97 Squadron Association - Flight Operations


	About 97 Squadron: The Association History Reunions What's New! ------------------------- Abbreviations Aircrews Avro Lancaster Flight Ops. Gallery Groundcrews Lancaster Codes/Call Signs Lancaster PB409 The 97 Dambusters Logbooks Losses Memorial Navigator's Story Nuremburg Raids Pause For Thought People Poetry RAF Bourn Thorpe Camp WAAF Weather Report ------------------------- Contact us Links HOME ------------------------- Top Top Top Top Top			97 SQUADRON OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK JANUARY - JUNE 1944 1.1.44 20 aircraft Lancaster IIIs are detailed to attack Berlin. Two aircraft were withdrawn owing to engine troubles. The remaining 18 aircraft set out to attack the primary target. Weather was 10/10th cloud at 12,000’, vis good. Defences moderate H/F to slight – S/Ls ineffective. Slight fighter activity and many scare crow flares. No results of bombing were seen and some scattered markers were reported. It appears that no good continuous concentration was achieved. One aircraft and crew – Captain F/O Mooney DFM is missing, no news being received since leaving base. Another aircraft, F/Lt Owen and crew landed at Tangmere with a burts tyre and damage by enemy action. The rear gunner has been admitted to hospital suffering froma shell wound in the lower right leg. The remainder of crews returned to base. 1/2 January 1944 - Berlin ND355Y S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, F/Sgt W.S.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, P/O J.J.Saynor. Up 0018 Dowm 0650. 4 flares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. Berlin attacked from 18,000’. 10/10ths cloud and some haze over target. Reflection pf ornage explosion seen at 0309 hours. The glow of TIs could be seen under cloud. MD351P F/L K.M.Steven, F/Sgt A.C.East, F/Sgt S.B.Stevenson, F/O R.R.Brown, F/Sgt W.C.Gadsby, W/O C.J.Skinner, Sgt J.Newton. Up 0020 Down 0723. 4 flares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. Primary target attacked from 19,400’. Bombs released on H2S. Rear gunner reported TIs drifting in a long line after target was left. Vis good, 10/10ths cloud over target. JB706H F/O J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.D.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 0025 Down 0702. 4 flares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. Primary target Berlin attacked from 19,000’. Bombs released on H2S. Starboard engine and bomb bay damaged by flak. MD359M P/O C.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott,, P/O N.J.Smith, Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 0022 Down 0645. 4 flares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. 10/10ths cloud over target. Vis perfect over target. Two red/green Wanganuis fell a minute before bombs released. No other markers were seen and cloud obscured results being observed. JB299W F/L J.Roberts, Sgt E.J..Devine, F/Sgt R.Dudley, F/Sgt C.Young, F/Sgt F.Martin, Sgt P.A.Marsh, W/O W.Parsley. Up 0029 Down 0700. 4 f lares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. Bombs released by H2S and by the aid of Wanganui flares. No results could be seen. JB683C F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 0030 Down 0719. 4 flares, 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb. 10/10ths cloud tops at 12,000’ over Berlin. Bombs released in middle of cluster of 5 Wanganui flares. No TIs seen but red glow observed reflected on cloud. JA960E F/O J.Mooney, Sgts F.B.Gray, G.A.Johnson, F/Sgt J.Woesdale, Sgts N.D.Cameron, F/Sgt G.Woolf, F/Sgt G.E.Smith. Up 0051 – missing. JB422N S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O J.H.Hanson, P/O M.S.Lund, F/Sgt P.A.Walder. Up 0041 Down 0714. 12 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb. Primary target Berlin identified by red/green Wanganui flares. Bombs released from 20,000’. Cloud obscured all results. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgt E.Farrant (2nd Pilot), Sgts P.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.C.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.C.Pitco. Up 0048 Down 0716. 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 c 500lb. Bombs released on Berlin on about five red TIs seen burning on the ground through small gap in cloud. Rear gunner reported two explosions. Later smoke was seen riding to about 10,000’. JB535Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt W.Hodgson (2nd Pilot), Sgt R.V.Bowerman, P/O E.Carpenden?, F/O W.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.E.Charles, F/L R.B.Wishart. Up 0036 Down 0740. 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb. 10./10ths cloud tops at 12,000’ and layer cloud at 20,000’. Bombs released on cluster of 6 Wanganui flares visually. No results were seen except bomb flashes. JB671V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, W.G.Knowles, K.Forrest, F.B.Thomas. Up 0026 Down 0715. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,400’. Bombs released by H2S. Cloud obscured any TIs and fires. Some flashes from explosing HEs. JA708R P/O L.V.Hyde, Sgt F.E.Putt, F/O E.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, Sgt D.Sweeney, F/Sgt R.Taylor. Up 0032 Down 0657. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Vis good. Slight haze over primary target Berlin. Bombs released by H2S. Cloud obscured any results. JB312Z F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, W/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt G.Duncan, W/O G.W.Wood. Up 0024 Down 0726. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. Target identified by red/green Wanganui flares. Cloud obscured any results or TIs. LM346O F/O J.Anstee, Sgt C.W.Cartwright, P/O L.Hazell, F/O A.Stanislaus, Sgt R.C.Whale, P/O W.G.Craddock, Sgt A.West. Up 0039 Down 0734. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 19,000’. Vis moderate-good. Target identified by red/green Wanganui flares. Bombing circuit caught fire after which bombs were released by jettison gear. JB726Y P/O F.Smith, Sgts G.Winter, J.Arthurson, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, G.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 00431 Down 0728. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed and identified by red TIs and Wanganui flares which were well grouped. Nothing could be seen of results. JB356X F/O L.Henson, Sgt W.C.Whitbread, P/O G.H.Parsons, Sgts J.B.Nicholl, W.Cohen, F/O W.W.oods, Sgt M.Sharpe. Up 0037 Down 0635. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombs dropped on Berlin from 18,000’ in centre of 3 red TIs. Cloud prevented observation of results. JB353L F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt T.W.Smith, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, D.Bolland. Up 0030 Down 0710 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked. Bombs dropped by H2S and Wanganuis. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud. All engines cut on approaching landing field at Bourn but was able to glide and land at Gransden immediately ahead. JB857G P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.D.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, J.G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 0040 Down 0745. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 15,000’. Bombs dropped on good concentration of 6 or 7 Wanganuis. No results of bombing seen. 2.1.44 17 aircraft are detailed to again attack Berlin. Breifing was in the evening with a very late take off. One aircraft was withdrawn being too late. The remaining 16 aircraft set out to attack the primary target but one had to return after 3 hours owing to trouble. Weather and defences were much the same as the previous raid. Little was seen owing to cloud but the reports show it as a good raid and generally concentrated and successful. F/O Snell claims that his rear gunner, Sgt O.D.Wood, shot down an enemy sircraft believed to be a FW190. The attack was made from astern about 20 miles south of Berlin. All crews returned safely to base. 2/3 January 1944 - Berlin JB712U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, F/Sgt W.S.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2342 Down 0631. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from a height of 18,000’. Vis hazy. 10/10ths cloud. Only a glow of TIs could be seen. No other results being observed. ND351P F/L K.M.Steven, Sgts A.C.East, S.B.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, Sgt W.C.Gadsby, W/O C.J.Skinner, Sgt K.D.Newman. Up 2343 Down 0607. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed by H2S. 10/10ths cloud tops at 9,000’. Rear gunner reported TIs drifting in a long line after target was left. No results observed. MD359M P/O C.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott, P/O N.J.Smith, Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 2347 Down 0629. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 19,500’. Target located by H2S. Attacked by FW190 which was shot down 20 miles south of Berlin by the rear gunner. No results of bombing seen. JB706H F/O J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 0015 Down 0641. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 19,500’. Vis good. Bombs released on glow seen below cloud. Nothing further seen. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt M.Sharpe, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 2400 Down 0624. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. Wanganuis scattered at first but concentration improved later. High winds caused considerable drift. JB299W F/L J.Roberts, Sgt E.J.Devine, F/Sgt R.Dudley, F/Sgt G.Young, F/Sgt F.Martin, Sgt P.A.Marsh, W/O W.A.Parsley. Up 0009 Down 0644. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 16,500. Very good concentration of Wanganuis around aiming point. Cloud obscured results. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts D.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.Gordon, Sgts C.T.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.C.Pitcon. Up 0005 Down 0638. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x 1000lb MC. Primary target attacked. Bombs dropped on concentration of markers. Four engined aircraft possibly a Kuria(?) seen. (3 miles approx?). Rocket shells were fired up in target area. JB706Y P/O F.Smith, Sgts F.E.Putt, J.Arthurson, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgt G.R.Townend, F/O R.J.Weller, Sgt C.Bradshaw. Up 0013 Down 0707. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x 1000lb MC. Berlin bombed from 14,000’. Vis good. Target located by H2S. No Wanganuis or TIs were seen. No results of bombing observed. JB535Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt D.Bowerman, P/O E.Carpenter, F/O E.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.B.Charles, F/L R.P.Wishart. Up 2348 Down 0626. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x 1000lb MC. Berlin attacked from 21,500. Vis good. Concentration of Wanganuis around aiming point. Appeared to be a successful raid. JB191A P/O V.S.Flack, Sgt G.H.Hare, F/O A.P.Rand, F/O R.C.Boston, Sgt R.Ferguson, F/Sgt H.Dunnett, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2345 Down 0613. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked. Bombs released by H2S. Good concentration of Wanganuis around aiming point. Too early on target to observe results. JB312Z F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, W/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt J.Duncan, W/O G.W.Wood. Up 2350 Down 0635. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000. 10/10ths cloud. Cloud obscured results. JB731F F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stevens, Sgts W.A.Reffin, G.Leonard, W/O J.Ferguson. Up 2352 Down 0651. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 19,000’. Bombs released on H2S. Cloud prevented results from being observed. JB720S F/O J.Anstee, Sgt C.W.Cartwright, P/O G.Hazell, F/O A.Stanislaus, Sgt R.C.Whale, P/O W.G.Craddock, Sgt N.W.Hamment. Up 0003 Down 0303. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Texel airfield bombed (last resort) from 13,000’ on return. Primary target not reached due to icing and inability to gain height. Visibility moderate. JB356X F/O L.Henson, Sgt W.C.Whitbread, P/O G.R.Parsons, Sgts J.C.Nicholl, N.Cohen, F/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharpe. Up 2353 Down 0619. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 18,700’. TI reds and sky markers formed a good concentration at bombing time. Too early for results to be observed. JA708R P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.B.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, J.G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 2354 Down 0704. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 18,000’. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud tops at 10,800’. Aircraft late on target due to ASI icing up before reaching enemy coast. Cloud obscured results. JB422N Sgts W.Hodgson, N.R.Smith, D.H.W.Cook, E.J.Bill, P.J.Bennett, R.W.Gooch, M.E.Mottishaw. Up 2358 Down 0648. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked. 20,000’. Vis good. Concentration of Wanganuis appeared good. Cloud obscured target and prevented results from being observed. 3.1.44 Most crews resting and stand down in the afternoon. 4.1.44 “Y” training bombing at range – air firing, fighter affiliation carried out also night cross country as detailed carried out. 5.1.44 No flying training as detailed due to poor visibility. 20 aircraft have been detailed for tonight’s operations. Two aircraft did not take off owing to a burst tyre on perimeter track and gyro instruments u/s. The remainder attacked Stettin in good visibility and clear sky. Defences were moderate H/F to L/F, S/Ls ineffective – some fighter activity. Four engined bombers seen over target laying flares. TIs were concentrated and bombing good. Ground detail could be seen. Fires started early and one crew claim to have seen direct hits on the railway station. Large areas of fire could be seen by crews leaving the target 150 miles en route home. The raid is regarded as being a great success. F/O Anstee and crew and P/O Flack and crew failed to return from this operation. Nothing heard since. 5/6 January 1943 – Stettin ND351P F/L K.M.Steven, Sgt A.C.East, F/Sgt S.S.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, F/Sgt W.C.Gadsby, W/O C.J.Skinner, F/Sgt K.D.Newman. Up 2327 Down 0827. 24 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Stettin bombed from 18,000’. A thin patch of cloud covered target although inlet to town was seen. No results observed. JB299W F/L J.Roberts, Sgt E.J.Devine, F/Sgt R.Dudley, F/Sgt C.Young, Sgts F.Martin, P.A.Marsh, W/O W.Parsley. Up 2331 Down 0839. 24 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed. Visibility excellent. Clear sky. Very good concentration on main town. Main features of town clearly visible. JB706H F/O J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 2354 Down 0845. 12 flares, 1 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 7 x 500lb. Stettin attacked from 18,000’. Visibility very good. Moon setting. No cloud. Bombs released on H2S. Good concentration of TIs and incendiaries. An excellent raid. JB300D F/L C.T.Wilson, P/O C.A.Wakley (2nd Pilot), Sgt T.W.Smith, F/L G.W.Borthwick, F/L G.A.Watling, F/Sgt L.G.Jones, F/Sgt G.Harper, Sgt H.J.Pleydell. Up 0004 Down 0823. 12 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Stettin bombed. Vis good, clear sky. TIs well placed and good concentration. Fires were seen burning which showed up streets in pattern. MD359M P/O C.R.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott, F/O N.J.Smith (AB), W/O W.Parker (Spec AB), Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 2349 Down 0814. 12 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 18,000’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombs released on built up area and docks. Glow of fires could be seen 150 miles away. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O C.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, G.Knowles, K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.Hamment. Up 2352 Down 0803. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 19,300’. Target identified by Wanganui flares and red and green TIs. Bombing appeared to be well on the town. Glow of fires could be seen from well out in the Baltic. JB312Z F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgts J.Duncan, G.Leonard. Up 2343 Down 0808. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Stettin attacked from a height of 19,200’. Target bombed visually and on red TIs. Several small fires seen burning. Large orange/red explosion observed. JB356X F/O L.Henson, Sgt W.G.Whitbread, P/O G.H.Parsons, Sgts J.H.Nicholl, W.Cohen, F/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharpe. Up 2353 Down 0835. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Stettin bombed from 18,000’. Target identified by red and green TIs. Three large fires seen burning and two smaller ones. Concentration very scattered. JB720S F/O J.Anstee, Sgt C.W.Cartwright, P/O J.Hazell, F/O A.Stanislaus, Sgt R.C.Whale, P/O W.G.Craddock, Sgt P.G.Kerr. Up 2346 – missing. JB191A F/O V.S.Flack, Sgt G.H.Hare, F/O A.P.Rand, F/O R.C.Boston, Sgt R.Ferguson, F/Sgt H.Dunnett, Sgt J.Roberts. Up 2336 – missing. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts D.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.S.Gordon, Sgts G.D.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.C.Pitocn. Up 2350 Down 0806. 4 x 2000lb. Stettin bombed visually and by H2S. Excellent visibility, half moon, no cloud. Incendiaries seen falling rapidly west of aiming point. Good fires observed and rising smoke. JB712U P/O F.Smith, F/L P.J.Roberts, Sgt J.W.Arthurson, F/L J.L.Dow, Sgts G.H.Townen, W.West, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 2340 Down 0816. 4 x 2000lb. Primary target bombed on H2S. Details of town easily seen. Bombs from another aircraft seen to make a direct hit on railway station. Fires seen as far away as 150 miles away. ND355T P/O D.Coates, Sgts R.H.Nicholas, G.Nuttall, F/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, L.F.York, F.Thompson. Up 2342 Down 0831. 4 x 2000lb. Stettin bombed from 18,500’. Bombs released in centre of cluster of well placed TIs green. Town detail clearly visible. Vis good, clear sky. No results of bombing seen. JB708R P/O L.V.Hyde, Sgt F.E.Putt, F/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, Sgt D.Sweeney, F/Sgt R.Taylor. Up 2337 Down 0811. 4 x 2000lb. Stettin bombed on H2S. Vis good, clear sky. White flares very scattered. Dock and built up area distinctly visible. Good concentration of TIs on aiming point. JB535Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt D.Bowerman, P/O J.Carpenter, F/O W.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.E.Charles, F/L R.P.Wishart. Up 2339 Down 0820. Stettin bombed from 18,000’. Visibility excellent, no cloud. No difficulty in identifying railway station, docks area and inlet. Built up area to west well bombed. JB683C P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.T.Casajuana, W.M.Hewitt, W.G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 2348 Down 0837. 4 x 2000lb. Stettin attacked from 18,000’. 2/10ths cloud tops at 10,000’. Red and green TIs well concentrated. A red explosion observed resulting in brownish smoke. Large fire seen bruning in centre of town. ND367K F/O J.V.Comans, Sgt J.Monaghan, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, D.Bolland. Up 2347 Down 0805. 4 x 2000lb. Stettin bombed visually. Detsails of town easily seen in good visibility. TIs well concentrated round aiming point. Town appeared to be like one large fire. JB422N Sgts W.Hodgson, N.R.Smith, E.H.W.Cook, F/Sgt F.G.Bill, Sgts B.F.Bennett, H.E.Mottishaw, H.W.Gooch. Up 2344 Down 0842. 4 x 2000lb. Primary target Stettin identified by green TIs and bombed from 20,000’. Built up area clearly seen. Glow from fires seen 100 miles away. 6.1.44 Some ground and flying training carried out. 7.1.44 “Y” training and bombing at range also air to sea firing. W/Cdr E.J.Carter assumes command of the Squadron with effect today. 8.1.44 “Y” training and bombing, SBA practice in Oxford aircraft. Fighter affiliation carried out. 9.1.44 “Y” training and bombing at range, also clay pigeon for gunners. 7 crews detailed for night cross countries, cancelled due to weather conditions. 10.1.44 “Y” training and bombing, six crews on night cross countries. 11.1.44 Stand down for all aircrews. 12.1.44 Ground training in morning – some flying training in the afternoon. Weather not good. 13.1.44 “Y” training and bombing on range. Six crews briefed for fighter affiliation. Stand down for all aircrew in the afternoon. 14.1.44 Training programme for today has been cancelled in lieu of tonight’s operations for which 21 aircraft have been detailed, the target being Brunswick. The weather was 10/10ths cloud with tops from 5,000/8,000’, visibility good. Defences slight H/F inaccurate and below, S/Ls ineffective. Fighters were very active from coast to target and on the return. No bombing results were seen but some scattered fires were reported. Markers were however scattered and no continuous concentration was achieved. F/Lt Stevens and crew, P/O Hodgson and crew are missing, nothing heard since. 14/15 January 1944 – Brunswick JB299W S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, P/O Perkins (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt W.S.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, F/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1702 Down 2153. 16 flares, 3 x TI, 4 x 1000lb. Brunswick attacked from 19,000’. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud. Bombed on H2S. No results seen. ND421S F/L K.M.Steven, F/Sgt A.C.East, F/Sgt S.B.Stevenson, P/O R.R.Brown, F/Sgt W.C.Gadsby, W/O C.J.Skinner, Sgt L.N.J.Laver. Up 1646 – missing. ND535T S/L E.F.Cawdery, S/L J.Simpson (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt J.L.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/O C.Peden, F/Sgt A.J.Tindall, F/Sgt J.R.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1651 Down 2201. 16 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked in fairly good visibility. Bombs released in center of concentration of Wanganui flares. Majority of Wanganui flares scattered. JB361B F/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson., F/O G.Polson. Up1644 Down 2141. 16 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Brunswick bombed from 18,000’. Poor visibility, 10/10ths cloud. TIs seen below cloud. No results observed. JB726H F/O J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt J.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 1647 Down 2209. 16 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed by aid of H2S. Wanganuis fairly well concentrated. TI green seen below cloud but not distinctly. No results observed. ND359M P/O C.Snell, Sgt G.Taylor, P/O O.Olintott, P/O N.J.Smith (AB), W/O W.Parker (Spec AB), Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 1657 Down 2203. 3 flares, 8 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Brunswick primary target bombed from 17,500’. Vis good. Bombs released on Wanganui flares well backed up. 10/10ths cloud over target. JB353L F/L C.T.Wilson, P/O C.A.Wakley (2nd Pilot), Sgt T.W.Smith, F/L G.W.Borthwick, F/L R.M.Nelson, F/Sgt L.G.Jones, F/Sgt G.Harper, F/Sgt H.J.Pleydell. Up 1701 Down 2213. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Brunswick bombed from 19,500’. Target identified by Wanganui flares and bombs dropped in center of concentration. Green TIs seen through cloud. JA857G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, P/O E.W.Watts, F/Sgt E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L W.N.Booth. Up 1703 Down 2157. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed. No results of bombing seen. Three small fires seen burning. JB356X F/O J.Billing, F/Sgt F.W.Hope, P/O J.E.Moriarty, F/L E.E.Osler, F/Sgt J.Campbell, W/O R.D.Curtis, F/Sgt J.V.Findlay. Up 1652 Down 2149. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Brunswick bombed from 18,500’. Target identified by Wanganui flares. Vis poor. 10/10ths cloud. Large white glow seen below cloud. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts D.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.C.Pitcon. Up 1705 Down 2205. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Vis good over target which was bombed from fries seen reflected below cloud. JB300D F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, Sgts W.A.Reffin, G.Leonard, W/O J.Ferguson. Up 1654 Down 2218. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Brunswick bombed from 20,000’. Target identified by Wanganui flares. Bombs dropped in center of 12 flares. No results observed. JB312A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt G.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 1656 Down 2221. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Primary target identified by Wanganui flares. Vis good over target. 10/10ths cloud. Red glow observed below cloud in target. JB708R P/O L.V.Hyde, Sgt F.E.Putt, F/O E.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O G.Lund. Up 1648 Down 2227. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Bombs dropped in center of concentration of green TIs over Brunswick. Vis hazy. Green TIs seen through break in cloud. No results observed. JB422N S/L D.Mansbridge, Sgt W.C.Whitbread, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt P.A.Walder. Up 1706 Down (not shown). 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 20,000’. Bombs dropped in center of Wanganui flares. Orange glow seen reflected in cloud. JB726Y Sgts W.Hodgson, N.R.Smith, D.H.Cook, J.B.Nicol, P.J.Bennett, M.E.Mottishaw, R.W.Gooch. Up 1650 – missing. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.Davis, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1658 Down 2215. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Brunswick bombed from 20,000’. Target identified by wanganui flares. 8/10ths cloud tops at 8,000’. Vis good. Incendiaries observed spread over target area. JB731F F/O W.H.Benton, Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.I.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, Sgts L.Hornsby, A.Holbrook, F/Sgt C.Fernandez. Up 1700 Down 2207. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Primary target attacked from 20,000’. Bombs released on H2S. No Wanganui flares seen on run up. Glow of fires could be seen from 50 miles away. ND367K P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.W.Scholey, F/Sgt H.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davies, Sgts D.Tunbridge, R.A.Read. Up 1708 Down 2220. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Bombs released in center of three green TIs over primary target Brunswick. A single pall of black smoke observed hanging over target. Large explosion seen to the south of town. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, Sgts T.W.Leak, K.Knowles, K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.Hamment. Up 1707 Down 2145. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 19,800’. Vis fair. Target bombed on H2S. Glow of fires observed from a great distance away. JB353Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt D.Bowerman, F/O J.Carpenter, F/Sgt W.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.E.Charles, F/L R.P.Wishart. Up 1703 Down 2157. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Brunswick bombed from 20,000’. Vis 10/10ths cloud. No results were observed but glow could be seen through clouds. LM346O P/O H.Van Raalte, Sgts G.Coxhead, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, R.Davies, F/Sgt L.G.Laurie. Up 1704 Down 2226. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Brunswick bombed from 19,500’. Bombs released in center of concentration of Wanganui flares. Vis good. No results of bombing seen. 15.1.44 Some ground training was carried out in the morning. Stand down in the afternoon for all aircrew. 16.1.44 All training was cancelled due to weather, all aircrew assisted in moving furniture etc to the new “flight” and section offices. 17.1.44 Weather unfit for flying, extensive ground training carried out, particularly in the night vision section. 18.1.44 Some “Y” training with SBA. Weather deteriorated and ground training programme was maintained. 19.1.44 Weather unfit for all flying. Ground training. Stand down during afternoon for all aircrew apart from those partaking in sports. 20.1.44 21 Lancaster IIIs are detailed to attack Berlin. One aircraft returned early, also one bombed Brunsbuttin, oxygen failure. The remaining nineteen bombed the primary. Weather was 9/10th to 10/10th thin cloud at the commencement of the attack with good visibility. A fair concentration was achieved with early arrivals reporting incendiary bombs in built up area. Cloud thickened and no further results were observed although aircraft reported seeing glow of fires 100 miles from target. P/O Wakley and crew failed to return, no news since leaving base. 20/21 January 1944 – Berlin JB712U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, F/Sgt W.S.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, P/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1800 Down 0055. 5 flares, 4 x TI. Berlin from 18,400. Target located and bombed on H2S. Incendiaries seen on south of Berlin in built up area. Some fires observed starting. ND425E S/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 1755 Down 0100. 5 flares, 4 x TI. 10/10ths cloud tops at 5,000’ over target. Bombs dropped on H2S. Reflection of bomb bursts seen through cloud. Sortie abandoned – Brunsbuttel bombed as alternative. JB731A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt J.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 1750 Down 0100. 5 flares, 4 x TI. Berlin bombed. 10/10ths cloud over target which was located by H2S. White fighter flares seen to east of target. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 1745 Down 0115. 5 flares, 4 x TI. Berlin attacked from 19,000’. Main concentration of flares appeared good. Too early on target to observe any results. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1800 Down 0055. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,500’. Bombs released in center of 5 Wanganui flares. No results could be seen. JB312L F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt T.W.Smith, P/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.C.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 1800 Down 0130. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,500’. Target indicated by Wanganui flares. On run up, large explosion seen. Cloud obscured results. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, P/O D.R.Smith (2nd Pilot), Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, K.Knowles, K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.Hamment. Up 1800 Down 0100. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target successfully bombed. Target indicated by Wanganui flares and green TIs. Large fire seen through break in cloud in target area. ND421S S/L J.Simpson, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/L E.A.Adams, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1755 Down 0210. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Vis good over target. 10/10ths cloud. Bombs released on concentration of Wanganui flares which were well placed. No results observed. ND359M P/O C.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott, P/O N.J.Smith, Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 1800 Down 0135. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 21,500’. Target indicated by line of Wanganui flares. A large red glow seen which could be observed from 70 miles away. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, F/Sgt T.W.Hope, Sgt J.Arthurson, F/L J.H.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, E.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 1800 Down 0145. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked. 20,000’. Target located by H2S. Mosquito fighter flares well placed. Glow of fires from 80 miles on return. JB708R P/O L.V.Hyde, P/O Edwards (2nd Pilot), Sgt F.E.Putt, F/O E.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, Sgt D.Sweeney, F/Sgt R.Taylor. Up 1750 Down 0110. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed successfully. Thick cloud over target through which only glow from TIs visible. JB353F F/Sgt C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, Sgts W.A.Reffin, G.Leonard, W/O J.Ferguson, Up 1805 Down 0135. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked successfully. 19,000’. Cloud obscured observation of any results. JB299W F/L J.Roberts, Sgt E.J.Devine, W/O R.Dudley, F/Sgt C.Young, Sgt F.Martin, F/Sgt P.A.Smith, W/O W.A.Parsley. Up 1750 Down 0155. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Vis good over target Berlin. Wanganuis observed on approach to target but drifted to east. Bombs released on H2S. No results observed. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitbread. Up 1815 Down 0150. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud over target with very slight breaks. No TIs seen. Bombs released on H2S. No results observed. JB300D W/C C.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O J.Reiger, F/L C.E.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, W/O J.Woods. Up 1745 Down 0135. 5 x 2000lb. Bomb load released on Berlin by H2S. 10/10ths cloud over target. No results observed. JB356X P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.W.Scholey, F/Sgt H.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davies, Sgts D.Tunbridge, R.A.Read. Up 1755 Down 0045. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 20,500’. Complete Wanganui concentration. Cloud prevented observation of results. ND351K P/O C.A.Wakley, Sgts G.Taylor, A.Alexander, E.Lowe, R.G.Climo, J.Tye, B.H.Stedman. Up 1750 – missing. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts J.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts C.T.Levick, R.C.Pitcon, J.J.Reid. Up 1805 Down 0140. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target successfully bombed. Wanganuis well concentrated and well backed up. Glow from below cloud from incendiary bombs. No results observed. JB535Q F/O J.Allison, Sgts E.S.Monaghan, J.Reynolds, T.W.Elder, Vincent, A.R.West, G.Morris. No times shown. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin bombed from 21,000’. Target indicated by Wanganuis and TI greens. Cloud prevented observation of results although reflection of fires could be seen. LM346O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts H.Kendall, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts J.Peace, R.Davis, F/Sgt L.G.Laurie. Up 1745 Down 0120. Sortie abandoned owing to DR Compass being u/s. ND351P Sgts R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.Witcher, F/Sgt McFadyen, Sgts N.Lunt, H.A.Smith, Russell, R.R.Hinde. Up 1740 Down 0150. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 18,000’. A good concentration of Wanganuis and TIs achieved. No results observed owing to cloud. 21.1.44 Heard definite news of the safe arrival in the UK of F/Lt Covington, F/Sgt Billows, F/Sgt Hesselden who were reported missing August 1943. Some ground training was carried out. Weather unfit for flying, no NFTs carried out for tonight’s operations for 21 aircraft are detailed. 16 aircraft attacked the primary target Magdeburg with three bombing last resorts. One aircraft bogged on aerodrome and failed to take off. Weather was 1/10th to 7/10th cloud with good visibility but a little haze. Attack opened well and the target was kept well marked during the attack. Some aircraft identified town features and the main concentration appeared in built up area. The attack was considered to be very successful. Defences were slight to moderate barrage H/F and a few ineffective S/Ls, greater fighter activity was observed with fighter flares from coast in and out. One aircraft, F/Lt Roberts and crew failed to return. 21/22 January 1944 – Magdeburg ND359M P/O C.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott, P/O N.J.Smith, Sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, O.D.Wood. Up 1925 Down 0245. 3 flares, 8 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg bombed from 12,300’. Bombs released in centre of green TIs. Fires and incendiary bombs could be seen through gap in clouds. JB712U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, F/Sgt W.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, P/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1955 Down 0300. 3 flares, 8 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Dessau bombed in error. Tow small fires started. Later raid on Magdeburg seemed to be progressing well. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/L E.A.Adams, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1950 Down 0220. 12 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Magdeburg bombed successfully from 17,000’. 9/10ths cloud over target. Bombs released on H2S. Large red explosion seen with black smoke billowing up. Glow from fires observed from 50 miles away. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 1955 Down 0320. 12 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Difficulty in locating primary target and bombed Brandenburg in error. Magdeburg seen on return journey covered by good concentration of green TIs. JB299W F/L J.Roberts, Sgt E.J.Devine, W/O R.Dudley, F/Sgt C.Young, Sgts F.Martin, P.A.Marsh, W/O W.A.Parsley. No times shown – missing. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 1950 Down 0250. 12 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 4 x 500lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed from 18,000’. Many incendiaries down. Much smoke and lots of TIs green. Bombs dropped by H2S. JB731A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt W.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 2010 down 0250. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,200’. Vis good. 3/10ths cloud over target. Fires were burning well and could be seen as far away as the coast. JB353F P/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, Sgts W.A.Reffin, G.Leonard, W/O J.Ferguson. Up 2005 Down 0320. 4 x Ti, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed. Bombs released in centre of 10 green TIs. Large explosion seen through cloud. JB683C P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.W.Scholey, F/Sgt H.S.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davis, Sgts R.A.Read, D.Tunbridge. Up 2005 Down 0235. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed from 20,300’. Target indicated by green and red TIs and Wanganui flares. Fires observed getting hold and plenty of smoke. JB356X F/O J.Billing, Sgt T.W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.E.Olser, F/Sgt J.Campbell, W/O R.D.Curtis, F/Sgt J.D.Findlay. Up 2010 Down 0235. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target located by green TIs and successfully bombed from 19,000’. Concentration of TIs very good. Many fires observed. Built up area seen in light of bomb flashes. ND455G S/L D.Mansbridge, Sgt H.Kendall, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt P.A.Walder. Up 2030 Up 0330. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed. Target located visually and by green TIs. Heavy defences north wets of town. Well concentrated fires observed. JB659J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts B.Burt, R.E.Page, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.C.Pitcon. Up 2005 Down 0235. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed from 18,500’. Numerous fires and explosions observed when crossing the Dutch coast. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, Sgts R.Rimmington, J.Arthurson, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, S.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 2005 down 0240. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg bombed visually, 19,500’. All TIs well concentrated on aiming point. Many fires observed. JB708R P/O L.V.Hyde, Sgt F.E.Putt, F/O E.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, F/Sgt R.Taylor. Up 2005 Down 0255. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombs released on Magdeburg in centre of concentration of TIs. River could be seen and incendiaries observed burning on east side of river. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O C.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, K.Knowles, K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.Hamment. Up 2010 Down 0315. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Magdeburg successfully bombed visually and by the aid of TIs and Wanganuis. Bombing well concentrated in target area and well backed up. JB300D S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 2010 Down 0240. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed last resort – airfield at Ascherslesen. Target located by flare path and aerodrome beacon. Good concentration of TIs seen over primary target. JB312L F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt T.W.Smith, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, D.Bolland. Up 2005 Down 0225. 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 7 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 20,000’. 7/10ths cloud over target. Vis good. Fires were seen in target area after leaving Magdeburg. JB422N P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.Casajuana, N.Woodward, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 2000 Down 0330. 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 7 x 500lb. Magdeburg attacked. Broken cloud over target. Vis good. Fires seen burning over a wide area. TIs appeared scattered. LM346O P/O R.Van Raalte, Sgts R.F.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, R.Dvaies, L.G.Laurie. Up 2000 Down 0245. 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 7 x 500lb. Primary target attacked from 20,000’. Bombs released on H2S. Smoke seen rising to a height of 16,000’ and glow from fires seen 50 miles away. JB535Q F/O J.Allison, Sgts E.S.Monaghan, J.Reynolds, T.W.Elder, J.Vincent, A.R.West, F/Sgt J.Bentinck. Up 2005 down 0255. 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 7 x 5000lb. Magdeburg primary target bombed from 20,000’. Bombs dropped in centre of concentration of green TIs. No results observed. 22.1.44 Stand down during afternoon for all aircrew. 23.1.44 Some training was carried out, bombing on the range and fighter affiliation. 24.1.44 Air firing exercises maintained with “Y” training. 25.1.44 Training cancelled in lieu of tonight’s operations for which 21 aircraft are detailed. Operations were cancelled after briefing. 26.1.44 Weather continued to be unfavourable, yet a good flying training programme was carried out, with some ground instruction. Night vision section being well to the fore. 27.1.44 21 aircraft are detailed for tonight’s operations, the target being Berlin. 20 aircraft attacked the primary, one returned early due to intercom trouble. Weather was 10/10ths cloud tops about 8,000’, visibility good. Attack opened early and the target was kept well marked with flares and effective concentration resulted, with only slight spread. Bombing results were not visible but glows of fires were seen hundred miles from target. There was slight to moderate H/F with continuous L/F below 3,000’. Considerable fighter activity was encountered over the target. 27/28 January 1944 – Berlin MD359M F/L C.Snell, F/Sgt L.Harman, P/O O.Lintott, P/O N.J.Smith, sgts J.Grieve, C.J.Green, R.A.Read. Up 1715 Down 2325. 6 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 19,000’. 10/10ths cloud over target. Vis good. Wanganui flares were accurate and attracted light flak hosepiped from ground. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, F/Sgt J.H.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.J.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1720 Down 0025. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed on H2S. Wanganui concentration good and compact. No results observed owing to 10/10ths cloud. JB712U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, F/Sgt W.S.Bamlett, F/Sgt S.Carlyle, F/O W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, P/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1705 Down 2355. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked successfully from 18,400’. 10/10ths cloud over target but visibility good. Good concentration of Wanganuis to south of target. ND415Z W/C E.J.Carter, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L D.K.Allport, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/O C.E.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, W/O J.Wood. Up 1715 Down 2120. Returned early owing to intercom being u/s. ND425E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 1720 Down 0025. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed successfully from 18,700’. 10/10ths cloud over target which was bombed on H2S. Glow from fires observed below cloud. Glare from searchlights prevented results from being observed. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 1730 Down 0100. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 19,000’. Concentration of flares over built up area. Cloud prevented results being observed. JB356X F/O J.Billing, F/Sgt T.W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.E.Osler, F/Sgt J.Campbell, W/O R.D.Curtis, F/Sgt J.Findlay. Up 1705 Down 2355. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 18,300 successfully. Target indicated by Wanganui flares and bombs released in centre of cluster of these. No results seen on account of 10/10ths cloud. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, Sgt R.Malthouse, P/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, S.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 1730 Down 2355. 4 x Ti, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombs released on Berlin in centre of concentration of Wanganui flares. No bursts of bombs or fires seen at time of bombing. ND451W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1715 Down 0120. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. 10/10ths cloud tops at 10,000’. Bombs released on red and green Wanganuis. Red glow seen below cloud. JB422N P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, F/Sgt H.Casajuana, Sgts W.H.Hewitt, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 1725 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 18,000’. 10/10ths cloud over target area which was covered by a good concentration of flares. No results observed. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, K.Knowles, K.Forrest, M.Hamment. Up 1720 Down 0020. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked successfully. Bombs released in centre of cluster of 4 Wanganui flares. No results of bombing observed except glow reflected on cloud. JB731A F/L R.A.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, Sgt W.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 1720 Down 0030. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. Target identified by red and green Wanganuis. Several groups of skymarkers seen. Cloud obscured results. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1715 Down 0010. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombed Wanganui flares over primary target from 20,000’. Red glow of fires could be seen 60 miles on track home. Reflection from explosion seen lasting 10 seconds. JB706H P/O W.D.Coates, Sgts R.S.Nicholas, C.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts w.Chapman, L.B.York, F.Thompson. Up 1705 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 18,000’. 10/10ths cloud over target. Red glow of fires seen reflected on cloud. No other results seen. JB312Z F/L C.T.Wilson, P/O Ellesmere (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt T.W.Smith, F/L G.Borthwick, F/L G.Watling, Sgt G.Ridley, F/Sgt G.Harper, F/Sgt H.J.Pleydell. Up 1720 down 0050. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked successfully – concentration very good. 10/10ths cloud over target which obscured any results being observed. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.S.Randall, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, D.Bolland. Up 1725 Down 0045. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud over target Berlin which was bombed from 20,000’. No results of bombing were observed. JB300D S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.E.O’Neill, F/O Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, Sgts D.Tunbridge, G.Dennis. Up 1720 Down 0110. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 18,500’. Target bombed on H2S. No results of bombing observed but glow from fires seen reflected on cloud. JB659J F/O F.Allison, Sgts E.S.Monaghan, J.Reynolds, T.W.Elder, W.D.Vincent, A.R.West, W.Woodward. Up 1730 Down 0105. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 20,000’. Target identified by Wanganui flares and DR. Too early on target to observe results. LM346O P/O H.Van Raalte, Sgts R.P.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, W.A.Davis, F/Sgt L.G.Laurie. Up 1735 Down 0110. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Berlin bombed from 20,000’. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud over target which prevented any results being observed. JB708R F/O D.R.Smith, Sgts H.Kendall, J.Glanville, A.Porritt, W.Woodward, F/Sgt J.Bentinck, Sgt J.Peers. Up 1730 Down 0045. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Primary target attacked successfully. 10/10ths cloud over target and bombs released on H2S. No results at all were observed. ND351P P/O J.F.McLean, Sgts W.French, A.Bestill, F/Sgt C.Highton, Sgts W.E.Brown, R.Charles, F/Sgt R.Murdoch. Up 1735 Down 0145. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Berlin bombed from 19,000’. Vis moderate. 10/10ths cloud over target. Wanganui flares appeared to be patchy. No results observed. 28.1.44 21 aircraft detailed to attack Berlin, 2 aircraft were withdrawn, 1 aircraft returned early due to “icing” conditions and one bombed Kiel owing to flak damage. Remaining aircraft attacked primary. Weather again 9/10th to 10/10th cloud with tops about 8,000’. And good visibility. There was continuous marking of the target, bombing was extremely concentrated and two violent explosions were observed. All indications point out to this attack being the most successful yet on the “Big City”. Defences slight H/F focussed on marker flares, within increased fighter activity over target area, S/Ls were ineffective. P/O Van Raalte met considerable flak opposition over Kiel, aircraft sustained severe damage. F/Sgt Laurie, his rear gunner, was killed and aircraft returned to base on 3 engines. F/Lt Wilson and crew, P/O Allison and crew failed to return – nothing heard since. 28/29 January 1944 – Berlin ND415Z W/C C.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/L C.E.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, W/O J.Woods. Up 2335 Down 0810. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 19,500’. Bombed on H2S. All flares were well concentrated. No results of bombing observed. A good glow from fires reflected on cloud. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/L E.A.Adams, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 2350 Down 0730. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked successfully. 10/10ths cloud over target and bombed on H2S. Very good Wanganui concentration achieved. Large glow seen below cloud and flashes from a big explosion. JB312L F/L C.T.Wilson, Sgt T.W.Smith, F/L G.W.Borthwick, F/L G.Watling, F/Sgt L.G.Jones, F/Sgt G.Harper, F/Sgt H.J.Pleydell. Up 0035 – missing. ND425E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 0005 Down 0725. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,500’. Target illuminated by Wanganui flares. A terrific explosion seen lasting several seconds. Fires were burning well and could be seen past Rostock. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, F/Sgt J.C.McLeish, F/Sgt A.M.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 0010 Down 0800. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target successfully bombed from 19,000’. Good Wanganui concentration. Many fires observed and a large explosion observed. JB535Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt R.V.Bowerman, P/O E.L.Carpenter, F/O W.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.E.Charles, F/L R.P.Wishart. Up 0030 Down 0755. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed successfully from 19,000’. Visibility very good. At time of bombing, 8 Wanganuis well concentrated. Tremendous explosion observed. Fires seemed to be burning well. JB659J F/O J.Billing, F/Sgt T.W.Hope, P/O J.E.Moriarty, F/L E.E.Osler, F/Sgt J.Campbell, W/O R.D.Curtis, F/Sgt J.Findlay – DID NOT TAKE OFF. ND541W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/S E.Hambling, Sgt R.Murdoch. Up 0005 Down 0420. returned early – intercom u/s. JB786H P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 0045 Down 0805. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed. 9/10ths cloud thin stratus at 6,000’. Target located by DR and fires. On leaving target, 6 or 7 pillars of smoke were seen rising to about 16,000’. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, K.D.Knowles, K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.Hamment. Up 0025 Down 0725. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,700’. Good Wanganui concentration. Huge orange glow seen from coast on return. No results of bombing seen. JB731A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Neill, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, F/Sgt G.W.Wood, F/Sgt W.Duncan. Up 0025 Down 0740. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud over primary target. Wanganui flares illuminated target for bombing. No results of bombing observed but red glow seen below cloud from north to south. JB353F P/O A.R.Hart, Sgts R.H.Nicholas, G.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, F.Thompson, L.P.York. Up 0035 Down 0735. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 20,000’. Bombed centre of concentration of Wanganui flares. No result of bombing observed owing to 10/10ths cloud. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.S.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 0035 Down 0745. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed. Target identified by green TIs and Wanganuis. Two explosions observed. Huge glow seen on return. ND355T S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.S.O’Neill, F/O Armstrong, S/L R.A.Watts, Sgt H.Abernethy, F/O W.Woods, Sgt J.Denness. Up 0025 Down 0815. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked successfully. Vis good. Huge glow from fires seen as far away as Rostock. JB712U F/O F.Allison, Sgts E.S.Monaghan, J.Reynolds, F/Sgt T.W.Elder, Sgts W.D.Vincent, N.Woodward, A.R.West. Up 0020 – missing. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, F/Sgt J.Gardner, P/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, S.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 0025 Down 0825. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin attacked from 20,200’. Vis good. Bombed on H2S. Large explosion observed and large fire seen through break in cloud. ND455G P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.W.Scholey, F/Sgt Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davis, Sgts R.A.Read, D.Tunbridge. Up 0010 Down 0750. 4 x Ti, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary attacked from 20,500. Bombs released in centre of wanganui flares. 10/10ths cloud with small breaks. Large glow from fires observed. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O A.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 0001 Down 0715. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Primary target in Berlin successfully attacked. Bombs dropped in centre of 3 red TIs burning on ground. Two large explosions seen and huge area of fire. JB708R F/O D.R.Smith, Sgts H.Kendall, J.Glanville, A.Porritt, W.Woodward, J.Bentinck, J.Peers. Up 0010 Down 0740. 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 19,000’. 10/10ths cloud over target. Bombed on H2S. Three big explosions simultaneously observed. Glow of fires could be seen as far away as the Baltic. LM346O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts R.P.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, R.Davis, F/Sgt L.G.Laurie. (No times). 1 x 4000lb, 11 x 500lb. Bombed last resort Kiel. Considerable heavy flak and light flak and searchlights. Much damage caused by heavy flak to aircraft and rear gunner killed. 29.1.44 Crews resting during afternoon. 30.1.44 Heard definite news of safe arrival in UK of P/O Williams, navigator of F/Sgt Johnson’s crew, missing since November 1943. 21 Lancasters detailed for operations. All aircraft set out to attack target at Berlin with an early take off. Weather was 10/10ths cloud at 6-8,000’, vis good. Defences reported slight H/F and L/F mostly directed at Wanganui flares. Fighter activity very pronounced over target area and two combats were reported. The first Wanganui flares were seen at 2013 hours and at zero hour many had been dropped in a good cluster which was well maintained until 2024 hours when it tended to fall back and scatter. TIs dropped were mostly lost in cloud. No results of bombing were seen and clouds were too thick generally to reflect any glow for crews to get any indication of results. Two crews, F/Lt Clarke and P/O Hart failed to return, no news has since been heard. 30/31 January 1944 – Berlin ND346V S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, P/O W.S.Bamlett, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, P/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1700 Down 2310. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 18,000’. 9-10/10ths cloud over target. Some slight glow on clouds possibly from TIs. No other results seen. ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L R.A.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L L.W.Booth. Up 1700 Down 2305. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked. Quarter moon. 10/10ths cloud, vis very good. Bombs dropped in approximate centre of three groups of red TIs and Wanganuis. ND359M F/O C.Snell, Sgt D.J.Farrant (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt L.Harman, F/L O.Lintott, P/O N.J.Smith, F/Sgt J.Grieve, F/Sgt C.J.Green, Sgt F.Thompson. Up 1715 Down 2325. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin bombed from 18,300’. 10/10ths cloud over target. Wanganui flares seen building up well. No results of bombing observed. ND415Z S/L E.F.Cawdery, F/Sgt J.L.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.J.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1730 Down 2345. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed. Bombs dropped in centre of concentration of Wanganuis. No fires or bomb bursts seen but slight reflection on clouds from red and green TIs. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/L E.A.Adams, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1720 Down 2345. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 17,500’. Target located by H2S. Wanganuis well concentrated. No results of bombing seen. JB300D W/C C.M.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.E.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 1720 Down 2330. 5 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Berlin successfully bombed from 19,500’. Good marker concentration in later stages of the raid. Cloud obscured results of bombing. JB535Q F/L E.S.Clarke, Sgt R.V.Bowerman, P/O E.J.Carpenter, F/O W.C.Law, Sgt G.Ridley, P/O T.E.Charles, F/L R.P.Wishart. Up 1715 – missing. JB356X F/O L.Henson, Sgt G.Whitehead, P/O J.H.Parsons, F/Sgt E.J.Bill, Sgt W.Cohen, F/O W.Woods, Sgt M.Sharpe. Up 1705 Down 2350. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud over target Berlin which was successfully bombed. Results of bombing could not be observed owing to cloud. JB422N P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 1710 Down 2340. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Primary attacked from 19,000’. Quarter moon. Cloud 10/10ths. Visibility very good. Bombs released on red/green Wanganuis. Cloud obscured results. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, Sgt J.Gardner, P/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, S.Stewart, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 1715 down 2335. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Berlin attacked successfully. Bombs dropped in centre of two clusters of Wanganui flares. No bomb bursts seen but glow on clouds observed. ND500L S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.S.O’Neill, P/O G.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, Sgt J.Denness. Up 1725 Down 2330. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Berlin bombed. Target well marked by Wanganuis. 10/10ths cloud prevented results being observed. JB353F F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, P/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, Sgt W.Chapman, W/O J.Ferguson, Sgt G.Leonard. Up 1715 Down 2315. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Primary target bombed. 10/10ths cloud tops at 6,000’. Wanganui flares concentrated and effective. Green TIs seen through cloud on leaving target. ND451W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt J.Hambling, W/O G.W.Woods. Up 1710 Down 2310. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin bombed successfully. Target Berlin identified by Wanganuis seen from 25 miles away. A large glow in sky seen from Magdeburg on leaving target. Many fighter flares. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.S.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 1720 Down 2325. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target bombed. No results of bombing were seen but good glow on clouds seen when leaving target. JB683C P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.W.Scholey, F/Sgt H.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davis, Sgts R.A.Read, D.Tunbridge. Up 1715 Down 2310. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin bombed on H2S. No results were observed owing to 10/10ths cloud over target. ND425E P/O D.J.Edwards, Sgt J.E.Rimmington, P/O J.R.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt J.Fernandez, Sgt F.E.Holbrook. Up 1715 Down 2340. 5 x 2000lb. Bombs dropped in centre of concentration of Wanganuis over Berlin. Wanganuis well backed up. No results seen due to 10/10ths cloud. JB659J P/O A.R.Hart, Sgt L.Clifton, F/Sgt H.J.Boal, Sgts C.I.Williams, W.Jones, E.F.Hicks, C.M.Price. Up 1710 - missing. ND351P Sgts R.E.Cooper, F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, P.J.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 1705 Down 2355. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin successfully attacked from 19,000’. A good concentration of TIs and Wanganuis was achieved. No results observed. JB706H P/O J.F.McLean, Sgts W.French, W.Pestell, F/Sgt C.Highton, Sgts W.E.Brown, R.Charles, F/Sgt R.Murdoch. Up 1705 Down 2325. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target successfully attacked from 19,000’. Wanganuis backing up very effectively. No results could be seen owing to 10/10ths cloud. JB708R F/O D.R.Smith, Sgts H.Kendall, J.Glanville, A.Porritt, W.Woodward, F/Sgt J.Bentinck, Sgt J.Peers. Up 1720 Down 2320. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target bombed. Bombs dropped in centre of cluster of red TIs. Concentration of markers quite good. Cloud obscured results. JB731A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O R.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, F/Sgt W.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 1715 Down 2305. 5 x 2000lb. Berlin bombed from 19,500’. Vis good. 10/10ths tops at 7,000’. No results were seen owing to cloud 31.1.44 No flying. 1.2.44 No flying. Ground training on the 31st January. In the afternoon F/Sgt Laurie (Aus), who was the rear gunner killed on operations on the 28thJanuary against Berlin, was buried at Cambridge. His captain, P/O Van Raalte, together with other officers and aircrew attended the funeral. 2.2.44 Some flying training as scheduled. 3.2.44 Make and mend. Training in air and on ground as detailed. Eleven aircraft carried out night cross country and TI demonstration. Owing to air raid warning some of the aircraft were diverted to other bases. 4.2.44 Make and mend. Flying and ground training carried out. Very strong gale blowing. 5.2.44 Make and mend. Flying and ground training carried out. Weather fit. 6.2.44 Training as scheduled. 18 aircraft detailed for Bullseye exercise take-off approx 1700 hours. This was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. 7.2.44 Stand down for all aircrews. 8.2.44 Day training as scheduled. 15 aircraft carried out night flying Bullseye exercise. 9.2.44 Lecture to aircrews and others by S/L Morris on “Photographic Interpretation of Bomb Damage.” 10.2.44 Ground training and some flying. Weather not good. 11.2.44 F/Lt Pepper who was missing is now reported back in the United Kingdom. Crew conference and sports organised in morning. Lecture in afternoon by F/Lt Durnford on “Evasion and Escape”. 6 aircraft carried out night flying cross country training. 12.2.44 Training during day. 21 aircraft detailed for Navigation Night Exercise. Cancelled due to bad weather. 13.2.44 NFTs. 24 aircraft detailed for operations. Briefing took place and crews were out at aircraft for early take-off. Operations cancelled – bad weather forecast. 14.2.44 Some flying training. Stand down from operations. Rain. 15.2.44 Flying and ground training as detailed. 24 aircraft detailed for operations. 17 aircraft took off to attack targets in Berlin in 10/10ths cloud tops 5/6000 feet and visibility good over target. Defences predicted H/F and L/F. Searchlights ineffective owoing to cloud. The marking was kept constant and well concentrated, in most cases TIs were lost in cloud. No results were seen but a good glow reflected on clouds indicated a fairly good concentration and the glow was seen from 30 miles on route home. P/O McLean and crew failed to return from this operation. 16 photos attempted. The remaining 7 aircraft attacked Frankfurt-on-Oder about 50 miles away from Berlin. Weather was 10/10ths cloud tops 5/8000 feet, visibility good. Negligible H/F and L/F. Searchlights ineffective, no fighter activity. The target was well marked by TI green and a concentration of reds was maintained. A good glow was seen when on route home, otherwise no results were seen owing to cloud. 7 photos attempted. The raid on Berlin was considered very successful – over 1000 aircraft were employed on the night operations. 15/16 February 1944 – Berlin JB300D W/C C.Mc.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 1700 Down 0010. 1 x 4 flares, 2 LBTI Red, 2 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb. Berlin bombed from 20,000’. 10/10ths cloud at 14,000’. Vis good. Too early to observe results, very thick cloud. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, F/L P.J.S.Roberts, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/L E.A.Adams, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1705 Down 2350. 1 x 4 flares, 2 LBTI Red, 2 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb. Berlin bombed H2S from 17,500’. 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Good concentration of Wanganui flares seen in later stages of raid. No results observed. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, P/O J.McLeish, F/Sgt A.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 1715 Down 0045. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud at 5,000’. Vis good. Berlin bombed with H2S from 20,000’. No results observed. JB 683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, P/O A.Candy, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1720 Down 0030. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombed target with H2S from 19,000’. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 10,000’. Vis good. Results not observed. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, F/Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 1710 Down 0015. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombed with H2S from 19,000’. Cloud 10/10ths tops at 7,000’. Vis fair. No results observed. ND448K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woolford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 1715 Down 0015. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 3-6000’. Vis excellent. Berlin bombed from 20,5000, very good concentration of Wanganui flares. Golden on cloud base. ND359M P/O D.Coates, Sgts R.Nicholas, G.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, F.Thompson, W.L.York. Up 1715 Down 0045. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Bombed Berlib from 20,000’. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops at 3-6000’. Vis good. Black smoke was seen penetrating cloud, no other results observed. JB336X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.Osler, F/Sgt J.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 1700 Down 2345. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 18,500’. Cloud prevented any observations. ND451W P/O L.Henson, Sgt W.G.Whitbread, F/O J.G.Parsons, Sgts E.J.D.Bill, W.Cohen, M.Sharpe, F/O W.Woods. Up 1715 Down 0030. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis good. Bombed Berlin from 19,500’. A red glow of fires could be seen reflected on clouds on leaving target. ND508J P/O L.Wheble, Sgt P.Burt, P/O J.Wilson, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, J.J.Reid, R.Pitcon. Up 1715 Down 2355. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Bombed Berlin from 20,500’. 10/10ths cloud tops 12,000’. Vis good. A red glow from fires could be seen on leaving target. Raid generally appeared to be NW of the town. JB422N P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Hopes, Sgts H.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 1720 Down 0100. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Vis good at target. 10/10ths cloud tops 4-8,000’. Bombed from 20,000’. Cloud obscured results. JB708R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt F.E.Putt, F/L E.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O R.Taylor. Up 1710 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb. Light pall over target. 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 20,000’. A good red glow could be seen below cloud in area of concentration. JB312A F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowan, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgts J.Donald, J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 1705 Down 0035. 5 x 2000lb. Bombed Berlin at 20,000’. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud at 10,000’. Vis hazy. Thick cloud prevented any identification. JA846O P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kit??, G.J.Hill, J.Diggle. Up 1710 Down 0010. 5 x 2000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 12,000’. Vis hazy. Bombed at 17,000’ with H2S. ND355T P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt Rosenburg, P/O W.H.Hunt, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Coman, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 1710 Down 0030. 5 x 2000lb. Weather over Berlin 10/10ths cloud tops 8-10,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 20,000’. General opinion is that good results were obtained. ND478Q P/O J.F.McLean, Sgts W.French, A.Pestell, P/O Steven, Sgts W.E.Brown, R.Charles, R.Murdoch. Up 1705. 5 x 2000lb – Missing. ND500P P/O W.H.Benton, Sgt J.E.Rimmington, P/O J.I.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.Hunter, F/Sgt Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 1710 Down 0105. 5 x 2000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 8,000’. Vis hazy. Bombed Berlin at 19,000’. Results of bombing could not be seen owing to cloud. 15/16 February 1944 – Frankfurt-on-Oder ND425E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, Sgt S.J.Lewis, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 1700 Down 0015. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 4 x TI red. Weather over target 10/10ths cloud. Bad light, visibility poor. Bombed at 19,000’ with H2S. ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L L.W.Booth. Up 1655 Down 2355. 4 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Weather over target light poor. 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis hazy. Bombed at 20,200’ with H2S. Results could not be observed owing to cloud. ND501U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, P/O W.S.Bamlett, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt F.White, W/O G.Muckart, F/O J.J.Saynor. Up 1700 Down 0020. 4 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombed at 19,500’. Weather at target. 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis good. JB353F F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, P/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, Sgt W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt K.D.Newman, W/O Ferguson. Up 1700 Down 0020. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis poor. Bombed with H2S at 20,000’. No results were seen. ND391L F/Sgt R.E.Cooper, F/Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, B.J.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 1710 Down 0005. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombed at 19,000’ with H2S. Weather at target 10/10ths clouds tops 7,000’. Vis good. ND497Y F/O F.Smith, W/O J.A.Wilson, P/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, Millard, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 1655 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops at 8,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 20,200’ with H2S. No results seen. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.L.Leak, W.D.Knowles, K.Forrest, M.Hamment. Up 1705 Down 0025. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Light above target poor. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis moderate at 20,000’. No results could be observed. 16.2.44 21 aircraft detailed for operations. Crews were briefed to attack two targets. Operations were cancelled owing to bad weather. 17.2.44 21 aircraft again detailed, crews briefed. Operations cancelled – bad weather. 18.2.44 21 aircraft detailed, crews briefed. Operations cancelled – bad weather. Message received from the AOC-in-C Bomber Command conveying appreciation and thanks to all concerned, concerning the high serviceability of aircraft fro the month of January. Returns show, according to 8 Group monthly summary that 97 Squadron never had less than 7 aircraft per flight available for operations for the month. Also that the Squadron won all honours for Radar serviceability on heavy bomber Squadrons and enhanced their already consistently good record. Congratulations have been conveyed to all ground personnel concerned. See the attached Squadron Detail Serial No 15. 19.2.44 20 aircraft attacked Leipzig returning to base about 0630 hours. One aircraft returned early however, owing to the heating for the rear gunner being u/s. The remainder attacked from 19/22,000 feet in fair visibility above 10/10ths cloud tops 5/6000 feet. Defences, slight H/F. Searchlights ineffective in thick cloud. Fighters were active during whole trip in to target area and over target. 19 photos were attempted. The attack opened at 0354 hours followed by reds at 0354.05 hours with Wanganui flares. From thence the target was kept well marked with red TIs and Wanganui flares in good concentration until 0408 hours, when there appeared to be a gap in marking. At 0411 hours a Wanganui flare dropped and was quickly backed up, a further concentration being achieved until the attack ceased. Owing to cloud no results of bombing were seen and no glow of fires was seen owing to searchlight glow. It is considered that the attack will prove to be generally good. All aircraft returned safely to base. On aircraft bursts a tyre in landing. Reports show that a total of over 70 aircraft were lost on this raid, over 800 aircraft being detailed for the raid. 19/20 February 1944 – Leipzig ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L L.W.Booth. Up 2335 Down 0640. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis fair. Bombed at 19.400’ with H2S. No results observed. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt R.M.Lane, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 2345 Down 0640. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Bombed target at 19,000’. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000. Vis fair – slight haze. Cloud obscured results. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, Sgt E.D.Rosenburg, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, Sgt J.Benfell. Up 2340 Down 0626. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 18,500’ with H2S. Too early for results to be seen. ND452E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, Sgt N.Coman, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 2330 Down 0625. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather over Leipzig 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 19,100’. No results observed due to cloud. JB512A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.A.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, F/Sgt W.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 2330 Down 0630. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Bombed Leipzig from 20,000’ with H2S. Results not observed owing to 10/10ths cloud tops 5-6,000’. Vis good. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, P/O J.McLeish, F/Sgt A.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.Roberts. Up 2340 Down 0635. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 20,000 with H2S. No results seen. ND415Z W/C E.J.Carter, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2355 Down 0630. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Bombed Leipzig from 19,000’ with H2S. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 3-4,000’. Vis good. JB356X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/Sgt C.Highton, F/Sgt J.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, w/o r.d.Curtis. Up 0010 Down 0620. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis fair. Bombed from 18,500’. No results were observed. ND451W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 0000 Down 0645. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 20,000’. No results seen. ND450Y F/O L.Henson, Sgt Whitebread, P/O J.G.Parsons, F/Sgt E.J.D.Bill, Sgts W.Cohen, M.Sharpe, F/O W.Woods. Up 0005 Down 0700. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed Leipzig with H2S from 19,500’. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis fairly good, hazy. ND508J F/O L.Wheble, Sgt P.Burt, F/O A.W.Weston, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, R.Pitocn, J.J.Reid. Up 0000 Down 0635. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed Leipzig from 20,000. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 7,000’. Vis fair. No results of bombing seen. ND501U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, P/O W.S.Bamlett, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L A.S.McFadden, F/Sgt F.S.White, W/O G.Muckart, F/O J.J.Saynor. Up 2350 Down 0620. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target 9/10ths cloud tops 5-6,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 19,000’. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, W.D.Knowles, K.Forrest, J.F.Coulson. Up 2355 Down 0650. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed from 21,000’. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5-6,000’. Vis poor. JB300D P/O D.Coates, Sgts R.Nicholas, G.Nuttall, F/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, F.Thompson, W.L.York. Up 0001 Down 0231. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Returned early due to u/s of rear gunner’s heating clothing. 6/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Very misty at turning point. JB731F F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, F/Sgt W.A.Reffin, W/O Ferguson, F/Sgt K.D.Newman. Up 2359 Down 0654. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 20,000’. Results obscured by cloud. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woolford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 0005 Down 0700. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths tops 7,000’. Good visibility – slight haze. Bombed from 20,000’. No results could be seen owing to cloud. JB683C F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgts J.Donald, J.Henderson, R.E.Buck. Up 2345 Down 0655. 5 x 2000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 10,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 22,000’. Results could not be observed owing to cloud. ND497Q F/O D.R.Smith, Sgt H.Kendall, F/Sgt J.Glanville, Sgt A.Porritt, F/Sgt N.Woodward, J.Bentinck, J.Press. Up 2350 Down 0645. 5 x 2000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud tops 4,000’. Vis fair, hazy. Bombed at 19,000’. JB422N F/L C.A.Lyon, Sgts L.Chappell, R.Lawley, H.G.Howes, J.Guthrie, F/Sgt E.V.Aspin, Sgt L.Diggle. Up 2350 Down 0655. 5 x 2000lb. Bombed target from 20,000’. No results of bombing seen and no indication of fires as cloud was too thick. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’. Vis good. ND359M Sgts D.J.Farrant, R.Malthouse, P/O W.F.Wilson, W/O R.T.Lord, F/Sgt A.Hunter, Sgts J.L.Nixon, M.F.McBride. Up 2345 Down 0705. 5 x 2000lb. Bombed target from 19,000’ with H2S. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis fair, hazy. 20/21.2.44 Crews resting today. 21 aircraft have again been detailed for operations with briefing for aircrews at 1700 hours. 21 aircraft took off to attack Stuttgart. 2 aircraft returned early due to technical failures. The remaining 19 aircraft carried on to raid the target in 4-6/10ths cloud tops thin layer 15,000 feet, visibility good. Defences moderate H/F barrage. No searchlights. Fighter activity seemed reduced. 18 photos attempted. The attack opened early and all supporters were on time. Red TIs were seen at 0356 hours with Wanganui flares and the first green at 0358 hours. Marking from that time was fairly regular and the target was kept marked throughout the attack, a good concentration was maintained. Bomb bursts were seen in town but some incendiaries were wide and overshot. An explosion, orange in colour, was seen in NW part of town at 0404 hours. And large fires were seen embracing whole streets in NW part of town. Smoke rose to over 15,000’ and fires were seen by some crews of returning aircraft from 130 miles on route home. Generally marking was good and the attack is considered to have been successful. F/Lt R.S.Emerson and crew crashed on approaching to land on the runway – there were no survivors. The aircraft had circled and been in touch with Control by R/T. The captain stated that they were in difficulty, having collided over the target with another aircraft. The aircraft was considerably damaged which no doubt was the cause of the aircraft diving into the ground some 300 yards short of the runway. The aircraft was burnt and wreckage strewn about – seven bodies taken to SSQ Bourn. 20/21 February 1944 – Stuttgart JB300D W/C C.M.Dunnicliffe, F/O W.Hannah, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 0020 Down 0645. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 19,000’. Bombs dropped in centre of concentration of Wanganuis. Results not observed owing to cloud. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 15,000’. Vis good. JB312A F/L R.S.Emerson, F/Sgt J.Newell, F/O I.Worth, P/O J.A.Bartholomew, W/O R.Dickie, F/Sgt W.Duncan, F/Sgt G.W.Wood. Up 0015 Down 0740. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Successfully bombed target. Collision with another aircraft over target and damage from flak. Aircraft crashed on landing at base at Bourn airfield. All of the crew were killed. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt F.H.Hansen. Up 0025 Down 0700. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target at 19,000’ with H2S. Weather 4/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Large explosion seen. JB706H F/L Nicholas, F/Sgt R.Lane, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, F/Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt F.Whitehead. Up 0020 Down 0300. 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Returned early owing to oxygen failure. JB361B F/O W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, P/O J.McLeish, W/O A.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 0040 Down 0705. 1 flare, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target at 20,000’ with H2S. Weather over Stuttgart 5/10ths thin cloud. Vis good. One big explosion (orange coloured) observed. Glow could be seen for many miles on return track. ND455G F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L A.Palmer, F/L J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O R.Taylor. Up 0020 Down 0720. 1 flare, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Waether at target 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 19,600’ with H2S. Glow of some fires starting could be seen. ND501U S/L C.P.C.de Wesselow, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L L.W.Booth. Up 0030 Down 0705. 1 flare, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed at 19,000’ with H2S. Fires observed in the shape of letter L drom incendiary bombs. Weather 5/10ths cloud tops 15,000’. Vis good. ND500L F/O W.A.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, P/O J.I.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, Sgts L.Hornsby, Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 0030 Down 0700. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target 8/10ths tops 10/12,000’. Vis poor. Bombed at 20,000’. Violent explosions observed and spreading flames. JB683C F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, Sgts L.Wagner, J.Donald, J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 0030 Down 0715. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather over target – no cloud, vis excellent. Bombed at 19,000’. Huge red glow seen for 100 miles on return trip. ND452E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 0040 Down 0725. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed Stuttgart from 19,000’ on H2S. weather at target 5/10ths cloud, vis good. Glow could be seen from along way on track home. JB728S P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, F/O W.H.Hunt, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Coman, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 0035 Down 0650. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 19,000’. Smoke was observed. Fires could be seen from about 45 miles away. Weather - light good, no cloud, visibility good. JB846O P/O H.A.Van Raalte, Sgts R.P.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, J.J.Reid, R.Pitcon. Up 0020 Down 0730. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target – light fairly good. 10/10ths thick cloud tops 8,000’. Bombed from 20,000’. Fires burning could be seen from 130 miles at a height of 20,000’. ND508J F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/O J.H.Gordon, F/Sgt J.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 0030 Down 0625. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at target – light good, no cloud, vis very good. Bombed at 19,000’. Fires were started. Smoke appeared to rise from 15,000’. Glow could be seen 100 miles away. ND450Y F/O L.Henson, F/Sgt Whitbread, P/O J.G.Parsons, F/Sgt E.J.D.Bill, Sgt W.Cohen, F/Sgt M.Sharpe, F/O W.Woods. Up 0030 Down 0650. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 19,500’. Rising smoke and fires could be seen 60 miles away. Weather – cloud 1/10th, vis good. JB731F P/O D.Coates, Sgts R.Nicholas, G.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, M.Thompson, W.L.York. Up 0015 Down 0640. 10 x 1000lb. Bombed target with H2S from 20,000’. Weather 6/10ths cloud, vis good. Glow visible 50-70 miles away from incendiaries. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgts K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 0010 Down 0710. 10 x 1000lb. Weather at target 2/10ths thin cloud, vis very good. Bombed at 20,000’ with H2S. Good orange glow observed from incendiaries with smoke rising to nearly 12,500’. ND451W F/O D.R.Smith, Sgts H.Kendall, J.Glanville, J.Porritt, F/Sgt N.Woodward, Sgts J.Bentinck, J.Peers. Up 0015 Down 0230. 10 x 1000lb. Returned early – complete electrical failure. ND497Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, J.Diggle. Up 0020 Down 0710. 10 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 20,000’. Weather 5/10ths cloud tops 10,000’. Fires were observed beginning as leaving target. ND351P F/Sgt R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, F/Sgt H.Lunt, Sgt H.A.Smith, F/Sgt R.R.Hinde, F/Sgt E.Hambling. Up 0020 Down 0655. 10 x 1000lb. Weather over Stuttgart 8/10ths cloud tops 17,000’. Vis very good. Bombed from 20,000’ with H2S. ND359M F/Sgt D.J.Farrant, Sgt P.Burt, P/O J.F.Wilson, W/O R.T.Lord, F/Sgt A.Hunter, Sgts J.W.Nixon, E.V.Aspin. Up 0025 Down 0700. 10 x 1000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Bombed at 19,000’ with H2S. One very big fire observed from incendiaries. Plenty of black smoke filling cloud gaps. JB422N P/O R.Leader, Sgt E.D.Rosenburg, P/O A.Candy, F/Sgt C.Highton, Sgts G.T.Levick, E.H.Tupman, J.Coulson. Up 0020 Down 0730. 10 x 1000lb. Stuttgart successfully bombed. Visibility fair. 5/10ths cloud tops at 7,000’ over target. Good Wanganui concentration. Red and green TIs seen through cloud. Fires observed burning well. 22.2.44 Crews resting during morning. 21 aircraft detailed and briefed for operations and cancelled just before take-off due to bad weather reports. 23.2.44 Flying and ground training carried out – stand down for op crews in afternoon. 24.2.44 Flying training etc carried out as per schedule. In the morning the funeral took place at Cambridge Cemetery at 1100 hours, of those killed in the crash. The following were buried :- F/L R.S.Emerson, P/O I.Worth (Aus) Nav, P/O J.A.Bartholomew A/B, W/O R.Dickie W/Op (Can), F/Sgt G.W.Wood A/G, F/Sgt J.Newell F/E. Relatives of those living in this country attended. The Flight Commander, Adjutant and 20 officers and NCO aircrew were also in attendance. F/Sgt W.Duncan A/G was conveyed to be buried at his home town in Ireland. 21 Lancasters have been detailed to attack Schweinfurt in two waves, take off being approx 1900 hours and 2100 hours. 10 aircraft attacked in the first wave in clear sky, visibility good. Defences moderate H/F barrage bursting 22,000’. Searchlights numerous. Fighters very active from French coast to Stuttgart where many flares were seen. 9 photos attempted. At 2258 hours red TIs and green TIs were seen during the first few minutes the target was well covered with markers, flares being kept constantly marked throughout the attack. The town and river were identified by most crews. Incendiaries were well scattered over the town and fires commenced in the NE and appeared to draw back until most of the town was covered. Smoke was in two columns and obliterated the fires when crews were 80 miles away on route home. F/O D.R.Smith and crew failed to return. In the 2nd wave, 9 aircraft attacked Schweinfurt. 1 aircraft was withdrawn and one aircraft returned early, W/T and R/T u/s. The attack was made in clear sky and good visibility. Defences moderate H/F barrage – fighter activity considerably reduced and negligible. Fires were seen on approach to target from 150 miles away. Green TIs were seen first at 0103 hours and red TIs at 0115 hours. Many incendiaries carpeted the area and the glow made it difficult to see individual TIs go down. An orange explosion was reported at 0108 hours and another at 0109.30 NE of the town. Generally concentration was good and fires could be seen by returning aircraft from 120-150 miles on route home. All these aircraft returned safely to base. 9 photos attempted. 24/25 February 1944 – Schweinfurt ND452E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 1850 Down 0145. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Primary target successfully attacked from 18,000’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombs released in centre of two red TIs. Very good concentration of red TIs. Fires could be seen and much smoke obscuring the town. ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/L L.W.Booth. Up 1845 Down 0145. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 18,200’. Vis good over target and no cloud. Target identified by river and built up area. Red TIs seen to fall accurately on green TI which was already down. Many HE bursts observed. JB708R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O R.Taylor. Up 1855 Down 0150. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target attacked from 20,000’. Vis good. Bombs dropped in centre of ring of red TIs. Ground detail obscured by glare from fires. Backing up seemed very good throughout. ND560L P/O P.J.Drane, Sgts R.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, Sgts L.Wagner, J.Donald, J.Henderson, R.E.Buck. Up 1855 Down 0140. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt attacked from 18,000’. Cloud nil, vis good. Bombs dropped in centre of cluster of red TIs. Fires well concentrated in centre of town which was covered with TIs, flares and fires. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 1850 Down 0140. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target Schweinfurt successfully bombed from 19,000’. Target identified by white flares and red TIs. Large orange flame observed in centre of target and two strong fires in north side of town. JB683C P/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.Scholey, F/Sgt H.S.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davis, Sgts R.A.Read, D.Tunbridge. Up 1855 Down 0155. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt attacked from 17,700’. Vis very good, no cloud. Bombed on H2S. Good concentration of Wanganui flares and green TIs. Bursts were seen north and north east of town. ND308J F/O L.Wheble, Sgts P.Burt, C.Nuttall, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, R.Pitcon, J.J.Reid. Up 1855 Down 0215. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed successfully. Vis good, clear sky. River and town easily seen. Bombs dropped in centre of good concentration of red TIs. Incendairies carpeted the whole town. ND501U P/O N.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, P/O W.H.Hurst, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Comans, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 1850 Down 0155. 10 x 1000lb. Bombs dropped in centre of 4 red TIs over Schweinfurt. Red TIs fairly well concentrated but greens rather scattered. Large whitish-orange explosion seen in centre of town. ND497Q F/O D.R.Smith, Sgts H.Kendall, J.Glanville, J.Porritt, F/Sgt N.Woodward, F/Sgt J.Bentinck, Sgt J.Peers. Up 1855 – missing. ND366V P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgts D.H.Ryder, R,Heap, H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, J.Diggle. Up 1850 Down 0155. 10 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 16,000’. No markers were seen before bombing. Bombed on H2S. After bombing markers seen well on built up area. Rivers, streets and houses quite plainly seen. ND359M P/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, P/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, F/Sgt W.A.Reffin, W/O E.Hanson, Sgt F.Thompson. Up 2100 Down 0415. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 18,000’. Target identified by green TIs and built up area. Bombs dropped in centre of 4 green TIs. Huge area of black smoke observed on both sides of river. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.L.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, Sgt J.Hughes, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 2055 Down 2305. Sortie abandoned owing to intercom being u/s. JB706H F/L J.Nicholls, Sgt S.A.Smith, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, F/Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 2100 Down 0400. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 18,000’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombed on H2S. Bomb bursts observed in built up area. The whole target area was covered in fires – theses being more concentrated in north part of town. JB356X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, S/L R.A.Watts, F/Sgt J.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 2100 Down 0355. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target successfully bombed from 18,500’. Target identified by river and built up area and bombs dropped in centre of cluster of 8 green TIs. Centre of town well alight from earlier attack. ND450Y F/O L.Henson, Sgt W.J.Whitbread, F/O J.G.Parsons, F/Sgt E.Hill, Sgts W.Cohen, M.Sharpe, F/O W.Woods. Up 2050 Down 0350. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt successfully attacked from 17,500’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombs dropped in centre of concentration of green and red TIs. Whole target area was alight on arrival. ND451W P/O R.Leader, Sgt E.D.Rosenburg, F/O A.Candy, F/L McFadden, F/Sgt S.Lewis, Sgts D.H.Tupman, J.Coulson. Up 2055 Down 0425. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary bombed in good visibility and a clear sky. Bombs released in centre of tight concentration of 4 red TIs. Large yellow explosion observed north east of fire area. Aircraft damaged by flak. JB300D F/O W.A.Benton, Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.I.Rogerson, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts L.Hornsby, Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2100 Down 0350. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt attacked. Vis moderate – haze and smoke. No cloud. Target identified by red TIs and fires in town area. Bomb bursts could not be observed owing to smoke. JB683C P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts R.P.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgt E.H.Peace, F/Sgt E.Hambling, Sgt W.Benfell. Up 2255 Down 0420. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 18,000’. No cloud, vis good. Bombs dropped in centre of TI reds. Fires were burning in form of a triangle on three sides of town. ND251P P/O R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, Rumney, R.R.Hinde. Up 2100 Down 0045. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,000’ on H2S. TIs red and green well concentrated although rather difficuly to see through smoke rising from the town. JB422N F/Sgt D.J.Farrant, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/O C.T.Wilcox, W/O R.T.Lord, F/Sgt A.Hunter, F/O B.Broome, Sgt J.W.Nixon. Up 2055 Down 0415. 5 x 2000lb. Schweinfurt bombed from 17,000’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombed on H2S. TIs well backed up. Fires were seen to spread over target area. 25.2.44 21 aircraft have again been detailed for operations, crews have been briefed to attack in two waves. 1st wave – 1 aircraft returned early S/I u/s. The remaining 12 aircraft attacked Augsburg in clear sky and good visibility from 10,500 – 19,000 feet. Defences slight to moderate H/F. Many searchlights ineffective around target. Fighters negligible although flares were plentiful directly after attack. The first green TI was seen at 22.38 hours and immediately afterwards others followed there being a good concentration of TI greens and TI reds in the first two minutes. Marking was good and maintained throughout the attack and bomb bursts and incendiaries were seen in the area of markers. Some bombing was seen in the north corner of the town and most was generally to be seen in the built up area. The attack was generally considered to be good. 2nd wave – 1 aircraft was withdrawn – technical failures – 1 aircraft returned early due to electrical failure, the remaining 6 aircraft attacked Augsburg from 14,500/19,500’ in clear sky and good visibility. Defences were mod/slight H/F bursting high. Searchlights ineffective but numerous. Fighter activity negligible. 6 photos attempted. Fires resulting from the earlier attack were seen to be burning when first aircraft arrived. TI greens were seen and quickly backed up by the VBUs and the target was kept well marked. Main force aircraft arrived early and bombed before time. The main force of the attack appeared to be a little to NE. A good fire appeared to be burning covering a large area in center of town and some scattered to north from earlier attack. 18 Lancasters attacked and returned safely to base. This attack on Augsburg is the first by night since the famous daylight attack on the factory on the 17th April 1942 by 97 Squadron led by S/L Sherwood DFC who is now a prisoner of war. The American Air Force attacked the same targets in daylight yesterday in large force. 25/26 February 1944 – Augsburg JB470M F/L C.Snell, Sgt L.Harman, F/L C.Lintott, F/L N.J.Smith (AB1), W/O W.Parker (Spec AB), F/Sgt J.Grieve, Sgts C.J.Green, J.Hamment. Up 1853 Down 0140. 8 flares, 10 x TI, 1 x 4000lb. Augbsurg bombed from 18,500’. Target identified by built up area, river and large factory to north of town. Aiming point easily identified. Too early to observed results. ND452E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson. Up 1855 Down 0150. 8 flares, 10 x TI, 1 x 4000lb. Primary target successfully bombed. Good visibility, no cloud. Good concentration of TIs achieved. Ground detail well lit up by flares. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. (no times). 21 flares, 1 RSF, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Augsburg bombed from 18,000’. Vis good with a clear sky. H2S used fro bombing. Green TIs were clear and formed circle round target. A red/green salvo appeared to overshoot. ND453G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, Sgt W.Telford. Up 1849 Down 0143. 21 flares, 1 RSF, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Augsburg attacked from 18,000’. H2S used for bombing. Vis good, no cloud. One TI green down at time of bombing. No observation of results. JB708R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O R.Taylor. Up 1857 Down 0212. 21 flares, 1 RSF, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Augsburg successfully attacked. Vis good, no cloud. Built up area clearly seen by light of flares. TIs well concentrated. Large amount of smoke observed rising from target area. JB361B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgts J.Donald, J.Henderson, R.E.Buck. Up 1850 Down 0205. 21 flares, 1 RSF, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,000’. Oversjot slightly in releasing bombs in center of red TIs. Many flares over target area and built up area could be clearly seen. Large explosion observed in target area at 2318 hours. JB731F P/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, P/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.G.Stephens, F/Sgt W.A.Reffin, Sgts G.Leonard, W.Nixon. Up 1858 Down 0203. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Bombs released in center of concentration of red and green TIs over primary target. Vis good, no cloud. TIs were very compact and apparently in the area of aiming point. ND440K F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D.Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 1900 Down 0201. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Augsburg bombed successfully from 19,000’. Town identified visually by river and railways. Bombs dropped in center of green and red TIs and flares. Concentration was good. Black smoke was observed rising from target area. JB683C F/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.Scholey, F/Sgt H.S.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davis, Sgts R.A.Read, D.Tunbridge. Up 1853 Down 0217. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. No clud and good visibility over primary target which was identified by green and red TIs and white flares. Visual markers were very accurate with red TIs backing up well. JB300D F/O W.A.Benton, Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.I.Rogerson, F/Sgt J.Skingley, Sgts L.Hornsby, F.Holbrook, J.Fernandez. Up 1903 Down 0209. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Augsburg attacked successfully. Bombs dropped in center of salvo of red and green TIs. Very good concentration of TIs achieved. Fires could be seen burning in area of aiming point in spite of haze and smoke. ND501U P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, P/O W.H.Hunt, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Comnas, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 1846 Down 2224. Sortie abandoned and returned early owing to engine trouble. ND348V P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, J.Diggle. Up 1847 Down 0149. 9 x 1000lb. Augsburg bombed from 16,000’. Bombs released on H2S. Green TIs appeared to be rather scattered. Thick smoke covered the whole town and a large explosion seen WNW of the town. ND463A S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.S.O’Neill, F/Sgt C.Nuttall, F/Sgt T.H.James, Sgt W.Chapman, P/O P.Broome, Sgt G.Denness. Up 1904 Down 0215. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Augsburg successfully bombed. A very good concentration of red and green TIs in which bomb bursts were seen. All aircraft seemed to bomb well on the concentration. ND450Y F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt S.A.Smith, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, Sgts J.Gardner, M.Sharpe, D.Whitehead. Up 2148 Down 0424. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,000’. Target identified by fires from previous raid and red and green TIs. Good visibility and no cloud. Most of the bombing appeared to be in NW of the town, straddling the river. ND508J F/O L.Wheble, Sgt P.Burt, F/O A.W.Weston, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, R.C.Pitcon, J.J.Reid. Up 2155 Down 0414. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Augsburg bombed from 19,500’. Bombs released in center of cluster of red TIs. The first green TIs were well backed up by reds. Smoke obscured ground detail except for river. JB683O ? P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts R.P.Smith, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgt E.H.Peace, F/Sgt F.Thompson, Sgt W.Benfell. Up 2143 Down 0421. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb. Augsburg attacked from 18,000’. No cloud, vis good. Bombs released in center of green TIs. Fires seemed to be spread over town. A big area of fire seen in center of town from previous attack. JB422N S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, P/O J.F.Wilson, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2145 Down 0418. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 18,000’. Target located by red and green TIs and bombs were dropped in center of these. Fires from previous raid burning well in area of aiming point. JB706H P/O R.Leader, Sgt E.D.Rosenburg, F/O A.Candy, P/O E.H.Baldwin, F/Sgt S.Lewis, Sgts E.H.Tupman, J.Coulson. Up 2149 Down 2336. returned early owing to electrical failure. JB728S F/L C.A.Lyon, Sgts C.Chappell, R.Lawley, H.G.Howes, J.Guthrie, E.V.Aspin, F.Thompson. Up 2136 Down 0437. 5 x 2000lb. Augsburg successfully bombed. Good concentration of green and red TIs right in center of town. Concentration of Wanganuis seen. Glow of fires seen from 100 miles away. ND497Q P/O R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, A.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 2205 Down 0423. 21 dlares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 1 RSF. Augsburg successfully bombed from 16,000’. Target identified by river and built up area and red and green TIs. Bombs released on red TI on ground surrounded by red TI cascading. Large smoke pall over centre of town. 26.2.44 Stand down from operations. 27.2.44 Stand down from operations. 28.2.44 Training carried out as scheduled. 21 Lancasters have been detailed for operations, also one night cross country. All this was cancelled later in the evening after briefing. Weather stormy and some snow. 29.2.44 Flying and ground training carried out. 1.3.44 21 aircraft detailed for operations against target at Stuttgart. The attack was made in good vis. 8/10ths cloud tops 6/80000’, from 16/20000’. Defences slight to moderate H/F. Most crews reported seeing neither flak, searchlights, or night fighters. 21 photos were attempted. The attack opened at 02.56 when Wanganui flares were first seen, and after the first two or three minutes when Wanganuis were in fairly good concentration, marking became rather scattered and was not continuous. Fires were reported and smoke was seen coming through clouds which reflected a good glow from fires. Owing to the inconsistency of marking, no clear picture of the trens of the attack is possible. All aircraft and crews returned safely to base. 1/2 March 1944 Stuttgart ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2355 Down 0645. 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 19,000’ on H2S. First green TI seen to cascade at 0256 hours. Nothing further before aircraft bombed. Some red TIs were seen burning on ground later. Very bad timing of Wanganuis. Positioning of markers good but not continuous. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt S.A.Smith, F/L R.Easson, F/Sgt R.A.Jolley, Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 2355 Down 0705. 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 18,900’. Cloud 10/10ths, vis good. First group of Wanganuis were well placed and concentrated. Then marking by Wanganuis was continuous but not very well sustained. Too early for results to be observed. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, F/Sgt K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 2340 Down 0645. 4 flares, 2 x Ti, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 20,000’. 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Good concentration of Wanganui flares. Good explosion observed of orange coloured flames. JB683C F/L C.P.Snell, F/Sgt L.Harman, F/L C.Lintott, F/L N.J.Smith, F/Sgt J.Grieve, F/Sgt C.J.Green, F/Sgt J.Hamment. Up 2355 Down 0630. 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart successfully bombed from 18,300’. First half dozen Wanganuis were well concentrated but a little later went down intermittently. When town was 100 miles away, glow of fires could be seen. ND352E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson. Up 2350 Down 0620. 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target Stuttgart bombed. A really good concentration of Wanganui flares was down on bombing but TIs were obscured by cloud. On way back from town fires could be observed starting. JB708R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt D.Sweeney, P/O R.Taylor. Up 2359 Down 0715. 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed from 19,700’. Good concentration of green TIs and green/red flares but for a slight gap of 18 seconds. On leaving town fires could be seen in south-west through slight break in clouds. JB356X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.Osler, F/Sgt J.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 2355 Down 0630. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 18,000’. Cloud 10/10ths, vis good. Cloud obscured TIs on ground nor were any seen to cascade. Wanganuis well placed but not so continuous as usual. At 0320 hours enormous gap illuminated cloud. ND508J F/O D.Wheble, Sgt P.Burt, F/O A.W.Weston, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, R.C.Pitcon, J.J.Reid. Up 2345 Down 0655. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed on H2S. First Wanganui went down at 0258 hours with a gap at around 0300 hours. These gaps appeared to continue spasmodically. 9/10ths cloud over target. Visibility was fair. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, W/O J.Wilson, F/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, A.H.Mullard, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 0000 Down 0720. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Primary target bombed. Bombs released in centre of red TI concentration. Many green TIs were seen followed by reds. Some scattered fires were seen after an explosion (among bomb bursts) at 0315 hours. JB422N P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, Sgts H.Casajuana, W.H.Hewitt, G.Morris, W.Lee. Up 0000 Down 0745. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 18,500’. 10/10ths cloud over target and no flares or markers seen. Wanganuis seen to fall soon after. Wanganui concentration not up to standard. ND451W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt E.R.N.Barrell. Up 2300 Down 0630. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart bombed on H2S. Too early on target to judge results. No TIs seen. Wanganuis dropped at fairly long intervals. Glow over town visible from Rheims. JB731F F/O C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/O T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, F/Sgt W.A.Reffin, Sgt G.Leonard, F/Sgt R.A.Read. Up 2325 Down 0625. 5 x 2000lb. Good concentration of Wanganuis over target which was bombed from 19,000’. 3 or 4 seconds after bombing, large burst seen from target illuminating base of cloud. JB300D F/O J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, D/Bolland, G.Widdis. Up 2350 Down 0710. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 19,000’. Green/red flares seen to fall in good concentration but there were gaps in between concentrations. Timing was very good. Good red glow observed beneath cloud. JB671A P/O W.D.Coates, Sgts R.Nicholas, C.Nuttall, F/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, F.Thomspson, W.L.York. Up 2350 Down 0710. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Only one Wanganui visible on bombing Stuttgart although others could be seen reflected under cloud. Concentration of Wanganuis seen later but had tendency to creep to the north. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/O O.W.Shires, Sgts T.W.Leak, W.D.Knowles, K.Forrest, P.Thomas. Up 2340 Down 0645. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed on H2S. Marking seemed very bad except for PBMs and one Wanganui seen two miles west of main concentration which was good as far as placing went. Two big fires seen burning at 0404 hours. JB683O P/O H.Van Raalte, Sgts J.Scholey, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, J.K.Benfell. Up 2355 Down 0700. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 18,000’. Only two Wanganuis down on bombing and it is reported that marking was arratic. A tendency to overshoot with incendiary bombs which could be seen on ground through gap in cloud. ND500L S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.S.O’Neill, F/O D.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernathy, F/O P.Broome, Sgt J.Denness. Up 2340 Down 0700. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 20,000’. Marking was not in good concentration neither was the target constantly kept marked. On route home a good glow was seen on clouds. JB728S P/O R.Leader, Sgt J.Rosenburg, F/O A.Candy, F/Sgt C.Highton, Sgts A.Hughes, D.H.Tupman, J.Coulson. Up 0015 Down 0655. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud and fair visibility over target which was bombed on H2S. First lot of Wanganuis fell in good concentration. A few fires were seen through cloud gap on leaving. ND501A P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt A.Coxhead, P/O W.H.Hurst, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Comans, J.K.Russell, M.E.McBride. Up 2335 Down 0635. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 16,000’ on H2S and Wangaunis. On account of 10/10ths cloud only some flahes seen and glow on clouds from incendiary bombs. When aircraft left target a good glow from fires was observed. ND493Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, J.Diggle. Up 2330 Down 0700. 5 x 2000lb. 10/10ths cloud over target. Vis good. Bombs dropped on H2S. Green TIs and green/red flares were seen to fall – these appeared to fall two at a time and seemed to either extinguish or fall into clouds. JB361B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, J.Donald, J.Henderson, R.E.Buck. Up 2335 Down 0650. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart successfully bombed from 18,000’. Good concentration of Wanganuis which later became scattered. Results of bombing not discernible. Dull red glow could be seen under clouds. 2.3.44 Ground and flying training. 3.3.44 Ground and flying training. The AOC 8 Group, Air Vice Marshall D.C.T.Bennett CBE DSO visited Bourn and lectured all air gunners. 4.3.44 Training carried out as scheduled, 21 aircraft detailed for operations – crews briefed but operation was cancelled about 2 hours before take-off. Reports state that American heavy bombers attacked Berlin in the daylight today for the first time which followed a sweep over Berlin by American Lightnings yesterday. 5.3.44 21 Lancasters detailed for operations tonight – crews briefed. The operation was cancelled about 1700 hours, weather report adverse. 6.3.44 21 Lancasters detailed for operations – crews briefed. Cancelled within 1 hour of take off. 7.3.44 Stand down from operations. 8.3.44 Stand down from operations. Lecture in the morning to all aircrew on “Escape and Evasion” by Wing Commander Grant. Full training in the afternoon as detailed. 9.3.44 Flying and ground training – lecture to all aircrews in afternoon. Seven aircraft carried out night cross country training. 10.3.44 21 aircraft detailed for night operations – cancelled in early afternoon. Games and PT arranged for remainder of day for aircrews. 11.3.44 Full flying training schedule carried out. 4 aircraft detailed for night navigation exercise. Duty carried out duration approx 6 hours. 12.3.44 Lecture this morning by S/L Wilson on H2S to all pilots, navigators and air bombers. 13.3.44 Flying training carried out as scheduled. Night bombing detailed for 9 aircraft, full crews with extra flight engineers. S/Ldr Vincent, Australian Liaison Officer, from Bomber Command is visiting the station tonight. Bombing detail carried out. 14.3.44 24 Lancasters detailed for operations. Briefing took place, with Stuttgart for the target. The attack was made in good visibility with 10/10ths cloud, tops 8000’. Wanganui flares were seen at 23.09 and at the commencement the target appeared to have been well marked, but a second concentration soon built up wide of the original one. Gaps appeared in the marking, supporters were late with scattered bombing. From all reports it would appear to be a disappointing attack. 15/16 March 1944 Stuttgart JB300D W/C C.M.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 1930 Down 0205. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. 9/10ths cloud over target, vis good. Bombed from 19,000’ with H2S. No TIs or Wanganuis were seen before bombing. Aircraft first to drop any markers. No results observed but glow from fires and HEs exploding seen below cloud on return journey. ND455G S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J,Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, F/Sgt Bell. Up 1930 Down 0215. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 19,000’. 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Bombed on DR. A very scattered concentration of Wanganuis was seen through slight gap in cloud. Results of bombing could not be observed. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1925 Down 0220. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. 9/10ths cloud over Stuttgart. Vis good, bombed on H2S. The first Wanganui went down at 2311 hours. Three minutes later a good concentration of Wanganuis at about 5 miles to the east – one only which was being bombed by Main Force. No results could be observed. JB728S S/L J.Simpson, F/O Hannah, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt Partos, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1935 Down 0240. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Weather over Stuttgart 10/10ths cloud, vis good. On approach to target to bomb, many incendiary bombs were seen from 5 to 10 miles south of Wanganui flares. Widely scattered bursts from HEs were seen. JB470M F/L C.R.Snell, F/Sgt J.Harman, F/L C.Lintott, F/L N.J.Smith, F/Sgt J,Grieve, F/Sgt C.J.Green, Sgt J.Hamment. Up 2010 Down 0210. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud, good vis over target. Attempted a visual attack but was unsuccessful. The first Wanganui went down at 2310 and these were not backed up for about three minutes. Wanganuis were then rather scattered. On return a few fires could be seen under layer of cloud. ND452E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson. Up 1940 Down 0210. Vis perfect over Stuttgart. 10/10ths cloud. Bombed on H2S. Wanganuis were scattered. Through slight gap in cloud red TIs were seen on town and fires observed but no accurate results of bombing could be seen. JB361B F/L W.A.Meyer, F/Sgt T.R.Shaw, F/L B.J.Starie, P/O R.C.Pike, P/O J.McLeish, W/O A.Barrowman, F/Sgt A.E.Roberts. Up 1920. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Aircraft missing. ND440K F/L J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 1955 Down 0300. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb. Stuttgart successfully bombed from 20,000’. Target indicated by one red/green star. Concentration very poor in early stages but improved later. Many fires observed on run up but break in cloud revealed untouched built up area. JB356X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.Osler, F/Sgt J.M.Campbell, W/O J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 1945 Down 0245. 8 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Target bombed from 17,500’. Bombs released in centre of stick of Wanganui flares. One lot of Wanganui flares was down and some TI reds which could be seen quite easily through the cloud. On leaving the town area one fairly large area of fires visible with a small one to south-east. ND508J F/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.Scholley, F/Sgt H.S.Tait, J.Gomersall, W.A.Davies, D.Tunbridge, R.A.Read. Up 1955 Down 0230. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. Primary target successfully bombed from 18,500’. Weather 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Bombs fell in centre of 6 Wanganui flares. First green TIs seen to fall far ahead at 2310 hours, and first Wanganui (also ahead) seen at 2311 hours. No results seen apart from slight glow of incendiary bombs. ND500L P/O D.Coates, Sgt R.H.Nicholas, F/Sgt G.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, W.L.York, F.Thompson. Up 1940 Down 0240. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Weather at Stuttgart 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Target marked by flares, green/red stars and bombs dropped from 20,000’ in centre of 5 of thes flares. Others fell more frequently after bombing. Many incendiaries seen through gaps in cloud well to west. ND346V F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, F/Sgt T.W.Leak, Sgts W.D.Knowles, K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 1950 Down 0230. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. 8/10ths thin stratus cloud at target. Vis good. Bombs dropped from 17,600’ in centre of two red TIs and one green. In view of very poor backing up it is difficult to judge results. Several lots of incendiaries were seen about 3 miles to west. No results of bombing observed. ND475Q P/O S.A.J.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 1955 Down 0245. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. 6/10ths cloud over Stuttgart. Visibility moderate – hazy. Bombed from 20,000’ in centre of about 8 TIs. Concentration fairly good. Wanganuis were seen to fall away from TI concentration. Extensive fires were observed after bombing. ND450Y P/O F.J.Smith, W/O J.A.Wilson, F/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, A.H.Mullard, C.A.Bradshaw. Up 1955 Down 0255. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Visibility at target good, 6/10ths cloud. Bombed at 17,300’ in centre of three sets of TI reds. On bombing only TI reds were seen – some 5 or 6 Wanganuis having burnt out just before. Built up area could be seen through thin layer of cloud. Two fires were burning. JB706H P/O D.H.Courtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, F/Sgt H.Casajuana, Sgts W.H.Hewitt, W.Lee, G.Morris. Up 2000 Down 0250. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Bombed target from 17,000’. Vis good. 10/10ths cloud (broken). Red and green TIs and flares. Good concentration of red TIs were burning on ground with built up area fully visible and burning well. Aircraft bombed centre of 4 red TIs burning on ground. ND451W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O J.Cruwys, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt E.R.N.Barrell. Up 1955 Down 0305. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb. 10/10ths cloud over Stuttgart, vis good. Bombed from 18,000’ on three Wanganui green/red flares. Before reaching town TIs had been observed but these appeared to be obscured by cloud on arrival. Red glow seen below cloud. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1950 Down 0205. 5 x 2000lb. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Bombed in centre of two Wanganuis from 18,500’. On approach at 2323 hours, some Wanganui flares in tight clusters were seen and on bombing only two flares remained. No bomb bursts were seen on account of cloud. Some incendiaries were seen in area. JB731F F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt H.A.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt M.N.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 1950 Down 0220. 5 x 2000lb. Vis good at target. 9/10ths cloud. Bombed at 19,700’ on one green TI. No good concentration was achieved and Wanganuis which fell later were very scattered. Red glow was seen below cloud with white glow from incendiaries in between but no good results were observed. ND501U P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, P/O W.A.Hunt, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.McBride. Up 1930 Down 2210. Sortie abandoned owing to starboard engine losing power resulting in inability to gain height above 8,000’. ND415Z F/L D.H.Rowlands, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L A.R.Cadman, F/L A.S.McFadden, F/O J.Currie, F/L F.Colville, F/L J.T.Trevor-Roper. Up 1930 Down 0245. 5 x 2000lb. Target successfully attacked from 18,000’. 9-10/10ths cloud, vis good. No flares were seen on approach to target. Wanganuis seen at 2314 hours. As aircraft left area some scattered fires were seen. JB708R F/O W.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt S.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 1935 Down 0225. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 19,300’. Vis fair. The first Wanganui went down at 2310 hours but this was not backed up for about 5 minutes. Later three separate concentrations appeared to form. JB846O F/O P.H.Todd, Sgt S.Robson, P/O C.T.Fuller, F/Sgt J.R.Duvall, F/Sgt W.Housley, Sgts S.McCloskey, J.Cartwright. Up 1945 Down 0300. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart attacked from 19,500’. 10/10ths cloud over target, vis good. Bombs dropped in centre of three widely spaced lots of Wanganui flares. Attack appeared generally to be very widely spread. No results observed. ND351P P/O R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/L F.Burt, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, P.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 1935 Down 0210. 5 x 2000lb. Primary target attacked from 19,000’. Good visibility. Three markers were down on bombing, the first Wanganui going down about a minute later. No results of the raid could be observed. JB422N W/C J.B.Voyce, F/O R.Wright, F/O S.D.Smart, F/O H.E.Brewer, F/Sgt C.W.Newman, F/Sgt P.Thompson, Sgt W.Telford. Up 2000 Down 0250. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 18,700’. H2S was fading so released on estimated position of centre of red TI clusters. Red TIs seen burning on ground on bombing. HEs seen bursting over a large area. 16.3.44 21 aircraft detailed for operations but cancelled prior to take off. 17.3.44 No flying today, weather misty. 18.3.44 21 aircraft detailed for operations – crews briefed, take off approx 21.15 hours. The attack was made in clear sky – visibility poor, hazy. Defemces negligible – searchlights numerous to south of town, Frankfurt – fighter activity below average and only in target area. 18 photos attempted. Attack made from 12,800’ to 21,500’. Attack on Frankfurt opened early and the timing was good, but poor visibility over target prevented identification by the visual marker and TIs were only occasionally seen glowing thinly through haze. In consequence most crews brought their TIs back. Some flashes from large bombs were seen in built up area and glow of incendiary bombs seen but no other results were generally seen. F/O Callan (NZ) and crew failed to return, no news has since been heard. 18/19 March 1944 Frankfurt ND589D W/C C.M.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 1930 Down 0010. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather over target – no cloud, haze, moderate visibility. Bombed on H2S from 18,800’. No markers fell before bombing. Many green TIs fell immediately after bombing forming a good start to the concentration. Haze obscured ground detail and it was too early to observe results. JB422W S/L D.Mansbridge, W/O A.S.Palmer, F/O O.W.Shires, F/Sgt W.C.White, W/O E.Hanson, F/Sgt E.Hambling, F/Sgt E.R.N.Barrell. Up 1930 Down 0025. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Frankfrut attacked from 18,500’. Bombed on H2S. Two green TIs seen, the first went down at approximately 2155 hours and immediately after bombing, mixed TIs cascaded, all of which were very compact. Haze prevented observation of results. ND455N S/L W.Riches, P/O G.Winter, F/L H.W.Watts, W/O E.H.Pack, F/Sgt J.Wrigley, F/Sgt R.W.Lowe, W/O Evans. Up 1930 Down 0030. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Haze over Frankfurt, no cloud. Vis poor. Bombed on H2S from 17,800’. Three lines of green TIs seen at 2150 hours and others were seen to go down immediately after. All were very well concentrated. HEs fell in centre of concentration and large explosion was seen in town at 2220 hours. ND355T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1925 Down 0015. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Frankfurt bombed from 18,000’ on H2S. Nothing was seen in target area except flash from own bomb. After bombing 4 or 5 large flashes seen. ND440K F/L J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 1930 Down 0020. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Primary target bombed from 19,000’. No cloud, vis poor. On way out good concentration of flares observed and flashes from bomb bursts. Deep red glow also seen coming from the town. JB706H F/L J.H.Nicholls, Sgt S.A.Smith, F/L R.Easson, W/O R.A.Jolley, F/Sgt J.Gardner, F/Sgt W.Ogilvie, F/Sgt A.Whitehead. Up 1935 Down 0020. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Frankfurt attacked from 18,000’. Bombed on H2S as there were no markers down but afterwards yellow flares were seen. Also two green TIs and one Wanganui, all of which were fairly compact. Large red explosion seen from town. JB356X F/L J.Billing, F/Sgt W.Hope, P/O J.Moriarty, F/L E.Osler, F/Sgt J.M.Campbell, F/Sgt J.Findlay, W/O R.D.Curtis. Up 1925 Down 0000. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Frank furt successfully attacked on H2S. No flares or markers seen on bombing. TI green was seen but soon lost to sight owing to haze. No results observed. JB683C P/O W.N.Roberts, F/Sgt V.A.Davis, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, F/Sgt J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 1935 Down 0020. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Frankfurt bombed from 18,700’. Just after bombing a moderate explosion was observed and a fairly good concentration of green TIs. Yellow flares were rather scattered. Haze prevented accurate observation. JB470M F/L C.B.Snell, F/Sgt L.Harman, F/L C.Lintott, W/O W.Parker (Spec AB), F/L N.J.Smith (AB), F/Sgt J.Grieve, F/Sgt C.J.Green, F/Sgt J.Hamment. Up 1935 Down 0015. 4 flares, 11 x TI, 1 x 4000lb. No cloud. Vis poor over target which was bombed from 12,800’. Bombs dropped in centre of line of green TIs. No incendiary bombs were seen on bombing but there was a regular series of explosions amongst TIs from big bombs. ND640S S/L J.Simpson, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L W.G.Wsihart, F/L R.M.Nelson, Sgt K.D.Knowles, F/Sgt J.Partos, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1925 Down 0045. 4 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 630 x 4lb incs. Frankfurt bombed from 17,000’. On approach only three red TIs were down and about three Wanganuis some distance to south of town. Fires could be seen burning through haze. ND500L S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O D.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt J.Henderson, Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 1925 Down 0035. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. Target bombed from 18,500’. Bombs dropped in between one red and one green TI. Neither of these were seen to be backed up. As aircraft left area some red TIs were cascading. ND351P P/O R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt A.McFadyen, F/Sgt H.Lunt, Sgts H.A.Smith, P.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 1935 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4ilb incs. Vis poor over target. No cloud. Attacked from 17,000’. Glow of fires observed and glow from TI in centre. Many bomb bursts seen. Explosion seen at approximately 2205 hours. Nothing could be seen on leaving target owing to haze. JB300B F/O N.J.Callan, Sgt J.Scholey, F/Sgt H.S.Tait, F/Sgt J.Gomersall, F/Sgt W.A.Davies, F/Sgt D.Tunbridge, F/Sgr R.A.Read. Up 1940. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. Aircraft missing. ND452E P/O D.Coates, Sgt R.H.Nicholas, F/Sgt G.Nuttall, P/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, W.L.York, F.Thompson. Up 1940 Down 0040. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. Frankfurt bombed from 18,500’. No cloud, vis poor. Good concentration of Wanganuis seen but there was no particular spread. No ground backing up was observed. A deep glow seen from approx 80 miles away. JB728G F/O L.Henson, F/Sgt Whitbread, P/O A.G.Parsons, F/Sgt E.J.D.Bill, F/Sgt W.Cohen, F/Sgt Sharpe, F/O W.Woods. Up 1935 Down 0035. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. 10/10ths cloud thin alto-strat over Frankfurt. Vis poor. Bombed from 19,500’ in centre of stick of 4 Wanganuis. On bombing no markers could be seen on account of haze but approximately two minutes before bombing, one stick of 4 Wanganuis went down and was considered to be accurately placed. ND450Y P/O F.Smith, W/O J.A.Wilson, F/O G.Whitehead, F/L J.R.Dow, Sgts G.R.Townend, A.H.Mullard, C/A/Bradshaw. Up 1940 Down 0045. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. Weather over target – no cloud, haze, vis moderate. Bombed from 20,000’ in centre of red TIs. Two minutes before bombing one red TI cascaded. Good red TI concentration burning on ground ringed by many incendiary bombs and several HE bursts seen in this concentration. JB731F P/O D.H.Coyrtenay, Sgt J.Belton, F/Sgt R.Holmes, F/Sgt H.Casajuana, Sgts W.H.Hewitt, W.Lee, G.Morris. Up 1945 Down 0055. 4 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 720 x 4lb incs. Frankfurt bombed from 21,500’. No markers seen before bombing. When aircraft arrived on DR over town – one Wanganui observed below which aircraft bombed. No other markers seen. Cloud obscured results. ND508J F/L D.Wheble, Sgt P.Burt, S/L H.C.Lobb, F/O J.H.Gordon, Sgts G.T.Levick, R.C.Pitcon, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 1925 Down 0025. 6 x 2000lb. 3-5/10ths cloud over target, vis moderate. Bombed from 20,000’ with H2S. No markers seen until 30 seconds after bombing when many yellow flares fell astern – HE flashes observed and good red glow from area of fire seen on return route. Thick haze hampered. JB708R P/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O Hannah, F/L Burt, F/O Brewer, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 1920 Down 0030. 6 x 2000lb. Vis perfect over Frankfurt, no cloud. Bombed from 19,000’ by DR. No Wanganuis or TIs observed before bombing. Just after bombing red and green TIs seen to fall and bomb bursts were seen in searchlight areas after leaving town. JB671A F/L C.A.Lyon, Sgt Chappell, F/Sgt R.Lawley, F/Sgt H.G.Howes, Sgts J.Guthrie, E.V.Aspin, F/Sgt Bell. Up 1920 Down 0025. 6 x 2000lb. No cloud but thivk haze over Frankfurt. Visibility moderate. Attacked from 17,500’ on H2S. Two clusters of yellow hooded flares fell ahead one minute before bombing. Two green TIs cascaded at 2154 hours – aircraft slightly overshot theses. No results observed. ND501U P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.P.Osborne, F/Sgt J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, Brown. Up 1915 Down 0045. 6 x 2000lb. 2/10ths thin layer of cloud. Visibility perfect. Bombed on H2s from 17,400’ As aircraft bombed, TI green seen to cascade and two or three minutes after, red TIs went down. A large explosion was seen but haze prevented further observation. 19.3.44 Movement Order is attached for the move of “C” Flight to form one flight in No 635 Squadron at Downham Market. This move reduces 97 Squadron to a two flight Squadron with aircraft on basis of 16.1.E and 41.R in accordance with Estab. LVE/BC/3364. The Advance Party moved off on the 18th March and the Main Party moved off with equipment by road on 20th March. 20.3.44 9 aircraft and crews also took off by air. The rear party consisting of 2 crews leave on the 21st. 14 aircraft were detailed for operations today but were cancelled soon after briefing. 21.3.44 The move of “C” Flight to No 635 Squadron has been completed today. 14 Lancasters have been detailed for operations for tonight and crews briefed. The operation was cancelled in late afternoon. 22.3.44 Some training was carried out in the morning and 14 Lancasters were detailed for operations tonight. Frankfurt was the target and the attack opened on time at 21.45. A fair concentration was achieved, timing was good, and marking was well maintained. Large fires were seen around aiming point and fires quickly extended with smoke rising to 10,000’ and fires were visible 200 miles away. There was slight H/F, searchlights numerous but ineffective. Enemy fighter activity below normal. P/O Cooper and crew failed to return, no news having since been received. F/O Moroney and crew also failed to return, the last message heard was at 20.38 hours, position given as 53.21N 03.45E baling out. 22/23 March 1944 – Frankfurt ND739E W/C E.J.Carter, W/O J.K.Bell, P/O D.C.Armstrong, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, P/O Colville, F/L Trevor-Roper. Up 1840 Down 0005. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. Frankfurt attacked from 19,000’. Wearher over target 1-2/10ths cloud very thin. Vis very good. No markers were seen before bombing. Green TI seen at 2246 hours. Wanganui seen 10 minutes later. Green and red TIs well concentrated, also incendiaries. Glow of fires seen from 100 miles away. ND625T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L C.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt E.H.Hansen. Up 1845 Down 2350. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. 2/10ths cloud over target, vis good. Bombed from 18,500’ on H2S. Two green TIs descended and one red/yellow stars fell at the same time as aircraft bombed target at the same spot. One 4000lb HC observed to explode in centre of built up area. ND640S S/L J.Simpson, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt Partos, F/Sgt A.J.Croll. Up 1840 Down 2345. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. Weather at Frankfurt 4-5/10ths cloud tops 8,000’. Vis good. No TIs observed before bombing. Wanganuis were seen to fall apparently into cloud. Owing to cloud results could not be observed. ED440E? F/L J.M.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 1845 Down 2355. 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. Bombed on H2S from 19,500’. Weather 4/10ths cloud tops 4,000’. Vis fiar. One Wanganui went down approximately one mniute before bombing. A quarter of a minute later mixed red and green TIs cascaded and TIs cascaded south of ? and built up area built up area could be seen below them. ND452H? F/O R.Ellesmere, Sgt Wilson?, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt Hughes, Sgt Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 1850 Down 2335. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs. Frankfurt attacked from 18,500’. 3/10ths cloud tops 11,000’ in centre of red and green TI. Bomb bursts were seen around concentration of a red TI seen to cascade amongst others. A good concentration was maintained throughout. Own incendiary bombs were seen to fall ½ mile south of reds. ND346N? P/O W.D.Coates, Sgt R.Nicholas, G/Sgt G.Nuttall, F/O E.H.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, W.L.York, F.Thompson. Up 1845 Down 0005. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs. Cloud over target 3/10ths tops at 10,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 19,000’ on concentration of red and green TIs. Concentration was fairly good and there was no spread. Fires were burning well after over target as we left. ND351P P/O R.E.Cooper, Sgt F.S.Witcher, F/Sgt McFadyen, Sgts H.Lunt, H.A.Smith, P.Copus, R.R.Hinde. Up 1850 – aircraft missing ( 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs, 40 x 4lb incs). ND415B? F/O P.J.Drane. Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt R.E.Buck, Sgt J.Henderson. Up 1850 Down 0015. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs, 40 x 4lb incs. Weather over Frankfurt 10/10ths cloud tops 10,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 18,000’ in centre of 6 red/yellow stars. When aircraft arrived town, cloud obscured any TIs burning on ground so aircraft bombed centre of 6 Wanganuis which fell at approximately 2159.30 hours. At least 6 of what appeared to be dummy red TIs were seen to shoot up from ground five miles north-east before bombing. JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, Sgt R.A.Rimmington, P/O J.R.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 1855 Down 0010. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs, 40 x 4lb incs. Cloud 6/10ths (layer stratus) tops 12,000’. Vis good over target which was attacked from 19,000’ in centre of main concentration of Wanganuis. There were two concentrations of Wanganuis, the larger of the two about 4 miles east of the other. Scattered fires were burning and glow seen for 90 miles. A large orange explosion was also seen at 2206 hours. ND501M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, F/O W.H.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, Sgts J.V.Coman, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 1855 Down 0015. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 600 x 4lb incs, 40 x 4lb incs. Vis good over target. 2/10ths cloud. Bombed from 17,000’ in centre of 6 red TIs. One minute before bombing three red TIs cascaded and aircraft bombed these as they fell towards centre of another three red TIs seen through cloud on ground. Markers and fires spread slightly west of built up area. JB731F F/O W.P.Moroney, Sgt F.W.Colter, F/O M.Jenkins, F/Sgt G.S.Davies, Sgt D.Duchmann, F/Sgt J.Bell, Sgt A.C.Mills. Up 1845. 6 x 2000lb. At 2038 hours an SOS received, no fix. At 2039 hours message received from “Pulham”, position 53.21N 03.45S – baling out. No further news – missing. JB708R F/O P.H.Todd, Sgt S.Robson, P/O C.T.Fuller, F/Sgt J.Duvall, F/Sgt W.Housley, Sgts S.McCloskey, J.Cartwright. Up 1845 Down 0020. 6 x 2000lb. Visibility over Frankfurt very good. No cloud. Attacked from 19,500’. About 3 minutes after bombing, green TIs and Wanganui flares were seen to fall. A good concentration seen later and incendiary bombs burning in area. Cloud obscured results. ND495Q P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, F/Sgt J.H.Maxwell, Sgt R.H.Utting, F/O Undrehill, Sgt M.D.Ingliss. Up 1845 Down 0005. 6 x 2000lb. Frankfurt successfully bombed from 19,000’. Vis good, 2/10ths cloud tops 12,000’. Results of bombing not seen. Glow from fires later seen from a distance of 200 miles away on course home. ND500G F/L K.R.Waugh, Sgt G.C.Munton, P/O R.C.Wickens, P/O G.H.Tulloch, Sgts W.E.Alexander, Sgts Errington, Denness. Up 1840 Down 0010. 6 x 2000lb. 2/10ths cloud over Frankfurt. Vis good. Bombed on H2S from 18,000’. TIs seen burning on ground. Bomb bursts were seen in area of concentration. A good concentration of fires were also observed particularly in area north of river. 23.3.44 Stand down from operations, some flying training was carried out. 24.3.44 Training was suspended for briefing. 14 aircraft being detailed for operations. 14 Lancasters set out to attack Berlin, weather over target was 4 to 9/10ths cloud, visibility good. Defences slight H/F. and moderate L/F. Searchlights ineffective, night fighters active. Bombing took place from approx 19,000’. The attack opened with Wanganui flares and were in fair concentration. Later red and green TIs were seen. This was kept up and marking was fairly well concentrated and constant. Fires were seen in the area of TIs. Built up area and lines of streets were clearly seen around the glow of incendiaries. Generally considered a good attack. 12 photos attempted. F/O Todd and crew and P/O Coates DFM and crew failed to return. A signal was received from F/O Todd and crew when near the Calais area on return, but nothing further heard. Well over 2500 tons were dropped on this attack and a total of 72 bombers reported missing. 24/25 March 1944 Berlin JB708R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L A.H.Palmer, F/O J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, P/O R.Taylor. Up 1845 Down 0205. 4 x TI, 20 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flares. 7/10ths cloud over Berlin. Visibility moderate. Bombed from 18,000’ in centre of green TIs (2 on ground). None seen before bombing bur several Wanganuis fell on approach. Considerable glow was seen from incendiary bombs which spread from east to west of town. ND452E F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt M.A.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt M.N.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 1850 Down 0120. 4 x TI, 20 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. Berlin bombed on H2S from 19,000’. Weather 5/10ths cloud. Vis very good. Good concentration of TIs seen 10 seconds prior to bombing. Bomb bursts could be seen after leaving the target area and a large red glow was observed from a distance of 50 miles. ND572D W/C C.M.Dunnicliffe, W/O J.K.Bell, S/L R.B.Ingalls, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L C.Chetham, F/O R.J.Weller, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 1850 Down 0130. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 765 x 4lb incs, 45 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. 2-3/10ths thin wispy cloud over Berlin tops 3-4000’. Bombed from 19,800’ on H2S. There was an excellent concentration of incendiary bombs which lit up the streets. Incendiary bombs littered the ground in the centre of the city. Attack appeared to be a good one. ND600F F/L J.M.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 1850 Down 0140. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 765 x 4lb incs, 45 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. Berlin bombed by H2S from 19,500. 2-3/10ths cloud over target. Vis poor, hazy. There was a good concentration of skymarkers. Fires were springing up in the centre of the city. Streets could be clearly seen in the light of incendiary bombs. Attack appeared to be a satisfactory one. ND625T F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, F/Sgt T.W.Lleak, Sgt W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 1855 Down 0145. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 765 x 4lb incs, 45 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. Weather over target 3-7/10ths cloud, hazy. Vis moderate. Bombed from 19,500’ by H2S. Wanganuis seen 15 minutes before bombing and continuously to approximately 2237 hours. Good area of fires occasionally observed through cloud, nothing outstanding. JB346O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, R.G.Davies, C.Benfell. Up 1850 Down 0230. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 765 x 4lb incs,45 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. 9/10ths cloud tops 8,000’ over target. Vis good. Bombed from 19,000’ in centre of about 8 Wanganui flares. No TIs were seen. Bomb bursts seen around concentration of Wanganui flares and fires were starting. ND500G S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O D.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, Sgts Errington, Denness. Up 1850 Down 0140. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 50 x 4lb “X” incs. Attacked Berlin from 19,500. 5-6/10ths cloud tops 8-10,000’. Vis good. Green TIs seen falling west and north of Wanganuis. Both TIs and Wanganuis were a little scattered. Faint glow was seen from target area after bombing. JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, Sgt R.A.Rimmington, P/O J.I.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 1855 Down 0130. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 50 x 4lb “X” incs. 8/10ths cloud over Berlin tops 10,000’. Bombs fell from 19,000’ in centre of large concentration of Wanganui flares. One red TI and one green were seen glowing in cloud beneath the Wanganui flares. Glow from fires seen. ND643B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 1855 Down 0200. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 45 x 4lb “X” incs. 6/10ths thin stratus cloud tops 8,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 19,000’ in centre of about 6 red TIs. The raid appeared to be going well and fires and incendiary bombs could be seen burning in area of the markers. Glow seen from 60 miles on return route. JB671A P/O W.D.Coates, Sgt R.H.Nicholas, F/Sgt S.Nuttall, F/O J.M.Baldwin, Sgts W.Chapman, W.L.York, F.Thompson. Up 1855. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 50 x 4lb “X” incs – missing. ND495Q P/O S.H.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgts H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 50 x 4lb incs. Up 1855 Down 0140. Weather over target 6/10ths cloud tops 10,000’. Attacked from 20,000’ in centre of TIs – theses were somewhat scattered but later a good concentration was achieved and maintained. A good concentration of fires seen. ND346N F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 1855 Down 0125. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 850 x 4lb incs, 50 x 4lb incs. 7/10ths cloud over Berlin tops 8,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 19,000’. Glow seen from 4 green TIs burning on ground. Later two clusters of Wanganuis fell close together followed by many more making fair concentration. Suspected dummy red TIs seen ½ mile apart. ND440H F/O P.H.Todd, Sgt S.Robson, P/O C.T.Fuller, F/Sgt J.R.Duvall, F/Sgt W.Housley, Sgts S.McCloskey, J.Cartwright. Up 1855. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Last fix 50.43N at 0120 hours, not acknowledged – missing. ND501M P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, F/Sgt J.H.Maxwell, R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 1840 Down 0130. 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb. Vis good over target. 8/10ths cloud tops 8,000’. Bombed by H2S from 18,100’. Two Wanganuis ignited about ½ a minute before bombing and appeared to be well placed. After leaving Wanganuis and red and green TIs were seen in good concentration. Three large explosions seen one minute after bombing. 24/25.3.44 5 aircraft and crews are detailed for night cross country and bombing tonight. 26.3.44 Flying during day and seven aircraft detailed for night cross country exercises. 6 aircraft detailed and briefed for tonight’s operations. The aircraft took off in good weather to attack Essen. Weather at target 10/10ths cloud, poor visibility, H/F was slight. Bombing was from approx 19,000’. Red TIs were difficult to identify and only three aircraft brought back the TI greens. Opposition was weak, all returned safely to base. The night exercise was also carried out. 26/27 March 1944 Essen ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, W/O J.K.Bell, F/L J.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L Chambers, W/O Watson, G/L G.Polson. Up 1950 Down 0010. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. 8-10/10ths cloud over Essen. Vis good. Bombed from 20,000’ in centre of glow of a red TI which cascaded at 2155 hours. Other red TIs burst below cloud but the glow of them could be seen. Opposition was negligible. Bomb burst around own TIs. ND501M S/L J.Simpson, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 1955 Down 0015. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Weather over Essen 10/10ths cloud tops 8-10,000’. Vis good. DR run from H2S fix. Cloud obscured observations and no TIs were definitely identified. Sky markers seen and they attracted little flak. ND500G F/L J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 1955 Down 0020. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Visibility hazy over target. 10/10ths cloud up to 3,000’. Bombed from 20,000’ in centre of bright whitish yellow glow. A number of red TIs were seen to fall singly. Concentration not visible due to the fact that they quickly went out. ND415B P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.Aveline, F/Sgt C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.Broughton. Up 1955 Down 0025. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 510 x 4lb incs, 30 x 4lb “X” incs. Bombed on DR from 19,700’. 10/10ths cloud (strato) tops 8-10,000’. Vis good. Red TI was seen to fall but quickly went out. There was no backing up. After bombing quite a number of green TIs were seen to fall but the concentration was not visible. ND346N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, F/Sgt T.W.L.Leak, Sgt W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 1955 Down 0020. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. 10/10ths cloud up to 6,000’. Vis very hazy. Bombed on DR from 19,600’. Three red TIs burst in cloud at 2205 and more were seen at 2208 hours. All fell in same place over area of cloud. Appreciable red glow seen from target area after leaving. ND495Q P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, F/Sgt J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 1955 Down 0020. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb, 510 x 4lb incs, 30 x 4lb “X” incs. Bombed target from 18,000’. Weather 10/10ths cloud tops 5-10,000’ fairly thick. Vis hazy. First red TI seen at 2155 hours backed up by green and another red which was bombed. A big orange explosion seen at 2200 hours. Red sky markers and flares seen but there was no flak around them. 27.3.44 Training detail carried out. Weather good after misty morning. No operations. 28.3.44 Training detail carried out during day. 10 aircraft detailed for night flying programme which was later cancelled owing to bad weather forecast. 29.3.44 Training during day. 14 aircraft detailed for operations tonight. Crews briefed in afternoon. Weather broken – operations cancelled. 30.3.44 Some training was carried out prior to briefing. 14 crews were detailed to attack Nuremburg. Weather was 7 tp 10/10ths cloud with tops varying from 10,000’ to 20,000’ with thick haze. 2 red TIs were seen to disappear under the cloud at 0103 hours. A cluster of skymarkers were observed at 0110, in a concentration east of Nuremburg with two others south of the city. The attack tended to become scattered towards the end, however, a large explosion was noted at 0113 hours. The flak was moderate to heavy, no searchlights. Fighters were up in great strength. Command experienced their heaviest night’s loss in 96 aircraft. F/Lt Rowlands and crews and F/Lt Hyde and crew failed to return. P/O Edwards was badly shot up, returned safely. 30/31 March 1944 Nuremburg ND529D S/L J.Simpson, W/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2215 Down 0530. 4 x TI, 20 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. 10/10ths cloud over target tops 10,000’. Vis good. Attacked from 18,000’ on H2S. 80 seconds before bombing a number of Wanganui flares were seen to fall and were well concentrated. Two red TIs were seen cascading through gap in clouds three seconds before bombing. ND764E S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, W/O F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson. Up 2225 Down 0445. 4 x TI, 20 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare. Schweinfurt area attacked owing to failure of H2S and Gee and fact that no TIs were down on time. No cloud but thick haze over target. Bombs only dropped on to a defended area where attack was seen to be developing. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, F/Sgt W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.Leonard, F/O Sherman. Up 2220 Down 0500. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 762 x 4lb incs, 48 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. 10/10ths layered cloud tops 15,000’ over Nuremburg. Vis good. Bombed on H2S from 19,500’. A good concentration of Wanganui falres was seen to east of target about 5 minutes before bombing. Large preponderence of con-trails over town prevented clear observation of bombing. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/O D.Bowes, F/O K.H.H.Cook, Sgts R.Woollford, G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2225 Down 0545. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 762 x 4lb incs, 48 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. Bombed Nuremburg from 20,000’. 10/10ths cloud, vis good. On run up 6 Wanganuis were seen in a line at right angle to track. On bombing one only remained. No TIs seen on account of cloud. ND625T F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, F/Sgt T.W.L.Leak, Sgt W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2215 Down 0540. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 762 x 4lb incs, 48 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. Target attacked from 18,700’. 10/10ths cloud, vis poor. ½ moon. Wanganui marking was very fair and continuous. TI reds and greens were seen burning on the ground through thin cloud. No definite results of attack could be observed. ND640R F/L O.B.Hyde, F/Sgt M.E.Putt, F/L E.H.Palmer, F/L J.Craig, F/Sgt E.Hill, F/O R.J.Weller, P/O R.Taylor. Up 2230. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 762 x 4lb incs, 48 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares – missing. ND748O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, R.G.Davies, C.Benfell. Up 2220 Down 0525. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 762 x 4lb incs, 48 x 4lb “X” incs, 4 red/yellow flares. Visibility bad over target. 9/10ths cloud tops about 12,000’. Bombed on H2S from 18,000’ which gave a very clear picture. About 6 sky marker flares, red/yellow stars were seen spread over 2-3 miles on arrival. Good solid glow under cloud as aircraft left for home. ND390S F/L D.H.Rowlands, Sgt R.H.Lane, F/L A.R.Cadman, F/L A.S.McFadden, F/O E.J.Currie, P/O F.Colville, F/L R.D.Trevor-Roper. Up 2215. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 846 x 4lb incs, 54 x 4lb “X” incs – missing. JB609? F/O W.H.Benton, Sgt R.A.Rimmington, P/O J.R.Rogerson, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2230 Down 0515. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 846 x 4lb incs, 54 x 4lb “X” incs. Nuremburg attacked from 19,000’. There were only two TI reds down on bombing and these cascaded at 0120 hours. One Wanganui was seen during bombing run but it had disappeared by the time target area was reached. No results seen. ND346N P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, J.H.Maxwell, R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2225 Down 0535. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 846 x 4lb incs, 54 x 4lb “X” incs. 7/10ths cloud over Nuremburg. ½ moon. Vis fair. Bombed from 17,000’ in centre of 4 groups of TI reds. These were fairly well concentrated. The reds were seen in a sudden break in cloud and aircraft orbited to run up a second time. Several fires were seen under TIs. ND415B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt G.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 2230 Down 0510. 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 846 x 4lb incs, 54 x 4lb “X” incs. 8/10ths cloud layer tops 20,000’. ½ moon. Vis fair. Bombed from 20,000’ in centre of about 7 TI reds. Wanganui flares were down but disappeared in a break in the cloud layers. Five fires were seen under the TIs. ND706A F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt M.A.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt M.N.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2230 Down 0530. 3 x 2000lb, 10 x 90 x 4lb incs, 4 x TI. Visibility moderate at target. 7-10/10ths cloud at 20,000’. 4 sky marker flares burning. Attacked by H2S and also sky marker flares. A few others were seen later. Bombing appeared rather scattered. ND495Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, Sgts H.Grant, H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2210 Down 0505. 3 x 2000lb, 10 x 90 x 4lb incs, 4 x TI. 10/10ths cloud over target with patches up to 20,000’. Vis moderate. Attacked by H2S and also sky marker flares. First cluster of 6 sky marker red/yellow stars was seen at 0106 hours. A large explosion seen at 0113 hours. ND501B P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, F/O W.H.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2215 Down 0515. 5 x 2000lb. Vis good over Nuremburg. 8-10/10ths cloud. Two red TIs observed at 0103 hours and one Wanganui seen a few seconds later. After bombing 4 Wanganuis seen in line. Faint glow seen from Nuremburg area after leaving. 31.3.44 Stand down from operations, training programme carried out for training crews. 1.4.44 Training today as scheduled. Stand down from operations. 2.4.44 No flying today. Weather unfit. Stand down for aircrew in the afternoon. 3.4.44 No flying in morning, weather unfit. Flying training in the afternoon. 4.4.44 Lecturres and ground training. Detail for flying cancelled owing to weather. 5.4.44 Intensive programme of both air and ground training carried out, 8 crews detailed for “Y” cross countries and bombing tonight. 6.4.44 Training today as scheduled. 7.4.44 Intensive flying training carried out, also some ground work, 12 crews detailed for night bombing and cross countries. 8.4.44 6 crews detailed for Group Flying exercise, also 2 crews for TI Demonstration, other training also maintained. 9.4.44 Flying training carried out with 3 crews detailed for tonight’s operation, working in conjunction with 105 Squadron (Mosquitoes). Lille was the target with a full moon, 4/10ths cloud, tops of 5,000 feet, with good visibility. Red TIs were seen at 00.38 and the target was well marked. Bomb bursts were seen around the Reds and explosions were reported. One explosion at 00.52 was the largest witnessed by any of the crews. Slight H/F, inaccurate, no searchlights, slight fighter activity. Raid is considered a success. 9/10 April 1944 – Lille ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, Sgt J.Peill, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2235 Down 0150. 12 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Full moon over Lille. 4/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 16,000’ on red TI. Marking by red TI was constant. Burst of own bombs seen followed by terrific explosion which rose above cloud tops. This was followed by another about two minutes later. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, P/O T.Campbell, W/O I.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.Leonard, F/O Sherman. Up 2250 Down 0155. 12 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Vis good over target. Moon light, 4/10ths cloud tops. Attacked from 16,000’ in centre of three red TIs. First red TI 0039 hours and target was from then on continuously marked and in good concentration. Bursts were seen from bombs around concentration. Target was afterwards obscured by black smoke in area of markers. ND807P F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/O O.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O K.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2245 Down 0145. 12 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb. Target attacked from 16,000’. Full moon, vis good. 3-4/10ths cloud tops 6/7000’. Many bomb bursts seen around TIs. Target could not be identified visually owing to cloud. Explosion seen east of TI at 0041 followed by three more. 10.4.44 Flying training and ground work maintained. 3 crews detailed for tonight’s operations against Laon (France). The target was attacked in full moon, with a clear sky, and good visibility. Red and green TIs were seen at 03.33 and 03.36, which were well bombed and a good concentration was achieved. Visual identification was not possible. Explosions were reported and there was much smoke over target area when aircraft left. Defences were negligible. 10/11 April 1944 – Laon ND415B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt I.J.Bowen, F/Sgt C.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, F/Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt J.Henderson, F/Sgt Clarke. Up 0115 Down 0510. 6 x 1000lb GP, 6 x 1000lb MC. No cloud over Laon. Vis good. Attacked from 12,500’ in centre of red TIs. TIs were well concentrated. Bursts of many bombs seen. No fires seen but heavy smoke. Big blue explosion seen a little north of TIs. JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, F/Sgt Rimmington, P/O J.I.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, Sgts L.Hornsby, F.Holbrook, J.Fernandez. 6 x 1000lb GP, 6 x 1000lb MC. Up 0125 Down 0505. Bombed from 12,000’ in centre of two red TIs. No cloud, vis good. Bursts of bombs seen. Concentration was very good and target constantly marked. Big explosion seen and much smoke over area as aircraft left. ND625 S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, F/Sgt A.Tindall, Sgts J.McGregor, E.H.Hansen. Up 0125 Down 0510. 6 x 1000lb GP, 6 x 1000lb MC. Vis good over Laon. No cloud. Bombed from 15,700’ in centre of green TIs. Reds and greens were tight together and marking was constant. Bursts of own bombs seen. Target could not be identified visually but was seen from light of photoflash. 11.4.44 Fighter affiliation, “Y” runs and air-to-air firing carried out. 10 aircraft detailed to attack Aachen for tonight’s operation. Weather was 10/10ths cloud with tops 6,000/8,000 feet, good visibility. First red TI was seen at 22.40 and marking from then was constant and in a very good concentration. Several areas of fires were seen and generally the attack was well concentrated. Fires over the target could be seen by a Mosquito crew taking off from base at 22.50. There was slight H/F, S/Ls were negligible, also fighter activity. 11/12 April 1944 - Aachen ND746H S/L J.Simpson, W/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2040 Down 0015. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb HC. 7/10ths cloud over Aachen, tops 3,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 16,000’ in centre of 4 red TIs. Own greens seen to cascade on reds and immediately more red TIs were seen to fall and all were in close concentration. Good marking was maintained. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O D.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, Sgt Stewart, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2045 Down 0015. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb HC. Vis good over target, 6/10ths thin cloud tops 6,000’. First red TI seen at 2241 hours and no more seen until after bombing. Many incendiaries seen surrounding TI. A large concentrated fire seen through cloud as aircraft left target. ND706A F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt M.N.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2040 Down 0025. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb HC. Bombed target from 17,400’. 3-4/10ths cloud tops 8/9,000’. Red TI was seen cascading. Bomb bursts seen concentrated to south of town and incendiaries bursting. Own green TIs not seen. ND748O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt R.G.Devine, F/Sgt C.Benfell. Up 2050 Down 0030. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb HC. Red glow seen through cloud over Aachen from red and green TIs. After bombing cloud cleared and a red TI and a green were seen burning on ground. Later 2 red TIs were seen to fall and appeared to fall straight on those burning on ground. ND452S P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, J.H.Maxwell, R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2045 Down 0015. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb MC. Weather at target 7/10ths cloud, tops 14,000’. Vis good. Attacked from 16,000’ on red TIs and H2S. Red TI seen burning on ground. Green TI burst about 2249 hours. Red fire in centre of built up area north of TIs. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgt H.M.Kent, F/Sgt G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2045 Down 0030. 2 x TI, 12 x 1000lb MC. Bombed from 16,000’ on one red TI. Weather over Aachen 8/10ths cloud tops 8,000’. Many small fires seen and bomb bursts from other aircraft around concentration of TIs in which green predominated. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2045 Down 0035. 13 x 1000lb MC. Aachen topped at 10,000’ with 8/10ths thin stratus cloud. Vis good. Red TI seen to cascade, no greens seen until leaving target. Own bombs seen to burst in built up area near the red TI. ND501M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.E.Coxhead, F/O W.H.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, Sgts J.P.Coman, J.K.Russell, M.H.McBride. Up 2045 Down 0010. 13 x 1000lb MC. Aachen attacked from 15,800’ on one long stick of red TIs. Bomb bursts were seen, all in centre of TIs which were well concentrated. Red TIs were seen cascading in a circle around main concentration. Fires seen burning on ground. ND415B P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.Aveline, F/Sgt C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.E.Broughton. Up 2045 Down 0025. 13 x 1000lb. Vis good over target. 8/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Attacked from 16,700’. Red TI was in sight and on dropping obscured by cloud. First red TI seen at 2241 hours followed by another at 2244. Four green TIs seen. On leaving target a good concentration of fires seen and incendiaries burning. ND740F F/L K.R.Waugh, Sgt G.Munton, P/O R.C.Wickens, P/O G.H.Tulloch, Sgts W.E.Alexander, G.F.Errington, F/O R.D.Carter. Up 2040 Down 0020. 13 x 1000lb MC. Bombed Aachen from 16,000’ on one red TI. Concentration of TIs was good. Bomb bursts seen around main concentration. One big fire seen right in centre of TIs. Fairly large explosion seen in centre of TIs about two minutes after bombing. 12.4.44 Stand down from operations. Flying and ground training carried out during afternoon. 13.4.44 “Y” bombing runs, fighter affiliation and bombing carried out. 6 aircraft detailed for night cross countries and bombing. Cancelled owing to weather. 14.4.44 14 aircraft detailed for three targets. Weather closed after briefing. Operations cancelled. 15.4.44 News heard today of the Squadron’s impending move and return to 5 Group. Some training carried out. 16.4.44 No flying today, pending move of Squadron tomorrow. Arrangements made for move commencing the 17th but held in abeyance owing to transport difficulties. Postponed until the 19th/20th April under instruction signal from PFF HQ. Late in the evening these instructions were cancelled and the original order to move on the 17th (tomorrow) to take place. Transport has now been organised and the movement order as referred to in the Appendix will be amended for movements on the 17, 18 and 19th April in place of the 19th, 20th, and 21st April. 17.4.44 Advance Party moved off early in the morning with the Equipment under command of F/O Broome. 18.4.44 Main party and equipment, under command of S/Ldr Leatherland, moved off by road in the morning according to order. 21 aircraft and crews departed by air about midday for RAF Coningsby. 19.4.44 Rear party clearing at Bourn. The Advance and Main Parties are now at RAF Coningsby. On the 18th April two of our pilots flew with 617 Squadron from Woodhall to watch the operational method of bombing and marking as used by 5 Group. The attack was carried out against Juvisy, France. The raid was considered successful. 20.4.44 15 aircraft have been detailed for operations. The raid was carried out against the marshalling yards at La Chappelle, Paris. The attack was made in clear weather. Fighters reported on route and flak over target more troublesome than expected. Green TI clearly seen by all aircraft. Flares dropped in tight cluster. VHF and 1196 generally failed over target, but success of operation unaffected. Very large petrol explosion and other minor explosions seen. The second attack on the northern AP followed same lines as first attack, with believed equal success. Two aircraft were damaged by enemy action. S/Ldr Leatherland and crew failed to return from the operation. 20/21 April 1944 – Paris (La Chappelle Marshalling Yards) ND748M S/L D.Leatherland, Sgt D.F.Rimmer, F/O H.J.Drawbridge, F/Sgt D.A.Fraser, Sgt J.McAllister, W/O G.Muckart, F/O W.Eaton. Up 2311. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC – aircraft missing. ND541R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.L.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2302 Down 0324. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Weather at target very clear. Visibility good. Bombed from 13,000’ on green TI. First run (0101.5 hrs) and from same height on two red spot fires on 2nd run ten minutes later. Green TI seen burning on northern end of marshalling yard. Flares all went together – very tight concentration. Bombing concentrated but fire also possibly ½ mile south of town. Order to bomb received by W/T. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2318 Down 0315. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Some haze over target area. Visibility good. La Chappelle topped at 01.07.5 hours. Bombed at 14,000’ on green TI and four red spot fires. Order to bomb received on W/T. RSF clearly seen in centre of marshalling yards. Bombing very concentrated – nothing heard over R/T over target. ND500G F/L K.R.Waugh, Sgt G.Munton, F/O R.C.Wickens, P/O G.H.Tulloch, Sgts W.E.Alexander, G.F.Errington, F/O R.D.Carter. Up 2308 Down 0325. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Weather clear, vis good. Target topped at 0108.5 hours. Green TI well backed up by red spot fires approximately 100 yards south. Visual identification not possible. Flares in excellent concentration. Own bombs seen to fall right on aiming point. Raid considered successful. JB683C F/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Eeston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2314 Down 0332. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 X 1000lb MC. La Chappelle marshalling yards Paris. Weather clear. Attacked from 14,000’ on centre of four red spot fires. Target was very clear. Green TIs were quite accurate but red spot fires obviously well on target as in general illumination these were clearly visible. General bombing was concentrated and definitely effective. ND452S F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L O.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2312 Down 0312. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Weather clear with good visibility. Attacked on green TI and visually from 14,500’. Bombs seen bursting in target area. Attack opened two minutes late. Flares were dropped in excellent position and in good time. Red spot fires were backed up. One green TI on aiming point. Raid appeared to be most successful. ND815M S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, F/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, F/Sgt C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2321 Down 0335. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Target attacked from 14,000’ pn one red spot fire and cluster of four flares. It was accurately marked by RSF and well backed up. Illumination of area very good. Bombing appeared accurate. Fires from previous attack still burning. Bombing instructions received on W/T. ND813Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thompson, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, Sgt F.Burton. Up 2323 Down 0308. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Attack made in clear weather from 13,500’ on RSF. General illumination very concentrated and bombing very good round markers. Area still burning well after earlier attack. Bombing instructions received W/T. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2307 Down 0317. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Target bombed from 14,400’ on centre of 4 red spot fires. Bombs seen to burst between green TI and RSFs which were well placed. Fires were seen prior to attack to west of aiming point. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O E.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, Sgt H.Stewart, Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2320 Down 0320. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Target La Chappelle marshalling yards Paris. Weather clear. Vis good. Green TI cascaded on 0107 hours. Red spot clearly seen. Bombing appeared very concentrated. No strays. Received order to bomb on W/T. VHF over target unusable due to interference on 1196. Five minutes after leaving target, both controllers heard quite distinctly but they did not seen to be hearing each other clearly. ND706A F/O Ellesmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt N.M.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2317 Down 0319. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb GP. Target bombed from 14,500’ in clear weather. Warehouses and buildings on both sides of yards were blazing fiercely as result of earlier attack. First green TI in second attack seen to fall in yard and illumination of area was concentrated. General concentration of bombing good. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.Leonard, F/O S.G.Sherman. Up 2316 Down 0310. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Fires seen slightly west of aiming point before green TI went down. Received very faint signal to come in to bomb. Bombed centre of three red spot fires. Bombs seen to straddle RSF. ND415B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt C.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, F/Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.Buck. Up 2319 Down 0330. 5 x 4 x 7” flares, 4 x 1000lb GP, 5 x 1000lb MC. Weather over target area clear with slight haze. Bombed from 13,500’ on red spot fires. Marking very good. One green TI seen burning in yards followed by RSF in exactly same position. Bombing concentrations excellent. Area still burning well as result of earlier attack. Bombing instructions received both on R/T and W/T. ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Reiger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2309 Down 0343. 3 flares, 6 x RSF, 8 x 1000lb MC. Target La Chappelle marshalling yards Paris. Sky clear. Good visibility. Target identified visually and by green TIs. Fires and smoke from previous attack seen. Target well illuminated and RSF right on green TI which in turn was well on aiming point. Bombed on centre of three RSFs. Bursts seen well on aiming point. ND589D S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2315 Down 0353. 3 flares, 6 x RSF, 8 x 1000lb MC. Target and weather as above. Identification by green TI. Bombed on RSFs seen quite clearly. Large explosion lighting whole countryside seen at approximately 0115 hours. Damage to aircraft – flak holes in tailplane, bomb doors and fuselage. Heard No 3 order “Bomb now”. After bombing discussed advisability of backing up. Agreed unnecessary as spot fires were standing up well throughout attack. 21.4.44 Crews resting for remainder of day, and settling in. 22.4.44 The rear party from Bourn arrived today. The movement is now complete and the Squadron is now temporarily detached to Coningsby until further orders. 15 aircraft have been detailed for tonight’s operations against Brunswick. The attack was carried out in moderate visibility, very thick haze. Flak negligible, no searchlights. Success of attack was prejudiced by failure of VHF. Flare Leader, in absence of weather reports, decided (when cloud cleared 20 mins from target) on visual marking. As target was approached, 10/10th high cirrus and very poor visibility encountered. Flare Leader therefore decided on emergency Wanganui, but orders were not generally received by VHF and either not received in time by W/T or misunderstood, and some slight confusion in illumination resulted. Two concentrations of bombing seen approximately 3 miles apart, one in the old town area, and the other more dispersed South or South West. “J” type incendiaries seen to be very effective. It is believed that a sufficient portion of main force bombs fell in town to ensure success. One aircraft landed at Foulsham on return – the remainder at base. 22/23 April 1944 - Brunswick ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2304 Down 0451. 14 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4 1/2” flare, 1 x green TI. 10/10ths cirrus cloud at 20,000’ over target area. Very poor visibility below, so thick that it looked like cloud. Target topped at 01.47.2 hours at 18,300’. No flares dropped on first run over. Not satisfactory. Came in again and dropped flares and Wanganui which dropped in middle of other flares. Built up area seen in light of flares. VHF failed over target. Received no weather report from Group or from 617 Sqn. Therefore, 20 minutes from target where cloud cleared, broadcast on VHF, 1196 and by W/T that flare party were to mark visually. As we neared target encountered 10/10ths cloud. Owing to this and bad visibility at target, ordered emergency Wanganui by VHF and W/T. Probably not received, as saw no Wanganui flares. Flares seemed fairly compact, then red spot seen going down. Kept trying to contact marker controllers to ascertain whether reserve flares required in view of weather, but no reply. Waited until received W/T signal to bomb, then returned to base. Before leaving, saw a second marker or dummy approximately two miles from first. Subsequently intercepted message from link aircraft that they had dropped green TI on marker to be bombed. As left target could see reasonably large area completely covered with “J” type incendiaries; appeared to be very few stragglers. Final impression was that if the marking was “on”, attack must have been very good indeed. All the way into target observed flares, red turning to green, believed fired from ground track indication. Also saw 5 or 6 red TIs cascading 12-15,000’; while cascading very good imitation but short burning on ground. Appeared to have same number of candles. ME625T F/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt R.M.Clarke. (No times shown). 12 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4.5” flare, 1 x green TI. Routemarker. Weather over target 6-8/10ths cloud. Hazy, visibility bad. Flares scattered. One RSF seen to south-east outside area of flares. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2307 Down 0456. 12 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4.5” flare, 1 x green TI. Weather over target 5-6/10ths thin strata-cu tops 10,000’ broken. On first run 6 flares dropped. While orbiting, awaiting instructions and not receiving any VHF, RT or 1196, decided target was not sufficiently illuminated so made another run, keeping green TI in bomb sight. On leaving target, observed fires were well concentrated. Appeared to be particularly bright burning yellowish. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, F/Sgt I.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.Leonard, F/O S.G.Sherman. Up 2327 Down 0434. 12 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4.5” flare, 1 x green TI. Thin strata-cu 10/10ths cloud over target. Target attacked from 19,000’. Bomb sight not used. 6 flares only dropped when instructed to bomb. Raid appeared to be scattered. Had the VHF, RT and 1196 transmissions been received properly, control of raid would have been more successful. JA846N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L O.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2326 Down 0311. 12 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4.5” flare, 1 x green TI. Brunswick reached in thick haze with poor visibility. Briefed to drop flares on H2S only; attack made on H2S picture. After initial error of three sticks of flares going south of target, general illumination good. One red spot seen to go down and looked accurate. Concentration appeared reasonably good with incendiary scatter to west. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O E.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/O P.Broome, Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2308 Down 0503. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x target flare, 1 x green TI. Attack on Brunswick in very thick haze. Visibility poor. H2S clear picture. Dropped flares on H2S on first run then received message W/T to drop Wanganui, VHF having failed completely. Cirlced port but second run not satisfactory. Before we could go in again, message to bomb received on W/T. Set course for base under instruction. ND452S S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, F/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, F/Sgt C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2323 Down 0522. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x target flare, 1 x green TI. Arrived over target at 0158 hours. 7/10ths cloud 15,000’. Visibility hazy and difficult to see anything. Order received to bomb red spot fire but this not seen. Controller then said “Visual Wanganui” so full load was dropped. ND813Q P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.R.Lambert, Sgts E.H.Peace, G.Davies, D.Benfell. Up 2335 Down 0450. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x target flare, 1 x green TI. Bombed by H2S. 6 flares dropped on first run by instruction on VHF and W/T. Then circled north and east at target awaiting instruction, when Main were given orders to bomb. Instruction by W/T to release Wanganui flare received at termination of H2S run, no further instructions received. Flares very well grouped with red spot fires and green TI in centre. Fires appeared to have good hold and well concentrated. ND706A F/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2337 Down 0530. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x target flare, 1 x green flare. On arrival over Brunswick weather was clear with slight haze permitting visual identification of target. On first run in using H2S, picture was lost due to taking evasive action. On 2nd run two lanes of flares spread across target area were seen. Own flares were dropped in middle. When last flare was released, RSF was seen to fall. Good concentration of fires. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, Sgt E.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2352 Down 0512. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x target flare, 1 x green TI. Target Brunswick thin layer cirrus cloud at approximately 19,000’ with thick haze below. Identified target by another aircraft. H2S failed approximately enemy coast. Dropped flare on another illuminator later seen to be two miles south of target. Several red spot fires seen but one stood out with green TI adjacent. Heard order to bomb by VHF. Initial bombing appeared accurate. JB683C F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, F/Sgt G.H.Wright, F/Sgt A.Dunae, Sgts J.R.Whitehead, J.Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2310 Down 0506. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 clusters “J” (30lb) no 4 incs. Very thin cloud tops 17,000’. Visiblity moderate. First flares seen going down at 0140 hours followed by RSF and green TIs. Good fires in target area on leaving but appeared to be slightly south against target. At 0100 hrs port outer engine caught fire (cause unknown). Engine feathered. Intercom then failed between Hanover and Brunswick. Wireless operator fixed it just before target was reached but it failed again after passing Hanover. ND500G P/O N.A.Parker, Sgts J.T.Barlow, W.A.Fripp, W/O W.S.Bryans, Sgts W.Manderson, J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2325 Down 0520. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 clusters “J” (30lb) no 4 incs. Target attacked on red spot fires and visually. Weather hazy but ground detail visible. Green TIs were visible, dropped short of RSFs. In early stages, raid appeared to be very scattered but later in good concentration with many fires burning. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, J.H.Maxwell, R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2322 Down 0500. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 clusters “J” (30lb) no 4 incs. Found 10/10ths cloud at 19,000’ over target area. Bombed on H2S and flares and RSFs beneath cloud. Photoflash dropped on H2S. Fires burning were very concentrated. One green TI seen going down. Ran over target then waited for signal to bomb. VHF not used, waited for instructions on W/T. On 2nd run, picture from H2S not good enough so made a 3rd and dropped bombs. ND815M P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2319 Down 0517. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 clusters “J” (30lb) no 4 incs. Target Brunswick. Weather hazy below 7-8,000’. Bombed on flares, RSFs, green TIs and fires. Estimated position of RSF which had been obliterated by fire. Two RSFs seen about half a mile apart with green TI between. Cluster of fires around each RSF. Instructions to bomb R/T and W/T 0157 hours. Bombing seemed scattered. ND415B F/O P.J.Drane, Sgts R.J.Bowen, C.G.Trotman, F/Sgt L.Wagner, F/Sgt J.Donald, F/Sgt J.Henderson, F/Sgt R.E.C.Buck. Up 2321 Down 0523. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 clusters “J” (30lb) no 4 incs. Thick haze. Visibility horizontally good. Bombed on H2S clear picture. On run in received order by W/T to release Wanganuis, so on instructions did not attempt to take photograph on first run. Circled to port, bombed green TI on 6th run, waiting meanwhile for something to bomb. Bombing appeared very scattered. Considerable area of fires, unable to say whether in built up area. 23.4.44 4 aircraft detailed for night flying training. 24.4.44 Training during day. 15 aircraft detailed for operations. The attack was made against Munich in clear sky and good visibility. Fighter activity between Augsburg and Munich, also later in attack. First yellow TI seen to cascade Datum point at 01.32 hours. Flares generally went down to time and straddled the town. B/U markers rather wide on East bank of river. Leader broadcast to bomb RSF but later when he saw slight tendency to seep back, dropped green TI to indicate correct marker and broadcast later in attack. Attack believed very successful. Good fires seen and well concentrated. Large explosion seen. Photographs confirm accuracy of marker. P/O Lasham landed on return at Tangmere, aircraft being damaged by flak, and short of petrol. Damage also caused by incendiaries from another aircraft. F/Lt Waugh and crew failed to return from this operation – no news having been received since take-off. Average time of sortie – 10 hours. 24/25 April 1944 – Munich ND589D S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L/ W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2046 Down 0640. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Attacked in clear weather. Visibility good. H2S clear picture. Flares dropped on ? as target area not seen. After leaving target, two RSFs seen in centre of flares. Searchlights very numerous. ND470F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, S/L P.A.Stephens, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2050 Down 0650. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Topped target at 0145 hours at 19,500’. Waited for yellow TI which proved to be rather too far south. Started run up at 0135 hours, did not see yellow TI but picked up late at datum point on H2S at approximately 0138 hours. Saw RSF already down. Dropped flares over town and heard order to bomb. Set course for home. Jettisoned 5 cluster flares 4915N 0155W at 0607 hours from 8,000’. Being short of petrol of petrol, landed at Warmwell after having sent out SOS. JB708J F/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2102 Down 0701. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Weather over Munich clear, very slight haze. Bombed on H2S picture and visually on town. Timed run from datum point. Target marking excellent and bombing round markers concentrated. Gunners report fires and smoke from 150 miles and consider raid best ever seen. ME625T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, F/Sgt R.M.Clarke. Up 2053 Down 0627. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Bombing by visual on markers at datum point, H2S over target. Had good run from yellow TI. Our flares went straight across town which was clearly seen. Concentration of fires seen after leaving target. Glow seen for 100 miles. JA846N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L O.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2054 Down 0659. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Good visibility. Attacked on H2S II. On arrival approximately three lots of flares seen. Released own flares and built up area clearly seen. After leaving target RSF was seen to go down at approximately 0144 hours. Target area carpeted with incendiaries. Very many fires seen. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O E.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/O F.P.L.Broome, F/Sgt P.J.Denness. Up 2100 Down 0715. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. Flares dropped on H2S as briefed. Flare illumination of target area was well placed and marking soon backed up with some very well concentrated bombing. Target burning well when aircraft left area. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2058 Down 0645. 12 x cluster flares, 1 x green TI no 4. No cloud, good visibility over area. Attacked on H2S. Datum point well marked. Flares in target area. RSFs well concentrated, very accurate bombing, many fires later merged into one large mass of deep red flames. On homeward journey observed Karlsruhe burning very well. ND706A F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L W.G.Cooper, F/Sgt L.G.Hughes, Sgt N.M.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2101 Down 0635. 1 x 4000lb HC, 3 x yellow TI, 2 x red TI, 90 x 30lb incs. Weather over Munich clear, no cloud, good visibility. Attacked by RSFs. On arriving datum point, no yellow TIs were seen. First aircraft to release yellow TIs. At target first RSF seen to go down approximately 0144 hours. First run overshot, came in again for dummy run when instructions received to bomb. Fires concentrated around RSF. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2055 Down 0634. 6 x “J” clusters, 3 x yellow TI, 2 x red TI, 40 x 30lb incs. Topped target at 0148 hours at 13,000’. Attacked on RSF. RSFs seemed to be scattered over town, the one actually bombed being 2 miles south of town. Many fires seen later converging into one large fire. Raid appeared most successful. Explosion at 0241 hours seen when aircraft 160 miles on way home, lit up cockpit. ND500G F/L K.R.Waugh, Sgt G.Munton, P/O R.C.Wickens, P/O H.G.Tulloch, Sgts W.E.Alexander, H.Stewart, F/O R.D.Carter. Up 2044. 6 x “J” clusters, 104 x 30 incs. Missing – nothing heard from aircraft after take-off. ND415B P/O N.A.Parker, Sgts J.T.Barlow, W.A.Fripp, W/O W.S.Bryans, Sgts W.Manderson, J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2048 Down 0648. 1650 x 4 incs. Bombed on RSFs and visually. RSF well concentrated. Own bombs seen to fall in target area. Whole town was one mass of fire and result should be most successful. Routemarkers very effective. ND746H P/O W.B.Jardine, P/O G.H.Wright, Sgts J.P.Olive, A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2052 Down 0621. 1650 x 4 incs. Weather clear, visibility good. Bombed on markers at datum point, reached 0135 hours; ran over target with illuminators, clear H2S picture. Running up after receiving order to bomb, saw RSF with blotches of fire adjacent. Bombed RSF. R/T good, orders very clearly received. Fire glow seen for 200 miles. ND813Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, Sgts E.J.Watson, P/O J.F.Thompson, P/O A.H.Jones, Sgt F.Burton. Up 2040 Down 0555. 6 x “J” clusters, 104 x 30 incs. Attacked Munich in clear weather on H2S and RSFs and visually on town. Main concentration of bombing was seen around RSFs. At beginning bombing was north-east of RSFs we bombed, but later gap closed. General illumination good. ND815N P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt G.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/O W.E.Clayfield, Sgt R.P.Powell, F/Sgt H.W.Cope. Up 2057 Down 0530. 6 x “J” clusters, 104 x 30 incs. Bombed on H2S, RSFs and visually on town. Flares dropped right over middle of the town and a concentrated mass of fires was burning round well placed markers as aircraft left area. Seven holes to wings believed to be due to incendiaries falling through over target. At 0153 hours fuel pipe to port outer severed – engine being feathered. Return was made on 3 engines due to above damage, and landing made at Tangmere. ND425S S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L E.H.Makepeace, F/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O H.J.Bridgman, F/Sgt C.W.Lacey. Up 2059 Down 0652. . 6 x “J” clusters, 104 x 30 incs. Topped target at 0140 hours at 18,000’. Weather clear, visibility good. Bombed on H2S, RSFs and cisually on town. Target marking was good and looked well placed with excellent bombing on markers. Illumination was also very good. Fires could be seen over 150 miles away on return journey. 25.4.44 Stand down in the afternoon. 26.4.44 14 Lancasters detailed to operate against Schweinfurt tonight. Attack was carried out in good visibility – much fighter opposition and many aircraft seen to fall. Owing to change of wind the attack was late. First illumination unsatisfactory. Reserve flares better. First RSF fell too far south, second RSF assessed as accurate and backed up by initial B/U. Owing to smoke screen, red spot fires barely visible. All backers up and reserves called in to concentrate markers. Bombing believed accurately concentrated around the target area. Leader assessed Main Force as very good. All aircraft returned safely. 26/27 April 1944 – Schweinfurt ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. 6 x 7” hooded flares, 2 x green TI no 4, 6 x green RSFs. Weather clear. Bombed on H2S and visually. First flares undershot to south-west of built up area. First RSF also undershot. First flares 0207.6 hours – all bombing to the south of the TIs. Datum point markers seen in correct position. H2S limited range and poor definition. Through change of wind it was obvious that we would be 15 minutes late so instead of going on route detailed we cut through from 4820N 0725E to target (north of Mannheim) which made us arrive a few minutes early. Contacted Mosquitoes on VHF using Channel C as Channel B was badly jammed. Then sent out first order to the Flares Force to change to Channel C. Waited several minutes for Flares Force. When they dropped first flares, they were a slight undershoot. The smoke screen was in operation, the Marker Leader requested more illumination, I therefore, ordered Reserve Flare Force to drop their flares to the north of those already down. Marker 3 dropped a RSF which Marker 1 assessed as being south of the aiming point. Then Marker 1 dropped a RSF which should have been green an d these were assessed as being on the aiming point. Due to smoke screen these were hardly visible and I, therefore, called in all the Backers-up, including the reserves, to bomb the northerly RSFs, which I believe most of them did, although one bombed the southerly one. Someone in the Flare Force dropped a green TI which fell to the east of the target – I don’t think, however, that this affected the attack in any way. By this time (0224 hours) I called in the Main Force to bomb the northerly RSFs which most of them did, although some of the early bombs were aimed at the south end. I then called the Deputy Controller to mark the northerly aiming point with green spots, which he did. All markers were very quickly obscured by smoke from bombs and smoke screen but it was apparent that the bombing spread from the aiming point to the south spot fires. I, therefore, dropped all green TI, green spot fires, intending to re-mark the aiming point. These, however, fell approximately 1500 yards short. I, therefore, gave the Main Force the order to bomb the greens with 1000 yard overshoot. This they immediately did and I believe the bombing concentrated around target area. Main Force did their job very well indeed. ME625T S/L E.F.Cawdery, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, W/O R.M.Clarke. Up 2133 Down 0544. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. No cloud, slight haze, visibility good. Bombed on H2S. Several lots of flares were down and one green TI which Marker Bomber was instructing aircraft to bomb. All flares dropped on one run as original 6 not gone before orders were received to back up. JB708J P/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, W/O E.L.Wright. Up 2130 Down 0606. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. Bombed on H2S confirmed by visual. Huge explosion seen at 0224 hours. Target illumination rather widespread and whole attack was late. Green spot fires and green TI seen but no assessment of their accuracy was made, but bombing looked very concentrated. All flares dropped on one run as original 6 had not gone before orders to back up were received. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2134 Down 0457. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. Target area clear, slight haze. Attacked on H2S, RSFs and visually on built up area. General illumination of target very good. Marking good, city definitely found. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.Leonard, W/O S.G.Sherman. Up 2128 Down 0541. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. Attacked by flare illumination. On arrival only two sticks of flares down. On instructions came in again and bombed RSFs. Complete target area covered by smoke screen. One green TI seen on way in very short. Routemarker seen in correct position 0035 hours. Yellow TI at datum point 0202.1 hours. ND346O P/O H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.Williams, F/Sgt A.R.Lambert, F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davies, F/Sgt G.Benfell. Up 2140 Down 0622. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. No cloud, visibility fair, some haze. Bombed on H2S. First flares rather scattered but on second run concentration had improved. First red spot went down at about 0216 hours to northern edge of flares. There was no indication as to how attack was going. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, J.H.Maxwell, R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2132 Down 0557. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. Sighting by H2S. Not many flares seen on arrival. Some difficulty experienced in obtaining clear picture on H2S when over target and made three runs. Flares appeared to be concentrated. First red spot went down and a green TI seen in vicinity, this apparently mis-placed. Further red spot went down, this was well placed. No fires seen. ND706A P/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, P/O G.H.Wright, Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2151 Down 0542. 12 x 7” flares, 2 x green TI no 4. Target Schweinfurt, no cloud, smoke screen. Visibility good. Bombed on flares. H2S unsatisfactory, no clear picture. Waited to back up after flares. No time to drop first stick so dropped all flares in one run. Saw RSFs go down, backe up by green spot fires or green TI. Smoke screen prevented further identification but heard over VHF it was a mile away. Instructed by Flare Leader to back up RSF with green TI. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O E.C.Armstrong, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/O W.E.Clayfield, F/O P.Broome, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2137 Down 0614. 6 x RSF 8 x 500AN/M 76. No cloud, smoke haze. Attacked on markers confirmed by H2S. Yellow TI late at datum. Received instructions on VHF from leader to back up RSFs. Bombing appeared to be concentrated on these. Satisfied with H2S run up on marker. ND452S F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. 6 x RSF, 8 x 500 AN/M 76. No times shown. Attack made on RSF. Two RSF and TI green were down and aircraft were instructed to bomb one to north-west. On leaving target area incendiaries were apparently well concentrated in area of the one RSF which was being bombed. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2138 Down 0615. 6 x RSF, 8 x 500 AN/M 76. No cloud, slight haze. Good visibility above haze and smoke. Target sighted by RSF. On arrival at target, no flares seen. Whilst orbiting, a TI green went down, then a red spot backed up by our red spots. Many incendiaries seen, some scattered and could be seen in fields. ND589D S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, F/O J.R.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2126 Down 0621. 1 x yellow TI, 1 x green TI, 12 x 500 incs. Weather clear. Attacked on RSFs. Illumination good, markers quite concentrated and bombing around them appeared to be good. Lost height due to searchlight and could not regain it in time to bomb from briefed height. Combat and aircraft losses took place on second half of leg D to E, both sides of track permanently illuminated with fighter flares. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt E.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2118 Down 0612. 1 x yellow TI, 1 x green TI, 12 x 500 incs. Target Schweinfurt, no cloud, smoke screen. Visibility downward poor, horizontally good. Bombed on H2S and markers. Dropped yellow TI at datum point and stood off. Reserve flares called in, then Mosquitoes marked. First marker to south ignored, second assessed over VHF as 500 yards south. Visual backers up called in to back up. Followed them in to bomb most northerly RSF at 0208 hours. ND813Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thompson, P/O R.A.Jones, Sgt F.Burton. Up 2136 Down 0631. 14 x 500 AN/M 76. Visibility good. Sighted on RSFs. Three RSFs were very well together. TI green off to south-east. Bombing appeared to be good and incendiaries going down around red spots. ND815M P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2131 Down 0601 14 x 500 AN/M 76. No cloud, visibility good. Bombed on RSFs and flares. Two RSFs were down but Marker Bomber instructed aircraft to ignore one to south-east. Good concentration of fires and incendiaries around red spot but on leaving target area, this appeared to disappear rather quickly, possibly due to smoke screen. 27.4.44 Some flying training – crews resting after operations. 28.4.44 15 Lancasters have been detailed to attack a Maintenance Depot at Kjeller just outside Oslo. The attack was made in clear weather from 6-10,000 feet. Opposition nil. Datum point markers accurate. Flares provided perfect illumination on time. The raid was highly effective – hangars and buildings were seen to blow up. Excellent photos of aiming points obtained. All crews returned safely. 28/29 April 1944 – Kjeller (Oslo) ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L R,J,Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2115 Down 0434. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. (Controller). No cloud over target area. Visibility perfect. Bombed visually. Datum point markers accurate. Flares released on visual identification. Flares seen over centre of runway, ours dropped to illuminate buildings on northern edge of airframe works. TI seen on bombing run. Some smoke on north-west corner of building “E”. Our own bombs went in salvoes approximately 200 feet north. Arrived target area 0103 hours having previously descended to 6,000’ and found bombing wind 003-36mph. I then received bombing wind 330-30mph from “J” and next from D/97 350-35. I thenbroadcast bombing wind of 353-35mph and wind appeared to be accurate. Datum point was down approximately on time and was kept backed up throughout the attack. Flares went down on time at Zero and target area was immediately illuminated perfectly. First marker to go down was on target “B” and for some reason was a RSF which dropped 200 yards north of target “B”. A green was then put down just south of target “B” and then assessor passed instructions to bomb between green and red spot fire. These instructions passed on to “Beetroot” Force. A RSF was then dropped between buildings 7 and 9 (Illustration S523) but as buildings shielded, I asked Marker Leader to re-mark. This he did very accurately and second RSF went through building 5. This burned inside building and was difficult to see. I, therefore, asked marker leader to back up on target “A”, when he informed me that all other spot fires had hung up and that no more were available for marking. I, therefore, called in both forces A and B (0127 hours) to bomb. At 0133 hours most of the HE seemed to have been dropped and I called in the incendiary force. At the same time it was apparent that target “B” had been very thoroughly covered while very little bombing appeared to have been directed at target “A”. The markers on this target had meanwhile completely disappeared. I, therefore, ordered all remaining aircraft with an HE or incendiary to overshoot target “B” by approximately 2000 yards due west in an attempt to cover target “A”. The bombing then spread in the direction of target “A” and it is possible this was eventually completely covered but this was difficult to assess due to lack of markers. Note –markers took so long to mark target “B” that the flares had completely died before target “A” was marked. I, therefore, called in Reserve Force (0124 hours) who completely illuminated the whole of target area and enabled markers to mark successfully target “A”. Conclusions Green spot fires too weak to be satisfactory. Single spot fires of any colour are not effective on targets of this nature, since if they penetrate or fall between two buildings, they are practically invisible. Very obvious dummy fire sites illuminated approximately 300 yards to north of target “B”. I warned “Beetroot” Force at 0135 to beware of these dummies. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, Sgt J.P.Olive, P/O G.H.Wright, Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2106 Down 0431. 6 x cluster 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. No cloud, good visibility. Target identified by flares and visually. Flares laid on time. Dropped own flares in area covered by existing flares. Good concentration achieved. When making bombing run much smoke seen around RSF which tended to obliterate them and ground detail. JB708J P/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, F/Sgt D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, Sgt J.Peill. Up 2105 Down 0526. 6 x cluster 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Weather over Kjeller clear. Excellent visibility. Target identified visually by runways, river and sheds of factory. Every detail clear and a cluster of flares fell accurately before own. On instructions at 0115.10 hours, one RSF fell on west aiming point at 0118 hours approximately, then one green spot fire east of aiming point at 0120 hours approx. Second RSF seen eastern end of shed and western aiming point at 0130 but was not subsequently backed up. Aircraft was then called in to bomb this. Bombing excellent on western aiming point. Huge explosion in target area at 0138 hours. ME625T S/L E.F.Cawdery P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/Sgt J.McGregor, W/O R.M.Clarke. Up 2108 Down 0412. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x yellow TIs no4, 5 x 1000lb MC. Good visibility permitted visual identification of runway on airfield. Flares dropped across runways between aiming points “A” and “B”. RSF on roof of one building (Aiming Point “A”). Bombs dropped running due west across target. As we were earlt to bomb, results not seen but rear gunner saw stick of bombs bursting on buildings as we were leaving area. (Note – ORB shows S/L Cawdery with W/C Carter’s crew blvd in error). ND706A F/O R.O.Ellesmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, P/O P.A.Stevens, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt N.M.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2113 Down 0422. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x yellow TIs no4, 5 x 1000lb MC. Weather clear, visibility excellent. Target identified by runway buildings, row of white lights, lakes and fjiords. After seeing datum points, yellow TI at 0110 hours, aircraft dropped flares at 0115 hours, left target area and dropped yellow TI routemarker at 0124. Bombed at 0132 hours on RSF on factory. Incendiary bombs began at 0138 hours in strings across aiming point. Very little scatter. RSF very heavily and accurately bombed. ND589D S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2104 Down 0425. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Kjeller airframe factory located visually on fjiords and buildings. Target properly illuminated but flares died out and reserve flares were called in. After R/T conversation between Controller and markers we were called in to bomb on RSF that had fallen through roof of target. Westerly target definitely well hit. No observation made of easterly one. JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, F/O J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2115 Down 0422. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Identified visually by buildings, runway and hangars. Target well illuminated, markers very accurate but insufficient – only one marker dropped at time which burnt out long before being backed up. Bombing well concentrated. Own bombs seen to explode across buildings. ND746H F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, P/O G.H.Wright, Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J,R,Whitehead, Sgt Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2116 Down 0427. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Weather clear over target area. Identified visually by fjiords and buildings also earlier flares. Illumination extremely good but marking poor and poorly backed up, although spot fire bombing was accurately placed. Our instructions clearly received. Buildings were hit just before we bombed and no observations were made owing to smoke. JA846N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2107 Down 0427. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Target identified by light of first Flare Force which lit up runways, factories etc. Flares dropped at 0116.50 hours. Subsequently first RSF on easterly point at 0118 hours and was assessed by Controller as 200 yards north-east. This was followed by one green spot fire on same aiming point approximately two minutes later. Aircraft was eventually called in to bomb RSF on easterly aiming point at 0133 hours approximately. Aircraft made dummy run then came in and bombed the RSF. Bombing was very accurate here; heavy smoke pall. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt J.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt E.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2116 Down 0442. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Air frame factory at Kjeller located visually by flares and ground detail. Good visibility. On arrival a good concentration of flares was seen. Dropped own visually on aiming point as existing flares seemed slightly to port of aiming point. Bombed RSF, seemed to be RSF. One big explosion at 0133 hours causing target to be covered with with smoke. ND452S S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L E.H.Makepeace, F/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, F/Sgt C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2109 Down 0509. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Target identified visually. Bombs released on third run over target. Flares were illuminated well. Instructions were received to bomb midway between green and RSFs. Bombs seen to fall on buildings but smoke from western target (well alight) obscured good observation of results. Order to go in and drop flares was not received. ND862L F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thompson, P/O A.H.Jones, Sgt F.Burton. Up 2144 Down 0435. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. No cloud, visibility good. Identified target by markers and visually. Datum point unmistakeable. Stoof off target according to instructions until called in at 0120 hours. When we laid flares successfully across, being first reserve flare force to illuminate, called in to bomb at 0133 hours. Bombs down on salvo across buildings 2,5 and 6 (illustration 523/3). ND346O P/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2112 Down 0444. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Target located by buildings and flares and runways. As earlier flares died down, controller called us to back up at 0122 hours. Waited for bombing instructions which were to bomb between red and green spot fires. As no GSFs were visible to us, we bombed slightly to port of RSF. On leaving westerly buildings seemed to be well hit but smoke obscured easterly target. Red explosion at 0155 hours in target area. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2110 Down 0430. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Aero engine works at Kjeller seen by illuminating flares. Backed existing flares which went down a few seconds before and dropped from west to east. Instructed to bomb 2000 yards west of existing RSF, which was done. All flares appeared to have gone out when bombing started. More flares would fall and then ground marking was out. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, F/Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgt H.M.Kemp, F/Sgt G.J.Hill, Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2111 Down 0440. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. Aiming point clearly visible by light of flares previously dropped. RSF accurate on actual building. Illuminating flare fell at 0115 hours and second at 0116 hours.30, well on time, illuminating area well and accurately. Intercom unsatisfactory. First RSF at 0117 hours approximately on westerly aiming point. Aircraft called into drop flares at 0124.30 hours. No RSF seen meanwhile. On second run in were called to bomb. Two RSFs were seen burning, one on each aiming point. Backing up of westerly aiming point RSF very poor and no flares down when aircraft bombed. ND415B P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, B.E.Broughton. Up 2102 Down 0432. 9 x 1000lb MC. Weather at target area clear. Visibility good. Target located visually by runway on airfield. On first run aircraft was not properly straight and level so another run was made. Markers were well placed but were not burning well backed up. Bombing was concentrated. Large yellow explosion observed at 0130 hours. 29.4.44 15 Lancasters detailed to attack a factory at Clermont-Ferrant near Paris. The attack was made in good visibility from about 7,500 to 9,000 feet. First red spot fire seen in light of flares to be very accurate. Marking carried out promptly. Raid went according to plan and was well backed by Main Force, both 4000s and incendiaries. Operation was successful and good photos obtained. All returned safely to base. 29/30 April 1944 – Clermont-Ferrand ND739Z S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2211 Down 0452. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” recco flares. (BI Controller). No cloud, visibility good. First RSF feel on aiming point at approximately 0117.5 hours. The 8 RSF dropped by aircraft fell on the centre workshops. Bomb bursts and fires were seen covering whole target area. After attack finished the target appeared to be totally destroyed. ND764E S/L A.H.Lynch, F/Sgt C.O’Neill, F/O E.C.Armstrong, F/O W.E.Clayfield, F/Sgt T.H.James, F/O P.Broome, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2209 Down 0455. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” recco flares. Target located on H2S. First red spot went down at 0118 hours on workshops at eastern end of target area and was backed up by Controller with his RSF which covered the aiming point. The whole area was burning or had almost burnt out when the attack had finished. ND415B F/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, P/O D.E.D.Harvey, F/L L.C.Jones, W/O J.R.Chapman, Sgt J.Peill. Up 2203 Down 0440. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” recco flares. Target identified by H2S (bombed visually). On approach to target white flares fell and continued in profusion for 3 minutes. Aircraft backed this up at 0115 hours, then flares ceased dropping at 0120 hours. RSF mostly accurate. Aircraft instructed to bomb centre of RSF with 200 yards overshoot. Huge red glow from fires. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland (shown as Sgt J.Peill inORB but he is in F/O Smith’s crew). Up 2206 Down 0449. 6 cluster 7” flares, 3 x yellow TI no 4, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” recco flares. No cloud, very clear, visibility good. Datum point seen and confirmed as correct by H2S. Flares released by H2S. Illumination accurate and sufficient. Returned to datum point t back up. Yellow released at 0125 hours as ordered. Return to bomb. Main Force soon concentrated. JA846N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2210 Down 0442. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x yellow TI no 4, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” recco flares. Moderate visibility. Location by H2S and RSF. First flares down, well backed up. First RSF down approximately 0115 hours – dead accurate, backep up by a lot of RSF by Controller. After dropping flares returned to datum point to back up. Ordered to bomb at 0127 hours. Attack appeared most successful with bombing accurate and concentrated. JB683C (Shown as ND683C blvd in error). F/O W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2214 Down 0430. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. No cloud over target area. Visibility good. Target located by RSF. RSF went down on large building at eastern end of the block and controller gave instructions to overshoot by 100 yards instead of 200 yards. There were bomb bursts among the hangars. ND589D P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, B.E.Broughton. Up 2212 Down 0440. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Weather clear with haze. Located visually by RSF. Marking excellent. RSF on buildings kept backed up with reds. First flares on town but second lot actually on the target. Told our flares not needed, called in to bomb 0125 hours. Attack very good indeed. No fighters or opposition except one light gun in target area. ME625T S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L E.H.Makepeace, F/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, F/Sgt C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2212 Down 0455. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Target located by H2S. Ordered to release own flares to south of existing ones. Illumination was satisfactory. Stood off until ordered to bomb at 0122 hours. RSF accurate at first and backing up was excellent. Bombing appeared to be very concentrated. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt J.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt E.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2202 Down 0508. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Identified target by RSF and bomb bursts. One RSF on building which was on fire. Target area very well marked and bombed. We were told no flares needed and were called in to bomb at 0130 hours. Whole of target area was well alight. ND862L F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thompson, P/O R.A.Jones, Sgt F.Burton. Up 2155 Down 0450. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. No cloud, visibility good. RSF burning on large workshops at the eastern edge of target area, backed up with a cluster which fell on the original. Bomb bursts and fires seen in whole of the target area. ND746H P/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, P/O G.H.Wright, Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.Phillips, P/O J.W.Paige. Up 2212 Down 0425. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Target located visually by RSF and flares. Approximately three seconds before releasing own flares many others went down. Instructed to bomb at 0126 hours. First RSF could be seen on roof of main building and were well backed up with large clusters of reds. ND706A P/O N.A.Parker, Sgts J.T.Barlow, W.A.Fripp, F/O J.Skingley, Sgts W.Manderson, J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2206 Down 0455. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Target identified by light of flares – the factory runway being plainly visible. On approach first flare dropped at 0115 cascading. Dropped a flare at 0115 hours by H2S. First RSF seen at 0120 hours approximately. Well backed up forming excellent concentration on factory building. No flare fell after 0122. While aircraft waited excellent HE bombing took place. Aircraft then called in to bomb. ND452S P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sht M.H.McBride. Up 2204 Down 0430. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Located by datum point and flares. Datum point markers in correct position at 0113 hours, well backed up. First flares a bit too west but second were over target. Bombing very good indeed. ND451R P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2205 Down 0447. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Target located by H2S. Confirmed datum point as accurately marked. Ran in and released flares on box as ordered. Stood off until ordered in to bomb. Main Force bombing seemed accurate on markers. Attack carried out smoothly. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgt H.M.Kemp, F/Sgt G.J.Hill, Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2207 Down 0446. 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC, 2 x 4.5” flares. Target located by RSF. Illuminating flares appeared at 0113 – continued until 0124. One RSF at 0117.30 and big cluster at 0124.24 hours. Controller ordered no more to be dropped so aircraft retained own flares. Bombed when instructed at 0134 hours. Incendiaries starting good fires. 30.4.44 Stand down from operations. Some training carried out. 1.5.44 Some training was carried out in the morning. That night 15 Lancaster aircraft were detailed for an attack on an explosives works at Toulouse. Our aircraft opened the raid by illuminating the target with 7” flares. Mosquito aircraft then located the actual aiming point, and marked it with Red Spot Fires, which were backed up by 97 Squadron aircraft. The Red Spot Fires were, unfortunately, at times obscured by smoke, but the great majority of aircraft managed o bomb the markers, and the raid was subsequently proved by PRU photographs to have been satisfactory. Three very violent explosions were observed during the raid. The weather was very good and opposition negligible. All our aircraft returned safely. 1/2 May 1944 – Toulouse ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2152 Down 0456. 3 clusters 7” flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x TI Green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, exceptionally clear over target (aircraft works). Identified visually and confirmed by H2S. Datum point yellow TI seen at 0110 hours. Accurate and well backed. Illumination on time. Flares west of aiming point but sufficiently accurate for marking within two minutes at 0114.5 hours. Followed by another RSF which was 40 yards south of first. Bombing seen appeared accurate. TI obscured by smoke at times. Small explosions (compared with those seen on explosives factory) at 01.32.5 hours. ND746H F/O W.H.Benton, Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2131 Down 0505. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located visually. First RSF were on aiming point and backed up accurately. Bombing stopped, target illuminated and attack resumed. Red spots died out before flare droppers were called in. Datum point markers badly placed but attack was successful and well concentrated. Yellow explosion seen after leaving target area. JB708J F/O J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, P/O D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, Sgt J.Peill. Up 2153 Down 0527. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Vis good, slight haze on ground. Target identified by H2S. Illumination at beginning was insufficient with a delay in dropping and assessing RSFs. Further flares requested, very effective, and RSFs appeared to be on aiming point. This attracted very good concentration of bombing and there was one large fire over the area. ND764E P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt E.Withers, SgtS G.Batho, B.E.Broughtom. Up 2154 Down 0509. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located visually on factory. Illumination at first good, marking soon done. Flares went out, soon after bombing started, marker obscured by smoke. Target re-illuminated and re-marked before attack finished. Results difficult to judge owing to excessive smoke over target. ND706A F/O R.O.Ellsmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt N.M.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2150 Down 0513. 6 clusters 7” flares, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x TI yellow no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Weather clear enabling target (aircraft factory) to be identified visually and by H2S. No RSF visible at time of bombing. Orders given over VHF to bomb visually. Bombing on the whole appeared scattered. ND589D S/L J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2144 Down 0512. 3 clusters 7” flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x TI green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. (Controller Target “B”). Located visually and by RSF. Attack opened about 4 minutes late. First datum point TIs incorrectly placed. Mosquito markers assessed as being out and so were asked to re-mark. Second RSFs assessed as ok. We backed up correctly. Later RSFs obliterated by smoke. Ordered Deputy to back up with further RSFs; these were lost in smoke so ordered another aircraft to bomb apex of “V” of smoke. Estimated 90% of Main Force bombed markers and remainder fires or smoke. Explosions (yellowish) at 0150 hours, (greenish) at 0152.5 hours. Attack appeared successful and well centred on island. ME625T S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, Sgt C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2157 Down 0610. 3 clusters 7” flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x TI green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Attacked target (explosives factory), identified visually and by H2S. RSF obscured by smoke on run in. Illuminations not concentrated probably due to faulty datum marking and seemed to be more over town than factory. Marking after reserve flares were called in was bombed and accurate. Three magnificent explosions seen at 0150, 0158 and 0213 hours, lit up whole town. VHF went u/s both on transmit and receive. Port outer u/s – believed glycol leak – fire started just outside enemy territory on outward journey, engine feathered; mission continued and completed on 3 engines. Attacked by Me210 over target, just after bombing, seen in light of explosion. Successfully evaded after 3 attacks. Immediately after, H2S went u/s. Journey home completed on 3 engines without further incident. ND346O F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2142 Down 0508. 6 x 7” flare clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target (Toulouse explosive works) located by H2S and visually on river. As we were on original run in, Controller ordered flares to be dropped as well as original three. Two big fires were burning, aiming point smothered with smoke and flames. Two enormous explosions at 0150 and 0158 hours. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, S/L P.A.Stevens, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2148 Down 0500. 6 x 7” flare clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Visibility very good. Located target by markers and visually. Datum point green TI seen cascading at 0110 hours. Green TI seen westward of yellow which caused confusion. Received orders over VHF to released all flares; dropped 6 clusters in stick then saw RSF on ground which Main Force were ordered to bomb. Flare Force ordered to bomb before could be obscured by smoke. Violent explosions seen at 0150, 0157, 0218 hours (red) and at 0303 hours from 150 miles away. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.H.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2138 Down 0524. 6 clusters 7” flares, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x TI green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Identified target by flares and visually. First RSF appeared to be on aiming point and attracted bombing which caused several orange and red and blue explosions. Own bombs caused an explosion and attack generally appeared well concentrated on and around aiming point. ND415B F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, P/O A.H.Wright, F/Sgt A.Dunae, Sgts J.R.Whitehead, J.Phillips, F/O Paige. Up 2137 Down 0503. 6 clusters 7” flares, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x TI green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Flares dropped visually, target in bomb sight. RSF well placed, flares well placed but drifted. Fires followed soon after explosions. Large explosions at 0152 and 0200 hours. VHF very noisy, great deal of interference. Attack appeared extremely successful, factory completely blown up. ND862L F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O W.J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O R.A.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2141 Down 0530. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Toulouse explosive works sighted by H2S. Vis good. Ran up to target on bombs and released flares; heard orders to released additional flares but before we could do so, marking had started. Stood off until ordered to bomb; violent explosions seen at 0157, 0218 and 0227 hours. ND452S P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2145 Down 0518. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located visually on factory. H2S went u/s 50 miles before reaching target, also Fishpond. Illumination of target not very good – some flares seen well over town area. First RSFs were well off aiming point but second marker was very accurate. New markers well backed up and bombed. Markers obliterated by smoke and we were instructed to bomb fires only to north. Raid big success, many explosions. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, P/O W.Hunt, Sgts J.Fairbairn, J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2139 Down 0506. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located target, seen by flares and visually. RSF obliterated by bombing. Main Force seemed to be late; Controller called them in to bomb but they didn’t come and we were called in instead. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgts H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2149 Down 0510. 6 clusters 7” flares, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 1000lb MC (LD), 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target well lit up by flares – seen by H2S and visually. One RSF went down immediately at 0116 hours, obliterated by bombs. Second RSF down at 0113 hours, backed up immediately and well placed; accuracy confirmed by Marker No 1 and Controller gave order to bomb. Bombing very accurate, RSF obscured by smoke very quickly. Terrific explosions at 0136 hours, others at 0139.5 hours. ?? of a building seen to collapse in a greenish-blue flame. Continuous explosions seen in target area after leaving. 2.5.44 No flying today. Operational stand down. No training due to bad weather. 3.5.44 A considerable amount of training was carried out in the morning. Operations that night were directed against a German military camp and supply depot at Mailly-Le-Camp. Our aircraft kept the target illuminated from 00.14 to 00.29 hours whilst the Mosquito aircraft marked the actual aiming point for the Main Force to bomb. The raid was extremely successful and the target was completely destroyed. Fighter opposition was exceptionally intense during a period from the end of the attack until crossing the French coast home. The whole operation was carried out in brilliant moonlight and on the return journey many of our aircraft flew at heights between 50/200’ above the ground, often flying down German occupied aerodromes, strafing searchlights and flak towers! One of our aircraft – “A” captained by F/O Ross Ellesmere RCAF, did not return from this mission. The weather was very good. 3/4 May 1944 – Mailly-Le-Camp JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt J.Fernandez. Up 2202 Down 0323. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target identified visually. No cloud, smoke haze. Saw green TI in target area at approx 2356 hours. RSF were then laid and well backed up. First attack was concentrated and effective. Target re-marked under great difficulty owing to first attack not ceasing bombing when ordered and thick smoke obscuring aiming point. The second marking was not considered entirely satisfactory but the second wave were called in to bomb at approx 0024 hours and big undershoot. No second wave flares were called for, but own flares had to be dropped owing to position in bomb bay; the 3 flares on stations 2,4 and 6 were fouling nose pistol of the 1000lb bombs. When we ran up on RSF, just as bombs were released, two scarecrow flares burst right on nose throwing it up some 30 degrees, which obscured view. ND706A F/O R.O.Ellsmere, Sgt M.Johnson, P/O S.Carlyle, F/L A.E.Calrton, F/Sgt L.F.Hughes, Sgt M.N.Duffy, P/O A.J.Newton. Up 2149. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Aircraft missing. ND415B P/O N.N.Prker, Sgts J.T.Barlow, W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt A.Dunae, Sgts W.Manderson, J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2206 Down 0335. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, vis good. Target located on RSFs. Musical TI greens cascaded at 0000 hours and were over the target. First RSF went down at 0001 hours and were accurate. Bombing was very accurate, pall of smoke soon covered area, backing up of the spots good, attack believed very successful. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgt H.M.Kent, F/Sgt G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2203 Down 0320. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target identified by RSF. Original Oboe seen at 2359 hours, assessed to be on aiming point; backing up by RSF slightly to east of green TI. Main Force bombing was accurate around RSF, causing several explosions. Cease bombing order at 0017 hours and Marker tried to mark western end of target but failed, and backers up were advised to drop their RSFs on western edge of fires with slight undershoot. Remainder of force ordered to bomb these markers. Raid developed well, excellent concentration of fire resulted. N495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.J.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2158 Down 0320. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Weather cleared over Mailly. Target located by RSFs, clearly visible. Though target obscured by smoke, flares not needed. Bombed the second Main Force group. Bombing concentrated. Hits seen on barrack blocks. Numerous combats seen on homeward route. ND346O F/O R.W.Reynolds, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, Sgts S.R.E.Baynes, N.H.Chollerton, F.Broughton, F/Sgt G.O.Edmunds, F/O J.D.Fletcher. Up 2204 Down 0343. 6 clusters 7” flares, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Very slight haze, nil cloud, vis good. RSFs seen on target. Original Oboe marker wide, then one RSF dropped on aiming point; this was backed up by more RSFs. Early bombing was wide but later improved and sticks were seen to burst across the RSFs. Bombing on whole very successful and two definite areas of fire resulted. ND746H F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. (No times shown). 10 x TI RSF, 4 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, vis excellent. Located target by RSFs on approach to target area, actual camp could not be seen owing to smoke; Controller ordered bombing to be on this. Orange explosion seen at approximately 0010 hours. JA846N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt W.D.Knowles, W/O J.T.Stanton.. Up 2157 Down 0315. 10 x TI RSF, 2 x 1000lb MC, 2 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” flares. Good visibility. Target located by RSFs in concentration. Original Oboe marker slightly north of aiming point. This was backed up by yellow TI presumably in mistake for datum point. First RSFs backing up accurate and bombing was well concentrated around these. Bombing successful. ND415R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/O E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2159 Down 0326. 10 x TI RSF, 2 x 1000lb MC, 2 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” flares. On arrival, southern end of target on fire, smoke obscured. Cease bombing signal given to the first wave. Controller called for Backers/Up – went in and bombed as instructed (undershoot west of TI). Controller said marking was excellent. Terrific explosion over target at 0015 hours and another at 0020 hours which may have been a collision. Numerous scarecrow flares all along route in and out. Also track indicators. 4.5.44 Some training this morning but an operational stand-down tonight owing to bad weather. 5.5.44 Practice bombing and other training this morning. An operational stand-down tonight due to bad weather, but some local training was carried out. 6.5.44 Some training this morning. Operations tonight were detailed against an ammunition dump at Louailles, France. The raid was effected in brilliant moonlight, and no additional illumination was necessary. Mosquito aircraft located the target visually and marked it with Red Spot Fires, which were later backed up by Lancaster aircraft from this Squadron. The marking and backing up were very accurate and the target was soon well hit, explosions occurring regularly throughout the attack. The defences were only moderate with about four to six flak guns hosepiping red and green tracer up to about 6,000 ft. The weather was very good. All our aircraft returned safely. 6/7 My 1944 - Louailles ND451R S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 0037 Down 0527. 3 x 7” clusters flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x TI green No 4. (Deputy Controller). Target – ammunition dump – weather clear, slight haze. Located visually on forest and rivers and RSFs. Arrived four minutes early. Mosquito leader had been contacted and first marker went down at 0233 hours, assessed 50 yards 12 o’clock from aiming point. Baclers up called in at 0237 hours on VHF. Their RSF s first class, covering original in a close cluster. Called Controller to instruct Main Force by VHF at 0241 hours and W/T at 0242 hours. Then told Flare Force to go in and bomb. No need for any extra illumination or datum point marking. Aircraft orbited area for 27 minutes in all. Marking and early bombing were of undoubted accuracy and raid was a success; many explosions and many sympathetic, one very big one at 0252 hours. JB708J F/L J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.W.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, W/O R.C.W.Barker, W/O J.R.Chapman, Sgt T.Twomey. Up 0035 Down 0512. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target identified visually and by H2S. No illumination required as Controller immediately assessed first RSFs as ok and gave instructions to bomb. We backed up RSFs. Many explosions, almost continuous, with various shell dumps, explosions up to 1000 ft at about 10 second intervals. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.H.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 0036 Down 0518. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Identification of target made visually and by RSFs. Bombing undershooting at beginning, then explosions started. First reds were 50 yards to west of aiming point but later reds good, and order was given Main Force to bomb the fires. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, F/Sgt J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 0013 Down 0454. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 3/10ths cloud at 6/7,000’ but target located visually by RSFs and H2S. Straight run in an bombed RSF. Markers assessed as excellent, no flares needed. Bombing seemed concentrated and it appeared to be a very good attack. ND415B P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, B.E.Broughton. Up 0040 Down 0506. 6 x 7” flares yellow No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares clusters, 2 x TI. Ammunition dump at Louailles located by RSFs, also woods. Weather clear – good visibility. At 0233 hours approx, first RSF appeared as aircraft approached and was backed up without delay, soon forming a satisfactory concentration. Aircraft bombed at 0241 hours when instructed. RSF concentration remained satisfactory. Some good sympathetic explosions towards the end. ND746H F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, F/O G.H.Wright, F/Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.J.Phillips, F/O J.W.Paige. Up 0032 Down 0500. 6 x 7” flares yellow No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares clusters, 2 x TI. Target identified visually no woods and river and by RSFs. No very great illumination in area but RSFs closely grouped were soon down and assessed within moments. No further illumination or datum point required so we bombed at once on instructions. No general observation made over target but gunners report explosions of prodigious size in area, coming quite high. ND452S P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 0041 Down 0521. 6 x 7” flares yellow No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares clusters, 2 x TI. Visibility excellent, target soon identified visually. Heard on VHF that RSF were down about 0237 hours and they were assessed on 50 yards 12 o’clock. Second cluster was heard assessed completely accurate. Backers up were ordered to drop their RSF at 0238 hours and no flares or datum markers were called for. Aircraft came in to bomb when instructed, when a good concentration was down and our bombs thought to be 100 yards undershot. After bombing, fires had started, but wind was blowing smoke away. Many powerful explosions, two particularly large, approximately 0249 and 0250 hours. Main Force leader ordered to bomb near centre of fires. Attack appeared to be going smoothly. 7.5.44 Slight training this morning. The target for tonight was the aerodrome at Tours. Here again the objective was identified visually by Mosquito aircraft which marked the aiming point with extraordinary accuracy with Red Spot Fires. These were backed up with Red Spot Fires dropped by this squadron. The bombing on the markers was accurate, and many hits were observed. This raid was afterwards proved by photographic reconnaissance to have been quite successful. The fighter opposition was negligible and the flak defences consisted of approx six light guns. All of the seven aircraft detailed from this Squadron returned successfully. 7/8 May 1944 – Tours Airfield ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 0038 Down 0531. 3 x 7” clusters flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” flares. Weather clear, excellent visibility. Target identified on two RSFs. Original RSF was actually on aiming point. Instructions to back up given at 0252 and 0253 hours and were dropped right on original markers making a solid mass of marking. Bombing instructions passed by VHF and W/T to Controller. Results of bombing very good. Many explosions in target area followed by clouds of smoke. Whole raid appeared well concentrated and no strikes observed on other targets at airfield but fires could be seen burning at Salbris (83 Sqn attack). ND452S F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O/ W.D.Knowles, F/O J.D.Fletcher, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 0040 Down 0517. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather and identification as above. Two first RSF were on aiming point but just off the hangars at 0250 hours. Ordered to back this up and out own fires were seen to fall right on hangar buildings. Other backers up well placed but one slightly undershot. Most of bombing very accurate. Some explosions seen, one appeared to be a fuel dump. ND818Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgt H.M.Kent, F/Sgt G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 0039 Down 0528. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located visually. Arrived 0248 hours, circled until ordered at 0251.5 hours to back up RSF which was reported as near enough, although slight undershoot 1 or 2 o’clock. Dropped RSF adjacent and believed covering original marker. Main Force bombing appeared concentrated; large explosion 0256 hours. ND451R F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O R.A.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 0043 Down 0539. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target identified by two RSF. Markers actually seen to be on hangar buildings. Instructions to back up received 0251 hours. RSF of bacers up fell in three separate groups. Bombs seen to be bursting in target, one 4,000 pounder in hangar. Raid appeared to be concentrated and successful. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 0041 Down 0530. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 2 x TI yellow No 4, 1 x 4000lb HC, 6 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Target (Tours Airfield) identified by RSF in good visibility. First RSF down at 0250 hours, assessed and backed up at 0251.5 hours. Seen to be all over buildings. Flare Force bombed, followed by Proximity Marker aircraft. Attack very successful and bombing well concentrated. JB683C F/O W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 0042 Down 0515. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 2 x TI yellow No 4, 1 x 4000lb HC, 6 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Arrived target area 0247 hours and saw fires of previous attack south of target. RSF went down to time (0250 hours) and were promptly backed up on orders from Controller, marking completed by 0253 hours. Assessed, and Main Force and Flare Force called in at 0255 hours. Bombing on whole very concentrated with very few wild attacks. Target obscured by smoke at 0300 hours but RSF plainly visible. Fairly large orange explosion seen when our own “cookie” hit buildings. ND764E F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symonds, Sgts N.D.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 0044 Down 0533. Up 0042 Down 0515. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 2 x TI yellow No 4, 1 x 4000lb HC, 6 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” flares. Weather clear, good visibility. Aerodrome could be seen visually and by RSF. Arrived at target before markers, first RSF went down on time. This was apparently ok. Backing up was ordered and was good. Made one run then bombed on 2nd run on cluster of RSFs which were seen to be right on aiming point. Bombing was very concentrated and attack should prove successful. 8.5.44 A large amount of training was carried out today. An operational stand-down that night. 9.5.44 No training today. Operations this evening were directed against a ball bearing factory at Annecy – a small target in the centre of a town lying in a mountain valley – a target demanding the utmost skill to hit it. The attack was carried out in brilliant moonlight. Mosquito aircraft from 627 Squadron identified the factory and dropped Red Spot Fires a pre-determined distance away from it. The raid controller, S/Ldr Simpson of this Squadron, then assessed their proximity to the aiming point and passed a false wind speed and direction to the bombing aircraft for them to put on their bombsights. This allowed the Main Force to aim at the Red Spots and yet have the bombs fall on the aiming point. The whole of this procedure was necessary because the target was so small that if the Red Spots had been put directly on the aiming point they would have soon been extinguished by own bombs. However, everything went according to plan, and the factory was so quickly demolished that the controller gave the order to cease bombing in order that the risk to the French civilian population may be minimised. Subsequent photographic cover showed the target to be absolutely gutted and the raid a complete success. There was no fighter opposition and no flak. The weather was good, and all of our aircraft returned safely. 9/10 May 1944 – Annecy (Ball Bearing Factory) ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2121 Down 0605. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 5 x TI RSF, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. (Controller). Weather clear, good visibility. Target located visually and on RSF. Attack opened at 0145 hours with RSF dropped by Mosquito, assessed by Mosquitos as ok but by Controller as 100 yards WNW of marking point. No flares required and Controller ordered bombing to begin, passing winds to Director and to Falre Force at 0159 hours. Winds 100/12 to Main Force, 140/12 to Flare Force. North east side of target there were many green and blue flashes. Several sticks of bombs at beginning of attack fell to north-east of aiming point approximately 150 yards but bombing steadied up thereafter. By 0215 hours both large buildings and plant were burning well and it is thought that the factory is virtually destroyed. Railway yards to south-east also hit and left burning. At 0215 hours Controller was informed by Director on VHF that he (the Director) had ordered all bombing to stop since RSF had been hit and disappeared. Director felt that as the attack should have almost finished by this time and the destruction of the factory seemed reasonably certain, it was better to cease attack. Controller expostulated at this and offered to mark aiming point anew but since executive order to cease bombing had already been given by Director, and in view of short time to elapse before latest time for bombing (0223 hours) Controller felt it was inexpedient to have order cancelled and bombing resumed by Main Force yet to bomb. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2124 Down 0604. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 5 x TI RSF, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located visually and on RSF at 0154.5 hours. Number 1 marker dropped 2 RSF which were on his aiming point and within a minute, Number 2 marker expressed satisfaction as to accuracy of number 1, and that was confirmed by the Controller. Within 90 seconds a wind vector was given out and Flare Force called in to bomb. Their bombing was concentrated and Main Force were called in; with two exceptions their bombing was extremely concentrated, so much so that the Director gave the order to cease bombing as the target was by now non-existent. Area was a mass of orange flame and it appeared there was an oil fire. ND764E P/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, S/L P.A.Stevens, F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgts J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2122 Down 0613. 6 x 7” cluster flares, no other load shown. Identification visually and by RSF. First RSF went down at 0155 hours and reported as being right on aiming point. Wind vector of 140/12 was thens ent by Controller and order to Flare Force to bomb was given at same time (0156 hours). Director gave instructions to Main Force to bomb at approximately same time; bombing was at once started and was extremely well concentrated. ND961N F/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L C.W.Shires, P/O T.W.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2100 Down 0459 6 x 7” cluster flares, 1 x 4000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. No cloud, visibility very good. Ball bearing factory at Annecy located visually and by RSF. First RSF 0154 hours. Circled until called in to bomb. Good run up. Bombing generally concentrated. First Mosquito heard to report hang up, second Mosquito marked, assessed as accurate. Some photoflashes dropped by Main Force were bursting between 6000’ and 6,5000’. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2124 Down 0610. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 1 x 4000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Very hazy, thick cloud at 8/9,000’. Vis fair. Target located on one RSF. First RSF at 0155 hours assessed as being on marking point. Order to bomb received at 0202 hours. On first run 4000lb bomb hung up. Photoflash with the 500lb bombs but due to another aircraft in front, evasive action had to be taken. Aircraft was rocked by explosion. Concentration of bombing good. ND451R P/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2120 Down 0607. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 1 x 4000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. No cloud below 6/10ths thick cumulus above, tops 10,000’. Target identified visually. Fires already burning on arrival of aircraft, late owing tp failure of H2S and uncertainty of position. By the time we had identified and seen photoflashes etc at target, RSF was not visible. No alternative but to bomb fires using true wind (unvectored). Two very large fires seen, large one in factory which we bombed; the other thought to be burning in town. 10.5.44 A training programme was carried out this morning. The target for the night’s operation was Lille marshalling yard and locomotive factory. Of the 8 aircraft detailed by this Squadron, 6 were detailed to illuminate the target with flares and two to direct the attack. The attack opened to plan, the flares were dropped accurately, and the aiming point was marked visually with Red Spot Fires dropped by Mosquito aircraft. The attack was so accurate that the Red Spot Fires were extinguished by our own bombs and the target had to be re-illuminated and re-marked. Subsequent aiming point photographs proved the accuracy of the attack. Two of our aircraft, captained by F/Lt Smith RNZAF and F/O Edwards, failed to return from this mission. Another aircraft captained by F/Lt Walton received a direct hit by a flak burst resulting in the death of F/O Ward RAAF, the mid upper gunner. The weather was good during the whole attack, and the defences which consisted of light flak were moderate. 10/11 May 1944 – Lille ND961N S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2207 Down 0118. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 3 x TI RSF, 2 x TI green No 4, 1 x 4000lb HC, 3 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. (Controller). No cloud, very hazy. Target identified on H2S. Good run in on RSF. Flares seemed very scattered but Mosquito managed to drop RSF which was assessed 60 degrees 150 yards. Winds received from wind finder and passed 001/26 to Director by VHF approx 2323 hours but only acknowledged by W/T at 2335 hours. Passed to Flare Force 2328 hours VHF. Bombing started at 2331 hours approx and smoke soon obscured RSF in direction of Main Force bombing run. Dircetion ordered the bombing to cease on W/T and fired red-red. Target then re-marked and Main given no wind 336 degrees/13 at 2356 hours. We then went in to bomb. Interference on VHF and W/T made controlling very difficult and I failed to establish any contact with Director. No assessment of 2nd marker from Director. Main reason for delay was that heading chosen for attack seemed to be reciprocal of prevailing ground wind. After second marker went down bombing considerably improved. I consider that even without interference on VHF, there were too many leaders talking throughout the attack which is likely to produce chaos. JB708J F/L J.B.Smith, Sgt A.R.Rowlands, F/O A.R.Weston, F/L L.C.Jones, P/O D.E.D.Harvey, W/O J.R.Chapman, F/O S.G.Sherman. Up 2201. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 3 x TI RSF, 2 x TI green No 4, 1 x 4000lb HC, 3 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Aircraft missing. ND746H F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, F/O G.H.Wright, F/Sgt A.Dunae, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, Sgt J.Phillips, F/O J.W.Paige. Up 2205 Down 0105. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Vis good. Target located on H2S (III). Ran in on box and dropped flares on time. Circled port. VHF u/s. Saw one RSF go down 2328. Main Force seen to bomb; bursts seen round RSF which went out. Received standby over W/T 2342. Continued circling. Target remarked 2354. Saw green-green 2354.5 hours approx. Bombed RSF. Bombing at first seemed rather scattered. After re-marking we bombed early at start of second phase – phase seemed considerably better. One big gash of flame up to 5,000’ approx 2359 hours. ND764E F/L W.H.Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/O H.T.Ward, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington. Up 2202 Down 0142. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear over Lille, smoke haze. Target identified on H2S. First marker, soon after original illumination, was seen obscured, and bombing was stopped while further flares were dropped to aid re-marking. After we had dropped out reco flares, we orbited until instructions were clearly understood to bomb. There was considerable interference on VHF making communications exceedingly difficult. Bombing round second markers appeared very good. No apparent scatter. At position 51.09N 02.45E at 0023 hours 9,000’ on homeward run, predicted heavy flak damaged mid upper turret, blew off left hand gun, damaged hydraulics, rear of fuselage, tail unit, DR compass, navigation light, intercom; all u/s as a result. Mid upper gunner found to be hit and was removed from turret. Reasonable landing made without intercom. Flying Officer Ward’s injuries fatal. JB683C F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmonds, Sgts N.M.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2200 Down 0115. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located on RSF and visually on RSF. H2S u/s just after crossing enemy coast, impossible to drop flares on box as briefed so we circled target for bombing only, but cease bombing order was received and re-marking called for. We waited for some flares to go down and on hearing Controller’s order for more flares to west of these, we dropped ours visually. Bombing was then very concentrated. Computer u/s; bombing done with emergency computer and sight gear. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2203 Down 0112. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear, ground haze. Identified target on H2S. Re-marking became necessary and more flares were asked for. Fresh lot of reserve flares went east of target, so we were asked to drop our internally stowed flares to west of these. Main Force came in after second marking and did some very good bombing resulting in several good explosions around 2355 hours; there was no scatter of bombs noted. ND452S F/O R.W.Reynolds, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, Sgts S.R.E.Baynes, N.H.Chollerton, F.Broughton, F/Sgt G.O.Edmunds, F/O J.D.Fletcher. Up 2204 Down 0104. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather over Lille – cloud, vis moderate. Target located by RSFs. Flares down on time. RSF obscured at time of bombing. Only one message heard from Controller – “Bombing Wind”. VHF u/s 2320 hours. Left target area early, cannot express opinion about main attack. ND813Q P/O S.A.Edwards, Sgt D.H.Ryder, F/Sgt R.Heap, F/Sgt H.Grant, Sgts H.M.Kent, G.J.Hill, F/Sgt J.Diggle. Up 2159. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Aircraft missing. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2158 Down 0129. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear at first; slight drifting cloud later at 3-4,000’. Visibility moderate. First RSF was blown out, further one down about 10 minutes later which was bombed. On leaving, a large triangle of small fires was seen. A first wind for RSF was heard 337/26 at 2335 hours approx. No other received. 11.5.44 Practice bombing today. Operational stand-down. 12.5.44 A large amount of training today. An operational stand-down tonight but some night bombing was carried out at Wainfleet Range. 13.5.44 A big training programme was put into effect this morning. An operational stand-down tonight. 14.5.44 More training this morning. Operations were “laid on” for tonight, but owing to inclement weather they were cancelled later in the evening. 15.5.44 Day training only. Inclement weather tonight. 16.5.44 No flying today. Weather extremely bad. 17.5.44 A moderate training programme was carried out today. No night flying detailed tonight. 18.5.44 A training programme consisting of bombing, fighter affiliation and cross countries, this morning. An operational stand-down tonight, but some night practice bombing carried out. 19.5.44 A small training programme this morning. The target for the night’s operation was the marshalling yard at Amiens. When our aircraft arrived at Amiens, they found the target covered by 10/10ths cloud. Flares were dropped by means of special equipment and a yellow TI was dropped on the aiming point by an Oboe Mosquito, but bombing was made impossible by cloud conditions, and our aircraft brought their bomb load back to base. All of our aircraft returned safely to base. 19/20 May 1944 – Amiens ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2310 Down 0241. 6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 4, 3 x TI red No 5, 3 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. (Controller). As VHF became u/s handed over to deputy. 10/10ths cloud over target area, base 5,000’, tops 9/11’000’. Target not identified. Flares dropped were well concentrated. Yellow TI 0110 hours, two RSFs seen but unable to assess. Cloud interfered with view. Handover to Deputy Controller at 0119 hours – unable to speak to marker aircraft regarding conditions but on observations, consider Deputy Bomber’s cancellation of raid well justified. Photo flash jettisoned over sea. ND961N S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacey, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2321 Down 0224. 6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 4, 3 x TI Red Spot No 8, 3 x TI green No 4, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located on H2S. 8-9/10ths cloud over area. Glow could be seen which was apparently Oboe marker. Flare dropping seemed ok. Mosquitoes tried to re-mark but were unsuccessful. Deputy Controller decided at 0123 hours on VHF to cancel attack. Confirmed on W/T 0123.5 hours and again at 0128 hours. Some bombs appeared to have been dropped. ND746E F/L C.S.Chatten, Lt F.V.Jespersen (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 2311 Down 0249. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud at 7/10,000’ over target area. Saw town illuminated by initial flares, backed up main stream of flares as ordered. Stood off until “zero” waiting to bomb. No cancellation heard or received till 0123, a few seconds after bombs were released; own VHF jammed on stud “B” and too weak to use on stud “C”. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/O J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt L.Hornsby, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2311 Down 0246. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud all way from French coast to target, also over Amiens. TI yellow seen to cascade at 0110 hours and own flares were dropped on this. Markers then dropped RSF but these were not visible above cloud. Re-illumination asked for and second batch of flares were dropped blindly. Operation cancelled immediately afterwards. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt W.H.Rosser, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2320 Down 0051. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Mission abandoned at position 51.55N 0020E at 2359. Port inner engine u/s (cut out and no pressure). JB708J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington. Up 2317 Down 0317. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather over Amiens 8/10ths cloud, base 5,000’. Markers not on aiming point (appeared to be RSF). Called in to drop second lot of flares at 0130 hours; confirmed by W/T signal at 0139 hours. Some bombs seemed to fall near the marker. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2318 Down 0348. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 9/10ths cloud tops 10/11,000’. Both runs on H2S – verified visually through break in cloud. Went straight in and bombed on time. Glimpse caught of yellow TI. Second run flares seen through slight break and one RSF. After dropping second flares, raid was called off. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2319 Down 0344. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud at 6-10,000’. Target located by yellow TI. Flares were released on time. Orbitted, and two lots of RSF were seen; one was assessed as wrong. Were going in to release more flares when attack was called off. W/T u/s after leaving target. ND346T F/L R.W.Reynolds, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, Sgts S.R.E.Baynes, N.H.Chollerton, F.E.Broughton, F/Sgt G.O.Edmunds, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2316 Down 0255. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located target by flares and RSF through 8-9/10ths cloud. First run, one or two RSF near target. Flares scattered. Yellow markers not seen. Glow seen through cloud only. Identified target on second run. No spot fires at all. Raid called off 0125 hours. Gee faded out at enemy coast until re-crossing on return journey. NE121F F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmonds, Sgts N.M.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2314 Down 0253. 11 x 7” clusters, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Flares and RSF could be seen through cloud but unable to see if accurate. Orederd second drop flares at 0121 hours but after one drop Deputy Controller heard on VHF at 0123 hours to say attack was to stop. Confirmation by W/T at 0125 hours. ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert (A/B), F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/Sgt G.Benfell. Up 2326 Down 0251. 11 x 7” cluster, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather over Amiens 9-10/10ths cloud, tops 10/11,000’ – vis below poor. Target located on H2S run. TI yellow seen at approx o113 hours. Flares dropped but obscured. One further flare dropped on instructions. No RSFs seen and attack was eventually called off. ND452S F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2322 Down 0257. 11 x 7” cluster, 3 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target identified on H2S; 10/10ths cloud. Ordered to release flare when running up; released one stick. Went dwon to 6,000’ to await instructions. More flares required so climbed to 10,000’ but before releasing received order to return to base. 20.5.44 No flying today. Weather u/s. An operational stand-down tonight. 21.5.44 A large training programme was carried out this morning. Operations tonight were detailed against Brunswick. Although assured by Met. of clear skies, when our crews arrived at the target, seven to nine tenths cloud were found. Illuminating flares were dropped by this Squadron but were not very effective. An emergency Wanganui had been planned, but the Controller – W/C Jeudwin – was unable to contact the markers, and passed the control to his deputy. The deputy was also unable to contact the markers, and passed control over to the Second Deputy – W/C Northrop of 83 Squadron. The Second Deputy also had difficulty in contacting the markers but eventually managed to call for the Wanganui flares and a blind bombing attack ensued. It is not thought that this attack was very successful. F/Lt Chatten of this Squadron who was flying “H” on this attack, was engaged by a Ju88 just North of Hanover. He sustained many hits by cannon fire, the Perspex nose was shot completely away and the bombing compartment wrecked. Despite the intense cold and damage to the aircraft he decided to “press on” and maintained course to the target. On arrival at Brunswick, he was hit several times by flak. By now every one of his instruments was destroyed or unserviceable. However, he dropped his bombs on the Wanganui flares and set course by the stars for base. On the return journey he was again attacked by fighters. He followed the fighter around and the mid gunner returned fire by shooting over his own plane’s wing. Several hits were observed on the fighter in this action. On arrival at this country he was unable to identify himself as a friendly aircraft and our coastal batteries promptly opened up hitting him with first two shots. Eventually he reached base where ha made a good landing. F/Lt Chatten received an immediate award of the DSO. The navigator F/L Campbell displayed a high standard of Pathfinder navigation, in guiding the aircraft part of the way to the target and all the way home without the use of instruments of any kind and also without a map or chart. Lancaster “Y” captained by F/L Reynolds returned early to base. The bomb aimer went unconscious near Hanover. An extremely unfortunate incident occurred when F/O Jardine flying Lancaster “B” collided with another aircraft over a nearby airfield. The tail was torn off and the plane crashed to earth killing the whole crew. 22/23 May 1944 - Brunswick ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2247 Down 0426. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, one x TI No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. Vis good above, 7/10ths cloud. Target identified visually by built up area seen through cloud gap. Also by wanganui. On arrival at 0114.30 hours, 7” flares were already down which were said to be east. Aircraft made orbit as H2S was already u/s, returned to target but nothing to bomb. Later wanganuis seemed well east of target and no RSF or TIs seen. Little seen of results. Bombing at H-hour punctual but ineffective. ND746H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt C.Baumber, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 2251 Down 0526. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, one x TI No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. 10/10ths cloud, tops 6-7,000’. Vis good. Target seen by flares; aircraft badly damaged in combat and could not bomb on H2S (damaged) or markers (not seen). Log u/s. Bombed at approx 0110 hours, 15,000’. 125 mag ASI u/s. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2253 Down 0422. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, 1 x TI green No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. 8/10ths cloud and haze. Tops approx 7,000’. Target identified by H2S. Heard markers trying to contact Controllers. Flares estimated east of target. Waited to release skymarkers, had orders to release so bombed. Order for Wanganui received at 0124 hours, returned and released own skymarker; approx 3 seen; Controller not heard; Deputy took over at H+2. ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert (A/B), F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), Sgts E.H.Peace, G.Davis, T.Twomey. Up 2259 Down 0359. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, 1 x TI green No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. 7/10ths cloud, vis good. Located target on H2S in time. VHF very bad, intermittent. In absence of clear instructions, bombing run carried out approx four minutes after “Zero”. Other bombs already down; scattered incendiaries seen. Received call for Wanganui over VHF approx 0121.5 hours and dropped as ordered. Bombing concentration improved. Some Wanganuis seen over town through break in cloud. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2251 Down 0406. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, 1 x TI green No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. 10/10ths cloud, vis good. Identified target on H2S. Flares down on arrival but no markers seen except for a TI green, cancelled by two TI yellows seen through cloud gap at approx 0122 hours. Much bombing at “K” and after, but first skymarkers not asked for until about three minutes after we bombed. No results observed. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O R.A.Jones, F/Sgt R.Clark. Up 2226 Down 0415. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb MC. 5-6/10ths cloud. Vis moderate. Target located by markers. Running up to target obtained good picture on H2S but on actual run, picture confused. Flares retained. Reserve flares called for at 0118 hours; released as ordered in one stick. Wanganui called for at 0122 hours approx (on W/T). Orbited again and bombed green TI. Only very scattered fires seen. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2232 Down 0404. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. 10/10ths cloud over Brunswick, tops 8,000’. Target located on H2S. Dropped first flares on original run in and on turning to port, saw other flares at least 5 miles away to east. Our flares backed up by others but incorrect ones were also backed up. Dropped more flares as instructed at 0121 hours. Wanganui called for but in meantime Main Force had started bombing on original flares; we bombed on Wanganui. ND495M F/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2240 Down 0353. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. 9/10ths cloud. Vis good. Identified on H2S. Dropped 8 flares on H2S at 0108 hours. Various sticks already dropped by first force. Awaited orders while 3rd wave dropped theirs. No RSF and no green TIs seen. Marker III said all flares were off target to east. Controller asked Marker Leader if he could mark just after 0115 hours but bombing had already started. Aircraft left target 0118 hours; cloud obscured results. No further instructions received; no Wanganuis seen. JA846A P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thompson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, B.E.Broughton. Up 2238 Down 0410. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. 7-8/10ths cloud tops approx 7,000’. Identified on H2S. First lot of flares very scattered and estimated east of town. Mosquitoes identified position and called for 83 Sqn to drop more (W/T time 0116 hours). Main Force started bombing and Mosquitoes were unable to mark. Sky-marking called for at 0121 hours by W.T. Only one seen at time of own bombing but just after one more went down. ND415B F/O W.B.Jardine, Sgt J.P.Olive, F/O G.H.Wright, F/Sgt A.Dunae, W/O R.C.Baker, Sgt J.Phillips, F/O J.W.Paige. Up 2237. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. Aircraft crashed at revesby (close to base) on return after collision with Lancaster of another squadron which was about to land. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, F/Sgt J.P.Hadlington. Up 2239 Down 0417. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. Thin cloud over target (Brunswick); fairly clear all round, located by flares. Flare appeared to overshoot at first. As our H2S was u/s we did not release flares until second lot was called for. Were on run when W/T call for more flares was received at 0115 hours. Sky marking was called for at 0122 hours. One flare red/green was seen some time afterwards. ND346T F/L R.W.Reynolds, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, Sgts S.R.Baynes, N.H.Chollerton, F.Broughton, F/Sgt G.O.Edmunds, F/O J.D.Fletcher. Up 2251 Down 0257. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. Gee u/s after 3 degrees east at 2347 hours. Icing experienced in very thivk cumulus 5217N 0121E, 2316 hours, 6,000’. Endeavoured unsuccessfully to avoid; late at enemy coast, crossed at 12,000’, got off track, ran in to large belt of searchlights, lost 30-40 minutes trying to break through and decided too late to reach target in time to bomb anywhere near H-hour, so decided to return to base. Soon afterwards, Bomb Aimer found unconscious. Navigator took over H2S and soon discovered correct position. Gee came in again at 0209, thence plotted on Gee. Bomb Aimer still in complete daze when aircraft landed at base. JB683C F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmonds, Sgts N.M.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watta. Up 2245 Down 0401. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. 7/10ths cloud, vis good. Target located on H2S. First flares fell at 0106 hours approx. No RSF or TIs down on arrival but seen subsequently. Flares said to be well in centre of town. After dropping flares, awaited orders for bombing and for further flares but not received. On leaving at 0121 hours, saw red/green star over target area at approx 0123 hours. General glow below cloud, no other results. NE452S F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, W/O F.R.Watson. Up 2250 Down 0357. 12 x 7” flares, 1 x 2000lb HC. 9-10/10ths stratus. Target identified on H2S. Flares were about 2 miles east of target. After three orbits, saw no markers so bombed on H2S. Marker seen but Wanganui had not gone down. Previously a large number of aircraft had bombed. ME121E F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgts W.Manderson, J.M.Farrell, E.F.Errington, J.Walsh. Up 2254 Down 0420. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x “J” type clusters. Target Brunswick located on H2S. 3/10ths cloud, patchy, tops 5,000’, vis good. Flares went down on time and appeared to be ¾ miles north east of town but no markers could be seen on account of cloud. First Wanganui seen at 0151 hours but Main Force were bombing on illumination flares above and there could have been few bombs left by the time markers appeared. 23.5.44 Some bombing this morning. An operational stand-down. No flying tonight. 24.5.44 No flying in the day. The night operation was against the Phillips works at Eindhoven. The crews were briefed with strict instructions not to drop bombs anywhere except on the target. Unfortunately, on arrival at the target the crews found 10/10ths cloud. The controller gave the order to “Abandon Exercise” and the whole force set course for base. All bombs were jettisoned in the North Sea. 24/25 May 1944 – Eindhoven (Phillips Works) ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, F/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos, Up 2254 Down 0227. 6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. (Controller). 10/10ths cloud, base 4-5,000’, tops 9,000’. Arrived target 0033 hours. Proceeded up wind to see whether any breaks in cloud were developing; none seen. Main Force and Flare Force advised by R/T and W/T to abandon at H-10 and H-9 respectively. Impossible to carry out attack as ordered in weather conditions found. ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2247 Down 0242. 6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud. Target not identified. Called up Controller and we agreed that it was useless to carry on with raid which was then called off. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woolford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2256 Down 0233. 6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. On arrival at target there were no flares down, and after discussion between Controller and Markers, immediate decision was made to abandon attack, and at 0038 hours everyone was ordered to return to base. JA846A P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.E.Broughton. Up 2250 Down 0215. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. On running up to target, instructions received on W/T at 0037 hours and VHF at 0038 hours for raid to be called off. JB683C F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmonds, Sgts N.M.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2256 Down 0226. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Four miles from target at 0039 hours, heard Controller call off the raid. VHF very noisy on stud “A”. Changed to stud “C” as directed, moderate background. NE121E F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgts J.M.Farrell, W.Manderson, J.Walsh, W.Russell. Up 2301 Down 0221. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Some flares seen to go down but message “Return to Base” received by W/T at 0038 hours and by VHF at 0039.5 hours. VHF u/s on stud “A” but ok on stud “C”. NE124J F/LW.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, F/Sgt J.D.Hallington. Up 2255 Down 0225. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Cloud too great for pinpoint bombing, mission abandoned as ordered. ND961N F/O P.J.Drane, Sgts R.J.Bowen, S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, W/O R.A.Bean, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Toomey. Up 2248 Down 0251. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target not identified. On E/T “H”, heard Controller called raid off. Returned to base as instructed 0038 hours on VHF stud “A”. Changed as directed to “C”; message clear but a definite background. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2300 down 0219. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud at 8,000’. Target located on H2S. Turned off VHF (noisy) to make flare run. Went straight in to target and dropped our flares. No wind sent by Controller. Just after flares gone, Controller called off raid. NE625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, W.Williams, W/O A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/O J.D.Fletcher. Up 2256 Down 0218. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Received orders to abandon exercise 0038 hours on VHF. Confirmed by W/T at 0039 hours. ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2244 Down 0229. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud. Target located on H2S. No wind given by Controller who at 0038 hours told us to standby for few minutes and at 0040 hours instructed us to return to base. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O A.H.Jones, F/Sgt R.M.Clark. Up 2253 Down 0238. 12 x 7” clusters, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. No flares were down before run but what appeared to be about six of a second stick dropped immediately after. W/T message received at 0039.5 hours to whole force to return to base. H2S went u/s on return after leaving enemy coast. ND415R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. No times shown. 12 x 7” clusters, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. On arrival at target raid called off 0038 hours. Howl on VHF which stopped as Controller transmitted with studs “A” and “C” noisy but message clear. ND452S F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2251 Down 0233. 12 x 7” clusters, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, 5-8,000’. While carrying out bombing run on H2S, received orders by VHF and W/T at 0039.5 hours to abandon attack. ND495M F/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2258 Down 0207. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC. Target located on H2S but not visually. About 3 sticks of flares went down at approx 0036 and 0037 hours. Controller ordered no-one to drop more flares and at 0039 hours he ordered Flare Force to return to base. 25.5.44 No training today. An operational programme was laid down for tonight but cancelled later. 26.5.44 Some practice bombing and other training this morning. The body of Sgt Phillips recovered from the wreckage of F/O Jardine’s aircraft. Another unidentified body also recovered. An operational stand-down tonight. 27.5.44 Some training this morning. The coffins of F/O Paige and F/Sgt Dunae were conveyed to Dogdyke station for funeral at Brookwood Cemetery. The target for the night’s operation was a gun position at St Valery-en-Caux. Our aircraft illuminated the target with reco flares but the Mosquitos were unable to identify the target at first. The Controller gave orders for more flares to be dropped and in a short while the target was marked with a RSF. At about this time the marker aircraft was heard to report that he was hit. He afterwards ditched in the Channel. The Main Force then went in and bombed. The raid was very successful. 27/28 May 1944 – St Valery-en-Caux ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, S/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2348 Down 0326. (Controller). 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x TI red spot, 6 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear. Target identified visually and by RSF. Mosquito had difficulty in identifying target owing to the non-descript character of fields. Eventually, they caught a glimpse of it and flares were dropped on Wanganui. RSF assessed by markers as 50 yards west of correct position, but re-assessed by Controller as 100 yards west. Wind vector incorporated this. Broadcast to force. Bombing then commenced. Winds found 30/16 knots, winds received 178/10, 173/12. True wind 175/10 and wind sent out 053/12 mph. 10 knots on a vector of 110/150 yards. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, W/C Coulson (2nd Pilot), Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L Watson (Nav), P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2340 Down 0304. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. (Deputy 2). No cloud, vis very good. Target located on H2S. Initial run made for wind finding at 0120 hours. Wind found 175/10 knots. Passed to Controller 0122. Dropped first flares at 0132. Ordered by Controller to drop reserve flare which we did visually at 0136. At 0141 Controller asked for more, dropped visually on Wanganui. During this run a red/green verey light resembling a Wanganui was fired from ground in area of St Valery. Promptly illuminated by about 4 sticks of flares. During this period Marker 1 called up and said he was hit and returning to base. Marker 2 successfully marked after final flare run. Controller gave order to bomb and wind 053/10 at 0150 hours. After bombing run a fair concentration in target area, but much wild bombing by Main Force to north-west and north of town, possibly due to RSF being obscured by stick of flares dropped during bombing. ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2353 Down 0307. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. Weather clear, vis good. Target located on H2S and Gee. First stick of flares went down at 0127.30 hours. Controller said first wave were to starboard of target and drifting over sea. Second wave rectified this. RSF considerably delayed. Aircraft was called a third time when RSF fell at 0148, which aircraft bombed at 0154 hours. Main Force mostly delayed by late RSF, only one of which was seen. ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, W/O A.L.Lambert, P/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2357 Down 0301. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. Slight ground haze. Target identified by Gee. First flares dropped about ¾ mile west of town. No spots down on these (0127 – 0130). Two minutes later more flares called for, which fell over town; RSF then put down. At 0145 hours, VHF order and two red verey cancelled. At 0153 ordered to bomb on or near RSF. Appeared very good attack. ND495M P/O E.L.Perkins, Sgt F.Coxhead, F/O W.Hunt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/Sgt J.P.Coman, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2358 Down 0258. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. Gee identification. Markers called for more illumination, then one Wanganui went down but in wrong place; second one was “ON”; then marking was done. We got vector 053/10. Nice run in, but bombs seemed to undershoot RSF by about 200 yards. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2354 Down 0311. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target (St Valery-en-Caux) located on Gee and H2S in good visibility. Mosquitoes had difficulty locating actual target. Called for reserve flares then they assessed the RSFs and passed the vectored wind; then ordered to come in and bomb. Cease bombing order received and Controller called for more RSF; as none available, he said he was going in to bomb, so the rest of the Force did the same. ND862L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2359 Down 0315. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Identified by Gee confirmed by H2S. On arrival we seemed to be east of the concentration. Mosquitoes called for more flares; we dropped remainder then Mosquitoes put down an RSF. Permission given to bomb at 0149 hours. RSF not clearly seen owing to smoke. ND858K Lt F.V.Jespersen, Sgts G.J.J.Ashpole, C.A.Munster, K.D.Magnus, K.Pedersen, P/O W.R.McCutcheon, Sgt H.J.E.Erensen. Up 0001 Down 0314. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target identification visual, RSFs and bend in river. Flares were to starboard, 2 o’clock. More flares asked for by Controller and Wanganui dropped to indicate position for them. Message at 0135 hours over W/T not to bomb. RSF then dropped and assessed as 75 yards; instructions to bomb given over W/T at 0154 hours. Dropped to 8,000’ and bombed RSF. Bombing seemed to be satisfactorily concentrated. ND501Q F/O P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O R.A.V.James, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errignton, T.Toomey. Up 2345 Down 0305. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Location by Gee. As aircraft ran up, first stick of flares were well to east over sea. Dropped nine flares at 0131 and Mosquitoes required further illumination at 0145. Only one RSF appeared at 0150 approx; assessed as 75 yards but bearing not heard. Few Main Force bombed early but in general bombing was delayed until 0155 hours. Results not seen. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington. Up 2356 Down 0310. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather over St Valery-en-Caux clear, good visibility. Target located by Gee and H2S. Not marked by Mosquito after first bunch of flares were dropped. Controller asked for further flares and Mosquito indicated area by Wanganui flare. RSF dropped and assessed as 150 yards. Many bombs seen to burst in area. Result appeared very concentrated. 27/28 May 1944 - Morsalines ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2306 Down 0228. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear at opening of attack at 0045. Target found by H2S and distance run. Winds passed to Controller at 0044 hours as 103/9 knots at 6,000’. Flares dropped as near 10,000’ as time permitted. After target was re-marked we were told to bomb and made two unsatisfactory runs, and on third run the RSF was not visible. Ordered by VHF to cease bombing. Later green TIs were dropped, which we bombed. ND981H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 2301 Down 0218. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Very thick cloud, nearly 10/10ths, 6-8,000’. Target seen by H2S and Proximity Marker, yellow TI. Dropped flares in first wave 0048. First saw RSF at zero hour, assessed 12 o’clock, 300 yards. Controller asked for 2nd. Ordered to bomb green TI and did so at 0108 hours. Illumination good, results not observed. JA846A P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.E.Broughton. Up 2303 Down 0231. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear. Later 7/10ths cloud, 4-5,000’. Target located by Gee, “Y”, flares and yellow TI. Bombing well concentrated. Two TI RSF down on arrival after we had dropped flares. Message received to bomb southern one, countermanded by “Cease Bombing” signal at 0103 hours by W/T. At 0105 hours message was received to bomb green TI. Another at 0107 to undershoot green TI by one second. Flares spread over large area. ND452S F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2302 Down 0220. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Some cloud over Moesalines but did not affect target. Located by H2S. Flares dropped on bearing and distance on H2S with a visual check on bomb sight as briefed. At 0056 bombing received bombing received – 0151/20 mph from Controller. If marking was “on”, raid should have been very successful. JB683C F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmonds, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2304 Down 0226. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located by H2S checked by Gee. Very good H2S run and flares released on time. Two RSFs reported on VHF 0053.5 hours. Marker asked to cancel RSF by yellow TI and re-mark. At 0057.5 hours ordered to carry on bombing; bombing stopped at 0102 approx. Markers sent in to re-mark with green TIs. Bomb bursts seen to be very concentrated on markers. NE121E P/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgts J.Farrell, W.Manderson, J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. Up 2350 Down 0234. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Very thick cloud. 12,000’. Identification by H2S. Yellow TI proximity marker fell at 0046.3 hours. First stick of flares at 0047 hours and then continued. Own flares on first wave at 0052.4 hours. RSF seen at 0055 hours. Green TI accentuated one RSF at 0100.08. Instructed to bomb with one second undershoot. Illumination very good. ND346T P/O B.W.Giddings, Sgts A.Pritchard, W.B.Webb, C.Clement, W/O R.A.Bethel, F/O J.A.D.McGill, Sgts W.J.Scales. Up 2305 Down 0229. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target identified by Gee, “Y” and visually. Bombing started before TI went down. Flares very good and there should have been no trouble in locating aiming point. Message received at 0102 hours, “Bomb southerly Red spot fire”. On way home message received to bomb green TI. All bombing seemed to within 100 yards. 28.5.44 Some day training. An operational stand-down but a big practice bombing programme was carried out tonight. 29.5.44 No operations tonight, a small training programme this morning. The body of Sgt Phillips in F/O Jardine’s crew was sent home to Harrow this morning. 30.5.44 F/O Paige and F/Sgt Dunae were buried at Brookwood Cemetery, Farnborough this morning. Operations were laid on this morning, were cancelled this afternoon. A large day training programme was carried out. 31.5.44 Practice bombing and other flying training was carried out this morning. The night’s target was a battery of German camps at Maisy. An oboe marker was seen to cascade but generally the cloud was so thick as to make accurate bombing impossible. The controller cancelled the attack immediately. No flares were dropped and enough bombs were jettisoned to make an all up weight safe for landing. All of our planes returned safely to base. 31 May/1 June 1944 - Maisy ND589D W/C J.Simpson, P/O J.K.Bell, S/L W.G.Wishart, F/L R.M.Nelson, P/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt A.J.Croll, F/Sgt D.G.Partos. Up 2304 Down 0242. 1 x TI green No 16, 12 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares, 2 x 4.5” green/red. (Controller). Cloud 10/10ths tops 2,000’, base 9,000’. Small breaks in target area. Cloud thickness 100 feet. Yellow TI dropped 0044.5 hours (11/2 minutes early). Cloud made attack impossible. Flare Force instructed to cease dropping at 0051 hours. Total Force instructed to return to base by planned route t 0052 hours. Winds received 182/8 and 205/10; wind found by Controller as 225/20. No broadcast of winds given. Landed Chipping Warden. ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.rieger, P/O H.W.E.Jeffery (Vis A/B), F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 2254 Down 0231. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares, 2 x 4.5” green/red. (Deputy Controller). Weather thundery all along route to Reading. Then improved slightly. Haze over sea. 10/10ths cloud over Maisy, base 9,000’, tops 2,200’. One small break in target area with ? cloud 100 feet. Location by H2S and Gee. Contacted Controller 20 minutes before “H” as ordered and then approx at “H”. Agreed on VHF it was useless to attempt raid under weather conditions prevailing and the attack was abandoned. Landed Chipping Warden. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L Watson, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stsnton. Up 2302 Down 0232. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares, 2 x 4.5” green/red. We ran in and dropped flares on H2S but only last flare ignited. Informed Controller who instructed Force to cease bombing due to cloud. Some flares were dropped after this but probably this was a mistake. Landed Chipping Warden. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2259 Down 0234. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Yellow TI Oboe at 0053.5 hours. Visible above cloud and went down 0048 hours. Later Controller said in his opinion, visibility due to cloud was unsuitable. Confirmed by Deputy 1 & 2. Jettisoned 1 x 1000lb MC in preference to fuel in view of weather conditions at base at take-off. Landed at Chipping Warden. ND807P S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2310 Down 0248. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target Maisy (France). Mission abandoned on Controller’s orders 0051 hours. ND451R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2306 Down 0229. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Thin stratus believed 9,000’. Target Oboe marked. Confirmed by H2S and Gee. Arrived 0046.5 and waited instructions. Flare seen. Ordered by Controller not to drop flares at 0053 hours. Controller abandoned raid. Landed at Chipping Warden. ND764B F/O P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, S/L Stevens, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errinton, J.Twomey. Up 2301 Down 0244. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 8/10ths strata cu on 2,000’. Arrived target and dropped first flares 0050 hours. Orbited until receiving signal at 0056 hours to return to base by planned route. Landed at Chipping Warden. ND981H S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen. Up 2303 Down 0223. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target located yellow TI and H2S. Yellow (Oboe) at 0045 hours followed by two others at 0041 hours in target area. Slightly visible above cloud. Instructed at 0050 hours approx on VHF, confirmed by W/T to return to base by ordered route. Landed Chipping Warden. JB683C Lt F.V.Jesperson, Sgts G.J.J.Ashpole, C.A.Munster, K.B.Magnus, K.Pedersen, P/O W.R.McCutcheon, Sgt J.E.Evensen. Up 2300 Down 0307. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Mission abandoned as ordered by Controller 0051 hours, 10,000’. Landed at Oakley. ND452S F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2305 Down 0237. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 5/10ths thin stratus at approx 1,000’. Target located by Oboe markers, confirmed by H2S. Arrived 0051 but had already received instructions not to release flares. After dummy run received instructions from Controller at 0052 hours to return to base. Landed at Chipping Warden. 1.6.44 The month starts ominously with the funeral of an unidentified body recovered from the crash of F/O Jardine’s aircraft. It may have been the body of F/O Jardine, F/O Wright, F/Sgt Olive or W/O Baker. The funeral was held at Coningsby at 3.30pm. Some practice bombing was carried out today, but night flying was cancelled owing to adverse weather. 2.6.44 Blind bombing was carried out today at Lincoln and Boston. A new crew captained by F/Sgt Woolnough RAAF flew a practice cross country using radar exclusively for navigational purposes. 3.6.44 More blind bombing practice today. Some ordinary practice bombing details were carried out at Wainfleet this morning. Although the whole Squadron stood by to operate tonight, only one crew was eventually detailed. It was a crew captained by F/L Van Raalte RAAF and specially trained in the use of the Semi Automatic Bomb Sight Mark IIA. This bomb sight is the latest production model – gyroscopically stabilised in all planes, and is probably the most accurate bomb sight in use in Britain to date. The night’s target was a small but important wireless station at Ferme D’Urville just south east of Cherbourg Peninsula. The target was primarily marked by an Oboe red TI. The Controller in a Lancaster assessed this TI as being on the target. It was immediately backed up by green TIs dropped by F/L Van Raalte and another specially trained crew from 83 Squadron. Main Force bombing was excellent and the target was obliterated. There was no fighter opposition, flak was light and visibility perfect. A most successful attack. 3/4 June 1944 – Ferme D’Urville ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgt M.Durn, F/Sgt D.G.Williams, W/O A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2307 Down 0241. 9 x TI Green No 23, 1 x TI Green No 16, 2 x TI Yellow No 16, 1 x 4000lb HC, 2 x 500lb MC. Weather clear, visibility good. Target identified by red and green TI. On arrival aircraft was too close to make accurate run on first red TI (down at 0058.18 hours). So made second run and backed up green TI with bombs because Controller said marking was okay, so third run was unnecessary. Only one backing up wave was requested or needed. Second Oboe TI red fell at 0059 hours. First red was on target and second to north of it. Green TIs covered whole target area between red TIs and Main Force bombing almost obliterated first marker, so aircraft actually bombed second red TI. Target disappeared under smoke and bomb flashes. One or two bombs fell in sea but concentration appeared good and accurate. No wind correction was necessary; Controller appeared satisfied from the start though no assessment was heard. No second backing up wave requested. 4.6.44 The Squadron carried out practice bombing, blind bombing and other flying training today. Owing to bad weather no flying took place tonight. 5.6.44 Further training took place today. F/O Perkins and crew paid a visit to the USAAF at Alconbury and were impressed by the high quality of the navigational radar aids. Today must be recorded as one of the most eventful days in the Squadron’s history. The target had been given us at about 1pm. It was a battery of coastal heavy guns on the French coast at a point called St Pierre du Mont, which is situated just on the south eastern base of the Chernourg Peninsula, also La Peanelle. It seemed quite a normal target until various other things came trickling in – things such as convoys to be avoided – keeping strictly on track, news of impending naval actions to the East, and many other things, until one became aware of the obvious that the invasion of Europe was about to commence. The Squadron Commander was heard to say “Thank God I’m still on ops and not at an O.T.U.” Everyone was delighted and excitement was at fever pitch; 18 of our aircraft were detailed. The attack started at 4.50am – about 30 minutes before dawn – with a red TI which was accurately dropped by an Oboe Mosquito on the target. It was instantly backed up by green TI dropped visually by Mosquito aircraft of 627 Squadron. These TI were not so accurate as those dropped on Oboe. However by the time Main Force came in to bomb, the target was well marked. The Main Force bombing was extremely accurate and the whole point was flattened. Crossing the Channel on the return journey thousands of landing craft were seen proceeding towards the French coast. Two of our crews failed to return. One was captained by the Squadron Commander, W/Cdr E.J.Carter DFC who was flying in “Z” and the other was a Norwegian crew captained by Lt. Jespersen. W/Cdr Carter had with him S/Ldr M.Bryan-Smith DFC, Gunnery Leader and F/L A.Chambers DFC, the Signals Leader. It is believed that they encountered some JU88s. 5/6 June 1944 – La Peanelle (in conjunction with 83 Sqn) ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgt M.Durn, F/Sgt D.G.Williams, W/O A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/L J.D.Fletcher. 10 x TI green No 16, 4 x 1000lb MC. 7/10ths cloud at two layers at 10,000’ and 5,000’. Visibility fair. Located target by red TI. Oboe marker could not be seen, aircraft orbited and as it was 13 minutes late on run, dropped bombs on green TI, backing up green TI adjacent to two red TIs which had previously given out. Stood off awaiting instructions from Controller who had stopped bombing just after aircraft had released. Bombing appeared inaccurate, some sticks a few miles south, some out to sea, possibly due to cloud layer. Illuminating flares poor. 5/6 June 1944 – St Pierre du Mont ND739Z W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.Rieger, F/O H.W.E.Jeffery (Vis A/B), f/l a.chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith. Up 0256. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. (Deputy Controller). Aircraft missing. Last heard on W/T at 0504 hours, acknowledging message from Controller. ND589D S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen (Aus 415648). Up 0252 Down 0656. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP (Deputy Controller). Weather over St Pierre du Mont 10/10ths cloud base 8,500’ – 9,000’. Broken low cloud below. Target identified visually and by Oboe markers’ red TIs. Layer of cloud made it impossible to bomb from any greater height than 9,000’. Controller gave orders to decrease height by 2000’. Oboe markers not down on time; first one in sea just off shore. PFF very good and green TIs were rather scattered at firsr. Bombing Oboe seemed to be fairly good. Sticks seen bursting on target. Visibility was impeded by ice on the bomb aimer’s Perspex and pilot’s windscreen. VHF rather noisy on channel B and changed to channel C on Controller’s order. Still a lot of interference probably due to people transmitting at the same time. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L Watson (83 Sqn), P/O T.W.L.Leak, F/O W.E.Clayfield, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 0254 Down 0645. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Target located by red and green TI. Glow of first red TI seen 0446.5 hours when descending through cloud. As we broke cloud this was backed up very rapidly with three green TIs. These were followed by more reds. All markers very good. After bombing had started, Marker 1 called up to say that the reds were more accurate than the greens and ordered the reds to be bombed. At the same time, he ordered all aircraft to bomb 2000’ lower at 0447 hours. Bombing very concentrated. ND807P S/L H.B.Locke, F/Sgt C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 0310 Down 0641. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Weather clear over target with medium haze. Visibility moderate. Located target by red and green TI; obliged to break cloud and ran over target at 6,750’. Wind vector given at 308/30 at 0451 hours and aircraft bombed red TI surrounded by green TI. Marking appeared concentrated and bombing accurate. Cease bombing at 0503 hours. Own bursts observed well among TI concentration. ND740F F/L L.J.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, S/L P.A.Stevens (Aus 415190), F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 0300 Down 0703. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Layers of cloud at 10,000’ and 7,000’. Vis moderate. Target identified by red and green TI. Descended 2,000’ where red and greens were already down. Red TIs appeared 600 yards to starboard of two green TIs. Aircarft bombed latter. Visibility not good enough to see results and assessment not heard. API unreliable. ND981H F/L C.S.Chatten, P/O J.F.Humphries, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.E.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 0255 Down 0653. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 10/10ths alto-cumulus 9-11,000’. Layer 4/5,000’ with breaks. Target clear, identification by red and green TIs. Marking seemed okay. One green a few hundred yards east. Some aircraft bombed before orders, otherwise bombing very concentrated. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 0301 Down 0654. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 5/10ths cloud approx 5,000’. Target identified by markers. Could not hear very much over VHF but messages received by W/T okay. At 0450 ordered to reduce height by 2000’. Wind 308/20 mph at 0452 hours. Immediately ran in and bombed markers as ordered. Bombing appeared well concentrated and evenly distributed on TI. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 0302 Down 0644. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Weather hazy, clear below 7,000’. Located target by green TI. Only possible to see markers and flashes. No ground detail except in light of flashes. Satisfactory trip, more cloud than expected. NE121E F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, P/O T.W.Black, P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chambers. Up 0248 Down 0648. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Layer of cloud at 9,000’. Clear below. Identified target by three green TIs. TIs and bombing around them were well concentrated. Winds received 0451 hours 308/30. Run made above the cloud then descended to bomb. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 0321 Down 0651. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Weather over St Pierre du Mont, 3/10ths thin stratus cloud at 5,000’. Heavier at 9,000’. Target located by red green TI. Attacked 5 minutes before we bombed and before markers were clear. TI very concentrated. Attack promised well. ND452S F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 0318 Down 0655. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 10/10ths cloud at 9,000’. Clear below. Red and green TI indicated target. Wind received 310/31 at 0452 hours. Bombing already started. Markers rather scattered. Order received to “Carry on bombing” 0453 hours. Bombs fell across green TI. Other bombing concentrated markers. ND495M F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 0304 Down 0658. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 10/10ths cloud but clear below. Located target by markers, confirmed visually. Arrived rather early and stood off; ran in on markers on time. Interference from slipstream may have spoilt photograph (day camera). ND451L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S/Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 0305 Down 0652. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Target St Pierre du Mont located by red and green TI. Broken cloud in two layers – 10,000’ and 8,000’. Visibility moderate. At 0449 hours two red TIs cascaded followed by one green TI. Bombing started on time at 0452 hours. Red TI was heard assessed by Mosquito leader as accurate. Wind vector was given and aircraft went in to bomb red TI surrounded by green TIs. Two green TIs seen well to port; they did not attract any bombing. Bombing seemed okay. Flashes seen amongst markers. PA973A P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.E.Broughton. Up 0306 Down 0659. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 10/10ths cloud 9,000’ base, tops 11,000’. Vis good above, poor below. Identification by special equipment and red and green TI. Icing prevented accurate vision. Bombing seemed concentrated on the greens. Slight icing in cloud on the whole route. Satisfactory trip and attack appeared successful. ND815G Lt F.V.Jespersen, Sgt G.J.J.Ashpole, Sgts C.A.Munster, K.B.Magnus, K.Pedersen, P/O W.R.McCutcheon, Sgts H.J.E.Evensen. Up 0308. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Aircraft missing - nothing heard of this aircraft after take-off. ND764B P/O B.W.Giddings, Sgt A.Pritchard, W/O W.B.Webb, F/Sgt C.Clement, W/O R.A.Bethell, F/O J.A.D.McHill, F/Sgt W.J.Scale. Up 0309 Down 0702. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. 10/10ths cloud, base 9,000’. Red and green markers visible through cloud an broken spaces; impossible to see any ground detail, only markers visible. Met forecast a little inaccurate, cloud being more than briefed which must have affected the result of attack. ND346T F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/Sgt H.W.Haggerston, P/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith. Up 0307 Down 0700. 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Vis good to poor. 10/10ths cloud at 10,000’. 7/10ths cloud below. Target located by red and green TI. Aircraft had to break cloud over target. A red TI surrounded by green TI was seen; another red TI was seen 6-700 yards straight ahead evidently overshot and had not been backed up. Aircraft bombed the concentration. Our bursts seen right across. Some bombs seen to overshoot by 500 yards on run up. Order to cease bombing given at 0456 hours approx. 6.6.44 No training today. Tonight 16 of our aircraft were detailed to attack a German supply depot and the rail centre at Argentan. The target was illuminated by flares and marked visually by TI greens dropped from Mosquito aircraft of 627 Squadron. Main Force bombing was very good and all three targets were well hit. The success of the raid was proved later by photographic cover. Visibility was good and all of our aircraft returned safely. 6/7 June 1944 – Argentan ND589D S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, F/L W.G.Cooper (Vis A/B), P/O A.J.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen. (No times shown). 2 x Red/green star flares, 3 x TI green No 23, 15 x 500lb MC. Good vis. 10/10ths stratus cumulus 6-7,000’. Target located visually. Green TI lighting actual buildings. Backing up was on the target too. Marking went through very well indeed in spite of the fact that most of the illuminating flares overshot by about 2 miles. Oboe marker was not seen but it may have burst on the ground. On reaching the target 0053 hours, appeared to be large buildings in the town itself well on fire. Attac appeared successful. Marking appeared 50 yards west of aiming point and bombing generally was well on. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L P.A.Stevens, F/L W.G.Cooper (blvd shown in error), P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2331 Down 0254. 2 x Red/green star flares, 3 x TI green No 23, 15 x 500lb MC. Sky clear, good vis. Target identified by green TI concentration. No Oboe marker dropped. Flares fell at 0130 hours and at 0110 hours a green TI went down, backep up a minute later by Marker 2. Backing up good. Green close together. Original green 100 yards west of aiming point. Bombing well concentrated. A few close sticks; re-marking not necessary. Main Force bombed well on H-hour before second TI green fell. ND807P S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2329 Down 0329. 8 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 500lb MC, 3 x red TI, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, base 6000’. Vis below fair to hazy. Identification of target by Gee and H2S. Attack did not appear too well concentrated but slightly scattered, but the target must have been well hit. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2327 Down 0314. 9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 500lb MC, 3 x red TI, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, tops 9000’, base 5000’. Below was a layer of veil stratus cloud. Located target by Gee, glow of yellow TI (Oboe). Marking was fairly quick, backing up of flares was called for but was done by others. Satisfactory trip though obliged to land at Bourn because of 10/10ths cloud at 10,000’. Haze made it impossible to assess result of raid. ND981H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/O J.F.Humphries, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 2320 Down 0325. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 3 x TI green, 4 x 500 MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, 6-7000’. Clear below, good vis. Target identification by green TI burning on ground forming tight clusters, not heard assessed. Aircraft dropped sticks of flares across green TI to assist assessment. The attack was delayed 5 minutes on instructions from Controller; aircraft orbited and then returned to bomb these. Markers appeared to be accurate, also the bombing. ME625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2332 Down 0326. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 6 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target Argentan, northern aiming point, tops 8,500’, 6,000’ base. Haze below. Located by markers. Flares (which we were only to drop on order) not needed. Target marked with RSF assessed as 40 yards/360 from aiming point. Ordered to bomb 0132.5 hours. Bombing seemed excellent although target very smoky. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2335 Down 0319. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 3 x green TI, 4 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target Argentan southern aiming point. 10/10ths cloud, 5/8000’. Clear below, vis good. Located Argentan on green TI. At 9000’ aircraft was above cloud and no markers were seen. We were instructed to drop flares from above cloud and orbit until told to bomb a concentration of green TI. Own greens were not requested by Controller. Flare Force appeared slow in illuminating and so, on first run we dropped whole of load. Controller appeared uncertain. No-one heard call in to bomb on VHF but later received on W/T. No order to cease bombing heard. Green TIs well on aiming point and bombing concentrated. Rear turret u/s, camera ran away. No difficulty in climbing or descending through cloud. ND451L P/O W.T.Gee, Sgts P.R.Turner, S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, M.D.Inglis. Up 2321 Down 0307. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 3 x 4.5” rec flares, 10 x 500lb MC. Target Argentan eastern aiming point. 10/10ths cloud tops 7000’, base 5-6000’. Location by yellow TI Oboe markers through cloud. Order given at 0112 hours to drop no more flares and descend through cloud and bomb green TI. Centre of green TI in bomb sight. Heard Controller saying some bombs dropped carelessly. First green TI assessed as 100 yards west . Marker 2 backed up and order given for bombing. GEE temporarily u/s due to faulty connection. Met. conditions very much better than as briefed. ND452S F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2330 Down 0323. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target Argentan southern aiming point. 10/10ths cloud tops 9,000’, base 6000’. Identification by green TI. On first run, bombs hung up and only photoflash went. Flares not needed. 0115 – delay of 5 minutes then descended through cloud and bombed. Attack very concentrated round TIs. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 2319 Down 0317. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Argentan eastern aiming point. 10/10ths cloud at 6-7000’. Located on green TI. Bombing was well concentrated on the markers. A straightforward attack. DR compass u/s. NE121E F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, P/O T.W.Black, P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers. Up 2316 Down 0253. 18 x 500lb MC. Clear, ground haze, vis fairly good. Identified target (Argentan eastern aiming point) by yellow flares and green TI. Ran up on target at 0109 hours. Yellow Oboe marker seen at 0105 hours. Flares fell across immediately. One green TI seen on ground at 0109.30 hours, assessed as accurate, then smoke obscured backing up and TI itself was partly obscured, but aircraft was instructed to bomb it. HE bursts around marker. Controller heard to criticise scatter. Main Force called off at 0118 hours. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2318 Down 0306. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Argentan east located on GEE. Weather clear below aircraft. 10/10ths cloud above 6000’ approx. Ran in and dropped flares to time. Orbited twice breaking cloud. Marker heard to ask for second wave flares which were dropped and marking concluded quickly. Bombing was very concentrated, several hits seen on TI. If TI was accurate, objective destroyed. ND862R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/O K.S.Barker (Vis A/B), F/L J.Skingley, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2329 Down 0315. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Target northern aiming point at Argentan located by PFF markers. Encountered 10/10ths cloud at 6,000’, clear below. Flares dropped on northern aiming point. After circling for few minutes, bomb sight toppled on first run; on second run the automatic release did not work. By this time the cease bombing signal had been given, then the other attacks opened and we heard Controller say that the markers were okay, and as bombing had started on this one (Marshalling Yard) we went in to bomb. JA846A P/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgts G.Batho, D.E.Broughton. Up 2324 Down 0301. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Located target (Argentan east) on GEE. Also yellow Oboe marker reflected on ground. 10/10ths cloud base 5,500’, tops 8,500’. If the markers were “on”, it appeared a good attack and was over very quickly. Bombing was well concentrated on the markers. A lot of smoke from bombing obscured details. ND764B P/O B.W.Giddings, Sgt A.Pritchard, W/O W.B.Webb, F/Sgt C.Clement, W/O R.A.Bethel, F/O J.A.D.McGill, F/Sgt W.J.Scale. Up 2325 Down 0311. 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Identified target (Argentan eastern aiming point) by green TIs. Marking seemed very good and bombing well concentrated on it. Attack appeared well organised and very successful. 10/10ths cloud at 9000’, base about 7000’. Clear below, vis good. ND346T F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/Sgt I.E.Haggerston, P/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith. Up 2337 Down 0309. 18 x 500lb MC. Target (Argentan east) identified by markers. 10/10ths cloud at approx 7000’ (above aircraft). Arrived 0109 hours. Attack appeared to be slightly late but we ran straight in and dropped bombs on markers without difficulty 7.6.44 No flying today – weather u/s. 8.6.44 Blind bombing practice bombing this morning. 7 of our aircraft were detailed for operations tonight against a railway crossover bridge just outside Rennes. The first Oboe marker fell on time at 0127 about 100 yards north of aiming point. The Squadron dropped their flares in a stick across it – illuminating the target area. The target was identified visually and marked with a green TI by a Mosquiton aircraft of 627 Squadron. There was considerable light flak but Main Force bombing was extremely good and the bridge was destroyed, there was no sign of fighters. All our aircraft returned safely. 8/9 June 1944 – Rennes (NE165Y – W/C Tait of No 54 Base with an 83 Sqn crew. Up 2307 Down 0349. This aircraft with W/C Tait as Controller operated in conjunction with 97 Sqn). ND807P S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2306 Down 0353. 2 flares red/green star, 8 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 x 4.5” rec flares. Target located by H2S. 10/10ths cloud, base 9000’; low cloud 3/10ths below aircraft. Released flares on box as briefed at 0134 hours. Controller on VHF ordered us to cancel one green TI which was dropped 150 yards west of aiming point. Had to make wide circuit at 0143 hours. Immediately afterwards (0145) ordered to back up RSFs with red TI which we did. Stood off until ordered home at 0150 hours. Markers obscured by smoke casued by some undershooting. First noticed when backing RSF. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2301 down 0342. 2 x green/red stars, 8 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow, 2 x TI green, 2 x TI red (No 16s), 3 reco flares. Weather clear, slight haze. Cloud 10/10ths above, base 11,000’. Target identified by H2S. Released flares on box as briefed at 0135 hours. Controller requested (on VHF) to mark RSF with green TI, other RSF already having been cancelled by yellow. Marked to Controller’s satisfaction. More flares descended at 0142 hours, supplied at 0143 hours, waited until 0147 hours when ordered home. Heavy flak encountered on bombing. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 2302 Down 0417. 9 x 7” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC/GP, 3 reco flares. Railway bridge at Rennes located visually (Oboe markers). Dropped flares as ordered. Called in to bomb at 0137 hours. Both flares and markers seemed well concentrated on aiming point which was clearly visible. Wind received 266/22 at 0132 hours. Some greens were cancelled with yellow TI 0132 hours. Heard Marker 1 at 0131 hours say he was on fire. ND346T F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2303 Down 0356. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500MC/GP, 2 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather hazy, 10/10ths cloud, vis hazy. Target identified by yellow Oboe marker and through H2S. Bombing seemed accurate and attack should have been good. Photograph showed built up area, fire tracks and flak bursts (Frame 3) and haze and fire track (Frame 5). ND452S F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2304 Down 0400. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC/GP, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Cloud 10/10ths, base 9,000’, 7/10ths below. Identified target by yellow Oboe and H2S. Dropped flares and then asked if we could bomb 0135 hours. Flare Force instructed to bomb. Flares and markers aeemed very good. Controller instructed to overshoot the RSF by 5 seconds. One RSF was cancelled by yellow TI. PA973A F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2305 Down 0405. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC/GP, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 6/10ths cloud 3-4,000’, haze below. Target located by H2S. Called in second flares 0142 hours, after bombing had started. 0127 hours yellow TI (Oboe) went down, then at 0129 hours, first flares were dropped, followed by RSF by Mosquitos at 0132 hours. At 0134 hours Controller ordered Deputy 1 to cancel certain RSF and Deputy 2 to back up the green TI. At 0137 hours Controller told Flare Force to carry on bombing. After bombing run completed, reserve flares dropped. 9.6.44 In the morning only NFTs were carried out. The Squadron was on operations again tonight – against another railway junction at Etampes which the Germans were using to reinforce their lines in Normandy. The first Oboe marker fell one minute late and flares were immediately dropped across it. The marker was assessed and backed up by green TIs dropped by both deputy controllers. Bombing was below usual standards but the target was hit and the raid quite successful. On the return journey S/Ldr Ingham was attacked by a Dornier 217 night fighter. On the second attack the rear gunner, W/O Hansen RAAF, returned fire with good effect. As the fighter broke off to the beam, the mid upper gunner, F/O Broome, also opened up, and under both streams of bullets the fighter caught fire and crashed to earth, burning fiercely. P/O Giddings and crew did not return. 8 aircraft took part in the raid. 9/10 June 1944 - Etampes ND589D S/L J.H.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen. Up 2156 Down 0210. 2 x TI green, 2 x TI red, 2 x TI yellow, 2 flares green/red stars, 10 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Weather 10/10ths cloud, base 7,500’. Vis moderate, slight haze. Target traced by Oboe marker. First flares were 2-3 minutes late. Oboe marker also one minute late. Initial marking was not quite ordered and a long time elapsed before permission given to bomb at H+14 hours; meantime some aircraft had bombed. Released green TI on RSF on Controller’s orders 0005 hours approx (after one dummy run), then attacked by fighter for two minutes. Patter between gunners and pilot was seriously impeded by VHF. In spite of this the gunners succeeded in shooting the fighter down on Controller’s instructions. As an anti-climax, our bombs released safe as during attack by enemy aircraft the switch was put to safe in case we had to jettison and this was forgotten when bombs were dropped. Controller’s instructions on VHF passed on by W/T. Spoof yellow TI seen to cascade after attack but quite useless as a decoy. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L P.A.Stevens, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2146 Down 0148. 2 x TI red No 16, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 2 flares red/green stars, 10 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb GP (LD), 3 reco flares. (Deputy Controller 2). Weather 10/10ths cloud at 9000’, clear below, good vis. Idnetified target by Oboe marker and illuminating flares. Aircraft was in cloud on arrival and Oboe marker yellow TI was already down. Initial RSF 100 yards east of Oboe marker, assessed as 200 yards east of aiming point. Bombed on instructions from Controller with 200 yards under shoot of this. Controller ordered bombing to stop and Mosquitos to re-mark but bombing continued. Mosquitos then re-marked and aircraft was ordered to cancel most easterly RSF with yellow TI and then back up most westerly RSF with green TI. Finally Main Force were ordered to bomb with 200 yards under shoot and bombing became quite accurate and concentrated. Fighter activity hampered immediate compliance with instructions. Final cease bombing signal at 0021 hours by W/T. Insufficient time allowed for re-marking. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, P/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2143 Down 0157. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, 8-11,000’. Clear below, vis good. Located target by yellow TI and flares. Oboe marker cascaded at 2354 hours – illuminating flares were then laid across target. First RSF was assessed as 300 yards undershoot and although some bombing had started, Controller ordered target to be re-marked and bombing to stop. Yellow cancellation TI was demanded and supplied. One RSF then re-marked target backed up by several greens and Main Force was told to bomb 200 yards short of RSF. The subsequent bombing was satisfactory. ME625O F/L H.S.Van raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, F/Sgt A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davis, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2157 Down 0209. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, base 7,500’. Slight haze below. Location by markers. First flares released on Oboe. Ordered by Controller to release more flares at 0003.5 hours. Stop bombing order had been heard over VHF at 0001 hours, also on W/T (same time). Ordered to bomb most easterly green with 200 yards under shoot at 0011 hours, after target had been re-marked. Green in bomb sight and a RSF beyond it further east with another green west of green bombed. Unable to assess attack owing to smoke. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2157 Down 0150. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. 10/10ths cloud, base 7000’. Clear below except for occasional small patches at about 6000’. Target identified by other flares, confirmed by Oboe later. H2S u/s between enemy coast and target. Did not see Oboe until our release run which we did on other flares already down. Ordered by Controller 0004 hours to re-illuminate. Stood off awaiting order to bomb which was received approx 0010 hours. Marking did not go smoothly; target re-marked after re-illumination but still 200 yards overshoot. All Force called in to bomb. Target clear at start but obscured later. NE121E F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. Up 2153 Down 0207. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. Target (Etampes) identified by RSF. Patchy cloud at 8000’, clear below. Vis good. Aricarft broke cloud and saw yellow TI down at 2356.5 hours. One yellow TI cascading and one RSF on ground. The RSF was considered 200 yards overshoot and cancelled by yellow TI. A fair amount of bombing wasted on first RSF as orders were not obeyed at once. More flares requested at 0003 hours then target was re-marked approx 5 minutes later and Controller ordered undershoot of 400 yards on new RSF which was backed up by green TI. This appeared to be the more westerly of the markers. R/T and H/F in aircraft were unsatisfactory and reception bad. Intercom poor – vibration considerable. ND495M F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, P/O T.W.Black, P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers. Up 2149 Down 0205. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. 10/10ths cloud above 8,000’. Clear below. Vis good. Target identified by yellow Oboe TI. Yellow marker seen to cascade behind aircraft 2357.5 hours and flares were requested at 0005 hours. First RSF was cancelled by yellow TI, then the second RSF appeared, backed up by two green TI, as Controller requested. Controller instructed Main Force to bomb westerly RSF with 200 yards under shoot. Uncertainty at first as to which marker was correct but finally the western marker was agreed on. Cease bombing order before re-marking not immediately obeyed as H+3 had come before re-marking was completed. Bombing did not appear particularly concentrated. ND764B P/O B.W.Giddings, Sgt A.Pritchard, W/O W.B.Webb, F/Sgt C.Clement, W/O R.A.Bethel, F/O J.A.D.McGill, F/Sgt W.J.Seale. Up 2154. 9 x 7” flares, 7 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC (LD), 3 x reco flares. Missing – no message received from this aircraft after take-off. 10.6.44 No flying today. Operational stand down. 11.6.44 This morning blind bombing practice was carried out. Small amount of night cross countries were carried out. Operational stand down. 12.6.44 A large day training programme was carried out consisting of practice bombing, blind bombing and fighter affiliation. Operations tonight were against a railway junction at Poitiers. 9 aircraft were detailed. Flares were dropped to time and very accurately by blind bombing methods over the target area. At 0149 the first RSF was down. It was assessed by the Controller and backed up by a 1000lb red TI dropped by S.A.B.S. by F/L Van Raalte and crew. A concentrated and accurate attack followed. The raid was very successful. Large petrol explosions were seen. Opposition was very slight. All of our aircraft returned safely. Further operations tonight were against bridges at Caen which the Army had not been able to destroy without inflicting severe casualties on the French population. Owing to technical difficulties the first flares were dropped rather wide. However an Oboe proximity marker was dropped and further flares were dropped visually over it. By 0220 the target was marked with RSFs and Main Force went into bomb. So accurate was this attack upon a pinpoint target that the O.C. the British Field Forces who was watching the attack from nearby sent a congratulatory message of thanks. A further message of congratulations was received from AOC 5 Group. 9 aircraft took part in this raid. 12/13 June 1944 – Poitiers (Controller W/C Tait in NE165Y with 83 Sqn crew) ND589D S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen. Up 2227 Down 0447. 2 flares green /red, 2 x 1000lb MC, 2 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow, 9 x 7” clusters. (Deputy Controller 1). Good vis, broken stratus layer at 6,500’. Location by H2S. Bombing started by overshooting as markers were a bit scattered and tended to be to port. After large red TI was dropped, bombing improved but some sticks were still scattered far and wide. Oil or petrol explosion at 0152 hours 300 yards south of large red TI. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L P.A.Stevens, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2226 Down 0434. 2 flares green /red, 2 x 1000lb MC, 2 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow, 9 x 7” clusters. (Deputy Controller 2). Weather clear, one patch of thick cloud, vis good. Target identified by H2S. Route was good. The second aircraft to drop flares overshot by about 1-2 miles. Attack was very good. If it had not been fro the 1000lb redTI, all markers would have been obscured by bomb bursts. 0152 hours explosion (black oily smoke after red) like a petrol explosion, about 200 yards south of red TI on track. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, P/O J.F.Thomson, P/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2234 Down 0425. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 reco flares. Very small patch of thin stratus; vis quite goog. Target located by H2S. Released first flares to time at 0138 hours approx. Controller called for more flares, as there appeared slight delay we released our reserve flares over RSF as ordered. After a 1000lb red TI had been dropped, we received order to bomb (VHF at 0148 hours). Steady bombing run. Large red explosion at 0153.36 hours. After leaving target a series of smaller explosions seen about 10 minutes later. Bombing appeared accurate; flashes continually seen around RSF. ND625O F/L H.S.Van Raalte, Sgts M.Durn, D.G.Williams, W/O A.L.Lambert, F/O A.Arnold (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.H.Peace, Sgt G.Davies, F/L J.D.Fletcher. Up 2232 Down 0431. 9 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb TI red, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 reco flares. Sky patchy, thin stratus, some haze. Identified target by markers. Over target marking flare run, Controller asked Backer 1 (0142.5 hours) to drop red TI on aiming point west of RSF already down. Position as described by Controller was two RSF in line with green TI between slightly nearer most north-easterly RSF, all three being in line along direction of railway but on easterly side of it. Our marker assessed as 40 yards west of aiming point (0148 hours). Instructions for bombing followed immediately. Further flares cancelled. Own run for MC bombs okay. Bombing appeared very successful. A few sticks fell exceptionally wide in centre of town. Controller assessed quickly and accurately. ND453S F/L R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope. Up 2233 Down 0436. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 reco flares. Target Poitiers identified visually and by markers. Sky clear of cloud. On arrival at target, first wave of flares down, then RSF. Controller asked for more flares to assess markers. We dropped ours; the markers then assessed and Backer Up told to back up most westerly ones. This was assessed as 50 yards from aiming point. Bombing started, mostly very good except for a few stray ones. When bombing was nearly over, Controller called for more flares. Explosion in target area at 0207 hours, followed by other in quick succession. Red flares seen burning all over France. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2231 Down 0428. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 reco flares. Clear with very occasional patches of cloud at 10,000’. Target located visually on red TI. Attack opened on time and the target was quickly marked. Re-illumination was called for 0140 hours. Target was then assessed and backed up and then called in to bomb. Marking was very accurate and the target could be seen visually at the beginning of the attack, but was obscured by smoke in the later stages. Attack very well concentrated. Did not receive a wind. Orange explosion in target area seen at 0209 hours 4715N 0030W. NE121E F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. Up 2230 Down 0432. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 reco flares. Thin layer of strata-cu approx 7,000’, vis good. Location by markers confirmed by H2S. Ordered by Controller 0141 hours to back up RSF with flares (VHF). One of these RSFs overshot and the other undershot. Third RSF dropped after our flares were assessed as okay (0148 hours) and Main Force instructed to bomb it (without allowance at 0149 hours). Own bombing run okay. Most of bombing was quite good with a few inaccurate sticks slightly to north-west of aiming point. ND346T F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, P/O T.W.Black, P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers. Up 2228 Down 0440. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 reco flares. Thin stratus approx 5000’, very patchy. Identified target by markers. First flares dropped over RSF; as we could see the last two flares of the stick of 6 (which we intended to release) would overshoot town into fields, we held these. Received order to bomb 0150 hours. This enabled Controller to complete assessment and all aircraft ordered to return to base. Bombing appeared very good. 12/13 June 1944 – Caen (Controller W/C Jeudwine of 83 Sqn in Mosquito aircraft). ND807P S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. (no times). 2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow No 16s, 8 x 1000lb MC, 2 flares green/red stars. Cloud layer 7/8000’, clear below. Located target by H2S. Arrived to find some controversy about flares. Received instructions which was interpreted as “stand by”. Heard the Controller saying that one engine had gone on his Mosquito – 0218 hours. Took over from him. RSF assessed as being okay. Flare Force ordered to bomb at 0225 hours. Main Force ordered to bomb by HF, VHF and W/T 0220 hours. Went down to 4000’ to see if RSF needed backing up. Bombed and then watched the other bombing which was very good and well concentrated. I then sent out “Cease bombing and return to base”. Winds received; Breeze 1; 320/21; Breeze 2 250/18; Breeze 3 230/23. Average wind indicated 266/14. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2358 Down 0422. 2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow No 16s, 8 x 1000lb MC, 2 flares green/red stars. 8/10ths cloud tops 4000’, thin stratus, vis good. Target identified by H2S and Gee. Oboe down on time at 0212 hours. Target well illuminated. Considerable delay in marking target. At 0214 hours Controller advised Main Force to orbit. I personally saw two RSF approx 100 yards apart and heard one of the Markers say that wrong spot fire was no longer burning (approx 0215 hours) and that remaining RSF was about 200 yards overshot. At about 0217 hours Controller called in Main Force to bomb. Controller then reported engine failure and handed over to Deputy 1. At 0223 hours asked Deputy 1 if he wanted RSF backed up; he did not. Then went in and bombed and again contacted Deputy 1 who instructed to leave target area and at the same time stopped bombing at 0229 hours. PA974B F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.J.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey. Up 2354 Down 0417. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud above 6000’. Impossible to see through. Vis good. Target located by Gee and Y equipment. Through cloud it was possible to see two yellow TI over the town and two RSF either side of it. Cloud made observations difficult. When time came to drop our bombs (0222 hours) they would not go owing to lead from release button being loose causing incomplete circuit. Y184 equipment u/s; intermittent. ND981H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/O J.F.Humphries, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard. Up 2354 Down 0416. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. Layer of cloud 6/7000’. Vis good. Target seen by H2X 184 screen. Yellow Oboe went down 0212.5 hours. RSF at 0115 hours – 200 yards out. Further marking was carried out but unable to report further. Flares well to north and east of target on arrival. 5 x 1000lb MC bombs brought back as Gyro bomb sight toppled. Gee u/s. ND451L F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/L R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2359 Down 0414. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. 7/10ths thin stratus approx 7000’. Vis good. Target located by Gee on which flares were released but Oboe marker already down. Flares ignited approx ¼ mile north west. No trouble on bombing run except that marker went out about ½ a minute before bombs released. Point of aim estimated of fires with relation to where marker had been. Bombing appeared very concentrated and good fires seen. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, F/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 2356 Down 0427. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud at 10,000’. Target location by H2S. Dropped flares as briefed. Markers seemed very well concentrated together and side of road and what seemed like a bridge. One green TI at least 3 miles to east. Orders received to go in and bomb 0222 hours. Bombing seemed very good. One stick obliterated the RSF. PA973A F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2357 Down ? 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. Cloudy 5-6,000’. Location by H2S. First flare 0210.5 hours. Oboe down 0211 hours. Broadcast wind velocity 0413 at 0216 hours. Controller called for second Flare Force to back up existing flares. Went in to bomb 0224 hours, unable to see markers for cloud. Descended to 6000’, but still could not see them. We had overshot. “Cease bombing and return to base” signal then received (time not logged). ND495M F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith. Up 2353 Down 0424. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC, 5 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud creeping over target, location by RSF. Attack started late but was very concentrated. Second flares not required. RSF assessed as being okay. “Stand by” given, then order for bombing at 0220 hours. 5 x 1000lb MC not dropped owing to technical failure. 13.6.44 No flying today. An operational stand down. 14.6.44 A large programme this morning consisting of practice blind bombing and ordinary practice bombing at Epperstone. Tonight a group exercise to test the efficiency of a new type of blind bombing technique was carried out. Ten aircraft took part. There was also some night practice bombing. 15.6.44 A large practice bombing programme this morning. The target for tonight’s operation was an ammunition dump at Chateaurault. 9 aircraft were detailed. The flares were very accurate and punctually dropped at 0044 hrs. The RSFs were very accurately dropped and were backed up with red and green TIs. The bombing went smoothly and the target was left a sea of flames. Heavy explosions were seen. The weather was clear and no opposition was encountered. All of our aircraft returned safely, with the exception of F/L Chatten DSO who was engaged for some unknown reason by the London Defences. His aircraft was well hit. 15/16 June 1944 – Chateaurault ?? S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2130 Down ? (Deputy Controller 1). 2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow No 16s, 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 3 x 4.5” reco flares, 2 Wanganui flares. Weather clear, slight haze. Target identified by H2X. Dropped flares. Told to back up greens at 0047.5 hours. At 0050 hours received message for Force to stand by and not to bomb. Wind velocity 350/22 – this we relayed to Main Force. Backed up reds; at 0052.5 hours ordered Main Force to attack the RSF with green TIs. At 0054.5 hours relayed Controller’s message “Do not undershoot”. At 0100 hours ordered to back up markers with red TI. At 0108 hours ordered to return to base. At 0112 hours relayed message “Complete bombing and return home”. Explosions in target area. Target seen burning after we left Tours. ND740F F/L J.W.Comans, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/L D.Bowes, F/L K.H.H.Cook, F/Sgt R.Woollford, F/Sgt G.Widdis, F/Sgt D.Bolland. Up 2131 Down 0320 (Upwood). 2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow No 16s. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. (Seputy Controller 2). No cloud. Vis good. Location by H2S. Dropped flares on box as briefed at 0047 hours. Markers said they had marked and Controller went in to assess. Within 3 minutes Controller had assessed and called for deputies 1 & 2 to back up existing RSF with green TI (0050 hours). This was done and an order to bomb given 0051 hours. Onorbiting target again I noticed that bombing was particularly concentrated, also large fires, one big explosion and much smoke. Controller again called on Deputies 1 & 2 at 0101 hours to back up existing reds and greens with red TI, which was immediately carried out. These remained burning until order to cease bombing. The illuminating was excellent, marking prompt, the aiming point kept marked throughout attack and bombing concentrated. Good H2S picture. Model attack. ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2134 Down 0323. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. Weather clear. Identification of target by H2S and ETA. Dropped flares and orbited to starboard. Mosquito went in right away. His red marker was assessed as being on the corner of the road. Controllers called in to back up which was done very quickly. Flare Force called in to bomb, markers told to go home with exception of Marker Leader. 0047 hours Flare Force told no more flares needed. Main Force called in to bomb. Wind received 350/19 knots. NE121E S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin, F/Sgt Chappell. Up 2138 Down 0403. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. Sky clear, good vis. Target located by flares and RSF with green TIs. First RSF fell as aircraft circled target at 0040 hours, and green TI fell with a second RSF about one minute later. This was assessed as accurate and warning given by Controller “not to undershoot this”. Bombing appeared to be accurate and punctual and Flare Force were told to go home at 0108 hours; Third wave not required to drop flares. Several good explosions seen, one at 0058 hours particularly noticeable. Attack seemed definitely successful. NE124J F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2137 Down 0355. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. No cloud, vis good. Target Chatellerault located by markers confirmed by equipment. First flares seen at 0044 hours. Arrived target 0047 hours. At about 0047.5 hours Controller ordered Markers to back up RSF. At 0048.3, one Marker reported RSF on Marking Point. 0049 Controller asked Deputy 1 to back up. 0050 Bombing wind 350/22 mph broadcast. 0050.7 bombing order broadcast “Bomb red amd green”. At 0108.5 Deputy 2 reported his reds down. At 0109 Main Force was ordered to return to base. Bombing very concentrated. Large fires and series of explosions after aircraft left target. ND495M F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/Sgt H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith. Up 2132 Down 0321. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. No cloud. Target identified by markers and equipment. Ran over target 0047 hours but flares not called for. Called in to bomb at 0050 hours. Bombing very concentrated. Target left a mass of flames with intermittent explosions. Explosions still seen 80 miles away. Own bombs believed to hit target in spite of wrong heading; out of position during run up. ND981H F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O G.Leonard. Up 2133 Down 0312. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. Weather clear. Location by H2S. Flares dropped as ordered. Marking Point marked 0047 hours, very accurately backed up by GSF at 0050 hours. Main Force called in to bomb at H+1. The dump started to blow up at 0055 hours. Raid very well executed. ND867R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/O K.S.Barker (Vis A/B), F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2135 Down 0320. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. Located target visually by wood and illumination flares but own flares dropped by H2S on time in second wave, as first wave was late. First RSF fell at 0047 hours and bombing commenced by Controller’s orders at 0053 hours. Before this, further flares stated to be not required, and green TI requested from Backer Up. No assessment of marker heard. First stick of bombs undershot by a long distance, but subsequently improved. One large explosion seen at start. ND471L F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/L G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2133 Down 0318. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. No cloud. Identified target on H2S. Dropped flares on equipment as briefed. Very good reception from Poitiers on run down, also on turning north for run up to target. Stood by till called in to bomb 0049.5 hours. Bombing very good except for one stick only. Rear gunner reported large explosion at 0057 hours followed by succession of explosions which continued intermittently as aircraft flew on homeward course. Large fires seen. 16.6.44 Slight training exercises this morning. An operational stand down tonight. No night flying. 17.6.44 Practice bombing and NFTs this morning. On receipt of an operational stand down order for tonight it was decided to hold the Base Athletic Sports Meeting this afternoon. Competing were 83, 97, 106, 627 and 617 Squadrons. It was won by 83 Sqn. We were less fortunate! 18.6.44 A large practice bombing exercise was carried out at Wainfleet this morning. A large night scheme was cancelled owing to inclement weather. 19.6.44 More practice bombing and blind bombing practice this morning. Further efforts to fly “The Group Exercise” were thwarted by the state of the weather. 20.6.44 Some formation flying and practice bombing this morning. 9 aircraft were detailed in the late afternoon for a daylight operation to be flown tomorrow but it was cancelled later because of bad weather. 21.6.44 A large formation flying programme this morning and afternoon. Tonight 9 of our aircraft were detailed to attack oil refinery plant at Gelsenkirchen. Intense fighter activity was encountered from the enemy coast to the target. The Oboe markers were not accurate – falling a mile apart. The Controller’s aircraft had developed engine trouble and the Deputy Controller taking over ordered that no flares should be dropped, but that the Flare Force were to back up the Oboe instead. Two concentrations of fire followed which were quickly assessed, and when Main Force arrived, they were ordered to bomb the southern TIs. The attack, however, was scattered and definitely not one of our best. There was a terrific flak barrage and a thin layer of cloud at 4/5,000 ft. S/Ldr McLeod RAAF and crew did not return. No message was received from him. He was flying Lancaster “L”. Two other aircraft “C” and “G” piloted by F/L Benton and F/L Baker were badly shot up but with no casualties. 21/22 June 1944 - Gelsenkirchen ND589D S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/O F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen. Up 2308 Down 0329. (Deputy Controller 1). 4 x TI red, 1 x TI yellow No 16s, 9 x 7” clusters, 2 flares green/red stars. 10/10ths cloud tops estimated 3,000’. Target identified by yellow Oboe marker. First Oboe went down at 0135.5 hours. This was ahead. At 0132 hours another Oboe went down starboard quarter approx miles north of first Oboe. Could not back up owing to being out of position after trying to decide which was correct one. As we orbited, run in again, yellow TI fell apparently in same place as first (southern) Oboe, cascading from about 5000’, which was confusing as we were not expecting more than one (at H-hour only). Saw one red TI go down some miles north of main cluster. We took over from Controller at 0120 hours as he was having engine trouble. Ordered Flare Force not to drop flares and sent Marking Force home. Ordered Main Force to bomb southerly TI at 0138.5 hours. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L D.Bowes, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2306 Down 0305. 4 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow No 16s, 9 x 7” clusters, 2 flares green/red stars. Up 2306 Down 0305. 10/10ths cloud tops approx 3000’. Located target by Oboe confirmed by H2S. Run up on H2S. Oboe marker dropped 0138 hours. Did just as Controller was telling aircraft not to drop flares due to cloud conditions. As soon as Oboe burst, Controller ordered Flare Force to back up yellow Oboe with TI. This we did and left target area when two concentrations of TI developed (approx ½ - 1 mile apart). Controller ordered Main Force to bomb southern concentration. ND867R F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/Sgt J.Fairbairn, F/O K.S.Barker (Vis A/B), F/O W.E.Clayfield, F/O R.Underhill, Sgt J.Rumney. Up 2313 Down 0332. 4 x TI red, 1 x Ti yellow No 16, 9 x 7” cluster, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud tops 9-10000’. Vis above good. Target identified by yellow Oboe, red and green TIs. Orbited until told not to drop flares. At 0135 hours told to back up with reds which we did. Intense heavy flak was accurate. As we ran in we were told to bomb the southerly concentration. Some fighter activity over the target. PA979G F/L A.B.Baker, F/Sgt W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/Sgt C.R.S.Jeffery, F/L W.G.Rogers (Spec A/B), F/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.B.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox. Up 2312 Down 0339. 4 x TI red, 1 x Ti yellow No 16, 9 x 7” cluster, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud approx 5000’. Target located by markers. Approached target on box. During run in starboard outer engine hit by cannon shell from fighter (Me210). H2S u/s but continued run visually on Oboe seen ahead, when Bomb Aimer reported bomb sight failure. Without bomb sight we were unable to function as Controller ordered visual backing up. ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2310 Down 0312. 4 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow No 16s, 9 x 7” clusters, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths low stratus, tops 2,500’. Target seen visually – Oboe markers and H2S. Told to drop flares. Yellow Oboe 0132.5 hours. Headed towards this to back up. Another yellow down 1 ½ miles north of previous yellow; orders given to back up second one. Backed up the greens and returned to base. Large explosion in target area at 0145 hours. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2311 Down 0342. 4 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 4, 9 x 7” clusters, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud 8,000’, tops estimated. TIs visible though. Target identified by yellow Oboe TIs at 0131 hours. Two brilliant yellow but smaller glows some 10 miles east by north-east of yellow TI – possibly dummies. Some greens seen slightly east of yellow TI when leaving target. H2S u/s before crossing enemy coast on outward trip. Port outer engine caught fire after bombing – flak in target area heavy and accurate prediction. Many fighters and one attack in which enemy fighter followed in corkscrew but was lost in a steep turn through 360 degress. Oboe marker went down on time and bombing run successful. JB683C F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, W/O L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2318 Down 0309. 4 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 4, 9 x 7” clusters, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths cloud low stratus, tops 8000’. Target located by yellow Oboe. All that could be seen of which was its glow on the cloud. Oboe marker went down on time at 0132 hours and almost immediately we were told not to drop flares but to back up the Oboe marker. As we left the target we saw our TIs bursts very close to the Oboe marker which was well grouped by red and green TIs and the target was well marked in close group. There were no bad strays. VHF had to be switched off most of the time owing to very bad howling and static. “Y” was u/s from base to target; after target we managed to get three or four fixes. Heavy flak over target was extremely accurate and very heavy and violent evasive action had to be taken as photograph was being taken. Aircraft was repeatedly hit (about 23 heavy flak holes) definitely predicted on bombing run. No searchlights or fighters were seen in target area. NE121E F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphries, P/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, P/O H.Glasby, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, F/Sgt R.Parle. Up 2315 Down 0317. 9 x 7” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 red flares. 10/10ths stratus tops about 4-5000’. Good visibility. Target located by yellow Oboe marker confirmed by DR. The Oboe marker was down on time at 0130.5 hours and the TIs were down in good time for the Main Force. We had to wait 9 minutes for the time to bomb and the flak was intense, predicted and accurate. Fighters seen to be active from 0500E 0630E over target. ND451L S/L L.A.J.McLeod, Sgt W.Reid, F/L P.A.Cunningham, F/Sgt J.H.Price, F/Sgt J.Knight, F/O H.R.Mossop, F/Sgt C.Baker. Up 2325. 9 x 7” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 red flares. Missing – nothing heard from this aircraft after take off. 22.6.44 Formation flying and practice bombing this afternoon. “The Group Exercise” which was laid on for tonight was once more cancelled at a late hour. One gets the impression that these “Exercises” are laid on and cancelled at such late hours to prevent the aircrews ever having an evening out of camp to themselves. 23.6.44 More formation flying this afternoon with calamitous results. Two of our aircraft piloted by F/Lt Perkins and F/Lt Van Raalte RAAF were flying in formation. Whilst attempting a gentle turn F/Lt Van Raalte’s aircraft sideslipped over F/Lt Perkins’ aircraft and dropped suddenly, removing the entire tail from F/Lt Perkins’ aircraft and smashing the nose of his own. Both planes immediately spun to earth out of control. All of the occupants in both aircraft were killed with the exception of Sgt Coman, who managed to bale out when his aircraft broke in two at 1000 ft. Operations tonight were against the railway yards at Limoges for which 10 of our aircraft were detailed. The flares were dropped accurately over the target area and on time. Mosquito marker aircraft dropped a Red Spot Fire which the Controller assessed as being exactly on the Aiming Point. It was quickly backed up with red and green TIs and RSFs. At 0159 the marking was completed and the Main Force were ordered to commence bombing. Bombing was extremely concentrated and sticks were seen to fall in the “yards”. At 0202 hours an ammunition train exploded with an enormous explosion. Intermittent explosions continued throughout the attack. A very successful raid. There was no fighter opposition, and no flak. All of our planes returned safely. 23/24 June 1944 – Limoges NE165YY W/C Porter, Sgt Howe, F/O J.E.Logan, P/O T.W.L.Leak (A/B 1), F/O W.E.Pearson (A/B 2), F/Sgt W.R.Doran (W/Op 1), F/L Bean (W/Op 2), Sgt J.S.McLeish, W/O E.A.Thomas. Up 2245 Down 0537. 1 x TI yellow No 16, 6 RSF No 8, 9 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 1 flare green/red star, 3 red flares. (Controller). Weather clear. Target located visually by railway etc. All markers concentrated. Flares very good downwind. First RSF 0153.5 hours assessed as being spot on. Backed up with further RSF, green and red TIs. Large explosion in target area at 0205.5 hours. Fair flares seen dropping at 0206 hours. Orders given to Deputy Markers to back up. Order then given to bomb at 0159 hours. Target kept marked throughout attack although considerable volume of smoke was generated. Bombing generally appeared to be well concentrated round the markers with a tendency to undershoot east towards the latter part of attack. On leaving target area, long line of fires on track, like a train on fire. ND501Q S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman. Up 2244 Down 0512. 3 reco flares, 4 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 9 x 7” clusters, 2 flares green/red star. (Deputy Controller 1). Clear identification by H2S. The marking went very well. Heard Controller call up Markers and heard that markers were excellent and Deputy Markers were called in at 0158 hours. Main Force started to bomb at H-hour. Called in second time to back up 0205 hours. Wind relayed at 0155 hours – 032/22 mph. At 0159 hours told to bomb RSF. Large number of explosions which continued after we had left target area. ND740F S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin. Up 2249 Down 0539. 4 x TI green No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 9 x 7” clusters, 2 flares green/red star, 3 rec flares. (Deputy Controller 2). Target located by H2S in clear weather. Flares not required. First run in someone hit presumably an ammunition train; terrific explosion 0205 hours, so another run had to be made. Target covered in mushroom smoke. Infromed Controller we were doing second run. On this one, in the light of flares, the marshalling yards with scattered wagons, could be clearly seen. Two areas of fire, bright yellow flames, which fluctuated like a fuel fire, could be seen in the target area and with explosions could be seen after leaving target area. Bombing from Main Force definitely good – stick seen falling actually in the yard. ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2254 Down 0502. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 rec flares. Target seen by flares, H2S and visually on RSF. Flares down on time and excellently placed. Markers down one minute afterwards, backed up with green and red TI. First stick of bombs blew up RSF and a terrific explosion 0157 hours. Called in to bomb at 0159 hours. Bombing excellent, very great number of explosions continued after we had left area. ND867R F/L H.A.Baker, F/Sgt W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers, F/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.B.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox. Up 2257 Down 0521. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 rec flares. No cloud, vis good. Markers confirmed visually. Flares not required. After dummy run on first bombing run, RSF seen burning well in marshalling yards with green TI either side, also on railway lines. Bomb sight toppled so went round again for third time; by then RSF had been thinned out by explosion leaving a red glow between two green TIs. Intermittent explosions continued, apparently ammunition train blew up. Some explosions from aircraft factory also occurred early in attacks. Good fires. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 2256 Down 0526. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (36 hrs), 3 rec flares. No cloud, vis good. Markers confirmed by equipment. Flares not required. Called in to bomb 0159 hours. Ran up on RSF and green TI. One minute before bombs released a large explosion blew up most of red TI but enough left (with green TI adjacent) to bomb successfully. One cluster of flares released during ? . A series of explosions continued during and after the attack in the form of a welling up of orange/red flames. JA846K F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2248 Down 0524. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (36 hrs), 3 rec flares. No cloud. Identification by H2S. At 0153 hours first flares down. Dropped our own 0158 hours, first RSF down. Bombing wind on W/T at 0157 hours, 032/22 mph. At 0157.5 hours, Controller confirmed with Markers that RSF was okay and Deputy 1 and 2 went in to back up. At 0150.7 hours came the order to attack RSF on VHF. We bombed at 0207 hours. Controller was heard to consult with Deputies. Then at 0208.5 hours, Flare Force was told to return to base. NE121E F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt W.J.Manley, Sgt T.Twomey. Up 2251 Down 0511. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 rec flares. Vis good. Markers confirmed by H2S. VHF not clear so uncertain whether flares were required but we dropped them (as briefed) in case needed. Ordered in to bomb at 0202 hours. During run up a series of tremendous explosions (orange) and when dropping bombs, a large red one. Marking had been very concentrated. Bombing excellent. Explosions continued to 0212 hours. ND452S F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt R.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2250 Down 0209. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 rec flares. Mission abandoned – Swinton – 12,000’ – 2358 hours – 500lb bombs jettisoned. Remainder of load brought back. Intercom and emergency intercom u/s. Electrical circuit mid upper turret also u/s. ND746L F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis. Up 2252 Down 0503. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 3 rec flares. No cloud, smoke haze. Located by H2X. Flares released one minute early. Mosquitos marked immediately. Spot fires and green TI down and backing up demanded 0155 hours. Attack ordered 0159 hours. At approx 0202 hours enormous explosions; further series throughout attack and after. After explosions only green TI left on target but were clearly visible through smoke. 24.6.44 Many training cross countries this morning. Some practice bombing at Wainfleet. The target for tonight was Prouville – a point from which the Germans had been sending their pilotless aircraft to bomb London. 12 aircraft were detailed. At 00.10 and 00.11 the first Oboe markers were seen. Flares were immediately dropped over them. It was very difficult, however, for the marker aircraft to identify the target, especially as they were hampered by searchlights, light flak and night fighters. The Deputy Controller attempted to mark blindly on his blind bombing equipment, but it is feared that as greater accuracy was needed than was possible that the raid must be considered abortive. F/Lt Walton, flying Lancaster “J”, did not return from this sortie. No message was received from him. The gunners of “Q” – F/O Jones and W/O Clark – distinguished themselves by shooting down in flames two JU88s which attacked them. A third JU88 was claimed as a probable. An exceptionally good effort. 24/25 June 1944 – Prouville ND589D S/L J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen (Aus 415648). Up 2249 Down 0210. 4 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 flares red/green stars, 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 1 x 4.5” rec flares. (Deputy Controller 1). No cloud, ground haze, vis moderate. Target located by yellow Oboe marker. This fell 2 minutes early at 0010 and a second at 0011 hours almost together. No Mosquito marking seen except one RSF which appeared momentarily. Controller asked for Mosquitos to mark but nothing happened. Further flares were requested and dropped. No Wanganuis dropped to indicate so second flares were dropped on H2S. At Controller’s request own aircraft dropped two red TI on H2S and backed up with two more on 4th run. Controller ordered bombing on red TI dropped by D/97 – at 0035 approx. Final Cease Bombing signal and order to go home not heard. Over target for 30 minutes. ND961N S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L D.Bowes, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton. Up 2243 Down 0150. 4 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 9 x 7 x 4.5” flares, 2 flares red/green stars, 1 x 4.5” rec flares. (Deputy Controller 2). Clear, vis good. Target located by yellow Oboe TI. One Oboe TI fell at 0010 hours. Own flares were set to go down, no RSF was seen while aircraft was over target. Marker 2 announced unable to identify, Controller heard to identify wood with wide road beside it. Marker then asked for more flares and Controller asked Flare Force to drop all available flares. Aircraft caught by searchlights on first run and forced to take evasive action. Much confusion on R/T by wind passed simultaneously while Controller was talking to Markers. Only one heard (230/12). No average taken. Attack not a success. ND501Q F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.Muller, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark. Up 2248 Down 0203. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 6 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 2 x 4.5” rec flares. Hazy to clear, vis fair. Target seen by yellow Oboe. The markers were on a wood, impossible to see detail. Very many searchlights in area – we were coned by about 15 during our reserve flare run and attacked by 3 JU88s. Two were shot down and third damaged. Unable to say whether attack was successful or not. Obliged to jettison 7 x 500lb MC when attacked. ND452S F/L G.H.Laing, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson. Up 2252 Down 0159. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 6 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 2 x 4.5” rec flares. Weather clear. Target identified by Oboe marker. Mosquitos could not identify the aiming points. Flares dropped and second flares requested at 0021 hours. Controller ordered “Bomb greens and reds”. No greens seen so bombed reds. Bombing wind 273/10 received 0014 hours. PA974B F/L P.J.Drane, Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O R.A.V.James, W/O R.A.Bear, F/L C.Sherring, Sgt T.Twomey. Up 2247 Down 0157. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs). Weather over Prouville clear, vis good. Located by yellow Oboe marker. Flares were over the marker but Mosquitos had difficulty in finding aiming point. Message received at 0024 hours to stop bombing, another at 0026 hours to say bomb and proceed home. After bombing RSF went down 0030 hours into middle of a wood, then the red TIs about the same time. Controller told remainder of force to ignore RSF and bomb red TIs. 184 u/s. Heavy jamming on Gee. JA846K F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/Sgt R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts. Up 2251 Down 0205. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs). Clear, no cloud, hazy, vis poor. Located by equipment to within 5 miles of target. At H-4, first Oboe seen ahead and another went down one minute later. H-2 over target; flares went down at H-hour. Bombing wind 27/12 mph received. Controller was heard asking Markers if they could identify target. At 0026 hours they replied in negative. Controller then ordered a green TI to be dropped in target area for bombing. This did not go down. At 0030 hours Controller called and said bomb RSF and PFF were to bomb on equipment if they could. RSFs were very scattered and impossible to assess the attack. NE121E F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. Up 2252 Down 0201. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 6 x 500lb, 1 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 2 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, vis good. Located by Oboe marker. Ran over target 0016 hours but not called till too late. At 0020 hours called in to drop flares. On coming round for flare run we were coned and had to orbit again. Flare release not very satisfactory as we were gain coned but as flares were urgently demanded we dropped them while weaving violently. Stood off waiting for orders to bomb, received at 0031 hours. Red TI direct but unable to bomb owing to searchlight interference. Generally attack appeared to be scattered. PA973A F/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton. Up 2249 Down 0216. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 6 x 500lb, 1 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 2 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, vis clear, some haze. Location by Oboe marker. At approx 0016 hours while we were running in we received instruction on VHF to standby for second flare wave, and very soon afterwards, ordered to release. Illuminated by searchlights but not held. Orbited and extra flares were demanded at 0022 hours; as we were getting in to position we were coned by 10 searchlights. Treid to evade as we were passed on from one searchlight to another for about 10 minutes. Also engaged by heavy flak. Then fired on by Me109 and hit while still coned. Enemy aircraft came in three times. Starboard outer engine was set on fire and feathered. Gyro toppled and fighter made another attack. After the last attack, searchlight went out (0043). No marking now visible. MCs and clusters all jettisoned safe in sea. ND346T F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphries, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, P/O H/Glasby, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, F/Sgt R.Parle. Up 2250 Down 0202. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Target Prouville located on yellow Oboe marker. Good vis. Yellow TI seen at 0009 hours followed by 3 or 4 and string of flares. No RSF or red TIs seen. Controller was heard to request Marker but no replies heard or markers seen. Aircraft came in to bomb as ordered. Cancellation of bombing received immediately after aircraft dropped own bombs at 0023 hours. Target could not be identified so bombs were dropped on H2S. ND862R F/L H.A.B.Baker, W/O W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers, P/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.D.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox. Up 2255 Down 0152. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Clear, good visibility. Location by illuminating flares and yellow TI. Yellow Oboe marker at 0002 hours. Two waves of flares followed but no RSF or red or green TI. Some red markers seen a long way to south but these may have been concerned with another target. Controller heard to order bombing at 0023 hours; Stop bombing order received 0056 approx. Whole attack very disappointing in absence of any markers. Large area of white lights made identification impossible. NE124J F/L W.M.Walton, F/Sgt L.G.C.Mayhew, F/Sgt W.Williams, P/O E.Rees, P/O F.D.Roberts, F/Sgt J.D.Hadlington, F/Sgt J.W.McLaren. Up 2253. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (6 hrs), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Missing – nothing heard from this aircraft after take-off. ND740F P/O C.Bucknell, Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.B.Daitz, F/Sgt R.McAllister, F/Sgt C.C.Dyke, Sgts W.Patience, L.D.Farmer. Up 2256 Down 0204. 14 x 500lb MC, 2 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 x 4.5” rec flares. No cloud, hazy. Vis good. Target area locared by 3 RSF and one green TI. Not possible to see ground detail. The RSF seemed to be setting something alight. At least 100 searchlights in the area. 25.6.44 Today W/Cdr Heward DFC AFC assumed command of this Squadron. NFTs were carried out this morning in preparation for operations tonight. These operations were cancelled later in the evening. No night flying was attempted, as the aircraft were bombed up. 26.6.44 No flying today. Weather u/s. 27.6.44 Some fighter affiliation was carried out this morning. Operations laid on for tonight were again cancelled, and a Group Exercise laid on in their place. 8 aircraft took part. 28.6.44 Air tests, NFTs and Fighter Affiliation were carried out this morning. The Squadron stood by all day in case operations were laid on, but the weather was so bad that nothing was proceeded with. 29.6.44 Fighter affiliation, air to sea firing, and practice bombing, were carried out this morning. Operations were again laid on but cancelled at 21.30 hours. Night flying also cancelled. 30.6.44 The funeral took place of those members of F/L Perkins’ and F/L Van Raalte’s crews whose bodies were found – today at Cambridge Cemetery. 12 aircraft were detailed for operations tonight, but cancelled at a late hour.