy flak rather more than on previous raid, when eased off searchlight and fighter co-operation was attempted.  Many enemy aircraft seen.  4 aircraft and crews returned early., 3 due to crew personnel being sick and one due to mid upper turret u/s and intercom u/s.  W/C Burns DFC and crew are missing, no news since being received.  The remainder all returned to their bases.  S/L Rodley’s aircraft had the bomb aimer’s panel shattered and a hole in the rear of the fuselage at Malenburg.

31 August/1 September 1943 Berlin _ Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb unless stated

JA846M  F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.S.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, G.Croll.  Up 2004  down 0314.  Primary objective Berlin attacked.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by Nav aid “Y”.  19,000’.  Unable to confirm aiming point owing to cloud.  Few scattered red TIs seen to fall.  Cloud obscured results.
JA923W  F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, P/O Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.    Up 2008  Down 0319.  Target Berlin attacked.  18,500’.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed red TIs actually in bomb sight.  Incendiaries and 4000 pounders seen bursting.  Some scattered fires.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, F/Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, W/O E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, F/Sgt S.H.?Ward.  Up 2006  Down 0308.  Berlin bombed.  5/10ths cloud.  No moon.  19,000’.  Targte bombed by Nav aid “Y”.  Bombs released on aiming point.  Too early on target for results.
JA916L  W/C K.H.Burns, P/O E.G.Dolby, P/O J.E.McAvoy, P/O J.Keddie, W/O R.J.Williams, W/O E.H.Skinner, W/O O.Lambert.  Up 2037 – aircraft and crew missing.
JA966S  W/C E.F.Nind, P/O P.J. Roberts, P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, Sgt Gadsby, F/O E.A.Adams, F/L L.G.Mussi.  Up 2013  Down 0318.  Target Berlin bombed.  18,500’.  Considerable medium cloud.  No moon.  Visibility moderate.  Bombed centre point between two red TI markers.  Unable to observe results owing to cloud.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, W/O D.W.Burt, F/Sgt H.Bryson, W/O A.J.Harris, F/Sgt E.F.Bryan.  Up 2019  Down 0313.  Target Berlin attacked.  9/10ths cloud.  Visibility good.  19,000’.  Bend in river identified visually.  Bombed between two red TS – not actually in bomb sight.  No results seen – too early and cloud.
JA857G  F/L B.H.Berridge, Sgt C.Baumber, W/O L.Bremner, S/L Georgeson, W/O A.E.Flowerday, F/O Williams, W/O G.Pearce.  Up 2017  Down 0327.  Primary objective Berlin attacked.  15,500’.  8/10ths cloud.  Target identified by red TIs and river.  Bombed on red TIs – in bomb sight.  Incendiaries seen burning with few small fires starting.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.M.Layne, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Up 2018  Down 0311.  Berlin target bombed.  18,000’.  9/10ths cloud.  Bombed centre of cluster of red TI markers, overlapping in bomb sight.  Too early fro results to be observed.
ED938J  F/L J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.H.G.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgt J.N.Underwood, F/Sgt R.S.Bennett, W/O W.Hill.  Up 2018  Down 0254.  Primary target bombed. No moon.  7/10ths cloud, some haze.  17,000’.  4 red TIs in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Nothing seen in way of results.
JA963Q  F/L D.I.Jones, F/Sgt M.Hemming, P/O A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, F/Sgt F.Strange, F/Sgt J.Burke.  Up 2020  down 0303.  Berlin target attacked.  18,000’.  No moon, 9/10ths cloud.  Got glimpse of built up area through cloud.  Bombed centre point between two concentrations of red TIs.  Results not observed owing to cloud.
ED868A  F/Sgt L.Stevenson, Sgt J.Brett, F/Sgt R.G.Christie, Sgts J.D.Bradford, H.A.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Up 2022  Down 2214.  Mission abandoned owing to mid upper turret u/s.
ED875R  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, F/Sgt H.W.Clausen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Up 2019  Down 0320.  Primary target Berlin attacked.  6/10ths cloud.  Bombed one red TI marker in bomb sight.  Glow from fires through cloud only result observed.
JA960E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, S/L K.J.Foster, F/Sgt W.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, C.J.Billows, T.Hesselden.  Up 2036  Down 2251.  Mission abandoned – mid upper gunner sick.
ED870T  F/Sgt J.H.Saxton, F/Sgt P.H.Fryer, F/Sgt F.H.Baker, Sgts J.C.Rees, C.Watson, J.J.Zunti, W.E.Coates.  Up 2030  Down 2240. Mission abandoned – navigator and rear gunner sick.
ED197U  F/O G.de Wesselow, Sgts Bamblett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgts F.White, Newman, Pratt.  Up 2033  down 0336.  Primary objective Berlin bombed.  19,500’.  No moon, no cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed concentration of red TI markers.  Results of own bombs not seen.  Scattered fires seen over wide area.
JA715X  F/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Peck, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Up 2028  Down 0344.  Target Berlin attacked.  9/10ths cloud at 18,000’.  Bombed centre of concentration of green TI markers.  Obviously some very good fires under cloud.
EE107F  Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeal, S.J.Peak, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, J.R.Chapman, H.B.Stedman.  1 x 4000lb, 8 x 500lb.  Up 2012  Down 0331.  Berlin attacked.  18,000’.  7/10ths cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed concentration of red TI markers.  A few scattered glows seen under cloud.
JA711Y  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, Sgts G.D.Nicholl, N.Cohen, P/O W.Webb, Sgt M.Sharp.  Bomb load as Sgt Roberts.  Up 2014  Down 2212.  Mission abandoned – navigator unfit.
JA708Z  Sgts J.A.Penny, R.T.Fathers, J.Graham, J.N.Campbell, J.R.Cowen, P/O Bates, Sgt P.W.Dries.  Bomb load as Sgt Roberts.  Up 2014  Down 0300.  Target Berlin bombed.  No moon.  8/10ths cloud.  18,000’.  One red TI marker in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Own bombs fell south-east of main concentration.  No results seen owing to cloud. 
ED953W  Sgts J.A.Miller, R.White, D.F.Evans, P.H.Hurst, G.N.Brown, T.E.Williams, F.G.Thomas.  Bomb load as Sgt Roberts.  Up 2012  Down 0305.  Berlin.  18,000’.  No moon, 6/10ths cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed on red TI markers – not acutallu in bomb sight.  Flash of bombs seen through cloud – nothing else.    

1.9.43 Standown from operations

2.9.43 Weather unfit for training – a few air tests only.

3.9.43 Runways at Bourn now serviceable – all detachments returned this morning to base from Oakington, Graveley and Gransden.  Twenty aircraft detailed for operations against Berlin.  All aircraft took off and 18 aircraft attacked the target.  Weather was cloudy en route – target area was only clear gap.  Early aircraft could see red TIs in good cluster and some fires already taking hold.  The attack is considered well concentrated and fires were seen by crews homeward bound from 200 miles away.  Defences were moderate and quickly died away and then many searchlights were operating in conjunction with fighters.  Two aircraft returned early, one with oxygen supply u/s and another due to rear gunner’s oxygen supply failing, rendering him unconscious.  After jettisoning bombs, a TI exploded, causing fire in bomb bay which was eventually put out and the aircraft landed safely.  Sgt Nordhoff, the rear gunner of F/O Riches crew, was killed by cannon fire from an enemy fighter when over the target.  Rear turret and hydraulic system were rendered u/s through damage caused by the fighter.  All aircraft returned safely to base. Sgt Nordhoff’s body is resting at Oakington and will be conveyed by rail to Liverpool for private funeral. 

3/4 September 1943 - Berlin

JA923H  F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/O L.S.Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.  Up 1959  Down 0427.  4TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Primary target Berlin attacked.  18,000’.  Clear sky, vis good.  Bombed cascading red TI markers – not actually in bomb sight.  No fires when aircraft went in – too early but big explosion seen at 2215.
EE105E  F/Sgt A.C.Jones, Sgt W.Jackson, F/O A.W.Pepper, F/Sgt F.Williams, Sgts J.Sansam, T.Hesselden, C.Billows.  Up 1955 Down 0421.  4 TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Berlin attacked.  17,500’.  No cloud, no moon, vis good.  Bombed on red TI marker.  One large fire seen in northern part of town, several smaller scattered ones over target area.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, F/Sgt W.G.Waller, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, W/O E.Wheeler, F/O J.E.Blair, F/Sgt G.W.Wood.  Up 2220  Down 0351.  7 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb.  Primary objective bombed.  19,000’.  Clear sky, visibility.  Bombed on concentration of red and green TI markers.  Saw own bombs burst in built up area.  Too early on target to see results but some fires starting up.
ED839C  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, W/O D.W.Burt, F/Sgt H.Bryson, F/Sgt E.F.Bryan, W/O A.J.Harris.  Up 2013  Down 0422.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Berlin attacked.  17,000’. A little broken cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed centre of cluster of red and green TIs.  One large explosion seen at 2320 hours.  A good mixture of TIs and fires observed.
ED938J  F/L J.F.Munro, P/O R.C.Swetman, P/O A.Spencer, P/O E.J.Suswain, Sgt J.Underwood, F/Sgt R.S.Bennett, W/O W.Hill.  Up 2015   Down 0334.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Primary target bombed.  20,000’.  Vis good.  No cloud, no moon.  Built up area identified visually.  Bombed concentration of red TI markers – in bomb sight.  Fires fast gaining hold – glow could be seen as aircraft approached Sweden.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.H.Layne, F/Sgt V.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Up 2019  Down 0343.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Berlin attacked.  No moon, no cloud, slight haze.  19,000’.  Bombed on red TI marker over built up area – in bomb sight.  While over target fires just starting up – glow seen on approaching Sweden.
ED814D  W/O L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Chnistie, J.D.Bradford, H.G.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Up 2022  Down 0429.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Target Berlin bombed.  18,000’.  No cloud, no moon, vis moderate.  Bombs released on concentration of cascading red TI markers.  Big explosion at 2333 hours.  Well concentrated fires in marked area.
ED953W  F/L B.H.Berridge, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, W/O L.Bremner, W/O W.Parker, W/O A.R.Flowerday, F/O L.J.Williams, W/O G.Pearce.  Up 2020  Down 0343.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Berlin.  No moon, no cloud, vis good, 16,000’.  Concentration of red and green TI markers in bomb sight at time of releasing bombs.  Big explosion seen at 2323 hours.  Good fires starting up.
JA936Q  F/L D.I.Jones, F/Sgt M.Hemming, F/L A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, F/Sgt F.Strange, F/Sgt J.R.Burke.  Up 2030  Down 0425.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Primary objective attacked.  No cloud, visibility hazy, 18,000’.  Target identified by red TIs and river.  Bombed red TIs – in bomb sight.  Large explosions seen in target area.  Fires beginning well.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.E.Melbourne, J.T.Bundel, F/Sgt H.W.Clausen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Up 2026  Down 0436.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Target Berlin bombed.  No cloud, thin haze, 18,500’.  Bombed one red TI marker – in bomb sight.  Many fires just beginning.  Good results imminent well among markers.
JD857G  P/O W.Riches, Sgts G.Winter, H.W.Watts, E.H.Pack, J.Wrigley, R.W.Lowe, F.C.Nordhoff.  Up 2032  Down 0410.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Primary target attacked.  16,500’.  Nil cloud, vis poor.  Bombed on estimated centre of target area as judged by glow of fires.  No markers seen.  Bomb bursts and glow of many fires seen.
JA966S  F/O C.P.C.de Wesselow, Sgts W.S.Bamlett, S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgt F.White, F/Sgt J.Woods, Sgt O.Press.  Up 2035  Down 0019.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb.  Mission abandoned – rear gunner unconscious due to oxygen failure.
ED870T  P/O G.D.Nicholl, Sgts P.Cassidy, A.E.Gadsby, P/O R.Baht, Sgts H.J.Lewis, H.T.Finch, J.Brown.  Up 2007  Down 0359.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Target Berlin attacked.  16,000’.  Clear sky, vis good.  Red TI markers in sight at time of bombing.  Own results not seen.  Large explosion observed among markers.  Many good fires – glow visible 200 miles away.
ED875R  2nd Lt J.E.Russell, Sgt H.J.Lazenby, 2nd Lt R.Wright, F/Sgt L.W.Golden, Sgts J.P.Dow, B.W.Bark, F/Sgt R.H.Marston.  Up 2034  Down 0441.  1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Berlin bombed.  Clear sky, some haze.  20,000’.  Target identified by red TIs and bend in river.  Bombed cluster of red TIs – in bomb sight.  Fires and explosions seen among red markers.
JA711Y  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, Sgts J.C.Nicholl, N.Cohen, P/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharp.  Up 2055  Down 0400.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Primary objective attacked.  18,000’.  No cloud, vis hazy.  No TIs seen until after bombing.  Bombed fires and incendiaries.  Own 4000 pounder seen to burst among fires.  Large and small fires observed.
ED107F  Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeal, S.J.Peck, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, R.J.Chapman.  Up 2005  Down 0421.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Target Berlin bombed.  16,500’.  No cloud, vis good.  Bombed between two red TI markers not actually in bomb sight.  Own results not seen.  Several fires seen from run out north.
EE168B  S/L K.J.Foster (Capt), F/O C.T.Wilson (Pilot), Sgt T.W.Smith, F/O G.W.Borthwick, P/O G.G.Watling, Sgts L.C.Jones, G.Harper, H.Pleydell.  Up 2003  Down 0357.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Primary target Berlin attacked.  18,000’.  No moon.  3/10ths cloud.  Bombed on centre of concentration of red and green TI markers not actually in bomb sight.  Good concentration of large fires going well.
EE179U  F/O K.M.Steven, Sgts A.C.East, S.B.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, Sgts W.C.Gadsby, J.J.Zunti, K.D.Newman.  Up 2011  Down 0433.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Target Berlin.  No moon, no cloud, vis good.  17,000’.  Bombed concentration of red and green TIs in bomb sight.  Bombing seen to be in built up area.  Good fires beginning – one large and well concentrated.
JA708Z  F/Sgt J.A.Penny, Sgts R.T.Fathers, J.Graham, R.Campbell, J.R.Cowen, P.W.Dries, P/O O.J.Bates.  Up 2009  Down 0413.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 1000lb.  Target Berlin attacked.  18,000’.  Little thin cloud.  Visibility fair.  Bombed on red TIs – own results not seen.  No fires seen – aircraft too early on target for results.
JA715Y  Sgts J.I.Miller, R.E.White, L.B.Evans, P.H.Hurst, J.E.Brett, T.K.Williams, F.C.Thomas.  Up 2024  Down 2225.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Mission abandoned.  Mid upper gunner’s electrical suit u/s and rendered unconscious.     

4.9.43 Standown from operations today.

5.9.43 19 aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim – 15 of which successfully attacked the primary target and 4 returned early due to various technical failures.  Weather – clear sky, visibility good, some haze.  Bombing was concentrated and well placed.  Fires seen to be taking hold and were visible for 100 miles on route home.  The raid is considered to be well placed and effective.  Defence, heavy flak moderate and some searchlight cones over town.  Many enemy aircraft seen and several aircraft seen to fall in flames.  All aircraft returned safely to base.

5/6 September 1943 - Mannheim

JA923H  F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, P/O L.S.Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.  Up 1934  Down 0129.  1 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Mannheim attacked.  17,000’.  No moon, no cloud, vis good.  Target identified by H2S.  Built up area and river visually identified.  Bombed on cascading red TI marker.  Fires starting up and visible 40 miles away.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, Sgt W.G.Waller, F/L H.A.Htichcock, S/L R.A.McKinna (AB), F/O F.B.Burbridge (AB), W/O E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, F/Sgt G.W.Wood.  Up 1949  Down 0202.  3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Primary objective Mannheim attacked.  No cloud, smoke haze.  Target identified visually and by H2S.  Bombed cascading TI, own results not seen.  Bomb bursts but fires had not started.
ED871W  F/L B.H.Berridge, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, W/O L.Bremner, W/O W.Parker, W/O A.R.Flowerday, F/O L.J.Williams, W/O G.Pearce.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Up 1950  Down 0152.  Target Mannheim bombed.  15,400’.  Clear sky, some ground haze.  Ground detail identified visually.  One green TI in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Own results not seen.  Big red/yellow explosion seen at 2304 hours.  Fires starting and increasing.
JB174S  W/C E.F.Nind, P/O P.J.Roberts, P/O W.Wishart, P/O R.N.Nelson, F/Sgt G.F.Gower, F/O E.A.Adams, F/O L.G.Mussi.  Up 1955  Down 0208.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Mannheim attacked.  Clear sky, ground haze, 16,000’.  Built up area seen in light of flares and fires.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers – bomb bursts and explosion seen at 2301.  Many well concentrated fires observed.
JB117K  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, P/O D.W.Burt, W/O H.Bryson, F/Sgt E.F.Bryan, W/O A.J.Harris.  Up 1958  Down 0159.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Target Mannheim attacke.  19,000’.  No moon, no cloud.  Visibility good.  Bombed on three yellow TI markers – in bomb sight.  Large explosion seen at 2304.  Very good fires observed around marked area.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.H.Layne, F/Sgt V.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Up 2003  Down 2228.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Mission abandoned – port outer engine u/s.
JB119L  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgt R.C.Pike (not actually shown in ORB),F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, Sgts A.M.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Up 1959  Down 0220.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Mannheim bombed.  18,000’.  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Red, yellow and green markers seen.  Aircraft caught by master searchlight just before bombing.  Bombed estimated cluster of TIs.  Three explosions seen.  Fires well concentrated.
JA963Q  F/L D.I.Jones, F/Sgt M.Hemming, F/L A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, F/Sgt F.Strange, F/Sgt J.R.Burke.  Up 2002  Down 0214.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Primary objective attacked.  18,000’.  No cloud, slight haze.  Target identified by TI concentration and built up area (visually).  Bomb bursts and good fires observed.  One large arrange explosion seen and glow visible 100 miles away.
ED868A  W/O L.Stevenson, Sgts J.Brett, R.G.Christie, J.D.Bradford, H.G.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Up 2006  Down 0210.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Target Mannheim bombed.  Very thick cloud.  Visbility moderate.  River clearly seen.  20,000’.  Bombed on cluster of green TI markers – in bomb sight.  Many other bursts seen.  Some very good fires seen in marked area.
JA960E  F/L D.Mackenzie, Sgts J.D.Brett, R.Marshall, W.Stevens, A.Hunter, W.Lang, K.Kirby.  Up 2000  Down 2301.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Mission abandoned – r/t depreciated elevation u/s.
EE176O  F/O D.Moodie, Sgts L.E.Melbourne, J.T.Bundle, F/Sgt H.W.Clausen, Sgts T.E.Stamp, L.A.Drummond, F.A.Hughes.  Up 2005  Down 0222.  5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Target Mannheim attacked.  17,300’  No cloud, hazy.  Centre of concentration of green TI markers in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Black smoke observed east of marked area.
EE179V  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, E.O.Charlton, F.Dawkins, F/Sgt E.Ball(?), F/Sgt F.Edwards.  Up 2009  Down 0225.  6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Primary objective attacked.  18,500’.  Smoke over target.  No cloud.  Bomb between two green TI markers – not actually in bomb sight.  Two big orange explosions at 2324 and 2326 hours.
JA846M  F/O K.M.Steven, Sgts A.C.East, S.B.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, Sgts W.C.Gadsby, M.Sharp, K.D.Newman.  Up 1938  Down 0155.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Mannheim bombed.  18,500’.  No cloud, vis hazy.  River seen.  Bombed cascading Red TI marker -  not actually in bomb sight.  Bombs not seen to explode.  One very big explosion seen – fires just starting.
JA715X  Sgts J.A.Penny, R.T.Fathers, J.Graham, R.Campbell, J.R.Cowen, P/O C.Bates, Sgt P.W.Dries.  Up 2010  down 2220.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Mannheim attacked.  Starboard outer engine caught fire.
ED839C  Sgts W.N.Roberts, J.D.Tinsdeal, S.J.Peek, P/O L.C.Jones, Sgts D.E.Harvey, H.B.Stedman, R.J.Chapman.  Up 1948  Down 0216.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Primary target Mannheim bombed.  15,000’.  No cloud, visibility good.  Bend in river visually seen.  Bombed centre of cluster of red TIs – bombs fell north west of railway marshalling yards.  Large area covered by fires and developing well.
ED168D  S/L K.J.Foster (Capt), P/O C.T.Wilson (Pilot), Sgt T.W.Smith, F/O G.W.Borthwick, P/O E.G.Watling, Sgts L.C.Jones, G.Harper, H.J.Pleydell.  Up 1943  Down 0144.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Mannheim attacked.  19,000’.  No cloud, vis good.  Long bend in river seen.  One yellow TI marker in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Many bursts but not own seen.
JA938J  Sgts J.A.Miller, R.E.White, D.V.Evans, P.H.Hurst, E.L.Brown, T.E.Williams, F.C.Thomas.  Up 1941  Down 2241.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Mission abandoned – r/t elevation and depression u/s.
JA711Y  2nd Lt J.E.Russell, Sgt H.J.Lazenby, 2nd Lt R.Wright, Sgts L.W.Golden, J.R.Dow, H.Bark, F/Sgt R.H.Marston.  Up 1944  Down 0229.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Mannheim attacked.  No cloud, visibility good.  16,500’.  River, bridges and built up area identified visually.  Bombed built up area with red TIs in bomb sight.  Fires starting up as aircraft left target.
JA708L  P/O G.D.Nicholl, Sgts P.Cassidy, A.C.Gadsby, P/O R.R.Brown, Sgts E.J.Lewis, J.Brown, H.G.Finch.  Up 1951  Down 0205.  1 x 4000lb, 9 x 500lb.  Primary objective attacked.  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Target area visually seen.  Green TI in bomb sight when we bombed.  Fires beginning well.  Big bright red fire on west bank of river visible 100 miles away.    

6.9.43      17 aircraft detailed for operations against Munich.  2 aircraft were withdrawn due to rear gunner being sick and engine trouble in the other aircraft.  One aircraft returned early, the navigator being sick – oxygen supply u/s.  The remaining 14 aircraft attacked Munich but owing to 9/10ths medium cloud, tops 12-14,000’ – vis moderate, the results of bombing were generally unobserved.  Reflection below cloud was seen of some HE bursts and glow of scattered fires.  Moderate H/F inaccurate and many searchlights illuminating cloud.  Fighters were very active.  F/Lt Berridge’s aircraft was damaged by enemy flak.  Enemy aircraft made paths of three lines of seven flares each at regular spaces denoting route taken by bombers.  One aircraft landed at Upper Heyford, the remainder returned safely to base.

6/7 September 1943 - Munich

JA846M  F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt M.Hogg, P/O F.N.Alexander, F/O L.S.Webb, F/Sgt J.Curry, F/Sgt J.T.Sullivan, W/O W.T.Saunders.  Up 1947  Down 0315.  16 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.  Primary objective Munich attacked.  No moon.  Target located by H2S.  Bombed on built up area – that and river seen visually.  Fires just starting up and glow visible 40 miles away.
JA908N  S/L J.H.Sauvage, F/Sgt W.G.Waller, F/L H.A.Hitchcock, F/O F.P.Burbridge, W/O E.Wheeler, F/L J.E.Blair, F/Sgt G.W.Wood.  Up 2006  Down 0323.  4 flares, 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 500lb.  Target Munich attacked.  17,500’.  9/10ths cloud.  Bombed on red TIs – bombs believed to have fallen near aiming point.  River and bridge seen on leaving target.  Glow from fires reflected through cloud.
JB117K  S/L E.E.Rodley, Sgt J.Duffy, W/O H.F.Daniels, W/O D.W.Burt, F/Sgt H.Bryson, F/Sgt E.F.Bryan, W/O A.J.Harris.  Up 2007  Down 0327.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Munich attacked.  19,000’.  6/10ths cloud.  Bombed on cluster of red TI markers seen to cascade through cloud.  Some scattered fires seen later.  Raid did not appear to be concentrated.
ED871?  F/L B.H.Berridge, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O G.W.Borthwick, W/O W.Parker, W/O A.Flowerday, F/O T.Williams, W/O G.Pearce.  Up 2009  Down 0410.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Target Munich attacked. 14,000’.  5/10ths cloud.  One red TI in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Reflection of bomb bursts seen through cloud.  Fair concentration of small fires in marked area.
JB174S  W/C E.F.Nind, P/O P.J.Roberts, P/O W.G.Wishart, P/O R.M.Nelson, F/Sgt G.F.Gower, F/O E.A.Adams, F/L L.G.Mussi.  Up 2011  Down 0443.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Primary target Munich attacked.  9/10ths cloud.  14,000’.  Bombed on two red TI markers cascading into cloud.  Only some scattered fires observed.
JA963Q  F/L D.I.Jones, F/Sgt M.Hemming, P/O A.J.Silk, F/L T.Hodkinson, W/O J.L.Hannah, F/Sgt F.Strange, F/Sgt J.R.Burke.  Ip 2015  Down 0332.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Primary objective attacked.  14,000’.  6/10ths cloud.  Concentration of red and green TIs bombed – in bomb sight.  Many searchlights active below cloud.  Nothing seen owing to cloud.
ED869P  F/L R.A.Fletcher, F/Sgt J.Nelson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, F/Sgt J.Beesley, W/O W.H.Layne, F/Sgt V.White, F/Sgt H.R.Page.  Up 2017  Down 0335.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb,  2 x 1000lb.  Munich attacked.  18,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Bombed reflection of red and green TI markers.  Cloud obscured all details.
JD119L  P/O S.R.Dawson, Sgt T.Shaw, P/O B.J.Starie, Sgt R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, Sgts A.Barrowman, A.E.Roberts.  Up 2019  Down 0354.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Target Munich bombed.  18,000’.  8/10ths cloud.  Light from searchlights and fires were only visible direct indication of target.  Bombed red and yellow TIs cascading through cloud.  Own TIs brought back.  Glow of scattered fires seen.
JA960E  F/L D.Mackenzie, F/Sgt J.T.Pratt, Sgts R.Marshall, W.Stevens, A.Hunter, W.A.Lang, K.Kirby.  Up 2013  Down 0427.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Primary target bombed.  6/10ths cloud.  19,000’.  Bombed one red TI marker – in bomb sight.  Own TIs brought back.  Fires appeared to be starting up.
ED868A  W/O L.Stevenson, Sgt J.Brett, F/Sgt R.G.Christie, Sgts J.D.Bradford, H.G.Mitchell, J.Mallaber, T.G.Pugh.  Up 2020  Down 0345.  4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.  Target Munich attacked.  6/10ths cloud.  19,000’.  Bombed red and green TIs in built up area – in bomb sight.  Glow of fires seen burning under cloud.
EE179U  S/L J.M.Garlick, Sgts J.M.Anderson, A.G.Boyd, E.O.Charlton, F/Sgt F.Dawkins, F/Sgt T.M.Ward, Sgt F.Edwards.  Up 1950  Down 0330.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Primary objective Munich attacked.  19,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  Much searchlight activity under cloud.  Bombed on one red TI marker – in bomb sight.  No results observed owing to cloud.
JA938J  F/O A.W.Cameron, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.B.Griffith, F/O W.A.Colson, Sgt N.Cohen, P/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharp.  Up 1955  Down 2354.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Target Munich abandoned.  Returned early from Rheims owing to oxygen failure.  Bombs jettisoned and seen to explode.
EE176O  F/O K.M.Steven, Sgts A.C.East, S.B.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, Sgts W.C.Gadsby, L.A.Drummond, K.D.Newman.  Up 2000  Down 0343.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Munich bombed.  18,000’.  10/10ths cloud.  One red TI marker in bomb sight at time of bombing.  Large explosion seen after bombing.  One or two scattered fires seen - cloud obscured detail.      
ED870T  2nd Lt J.E.Russell, Sgt H.J.Lazenby, 2nd Lt R.Wright, F/Sgt L.W.Golden, J.P.Dow, E.W.Bark, F/Sgt R.H.Marston.  Up 2001  Down 0440.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Target Munich attacked.  18,000’.  6/10ths cloud.  Red and yellow TIs in bomb sight when bombs released.  Aircraft early on target, thick cloud – nothing seen to report.

JA708Z  P/O G.D.Nicholl, Sgts P.Cassidy, A.E.Gadsby, P/O R.E.Baht, Sgts H.J.Lewis, J.Brown, H.T.Finch.  Up 2004  Down 0357.  1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb.  Primary target Munich.  9/10ths cloud.  19,000’.  Bombed centre of cluster of red TIs – in bomb sight.  Bomb bursts seen under cloud.  Smoke pall rising.  Many fires seen over wide area.

7.9.43 Standown from operations.  Some training in afternoon.  Weather fine.

8.9.43 18 aircraft detailed for ops which were later cancelled owing to adverse weather report en route.

9.9.43 17 aircraft detailed for operations.  Cancelled just before take off.  F/Sgt Penny and crew crashed when landing from a test flight.  One of the tyres burst causing the undercarriage to collapse.  Two of the crew were slightly injured.

10.9.43 No flying.  Weather unfit.  Organised games for aircrew in the afternoon.

11.9.43 weather still unfit.

12.9.43 No operations.  Some tests and BAT training.

13.9.43 Some training otherwise weather unfit.  Standown from operations.

14.9.43 Standown from ops.  Training programme for flights covering “Y” training, SBA, gunnery and bombing.  All duties carried out.

15.9.43    Training programme cancelled for today owing to 1