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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 Two aircraft were withdrawn owing to engine troubles.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 |
