Flight Operations 6

97 SQUADRON OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK JULY - DECEMBER 1944

1.7.44 The only flying this morning was NFTs for operations detailed tonight.  10 aircraft were detailed but the operation was cancelled at a late hour.

2.7.44 This morning a large blind practice bombing programme was put into effect.  NFTs were also carried out in preparation for tonight’s operation.  A large night flying programme was drawn up as well as the operation, but at a late hour it was decided to cancel all flying for tonight.

3.7.44 The weather was so bad today that it was decided to give the 12 aircraft detailed for operations tonight a ground run.  There was no improvement today in the weather, and the operation and a night flying programme were cancelled.

4.7.44 A large training programme consisting of blind bombing and cross countries was effected this morning.  Tonight 11 aircraft were detailed for an attack against flying bomb bases at St Leu D’Esserent (Creil).  At 01.28/32 three waves of our aircraft ran across the target area and illuminated it clusters of flares.  The marker aircraft then dropped two RSFs on the aiming point.  These were assessed by the Controller as being accurate and were backed up by red TIs.  The Main Force were then brought in and some accurate bombing ensued.  The whole attack went smoothly and according to plan.  No spectacular results were seen.  W/C Ingham and crew in “D” were attacked by a fighter and a large portion of the port wing was shot away; F/L Gee and crew in “L” shot down a Me410.  Flak was much less than anticipated, but fighter activity was intense the whole away.

4/5 July 1944 – St Leu D’Esserent

ND589D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  Up 2330  Down 0335.  6 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow, 5 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD.  (Deputy Controller 1).  Searchlight belt extended 15 miles approx, further SW; no indication of radar control; attacked by two fighters at 0110 hours – 49.47N 0135E at 14,000’ and sustained damage to port mainplane.  Handed over to Deputy 2 by W/T – acknowledged 0116 hours approx.  Target not attacked.   
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 2325  Down 0325.  6 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow, 5 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD.  (Deputy Controller 2).  Identified target by yellow TI.  Message received from Controller 0116 saying he was returning to base.  We could not contact Controller, so took over control at 0131 hours.  Winds received at 0120 hours and sent out at 0132 hours (250/09).  RSF were dropped and appeared to be in target area and well concentrated.  Main Force ordered in to bomb at 0134 hours.  Went in to bomb.  Red TIs were dropped same time, as we were late in bombing.  At 0143 hours, message sent by VHF and HF “Complete bombing and return to base.”  Bombing appeared concentrated.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2330  Down 0320. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares.  Combat started from coast in; searchlights on and off.  Fighter activity continued into target area, and on starboard to 20 miles off French coast on return.  Had combat with enemy fighter just after bombs gone and whilst straight and level for photograph.  Bombing seemed very well concentrated on centre of markers.
ND961N  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphries, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, P/O H.Glasby, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, F/Sgt R.Parle. Up 2340  Down 0315.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares.  Enemy fighters very active, combat to starboard to 15,000’.  Enemy aircraft caught fire port mainplane and went down in a steady left hand dive, bursting into flames two seconds later.
ND740F  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, W/O I.G.Stephens, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O G.A.Leonard.  Up 2335  Down 0325.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares. Identified target by H2S and GPI.  No cloud.  Bombing well concentrated round markers.  Combat with enemy fighter started over target ½ way through attack and continued till after leaving coast.  Heavy flak over target with few searchlights.
ND452S  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2340  Down 0325.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares.  Identified target by Oboe marker.  Only two clusters of green and one of red seen with approx 100 yards between red and green.  Intense fighter activity and many aircraft seen shot down.
PA974B  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 2320  Down 0320.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares.  Attacked at 0130 hours at 18,000’.  Bombed on TI yellow, RSF and TI green.  Aircraft damaged by fighter.
JA846K  F/L R.N.Higgs, F/Sgt K.Randle, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2320  Down 0340.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 reco flares.  Identified target by Oboe marker.  Markers well concentrated.  Interference on VHF may have been responsible for two photoflashes being released, on flare seen attack made at 0132 hours at 18,000’.  Bombed on TI yellow, TI red, TI green.
PB133C  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.Rimmington, F/L J.Rogerson, W/O L.H.Smith, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt W.J.Manley.  Up 2340  Down 0315.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 2 rec flares.  Weather hazy, little cloud.  Located target by Oboe marker.  After releasing flares, forced by another Lancaster aircraft to turn through approx 30 degrees to starboard.  Photo probably u/s.  One good bunch of TIs observed but others were scattered.
ND840J  F/O D.E.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 2325  Down 0325.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 rec flares.  Attacked at 0140.5 hours at 18,000’.  Bombed on RSF and TI green.
ND501T  F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, P/O T.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith.  Up 2345  Down 0326.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD, 3 rec flares.  No cloud in target area; moonlight.  Identification by flares and special equipment.  Two clusters of red and green seen close together with third cluster of red some ¼ mile east and slightly south of first two clusters.  Attacked at 0139.5 hours at 17,800’.

5.7.44 New crews flew on training cross countries this morning.  An operational stand down tonight.  3 aircraft flew tonight on practice blind bombing runs.  Weather fine.

6.7.44 This morning a large blind and practice bombing programme was carried out.  The Squadron’s bombing error is going down slowly but surely.  Tonight a few cross countries were flown. 

7.7.44 Another operational stand down today.  Cross countries and blind bombing practice was carried out both in the morning and at night.  The weather was fine.

8.7.44 Practice and blind bombing this morning.  The Squadron was informed that it was to stand by for day or night operations.  However, operations were later cancelled.  2 aircraft carried out practice bombing details.

9.7.44 An exceptionally large training programme was effected this morning, consisting of bombing at Wianfleet, blind bombing at Lincoln and Peterborough, and cross countries.  The Squadron stood by all day but no operations were detailed and the only flying tonight consisted of 4 aircraft taking part in a group exercise.

10.7.44 Flying this morning consisted entirely of blind bombing practice.  12 aircraft were detailed for night operations tonight but the operation was later cancelled.  Two aircraft flew on night cross countries.

11.7.44 This morning was occupied with training consisting of blind bombing runs, practice bombing and cross countries.  13 aircraft were detailed for an operation which was later cancelled.  6 aircraft took off on night cross countries and practice bombing.

12.7.44 This morning’s training programme consisted of blind bombing practice and cross countries.  Tonight 13 aircraft were detailed for an attack on an important railway crossing at Culmont Chalindrey.  At 0140 hours we dropped our flares on our blind bombing equipment very accurately over the target area.  Mosquito aircraft instantly found the aiming point and marked it with RSFs.  The Controller not having been heard from by now, the raid was taken over by the Deputy Controller who ordered the RSFs to be backed up and passed a vector wind to the main force to bomb with.  At 0145 the Controller was heard from on VHF and he then assumed control of the raid.  The operation is believed to have been very successful.  There was no flak – only a few searchlights – and fighter opposition was negligible.  All of our aircraft returned safely, but owing to cloud base being so low at base the majority were diverted to Metheringham and two to Winthorpe.

12/13 July 1944 – Culmont-Chalingtrey

NE167Y  W/C Porter (54 Base), P/O C.W.Hoew, F/O J.E.Logan, F/O W.E.Pearson, F/Sgt W.R.Doran, Sgt J.S.McLean, W/O E.A.Thomas.  Up 2153  Down 0623.  6 x RSF, 2 x TI yellow, 2 x TI green, 2 flares red/green stars.  (Controller).  No cloud, vis good.  Target identified by flares and visually.  Flares went down on time (0142 hours) and accurate.  First marker, 2 RSF were placed 130 degrees 50 yards from aiming point 0143.5 hours.  Assessed 0144 hours but grew very dim shortly after and Marker Leader and Deputy 1 agreed with Controller that B/U required (0147 hours).  Marker then gave “Tally Ho” and dropped his two RSF, bearing 150 degrees 270 yards aiming point (0149).  Controller called for Markers to back up correct one, ie north east with green TI (0150) but was unable to contact Markers.  He signalled Main Force not to bomb (0151) and called upon Deputy 2 to back up (0202);  Meanwhile he had himself made one dummy run (0153) attempting to back up and on second run released on green TI (0156.5).  This undershot by 250 yards (north).  Controller initiated signals to Main Force “Do not bomb green TI.”;  Deputy 2’s red TI then fell dead on the western aiming point (0203) and Controller ordered the Main Force to bomb red TI using indicated wind of 325/15.  Observed results of attack indicate that whole of western aiming point was carpeted with bombs.  Attack protracted due to Controller’s initial VHF trouble, attempts to contact Markers for further backing up and necessity for backing up to be carried out by Lancaster aircraft in absence of Marker.  Aircraft landed at Metheringham.
ND961N  S/L C.B.Owen, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L D.Bowes, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt K.Forrest, W/O J.T.Stanton.  Up 2156  Down 0525.  3 x TI green, 2 x TI yellow, 2 flares green/red stars, 9 x 4.5” clusters, 1 rec flare.  (Deputy Controller 1).  No cloud, vis good.  Located target on H2S and GPI.  Illumination good, target clearly seen in light of flares.  At H-14 Marker 4 to Marker Leader passed 6.5.  Marker Leader called Controller but neither he nor myself could get an answer.  I therefore took over controlling of both aiming points (0139).  Two sticks of flares were then dropped successfully and Marker Leader dropped two red spots, assessed as under 50 yards, 6 o’clock.  We then worked out appropriate vector for western aiming point 265/27 – passed by VHF 0144 to “Steel Grey”, confirmed by W/T 0146 hours.  I was preparing to pass vector 2 (illegible code word) when Controller came up on VHF 0145 hours.  His messages were weak and very distorted.  Due to this I replied to Marker Leader who was suggesting backing up initial RSF and told him to carry on.  Controller then called and agreed to this, then said he would take over.  I returned to my own frequency but could get no reply, nor any indication of how his attack on eastern aiming point was progressing.  I, therefore, left target (0200 hours).  About three minutes later Reserve flares started going down over target but although I listened out on Stud B and A, I could ger no indication of what was going on.  I, therefore, returned to base.  Nitrogen carried and okay.
PB156O  F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 2156  Down 0550.  3 x TI red, 2 x TI yellow, 2 flares green/red star, 9 x 4.5” cluster, 1 rec flare.  (Deputy Controller 2).  Identified target by GPI from Chaumont and small lake.  Weather clear, no cloud.  Flares went down at H-8.  Target marked by Marker 1 at 0143.5 hours with RSF.  Second RSF fell about 300 yards to east.  Controller requested cancellation but marker aircraft appeared to have gone.  Controller called for more flares from Flare Force No 4.  Initial RSF assessed as 70 yards 6 o’clock and considered good enough to back up.  Controller then requested this to be backed up which was done at 0204 hours.  Green TI fell but was inaccurate.  Bombing wa premature but fairly accurately laid across red TI.  Landed at Winthorpe.
PB181D  S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O  M.J.Bridgman.  Up 2203  Down 0625.  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours), 2 reco flares.  Weather clear. Located target by equipment.  On arrival S/L Owen (Deput 1) was carrying on.  The Controller’s VHF was us/ (unknown to him) and aircraft was jamming everyone else.  No vectored wind was received.  Wireless Op having been listening on different frequency for western target – he being Deputy W/T Controller for this target.  Landed at Winthorpe.
JA846K  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2158  Down 0545  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (36 hours), 2 reco flares.  No cloud, dark, vis good.  Identified target visually.  The two RSF seen then green TI which was cancelled and was followed by one red TI.  First RSF well placed but badly backed up causing  much delay before bombing could start.  Many bombs were dropped (some scattered) before permission was given by Controller.  Aircraft landed at Winthorpe.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2154  Down 0555.  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (12 hours), 2 reco flares.  Clear weather.  Identification of target by equipment.  GPI run from a box fix.  After flares had gone down, the Mosquito RSF was 50 yards 6 o’clock at 0144.  Mosquitos went home after this.  Orders given to back up and a red spot went down, overshooting  200 yrads on heading 130 degrees.  At 0155 hours ordered to standby and not to bomb; then more flares required and Deputy 2 backed up with long burning red TI which seemed to be accurate.  At 0208 hours ordered to bomb it.  Landed at Fulbeck.
PB157Q  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2200  Down 0559.  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours), 2 reco flares.  Weather clear, target identified by RSF on time, assessed as 40 yards 6 o’clock – backed up by green TI which we were told to ignore.  Backed up again with red TI – message received to bomb these.  After bombing we were told to return to base.  Nitrogen used – satisfactory.  Landed at Metheringham.
NE121E  F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2155  Down 0609.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (36 hours), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis good.  Target located by markers.  First flares went down at H-10.  At H-8 Marker 1 reported flares spot on.  At H-6 marker down 50 yards 6 o’clock.  Backed up 4 minutes later by Marker 2 which was followed by another RSF – immediately after this Controller ordered Markers to cancel second RSF (just released) and back up original RSF with green TI.  At H-hour ordered by Controller “Do not Bomb”.  At H-10 while actually dropping more flares, green TI was seen to cascade.  Controller still asking Markers to back up, but no reply.  Controller heard to order “Bomb red TI”, giving bombing wind of 325/15; on hearing this we went in to bomb.  Bombing appeared very concentrated.  Landed at Metheringham.
ND840J  F/O C.Bucknell, Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.E.Daitz, F/Sgt R.McAllister, Sgts C.C.Dyke, W.Patience, L.D.Farmer.  Up 2201  Down 0557.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (36 hours), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target identified by RSF.  Called in to drop flares 0158 hours.  Ordered to bomb 0208 hours.  Wind received 0153 hours – 031/55.  Heard another wind which was immediately cancelled, then 325/15 at 0206 hours.  This one we used.  Attack seemed fairly concentrated when it finally commenced.  Landed at Metheringham.
MD452S  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O S.Hawkes, P/O M.Stern, F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts D.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2206  Down 0601.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (12 hours), 2 rec flares.  Clear over target – located visually on RSF.  Could see some of the buildings around RSF but unable to see the railway tracks due to smoke and haze.  A satisfactory trip except for a delay of ½ an hour at target.  Orders given by Controller at 0144 hours, “No flares required.  Stand by.  Do not bomb.” Landed at Metheringham.     
PB133C  F/L H.A.B.Baker, F/Sgt W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers, P/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howells, F/L C.C.Sherring, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 2202  Down 0552.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (12 hours), 2 rec flares.  Cloudless skies, light haze, vis good.  Identified target visually.  Well illuminated to start with.  Accurate red TI, inaccurately backed up by green.  Bombing on the whole well concentrated round RSF.  Controller almost inaudible on VHF.  Landed at Winthorpe.
PA973A  F/L P.J.Drane, Sgts R.J.Bowen, S.R.E.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 2202  Down 0025.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (12 hours), 2 rec flares.  Mission abandoned – at 5204N 0118W 8000’.  Starboard outer engine temperature high, pressure low (limit); feathered.  Unable to maintain height and speed.  Jettisoned HEs safe at 2350 hours at 4000’ with exception of 3 x 1ooolb MCs, brought back with 9 x 7” clusters and 2 RSF.
ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 2159  Down 0608.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD, 2 rec flares.  Sky clear over Culmont-Chalentray.  Located visually and by TIs.  At 0206 Controller requested more flares; we did not drop as we were on dummy run.  Flare Force then also told to drop; by this time we had gone round again – too late for flares.  Message received at 0208 hours to drop HEs.  Instructed to return to base just as we were bombing.  When message “Do not Bomb” was sent out Main Force were dropping their bombs all the time. 

13.7.44 No flying this morning owing to inclement weather.  Later in the afternoon the aircraft which had landed away last night were flown back to base.  Owing to adverse weather conditions there was no night flying.

14.7.44 This morning new crews were sent on training cross countries and other aircraft were tested for night flying.  The Squadron stood by for operations which did not materialise, and night flying consisted of practice bombing, blind bombing and cross countries.

15.7.44 This morning some aircraft took off for blind bombing practice at Lincoln and Nottingham.  Operations tonight were directed against a marshalling yard at Nevers.  10 aircraft were detailed.  The attack opened with this Squadron dropping flares, by means of its blind equipment, accurately over the aiming point at 0145 hours.  The Mosquitos immediately went in and dropped a RSF which fell about 400 yards from the aiming point and was immediately cancelled by a yellow TI marker.  Another RSF was soon put down, this time accurately.  The Controller then broadcast a bombing wind and main force went in and bombed.  The target was well hit though the accuracy of the bombing was rather disappointing.  A terrific explosion was seen at 0209 hours.  There was no flak of any kind and no fighters were seen.  All of our aircraft returned safely.

15/16 July 1944 - Nevers

NE167Y  W/C Porter (54 Base), P/O C.W.Howe, F/O J.A.Logan, F/O W.E.Pearson, F/S Doran, Sgt J.S.Mclean, W/O E.A.Thomas,  Up 2214  Down 0309.  4 RSF, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC, 2 x 1000lb MC LD (7 hrs), 2 flares green/red star.  No cloud, good vis.  Target identified visually by flares which were dropped accurately to time at 0147.  First “Tally Ho” RSF 0147.5 fell 310 degrees 400 yards from aiming point.  Controller required Marker Leader to re-mark and to cancel inaccurate marker with yellow TI.  Second RSF were placed (0152) about 75 yards bearing 160 degrees to the aiming point along axis of target.  Cancelling yellow TI fell on top of the inaccurate RSF.  The green TI marking point was accurately laid at 0149 hours – at 0155 instructions passed to Main Force to bomb RSF using a bombing wind 272/16.  At 0156 this was supplemented VHF message to bomb further RSF, ignoring those cancelled by yellow TI.  The Controller requested the Marker Leader to prepare to back up the yellow TI with a further yellow 5 minutes after the attack had commenced.  The first stick of bombs observed fell 400 yards to east of aiming point.  The next fell directly on the axis of target, the tracer overshooting RSF by 150 – 200 yards.  Bombing thereafter somewhat wild, a number of bombs falling on target but others falling on either side.  In the early stages of attack no consistent error was apparent.  In later stages, however, the mean error appeared to be approx 150 yards to the west of the target and, at 0203.5 hours Controller passed a vectored HF in an attempt to bring the bombing back to the aiming point.  It is considered that bombing generally was somewhat erratic but that the major concentration of bombs fell in an area bounded by the eastern axis of that and extended west some 350 yards.  Tracer bombs were of very considerable use to the Controller.  Considerable smoke in target area, some drifting over from yellow TI but cause of remainder of smoke obscure.  The accurate TI remained visible throughout the attack.  It is felt that some of the inaccuracies in bombin may have been due to crews bombing at a lower level, fearing that a hail of bombs would descend upon them.
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, W/O C.D.Hooton, F/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.M.Nedwich, W/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O Bridgman.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI No 16, 2 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (36 hours), 2 flares green/red stars.  Target Nevers located on H2X in clear weather with haze.  After flares went down, Mosquitos put down an RSF at 0147 which was assessed as 500 yards west.  So Controller called for it to be cancelled.  Re-marking called for and second RSF 0153 assessed as 100 yards 12 o’clock.  Wind received from Controller 0155 hours – 272/26.  Cancelled at 0203.5 hours, vector wind 006/9 passed to Main Force.  A large explosion seen in target area at 0210 hours.  The RSf that was cancelled unfortunately drew a lot of bombing as the second one was obscured by smoke.  Cancelling yellow TIs after a while look like fires.
PB181D  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Chappell, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O G.Leonard.  Up 2216  Down 0455.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hours), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identification of target by H2X.  Flares down on time.  RSFs down 0152.  No assessment heard.  No backing up as far as we could see.  Message received ordering bombing 0153.5.  Bombing completed.  Attack seemed very good.  No bombing wind received for our target.  No photo as flare selected in error.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hours), 2 rec flares.  No cloud.  Target seen by H2S, later on existing flares.  First flares at 0146.5 hours and seemed fairly accurate.  Two RSF fell at approx 0149 hours close together.  Assessed as inaccuaret and cancelled by yellow TI immediately after. Two more RSF were assessed as 100 yards 12 o’clock.  Main Force called in at 1054.  Controller broadcast wind 272/16 at H-hour.  Bombing fairly good.  Some bombs were dropped from aircraft above 7000’, all well around marker.  A large explosion at 0209 hours.  Some bombs had green and red tracer from the explosion.  Green TIs to south very helpful.
PB133C  W/C A.W.Heward, F/Sgt K.Randle, P/O J.Watt, F/O K.W.Odgers (A/B), F/L W.G.Cooper (Spec A/B), F/O A.R.Verrier, F/O J.R.Blott, P/O H.F.Roberts.  Up 2213  Down 0517. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (144 hours), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis good.  Identification by H2S.  One RSF definitely on target but inaccurate.  RSF cancelled by yellow attracted some bombing.  Green TI did not burn long enough.
JA846K  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2220  Down 0515. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (12 hours), 2 rec flares.  Located target on H2S.  Thick cloud at 14000’, nothing below.  No flares seen before 97/K dropped theirs.  First RSF were cancelled at 0148 being 500 yards error.  Yellow TI being dropped.  Second RSF assessed as 50 yards 12 o’clock.  Main Force told to attack this at 0204 hours.  Bombing was accurately placed round the marker.  At 0211 hours message received to complete bombing.  Controller W/T finished at 0214.  Huge explosion at 0209 in target area.  Considerable obscured target area.  Controller’s wind 272/16.
PB157Q  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2212  Down 0516.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hrs), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis good.  Located target (Nevers) by markers confirmed by H2X.  No troubles with bombing or flare runs.  As the attack progressed more and more sticks seemed to fall on RSF cancelled by yellow 500 yards NW of target.  Estimated at 75% in all.  Aiming point marker somewhat obscured by smoke and a small pinpoint compared with yellow splodge.  Large explosion 0208 hours.
ND452S  F/O C.Bucknell, Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.E.Daitz, F/O R.A.V.James, Sgts C.C.Dyke, W.Patience, L.D.Farmer.  Up 2232  Down 0525.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hrs), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identified target by RSF and visually on existing flares.  Called in to drop flares 0150.  Bombing wind passed at 0155 – 272/16.  At 0156 order to bomb came through by W/T.  0158 ordered to standby and at 0203 ordered to bomb.  First RSF 500 yards out cancelled by yellow TI.  Second RSF was the one we were ordered to bomb.  Terrific flash and clouds of smoke seen at 0208.  First RSF attracted a lot of the bombing.
JB683H  F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Halton, P/O D.G.Twine, F/Sgt L.Cleary, F/Sgt D.K.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 2221  Down 0511.  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hrs), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear, vis good.  Location of target by markers and other flares.  At 0150 Controller called for reserve flares which dropped over the markers.  Stood off till called in to bomb at 0156.  An RSF although cancelled by a yellow TI attracted a substantial portion of bombs, 500 yards north of aiming point.  Remainder concentrated to within a 500 yard spread of markers.
ND501T   F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, P/O T.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith.  Up 2214  Down 0526.  9 x 4.5” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (144 hrs), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Fairly clear under 10/10ths layer with base at 9,000’.  Target confirmed by illuminating flares with aid of H2S.  First flares at 0144.5.  First RSF at 0149 approx, error of 500 yards, cancelled by yellow TI at 1050.  More flares were called for at the same time.  Second RSF put down at 0153 – assessment not heard.  No order to bomb was heard.  Bombing wind 0152 hours – 272/16.  Several bombs seen to explode on aiming point.  One very large explosion with flame 2000’ at 0210 approx.  A second explosion occurred ½ an hour later, seen on return track.  Datum point green TI helped in run up.  No trouble with smoke obscuring markers.  Tail tracer on bombs very useful.   

16.7.44 Usual day training this morning.  Operations were laid on but cancelled later in the day.  Instead a Group Paramatta exercise was carried out tonight at Wainfleet.  Some aircraft also completed bombing exercises.

17.7.44 More day training consisting of fighter affiliation bombing and cross country flights.  Operations were again laid on and cancelled in favour of a Group Wanganui Exercise.

18.7.44 Some day training carried out with our blind bombing equipment.  Operations again cancelled having been laid on.  The weather was not considered good enough to justify night flying.

19.7.44 Usual day training.  2 of our aircraft were detailed for an operation against a flying bomb supply site.  The target was a cave entrance at Thivergny and the operation was carried out in daylight.  The role of our two aircraft was to back up the Oboe TI with further red TIs.  The Oboe, however, did not arrive until 4 minutes after the scheduled time.  The VHF in the Controller’s aircraft was unserviceable and one of our visual backers up decided to mark the target visually.  He dropped a red TI which was believed to have fallen approx 600 yards short.  The bombing was scattered though the target was well covered by members of main force who bombed visually or waited for the Oboe TI.  There was very little opposition.  The weather was clear but hazy.

19/20 July 1944 – Thivergny

ND862G  F/L H.A.B.Baker, W/O W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers (A/B), P/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howells (W/Op), F/Sgt J.D.Mitchell (MG), Sgt T.Twomey (MG), F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 1932  Down 2324.  4 x TI red No 16, 9 x 1000lb GP, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (72 hrs).  Weather clear, no cloud.  Target located visually by junction at marshalling yard near L-shaped bend of wood.  Yellow marker had not gone down by H-1 so we aimed visually at aiming point.  VHF had to be switched off during bombing as nothing could be heard on intercom.  As aircraft turned away another 4 red TIs were seen to fall in the same place.  Wind broadcast by 97/G was 216/17 mph.  Two further sticks of bombs seen to fall accurately across aiming point.  Yellow Oboe marker appeared on aiming point among red TI just after aircraft had closed bomb doors.
PA979R  F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/O K.S.Barker (Vis A/B), P/O A.W.A.Burnell, F/L R.Underhill (MG), F/L C.C.Sherring (MG), F/Sgt J.Rumney.  Up 1931  Down 0002.  4 x TI red No 16, 9 x 1000lb GP, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (48 hrs).   Weather clear, slight ground haze.  Identified target visually.  Ran over target at 2130 hours; no markers were down.  Visibility not good.  Target was identified too late to start a bombing run.  Returned on route ordered (to Reading thence across country to North Sea to jettison 2 x 1000lb GP, 1 x 1000lb MC) at position 5400N 0210E, 2331 hours at 9000’.  Several efforts were made to pass winds found to Controller without success.  7 x 1000lb GP and 4 TI red brought back.

20.7.44 NFTs and blind bombing runs this morning.  15 aircraft were detailed to participate in and attack on the marshalling yards at Courtrai.  The Squadron arrived punctually at 0044 hours and dropped flares by means of their blind bombing equipment across the target area.  Mosquitos of 627 Sqn immediately marked the target with red TIs.  These were very accurate and were soon backed up by Lancaster aircraft with green TIs.  The Main Force bombing was extremely accurate and the target was obliterated.  F/O Edwards and crew did not return from this mission.  There was slight heavy flak and some enemy fighters were seen on the return route.  There was no cloud but some haze.

20/21 July 1944 – Courtrai

NE167Y  W/C Porter (54 Base), PO C.W.Howe, F/O J.E.Logan, F/O W.E.Pearson, F/Sgt W.R.Doran, Sgt J.S.McLean, W/O E.A.Thomas.  Up 2312  Down 0210.  6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 2 x wanganui flares green/red stars.  (Controller).  No cloud, slight ground haze.  Target identified visually confirmed by H2S.  First Oboe went down 0046.5 hours.  First flares 0040.5.  Marker 1 “Tally Ho” 0052 hours.  Green TI cascaded at 0052.5 hours.  At 0053.5 hours assessed by Marker Leader at 230 degrees 100 yards and agreed by Controller.  Orders to back up given 0053.5.  At 0055 further green TI dropped on aiming point.  At 0055.5 hours bombing commenced.  Controller ascertained markers were clear and at 0056 hours ordered “Attack green TI.”  At 0057 considerable explosion in sorting yards. At 0059 Controller ordered backers up to drop further green TI as very considerable smoke clouds were tending to obscure original markers.  At 0102.5 B/U green TI observed to fall and assessed as accurate.  At 0104 orders given to complete bombing and return to base.  Apart from ½ a dozen wild sticks of bombs, the bombing effort considered concentrated round the markers.  Marking was efficient but it is considered doubtful whether flares can be laid and initial markere dropped and assessed and three furtjer markers subsequently dropped in the 6 minutes allotted.  Grateful for fighter flares dropped by enemy during attack which assisted assessment!
PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, F/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O E.H.Hansen.  Up 2308  Down 0216.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 2 x Wanganui flares green/red star.  (Deputy Controller).  Nil cloud, moderate base.  Target identified by markers.  First Oboe went down slightly early.  Marking very rapid and successful.  Bombing at dirst was a little wide north and south and west.  After first few sticks bombing was good.  Clouds of smoke tended to obscure markers.  Controller called in VBU at 0100 hours (attack had been ordered 0057).  Some fighter activity.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2311  Down 0226.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 2 x Wanganui flares green/red star.  (Deputy Controller 2).  Weather clear with haze.  Located target by 184 and red TI.  Red TU down at 0047.  Made a blind run and dropped flares.  Called white Mosquito markers.  Green TI were good.  Original green TIs obscured by smoke.  Backing up called for.  These down okay 0101 hours.  Told to return to base at 0103 hours.
ND740F  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/L Bean (Station Armaments Officer), F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt G.Leonard.  Up 2313  Down 0232.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Target confirmed on H2S.  At 0049 hours Oboe marker dropped, followed by flares which were a very good concentration.  Mosquitos dropped green TIs assessed by Controller as 100 yards 12 o’clock.  Bombing wind received as 150/08 at 0050 hours.  Bombing appeared to be in very good concentration.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, S/L P.A.Stevens, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 2305  Down 0200.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Weather clear, some haze.  Identified target visually.  First green TI went down in middle of marshalling yards.  The reds had been on the southern end of yards.  Greens assessed 100 yards 12 o’clock.  Bombing very concentrated on markers.  Attack went as planned.  Marking was quick and accurate.  Fighter activity on way out to French coast.  Bombs seen exploding before time ordered.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2316  Down 0155.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Weather clear with haze.  Dropped flares one minute early.  Wind came through at 0052 hours – 150/8.  Oboe markers red TI went down 0048 hours.  Second Mosquito backed up with green TI.  Markers told to go home and Main Force ordered to attack 0053 hours.  Attack very concentrated.  At 0058 hours called in VBU crews to back up.  No opposition.
PA974B  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgt E.F.Errington, F/Sgt T.Twomey.  Up 2315  Down 0202.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC GP, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear with slight horizontal haze.  Target located by Oboe markers.  Dropped flares.  Firsr markers down 0047, then second markers green TI 0053 hours.  Markers were assessed and green TIs were 100 yards 12 o’clock.  Ordered to bomb green TIs.  Attack ordered 0056 hours.  At 0100 SABS crews called in to back up greens.  Markers very good.  Bombing scattered first but later very concentrated.  Terific orange explosion where the markers were at north-east end of marshalling yard at 0054.  Wind received 150/8 at 0053.
PB156O  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2317  Down 0210.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Clear sky, good vis.  Identified target by Oboe markers and H2S.  Oboe marker dropped 0047 followed by flares which fell across the target area.  Green TI followed, assessed by Mosquitos as on aiming point.  Bombing wind received 150/8 just before bombing run on W/T.  Bombing appeared to be well concentrated around markers.
PA973A  P/O D.A.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 2318  Down 0217.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Weather clear woith haze.  Target located by red TIs.  Our flares not needed.  At 0055 called in to bomb.  Marking very good.  First green TI was assessed as 100 yards 12 o’clock, second green was about 50 yards and the third was on aiming point.  Ordered to beomb green TI.  Bombing concentrated except for a few loose sticks.  Numerous explosions.  Distortion and interference on VHF.
PB133C  F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2314  Down 0157.  9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares.  Clear, ground haze.  Target seen by H2S and GPI, also red TI (Oboe).  Attack opened up on time and was quickly marked by green TI at H-3.  Bombing wind 150/8 received at H-4 and at H-1 bombing started, well concentrated around green TIs.  Raid was very quickly over and bombing extremely concentrated around marker.  At H+2.5, large explosion with volumes of flame and black smoke, presumably oil.  VHF set very noisy and had to be switched off.  One stick of flares dropped at 0050 hours approx was about 5 to 6 miles to port but ignored.
PA974R  F/O H.W.J.Edwards, F/O W.Hannah, F/L E.C.Burt, F/L J.Skingley, F/O K.S.Barker (Vis A/B), P/O A.W.A.Burnell, F/L R.Underhill, F/Sgt J.Rumney.  Up 2319  4 x TI green, 10 x 1000lb MC/GP.  Aircraft missing – nothing heard of after take off.
JA846K  F/O N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell (Spec A/B), Sgts W.Manderson, J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. Up 2309  Down 0218.  6 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC/GP.  Weather clear but hazy.  Arrived target area 0042.5, when no markers were visible – and owing to a mistake in the bombing flimsy we dropped bombs instead of flares.  Other flares were then dropped and we decided to go over to the second target.  Markers seen to go down at 0049.5 hours in good concentration around the aiming point and we ran in and dropped the remaining two bombs and 6 flares after asking Controller if he wanted any extra illumination.  Bombing appeared to be fairly spread out.
ND495M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dicken, P/O H.M.J.Vere-Hodge, F/O R.T.Martin, Sgts W.J.Parsons, W.W.Winskill, A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 2307  Down 0222.  6 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC/GP.  Clear, some haze, no cloud.  Target located by equipment and visually.  Flares went down on time and were well concentrated.  Also bombing was well concentrated on markers.  Impossible to see ground detail.
MD807P  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, P/O F.S.Hawkins, F/O M.Stern, F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2306  Down 0218.  6 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC/GP.  Weather clear.  Identified target visually by markers.  Green markers were on top of sheds and railway yards.  Bombing was well concentrated on greens.  Attack should be very good.  At 0057 hours large explosion at Courtrai with a lot of smoke.
ND862G  F/L H.A.B.Baker, W/O W.Hunter, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/L W.G.Rogers, F/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.D.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 2324  Down 0224.  4 x TI green, 10 x 1000lb MC/GP.  No cloud below moderate haze.  Located target by green TI.  Flares good.  Red Oboe went down on time.  Green TIs down and told to back up these at 0058.5 hours.  These down accurately.  Attack very good; big concentration, special marking very good. 

21.7.44  Two cross country training flights constituted this morning’s flying.  An operational stand down tonight.

22.7.44 Although the squadron was standing by for a short period, the NFTs were carried out this morning, no operations were detailed and no night flying took place.

23.7.44 Training this morning consisted of blind bombing practice.  13 aircraft were detailed for operations tonight but nothing eventually materialized.  No night flying.

24.7.44 Blind bombing practice, NFTs and practice bombing constituted this morning’s flying.  Tonight’s target was at Longes near St Nazaire.  It was an oil storage centre.  10 aircraft were detailed.  The attack opened at 0135 with an Oboe TI on the target.  This Squadron illuminated the target blindly – the Oboe was assessed, backed up, and Main Force came in and bombed.  Photographic cover has since proved the attack to have been quite accurate.  There was quite a lot of flak and searchlights.  The weather was good with no cloud and slight haze.

24/25 July 1944 – Longes

NE165Y (54 Base)  W/C Woodroffe (54 Base) Sgt J.Bell, F/O A.H.Ryder, P/O R.Ormiston (A/B), F/O A.Ley (A/B 2), P/O W.Harvey, F/Sgt W.Walker, Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 2244  Down 0357.  (Controller)  6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 5 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours), 2 flares green/red stars.  (Controller).  Weather clear but some haze.  Target identified by markers, confirmed by H2S.  Ran over target at 0131 hours.  Oboe already down (time not noted as winds being taken).  Marker reported first two Oboes 200 yards east and west respectively but third Oboe accurate.  Coned by searchlights 0132 and 0136 hours which hampered controlling.  Also continually engaged by heavy and light flak.  Oboe finally assessed at 0135 hours.  At same time ordered “Stand by – do not bomb.”  Ordered Marker to release greens between two Oboes.  Green marker assessed 0137 hours as 200 yards west.  B/U ordered 200 yards east of first green TI.  All B/U greens went down between the reds.  Marker Leader reported aiming point completely covered by greens.  Told marker aircraft to leave area and Main Force to bomb greens at 0141 hours.  At 0142 hours markers told to go home, no more TI left.  B/U had advised 0126 hours that bombsight was u/s so unable to back up throughout attack which would have been helpful in later stages owing to smoke.  At 0148 B/U and Flare Force ordered home.  At 0150 hours ordered “Complete bombing and return to Base.”  Last bombing 0151 hours.  Bombing for first ¾ of attack consistently accurate but undershot on first stage owing to lack of B/U marking.
PD181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  Up 2242  Down 0347.  (Deputy Controller 1).  6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 5 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours), 2 flares green/red stars.  Nil cloud below below 16000’.  Slight haze.  Target identified on H2S.  Raid opened up with Oboe marker one minute early.  Flares illuminated target, marked by Mosquitos, assessed as being 200 yards east of aiming point.  This green TI was backed up and produced a concentration of markers round the aiming point.  Bombing order given at 0141.  Bombing seemed to be quite concentrated around the green TIs.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/Sgt M.H.McBride, W/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2245  Down 0352.  6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No 16, 5 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours), 2 flares green/red stars.  (Deputy Controller 2).  Weather clear, fair visibility.  Slight haze.  Target confirmed by H2S and Gee equipment.  Oboe marker seen to cascade at 0128 hours – 3 minutes early, followed by flares, first one at 0130 hours.  Oboe assessed as 200 yards east.  Green TIs were then dropped 200 yards west of Oboe marker as ordered by Controller and were assessed as covering the aiming point.  Bombing fairly concentrated.  Large explosion seen with clouds of black smoke.
ND740F  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O G.Leonard.  Up 2243  Down 0342.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD (6 hours).  No cloud, hazy.  Target identified on H2S.  Oboe seen to cascade.  First green assessed 200 yards east of aiming point.  At 0136 hours Controller asked for B/U 200 yards west of green which was down and all aircraft called in to bomb green TI.  After leaving target, explosion at 0149 and 0150 hours, red in colour, lasting approx two seconds.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2247  Down 0343.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD (144 hours).  No cloud, hazy.  Identification by 184 equipment.  First and red TI 0128 hours, rather early.  First flares two minutes later.  At 0133 hours, received winds 245/16.  Controller asked at 0134 hours what the Oboes were like; Markers replied 200 yards south and west.  O136 hours first green TIs; assessed as 200 yards east of aiming point; 0140 hours green TIs assessed as on aiming point.  A minute later order given to come in and bomb centre of green TIs.  0149 hours two large explosions in target area.
ND589R  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.S.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2249  Down 0345.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD (72 hours).  Weather clear with slight haze.  Target identified by H2S and Oboe marker.  First Oboe two minutes early at H-6.  Flares went approx one minute earlier.  Wind received 245/16 at 0124.5 hours.  Green markers down 0136 hours assessed as covering aiming point.  Order to bomb given at 0141 hours.  Flares and bombs all very concentrated.  No explosions or fires seen.
PA975A  F/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 2244  Down 0351.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD (6 hours).  Nil cloud, hazy.  Target located visually, confirmed by H2S.  Oboe dropped on time, followed by flares which proved accurate.  Mosquitos dropped green TI which appeared well concentrated around aiming point.  Bombs were generally well concentrated with a few loose sticks.  Large explosion observed at 0149 lasting 3 seconds.
ND495M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dicken, P/O H.M.J.Vere-Hodge, F/O R.T.Martin, Sgts W.J.Parsons, W.W.Winskill, A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 2248  Down 0354.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb LD (6 hours).  No cloud.  Target indicated by markers, checked by equipment.  Dropped bombs on green TI as instructed by Controller.  Took jettision action after bombing (by habit) and so released all flares in error.  Not many bombs went down before ours but concentration appeared good.
ND862G  F/L H.A.B.Baker, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers, P/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 2245  Down 0330.  6 x 7” clusters, 8 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear with haze, target identified by 6 TI markers.  First flares 0129.  Wind received 245/14 at 0132.5.  First red Oboe assessed 200 yards out, green TI assessed as accurate and Main Force ordered to bomb the green TIs.  Bombing concentrated, fires and two large explosions in target area.  Third Flare wave not required.  Air pressure for bomb sight nil.  Limited accuracy and bomb sight inadequate for TIs.  Flares not asked for.
JB683H  F/O R.P.F.Taylor, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Graves, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2246  Down 0341.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC LD (6 hours).  Clear but slight haze.  Located target by markers confirmed by instruments.  Concentration of bombing very good.  Flares seen approx 0147 hours 100 feet high with black smoke from fires around.  Marking also very concentrated.  Green TI placed nicely between reds as requested by Controller.    

25.7.44 This morning 13 of our aircraft proceeded to Wyton to participate with 8 Group in an attack on Stuttgart.  The attack was on the usual area target lines – a Newhaven with emergency Wanganui.  Our TIs were dropped blindly on a GPI run from Sforzheim.  Cloud was 8/10ths and the attack soon developed into a Paramatta with some crews dropping Wanganui flares.  The marking was continuous and generally well concentrated and crews reported markers on built up area.  The defences consisted of heavy flak in barrage form with no searchlights.  The raid was generally considered quite successful.  All of our aircraft returned safely, the supporters at Coningsby.

25/26 July 1944 – Stuttgart

PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  Up 2200  Down 0520.  6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/red.  8-10/10ths thick cloud, tops 18000’.  Vis moderate.  Target located on GPI run.  General concentration of TIs was good, mainly red, some greens seen.
ND740F  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, P/O T.W.L.Leak, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O G.Leonard.  Up 2150  Down 0520. 6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/red.  Thin layer of stratus 16/17,000’.  Hazy.  Identified target by GPI run.  Green /yellow 0146.5 hours.  First red at 0147.5 hours.  Attack did not appear very concentrated.  Red glow as aircraft left was visible for some distance.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, P/O J.W.Muller, W/O L.H.Smith, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/Sgt M.H.McBride, W/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2155  Down 0525.  6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/red.  No cloud but some ground haze or low thick cloud.  Target identified on TI red.  No TIs seen on arrival.  Own bombs followed simultaneously by red TIs at 0149 hours.  First green TI seen at 0154.  GPI unsatisfactory.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 2200 Down 0520.  6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/red.  No cloud, some ground haze.  Target seen by TI red.  On arrival two small fires still burning.  One yellow TI at 0145.5 hours on bombing run.  TI seen to explode, followed by another.  Too early in attack to give an impression of concentration.  H2S u/s on return route.
PB156O  F/L G.H.Laing, Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 2200  Down 0510.  6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb MC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/yellow.  Cloud nil.  Hazy under 12,000’.  Target identified by GPI run and visual check.  White flares were going down as aircraft ran up.  Ground distinguishable and appeared to be on the right place.  Marking was then continuous and red and green TIs were well concentrated.
PA973A  F/O D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 2158  Down 0523.  6 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb GP, 1 x Wanganui green/red.  No cloud but ground haze.  Idnetification by DR;  illuminating flares and one TI red cascaded just before bombing.  Red TI fell roughly 5 miles away on port beam.  Aircraft obliged on DR as H2S was u/s from French coast out to target.  The transmitter was apparently u/s.  Two green TIs were seen falling about two miles apart two minutes after bombing.  A few scattered fires were observed.  Ground haze too thick for visual identification of target.
ND121E  F/L H.A.B.Baker, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, F/L W.G.Rogers, P/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howells, F/Sgt J.T.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 2200  Down 0545.  4 x TI green LB, 4 x TI green, 1 x 4000lb HC, 3 x 1000lb MC.  10/10ths thin strato cumulus, tops above, vis poor.  Located target by TIs red and green on return run.  Went over target as H2S u/s and saw attack behind.  Returned and bombed on reciprocal.  Clusters of red and green TIs down  but green were 1000 yards to port of red.  Markers still going on at 0209 hours.  “Cookie” burst in concentration of red.  Master Bomber  was instructing aircraft to bomb red TIs.
PA974D  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 2150  Down 0535.  5 x 2000lb HC.  Haze or very thin stratus in patches up to 18,000’ or above.  Vis very poor.  Idnetification by DR confirmed by yellow TI.  184 equipment u/s from English coast.  Navigation by DR and pin-points and estimated positions.  Before release of bombs, yellow TI seen to disappear into haze to port.  Red TI and flares seen port quarter at 0149.  Green TI seen at 0154 hours.  Unsatisfactory trip owing to failure of special equipment but navigation sufficiently accurate to enable us to carry out Supporter duty.
JA846K  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, P/O W.E.Pearson, P/O T.W.Blck (Vis A/B), P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt W.J.Manley.  Up 2103  Down 0602.  5 x 2000lb HC.  Very thick haze.  Target identified by GPI run confirmed by yellow TI and built up area.  One yellow TI cascaded at 0143 hours – appeared to be 3 minutes early.  No illuminating flares seen before bombing but just before bombs were released on GPI run, built up area seen.  No other marker seen until aircraft was leaving when one red TI was seen among illuminating flares at 0148 hours.  Too early for results to be observed.
PB133C  F/O J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2158  Down 0532.  5 x 2000lb HC.  1/16th thin strato cumulus estimated 12,000’.  Target located by H2S.  Y fix at 0143 on Pforzheim followed by GPI run.  Response on SOX from believed Stuttgart which would have been good enough to bomb on if we had not been briefed to bomb on GPI.  Yellow TI seen ahead on run up as we crossed over.  Flares just starting and a green and red TI seen to cascade – green just before bombing and red just after.  Too early to assess results.
ND840J  F/O N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O A.A.Carvell (Vis A/B), F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 2156  Down 0517.  5 x 2000lb HC.  5/10ths layer of cloud 19,000’.  Clear below with slight haze.  Identified target on H2S.  Approx 3 minutes before bombing one red TI cascaded.  Aircraft was too early on target to see any green TI or any green and red salvoes.  Too early for results to be observed.
ND452S  F/O R.L.C.Lasham, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, Sgts D.Nicholls, R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 2202  Down 0539.  5 x 2000lb HC.  Very thick cloud at 18,000’, otherwise clear.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Town came up on box but very indistinctly.  At 0148 hours flares and red and green TIs seen.  Flares seen either side of track; red and green TI to port.  Unable to estimate result of attack.
ND495M  F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, R.C.Dickin.  Up 2201  Down 0539.  5 x 2000lb HC.  Thick haze below – 5/10ths layer cloud above.  Located target visually – by illuminating flares and bomb flashes, also on ETA (H2S u/s).  Flares fell at 0149.5 (1/2 a minute late).  Yellow TI not observed but several green TIs seen about 3 minutes after.  One red TI was seen amongst these.  No results observed.       

26.7.44 No flying this morning.  This afternoon our aircraft returned from Wyton.  An operational stand down tonight.

27.7.44 Practice bombing and cross countries this morning.  An operational stand down tonight.  No night flying.

28.7.44 Training this morning consisted of a simulation blind area bombing attack and was carried out at Wainfleet.  Operations were laid on this afternoon but were later cancelled and Group Wanganui trials substituted in their place.

29.7.44 Usual day training this morning.  No operations were laid on for tonight.  Instead a simulation blind area attack was carried out at Wainfleet.

30.7.44 This morning 6 aircraft were detailed for daylight operations against German positions and troop concentrations in the front line at Cahagnes near Caumont.  The role of our aircraft was to lead the formation to the target, where the force would split up and bomb independently.  However, on arrival at the target area at 0800 hours, 10/10ths cloud conditions prevailed and the master bomber gave instructions for the force not to bomb but to go back to base.  This order was obeyed but by now the force had split up and they returned, some breaking cloud at 2000’ and coming back low level and others above cloud.  The weather over the Channel was fine and enormous amounts of shipping could be seen waiting to unload their war cargoes.  One of our crews captained by F/L H.A.B.Baker did not return.  S/L Stevens DFC, the squadron navigation officer, was flying with this crew on this operation.  The opposition was negligible.  A large training programme was carried out by the remainder of the Squadron tonight.

30 July 1944 - Cahagnes

PA974B  W/C A.W.Heward, Sgt D.E.Lacey, F/L J.Rogerson, F/L J.Peden, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/O J.R.Blott (MG), F/Sgt W.J.Manley (RG), F/L G.Polson (FG).  Up 0539  Down 0959.  18 x 500lb GP.  10/10ths strato cumulus, tops 4,000’, base 500’ in patches; thick in places.  Target identified visually and by red Oboe marker.  Five minutes before reaching target Master Bomber informed Main Force of cloud base 2,000’.  We descended to that height and on running up to target  saw smoke from some burnt out TIs on port side, slightly behind, and another red TI going down in front and ahead.  This marker was slightly ahead of the other TIs which were well concentrated and bombs were aimed at this TI, allowing for a slight overshoot.  There were no signs of any enemy armour or activity whilst we were in target area.  Just before dropping bombs, bomb aimer saw a house well alight approx one mile to starboard of track at commencement of bombing run.  Cloud persisted over target area but 10 miles north there was no cloud at all.
NE121E  F/L H.A.B.Baker, W/O W.Hunter, F/O J.W.H.Oldham, S/L P.A.Stevens, P/O E.H.Moore (Vis A/B), F/O G.E.Howell (W/Op), P/O H.Glasby (W/Op 2), F/Sgt J.D.Mitchell, F/Sgt J.E.Lenox.  Up 0545  18 x 500lb GP.  Aircraft missing.  Spoke to Section Leader on run up to target – passed over target in close company with two aircraft from same Squadron; orbited with others who then descended several thousand feet through cloud.  On emerging from cloud formation was then completely broken up and E/97 was neither seen nor heard again.
ND501T  F/Sgt C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer (MG), Sgt E.Smith (RG), F/L W.G.Cooper (no pos shown).  Up 0549  Down 0922.  18 x 500lb GP.  10/10ths cumulus base below 1000’.  Descended to 1000’ over target at 0800 hours but target still obscured by cloud.  At 0805 hours received instructions from Master Bomber to abandon mission.  At 0820 hours received signal which was misunderstood and taken as instructions to land at Pershore which we did.
ND452S  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dickin, P/O H.M.J.Vere-Hodge, P/O R.T.Martin, Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Down 0540  Down 1039.  18 x 500lb GP.  5/10ths cloud at 2/3000’.  Arrived at target (marked by red Oboe) at 10,000’ and awaited for instructions from Master Bomber.  T.T. marker seen to drop, made slow left hand orbit, losing height to 2000’.  No bombing was visible although Master Bomber ordered TIs to be bombed if visible.  On first run we were slightly off target and before another run could be made, we received order “Apple Pie” at 0806 hours and returned to base.
ND840J  F/O C.Bucknell, Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.B.Daitz, F/O R.A.V.James, F/Sgt R.McAllister (A/B 2) Sgts C.C.Dyke, W.Patience, L.D.Farmer.  Up 0546  Down 1102.  18 x 500lb GP.  10/10ths cloud at 1,200’/6000’.  Running up to target found aiming point completely covered.  At 0507 hours, second TI seen cascading slightly to port through cloud.  Descended in company with leader of our formation.  Broke cloud at 1,200’ by which time we had over shot target.  Received order to bomb TIs if we could see them.  Orbited below cloud and were running again when we received “Apple Pie” on R/T and abandoned mission.
JA846K  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black (A/B), F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis A/B), P/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller (MG), F/Sgt D.Chalmers (FG), F/L C.C.Sherring (RG).  Up 0547  Down 1050.  18 x 500lb GP.  10/10ths cloud base 200’, varying, some breaks when base was up to 10,000’.  Owing to cloud base it was quite impossible to bomb.  Signal received to abandon mission at 0806 hours.       

31.7.44 Another daylight operation today, this time against a marshalling yard at Joigny-Laroche.  7 of our aircraft participated.  The attack opened at 20.26 hours.  There is believed to have been a good concentration of pattern bombing although the Controller reported the bombs falling on the markers themselves and not on the marshalling yards as briefed.  It is believed, however, that considerable damage has been done to the yards.  All of our aircraft returned safely from this attack.  The opposition was negligible and the weather fine with considerable haze.

31 July 1944 - Joigny-Laroche

NE165Y  W/C Porter, P/O C.W.Howe, F/O J.E.Logan, P/O W.E.Pearson, F/Sgt W.R.Doran, Sgt J.S.McLean, P/O E.A.Thomas.  Up 1723  Down 1853.  No bomb load.  (Controller).  Mission abandoned over base 1822 hours, 17,000’.  Starboard outer caught fire due to loss of coolant.  Unable to contact leader of northern force and deputy.  Group informed 1920 hours after that.
PS156O  W/C A.W.Heward, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman, F/O J.R.Blott (FG).  Up 1719  Down 2256.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr delay), 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hr), 4 x 1000 MC (1 hr).  No cloud, considerable haze, vis fair to good.  Target identified visually.  Just after crossing enemy coast message received (1938 hours) from Group to take over control.  The formation across enemy territory was 500 yards wide with several independent formations to port and starboard.  Of the main concentration, owing to the fact that several crews had their VHF on transmit it was impossible to contact these formations and bring them in to the main.  Some Main Force aircraft insisted on going ahead of the leaders, there was some inclination by other Main Force aircraft to follow these self-appointed leaders which made timing extremely difficult and caused the attack to commence 3 minutes early.  At the target there was considerable haze base through which the markers did not show through clearly.  It is felt that the main concentration of bombs fell in the actual vicinity of markers which were believed accurate and not on main yard as ordered.  This attack could have been a great success if everyone with the exception of leader maintained silence on VHF as it was impossible to (a) control the formation properly (b) to receive winds from the wind finding aircraft (c) to pass out bombing wind and (d) had it been necessary to stop bombing, this too would have been impossible.
PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome (MG), W/O T.H.Hansen (RG), F/Sgt M.H.McBride (FG).  Up 1720  Down 2320.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr), 11 x 1000lb MC (1 hr).  Weather good, no cloud, slight haze.  Located target by visual on canal and yards and by TIs.  Lax attention to height caused trouble when the two forces divided.  A gap of at least 500’ should be left between the two forces.  Navigation could be better controlled if the Path Finder Force were not divided.  Flying speed after the target was increased above that laid down by 10mph at least.  It would be better policy to reduce rather than increase speed after leaving the target, to allow formation to close up the straggle due to bombing and also to allow any aircraft damaged to have a chance to keep up.  Landed at Swinderby.
PA974B  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, W/O L.H.Smith, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, W/O A.J.Croll.  Up 1721  Down 2248.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr), 11 x 1000lb (1/2 hr).  No cloud.  Target located visually.  Red TI seemed to be very accurately placed on aiming point.  All bombs hung up and camera failed.  Bombs brought back to base.  Excellent concentration of bombing observed.
ND589R  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphries, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.Parle, F/Sgt W.J.Manley (FG).  Up 1730  Down 2251.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr), 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hr).  No cloud, good visibility.  Identification visually by canal, railway junction and roundhouses, also by check with ETA, H2S and GPI.  A red TI burning on ground clearly on other aiming point, made it easy to identify own aiming point.  Bombs fell across aiming point in fields abput 700 yards to south west.  As aircraft turned, aiming point area had disappeared below bomb bursts.  No bombing wind received; own was 327/13 – not acknowledged on VHF.
ND746L  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson, F/Sgt B.Rainsford (FG).  Up 1724  Down 2246.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr), 11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hr).  Weather clear.  Target identified visually.  No markers used.  Red TIs seen for other attack.  Bombing fairly reasonable.  VHF very poor.  Airspeeds as briefed not used by some crews.
ND862G  F/L N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell (Vis A/B), f/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell, F/Sgt H.Smith (FG).  Up 1721  Down 2243.  4 x 500lb MC (1/2 hr), 11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hr). Weather hazy, no cloud.  Identified target visually by canal, rectangle of water and railway junction.  H2S was u/s after setting course, so had to navigate on DR after leaving Gee range with result that target materialised 4 minutes early – too quickly for really satisfactory bombing runs.  Aircraft seemed first to bomb but bombs from other aircraft were seen to fall across aiming point which was easy to identify.  Other sticks which fell short fell in built up area to north of canal but end of stick would have fallen south of canal.  Red TI seen on other aiming point burning on ground same time as aircraft bombed.  They appeared to be very accurate.  Tremendous noise on A & B studs but stud D better.  Unable to pass or receive bombing winds until too late.  Rear turret hit by flak rendering it u/s over Chartres, 4 miles north, 2103.5 hours, 12,000’.  Also appeared to damage vacuum pipe inboard port inner engine.           

1.8.44 The month opens with a double attack on flying bomb bases at Siracourt and Mont Candon for which we detailed 3 and 6 aircraft respectively.  Unfortunately the target area was covered by very low cloud when our aircraft arrived and the controller ordered the mission to be abandoned and aircraft to return to base retaining their bombs.  No fighters or flak were encountered on this mission.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  No night flying tonight.

1 August 1944 - Siracourt

ND861N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Canningd, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 1513  Down 1822.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark, F/O G.Polson (FG).  Up 1459  Down 1908.
ND746L  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt K.Randle, F/Sgt C.Bosley, P/O T.W.Black, Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, F/Sgt E.W.Cope.  Up 1507  Down 1838.
Weather – 10/10ths cloud 6,000’ strata-cu.  Results – Cloud base too low for force to descend to attack.  Controller ordered mission to be abandoned and aircraft to continue on their course and return to base without bombing at 1657 hours.  Opposition Encountered – no fighters and slight flak from approximately 12 guns, ineffective.

1 August 1944 – Mont Candon

ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt J.S.Baldwin.  Up 1649  Down 2022.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 1647  Down 2045.
PA973A  F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, P/O L.G.Twine, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, F/Sgt J.P.Turner.  Up 1646  Down 2054.
ND840J  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, Sgt F.Broughton, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.J.Manley.  Up 1650  Down 2108.
PA874B  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1657  Down 2025.
ND452S  F/O G.P.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1659  Down 2017.
Weather – 10/10ths cloud.  Results – Cloud base too low for force to descend for attack.  Controller ordered mission to be abandoned and aircraft to continue on their course and return to base.  Opposition Encountered – No fires and no flak.

2.8.44 A considerable amount of bombing practice was carried out at Wainfleet today.  A daylight operation against a flying bomb base at L’Isle Adam was carried out this afternoon.  6 of our aircraft participated.  A small patch of cloud unfortunately obscured target on line of approach and prevented many aircraft from identifying the target.  Smoke and dust from other attacks and the fact that markers had burnt out by the time aircraft had arrived caused a scattered attack.  Some aircraft bombed the correct target, some were believed to have overshot and followed another attack, whilst others are believed to have bombed woods to the south east of the target.  The results on the whole were very inconclusive.  The flak defences were heavy to moderate.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  No night flying.

2 August 1944 – L’Isle Adam

PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark, Sgt J.J.Garrod (FG).  Up 1435  Down 1905.
ND470F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin, Sgt W.Patience (FG).  Up 1430  Down 1920.
PA974B  F/L C.S.Chatten, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/L T.Campbell, F/L W.G.Rogers, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, S/L C.C.Sherring, F/Sgt H.Smith (FG).  Up 1430  Down 1910.
PB156O  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown, Sgt D.J.Watts (FG).  Up 1435  Down 1900.
ND746L  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle, F/Sgt E.W.Cope (FG).
PA973A  F/O D.C.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, Sgt J.Heasman, F/Sgt H.Rosser, F/Sgt D.Gordon, Sgt L.D.Farmer (FG).  Up 1430  Down 1915.
Weather & Results – one comparatively small patch of cloud which unfortunately obscured target on line of approach prevented many aircraft from identifying target.  Smoke and dust from other attacks and the fact that markers were burnt out by the time aircraft had arrived, caused a scattered attack.  Some aircraft bombed correct target, others believed to overshoot and follow another attack, whilst others bombed woods to south east of target.  Results very inconclusive.  Opposition Encountered – moderate to intense heavy flak.

3.8.44 Some day training on blind marking equipment this morning.  This afternoon an operation was carried out against a flying bomb base at Trossy St Maximim.  16 of our aircraft participated.  The formation arrived at the target at 1430 hours.  The leading aircraft reported the aiming point clear and very clearly visible.  Very soon afterwards the whole area was covered in smoke.  The attack is believed to have been reasonably successful.  The standard of formation flying was very low, and both the controller and his leader complained strongly of lack of flying discipline and disobedience to flight plan instructions.  There was moderate heavy but accurate flak over the target.  The weather consisted of 3/10ths cloud.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  No night flying tonight.

3 August 1944 – Trossy St Maximim

ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 1145  Down 1623.
ND495M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dickin, P/O H.M.J.Vere-Hodge, F/O R.T.Martins, Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 1139  down 1619.
PA973A  F/L P.J.Drane,  F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 1156  Down 1620.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 1151  Down 1606.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 1148  Down 1625.
PB156O  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 1133  Down 1615.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/L A.H.Jones, W/O R.M.Clark.  Up 1136  Down 1624.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 1140  Down 1600 (Wittering).
ND501S  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1157  Down 1608.
ND501T  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell (Vis A/B), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1142  Down 1613.
PA156P  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, P/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 1144  Down 1610.
ND589R  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, Sgts K.Mannion, T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 1153  Down 1627.
ND452T  F/O G.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1138  Down 1614.
ND840J  F/O C.Bucknell, F/Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.B.Daitz, F/Sgt R.McAllister, F/O R.A.V.James (Vis A/B), F/Sgt C.C.Dyke, Sgts W.Patience, L.D.Farmer.  Up 1147  Down 1616.
PA974B  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, Sgt F.Broughton, F/O J.R.Blott, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 1143  Down 1612.
JA846K  P/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1152  Down 1635.
Weather – 3/10ths cloud.  Results – leading aircraft reported aiming point clear and very clearly visible.  Very soon afterwards whole area covered by smoke.  Opposition Encountered – moderate heavy flak, accurate. 

4.8.44 Today’s flying consists of practice bombing at Wainfleet. Ten aircraft took part and helped the squadron to retain its place at the top of 5 Group.  No night flying tonight.

5.8.44 Some training this morning, but the majority of today’s flying was on the daylight operation against a flying bomb base at Sl Leu d’Esserent, in which attack 15 of our aircraft participated.  The controller led the formation and ran up approximately 5 miles to starboard of the target.  He recognized the target to port and ordered a sharp turn to port. Most aircraft immediately astern of him were able to turn in time but a few to his starboard were unable to turn in time and overshot the target by nearly 2000 yards.  This turn, however, did not appear to affect too seriously the rear formations, and some accurate bombing resulted.  Within two minutes of bombing, however, the target area was covered in dust up to 12,000 ft and later crews had a hard job to find the target and bomb it.  There was slight heavy flak, but no signs of fighters.  There was three to seven tenths cumulus cloud with tops up to 12,000 feet.  All of our aircraft returned safely from this raid.  No night flying.

5 August 1944 – St Leu d’Esserent

PB181D  W/C A.W.Heward, F/O A.Morrison, P/O J.Watt, F/O K.W.Odgers, F/O A.R.Verrier, F/O J.R.Blott, P/O H.E.Roberts.  Up 1040  Down 1611.
ND495M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dickin, P/O H.M.J.Vere-Hodge, F/O R.T.Martins, Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 1041  Down 1530.
PA974B  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 1033  Down 1518.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 1036  Down 1516.
PB157Q  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 1034  Down 1523.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 1037  Down 1512.
ND589R  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1044  Down 1527.
PB156O  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis  Up 1030  Down 1525.
ND452T  F/L N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1042  Down 1517.
PA974A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 1039  Down 1522.
ND501S  F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, P/O L.G.Twine, F/Sgt l.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, Sgt J.P.Turner.  Up 1043  Down 1522.
JA846K  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, Sgt J.Heasman, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 1038  Down 1534.
ND740F  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgts J.G.Blair, J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, Sgt F.Broughton, S/L C.C.Sherring, W/O A.J.Croll.  Up 1041  Down 1520.
ND807P  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans(Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 1035  Down 1450.
ND840J  F/O G.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1038  Down 1526.
Weather – 3/10ths to 7/10ths cloud.  Cumulus tops 12,000’.  Results – Controller ran up approx 5 miles to starboard.  He recognised the target to port and ordered a sharp turn to port.  Most aircraft immediately astern were able to make turn in time, but some further on his starboard could not make the turn in time and some overshot by 2000 yards.  This turn did not appear to affect too seriously the rear formations and some accurate bombing resulted.  The target area was covered with dust up to 12,000’ by 1332 hours.  Opposition Encountered – Slight heavy flak increasing to moderate in early stages.  No signs of fighters.

6.8.44 Today also the training flights were overshadowed by another operation against a flying bomb base at Bois de Casson, for which 9 of our aircraft were detailed.  The raid was not a great success as the controller’s navigational equipment became unserviceable at the English coast out.  A deputy controller took over and led the force into a large cumulus nimbus cloud which was lying across track.  The formation broke up in the cloud and on emerging had spread over many miles of sky.  The target was bombed more or less by individual aircraft, and the bombing that did occur was believed to have been accurate.  There was moderate heavy flak over the target and the fighters attacked the aircraft which were most dispersed on breaking cloud.  ‘J’ captained by F/O Bucknell RAAF, did not return from this mission.

6 August 1944 – Bois de Casson

PB133C  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen (415648).  Up 0912  Down 1358.
ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 0914  Down 1359.
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 0917  Down 1349.
ND961N  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 0918  Down 1347.
ND840J  F/O C.Bucknell, Sgt L.Barlow, F/Sgt L.B.Daitz, F/Sgt R.McAllister, F/O R.A.V.James (Vis A/B), F/Sgt C.C.Dyke, Sgts W.Patience, L.D.Farmer.  Up 0918 – aircraft missing.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, F/Sgt D.E.Broughton.  Up 0915  Down 1342.
PA974B  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, Sgts E.F.Errington, T.Twomey.  Up 0914  Down 1348.
ND501S F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, P/O L.G.Twine, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, Sgt J.P.Turner.  Up 0915  Down 1402.
ND589R  F/O K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 0913  Down 1340.
Weather – clear, break over target, but cumulus tops to 15,000’ to 20,000’ in target area.  Results – crossing English coast, Controller’s Gee and intercom failed.  As planned to home to target on Gee, handed over to Q/83 (F/L Drinkall – missing).  Controller and Deputy changed position, Controller having fixed up poor intercom on 1196 (after 7 minutes) stood by in advisory capacity.  About 40 miles inland a big cumulus cloud was lying across track.  Deputy descended to 16,000’ and broadcast that he was going to take force below cloud;  Controller warned him not to go below 15,000’ and next advised him to turn to starboard.  Deputy ordered Force to diverge and dive through cloud.  Fromation broke up in cloud.  On emerging, Main Force were scattered over many miles of sky.  There was some attempt to gather into a bunch (or bunches) but impossible to regain proper formation.  As a result some aircraft appeared to bomb the primary.  The number bombing was not large enough to impede daylight bombing runs and the other bombing of the target that did occur was believed accurate.  Other aircraft bombed as best they could with some mistaking pin-points owing to  icing troubles and the rush.  Attack scattered over a wide area.
Abortive – S/97 abandoned mission, unable to identify target.
Missing – J/97 ND840 (F/O Bucknell)

Opposition Encountered – Moderate heavy flak seen.  Fighters in target area attacked aircraft which were most dispersed on breaking cloud. 

7.8.44 Today’s flying consisted of practice bombing at Wainfleet, and blind bombing practice at Lincolna and Nottingham.  Tonight’s operation in which 7 of our aircraft took part, was directed against an enemy tactical military target at Secqueville La Compagne.  The Oboe red TI markers were on time and very well concentrated in the area depicted by artillery star shells.  The main force bombing commenced at 2319 hours and was extremely well concentrated around the markers.  At 2325 hours the Master Bomber ordered cease bombing – by which time the whole target had been covered by bombs and the markers had burned out.  The raid was extremely successful.  The opposition was negligible and visibility was clear with slight ground haze.

7/8 August 1944 – Secqueville La Compagne

PA974B  G/C A.C.Evans-Evans (Station Commander), F/O A.Morrison, P/O J.Watt, F/O K.W.Odgers, F/O A.R.Verrier, F/O J.R.Blott, P/O H.E.Roberts.  Up 2131  Down 0039.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  No cloud.  Target identified by markers.  Controller ordered “Cauliflower” abandon mission 2325 hours owing apparently to smoke interference with markers.  Some bombing continued.  If TIs were in the right place, op unqualified success.  Bombed above briefed height as aircraft was held back waiting for TIs to go down.  Landed at Enstone.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2133  Down 0048.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, slight haze, no cloud.  Target located visually, checked by equipment.  TIs were blown out by the time run completed.  It seemed a very successful attack.  Loaded at Enstone.
ND862G  F/L N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 2134  Down 0047.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Hazy.  Identification by TI red.  Successful raid; bombing concentrated round red TIs.  Landed at Enstone.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2137  Down 0035. 11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, hazy.  Identification of target by red TI.  Seen to be a very successful raid.  Bombing very concentrated around red TIs.  Master Bomber hardly audible.  Landed at Enstone.
ND452S  F/O G.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2130  Down 2032.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear,hazy downwards.  Located target by red TIs.  Very successful raid, especially in first 5 minutes.  Markers obliterated by bombing.  Very good routing.  Large explosion at 2322 hours in centre of merker area.  Landed Enstone.
ND495M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2141  Down 0045.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Clear, no cloud.  Target identified by red TIs.  Results seemed to be successful.  Own bombs not dropped owing to electrical failure (compressor and generators u/s).  Landed at Enstone.
JA846K  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, Sgt F.Broughton, F/SgtRussell, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 2137  Down 0057.  11 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  No cloud.  Target identified by markers.  Running up, saw star shells followed by one red TI.  Two more red TIs fell 20 seconds before bombs released.  These were approx 500 yards south of first TI.  Aimed at mean point between the two lots of TI.  Saw attack commence at Aiming Point 3 to starboard.  Our attack appeared to go according to plan.  At 2325 hours received signal from Controller to return to base.     

8.8.44 Training this morning consisted of practice bombing at Wainfleet and simulation blind bombing runs at Lincoln.

9.8.44 10 aircraft were detailed tonight, also one with 54 Base Controller crew, to take part in an attack against a German storage depot at Chatellerault.  The flares were dropped at 2344 hours and by 2350 hours the target was marked.  The bombing seemed quite accurate and it is believed to have been a successful attack.  Slight flak opposition.  No fighters were seen.  The weather was good, and all of our planes returned safely.

9/10 August 1944 - Chattelerault

NE165Y (54 Base)    W/C Woodroffe, F/O Furness, F/O A.E.Ryder, S/L Scholfield, P/O R.R.Ormiston (A/B 2), P/O W.Harvey, F/Sgt Walker, Sgt W.D.Noall.  (Controller Target II).  Up 2057  Down 0305.  3 x TI green (B16), 3 x TI red (B16), 2 x TI No16, 2 Wanganui flares, 4 x 7” clusters.  No cloud, very hazy, vis poor.  Target identified visually and by light of flares.  2344 hours first flares down.  2346 hours Marker asked for more flares, so called in 3rd Flare wave to get in to position and 2346 hours called them in to drop.  2347 hours wind velocity received 010/17.  2347 hours “Stand by – do not bomb” on VHF, repeated on W/T (to all forces).  2354 hours No 1 Marker went in to drop one green, assessed as 200 yards/ 180 degrees off Marking Point;  2356 hours Markers 2 and 3 went in and at 2358 hours these were assessed as okay.  Marker leader said that first green was too near to be scrubbed.  Red B/U had gone home and no red markers were there at all.  Sent out vectored wind at 2359 hours -  293/27.  W/C Simpson went on to his own stud.  0001 hours told green B/U to stand by to back up and 0003 attack port green TI with vectored wind.  Delay in the B/U coming in.  0006 hours I ordered cease bombing.  0009 hours bombing stopped.  0010 hours backed up ourselves (I had placed for B/U to back up at same time as Main Force were bombing but he could make it in time so had to order the cease bombing signal).  Reason for ceas bombing was that markers were getting obscured with smoke.  0011 hours Marker leader assessed out green TI as undershoot of 200 yards.  0013 hours new vectored wind 310/92 sent out.  Ordered W/C Simpson to tell his boys to overshoot by 9 seconds instead of 7, and called all force to come in and bomb using new markers and new vectored wind.  0015 hours ordered “Complete bombing and return to base”.  0019 hours all attack over.
ND495N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, F/Sgt T.Savage, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  (Deputy Controller I – Target 1).  Up 2054  Down 0246.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares.  Thin cloud layer 10,000’, hazy below.  Target identified on H2S, Gee and ETA.  Initial flares at 2343 hours scattered and slightly south of aiming point.  Markers could not identify actual aiming point.  Wanganui red/green was dropped to north; third wave dropped over this way.  This was sufficient.  Marker dropped green TI 2347 hours(?).  Assessed as 200 yards 180 degrees.  This should have been cancelled by yellow but was not doen.  Another green was dropped almost on aiming point (50 yards) and was backed up by more green TIs.  Main Force ordered to bomb.  This carried on and at 0008 hours “Cease bombing” order given while more greens were put down.  At 0012 hours 9 secodns delay was given for bombing and this was immediately followed by “Complete bombing and return to base”.  (0013 hours).
ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/L C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  (Deputy Controller II – Target 1).  Up 2048  Down 0303.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares.  Hazy.  Thin layer cloud, varying 6-8/10ths cloud.  Identified target by green TIs.  Initial flares insufficient for markers and more flares called for from Flare Force 3.  These appeared successful and markers were able to identify aiming point and drop green TIs.  These were backed up.  Before we could make a run in to bomb, received order to cease bombing while aiming point was re-marked.  This was done and orders given to overshoot the green TI by 9 seconds.  We orbited and attempted 3 runs but pilot was not satisfied with any of these, so no bombs dropped; this is no reflection on the bomb aimer.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/O A.H.Jones, P/O R.M.Clark.  (Deputy Controller I – Target 2).  Up 2049  Down 0259.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares.  Hazy, nil cloud below 11,000’.  Location of target by 184.  Aiming point not marked by initial flares and more flares called for and were dropped over Wanganui.  These were enough to enable markers to drop green TI and was assessed as 150/200 yards south.  Controller asked for this to be remarked meanwhile asking Main Force to orbit.  No yellow TI went down but more green TIs were dropped – assessed as 200 yards NW of original green.  Bombing was stopped to send out fresh wind and that aiming point could be backed up.  More green TI were dropped by a Lancaster.  Bombing was resumed and finally orders given to complete bombing and return to base.
PB156O  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, F/Sgt F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  (Deputy Controller II – Target 2).  Up 2049  Down 0248. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares.  Thin cloud at 13,000’, hazy below.  Target confirmed by GPI and H2S.  Initial flares on time, to starboard of aiming point, holding up initial marking.  More flares were asked for.  Markers could identify and dropped green TIs and assessed as 200 yards 170 degrees.  Remarked and direct overshoot 50/100 yards.  Controller called in VBU who undershot by 200 yards, which gave a 9 seconds overshoot.  Vector wind 310/32 received from Controller at 0014 hours.  At 0005 hours cease bombing for re-marking order received.
PA974B  F/L P.J.Drane, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt K.Forrest, Sgt T.Twomey.  Up 2051  Down 0252.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 reco flares.  Thick haze.  Target identified by Gee and yellow oboe.  Flares dropped visually.  Reserve flares called for at 2351 hours after several attempts.  Green TI assessed as on aiming point.  Bombing ordered 0002 hours, cease bombing 0005.5 hours.  Resumed bombing using vectored wind 310/50, 0004 hours.  Terrific explosion.  Bombing very good.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2053  Down 0247.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares. 7-8/10ths cloud.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Flares dropped, and at 2356 hours Marker Leader requested more to the north, so a Wanganui was dropped, also flares.  Markers then dropped a green TI which was 100 yards 180 degrees, and another 50 yards/170 degrees.  Third green dropped which was assessed as on aiming point.  Marker 3 was then asked to back up with reds but had two hang ups and was unable to do so.  0003 hours order given “Bomb two green TI on left of your track in”.  0005 hours over target, markers out. Order then given to stop bombing, orbited.  Backers up went in and dropped a green which was slightly off.  Controller sent the new wind 230/32 and then bombed with this wind.  A large explosion at 0004 hours.  Very hard to assess bombing owing to the vectored wind.
ND589R  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2103  Down 0243.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares.  Target confirmed by H2S and TI.  Weather clear, vis hazy.  Initial flares scattered and more flares requested further north.  Wanganui red/green flare dropped indication position for flares.  We were unable to run up on this to back up.  Green TIs assessed as 100 yards/200 yards and second as 150/100 yards.  These were backed up by more green TIs and followed by orders for bombing.  Five sticks of bombs were seen to burst across aiming point and results of raid presumed concentrated.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgts M.N.Greenley, J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2055  Down 0300.  8 x &2 clusters, 4 x TI green (B16), 2 x TI yellow No16, 3 rec flares.  Sky cloudless with thick haze.  Identification by Y and flares.  2342 hours first flares on target.  Reported insufficient by Markers who required more to north.  At H+1 Wanganui dropped.  New flares assessed as okay.  H+5 markers down – 180 degrees/200 yards.  H+6 remarking with green TI 150 degrees/50 yards.  Bombing wind received H+11 – 293/27.  H+13 “Start Bombing” signal.  At H+14 told to back up left hand TI.  H+15 “Ceas bombing”.  TIs not seen through smoke.  Made second run and dropped cluster – assessed as undershot by 200 yards.  Main Force told to resume bombing with new vectored wind.
ND862E  F/L N.N.Parker, Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, W/O C.A.Carvell (Vis A/B), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 2100  Down 0035.  8 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI red (B16), 2 x yellow TI No16, 3 rec flares.  Mission abandoned at position 48.49N 02.10W at 2250 hours, 9,000’ due to bomb sight being u/s.  we were primarily to act as VBU using TI markers, for which bomb sight was essential.  Also, if we were required to drop flares, those would be to back up first second wave flares, therefore bomb sight would again be necessary.
JA846K  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, P/O W.D.Knowles, F/O H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 2050  Down 0256.  9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 rec flares.  Thick haze 10,000’.  Target located by TIs.  Called in to drop flares north of existing ones.  Green TIs were assessed as on aiming point; called in to bomb 2400 hours approx.  Bombing very concentrated round the markers. 

10.8.44      Training this morning consisted of blind bombing, practice bombing and fighter affiliation.  Tonight a detail of four of our aircraft went on a mining expedition at Brest.  Although Brest is at the moment surrounded by the American armies, the Germans still hold the harbour and have some submarines and a cruiser as well as some supply ships harboured there.  Our four aircraft arrived on time at 0001 hours, and dropped six mines apiece from the height of 15,000 feet with the aid of their blind bombing apparatus.  Judging by the photography the raid was quite successful.  There was very slight flak opposition and visibility was clear.  All of our aircraft returned safely.

10 August 1944 – Mining Raid off Brest

PA973A  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, F/L W.E.Clayfield, Sgt T.Twomey, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 2124  Down 0154.  5 mines F626/16, 1 mine D414.  Target confirmed by H2S – from H2S fix 039 Datum Point 5.2 miles.  Datum Point 4817.3N 0346W.  Weather clear, good visibility.
ND746L  F/O G.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.Baherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2125  Down 0142. 5 mines F626/16, 2 mines D414.  Weather clear.  Location by 184 and Gee.  Mining very well and a good show.
ND589R  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt R.H.Burgess, P/O I.Hamilton, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt M.H.McBride, F/Sgt J.D.Wells.  Up 2134  Down 0149.  5 mines F626/16, 2 mines D414.  Weather clear.  Location by H2X.  Quiet trip.
ND740F  W/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, Sgts K.Mannion, T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2138  Down 0148.  5 mines F626/16, 1 mine D414. Weather clear, good visibility.  Target pin-pointed by 184.  Everything went according to briefed plan. 

11.8.44 Quite a lot of flying was carried out this morning.  In addition to the usual day training, four of our aircraft and one aircraft with 54 Base Controller crew, were detailed to lead a main force formation to Bordeaux and attack the submarine pens.  2000lb armour piercing bombs were carried.  The formation flying on this raid was fairly good.  The Controller marked the pens with a yellow TI which fell slightly south of the aiming point.  The main force bombing was accurate and successful although results were not spectacular due probably to the thickness of concrete.  The flak opposition consisted of moderate H/F up to 19,000 feet visually aimed.  The weather was clear and good.  Tonight’s operation was against a vital rail junction at Givors.  12 of our aircraft took part in this attack, north and south..  The flares were dropped blindly and went down dead on time.  The southern attack went according to plan, the target was marked and bombing soon started.  The Controller for northern aiming point had unfortunately been shot up and Deputy I took over control.  This delayed the attack for 10 minutes but eventually the target was marked and a successful attack ensued.  Bombing on both aiming points was reported very good.  Opposition consisted of slight heavy flak entirely.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  Visibility was clear. 

11 August 1944 – Bordeaux (Bacalan Submarine Base)

NE165Y (54 Base)  W/C Woodroffe, P/O Furness, F/O A.R.Ryder, P/O R.R.Ormiston, P/O W.Harvey, F/Sgt Walker, Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 1219  Down 1920.  9 x 1000lb ANM 59, 2 x TI yellow.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Target identified visually.  Could not contact “Green” Leader but “Yellow” Leader okay.  Formation lined up fairly well before French coast.  To position “C” we gained time due to tail wind, not briefed, which we lost before position “B” was reached.  Winds came in from three aircraft (only ones received).  Winds sent out 1627 hours as 283/23.5 vectored.  No markers at target on arrival.  We bombed visually and our bombs were seen to fall across dock yard with yellow TIs being last in stick, undershooting slightly and fell in southern most corner of dock yard, almost due south of aiming point.  Main Force bombed according to briefing, and I instructed the force to regain formation at a lower height.
PB133C  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/L C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 1220  Down 1932.  6 x 2000lb AP.  Weather fine, slight haze, no cloud, visibility good.  Identified target visually.  The formation flying of the Coningsby aircraft was quite good.  Going out the Main Force straggled away to starboard slightly but caught up on latter part of route.  Bombing wind 283/23.5 received 1628.5 hours.  Attack went off smoothly throughout.  Just prior to bombing run Controller called up reminding everybody to make sure they hit the target; he also ordered bomb doors open.
ND862E  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (A/B 2), Sgts R.Smith, E.G.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer.  Up 1221  Down 1934.  6 x 2000lb AP.  Weather clear.  Target seen visually.  Ran straight over target, dropping bombs as instructed.  Bombs seen to burst on concrete structure and later bombing was seen concentrated on the submarine pens.
ND452S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt C.Bosley, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 1223  Down 1433.  6 x 2000lb AP.  Mission abandoned 5212N 0110W at 1257 hours  - 6000’ – because of u/s bomb sight, and on instructions from Controller, who asked us to return to base.  Bombs jettisoned at 1348 hours and two brought back to base.
JA846K  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/L J.L.Billington, Sgt W.J.Parsons, P/O A.J.R.Coombs, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill.  Up 1220  Down 1933.  6 x 2000lb AP.  No cloud, clear, perfect sunlight.  Target identified visually on dock shape.  Whole area perfectly defined.  Results of bombing not observed.

11/12 August 1944 - Givors 

PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  (Deputy Controller).  Up 2039  Down 0517.  6 x TI red No16, 2 x TI yellow No16, 1 x TI yellow (B22), 2 flares G/R, 4 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD.  Weather clear.  Target located by illuminating flares.  Unable to contact Controller so took over controlling.  First flares fell two miles east, not illuminating target properly. Flares very scattered, heard Green Force controller ask for reserve flares.  Marker leader requested Wanganui but it did not function as a skymarker and went straight down.  We postponed H-hour for 5 minutes at 0100 hours.  Reserve flares then forthcoming which gave good illumination.  First red TI (at 0101 hours) assessed as 600 yards south, then second red TI more accurate on aiming point – this was backed up by third red which fell at least 500 ayrds to west.  B/U asked to back up centre TI at 0107 hours which promptly went out.  This left two inaccurate ones so instructed B/U to drop red directly between two and did so myself at 0111 hours.  These TIs were subsequently thought to be in marshalling yard itself and were assessed by Marker Leader as 300 yards east of aiming point, so Main Force were ordered to bomb these with zero wind and to ignore most westerly red TI which was not cancelled as main concentration was obvious.  Bombing subsequently well concentrated on those though some sticks overshot to north and south.  One or two fires seen.  Yellow datum point TI not dropped by us as too pre-occupied as controller.  Landed at Witchford.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O L.H.Smith, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown.  (Deputy Controller).  Up 2056  Down 0446.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No16, 2 flares G/R star.  Weather clear.  Target located on GPI run and by instruments.  First flares went down slightly to port of aiming point.  One of the markers dropped Wanganui G/R over northern aiming point.  Then we were called on to drop reserve flares over Wanganui.  Aiming point was marked with a red TI, assessed as 100 yards west.  Another TI dropped which was assessed as 30 yards west.  Backers up dropped reds assessed as 300 yards east of the Marking Point.  So Controller gave instructions to bomb the concentration of red TIs with zero wind.  Yellow TIs dropped in error.  The whole area was full of red TIs and Main Force were bombing in the centre of them.  Flares for the main part well concentrated but some dropped over Lyons.
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, Sgt D.E.Lacey, S/L T.H.Makepeace, F/O J.W.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, P/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 2030  Down 0438.  7 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb, 1 x 1000lb LD.  Weather clear, vis poor.  Target identified by red TIs.  H-hour postponed by 5 minutes (2014 hours).  Bombing wind 080/37 passed by Controller to Red Force.  At 0106.5 hours controller suggested bringing in Main Force to bomb, and at 0113 hours asked Force to put zero wind on their bomb sights.  Then attack started.  Marking, backing up and flares very erratic.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2100  Down 0052.  7 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb, 1 x 1000lb LD.  Mission abandoned 2225 hours – 5018N 0250W – starboard inner losing oil; feathered, and lost height to 5000’.  Jettisoned 6 x 1000lb bombs including LD at position 4903N 0336W – 2307 hours 5000’.
ND452S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2054  Down 0434. 7 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb, 1 x 1000lb LD.  Weather very clear.  Target found by red TI.  On arrival red TI had fallen but was assessed as 500 yards south of aiming point.  Aircraft had to wait and orbit.  Marker put another red TI down on aiming point at 0011 hours which aircraft was instructed to bomb at 0113 hours.  Backing up was not very good.  Vector wind cancelled; told to bomb centre of reds at 0113 hours with zero wind.  Illuminating flares good in early stage while aircraft was orbiting.  Large explosion at 0110.5 hours – clouds of smoke.
ND549R  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 2035  Down 0453.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  Weather clear.  Target recognised by red TIs.  Routemarkers seen 0102/3 hours.  H-hour postponed 5 minutes.  Orbited twice, called in to bomb at 0110 hours.
PB157Q  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, P/O M.Stern, F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2046  Down 0443.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  Weather clear, some haze, vis fair.  Identified target visually by markers.  The marking on our target was inaccurate, estimated 600 yards south of first red TIs.  More markers were put down which were more accurate.  At 0115 hours order on VHF to bomb the centre of red TI, using zero wind.  Bombing seen was concentrated.  Explosion was observed at 0115 hours.
PA974B  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 2038  Down 0513.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  Weather clear, thick haze, tops 10,000’.  Vis poor.  Visual identification of target, yellow TI not seen.  Camera failed to turn over more than once.  W/T receiver u/s.  VHF was loud and clear.  Marking was delayed about 10 minutes.  Bombing appeared well concentrated 300/500 yards north of the markers.  Landed at Witchford.
PB358J  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, F/Sgt H.Abernethy, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 2037  Down 0456.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  No cloud, vis good.  Located target visually.  Our own bombs fell 300 yards to left of the markers.  Being one of the first to bomb, nothing much to see.  Yellow TI datum point not ssen.  We had to orbit for 12 minutes.
PB200G  F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, P/O L.G.Twine, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, F/Sgt J.P.Turner.  Up 2048  Down 0432.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  Weather clear, slight haze.  Medium visibility.  Target identified by illuminating flares and bend in river.  First flares at 0050 hours when aircraft was approaching target.  Able to maintain visual check on aiming point on first run but permission to bomb not given, so had to orbit.  On return 4 red TI were down.  Aircraft was directed to bomb those and selected mid-point between them.  These last reds were never well backed up as Mosquitos ran out of reds and the Lancaster which tried to back it up was not successful as all flares had gone out and assessment was difficult.  No results observed.
ND740F  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2059  Down 0523.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  About 3/10ths cloud, hazy, vis good, horizontal.  Target observed visually by markers.  Attack seemed fairly concentrated on red TI.  If TIs were in the right place, the attack was well concentrated.
ND495M  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt R.H.Burgess, F/O I.Hamilton, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt J.D.Wells, F/Sgt M.H.McBride.  Up 2100  Down 0506.  7 x 1000lb, 1 x 1000lb LD, 3 x 500lb.  Weather clear, slight ground haze.  Target identified visually by flares and red TIs.  Illumination of target but marking and assessment slow.  Order to bomb given and instructions were to bomb on 045 degreesT with zero wind speed.  Bombing appeared to be concentrated around markers.  H2S very limited range, picture blurred.    

12.8.44 Day training consisting of bombing, fighter affiliation and blind bombing runs were carried out today.  Another mining expedition was carried out tonight, this time in a narrow channel between Isle de Rhe and La Pallice.  4 of our aircraft took part.  The sorties were carried out at a height of 15,000 feet with the aid of the blind bombing apparatus.  All mines were laid within 300 yards of the required aiming point and this would appear to have been an exceptionally good mining expedition.  Opposition consisted of moderate heavy flak and about 6 searchlights.  There was no cloud.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  10 aircraft were also detailed to attack Brunswick.  Cloud over target area.  8 aircraft bombed and 2 returned early due to technical failures.  All returned to base safely.

12/13 August 1944 - Brunswick

PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lavy, P/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 2106  Down 0247.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  10/10ths cloud (low stratus).  Target confirmed by H2X, checking by GPI.  Perfect run up, town showing very well on H2X.  Release point also checked very accurately by GPI which was set up for an accurate fix from Hildesheim defences.  Defences very much heavier than last time.  Lot of aircraft bombing short before time.  30% of the effort at least were outside the Brunswick area.  Many aircraft off track.
ND740F  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2109  Down 0230.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  10/10ths cloud at 10,000’.  Horizontal visibility excellent.  Target identified on H2X.  GPI run checked by “Y”.  At least two aircraft bombed before H-hour – one at H-5, one at H-4 – their bombs were about 10 miles short of the target.  Route was good.  Due to cloud it was impossible to assess results of attack.
PB200G  F/O K.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, F/Sgt J.P.Turner.  Up 2111  Down 0235.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  9/10ths strauts cirrus, 3-4000’.  Idnetified target by H2X, check run on GPI.  Concentrated glow through cloud with some other bombing around.  H2S response excellent.
PA974B  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 2115  Down 0244.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  10/10ths strata- cu – tops 12,000’.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Glow from fires observed below cloud.
PA973A  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 2112  Down 0252. 1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  10/10ths cloud strata-cu up to 8,000’.  Target location by 184; the town came up fairly well on the equipment.  There were two really large fires burning in the target area, slightly south.  Dummy town 8 miles south of target well illuminated.
PB358J  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 2113  Down 2347.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  Mission abandoned position 5330N 0357E at 2245 hours, 18,000’ due to failure of Gee and H2S equipment.  Part load jettisoned at 2249 hours  - 5355N 0343E, 17,000’.  Fishpond also u/s.  6 clusters brought back.
ND862E  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2114  Down 2341.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  Mission abandoned position 5330N 0340E at 2240 hours, 16,000’ due to severe smell of burning rubber in fuselage.  H2S later became u/s so presumably short was in circuit.  Fishpond also u/s.  1 x 2000lb HC and 6 x J Clusters jettisoned; 6 clusters brought back.
ND495M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2127  Down 0054.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  Weather clear.  Target located by flak bursts and searchlights. Gee and H2S u/s, port inner shuddering, aileron sluggish, fore and aft trim u/s, volt meter swinging, all rev counters non-luminous.  Mission had to be abandoned at 2312 hours 5320N 0640E 18,800’ on account of above defects, so load was dropped on flak positions and searchlights.  Fires seen to start and searchlights doused.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgts R.Smith, H.J.Silzer, E.G.Smith.  Up 2125  Down 0238.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters.  5-6/10ths cloud on route, 10/10ths over target, tops 5-8000’.  Target located on H2S.  Good glow seen under cloud.  Bomb sight components removed – H2S.
ND167Y  F/L T.N.Scholefield, Sgt R.H.Burgess, F/O I.Hamilton, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt J.D.Wells, Sgt T.Twomey.  Up 2116  Down 0249.  1 x 2000lb HC, 12 x J Clusters. 10/10ths light strata-cu.  Identification of target on H2S, partially checked by GPI.  Glow from fires seen through cloud.  One explosion just about 0010 hours to west of main fires.  Many bombs seen to fall across datum point at 5209N 0958E.

12/13 August 1944 – La Rochelle (Mining)   

PB133C  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/O T.W.Black, Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 2148  Down 0351.  6 x 1500 mines.  Location by H2S and GPI check.  Datum Point NW tip of Chassison.  No cloud, good visibility.
PB157Q  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 2201  Down 0347.  6 x 1500 mines.  No cloud, excellent visibility.  Target identification by H2S, from datum point at Chassison – NW tip confirmed by GPI.
ND961N  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 2201  Down 0337.  6 x 1500 mines.  No cloud, vis good, no haze.  Estimated position 4609.5N 0115W.  GPI and “Y” runs from 4603N 0123.5W which is northern point of Chassison.  Smooth trip.  Target defences slight, H/F very accurate predicted.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2157  Down 0335.  6 x 1500 mines.  No cloud, very hazy.  Moderate vis.  Target confirmed by H2X (184 screen) from datum point at Isle d’Oleren bearing from northern tip at 4603N 0124W. 

13.8.44 Flying today consisted mainly of air tests and cross countries for new crews.  Night flying was cancelled due to weather conditions.

14.8.44 This morning the squadron simulated a Wanganui attack on Lincoln.  The attack would not have been too successful.  Later in the day 11 of our aircraft were detailed for an attack on the German shipping in Brest harbour.  The targets were a cruiser, a hulk and a supply ship.  The attack opened at 2020 hours, and an amazing exhibition of precision bombing ensued.  All 3 ships received direct ships time and time again.  Photographic evidence later showed no sign of the vessels on the surface.  Nearly all of our crews returned with aiming point photos.  None was missing.

14 August 1944 – Brest (Shipping)

PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, P/O J.A.Pearson, P/O K.Swale, F/L J.Peden, P/O A.Tindall, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  Up 1744  Down 2226.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Target identified visually.  Two of our stick of bombs observed bursting on the cruiser.  Tanker was seen burning after the attack.  Winds received B3 100/7, B1 200/9, B4 126/5, B5 148/9.  Winds sent 150/6 at 2012 hours.  Bombing heading received at 2006 hours as 010T.
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, F/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 1759  Down 2215.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, good vis.  Target seen visually.  Bombs did not drop, possibly due to electrical failure.  Ship and breakwater seen to receive direct hits, bombing excellent.  All 3 targets seen to receive hits.  All tests prior to bombing okay.  No jettison action attempted; all bombs brought back.
ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 1730  Down 2228.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 x 1000lb MC.  Weather clear.  Targets identified visually.  Bombs from some other aircraft seemed to be direct hit on the hulk; cruiser obscured by smoke and spray, other vessel seen smoking.  Some bombs seen to fall on the mole and on the quayside.  Consider there were too many turning points in the target area.
PB157Q  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 1755  Down 2214.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear.  Targets found visually.  At 2010 received winds 150/6 knots on 010 degrees T.  2016 hours told to attack.  2027 hours smoke was seen rising to 2000’ from a flak ship in the bay.  Another ship two miles south of centre of target map was on fire.  Our target was hit, and a vivid red explosion was seen.  It was hit several other times, jet black thick smoke rising from it.  Several direct hits seen on the western ship.
JA846K  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1732  Down 2226.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Location confirmed by jetties, harbour and position of ships.  Bomb sight u/s – bombed in formation at same time as 97/D.  Controller gave track of 010 degrees T and wind 156/6 knots.  Two direct hits seen on ship before bombing; too many straddles on ship and flak bursts and smoke to identify our bomb bursts.  Tanker observed to be blazing, also 3rd vessel.  Magazine of vessel appeared to explode as we left.
PB133C  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt R.J.Bowen, P/O H.R.Vere-Hodge, F/O T.W.Black, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis A/B), Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 1731  Down 2212.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear, very good visibility.  Visual identification.  Two of our bombs seen to make direct hits on the ship.  Direction to bomb received from Controller as 010T and at same time bombing wind received as 156/6 – our own wind given being 148/9.  The oil tanker on right was seen to be hit and towering black smoke coming from it.
ND901T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1757  Down 2308.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb MC. Weather clear, good visibility.  Target recognised by harbour and ships.  On first run followed Controller in to bomb on heading as directed but when straightened up, run was too short and aircraft was still swaying, so went round again, after which bomb sight toppled during turn.  Unable to attack.  Our target could be seen well plastered, one stick fell right across and explosion occurred on tanker.  2 x ANM 65 and 2 x 500lb MC jettisoned safe, remainder of load brought back.
ND495M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 1737  Down 2225.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear.  Identified target visually.  Bombed as instructed – heading given as 010 degrees T, but aircraft above made us bomb off the heading stated.
PA974R  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, Sgt J.Heasman, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 1735  Down 2219.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear, excellent visibility.  Located target area by position of ship and shape of harbour.  On approach to harbour, directed to bomb on 010 degrees.  Our stick observed to fall slightly across vessel and at least 2 seen to hit.  Middle bomb of first stick of bombs to be dropped seen to be 50 yards undershoot.  Bombs observed to straddle both the other objectives.  Bombing wind given 156/6 nautical miles.  Apart from one or two mistakes very good bombing – battleship down by stern and centre burning.
PA973A  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, P/O I.McLean, F/O G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1737  Down 2217.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear.  Target observed visually.  Bombs seen to hit cruiser – too near misses and no definite hit.  Tanker seen to be hit.
ND746L  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 1747  Down 2221.  11 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Identified target visually.  Our bombs are confirmed as direct hits by 97/O (S/L Locke).  Successful attack.  Flak holes in tail plane.   

15.8.44 The operation today was against German night fighter aerodromes in Holland and Belgium, 13 aircraft being detailed.  This squadron’s target was an aerodrome at Deelan.  The target was clearly identified visually.   The bombing was very good and runways, aircraft and buildings were very well hit.  At 1209 hours ‘J’, captained by F/O Lindsay RAAF, called up to say he had two engines u/s and later ditched about 30 miles from the Dutch coast.  Within about two hours, however, he and his entire crew had been picked up by a high speed launch.  Otherwise all of our aircraft returned safely.  No night flying.

15 August 1944 - Deelan

NE165Y (54 Base)  W/C Woodroffe, F/O Furness, F/O A.E.Ryder, F/O J.Would, P/O R.R.Ormiston (AB 2), P/O W.Harvey, S/L C.C.Sherring, Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 0924  Down 1350.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 1000lb ANM 59, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, visibility unlimited.  Visual identification of target; set course over A/D nearly one minute late and started losing ground due to a head wind as against an expected tail wind.  Before Dutch coast I sent out signals having received permission that H-hour would be +11 owing to adverse winds.  Controller informed Markers.  We received five winds, averaged out and broadcast at 1203 hours as 319/9 mph.  The force went in to bomb at 1207.5 hours; what we saw of it was all on the aerodromes.  After leaving target I called the White Force together to regain formation.  After leaving target at 1209 hours 97/J called up saying he had two engines u/s and was losing height.  I asked Force Controller to look after him and tried to get in touch with the fighter escort but got no reply.  After leading White Force clear of Dutch coast and we were about 30 out to sea and on track, I handed over to Deputy and went back to look for 97/J, having received no reply to VHF calls.  At 1240 hours we saw a Lancaster ditched at 5223N 0356S.  At 1246 we took a Gee fix on this position.  We circled aircraft until we received confirmation of our signals and saw dinghy with occupants.  At 1315 hours only rear turret was visible.  Called up Controller and proceeded for home at sea level as fast as we could.  Ditched crew later rescued.
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.A.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, F/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 0927  Down 1326.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  No cloud, visibility unlimited.  Visual identification of target.  We were first to bomb; as we turned away for home, the aiming point was covered in smoke from bombs.  Controller set course late.  Orbited wrong rendezvous.  Overshot position “B”.  Results seemed surprisingly satisfactory.
PB133C  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/O T.W.Black, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis A/B), Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 0929  Down 1330.  4 x 1000lb ANM 59, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Target located visually by runway and by yellow TI.  First TI cascaded to right of runway.  Identification of aiming point achieved without difficulty.  H-hour postponed 11 minutes at 1128 hours.  Bombing wind broadcast 319/9 knots against “Met” wind 319/26.  Aircraft appeared to be in bombing formation and soon aiming point area disappeared under bomb bursts.  Some undershots seen.  Rear turret hit by flak, gunner injured.
ND961N  F/O W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 0931  Down 1328.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Clear sky, excellent visibility.  Located target visually.  Nearly every stick of bombs seen to fall on the airfield across runways.  Later covered with pall of smoke.  3 yellow TIs seen, one on runway, 2 on starboard side of runway.  Two bombs falling from aircraft above us passed within about 5 feet of our tailplane.  Wind received 319/4.5 knots.  Aircraft slightly damaged from explosion of aircraft behind; Perspex in rear turret shattered.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/S S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.Up 0928  Down 1327.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Perfect weather, excellent visibility.  Target identified visually.  Bombs seen to explode over junction of runways.  AP well straddled with bombs right on the drome itself.
PB157Q  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 0932  Down 1325.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Very clear, excellent visibility.  Target found visually, marked with yellow TI.  Several sticks of bombs seen to fall around aiming point, with many bombs on runways.  Buildings adjoining airfield on fire and smoke covered the whole.  Controller later instructed aircraft not having bombed to bomb centre of smoke.  Flak damage to fuselage, port mainplane and engine nacelle.
JA846K  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/L J.Rogerson, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 0926  Down 1330.  7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Visibility unlimited in clear weather.  Visual identification.  We were one of the first to bomb and first sticks hit the runway.  As we turned away there were more sticks across all runways.  A very satisfactory attack but organisation unsatisfactory.  Controller orbited wrong rendezvous (Newark) instead of Grantham.  Also set course over Base 4 minutes late.
ND807P  P/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 0939  Down 1329.  7 x 1000lb ANM 59, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Very clear, excellent visibility.  Visual location of target.  Very good concentration of bombing.  Two sticks seen to fall across runway.  Slight damage to aircraft by flak while in target area.   
PB200G  F/O R.B.Canever, Sgt K.C.Hulton, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt D.I.Kenward, F/Sgt H.Smith, F/Sgt J.P.Turner (RG shown F/Sgt H.J.Silzer in ORB blvd in error).  Up 0930  Down 1324.  3 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 1000lb ANM 59, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Target identified visually in perfect weather.  Markers were burning out but had been in the right place.  Bombing spread around aiming point but very good.
ND862E  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 0934  Down 1322.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 4 x 500lb GP.  Clear, no cloud, vis unlimited.  Visual identification of target.  A very good attack.  Smoke was considerable but there was sufficient wind to blow it away.  No aircraft seen on the aerodrome.
PA974B  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, Sgt J.Heasman, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up0931  Down 1348.  3 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 1000lb ANM 59, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Clear weather.  Located target visually.  A very good attack.  Bombing good.
PB358J  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, P/O W.A.Reffin, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 0925.  3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 7 x 1000lb ANM 59, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Weather clear, found target visually.  Shot up over target, which caused aircraft to lose height; hit again over the enemy coast.  Decided to ditch, safely accomplished at 1245 approx.  All members of crew got into dinghy.  A lifeboat and Lindholme dinghy were dropped by Wellingtons and later all the crew were rescued by ASR high speed launch.
PA973A  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, P/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 0928  Down 1353.  3 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x 1000lb ANM 59, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP.  Good visibility.  Target seen marked by yellow TI.  Controller said good run up was certain as target could be identified from 20 miles away.  Yellow TI drifted 100 yards east of aiming point.  Bombing wind was given 319/9.  Own bombs seen to undershot slightly but hit intersection of runway and perimeter track.  Excellent bombing concentration achieved. 

16.8.44 Some slight day training this morning.  Tonight 12 aircraft of the squadron carried out one of its most successful and daring attacks.  It was decided that during a heavy PFF and main force attack on the town of Stettin, this squadron should mark and mine the Stettin-Schwinemunde Channel.  This channel runs across Stettin Bay from Schwinemunde to Stettin and is the only means of access that any large ship has to Stettin.  One side of the channel has square buoys and the other side conical buoys.  At 0101 hours the flare force arrived and dropped by means of their blind bombing apparatus over the channel.  Illumination was hardly necessary as the Germans had guessed what was happening and had criss-crossed the bay with searchlights.  However, the Controller (W/C Porter) and the two marker deputies (S/L Parkes and S/L Locke DFC RAAF) who were all down at 300 feet decided to “Press on”.  In the face of great batteries of light flak guns from all sides of the bay, and although they were coned the whole time, they located the buoys and flew down the channel marking it with 250lb flame floats and dropping mines in between.  By 0105 hours, W/C Porter’s machine had been so badly hit that he called up S/L Parkes on the VHF telling him that he had “Had it” and would have to bale out.  He also wished everyone the best of luck.  A minute later a W/T message was received from W/C Porter’s aircraft – for the main force to go in and drop their mines over the flame floats.  It is believed that his crew had every chance to bale out successfully.  W/C Porter, S/L Parkes and S/L Locke have since received immediate awards of the DSO.  A message of congratulation was also received by the squadron from the AOC.

16/17 August 1944 – Stettin Bay Mining

ND740F  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/O J.Barton, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  (Deputy Controller).  Up 2130  Down 0457.  Veg 718 and 406, 6 Markers marine, 8 Flame Floats.  Clear at 300’.  Located aiming point visually as we were right down low.  We could mark our own sector due to engagement by flak ships and searchlights and light flak from shore.  Assessed W/C Porter’s marking, called him up and reported “Bang on” at 0113.5 hours; he replied and asked us to back up which we did and at same time dropped our two mines.  We were engaged the whole time by flak ships and our three turrets were firing continuously.  Tracer seen going in to 2 flak ships and about 3 searchlights and they went out of action.  The other searchlights were sweeping at sea level.  At 0055 hours a large explosion observed at Stettin which was plainly seen to be well on fire from the Main Force attack. At 0050 hours approx, we believe we saw an aircraft crash a 5350N 1410E.  At approx 0115 hours, W/C Porter (Controller) called up on VHF to say his aircraft had been hit and that he was baling out; we replied wishing him the best of luck and he thanked us.  Seeing that attack was a success, we sent a W/T message for Force to return home at approx 0116 hours; this message was not received by Flare Force as our W/T aerial had been shot away.  VHF message was also sent but this was also not received – reason not known.
NE167Y (54 Base)  W/C E.L.Porter, Sgt R.H.Burgess, F/L J.Rogerson, W/O L.H.Smith, W/O C.A.Smith (A/B 2), F/L Bean (SHQ Coningsby – W/Op), Sgt T.Twomey, F/Sgt J.D.Wells.  Up 2121.  2 veg, 6 Markers Marine, 8 Flame Floats.  Aircraft missing.  Last heard of at 0122 hours on W/T, Captain saying they had been hit and were baling out (see reports for 97/C and 97/F).
PB156O  S/L H.B.Locke, P/O C.D.Hooton, S/L T.H.Makepeace, P/O J.W.Nedwich, P/O A.P.Boultbee, P/O C.W.Lacy, F/O M.J.Bridgman.  Up 2127  Down 0500.  2 veg, 6 markers marine, 8 flame floats.  Weather clear down to dock.  Target identified visually by shape of Haf.  On arrival called up Controller asking if we could drop before flares went – no answer.  Flares went down about 0102 hours after which aircraft proceeded on marking run which was completed at north tip of channel at datum point and was then shot up by flak ships oerliker gun fire.  10 minutes spent in dodging this and illumination by searchlights.  Heard Marker II tell Controller that markers were okay and that he was backing them up.  Turned to drop further markers but on telling Controller that aircraft was losing petrol, was told to go home.  Damage to aircraft – hydraulics to mid and rear turrets, undercarriage; flaps and bomb doors and fuselage all holed.  Trailing edge of port mainplane, fuselage forward of mid upper turret.  Stettinhaf – 0104 hours 200’.  Flares not needed, involved much damage for aircraft illuminated.  Many searchlights illuminated horizontally, ringing the bay.
ND589R  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 2130  Down 0443.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Weather clear (10/10ths cloud at 14,000’).  Target confirmed by H2S.  Dropped flares as instructed and saw flame floats dropped in a straight line 0112 hours.  Main Force ordered to lay on a heading of 320 degrees.  Told to go home at 0113 hours.  At 0116 hours heard Controller say he was hit and was baling out.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/S S.F.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, Sgts R.H.Utting, R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Up 2129  Down 0441.  10/10ths cloud stratus, base 14,500’, tops above 17,000’.  Target confirmed on H2X and GPI run.  Original flares were fairly concentrated but at 0105 hours more flares were asked for and at 0108 hours, markers were laid down and at 0110 hours, Main Force were told to attack.  Some of the Main Force aircraft detailed to attack on Stettin were dropping their bombs on the glow from out flares as they were above cloud base.
JA846K  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O W.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 2132  Down 0518.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Layers of alto-stratus 10-14,000’, clear below, vis good.  Target located on GPI run and “Y”, checked visually.  H2S u/s at Danish coast so I decided to lose time and drop flares with 3rd flare wave visually, but H2S became serviceable, so endeavoured to catch up with 1st flare wave.  Reached target area and, receiving no R/T instructions, carried on and dropped 9 x 7” clusters.  Orbited at far end of run.  Received no further instructions so set course when we received a W/T message ordering Main Force to attack.  Jettisoned 2 flame floats – u/s.
ND862E  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgts R.A.Swolf, T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2128  Down 0435.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Weather clear (10/10ths cloud at 15,500’).  Identification of target confirmed on H2S.  Dropped flares as Controller ordered – 0105 hours.  Flares excellent, marking completed, and Flare Force ordered home 0111 hours.  2 Flame Floats jettisoned as instructed – 5505N 1300N 0145 hours 15,000’.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2127  Down 0437.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Layer cloud at 14,000’ – clear patch over target.  Identified target on H2S with GPI check.  No instructions received as aircraft ran up.  1st flare wave was somewhat late so 2nd wave went in immediately; 3rd wave came up, having been told to come in and drop.  Main Force asked to come 0112 hours, on 320 degrees T.  Flares were very accurate.  Raid on Stettin seemed very successful.
PA973A  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2135  Down 0452.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Weather clear below 15,000’.  7/10ths cloud tops at 15-18,000’.  Target identified on 184 and by flares previously dropped.  The lane of flare floats was quite distinct, with flares on either side of it.  Illumination from flares and searchlights to distinguish any lit up buoys or lighthouses.  Attack seemed well concentrated in conjunction with the Stettin bombing raid.  2 flame floats jettisoned.
PB200G  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2126  Down 0429.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Weather clear below, 10/10ths cloud above (14,000’ base).  Target confirmed by H2X and 1st wave flares.  Dropped flares as briefed.  Controller marked (8/9 flame floats) at 0106 hours, which Marker I assessed as “Bang on”.  Called force in to mine, and Flare Force told to go home.  2 flame floats jettisoned.
PB133C  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, P/O T.W.Black, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis A/B), Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2125  Down 0445.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  Clear, misty, good visibility.  Identified target on H2S, assisted by GPI check.  On arrival Marker I said he considered illumination was unnecessary, but flares were already going down.  Marker dropped some flame floats, which were very good and backing up asked for.  Marker II was not able to do this as his fuel tank was leaking and he was told to return.  Controller then asked for the raid to be taken over as he was on fire and baling out, confirmed later by wireless message.  Main Force were called to drop their mines.  No further illumination required.  2 flame floats jettisoned.
PA974B  F/O D.G.Freeman, Sgt P.E.Cook, F/Sgt E.Coe, F/Sgt J.Morris, Sgt J.Heasman, F/Sgt H.Rosher, F/Sgt D.Gordon.  Up 2131  Down 0440.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 flame floats.  8/10ths cloud tops 16,500’.  Vis moderate.  Target identification by H2S, checked by GPI run, also by illuminating flares.  On approach heard Controller ask for more flares.  At 0108 hours asked to back up with more; just as 8th flare had gone Controller ordered Flare Force to go home and Main Force to come in.  Flame floats seen on water – Controller seemed satisfied.  2 flame floats jettisoned.     

17.8.44 As the majority of the squadron were sleeping from the previous night’s operation, the only flying carried out today was by new crews on training flights.  No night flying.

18.8.44 Some bombing and blind bombing practice this morning.  7 of our aircraft participated in another attack on the submarine pens at Bordeaux today.  The attack commenced at 2010 hours.  Most sticks were seen to fall accurately across the aiming point although moderate but very accurate heavy flak spoilt a number of bombing runs and contributed to a fair proportion of loose bombing.  There were no fighters and weather was clear.  All of our aircraft returned.

18 August 1944 – Bordeaux (Oil Storage)

PB181D  W/C J.A.Ingham, Sgt P.R.Turner, F/L T.Campbell, W/O J.H.Maxwell, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis A/B), F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/L F.P.L.Broome, W/O T.H.Hansen.  Up 1540  Down 2252.  6 x 1900 GP.  Weather clear, good visibility.  Target identified visually – river, bridge and built up area.  Bombing run satisfactory although hit 2-3 minutes before.  Result of bombing not observed.  Handed over to Deputy at 2035 hours after being hit, and navigator to 83/T for return journey.  Starboard inner failed at 4605N 0155W, 2040 hours.  Hit by flak over target; carpet damaged, also H2s.  Port inner failed on approach.  Mid gunner and bomb aimer wounded; latter released a few seconds early just as he was hit.  Mid gunner, in spite of wounds, remained in turret and refused all assistance.  Aircraft in bank when photograph taken.  This scratch who had not operated together before worked very coolly and efficiently together throughout under difficulties.
PB133C  F/L W.M.Reid, F/L P.J.Roberts, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt H.Smith, F/Sgt G.Brown. (Deputy Controller I).  Up 1550  Down 2256.  6 x 1900 GP.  No cloud, hazy homeward, vis good.  Visual identification of target.  Our VHF was u/s so no order to bomb received.  At 2059 hours message from W/C Ingham for us to take over.  Without VHF we could only give order to go home individually, nearing home at 2143 hours.  Formation was good until about two minutes before bombs gone when a number of aircraft broke formation and spoilt bombing run for others.  Flak from target extremely accurate, moderate intensity.  No fighters seen.
ND589R  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  (Deputy Controller II)  Up 1453  Down 2258.  6 x 1900 GP.  Weather clear.  Identified target visually and arrived on time.  Spread out in accordance with instructions.  Hit by heavy flak on run up.  Air speed indicator u/s, noticed after bombs gone, which made bomb sight u/s.  Just after leaving target area, port outer engine caught fire and was feathered.  Mid gunner wounded on bombing run.  Decided to land at Marston.  HF radar equipment, intercom, rear of engine u/s.  Port outer feathered, mid upper turret u/s.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1548  Down 2259.  6 x 1900lb GP.  No cloud, haze.  Target located visually.  Reasonably satisfactory run up considering proximity of heavy flak bursts.  Bombing of other aircraft reasonably accurate but one stick seen to burst across submarine pens and one across T-shaped basin to south east of aiming point.  Hit by heavy flak over target – both No 3 tanks and port No 2 tanks holed.  Holes also in centre section of fuselage, wings, tailplane etc.
PA974B  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 1522  Down 2308.  6 x 1900lb GP.  Hazy.  Target found visually.  Other aircraft out of position caused difficulty on bombing run.  Only order we heard was to open bomb doors.  Wind received 227/28 – 1953 hours.  No bomb bursts seen.  Elevator and rudder trim shot away; it took 3 aircrew to bring aircraft back and land it.  Intercom and “Y” also shot up.
PA973A  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1538  Down 2309.  6 x 1900lb GP.  Weather clear, visibility 10-15 miles.  Identified target visually.  Followed leader in to bomb.  Some bombs fell around aiming point but some undershot.  As far as we could see the building was not actually hit.  Difficult to assess bombing as we were first to bomb.  Hit by heavy flak in target area.  Perspex canopy, rudder, trailing edge, mid turret, bomb bays and port wheel nacelle damaged.
ND807P  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgt R.A.Swolf, F/Sgt T.R.G.Owen.  Up 1546  Down 2306.  6 x 1900lb GP.  Clear, very hazy.  Visual identification.  Some bombing very wild, even on other side of river.  We made a long and good run up to target and our bombs were seen to be falling across aiming point.  Many sticks seen to fall ½ mile to port of aiming point.     

19.8.44 NFTs and blind bombing practice carried out today.  No night flying.

20.8.44 Usual day training today.  No night flying.

21.8.44 A large training programme consisting of cross countries, blind bombing runs, and practice bombing, was carried out today.  Operations laid on for tonight were cancelled.

22.8.44 The only flying today consisted of NFTs.  An operational stand down tonight.

23.8.44 Blind bombing practice was carried out this morning and a successful Wanganui trial this afternoon.  No night flying.

24.8.44 Training today consisted of blind and visual bombing practice.  An operational stand down tonight.

25.8.44 Usual training today.  8 aircraft took part in tonight’s operation which was directed against Darmstadt.  The plan was to have been that after the flares had been dropped blindly over the town the Mosquitos would go in low level and mark a band stand in the centre of town.  The raid was a failure.  The Controller and both deputies went missing before the target and although the flares went down correctly the Mosquitos were too low to identify it and as there was no proper Controller, no marking ensued.  F/L N.Parker RAAF had the presence of mind to realise what had happened, and ordered more flares to be dropped in the hope of marking himself.  However, he was unable to do so and rather than turn the raid into a fiasco, he ordered the crews to come in and bomb the town on their blind marking equipment.  On the whole, not a successful raid.  S/L Parkes and crew did not return.  No message was received.

25/26 August 1944 - Darmstadt

PA398N  S/L S.M.P.Parkes, Sgt G.Flint, F/O C.E.J.Reynolds, F/Sgt H.D.Chappell, F/O C.C.Atkins, F/Sgt W.J.Manley, F/Sgt L.S.Baldwin.  Up 2102.  2 rec flares, 12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb TI green, 1 x 1000lb TI red (B16s).  (Deputy Controller I) and Flare Force 1.  Aircraft missing – no message received from this aircraft after take-off.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt P.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2106  Down 0125.  2 rec flares, 12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb TI green, 1 x 1000lb TI red (B16s).   Weather clear, fair visibility.  Target identified on H2S.  2 sticks of flares were dropped before we made our run.  Our flares were dropped using our found wind at 135/10 kph and believed to be very slightly to port of aiming point.  No messages from Controller or Deputies were received.  On leaving target no markers were seen.  There was no object in staying in target area so we set course for base.
PB409F  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O W.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2103  Down 0428.  2 rec flares, 12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb TI green, 1 x 1000lb TI red (B16s).   No cloud, visibility moderate.  Target confirmed by H2S.  1 stick of flares fell very close together almost in salvo just about 30 seconds before own flares were dropped.  VHF communication very bad.  Controller, Deputy Controller and Marker II could not be contacted.  No TIs seen throughout attack.  Marker I heard to say he could identify marking point.  No proximity marker seen.  Attack on Russelheim seen to open at 0153 hours and marking seemed to be proceeding successfully.  Raid not a success owing to absence of Controller.  Flares on time but nothing else seen.
PA974B  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 2105  Down 0447.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, vis moderate, hazy.  Identity of target confirmed by H2S, checked on ETA.  First flares fell 2 minutes before ours, well on time.  No Controller’s orders received but somebody heard to complain of lack of flares and to be unable to identify, and to announce situation of dropping a Wanganui Flare, which appeared to port of track and short of target.  First flares of 97/B fell just short of this, and the others fell across built up area which could just be identified.  No bombing instructions heard.  VHF and W/T unsatisfactory.  Controller and Deputy Controller could not be contacted.  No results of bombing seen and no TIs observed.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, F/Sgt D.S.Nicholls, W/O A.J.Croll, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2108  Down 0438.  11 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb TI red (No 16), 2 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Identification by H2S.  On arrival, Marker I called Controller and got no reply.  Flares dropped (9) and we listened for instructions; one of the VBUs answered and asked for more flares east of target.  We made another run and dropped remaining flares.  No markers were seen.  Marker II heard to say at 0114 hours that wrong target had been illuminated.  Flares dropped on wind 190/19.  Actual wind found 160/21.  To the best of my knowledge the correct target was found and illuminated.
ND862E  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell (Vis A/B), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 2057  Down 0505.  6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, vis moderate, smoke haze.  H2S u/s; unable to identify except by other flares already down.  Our flares dropped visually over the others.  E/97 took over control at 0118 hours, having postponed H-hour for 5 minutes at request of Marker I.  After orbiting awaiting Controller’s instructions and for TIs to back up, neither materialised, so aircraft took over.  Marker I asked for more flares to south west of flares already down to help identify aiming point at 0121 hours; so went in and dropped this on heading of 240T at 0125 hours.  More flares to east were required at 0129 hours, instructed reserve Flare Force to do this.  This was done in 3 minutes.  At 0113 hours Marker I said he still could not identify target due to too much smoke and insufficient illumination.  Flare Force sent home as no more flares left, and suggested Main Force bomb on box at 0134 hours.  Main Force observed coming in mostly 090 – 110T at 0134 hours.  No results observed.  Complete shamble.  If any TIs had been dropped, the raid would have been okay as weather was good.  No bombing wind received or given.  VHF stud A bad in patches; orders given to change to stud B but apparently not received.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2050  Down 0502.  6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Could not identify target.  Controller III at 0118 hours asked for more flares west of target.  Some were dropped but Marker was heard to say he was at 1000’ and flares were on a wood.  0126 hours Marker I said he could not identify and mark because some aircraft were bombing.  At 0131.5 Marker said he could not because of smoke and Main Force were told to drop their bombs on the box and go home.  No attack made by this aircraft.
JA846K  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, Sgts F.Ferish, G.L.Grantham, A.M.B.Smith, K.Setchell.  Up 2111  Down 0453.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 250lb TI, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target identification by H2S.  We arrived 3 minutes early and flares were already down.  Heard Markers calling up the Controller; no replies, and Markers were unable to identify aiming point.  At 0113 hours I called up Marker I who seemed to be acting as Controller and asked if he wanted more flares, which he did, so we dropped 8 visually.  We orbited and called up again and this time Marker I asked fro more flares to SW of existing ones – 0122 hours.  Dropped our remaining flares visually.  

26.8.44 Slight day training this morning.  The target for tonight was Koenigsberg.  10 of our aircraft were detailed.  The whole operation ran smoothly and to plan.  The flares dropped accurately and on time.  F/L N.Parker RAAF in a Lancaster aircraft marked the town initially.  His marking was backed up well, although slightly to the north east.  By H-4 the marking was finished and at H-1 Main Force were called in to bomb.  The raid was quite successful although it was the NE part of the town which suffered most.  F/O McCurdy RAAF, failed to return.  Searchlights were very numerous although ineffective.  Slight flak and fighter opposition.  Considerable flak from Sweden.

26/27 August 1944 - Konigsberg

PB409F  F/L R.N.Higgs, Sgt D.E.Lacey, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2021  Down 0611.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green (1000lb), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identified by H2X, checked by GPI run.  Well concentrated attack.  A burst of flak underneath aircraft disturbed our first run, so made another.  After dropping 7 flares visually we realised that the illumination was sufficient and also that marking was in progress.  No flash used.  Landed at Waterbeach.
ND862E  F/L N.N.Parker, Sgt J.French, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.S.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 2018  Down 0551.  8 x TI red (B16), 1 x TI yelloe No 16), 1 Wanganui flare green/red star, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Visual identification of target, confirmed by H2S and GPI run.  Good concentration.  No photoflash carried.  Landed at Mildenhall.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/L T.Campbell, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2030  Down 0548.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x RSF, 1 X TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identification confirmed by H2S.  Marking appeared good.  We dropped RSF on position B at 0044 hours as briefed.  No flares required from us illumination was adequate.  Landed at Tuddenham.
JA846K  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, Sgts F.Ferish, G.L.Grantham, A.M.B.Smith, K.Setchell.  Up 2022  Down 0629.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x RSF, 1 X TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear sky.  H2S used for identifying target.  RSF dropped as briefed at position B on route.  As the illumination of the target was sufficient and we were in the 3rd Flare Wave, we did not drop any of our flares, as instructed by the Controller.  Landed at Woodbridge where visibility was very bad and aircraft ran off the runway on to grass verge, hit two huts, causing damage to the undercarriage but this did not collapse.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/O J.F.Thomson, F/L A.H.Jones, P/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2033  Down 0604.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1 TI green, 2 rec flares.  Reached target – confirmed by H2S – in clear weather.  A good raid.  Landed at Tuddenham.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/Sgt H.Wilson, W/O R.A.Bear, W/O A.J.Croll, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2033  Down 0615.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1 TI green, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Visual identification of target, confirmed by H2S.  On first run , owing to faulty manipulation, no flares were dropped so we ran in again and dropped our 12 clusters.  Went in to drop green TI on first run at 0101.5 hours, but another aircraft was just in front of us.  Landed at Tuddenham.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, W/O J.H.Maxwell, F/Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2026  Down 0613.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear weather.  Idnetified target by H2X, checked by GPI.  Raid well concentrated, markers accurate.  Fires in target area – seen from over 100 miles homeward.  Camera lights did not work until flare run completed.  Landed at Waterbeach.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/Sgt B.F.Shearwood, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2018  Down 0625.  8 x TI red B16, 1 Wanganui green/red star, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear sky, target identified visually, confirmed by H2S.  Nothing of special consequence to report.
ND807P  F/O T.N.McCurdy, Sgt J.Bell, F/O F.S.Hawkes, F/O M.Stern, W/O W.S.Bryans (Vis A/B), F/Sgt N.R.Keys, Sgt R.A.Swolf, F/Sgt T.R.G.Owen.  Up 2029.  8 x TI red B16, 1 Wanganui green/red star, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  Aircraft missing – no message received after take off.
PB133C  F/L K.R.Ames, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, F/O A.Wright, F/Sgt T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 2024  Down 0628.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Located target visually, confirmed by H2S.  Red TIs well concentrated, last reds undershot about 400 yards.  Landed at Tuddenham.  

27.8.44  Slight day training this morning. No night flying – an operational stand down tonight.

28.8.44 Day training consisting of practice bombing, blind bombing and fighter affiliation today.  Night cross countries for new crews.  No operations tonight.

29.8.44 Practice bombing at Wainfleet this morning.  Tonight Koenigsberg was the target again with 13 aircraft and crews taking part.  This time the target was the marshalling yards and the dock area.  The attack was on similar lines to the previous raid.  The flares went down at 0107 hours.  The Controller, W/C Woodroffe, soon initially marked the target, but owing to VHF trouble and a backers-up bomb sight toppling, the marking became very protracted and main force were not called in until 0142 hours.  W/O Moir blind marked the target with a TI green which fell 400 yards 080 degrees from the aiming point.  Photographic evidence has proved the raid to have been quite successful.  All of our aircraft returned safely.  There was considerable light and slight heavy flak.  Fighter activity was slight.

29/30 August 1944 - Konigsberg

PB409F  F/L R.N.Higgs, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2018  Down 0556.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow (No 16s), 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud at 14,500’, base 12,500’.  Cloud below.  Identified target on H2S.  On approach the Controller was heard to give Main Force a ceiling of 7000’, a visual attack being decided on.  Dropped from 15,000’ as briefed.  Saw several markers dropped.  At 0114 hours first RSF assessed as 300 yards NE of aiming point, subsequent green TI as 600 yards of aiming appoint at 0125 hours.  More markers asked for at 0140 and 1045 hours.  Main Force called in and directed to bomb markers, presumably red TI.
PB410J  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown.  Up 2022  Down 0636.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud, 14,500’.  Target identified on H2X.  Controller discussed weather conditions with Deputy and decided on visual attack (H-14).  We called “Tally Ho” went in and dropped flares and green TIs.  Controller said flares were good and told 3rd Flare Wave to stand off.  Called in Marker I but he overshot and Marker III said he was in position and went in and dropped two RSF which were assessed as 300 yards 060 degrees.  Backers up called in.  Marker III backed up the green, which were assessed as 600 yards east, so Controller ordered VBU from east to west over greens towards reds, and overshoot by 300 yards (H-hour).  Flare Force told to go home H+3.  Foregoing as heard on the VHF.  Nothing actually seen on attack.
PB157Q  F/L G.F.Baker, W/O H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, P/O J.F.Thomson, F/L A.H.Jones, P/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2027  Down 0615.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud at 15,000’.  Idnetification by H2S.  Controller decided on visual attack at 0100 approx.  First flares at 0107 hours.  First RSF assessed as 200 yards out.  A second attempt with green TI was assessed as 600 yards east.  Third effort with red TI considered accurate.  Main Force told to come in and bomb those.  Flare Force sent home at 0120 hours.  Backing up demanded on red TI at 0135 hours.  Unable tos ee any results through the cloud.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P. Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2029  Down 0637.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud at 15,000’, base 9,500’.  Target confirmed by H2X.  Dropped 9 cluster flares on Box as briefed.  Circled target, descending during protracted marking.  At 0125 hours approx, Controller ordered spare flares to be dropped over green TI, which we did.  Coned by searchlights at 0130 hours, fired at some from 7,000’, which dispersed.  Fighter approached but defensive manouevre was successful;  mid upper gunner fired but no claim made.
PA974B  F/O R.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 2038  Down 0600.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares.  Two layers of cloud – 5/10ths at 9/10,000’ and 10/10ths at 14/15,000’.  Identification of target by H2S.  After dropping our first 9 flares we orbited waiting instructions to back up markers and Controller asked for more flares to be dropped on red TI.  We were too far away to make a run to release remaining flares and would have had to come down below cloud.  We waited to see if we were wanted for blind marking but on instructions from Controller we were told to return to base at 0126 hours.  No results of marking or bombing seen owing to cloud.
PB156R  W/C R.Baker, Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt M.N.Greenley, Sgts J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 2028  Down 0613.  11 x 7” clusters, 1 x red TI No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares 1 x RSF.  10/10ths cloud 9/14,000’.  Target confirmed on H2X.  First flares on time – assessed as accurate.  Marker III ran in immediately, did a dummy run, ran in again and dropped a RSF at 0113 hours, assessed as 300 yards NE.  More flares asked for at 0116 hours.  Main Force told to standby H+11/2.  Marker III dropped green two TIs.  H+5 Deputy I assessed green TIs as 600 yards east of RSF.  Instructions given to VBU to go over greens and overshoot reds from east to west by 300 yards.  Flare Force told to go home.
PB133C  F/O C.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O J.Dobbie, Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 2027  Down 0616.  11 x 7” clusters, 1 x red TI No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares 1 x RSF.  10/10ths alto stratus, then in parts up to 15,000’.  Identified target on H2S.  At 0114 hours message received for Third Wave to standby.  At 0115 Controller asked for more flares on RSF, but we were above cloud and unable to see this.  We tried unsuccessfully to break cloud, so dropped our flares on H2S, the screen showing a very distinct picture.  We orbited again awaiting instructions  to back up; at 0130 hours we were told to go home.
PB401M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, F/Sgt N.D.Owen, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/O J.Would, Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, Sgt D.Mallinson.  Up 2032  Down 0634.  11 x 7” clusters, 1 x red TI No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares 1 x RSF.  Cloud at 11,000’.  Target located visually by river and built up area.  On approach, visual attack decided on, base of 9,000’ given.  First and second Flare Force had illuminated already.  Aircraft called in to drop flares on reds at 0113.30 hours, then waited, as Flare Force 3 were told to standby and those who had flares left were told to drop them on green TI at 0125 hours.  No markers observed in built up area seen from 10,000’.  Called for permission to go home – given at 0129.5 hours.  (Instructions given to Main Force to go over green TI and overshoot reds by 300 yards – but full details not heard).  Marking appeared to have little success up to 0125 hours though it possibly improved later.
ND746L  G/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, W/O F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 2031  Down 0618.  1 x 1000lb TI red B22, 1 x 250lb TI yellow, 11 x 250lb TI green (No 16), 1 Wanganui flare.  10/10ths cloud 8,000’.  Target identified on 184 equipment and visually.  Arrived on time, proceeded to make run on RSF but due to Controller not having given permission to bomb or bac up, we went round again.  After this we made many unsuccessful attempts due to defences and searchlights and fighters.
PB200G  F/O G.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgts H.N.Stauber, A.J.Astle, W.T.Bray.  Up 2011  Down 0644.  1 x 1000lb red TI, 1 x 250lb yellow TI, 11 x 250lb green TI, 1 Wanganui flare.  Hazy, 10/10ths cloud, 9,000’.  Located target by green and red TIs.  Target was obscured by smoke and cloud.  Orbited until 0116 hours, then called in to back up.  Ran in as instructed to run over greens and overshoot RSF by 300 yards; unable to see them.  0130 hours instructed to come in from the east; could not do this as we were coned in searchlights.  At 0136 hours received instructions to back up concentrations of red and green TIs which had been assessed as accurate.  Our green TIs and reds backed them up within 100 yards.  Mid upper, rear gunner and Flight Engineer all confirmed this.
ND501T  F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2037  Down 0635.  1 x 1000lb red TI, 1 x 250lb yellow TI, 11 x 250lb green TI, 1 Wanganui flare.  Clear,hazy below.  Cloud base 9,500 – 10,000’.  Identified target visually confirmed by H2S.  Flares were sufficiently accurate to light up target area.  Marker III gave “Tally Ho” at 0110.2 hours after receiving okay from Controller, made a dummy run and he went in again and dropped 2 RSF which were assessed as 200 yards at 0113.5 hours.  Controller assessed as 300 yards NE of aiming point.  Flare Force then called to drop flares visually on these markers.  We were then called in at 0115 hours and told RSF was 300 yards 060 degrees from aiming point.  On this we were coned so took evasive action and went out north of target.  Marker 4 went in but no observation made.  Controller again asked for backing up and 0136 hours we ran in from south of target and dropped on the red and green TI close together which were about 600 yards west of aiming point, seen by flash of exploding bombs.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, S/L W.G.Rogers, W/O R.A.Bear, W/O A.J.Croll, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2035  Down 0612.  8 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 250lb TI red, 1 x 250lb TI yellow, 2 x RSF, 1 Wanganui flare.  9/10ths stratus, base 10,000’.  Visual identification of target confirmed by H2S.  First flares dropped 0108 hours. Unable to contact Controller as VHF very weak and noisy.  No 5 BU called in at 0115 hours.  At 0119 hours more flares called for to be dropped west of aiming point.  First green TIs sropped blind were 400 yards east of aiming point, we made a run over target to assess.  At 0132 hours we made a run on 164 degrees T and saw aiming point, and green TIs were one mile from aiming poit, on heading of 344 degrees T.  At 0132 hours orders to “standby – do not bomb”.  Emergency intercom used.

PB430O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt J.French, F/O I.Hamilton, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, Sgt E.F.Errington, F/Sgt M.H.McBride. Up 2047  Down 0622.  10 x J clusters, 1 x 2000lb HC.  10/10ths cloud, tops 15,000’.  Target identified on H2X.  Bombed on instructions at H+1 as briefed.  In target area, reception on VHF very bad; heard no instructions from Controller.  Whilst on bombing run just after release, W/Op informed me that he had received message “Standby – do not bomb".

30.8.44 This morning and tonight’s training was taken up with new crews on cross countries.

31.8.44 Practice bombing and a successful Wanganui trial over Lincoln constituted today’s bombing.  No night flying owing to adverse weather.

1.9.44 A considerable amount of flying training took place today, and bombing, fighter affiliation, cross country and GPI run details were carried out.  At night, one aircraft took part in a command Bullseye, and further bombing details were arranged.  No operations.

2.9.44 Today’s flying training consisted of bombing details (at Wainfleet), fighter affiliation with Hurricanes of 1690 FAO, a certain amount of air firing, and GPI runs on Boston and Lincoln. The standard of the GPI runs was extremely high.  No operations.

3.9.44 No operations today.  Two new crews did H2S cross-countries, and a large number of H2S runs were made by other crews, mostly on Lincoln.  Several bombing details were carried out.

4.9.44 Today’s weather prohibited all flying (There was 8/10ths cloud, with the base right down to 700 feet).  A ground training programme was arranged by the section leaders, and lectures were given :- one on the Mk XIV bombsight, to F/Engineers, by S/L Rogers and on Air Sea Rescue to pilots.  The W/Operators and Air Gunners held quizzes amongst themselves under the supervision of F/L Clayfield (Signals Leader) and S/L Sherring (Gunnery Leader) respectively.  An extensive games programme was arranged for the afternoon.

5.9.44 No operations today, but a considerable amount of flying training.  Six crews did “Y” cross-countries in the morning.  Four others did bombing and fighter affiliations, and two, bombing and air-to-ground firing.  This evening a Wanganui trial with 11 aircraft, was arranged.  Experiments with smoke puffs as markers were carried out, and though the trial was not wholly successful, much experience was gained for future practices.

6.9.44 No operations today.  Eight aircraft carried out bombing details at Wainfleet, and three of these did fighter affiliation exercises later in the morning, and five aircraft did “Y” navigation exercises.  Two aircraft did air-to-ground firing early in the afternoon.

7.9.44 Today, the weather prohibited flying, and this opportunity was taken for a ground training programme.  S/L Rogers (Bombing Leader  gave a lecture on “The Mark XIV Bombsight; its Uses and Abuse” to the Flight Engineers, and a lecture on  “Bombing Procedure” to the new crews.  (He also gave a lecture on “The Duties of an Operational Air Bomber” to a party of Air Training Cadets who were visiting the station).  S/L Sherring (Gunnery Leader) organised a quiz amongst his air gunners, and the W/Operators held an informal Brains Trust, with F/L Clayfield, F/O Thomson and P/O Knowles as the “Brains Team”.  A games and P/T programme was arranged for the afternoon.

8.9.44 Bombing details were carried out this morning at Epperstone and Owthorpe – five altogether.  Also, 6 crews did “Y” cross-countries.  A fighter affiliation programme had been arranged, but this had to be cancelled owing to a shortage of fighters.  A night flying programme had been “laid on”, but was cancelled in expectation of bad visibility at base in the early hours of the morning.

9.9.44 Flying training in the morning consisted mainly of bombing details and “Y” runs, though 3 crews did fighter affiliation exercises.  Night flying also consisted of bombing and “Y” run details.  The Squadron also dispatched one crew to participate in a raid on Munchen-Gladbach – S/Ldr H.Belleroche in Lancaster “M”. S/Ldr Belleroche officiated as Deputy, W/T Link I, and was also a part of the flare force employed for primary illumination.  The flare force mostly dropped their flares visually on Oboe markers, and a Mosquito aircraft marked the target accurately after one dummy run.  Assessment was difficult owing to smoke from the Oboe markers, but it is thought that considerable damage was done to the marshalling yards which were the main target.  S/Ldr Belleroche returned safely to this base.  Only 2 heavy flak guns were seen, and very little light flak.  There was no sign of fighters.

9/10 September 1944 – Munchen Gladbach

PB401M  S/L H.R.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dickin, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/O R.T.Martins, F/Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O R.J.R.Coombs.  Up 0252  Down 0705.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x 1000lb red TI, 1 x 250lb green TI.  Weather clear, good vis.  Target confirmed on H2S.  First Oboe yellow marker fell at 0505 hrs, just before first flares down a few seconds later.  Some flares were dropped on different headings than those ordered and were widely spread.  At 0514 hrs warned not to start bombing.  At 0516 hours Controller ordered Main Force to bomb southerly red TI as attack was spreading westerly and Controller hoped this would now check this.  One brilliant red TI seen 2-3 miles to west at 0526 hours.  Own VHF was not very satisfactory.

10.9.44 No operations.  A certain amount of practice bombing was carried out, but the main event of the day was a Blind Marking Trial on Wainfleet sands.  10 aircraft were detailed for this, and the exercise was controlled by F/L Baker, G.F., DFC (RAAF).  “H” was 2000 hrs.  Three aircraft, led by the Controller, and his deputy, F/L Reid, made GPI runs, and dropped Red TIs.  These were assessed by two aircraft of the second wave (using the Mk XIV bombsight and a bearing-and-distance from Boston).  The second wave also contained three secondary blind markers; their services, however, were not required.  It was found that the necessary qualities of precision and navigational technique were amply possessed by the crews detailed; but the marking force aircraft were robbed of their total efficiency by breakdowns in VHF inter aircraft communication and the resulting lack of co-operation.

11.9.44 6 bombing details, one fighter affiliation exercise, 22 GPI and “Y” runs, and a “Y” cross-country were together done this morning by a total of 11 aircraft.  The main event of the day was however the operational mission to Darmstadt.  For this, 15 aircraft and crews were detailed, all of which took-off.  This operation represented a considerable success for the Flare Force (of whom this Squadron provided 6), for the illumination was on time and extremely accurate. The first red TI was, as a result, dropped as early as H-9 (“H” was 0000 hrs).  This was accurately backed up and a good concentration resulted. Green TIs were also dropped accurately in the centre of the town by aircraft of this squadron, arrangement having been made that the first aircraft to makr good blind runs for flare dropping should release green TIs at this point, however, a certain amount of confusion arose, owing to a misunderstood order of the Controller; both red and green TIs were backed up with further greens, and as a result the concentration became scattered.  Despite this, however, early bombing was accurate, and later photographic evidence shows that much damage was done.  Opposition was reported as slight; heavy flak was very slight, and light flak “meagre”.  A little fighter activity was experienced round the target.  The weather was clear, with very slight haze on the inward journey.  From this operation S/Ldr de Belleroche of “B” Flight, failed to return.  No signals were received.  W/Cdr Walker, a u/t controller of 54 Base, who was flying aircraft “H” of this squadron, also failed to return.

11/12 September 1944 - Darmstadt

PB156R  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.D.H.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 2100  Down 0159.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 green TI No 16.  No cloud, layers of haze.  Target confirmed by H2S and 184.  Two green TIs were seen NW edge of town 2347 hours;  “Tally Ho” came through half a minute later.  Two more greens dropped right on centre of town, followed by others.  A red TI dropped just south of the centre greens and Controller ordered “No more flares” and £Back up reds” at 2352 hrs, and at 2358 hrs gave “Come in and bomb”.  At 2359 hrs we switched off VHF and went home.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/L T.Campbell, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2105  Down 0146.  Weather clear.  Identification of target confirmed on H2S.  “Tally Ho” heard at 2347 hrs as we were making our run in, but a green TI was cascading at this time; flares were illuminating target area well.  Red Ti dropped by Mosquito 400 yards SW of original green.  At 2358.5 hrs Controller gave order to back up green TI.  At 2353 order given “No more flares”.  Markers told to back up red TIs.  Results were that there were to two clusters of red and green TIs about 350 yards apart.  We then set course for base.  No results of bombing seen.
PB422P  F/L G.F.Baker, F/Sgt H.Townsley, F/L J.W.Muller, P/O E.J.Watson, F/L J.F.Thomson, F/L A.H.Jones, P/O R.M.Clark.  Up 2105  Down 0158.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green B22, 1 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear.  Target confirmed on 184 equipment.  We were out before the attack started in earnest.
PB461M  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, W/O F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 2058  Down 0200.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green.  Clear weather, good vis.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Arrived in target area at H-10.  Started run and switched on VHF, listened fro 25 seconds.  Hear no “Tally Ho” from other aircraft so called N “Tally Ho” and switched off;  completed run.  Flares were very good throughout.  About two minutes after our run, aiming point was well marked by good concentration of red TIs.  Seemed very successful attack.
??????  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2103  Down 0214.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear, good vis.  Target identified visually on green TIs and confirmed by H2S.  Green TI at 2348 hrs followed by more greens which were nearer the aiming point.  Flares followed and red TIs dropped 300/400 yards SW of green markers.  We went ahead and came into contact with defences at Frankfurt.  Smoke from fires up to 3-4,000’ when on way home near Luxembourg.
PB409F  F/L R.M.Higgs, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 2102  Down 0202.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Clear, thick haze.  Layer 4/5000’.  Target confirmed by H2S.  We were the first to make our run and we called “Tally Ho” and dropped green TIs.  A few seconds before our TIs burst, two other green TIs were observed to burst about ½ a mile to our port.  Mosquito markers came in and undershot our TIs by about 3-400 yards with red TIs and ordered all three Markers to back up red TIs at 2355 hrs, having first declared that our green TI was okay.  And order to back up green TI given by Controller at 2352 hrs.  At 2353 hrs Controller ordered no more flares.  At 2358 hrs markers ordered to go home.  At 2359 hrs Main Force continued to carry out attack.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2113  Down 0213.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear.  No more flares needed.  Red TI seen to go down, assessed as excellent; no backing up needed with greens.  Flare Force told to return to base 2354 hrs.  Dummy TI greens seen to drop 10 miles west and incendiaries three miles from target in woods.  Large explosion in target area 0010 hrs.
ND746L  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O J.P.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, P/O T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, W/O G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 2106  Down 0205.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear.  Identification of target on H2S.  At 2352.5 hrs received message to back up.  Dropped on the red TIs.  Flare Force told to return to base.
PB133C  F/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 2101  Down 0217.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Clear weather.  Target located by TIs checked by H2S;  first flares and green TIs on time.  One green TI to starboard and one to port.  Red TI dropped by Mosquito at 2353 hrs, assessed by Controller as excellent.  Main Force called in at H-hour.
PB510Q  S/L H.B.A.de Belleroche, Sgt R.C.Dickin, P/O H.M.Vere-Hodge, F/Sgt L.Greay, F/Sgt W.J.Parsons, F/Sgt W.W.Winskill, P/O A.J.R.Coombs.  Up 2100.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Aircraft missing – interrupted W/T transmission received at 0009 hrs.
PB408O  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, Sgts H.N.Stauber, A.J.Astle, W.T.Bray.  Up 2112  Down 0201.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  No cloud, hazy.  Target identified by H2S and visually.  Flares well concentrated.  First to bomb, no results observed.  Red TIs were on aiming point or very near, and as a check for our blind bombing we estimated just east of railway station.  One large explosion seen in target area, seen from 60 miles away 0013 hrs.
PB450D  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 2059  Down 0216.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Weather clear.  Target confirmed on H2S.  On last wave, and no more flares needed.  Received message to return to base.
ND490N  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, Sgts A.Marrable, D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, Sgt G.Palmer.  Up 2115  Down 0226.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Clear weather; target identified visually by TIs.  As we were reserve Flare Force, message received 2358 hrs, no more flares needed and Flare Force could return to base.  Main Force called in to bomb as we left.  Controller seemed very pleased with flares and marking.
PB410J  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt S.B.Morgan, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, Sgts G.L.Grantham, A.M.B.Smith, P/O H.E.Roberts.  Up 2056  Down 0237.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear, hazy at 10,000’.  Identification of target by H2S and visually on green TIs.  Illumination from flares good and a spread from flares appeared satisfactory.  At 2349 first green TI. These were backed up by more green, and red TI were in centre.  Bombing wind at 2355 hrs was 083/13.  Whole attack seemed to proceed according to planned instructions.

PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.Dobbie (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 2057  Down 0235.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16.  Clear, some haze.  Target located on equipment; one green and one red were down when we bombed.  Green slightly to west of aiming point.  Red was overshoot of aiming point.

12.9.44 NFTs were done this morning and afternoon in preparation for the night’s operational mission to Stuttgart.  For this, 13 aircraft were detailed, all of which took off.  This would seem to be the most successful raid ever on this target, or, perhaps, the only really successful one in some thirty attempts.  “H” was 2310.  At 2258.9 three aircraft of the flare force who were able to make exceptionally good blind runs dropped green TI, the first flares were dropped at 2259, and by 2304 (H-6) the whole target was completely illuminated.  Simaltaneously, aircraft of this Squadron were dropping TIs as primary blind markers.  Though two TIs cascaded very wide, they did not affect the issue.  The aiming point was marked by Mosquitos with red TIs and red spot fires.  Backing up was completed by H-21/2, and main force bombing actually commenced at H exactly.  Violent explosions lasting for many seconds were reported seen at 2329.  As far as can be seen at the moment, this attack seems to have been highly successful.  All our aircraft returned safely.  The flak, both light and heavy, was moderate only; no searchlights were seen, and no fighter opposition encountered.  Although there was a little ground haze near the target, visibility was on the whole good.

12/13 September 1944 - Stuttgart

ND746L F/L K.R.Ames, F/O J.P.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, P/O T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, W/O G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1921  Down 0121.  2 x TI green No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear, vis good.  Target identified on H2S.  Running up, target area clear.  By the time we turned to starboard after bombing run, and pilot could see green TI, two more had dropped, 600 to 800 yards approx covered spread of the three.  Saw a red TI which burnt out very quickly about 6 miles away; flares seen released over greens soon afterwards.

PB156R  F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.D.H.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt G.P.Lennon, P/O H.E.Roberts.  Up 1900  Down 0110.  2 x TI green No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, hazy.  Identification of target confirmed on H2S.  Ran in at H-12 and were first to drop greens.  Flares went down behind as we turned off target.  One Mosquito called “Tally Ho” – went in and marked 580 yards north of the green TIs.  Controller said red was excellent and called in backers up H-2.  Backing up was rather slow.  Main Force called in at 2308 hrs.  Controlling was very good.  Good fires seen burning.

PB461M   F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, W/O F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 1902  Down 0110.  2 green Ti No 16, 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear weather, slight haze.  Identification by H2S.  Arrived in time.  Four green TIs already dropped, bombs were dropped blind amongst built up area, but due to being off heading, no attempt made to drop green TI.  No 3 Marker claimed that his red TI was on the aiming point.  Raid went according to plan.  Many bombs seen to burst in target area.

PB408O  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Carven, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1911  Down 0135.  2 x TI green No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  No cloud, vis good.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Ran over target 2259 hrs but image on screen deteriorated on approach and finally faded.  Orbited and came in again; this time image better but intermittent fog so held TI, releasing bombs only.  Confident they fell in built up area.  Marking appeared accurate and bombing good.  At 0027 hrs violent explosion seen from 70 miles.
PB450D  F/L R.M.Higgs, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 1908  Down 0118.  2 x TI green No 16, 12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, fair vis.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Our green TI were first dropped, followed by more greens fairly well concentrated.  Controller, at 2304 hrs, said he thought greens were NE of aiming point.  At 2305 hrs he asked Flare Force 3 to drop flares over greens, followed by order to back up initial red Ti with more reds.  At 2308 hrs Flare Force 3 and markers left target area.  At same time Controller ordered Main Force to bomb red TIs, preferably red TIs to left of green TIs.  Red TI received direct hit from 4000lb bomb.  Our greens seen to fall in built up area.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 1901  Down 0122.  2 x TI green No 16, 8 x 1000lb (1/2 hour delay).  No cloud, slight haze.  Target confirmed on H2X.  Two lots of green TI went down one minute and ½ a minute before ours, approx 400 yards apart.  Ours overshot about 500 yards to south east.  Red TI later seen south of greens but unable to give exact position.  All greens seen to be in built up area.  At 2328.5 hrs a big red explosion lasting 5-10 seconds lit up whole area.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/L T.Campbell, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 1858  Down 0145.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target identified visually, checked by H2S.  Red went down after first stick of flares; assessed as good.  Backed up with more reds.  Dropped own flares, then Flare Force told to return to base 2306 hrs.
PB422P  F/O R.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, F/Sgt K.Mannion, F/Sgt H.R.G.Abernethy, P/O E.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1906  Down 0125. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target located and identified by green TIs.  Illumination good.  Marking was quite accurate.
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.Dobbie (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 1854  Down 0146.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis very good.  Target identified by other flares and visually.  Running up saw flares to port and others to starboard which illuminated bend in river.  Green TI south east of marshalling yard (NE of aiming point) and one red further east (distance unknown).
ND501T  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1905  Down 0140.   12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identified target by red TIs.  Flares were good, reds excellent.  Greens NW of target.  First flares down were NW of aiming point.  Own flares and TIs not needed, ordered to return to base 2308 hrs.
ND862E  F/O B.B.Lindsay, Sgt J.G.Blair, F/Sgt J.Rayner, W/O G.K.Brown, F/Sgt V.Cummings (A/B 2), F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 1855  Down 0138.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear, slight haze.  H2S confirmed target.  Our flares and TIs not needed.  Two large explosions in target area 2312 and 2314 hrs.  Flares in two concentrations, one red with three greens in semi-circle.  Appeared very good.
PB974D  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, Sgts A.Marrable, D.Moroney, P/O J.Ray, Sgt G.Palmer.  Up 1904  Down 0154.  2 x green TI No 16, 12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target identified by H2S and green TI visually.  On running up to target, Controller asked for Flare Force 3 to drop flares and very soon after asked for green TIs to be backed up by greens and more flares.  Red TIs were NE of green TIs approx 200 yards.  Oredr given for red TI to be bombed.  Pilot and gunners actually saw two cookies burst on red TI, but some bombing was unsatisfactory.
PB410J  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.J.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1910  Down 0135.  8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, some haze, vis good.  Target confirmed on H2X.  Target area clear st time of release.  Flares ignited underneath us immediately after release, illuminating built up area.  Green TI seen in centre of flares.  Red TI seen very wide immediately afterwards but Controller warned to ignore this.  Rear turret u/s at 2215 hrs due to hydraulic failure.

13.9.44  No operations today and only a little flying training.  Three crews did night cross-countries.  PRU cover for yesterday’s raid on Stuttgart shows that our suspicions as to the success of the raid were amply justified.  Fires were started in the centre of the town, and the raid was in fact “extremely accurate and devastating”.

14.9.44 One “Y” cross country, and GPI runs, this morning.  As much of the Bombing Section as was not flying held a quiz this morning for an hour, and later S/L Rogers gave a lecture to new A/Bs and F/Es on the Mk XIV bombsight, and on various orders in his section order book.

15.9.44 12 aircraft took part in a blind bombing exercise this morning; the exercise was as a whole successful although little new was learnt.  Perhaps this is the best sign!  13 aircraft were detailed for operations which were later cancelled.  It was therefore possible to send two new crews on “Y” cross countries.

16.9.44 No operations today.  Two more “Y” cross countries, some fighter affiliation exercises, and eight bombing details at Epperstone.  P/O Knowles lectured the W/Ops on “The M/F, D/F Organisation”.  Six crews were detailed for night cross countries and “Y” runs; four of these did night-fighter affiliation exercises with Mosquito aircraft as well.

17.9.44 No operations.  14 aircraft were on training this morning – bombing at Epperstone, “Y” runs on Nottingham and Lincoln, and fighter affiliation.  A night programme was also arranged – “Y” and GPI runs on Nottingham and Birmingha,, and two cross-countries.

18.9.44 More training this morning and operations tonight.  Seven crews did practice bombing at Epperstone, and five did GPI runs on Lincoln as well.  Another seven did “Y” runs on Nottingham, Cambridge and Manchester.  9 aircraft were detailed from this Squadron to attack Bremerhaven.  All aircraft detailed took off.  The attack was a masterpiece of simplicity and accuracy.  No snags were experienced and everything went smoothly and as planned.  “H” was 2100 hours.  This Squadron was to provide Primary Blind Markers, Flare Force, and a visual Backer-up.  The first flare was released at 20.51 (H-9) and the first marker was seen to fall at 20.51.5.  This was immediately assessed as accurate.  The main force were called in to bomb at 2057.  The controller was able to order “Complete bombing and return to base” by 2057 (?).  Fires were visible 150 miles away; and intense orange explosions were seen at 2104.  An example of the Squadron’s blind bombing accuracy was provided by F/O Eaton who hit the A/P blindly.  The light flak was reported as “moderate to intense”, and heavy as “slight”.  There were about 15 searchlights in the target area and many more in the surrounding town.  Weather was clear with fine visibility.  All our aircraft returned to safely.

18 September 1944 - Bremerhaven

PB133C  S/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1827  Down 2240.  1 x TI green B22, 1 x TI green No 16, 10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Flares went down after we had dropped our load.  2052 hrs heard Controller assess red TIs as 200 yards south and they were to be backed up.  Backers up backed up the reds and visual backers up backed up the greens.  At 2056 hrs backing up was assessed as good, about 100 yards south of Marking Point.  At 2057.5 hrs Controller sent out “Attack centre of red TIs ignoring two red TIs to north of town.”

PB461M  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, W/O F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 1821  Down 2237.  1 x TI green B22, 1 x TI green No 16, 10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Red marking very good.  VHF too noisy to hear any orders.  Flares were excellent.  Fires seen burning for 200 miles.

ND746L  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O J.P.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, P/O T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, W/O G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1827  Down 2239.  1 x TI green B22, 1 x TI green No 16, 10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay). Weather clear.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Two greens and two reds seen down, reds on marking point.  Some scattered incendiaries at first but later appeared more concentrated.  Owing to strong headwinds, not forecast, we had considerable difficulty in maintaining flight plan time in spite of running at high power.  Initial loads of incendiaries appeared to go down pretty wildly but following instructions from Controller, centred well over concentrated TIs.   

PB450D  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1825  Down 2244.  12 x 41/2” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear, slight haze.  Located target by green TIs.  Backed up as briefed.  Flares very good.  Marking also very good.

PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.Dobbie (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 1828  Down 2258.  12 x 41/2” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, slight haze.  Green and red TIs already down when we arrived, some green to south of aiming point.  At 2051 hrs Controller asked B/U to come in and back up.  This was intended for Mosquitos to back up their red TI which was 200 yards SW of the aiming point.  Green TIs dropped blind were south of the red TIs.  VBU (F/L Parker) called up to ask if more flares were required, at 2057 hrs, and Controller said “Go home”, then “Stand clear, Markers”.  “Main Force come in and bomb”.  Glow from fires seen 120 miles away.

PB422P  F/O R.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, F/Sgt E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis A/B), F/Sgt H.R.G.Abernethy, F/O E.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1826  Down 2230.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Green TIs dropped before flares overshot the aiming point.  Flares dropped on time and in good concentration.  Mosquitos marked with red TI at 2054 hrs and assessed within 100 yards of aiming point.  We then orbited.  On way home, fires visible by glow over 100 miles from target.

PB408O  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1832  Down 2247.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identified target by green TIs and coastline.  Good route.  Moderate to heavy flak.  TIs very well concentrated and bombing very good.  Light of fires seen 170 miles away.

PA974B  F/O R.H.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1830  Down 2242.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Weather clear, hazy.  Target identified visually on green TI.  Original green TI were in two separate clusters, but appeared to be in town area.  Our own flares dropped, estimating half way between the clusters of green, flare overshooting green by approx four seconds.  Red TIs were dropped and message over R/T heard 2059 hrs to bomb red TI as planned.  Bombing in early stages concentrated around red TI.  On run from flare dropping, searchlights were very close to us and we had to take evasive action to avoid being coned.  This may have affected photograph.

PA973A  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G/L/Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1830  Down 2242.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  No cloud, vis good, slight haze at 17,000’.  Nothing down before own bombs released.  After bombing saw large fires in docks one mile from centre of town.  6 to 8 sticks of incendiaries along water edge running NW from town centre.  Very good concentration later.

19.4.44 Flying training this morning – GPI runs, fighter affiliation and bombing.  14 aircraft were detailed to attack Munchen-Gladbach.  All these took off and none returned early.  The attack was only a limited success, owing to lack of cohesion and a certain amount of confusion over the target.  There were two aiming points, the more northerly of which was to be marked by green TI and bombed by a Main Green Force, while the more southerly was marked by Mosquitos with red spot fires and bombed by a Main Red Force.  Most of the bombs eventually fell on the north aiming point.  The first flares went down at 2133.6 (H being 2145) and good illumination resulted.  Marker I was about to mark the S A/P but was blinded by his own exhaust, and he was not able to mark until2149.  By this time, however, the N A/P had been adequately marked with greens, and both sections of Main Force ordered to bomb these.  Although the Main Red Force were now ordered to bomb reds, few bombs fell on these, as W/T Link I had re-broadcast the Controller’s original orders by W/T.  Flak was reported as slight.  Haze was reported over the target, and considerable icing on route.  All of our aircraft returned safely to base. 

19 September 1944 – Munchen Gladbach

ND746L  F/L K.R.Ames, F/O J.P.Humphreys, F/O A.Wright, P/O T.Savage, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, W/O G.Edmunds, P/O R.S.Parle.  Up 1911  Down 2315.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear; target confirmed on H2X.  Two sticks of flares already down. No markers seen.  Very good H2X run.  Pity we could not have dropped TI as datum point as apparently markers were in difficulties.

PB401M  F/L G.H.Laing, F/Sgt G.Burns, F/O R.Davis, F/O G.K.King, F/Sgt V.J.Day, W/O F.H.Green, F/L G.Polson.  Up 1913  Down 2356.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target identified by flares and visually.  Unable to check flares for accuracy as H2S u/s on bombing run but town was illuminated by scattered flares.  No marking seen.  Bombs seen bursting in southern part of town from a distance.
PB156R  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1907  Down 2321. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Hazy.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Load hung up due to electrical fault.  Other flares were very scattered, no marking seen.  Made two runs, checked everything but load would not release, so returned to base.
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, Sgt J.I.French, F/O I.Hamilton, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, Sgt E.F.Errington, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1908  Down 2328.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target identified visually and by H2S.  Dropped flares as ordered and heard Controller say flares were excellent, town very well illuminated.  No markers seen but explosions observed after leaving target.  Slight icing and electrical disturbance on route out.
PB409F  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F/Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1907  Down 2309. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, slight haze, vis moderate.  Target confirmed on H2X.  Dropped flares on Box.  Definition poor.  Approx 3 minutes after release, rear gunner saw red TI cascade amongst the flares.  Some icing on route between position B and C at approx 12,000’.
PB450D  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt G.Batho.  Up 1914  Down 2308.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, slight haze.  Target identified on H2X.  No markers seen before or after bombing.  Flares lit up built up area, own flares starddled other flares.  Passed on Controller’s orders as follows: 2143.5 hrs more flares; 2145 hrs stop bombing, stand by; 2154.2 hrs bomb green TI direct; 2157 hrs return to base.  Marking was unsatisfactory.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.B.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/L R.V.Allen, F/O F.H.Harrison (Vis A/B), F/Sgt F.A.John, Sgts D.H.Wonfor, D.Mallinson.  Up 1918  Down 2341.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares .  No cloud.  Target located by other flares.  After an abortive run, dropped 3 clusters which were a big overshoot owing to a misunderstanding among crew due to interference on intercom.  Checked and ran in again dropping visually.  Unsatisfactory H2S picture.
ND495N  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, F/Sgt T.F.A.James, Sgts L.L.Huston, T.Jones, R.T.Lewis, D.J.S.Thomson.  Up 1919  Down 2335.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  No cloud, hazy.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Ran over target at 2137 hrs but owing to misunderstanding flares were not released.  At 2144 hrs more flares requested.  Orbited preparing to release when Controller gave orders for Main Force to bomb so released bombs early.
PB422S  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgts L.H.Stephens, J.L.Grabham, F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.G.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett. Up 1927  Down 2336. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  No cloud except for slight patch off target; thin layer at 14,000’.  Target confirmed on H2X.  Dropped first flares as briefed at 2148 hrs.  Controlelr asked for more on VHF, but we were badly placed.  Orbited and released second stick of flares on Box.  Both sticks crossed area already illuminated by first wave.  Engineer saw one red TI on second run, on south side of flares at 2152 hrs.  W/Op received message “Attack green TI direct” – not heard on VHF which was switched off owing to interference, and Captain could not hear Bomb Aimer.  No green TI seen.
PB133C  S/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1920  Down 2324. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Identified target on H2S.  First flares down at 2135 hrs and at 2140 hrs heard Marker 1 saying he was going in; he made dummy run.  At 2142 hrs Controller said he could see everything and that the flares were good.  Controller made a run but his TIs hung up.  Markers said they could not identify and suggested more flares should be dropped.  It seemed that Markers were not in position as Controller said he could see the whole thing.  At 2143 hrs more flares called for.  At 2145 hrs Red Force told to stand by.  At 2149 hrs still no red markers down, so Main Force ordered to bomb greens.  At that moment Marker 1 dropped red on aiming point then Main Force ordered to bomb reds with overshoot as Flight Plan.  All aircraft then told return to base after bombing.  Congratulatory message sent by Controller to Flare Force.
PA974B  P/O R.H.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/O G.S.Johnson (A/B 2), F/Sgt G.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1910  Down  2317.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear, hazy.  Visual identification on marshalling yards.  Arrived shortly after first flares and heard Controller say that aiming point was to south end of flares and headed towards south end of flash when the bomb aimer saw the railway liens and as H2S was u/s, bombs were dropped visually.  No markers seen to drop while we were in the target area, although one Mosquito heard to say “Tally Ho”, but that his bombs were hanging up.  At 2149 hrs message “Attack green aiming point direct”, repeated 2152 hrs and 2154 hrs by W/T by link.  Severe icing conditions encountered on outward trip.
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O J.Dobbie, Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 1916  Down 2304.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Weather clear, slight haze.  Target confirmed on 184.  One stick of flares down when we bombed target.  Not easy to identify on H2S.  Weather on route out very poor.  Icing in cloud and slight electrical disturbance.
PA973A  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, F/Sgt H.W.Newing.  Up 1917  Down 2322.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear, vis good.  Target identified on H2S.  Flares dropped on time and were sufficient illumination but Marker unable to release TIs.  First flares died out and Controller called for more flares at 2144 hrs which we dropped.  Later red TIs were dropped but we were on our way home.

ND862E  F/L H.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, Sgts D.J.Hector, L.Smith, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Lieberman.  Up 1919  Down 2331.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, good visibility.  Target confirmed on H2S.  On first run over target, illumination considered sufficient so decided to drop our two bombs only – blind as briefed.  Orbited awaiting instructions, when Controller called for more flares; we went straight in and dropped 6 with flash.  No markers down before our flares, but we saw red TI cascading as we left target.  Controller called in Main Force and told them to bomb red TI with overshoot as planned.  All markers and flare droppers then told to go home. 

20.9.44 No operations.  Limited training, mostly “Y” runs.  A games programme was arranged for the afternoon.

21.9.44 No operations.  Weather made it impossible to produce a maximum training programme, and only two aircraft (on “Y” runs) were put up.  F/L Higgs (Air-Sea Rescue Officer) gave a general lecture on the Airborne Lifeboat.

22.9.44 Again the weather was against us, and little flying training could be done.

23.9.44  11 aircraft were detailed to participate in a raid on an aqueduct at Munster.  All aircraft detailed took off.  In no way could the raid be described as a success.  One of the controllers had navigational trouble, arrived late, and took no part in the operation.  The remaining controller assessed the first flares as south of the target, and ordered the 2nd and 3rd flare waves to drop their flares 3 miles to the north.  It was afterwards found however that the Mosquitos had, in the light of these flares, marked the wrong aqueduct some 6 miles to the north of the target, so the original flares could hardly have been south.  The issue was further complicated by low cloud creeping across the target, and a lower cloud base generally than was expected.  Many crews of this and 83 Squadron reported that they saw no markers at all.  It is hoped, however, that some damage was done to the enemy.  Crews detailed to drop TI and bombs on the town of Munster itself did so.  The heavy flak was slight but increased as the main force aircraft came in.  There was also some light flak.  Fighters in some strength were encountered on the first leg of the homeward route.  From this raid, two aircraft of our Squadron failed to return.  They were S/L Higgs in “F” and F/O Lopez (RAAF) in “B”.  No signals were received.

23/24 September 1944 - Munster

PB409F  S/L R.M.Higgs, F/Sgt J.E.Cowan, W/O T.H.Gibson, F/O T.W.Black, F/O V.G.Williams, F/Sgt H.Tiller, F/Sgt D.Chalmers.  Up 1920  10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Aircraft missing – nothing heard after take-off.

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, P/O C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (A/B 2), F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 1907  Down 2344.  15 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths strata cu on west of target area, stretching north and south.  Unable to pick up Rheine on H2S, therefore no GPI could be made.  No flares dropped as message received to drop 3 miles north of existing flares, and we were too far south for a run to be made in time.  We were Link I, and should have heard 7 winds being sent in, but only 3 were heard; we, therefore, left Breeze Leader to average winds as he probably received them all.  Wind received from him was 236/26.5 at H-2.
PB410J  F/O D.Simpson, F/O J.P.Humphreys, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grabham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1915  Down 0010.  10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 x yellow TI No 16.  10/10ths cloud at 7-8000’ strata cu.  Target confirmed by H2S.  Yellow  TIs already down when we arrived and as message received to say “Main Force bomb green TIs” we did not drop our yellow TIs as they were unnecessary.  We were not satisfied with first run so we orbited and came in again thus making us late in bombing.
PB422P  F/O R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, F/O J.Would, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis A/B), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, P/O E.Armstong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1918  Down 2320.  13 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red/yellow, 2 rec flares.  Clear on arrival, cloudy later.  Visual identification of target.  Unable to drop blind as DR compass u/s causing H2S also to be u/s.  So we dropped flares visually as for the second flare wave.  There were two lanes of flares west and east of the target.  We dropped ours in the middle of these lanes.  No red or green TIs or red/yellow seen.  We left target at 2142 hrs.
PB408O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt J.I.French, F/L T.Campbell, F/Sgt F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, Sgt E.F.Errington, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1900 Down 2345.  13 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red/yellow, 2 rec flares.  Clear over target.  10/10ths strata cu immediately to west and 10/10ths over Munster.  Target confirmed on H2X.  No flares down as we released; other flares released almost immediately afterwards, some covering approx same area, and others some distance to east.  No markers seen.  “Tally Ho” from other flare droppers heard at 2133.5 hrs and then switched off – very noisy.
PB133C  S/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1912  Down 2343.  14 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Half target covered by 10/10ths cloud, half clear.  Target identified on GPI, checked by H2X.  Sticks of flares seen to either side 3 miles to port and one mile to starboard of our track in.  Satisfied with own check on instruments, no markers seen.  Red TI assessed after difficulty approx 300 yards south east of aiming point at 2144.5 hrs.  Backed up, and at 2146 hrs Controller ordered Main Force to bomb 150 yards NW of red TI.  At 2149.5 hrs no bombs had been dropped.  At approx 2150 hrs Controller ordered “Bomb below cloud” (base 8000’).  Another Controller, callsign not heard, ordered his force home at 2150 hrs approx.  Bombing wind 235/23 knots 26 mph.
PB450D  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J..Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1910  Down 2346.  14 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear at first becoming cloudy immediately.  Target located on GPI run from Rheine.  First wave flares too far south and north of canal which was visible in centre of flares.  Our flares slightly NW of target.  No TIs red or green or red/yellow seen.  At 2145 hrs Controller called up Marker 1 who did not answer.  2147 hrs “Attack 150 yards NW of red TI all Main Force aircraft”.  2153.5 hrs “Basement 8,000 feet”.  2155 hrs “Height of cloud 8000 feet, come in and bomb below it”.  2158 hrs “Complete bombing and go home.”
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie, F/O G.S.Johnson (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey. Up 1905  Down 2354  13 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red/yellow, 2 rec flares.  7/10ths stratus (thin) base 10,000’.  Target identified on H2S.  Some flares about 5 miles to port, some below; illumination poor owing to cloud.  “Q” gave “Tally Ho” and dropped red/yellow at 2134.5 hrs, but this was not seen in target area.  At 2137 hrs Controller asked second and third flare waves to drop 3 miles north of existing flares.  No TIs red or green seen in target area.  W/T Message received telling Main Force to bomb from 8,000’ at 2145 hrs.
PA974B  F/O R.H.Lopez, Sgt F.Buchan, F/O K.Frost, F/O I.McLean, F/Sgt Sharpe (Vis A/B), F/Sgt C.J.Girling, Sgt J.Strowger, F/O W.Walker.  Up 1917  9 No 1 MkI 4.5” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Aircraft missing – nothing heard after take-off.
PB348U  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnstone, F/Sgt H.W.Newing.  Up 1918  Down 0008. 9 No 1 MkI 4.5” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Weather clear.  Target identified visually.  At H-10 heard Controller say existing flares were 2 miles too far south and he then ordered numbers 2 and 3 flare waves to drop on estimated position 2 miles north of existing flares.  At 2152 hrs received over W/T  orders for Main Force to attack below cloud base 8,000’.
PB376S  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgts L.H.Stephens, T.D.Grabham, F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.G.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett.  Up 1917  Down 2334.  9 No 1 MkI 4.5” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  10/10ths strata cu, base 8,000’.  Target identified visually on existing flares.  At 2157 hrs bombs were released at conclusion of flare dropping run.  No green TI visible at first but one was dropped before our run was finished.  Some yellow TIs seen in Munster town.           

24.9.44 The bodies of F/O Lopez (RAAF) and Sgt Buchan (F/Engineer in F/O Lopez’s crew) were recovered from the sea just of Heacham (approx 280 degrees Bircham Newton approx 14m).  Burial is being undertaken by RAF Station Bircham Newton.  The weather prohibited flying training and ground lectures were arranged for those who weren’t sleeping after last night’s operation.

25.9.44 No operations, but a good day’s training.  9 crews did practice bombing, 1 a cross country, and 2 fighter affiliation exercises with cine-camera guns.  Some GPI runs were also made.  10 aircraft were detailed for operations which were later cancelled.

26.9.44 The bodies of F/O Walker, F/Sgt Sharpe and Sgt Strowger (all of F/O Lopez’s crew, missing 23/24 of this month) were today recovered from the Wash.  11 aircraft were detailed for operations, target Karlsruhe.  All aircraft detailed took off, but F/O Negus (RAAF) in aircraft “C” returned early with u/s intercom in his rear turret.  The attack failed, because cloud conditions and searchlights combined to make marking impossible.  The target was covered with 10/10ths cloud, the base of which is believed to have been about 400’!  The first blind markers (green TI) and flares (this Squadron provided the greater part of the flare force) went down to time, but it was found impossible to mark, and those aircraft able to see the green TI dropped their reds on it.  Main Force were then ordered to bomb the mean point of impact of reds and greens.  It is feared however that little damage was done.  All our aircraft returned safely.  The heavy flak, though slight, was above expectation.  A few fighters were seen.

26/27 September 1944 - Karlsruhe

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (A/B 2), F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 0048  Down 0649.  1 x green TI B22, 1 x green TI No 16, 11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2X.  Arrived over target at H-10, dropped bombs on equipment but not quite satisfied with H2S results to drop TI.  Heard Controller order Main Force to bomb subsequent concentration of reds and greens, Mosquito being previously ordered to back up latter as they were unable to identify marking point.  10/10ths cloud prevented observation of results.  Second and third flare force also ordered to back up green.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/Sgt S.R.Baynes, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt R.F.Powell, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 0054  Down 0630.  1 x green TI B22, 1 x green TI No 16, 11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).    10/10ths cloud tops 6,000’.  Identification of target on H2X.  At 0351 hrs Markers reported unable to find marking point.  At 0352 hrs Markers given three minutes to find marking point, if still unable to back up green.  At 0355 hrs Flare Force 1 called in to drop green.  At 0356 hrs Marker I backed up green.  At 0357 hrs Main Force ordered to bomb concentration of red and green TIs.  No results could be observed.
PB408O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt J.I.French, F/L T.Campbell, W/O F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt G.F.Errington, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 0042  Down 0646.  1 x green TI B22, 1 x green TI No 16, 11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Identification of target confirmed by H2X.  After we had dropped our load blind, heard Controller at 0353.5 hrs order the Flare Force and Markers to back up the greens and reds and Main Force called in to bomb concentration of reds and greens at 0356.5 hrs.
PB133C  S/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgts J.J.Garrod, D.J.Watts.  Up 0051  Down 0657.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x green TI No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud tops estimated 6-8000’.  Target confirmed on H2X.  After flares and green TI had gone down blind, Controller heard calling up Markers individually, asking whether they could identify mark;  all replied in negative, but could see green TI through cloud.  Controller ordered Mosquitos to back up green TI with red at 0354 hrs, and First Flares to back up with their greens, but we were too far away.  At 0356.5 hrs Main Force ordered to bomb Marking Point I of red and green TI markers.  Reported green TIs were in town.
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Prior, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie, F/O G.S.Johnson (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 0044  Down 0703.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud tops 10,000’.  Target identified on H2S checked by 184.  On arrival at 0350.5 hrs Controller had not assessed, so orbited owing to cloud and waited instructions, refraining from dropping flares.  On R/T told by Controller to drop greens at 0355 hrs approx so did this and retained flares.  Main Force eventually told to bomb mixed concentration of red and green.
PB422P  F/O R.B.Canever, Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis A/B), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/O E.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 0054  Down 0637.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths strat cu tops at 7,000’.  Identification of target on H2X, checked by GPI.  On approach target was covered by 10/10ths cloud.  Controller heard to ask Markers on VHF whether they could mark below cloud.  When Markers replied “Yes”, we carried on.  During our run other flares seen to ignite through the cloud in a downward stick.  Own flares were 4.2 miles upwind of target.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.B.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/O F.H.Harrison, F/L R.V.Allan (A/B 2), F/Sgt F.A.John, Sgts D.H.Wonfor, D.Mallinson.  Up 0046  Down 0727.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud, some small gaps.  Target located by GPI.  At 0356 ordered to bomb red and green TI.  At 0358 hrs ordered to bomb green visually.  At 0401 hrs told to go home when greens were dropped.  0403 hrs warned of fighters.  All these passed on in capacity of Link No 1 and Deputy III.  At 0410 hrs Main Force told to complete bombing and return to base.  0414.5 hrs enquired of Controller if any more messages to pass on; answer in negative.  Reds and greens only visible for about 30 seconds through cloud.  Results could not be seen.
PB156R  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, Sgt K.Mannion*, W/O C.E.Boswell (Vis A/B), Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 0100  Down 0725.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths low strata cu tops about 6000’.  No green TIs seen on first run, at 0353 hrs 15,000’ on a heading of 207.  Orbited port and prepared to make another run at 0357 hrs, at which time Controller called in the Main Force to bomb concentration of TI red and TI green;  these could be seen glowing through cloud on second run.  Some bomb bursts seen in area of TI glow.  On leaving target area at 0358 hrs incendiaries seen which seemed scattered.  Rear turret u/s before reaching target area.  Top of mid upper shattered by flak at target. (this is Mannion’s regular crew, blvd he flew on this trip with this crew)
JA846K  F/L H.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt K.Mannion*, Sgts D.J.Hector (A/B 2), L.Smith, W.Hunter, A.D’Arcy.  Up 0057  Down 0704.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 1 rec flare.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by existing flares and cascading TIs – seen to burst on approach.  Ran over target area but did not drop as glow difficult to distinguish.  Heard Controller at 0400 hrs order us to back up concentration of reds and greens.  (blvd Mannion was not part of this crew)   
ND961U  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/O K.Brown*, F/Sgt K.Mannion*, F/Sgt D.J.Hector* (A/B 2), Sgts L.Smith”, W.Hunter, A.D’Arcy.  Up 0056  Down 0403.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Mission abandoned at position 5204N 0029W – 0129 hrs – 3,000’ – rear turret u/s due to hydraulic failure.  Jettisoned 11 x 1000lb MC safe at position 5305N 0321.5E 0225 hrs 6,000’.  (Sgts T.D.Grabham, F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.G.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett are the regular members of this crew and it is blvd they flew on this trip in place of the last 6 names listed)
PB401M  F/L M.McConnell, Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/O E.T.Steele, F/Sgt C.F.Carter, F/Sgt J.K.Russell, F/Sgt G.Erickson.  Up 0101  Down 0723.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by flares and markers and bombed visually.  As H2X u/s we bombed the glow of fires; we could not see the green TI which we were ordered to bomb, except visually intermittently.

* duplication of crews

27.9.44 Training in the morning – “Y” runs and bombing mostly – and NFTs in the afternoon in preparation for the evening’s serious work.  This was a mission to Kaiserslautern, for which 9 aircraft were detailed from this Squadron.  All aircraft detailed took off.  The attack is thought to have been a moderate success.  The flares went down on time, but of the various aircraft detailed to act as primary blind markers, only one dropped his red TI.  The 3 aircraft of this Squadron so detailed – their captains were F/L Shorter, F/O Simpson (RCAF) and F/O Scholefield (RAAF) – all retained their reds, not being satisfied with their bombing runs.  Despite this, the Red Marking Point was accurately marked at 0055 (H-5) and the Green Marking Point had been marked at 0054.  At 0058 the Controller called in Main Force to bomb, and the attack ran smoothly, (although a jettisoned load to the north attracted some bombing).  It was generally agreed that the lack of blind marking could not be laid to our blame.  In the absence of the blind TIs however, the Mosquitos markers did most of the work, and in this way they were helped by the good work of the Flare Force, of whom this Squadron provided five.  F/O Woolnough of this Squadron reported a very large explosion at 0100.5 hours.  Flak – both heavy and light – was slight only; there were no searchlights and no fighters seen.  A more serious obstacle was the cloud, which was stratus, 7/10 to 9/10, at approx 5000’ with thick base, and mist.

27/28 September 1944 – Kaiserslautern

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, F/L J.L.Billington, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2158  Down 0321.  1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16, 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  7/10ths cloud, vis good.  Target located by illuminating flares.  H2S  was u/s from beginning so arrived early and overshot target area.  First flares went down about two minutes late at 0054 hrs.  Repeated on VHF that the first RSF was 50 yards north.  Main Force called in to bomb green TI on eastern aiming point at 0101 hours on W/T and RSF on western aiming point (ignoring 2 stray reds miles away) at 0103 hrs approx.  Own aircraft dropped bombs only on order of Controller on green TI.  Bombing results appeared good as seen below cloud after leaving target.
PB133C  F/O D.Simpson, F/Sgt D.E.Lacey, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 2141  Down 0439.  1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16, 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Cloud over target, identified on H2S.  First flares went down just after aircraft had bombed.  First RSF seen about 2 minutes after bombing, then cloud obscured other markers.  Controller at 0102.5 hrs heard to order Main Force to bomb concentration of RSF with overshoot as ordered, and ignore two stray reds, and to attack from 4000’.  Prior to this, at approx 0101 hrs he was heard to order Main Force on town to bomb green.  Glow from fries could be seen on return 25 minutes later.  Not sufficiently satisfied with bombing run to drop our red TI.
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/O I.Hamilton, W/O F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt G.F.Errington, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 2155  Down 0338. 1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16, 7 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Strata-cu cloud tops 8000’.  Clear above.  Target confirmed on H2S equipment.  Not satisfied with run, so retained TIs.  Dropped 7 x 1000lb as other TIs seen going down.
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit,  P/O H.Prior, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie (A/B 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 2157  Down 0355.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  8/10ths cloud strata cu, tops  10-12,000’.  Target identified on DR from H2X fix at Saarbrucken at 0041 hrs, confirmed by 3 sticks of 7 flares seen but no TI.  We then orbited and on second run in at 0057 hrs orders received from Controller not to drop flares but back up.  At 0058 hrs Controller ordered all markers home.
PB156R  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis A/B), F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.J.Smith.  Up 2200  Down 0425.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear over target but surrounded by 10/10ths cloud.  Identification of target confirmed on H2X.  Dropped flares as briefed on western side of target, using green TI as a guide.  Green TIs seemed well concentrated.  One red TI seen burning on eastern side of town.  RSF seen on marshalling yard to west of town.
PB461M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, W/O C.E.Boswell, F/Sgt K.Mannion (A/B 2), Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 2201  Down 0349.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud to about 11,000’.  Target located by DR run from Gee fix.  Arrived target area 0052 hrs and saw white glare between clouds to north and south of us.  Heard Markers contacting each other at 0051 hrs; no further signals clearly heard, therefore nothing dropped.  Flare glow on cloud after leaving target.  Ran in to electric storm, which is thought to account for wireless trouble.
ND862E  F/L H.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, Sgts D.J.Hector, L.Smith, W.Hunter, A.D’Arcy.  Up 2155  Down 0441.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 3 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Clear below 8,000’.  Identified target visually in light of flares.  As we were Flare Force III, our flares and TIs had not to be dropped unless called for.  Dropped bombs as instructed.  First flares were excellent and town clearly seen.  Main Force called in to bomb at 0058 hrs and the bombing seemed very concentrated.
JA846K  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, P/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, P/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.Palmer.  Up 2206  Down 0437. 9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 3 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 2 rec flares.  Clear over target, located visually by flares.  At 0054 hrs saw RSFs on westerly side of target.  On run up at 0057 hrs ordered by Controller to back up red TIs, but too late on first run so made a second; as we ran up, Controller was ordering Main Force at 0100 hrs to bomb green TI with slight overshoot.  Green TIs were well concentrated and bombing concentrated on green TIs.
ND961U  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgts L.H.Stephens, J.D.Grabham, F/Sgt F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.G.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett.  Up 2148  Down 0434.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  8/10ths cloud, vis good.  Target identified on H2S.  On arrival bombed on equipment as briefed.  At 0055 hrs RSF assessed as 50 yards north.  At 0056 hrs Red Marker I said by Controller to be accurate.  Main Force told to attack green on town; overshooting Marking Point as briefed, Main Force on western aiming point told to ignore red to north and attack concentration of RSFs.  Too early to see bombing, but glow from fire and explosion could be seen on return.

28.9.44  Today the Squadron sent two representatives to the funerals of F/O Lopez and Sgt Strowger at Cambridge (killed 23/24 of this month).  The body of F/Sgt Girling (also in this crew) was recovered from the Wash today.  Usual training, with a good deal of fighter affiliation, and air-firing.  No operations.  

29.9.44 Today the Squadron sent two representatives to the funerals of F/Sgt Sharpe and F/O Walker, at Flordon (near Norwich) and Brookwood respectively.  A good deal of flying training went on  - “Y” runs, bombing (at Wainfleet), fighter affiliation, air firing, and a “Y” cross country.  A Wanganui trial had been arranged but was cancelled owing to bad weather.

30.9.44 No operations.  A good deal of training, with 10 crews flying at night on night-fighter affiliation and “Y” runs on Boston, Nottingham and Lincoln.  A Squadron representative attended the funeral of F/Sgt Girling at Cambridge.

1.10.44 No operations.  Weather not too good for local flying, but Y and GPI runs were made, and some fighter affiliation exercises done.  Weather slightly better at night, and two new crews were able to do cross countries.  Y runs were also made, on Nottingham and Lincoln.

2.10.44 A Wanganui Exercise was laid on, and a little flying training done.  The Wanganui Exercise was a marked success, and promised good and interesting results when the Squadron is called upon to use this marking technique.  Y runs and Night Fighter Affiliation were done at night.  No ops.

3.10.44 Bombing, Y runs and Fighter Affiliation and instructive lecture, to as many of the Squadron as were not flying, on what actually goes on, on the ground, when an aircraft returning from operations originates a distress call.

4.10.44 184-runs by day and a good deal of Air-to-Sea firing.  No operations, and the night flying programme was cancelled because of the weather.

5.10.44 4 aircraft were detailed this morning for a daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven.  Only 3 took off, however.  F/O Woolnough (RAAF) was the unlucky man.  On arriving at his aircraft he found that one of the tyres was u/s (“M” PB461).  He immediately transferred himself and his crew to the spare aircraft, “K”.  He ran the engines up for take-off, and the starboard outer burst into flames.  By this time Last Possible Time of take-off had gone by, and F/O Woolnough reluctantly gave up.  The other 3 aircraft had been detailed as Primary Visual Markers, but were able to do little accurate marking, as the target was found covered with low stratus cloud 10/10ths, with tops between 3,000 and 6,000 feet.  The Controller ordered main force crews to drop on instruments, or, if they had no instruments, to follow H2S aircraft.  These instructions were also followed by our own aircraft, of whom 2 bombed on instruments and one visually “by watching other aircraft bomb”.  It is feared that bombs fell over wide area, including Wilhelmshaven Bay. The opposition was heavy, although no fighters were seen.  Heavy flak was moderate but accurate at first, developing into extremely accurate fire at the correct height.  Batteries at Bremerhaven and Heligoland were also in action.  All 3 aircraft detailed from this Squadron returned safely to their base.  Meanwhile training was going on, with blind runs on Boston, and bombing details, and a 184 cross country, and some Night Fighter Affiliation exercises were done at night.

5 October 1944 - Wilhelmshaven

ND495N  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.B.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/O F.H.Harrison, F/L R.V.Allan (AB 2), F/Sgt F.A.John, Sgts D.A.Wonfor, D.Mallinson.  Up 0820  Down 1245.  4 x 1000lb ANM 65, 4 x TI green No 16.  10/10ths cloud tops about 2000’.  Target located visually by watching other aircraft bombing.  H2S unsatisfactory.  Some bombing seen on last resort targets on way out.
ND862E  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell  Up 0825  Down 1246.  4 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 x TI red No 16, 1 x TI red B24.  10/10ths cloud at 6000’.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Ordered by Controller to drop blind at 1055 hrs and 1102 hrs.  Nothing seen owing to cloud cover.
PB376S  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Pryor, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie (AB 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 0826  Down 1244.  4 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 x TI green No 16.  10/10ths strata-cu estimated 2-3000’.  Target identified on H2X.  At approximately 1100 hrs Controller ordered H2X aircraft to drop on instruments, so released bombs, retaining TI as briefed.  Bombing appeared to cover a wide area including the whole of Wilhelmshaven Bay. 

6.10.44 An H2S exercise was done this morning, with Hyde Park as the objective.  It was desired to discover whether the average set-operator was capable of picking out and marking a small open area (such as Hyde Park or the Templehof Airfield) within a large built up area.  Photographs taken by the crews show that the standard of set work was uniformly good, but it is still an open question whether the presence of the Serpentine in Hyde Park allows the latter to be considered a representative target.  The usual training went on in the daytime, and 10 aircraft were detailed to attack Bremen.  All aircraft detailed took off.  Of these, 4 were detailed as Primary Blind Markers, five as Flare Force, and one as Supporter.  The attack went smoothly and as arranged.  H was 2025, and the first flares were dropped by F/O Woolnough of this Squadron at 2016, (H-9 as arranged).  The M/P was marked, the markers backed up, and Main Force was called in at 2023.  A very efficient raid, apparently, with the last of spectacular incidents emphasising the efficiency of all concerned.  Flak (both heavy and light) was only slight while our aircraft were on target, though the heavy flak increased as the Main Force aircraft came in the searchlights were reported as “intense and troublesome”.  All our aircraft returned safely.  After-note (9/10/44)  Photographic evidence has since shown that this raid was highly successful.  The old city is now almost completely gutted, and there are further areas of devastation in the residential area to the SE.

6 October 1944 - Bremen

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, P/O A.A.Aveline, F/L J.L.Billington, F/L C.A.P.Thomson (AB 2), F/Sgt E.Withers, F/Sgt D.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 1743  Down 2148.  1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red B24, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, slight haze.  Target confirmed on H2X.  Coned by searchlights on Y run in.  Made corkscrew defensive manoeuvre during which bombs were released, but with markers in sights.
PB473F  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1736  Down 2139. 1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red B24, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  1/10th cloud otherwise very clear except for haze.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Clear picture on Box.  As we released green and red TI seen on ground.  Our TI overshot by approximately 3½ miles.  Our TI were immediately backed up by green TI and also bombed.
PB408O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, Sgt J.I.French, P/O I.Hamilton, W/O F.E.Hughes, F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt G.F.Errington, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1736  Down 2159.  1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red B24, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear.  Target identified on H2X.  Bombed as briefed; timing was late because starboard outer was u/s – oil pressure very low.
PB417J  F/O R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis A/B), F/Sgt E.Craven (AB), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/O E.Armstrong, P/O H.E.Roberts.  Up 1741  Down 2149.   1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red B24, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear.  Target identified by H2S and visually.  Heard Controller say that green TIs were okay at 2018 hrs so dropped our bombs visually.
PB133C  S/L J.M.Smith, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/O M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1742  Down 2201.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, slight haze.  Located target visually by red and green TIs, checked by H2S.  First flare late; red TI observed at 2010 hrs.  Second and third flare force told to drop flare over red TI.  At same time green TI fell.  Assessed 300 yards south.  Order to Main Force to bomb green TI, overshooting as planned, at 2021.5 hrs.
PB450D  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, F/Sgt W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1748  Down 2218.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target identified visually by docks and built up area, also green and red TI.  First flares fell at H-8.  Instruction at 2019 hrs to drop flares over red TI to Flare Force.  At 2024 hrs ordered to come in and bomb green TI as briefed.  At 2029 hrs told to bomb green TI on near side of incendiary on run in.  2032 hrs “Complete bombing and return to base”.  2054 hrs raid assessed as successful.  H2S and DR compass u/s causing aircraft to be late at target.
PB461M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, W/O G.H.Kendall, W/O C.E.Boswell (Vis AB), F/Sgt K.Mannion (AB), Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, G.A.Oliver.  Up 1744  Down 2217.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear with ground haze.  Visual identification of target on red TIs burning on ground.  First flare went down at 2016 hrs immediately after red TIs.  Controller assessed reds as good and ordered red to be backed up.  Dropped our flares at 45 degrees to first wave in a line over TIs.  Concentrated bombing seen round red TIs in built up area.  Many large fires.
PB376S  F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O T.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1748  Down 2200.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI red No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear with slight ground haze.  Identified target on H2X, confirmed by visual on green TIs going down at 2019 hrs.  Saw red go down at 2016 hrs in a line across target from NE to SW; greens went down very slightly to south of Marking Point at 2019 hrs.  Dropped on reds which landed in centre of greens and simultaneously.  Saw another red go down about 200 yards to west of greens.
PB156R  F/O D.M.Royston-Piggott, Sgts J.C.Cousins, J.Madley, F/O T.A.E.Russell, F/O V.G.Carpenter, Sgts C.Milford, J.Burke.  Up 1746  Down 2212.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x red TI No 16, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis good.  Target identified by H2X and visually.  Ran over during red and green TI some miles short of target.  Backed up red TI as briefed.  Red TI burning in built up area seen very clearly in light of first flares.
PB157H  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.Palmer.  Up 1720  Down 2204.  11 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear.  Target identified on H2X.  Bombed as briefed.  Heard Controller telling Main Force to bomb green TIs.     

7.10.44 No operations, and little flying training.  Some ground lectures were given, but most of the Squadron was sleeping after last night’s raid on Bremen.  The flying training was mostly Y runs, although one new crew did a cross-country.  The ground lectures were mostly to Set-operators and Flight Engineers on bombing technique and associated subjects.  There was no night flying.

8.10.44 A GPI bombing exercise at Wainfleet was arranged today, and this gave interesting and instructive results. (1) Results generally emphasised the extreme importance of accurate compasses.  The slightest inaccuracy in the D/R Compass can apparently cause the greatest errors in the final bombing result.  (2) In connection with this, a new form of error – one which can be tabulated – was discovered in the Air Mileage Unit of the Air Position Indicator.  The Navigation Section are of the opinion that this form of error has never been isolated before.  (3) The smallest bombing error was F/O Scholefield’s (RAAF) whose practice bomb fell only 435 yards away from the aiming point.  This is of course extremely good.  It seems possible, however, that smaller errors ill not be possible at the moment with the technique in present use.  Any further refinement of technique to reduce this error will almost certainly be discovered on the basis of today’s exercise.  There was no night flying.

9.10.44 The weather was poor today, with poor visibility, and a low cloud base.  A few Y runs were made, but other forms of training were impossible.

10.10.44 Today Group Captain P.W.Johnson DFC AFC assumed command of this Squadron vice Wing Commander Heward DFC AFC (posted RAF Syerston).  W/Cdr Heward introduced the new Squadron Commander to his new Squadron at the morning briefing at 0930 hours.  No operations, and the usual training.  The weather still poor.

11.10.44 The weather is still such as to prohibit any more than a little flying training.  A few lectures were given, and the W/Operators held a Brains Trust session in the afternoon.  No ops.

12.10.44 Very little training, a few Y runs only.  Some NFTs were done.  10 aircraft were detailed for operations.  After H-hour had been postponed, the mission was cancelled at about 20.30 hours.

13.10.44 Weather overcast again, but some flying training was done nevertheless – mostly Y runs on Boston.  Ground lectures were arranged.  No operations.

14.10.44 Today’s event was a mission to Brunswick, for which 10 aircraft of this Squadron were detailed – 2 as Primary Blind Markers and the rest as Flare Force and Supporters.  All of our aircraft reached the target, though one must technically be counted as abortive – aircraft D (F/O Ryan) – as his flares hung up.  Crews enjoyed clear weather and an almost complete absence of flak.  Searchlights also were negligible.  A marking point in the centre of the town was to be marked with red TI, and, with the help of a system of overshooting by main force, it was hoped that the whole of the town would be severely damaged.  The attack went smoothly and to plan, and its success was indubitably laid on the foundation of flares and green TI dropped by aircraft of this Squadron and 83 Squadron.  Main force were called in to bomb at 0229 (H-1) and were ordered to “complete bombing and return to base” at 0238 hours.  All of our aircraft returned safely to their base.  Reconnaisance aircraft over the target one hour later reported that the centre of the town and large portions to the west were burning fiercely, with smoke up to 15,000’.

14/15 October 1944 - Brunswick

PB408O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/O I.Hamilton, F/O F.T.McNab(AB), W/O F.E.Hughes (AB 2), F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt G.F.Errington, W/O F.H.Green.  Up 2315  Down 0519.  1 x TI green B22, 1 x green TI No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, vis good.  Target confirmed on H2X.  TI ssen to fall in middle of town.  First flares before time.  Green TI seen burning before we released.  Dissatisfied with routes; not enough navigational aids either in or out.  Aircraft in a bank when photoflash went off owing to approach of an aircraft later identified as a Mosquito.
PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O H.Pryor, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie (AB 2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, T.Caffrey.  Up 2303  Down 0521.  1 x TI green B22, 1 x green TI No 16, 6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear with slight haze.  Target identified on H2X, confirmed by GPI seen from Milddeheim.  Two TI green seen to cascade at 0219 hrs on NE outskirts of town.  On way out Controlelr’s orders clearly heard.  At 0219.5 hrs first stick of 7 flares went down across northern part of town.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/O A.A.Aveline, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington, F/Sgt E.Withers, W/O G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 2304  Down 0512.  12 x 4.5” clusters, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, good vis.  Identification of target on H2S.  Flares were released blind as briefed but were well over town on visual check up.  Green TI appeared well in bomb sight.  First green TI appeared at 0219 hrs.  Mosquitos marked Marking Point successfully about 0222 hrs.  Master Bomber instructed Main Force to bomb concentration of reds as briefed.  A good concentration of reds achieved.
PB156R  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt E.Craven, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2317  Down 0529. 12 x 4.5” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Identification by H2S.  Flares were in good concentration and provided plenty of illumination.  Markers were dropped, and order finally given for Main Force to overshoot.  Green TIs were in built up area and rather difficult to see.
PB133C  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/O J.P.Humphreys, F/Sgt J.Rayner, F/O J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 2308  Down 0503.  12 x 4.5” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, vis good.  Located target visually on primary green TIs.  Green TIs seen to cascade at about 0218 hrs, very scattered and to east of target (judged by where red TIs seen later on).  Other flares seen to go down also east of target.  At 0226 hrs Controller asked for Markers if they were clear.  At 0226.5 hrs a TI dropped wide.  At 0228 Controller called Main Force to bomb concentration of red with overshoot as planned.
PB522Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, F/Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt L/L/Huston, F/Sgt T.Jones, F/Sgt D.J.S.Thomson, F/Sgt R.T.Lewis.  Up 2306  Down 0540.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target identified on H2S, confirmed visually.  The first flares were in good concentration and provided good illumination.  Ours were dropped as briefed but flash was not released as isolation switch was not put on with correct flare.  At 0231 hrs message from Controller to bomb red TIs and overshoot.  Main Force were bombing wildly and were told to take more care.
PB450D  P/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.S.McPhie, F/Sgt J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, F/Sgt H.W.Newing.  Up 2309  Down 0527.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis.  Target identified visually – good view of town.  First flares fell fairly punctually at 0219.5 hrs and green TI immediately after.  Mosquito dropped red TI at 0224 hrs approx.  4 Mosquitos reported success.  Controller said green TI were 300 yards E from town centre.  Flares did not release – hung up.  Mid upper turret Perspex holed by H/F over target 0223 hrs at 18,000’.  Gunner slightly wounded in cheek.
PB376S  F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravnscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2314  Down 0525.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  Clear, slight haze.  Vis fairly good.  Identified target by green TI and built up area.  First flare fell punctually with first green TI at H-10 (0220 hrs).  First red TI dropped by Mosquito at approximately 0224 hrs.  Controller assessed red TI as 200 yards north; green was said to be further north than reds.  Other Mosquitos told to back up reds.  Own aircraft backed up green at 0228 hrs as briefed.  Main Force told to overshoot concentration of green and reds.  H-hour postponed 5 minutes at 0235 hrs.  One stick of incendiaries seen dropped across green TIs.  Attack seemed to be spread over area larger than town.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.B.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/O R.V.Allan, F/O F.H.Harrison (AB 2), F/Sgt F.A.John, Sgts D.H.Wonfor, D.Mallinson.  Up 2302  Down 0555.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, vis good.  Target confirmed on H2X – excellent picture.  Centred on three green TI which were burning in the middle of the town.  The red TIs to port slightly west of the most westerly point green TI which formed a close triangle.  Bombing was a bit scattered, but large proportion fell in built up area of town.  18 loads of incendiaries dropped well clear of town up to 14 miles due west.
PB461M  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt W.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/O W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, Sgt D.Wilkins.  Up 2305  Down 0524.  8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear, good visibility.  Identified target visually on green TIs.  As our H2S equipment was u/s we were forced to bomb visually on existing green TIs.  Our bombs were seen in a built up area.  Flares were giving very good illumination.  Red TIs were to the north of the greens. 

15.10.44 Some flying training in the morning.  Ground training lectures organised by section leaders.

16.10.44 No operations, and very little training.  Low cloud over whole area, base at about 1200’ and tops at 6000’ – approx 7/10ths.  Final instructions were today received from Air Ministry Records that the whole of the Squadron ground strength, with the exception of the Squadron Adjutant (ex officio) were to be posted to No 54 Base.  This has been done.  Little or no alteration will be made, of course, to the working of the Squadron.

17.10.44 The normal day’s training, and a crew conference in the afternoon.  No operations.

18.10.44 No operations.  The morning’s flying training consisted mainly of Y-runs and fighter affiliation, though a little bombing was done before Wainfleet range became unserviceable with low cloud at 4,500’.

19.10.44 12 aircraft were detailed this evening to attack Nuremburg, as flare force, both blind and visual, supporters, Primary Blind Marker, and Visual Backer-up.  Of these all 12 took off and reached the target area, but two of these did not attack for technical reasons and must therefore be considered abortive.  They were:- O – Captain F/O Scholefield (Aus) and “Q” – F/O Coulter.  The primary attack plan had involved visual identification of the target.  But when the Controller and Marker Leader arrived over the target, they found that although the target itself was clear, the surrounding areas were covered by stratus with base at 4000’, and therefore decided on blind marking for general identification.  In accordance with instructions, therefore, the first blind TI went down at 2045 (H-10).  H was followed by flares, but the illuminating power of the flares was minimised by low banks of cloud (stratus) by now surrounding the target.  The first green was backed up by reds, since accurate identification of the aiming point was impossible, and at 2054, the main force aircraft were called in to bomb the red and green markers direct.  Although it is feared that the concentration of markers, visual markers, and bombs was well below the usual average, it is believed that a good deal of damage was done to this highly difficult target.  At the moment, however, the presence of cloud and the inconclusive nature of the flare force’s reports make assessment of results a matter of conjecture.  The flak was, generally speaking, more intense than was expected, and the light flak was very accurate.  There were no searchlights.  All aircraft despatched from this Squadron returned safely to their base.

19/20 October 1944 - Nuremburg

PB408O  F/O T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/O I.Hamilton, W/O F.E.Hughes, F/O F.T.McNab (AB 2), F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, W/O G.Edmunds, W/O F.H.Green.  Up 1742  Down 0004.  1 x green TI No16, 1 x TI green B22, 4 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 5 rec flares red/green star.  8/10ths cloud with break over target – identified by H2X.  Clear picture on Box.  One green seen to starboard before we released.  Small heavy flak holes in wings.
PB156R  F/O O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1734  Down 0025.  1 x green TI No16, 1 x TI green B22, 4 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 5 rec flares red/green star.  9/10ths cloud tops 8000’.  Target confirmed on H2S.  Nothing would release on first run, and after checking everything, found numbers to be badly aligned in Press Select box; those that were aligned in time when making second run were released.
PB376S  F/L R.L.C.Lasham, F/Sgt W.Yates, F/O M.E.Hatch, F/L J.Would, W/O R.A.Bear, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, W/O E.W.Cope.  Up 1745  Down 0012.  2 x TI green No 16, 4 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 5 flares red /green star.  10/10ths cloud with large clear break over target.  Identified on H2S and visually and red and green TIs.  Early flares south of town and other flares asked for north of existing flares.  Markers assessed greens as in built up area, and Controller ordered all TI carrying aircraft to back up existing red and green TIs.  We had not got sufficiently accurate wind to warrant dropping our TIs.  Our bombs seen to drop across the concentration of red and greens.  Fires seen to be burning on way from target.
PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/O A.A.Aveline, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington, F/Sgt E.Withers, W/O G.Batho, P/O D.E.Broughton.  Up 1746  Down 0008.  2 x TI green No 16, 4 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay), 5 flares red /green star.  10/10ths cloud.  Identification of target visual, confirmed by H2S.  By the light of flares position of green TIs was identified.  No more flares were ordered and everyone carrying TIs were asked to back up existing greens, giving a good concentration.  Bombing started to creep back, so Controller ordered Main Force to overshoot green and red TIs by 3-400 yards.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, P/O J.H.Maxwell, F/Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt R.Moore, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 1736  Down 0007.  11 x 7” clusters, 3 flares red/green star, 2 rec flares.  7/10ths cloud.  Target confirmed on H2S.  At 2042 hrs Mosquito said cloud base 4000’, tops 8000’, and he did not think he would be able to mark.  At 2044 hrs first TI green dropped, then we dropped our flares.  At 2050 hrs Controller asked Mosquito if he could assess the green TI already down; Marker said we were in the town and okay, and at 2052 hrs Marker I said “Tally Ho, backing up green TI.”  At 2054 hrs Controller called in Flare Force to back up red TI.  At 2055 hrs order given to Main Force to come in and bomb the concentration of reds and greens.  At 2058 hrs Controller reported that bombing was falling back from markers, and an order was given to overshoot the markers by 500 yards.  Bombing wind 353/38.  Aircraft hit by heavy flak; blind flying panel damaged.  No searchlights.
PB410J  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/O R.T.Martins, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.E.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1737  Down 0011.  11 x 7” clusters, 3 flares red/green star, 2 rec flares.  9-10/10ths cloud tops 9000’.  Identified target on H2X.  At 2043.5 hrs Primary Blind Markers green TIs seen to burst in cloud and were clearly visible.  One TI green about 6 miles south of target, the rest well concentrated.  Our flares dropped at 2046 hrs.  On leaving target at 2050 hrs saw green TIs backing up reds.  About 2055 hrs Controller heard to order Main Force to overshoot.
PB522Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, W/O T.F.A.James, F/Sgt L.L.Huston, F/O K.J.K.Ross (AB 2), Sgts T.Jones, D.J.S.Thomson, R.T.Lewis.  Up 1740  Down 0033.  11 x 7” clusters, 3 flares red/green star, 2 rec flares.  5/10ths cloud tops 12,000’.  Target identification on H2X.  Just short of French coast electrical short in mid-upper turret caused guns to fire.  Made run over target at 2046.5 hrs but flares hung up.  Two green TIs seen to cascade at 2044.5 hrs assessed by Controller as okay.  At 2049.5 hrs Controller called in Flare Force III to back up greens.
PB450D  F/L M.McConnell, Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/O E.T.Steel, F/Sgt Carter, Sgts N.Hawkins, G.Erickson.  Up 1748  Down 0030.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 2 flares green/red star.  8/10ths cloud 7-8000’.  Target located by green and red TIs.  Dropped flares as ordered.  Flares concentrated.  Markers seemed well in centre of built up area.  Later Main Force told to bomb with an overshoot of 500 yards as bombing had started to creep back from markers.  Y equipment completely u/s.  Accurate light predicted flak; port elevator, fin and rudder holed.
ND961U  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgts L.H.Stephens, J.D.Grabham, F/Sgt F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.C.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett. Up 1739  Down 0029.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 3 flares red/green star.  8/10ths cloud.  Identified target on H2X.  Had trouble with this equipment and arrived at H-7 to starboard of target.  VHF completely u/s.  We were uncertain of our exact position and as to whether it was to be a Wanganui or not.  We saw no real concentration of flares owing to cloud obscuring target and had not definitely identified target on the box when we received W/T message at 2057 hrs for Main Force to bomb concentration of greens.  After this we did identify target pn box, but it seemed pointless at this stage to release flares.
PB588E  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgts R.C.Saxby, D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, F/Sgt R.Morgan, Sgts J.L.Heron, I.M.Wintle.  Up 1745  Down 0020.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 16, 3 flares red/green star.  10/10ths cloud 8000’ with break.  Target identified on H2S and visually by green TIs.  Dropped flares as ordered by Controller.
PB157H  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, P/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.Palmer.  Up1735  Down 0008.  6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Very thin cloud – 9/10ths at 5-6000’.  Identified target on H2X.  Arrived at H-11, no TIs down.  At 2045 hrs TI green seen to cascade, fairly concentrated.  About 2048 hrs heard Controller’s order to back up TIs and later order to Main Force to bomb concentration of red and green TIs.
PB422P  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, F/Sgt R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1732  Down 0016.  6 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  6/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2X, bombed on box as briefed.  Nothing down as we ran over target, but after leaving 2 greens went down.  Perspex damage on top of rear turret and minor holes in fuselage and tail plane.    

20.10.44 Normal training in the morning, and NFTs in the afternoon.  Twelve aircraft were detailed for operations this evening, but operations were cancelled a few minutes before the first aircraft was due to take off.

21.10.44 No operations.  Normal training, though no bombing.

22.10.44 No operations.  Normal training with some rather longer cross-countries than usual.

23.10.44 No operations.  Weather fit.  Training in the morning  -  mostly fighter affiliation.  F/L Cooper DFC (H2S and H2X Leader) went to RAF Syerston to investigate an allegedly new method of Wanganui marking.  He returned interested and, apparently, with new ideas. 

24.10.44 No operations.  Weather unfit – considerable ground mist in the morning, and low cumulus coming in before midday.

25.10.44 No operations.  Weather fit for all forms of training.

26/27.10.44 Bombing and Y training carried out.  No operations.

28.10.44 Crews training on Y runs and one day cross-country.  12 aircraft have been detailed for tonight’s operations.  The target was Bergen to be attacked by Primary Blind Markers, Flare Force and 5 crews Main Force.  Very thick haze, mist and fog were encountered, the defences very slight.  H/F and moderate flak and  up to 6 searchlights seen.  All main force aircraft were either unable to see Marker or unable to bomb due to icing or other causes.  Very little result was seen owing to the bad weather conditions.  All aircraft returned safely to base, after being diverted to Driffield and Carnaby.

28/29 October 1994 – Bergen (U Boat Pens)

PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, Sgt J.B Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, F/Sgt J.H.Bushby, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2218  Down 0438.  1 x TI green B22, 9 x 7” clusters.  10/10ths cloud tops 14,500’ approx.  Target identified on H2X – very good picture.  No trouble.  TI dropped.  Aircraft landed at Driffield.
PB428O  F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2228  Down 0401. 1 x TI green B22, 9 x 7” clusters.  Mission abandoned due to defective Gee and H2S at 0125 hrs 13,000’.  Landed at Driffield.
PB473F  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 2204  Down 0441.  1 x TI green B22, 9 x 7” clusters.  10/10ths cloud base 5000’ – 2000’ until near target.  Area identified on H2S.  Target could not be identified visually and box was distorted a few seconds before TI green was due to go on bombing run.  No request for flares.  Told by Controller to return to base at 0158 hrs approx.  Only glow could be seen, possibly from flares.  Visibility bad.  Landed at Driffield.
PB422P  F/O R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.Mason, F/Sgt E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (AB), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/O E.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 2222  Down 0428.  12 x 7” hooded flares, 2 rec flares.  Very hazy, just about able to see through.  Target identified on H2S.  Ground not visible, flares dropped as ordered.  Severe icing 3,500’ to 1,400’.  Landed at Driffield.
PB624H  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/L T.Campbell (AB), Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.Palmer.  Up 2220  Down 0423.  12 x 7” hooded flares, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud tops approx 13000’.  Target identified by H2X.  Dropped flares on Box as briefed.  Heard No 4 Marker say his red TI was 50 yards from Marking Point.  Controller heard to order Link to assume marker was on Marking Point and to work out correct vector to aiming point.  VHF very clear after transferring to stud B.  Main Force ordered to bomb very steadily.  Landed at Driffield.
PB522Q    F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, W/O T.F.A.James, F/Sgt L.L.Huston, F/O K.J.K.Ross (AB 2), Sgts T.Jones, D.J.S.Thomson, R.T.Lewis.  Up 2231  Down 0455.  12 x 7” hooded flares, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud over target, identified by flares already down on second run.  Unable to back up first flares on prescribed heading and correct time as they could not be seen.  No markers observed.  Main Force ordered to bomb between 5000’ and 8000’ at 0158.5 hrs.
PB376S   F/O F.M.Negus, Sgts L.H.Stephens, J.D.Grabham, F/Sgt F.J.Golding, F/Sgt J.C.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett.  Up 2232  Down 0502.  12 x 7” hooded flares, 2 rec flares.  10/10ths cloud base 2,500’ in patches at 1000’.  Target identified on first flares.  We made first run across target at 0149 and no flares were seen; we came on the reciprocal having seen flares being dropped after this first run.  Landed Driffield.
PB200G  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.C.McPhie, F/Sgt J.D.Nicholls, Sgts N.Johnston, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 2201  Down 0431.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65, 1 x TI yellow B22.  Very thick haze.  Identification of target on H2S.  No wind found because yellow TI dropped went out.  We ran up on target; did not receive vectored wind until,past the bombing time.  Wind received at H+1/2 as 278/14.  We could not bomb and therefore returned with bombs.  Landed at Driffield.
PB410J  F/O C.E.T.Peters, Sgts J.Ace, G.M.Saunders, F/Sgt L.C.Welham, Sgts P.M.Piper, L.Worley, F/O J.Negus.  Up 2208  Down 0448 (at Driffield).  8 x 1000lb ANM 65.  10/10ths layer cloud.  Target first identified by flak and searchlights and later by flares; H2S u/s.  On arrival on time, first run commenced as briefed at 15,000’.  Turned off and came in on Main Force heading at 10,000’.  Unable to identify except for glow from fires.  At approx H+3 received instructions from Controller to bomb between 5000’ and 8000’; descended to 5000’ but still in cloud, no markers.  Obliged to give up and brought bombs back.
PB461M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, P/O G.H.Kendall, W/O C.E.Boswell (Vis AB), F/Sgt K.Mannion, Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, F/Sgt G.A.Oliver.  Up 2213  Down 0446.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65.  At position A cloud too thick to risk climbing.  Continued until 40 miles from Norwegian coast at 1,500’; then climbed to 17,000’ but still in cloud and considerable glazed icing.  Aircraft failed to maintain 12,000’; descended to 7,000’ but no better.  Decided to abandon mission at 59.47N 06.15E.  Descended to 1000’ and set course for base.  Brought bombs back.  Landed at Driffield.
ND961U  F/O D.M.Royston-Piggott, Sgt J.C.Cousins, F/Sgt J.Madley, F/O T.A.E.Russell, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/O V.G.Carpenter, Sgts J.Burke, C.Milford.  Up 2210  Down 0520.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65.  Wind passed to Breeze Leader at 0142 hrs as 110/18 mph from yellow TI orbiting point.  It took us about 11/12 minutes to find this wind, but not considered very accurate.  We went in to bomb but could not make satisfactory run due to cloud conditions.  Brought bombs back.  Landed at Catfoss.
ND746L  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, W/O R.M.Rusbridge, F/O J.Smith (AB 2), W/O E.Byron, F/O G.C.Lemon, F/O G.C.H.Beever.  Up 2216  Down 0451.  8 x 1000lb ANM 65.  10/10ths cloud base down to 5,000’.  Target located by flares already down.  Performed scheduled run as Supporter at 0147 hrs, then came in on Main Force heading at 10,000’ but flares were even more vague than at 15,000’, and no TIs could be seen at all.  First red assessed as either 50 yards south or 50 yards west of target.  Marker I uncertain.  Second red TI assessed accurate.  Main Force called in to bomb at 0202 hrs.  Unable to see any marker.  Bombs brought back.  Landed at Driffield.

29.10.44 Only 2 aircraft carried out Y runs.  Weather not good.

30.10.44 Loran cross-country and others on day cross country training, Y runs bombing and fighter affiliation.  Night cross country and fighter affiliation training cancelled owing to adverse weather.

31.10.44 Some crews on cross country and fighter affiliation with cine gyro.  Mock bombing attack on London by 12 aircraft detailed but cancelled owing to adverse weather conditions, also 3 aircraft on night Loran cross-countries cancelled owing to weather.

1.11.44 Large training schedule carried out including air to sea firing, fighter affiliation, Y runs, and Loran cross country, also 2 aircraft were on night fighter affiliation.  6 Lancasters were detailed for daylight operations, 2 of which were cancelled.  4 aircraft took after soon after 1400 hours to attack a target at Hamburg, Germany.  Aircraft bombed and released their flares from approx 18,000 ft.  Owing to cloud ground marking was impossible.  Three blind markers released on instruments in spite of difficulties of VHF interference from Main Force.  Controller reported Main Force bombing very scattered to NE and west of target, with some bombs on target.  Intense box barrage encountered for first wave, diminishing later.  The Squadron Commander, G/Capt P.W.Johnson DFC AFC, took part in this operation, flying in aircraft letter “C”.  All returned safely to base at approx 1745 hrs.

1 November 1944 – Hamburg

PB133C  G/C P.W.Johnson, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons (A/B2), F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1422  Down 1753.  1 x TI yellow No 16, 5 Wanganui red/green.  7-8/10ths cloud, tops approx 7000’.  Target located on H2X, confirmed visually.  Wanganui dropped on Box, checked bearing and distance GPI Wesel as briefed.  VHF transmitting for Main Force aircraft seriously interfered with success of raid.  No Wanganuis seen in front of us.  Gaps in cloud too small for ground marking.  Leading navigator overshot position “C” and also overshot turn after target taking us over Krefeld.  H/F holes in tailplane, two engines and fuselage and wings.  Hydraulics u/s.
PA873A  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/L J.Would, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.A.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon (FG).  Up 1423  Down 1747.  1 x TI yellow No 16, 5 Wanganui red/green.  9/10ths cloud, tops 9000’.  Target itself obscured.  Located on H2X plus Gee homing on Ruhr chain.  On last two logs saw Main Force to east of track and a blind run had to be made at about 30 degrees to starboard from Main Force heading at 1601 hrs.  The Main Force leader was about 4 minutes early and consequently there were no Oboe markers.  We speeded up and tried to get ahead of the Main Force but could only bomb on a level with the leaders of the first wave.  I consider that the first two aircraft were to port of target but the rest of the attack rectified the error when they saw our markers.  No instructions received from Controller because of interference from another aircraft with VHF transmitting.
PB588E  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, P/O W.A.Fripp, S/L W.G.Rogers, W/O G.A.Carvell (Vis AB), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell. (Barlow not actually shown in ORB crew list).  Up 1424  Down 1746.  1 x TI yellow No 16, 5 Wanganui red/green.  7/10ths cloud with clear patches.  Target area identified on H2S and by occasional glimpses of river.  First formation on target very dispersed.  Aircraft damaged in avoiding H/F.  Unable to make bombing until well past release point so obliged to bring load back.  Nothing heard from Controller or Marker.  From Zuider Zee continual natter on VHF on Std “A”.  No TIs or Wanganuis seen.  Unable to see target.
PB156R  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, P/O H.K.Kendall, F/Sgt G.E.Mannion, W/O G.E.Boswell (Vis AB), Sgts T.D.Cremins, E.J.Hobbs, W/O G.O.Edmunds.  Up 1425  Down 1745.  1 x TI yellow No 16, 5 Wanganui red/green.  8/10ths cloud.  Target confirmed on H2S and GPI run from Wesel.  Too much cloud to see any red TIs.  No Wanganui down.  Somebody had VHF which ruined communication.  A cluster of Wanganui fell down behind ours 20 seconds earlier.  Dropped Wanganui on Box.  Flak very heavy.  First formation dispersed somewhat.  Eventual Wanganui concentration fairly good.  Main Force 2½ minutes early at target.  Holes in fuselage and tailplane, also undercarriage nacelle from heavy flak during run up on target.

2.11.44 News has been received that W/O Tiller, who was reported missing with S/L Higgs and crew on 23rd Sept is a prisoner of war.  Training in bombing at Wainfleet & Y runs also 9 aircraft took part in an H2X mock attack on London.  At night 2 aircraft carried out Loran cross countries and others on night fighter affiliation & bombing.

3.11.44 Large training programme for today cancelled owing to weather.

4.11.44 One cross country carried out only due to 9 aircraft being detailed for an early take off on night operations.  The aircraft detailed including the Squadron Commander took off at approx 1745 hrs to mark a target at Ladbergen, the Dortmund Ems Canal.  The attack was made from 15000 ft in clear weather with slight L/F & considerable fighter activity on outward route and over the target.  Marking was carried out smoothly and according to plan.  The 3rd flare wave was not required.  First red TI was reported 1000 yards N of Eastern Channel.  Backers up undershot this marker & very soon a good red splodge of reds between the two channels was seen.  Target area was amply illuminated.  The raid was considered successful.  One aircraft F/O Royston-Piggott returned early due to mid upper turret being u/s.  The remainder returned safely to base at approx 21.45 hrs.

4 November 1944 – Ladbergen (Dortmund-Ems Canal)

PB200G  F/O C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, F/L T.Campbell, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie (AB2), Sgts J.Spriggs, G.Futer, P/O H.F.Roberts.  Up 1739  Down 2132.  1 x TI green B22, 6 x 7” clusters.  Clear sky, target located on H2X, check on GPI from Munster; good view.  First flares fell punctually and accurately at H-9.  First green at 1918 hrs about 200 yards SE of aiming point.  Second green fell approximately 400 yards ENE of first.  First red said by Controller to be 100 yards overshoot.  Second RSF was slightly to the south of the first.  Controller instructed backing up of first RSF.  Message later to bomb southern concentration of RSF 1926.5 hrs.  We left target at 1925 hrs.  1926 hrs message “Marking completed” slightly north of aiming point.  1936 hrs “Flare Force return to base”.
PB588E  F/O D.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/Sgt F.Farish, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt A.M.B.Smith, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1731  Down 2129.  1 x TI green B22, 6 x 7” clusters.  Clear, good visibility.  Target located on H2X (checked by GPI run from Munster).  First flares very nicely positioned across length of target, down on time.  One green seen to fall on NE bank of east arm of canal about 400/600 yards north of where RSF fell later.  Second green fell to SE of first RSF.  A third green appeared approx 600 yards to NW of later RSF concentration.
PB450D  G/C P.W.Johnson, Sgt F.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons (A/B2), F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1733  Down 2128.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear sky.  Target located on H2X and GPI check from Munster.  Also visually – clear view of canal.  Flares very well concentrated – best yet seen.  First bright green TI dropped H-11 about 2 miles north of target.  Second green fell fairly close to aiming point.  RSF fell at 1923 hrs – assessment not heard but seemed to fall in centre of two arms of canal.  Returned immediately to base.  Main Force told to bomb at 1930 hrs – heard on W/T “Attack southern concentration of RSF.”
PB376S  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/L W.Mason, F/Sgt E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (AB2), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, P/O E.Armstrong, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1748  Down 2109.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  No cloud.  Target area identified on H2X and GPI confirming.  Two green TI on ground before flares, one approximately 1 mile south and the other 1 mile east of aiming point.  Other flares released beside us during our stick.  Could see double channel canal in light of own flares.  Red TI appeared within 100 yards of aiming point.
PB461M  F/O D.M.Royston-Piggott, Sgt J.C.Cousins, F/Sgt J.Madley, F/O T.A.V.Russell, W/O K.Bate (AB2), F/O V.G.Carpenter, Sgts J.Burke, C.T.Milford.  Up 1743  Down 1949.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Mission abandoned – 5227N 0330E 1832 hrs 15,000’ due to hydraulic rotation u/s in mid upper turret.  Clusters and flares brought back.
PB624H  F/L J.S.Runnacles, F/O W.J.Cowen, W/O J.M.Crawford, F/O H.C.Annett, W/O J.Moore, W/O J.E.G.Madge, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon.  Up 1734  Down 2140.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear sky.  Run up on green TIs.  Our flares crossed other flares as briefed and straddled canal, which showed up very well.  Green TI seen NE of canal.  First red TI seen very slightly E of eastern channel, backing up red undershoot first marker to west towards aiming point.  H2X picture not clear.
PB522Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, F/O K.J.Ross, F/Sgt L.L.Huston (AB2), Sgts T.Jones, D.J.S.Thomson, R.T.Lewis.  Up 1748  Down 2144.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, no haze.  Target located visually by line of flares and green TI, confirmed visually.  At 1919 hrs two green TI cascaded, one right on canal and other to east.  Two minutes later one string of flares seen.  Released own at 1922.3 hrs.  At about 1924 hrs RSF seen burning between the two sections of canal in the middle.
PB408O  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt W.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, W/O H.Smith.  Up 1745  Down 2139.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Target area seen visually in light of flares; clear view.  First flares were dropped punctually and accurately across two almost simultaneous green TI.  Two RSF fell, one slightly south of the first which fell on northern part of island between canal branch.  Controller told VBU to back up northern concentration of RSF at 1926.5 hrs, and Main Force to bomb them at 1929 hrs.  Third Flare Wave told to go home.  Bombing had just started.
PA973A  F/O C.E.T.Peters, Sgts J.Ace, G.M.Saunders, F/Sgt L.C.Welham, Sgts P.M.Piper, L.Worley, F/Sgt J.Negus.  Up 1736  Down 2155.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear – good vis.  Target identified by light of flares down at island between arm of canal.  Saw green TI which appeared in line across target on a heading of 060 approx.  RSF concentration covered centre and north of island.  About 1931 hrs told to go home, further flares not being required.  After orbiting left, having arrived at H-5.  Main Force told to bomb a minute later – first bombing was said by Controller to be east but subsequently declared quite accurate.    

5.11.44 Training detailed and cancelled owing to adverse weather.  Information received from RAF Winterton that F/O I.McLean (Can) has been washed ashore.  He was reported missing with F/O Lopez and crew on 23 Sept 44. 

6.11.44 Further news today has been received of a member of the same crew, Aus F/O K.H.Frost.  His body was recovered from the sea near Snettisham, Norfolk.  Quite an amount of training this morning consisting of Y runs, bombing, GPI runs, Loran cross countries and air sea firing.  15 Lancasters have been detailed for an operation this evening.  9 aircraft to attack the Ems-Weser Canal at Gravenhorst, and the other 6 to attack Rheine.  The operation on the canal was carried out from 15000 ft in clear weather and good vis.  Slight light flak and fighter activity on last leg in to target and over target.  Controller believed he identified Canal 4 miles SE of target & reported flares to be widely scattered with centre 10 miles NE of this point.  However, several aircraft reported the two green TIs as close either side of the Canal embankment.  Blind flares reported to have been dropped over the green TI but drifted eastwards in a stronger wind than forecast.  At H-4 target had not been marked and Controller ordered more flares to east.  One marker went in at H-2 but before red TI could be assessed it went out.  The Main Force were required to orbit but at H+8½  in the absence of red marking Controller abandon mission was ordered.  The operation against Rheine by 6 Supporters was carried out in much the same weather and defence.  Bombs were dropped on instruments as briefed & no results observed.  All aircraft were diverted on return owing to weather at base.  F/O Greening crash landed at Knettishall but the crew were fortunately uninjured.

6 November 1944 – Gravenhorst (Ems-Weser Canal)

PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt J.M.Bushby, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1634  Down 2134.  1 x TI green B22, 6 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Target located on H2S.  Our green TI was dropped exactly on time but slightly east of marking point.  More flares were called for but we were not in position to drop ours in the correct heading.  Red TI seen to drop but quickly went out before any assessment could be made.  Landed at Knettishall.
PB376S  P/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, W/O B.F.Shearwood, F/L I.E.Ravenscroft (AB2), F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt H.J.Silzer, Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1641  Down 2107.  1 x TI green B22, 6 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear sky.  Found target on H2X, check on GPI run, bearing and distance from Munster.  Dropped our TI as briefed on the Box.  Good view of target in light of first flares.  Our green seen to fall on northern bank of canal near double branch position and junction.  Another green TI which fell at the same time appeared to be about 1000 yards east of the canal, SE of the aiming point.  Own green estimated to have undershot 3/400 yards south on GPI check.  VBU backed up well and there appeared to be a satisfactory concentration.  Flares were laid well across between green TI.  Canal was perfectly visible.  Diverted on return and landed at Knettishall.
PB588E  F/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/Sgt J.Farrell, W/O G.A.Carvell (AB2), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1641  Down 2114.  1 x TI green B22, 12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, clear, good visibility.  Located target on  H2S, API and green TI visually.  Canal seen in light of flares but fork not identified, but picked up on H2S and run in.  No bombing took place.  Mosquitos unable to mark target, Lancaster marking appeared to be better.  Only red TI seen believed to have fallen in canal and burned for about one minute.  Diverted to Foulsham on return.
PA973A  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/L J.Would, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.A.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1642  Down 2116.  1 x TI green B22, 12 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good vis below.  Cloud above at 16,000’.  Found target by H2S.  On making run to drop TI routemarker we found we were too far starboard and too near the target to release.  On arriving at target area, the PBMs TIs and one stick of flares had already been dropped and the aiming point was clearly visible.  Main body of flares seemed to be east of marking point, but Controller continued to ask for more to be dropped further east when it was obvious that they should have been to the west.  Loran equipment fair, but signals weak.  On landing (at Knettishall) discovered that all flares were still on aircraft; this was due to manipulation error on selector.
PB473F  F/O K.J.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, F/Sgt R.Morgan, Sgts J.L.Heron, I.M.Wintle.  Up 1638  Down 2156.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear, no haze.  Target located visually on green TIs (H2S inadequate).  We arrived two minutes ahead of time and as H2X was u/s we did a left hand orbit during which the green TIs went down about 2 miles apart in a line east to west.  As the western one was nearer the waterway (visible), we dropped our flares on that.  At 1923.5 hrs Controller called for more flares to east.  Immediately after this another voice called for flares to the west.
PB450D  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/O J.A.Pearce (AB2), Sgts L.Smith, A.D’Arcy, F/L A.H.Jones.  Up 1646  Down 2117.  6 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear, no haze.  Located target visually on green TIs and flares.  Saw green TIs at about 1919 hrs.  First green TI appeared accurate but second was some miles to west of number 1.  First flares appeared accurate.  No reds seen at 1924 hrs or 1925 hrs.  A marker aircraft was heard to ask Controller for more flares to the east.  Routemarker not seen.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/L R.V.Allan, F/O F.H.Harrison (AB2), W/O F.A.John, Sgts D.Mallinson, D.H.Wonfor.  Up 1639  Down 2110.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Found target by light of other flares and marker.  H2X u/s, also Gee.  Saw 2 green TI and flares ahead.  Released flares as briefed on green TI.  Landed at Langham.
ND862D  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 1645  Down 2136.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear.  Located target by flares.  Supplied flares east of existing ones on Controller’s orders.  On run up had seen a mass of flares, some of which were spread out, but mainly nearly over green TIs.  H2X and Gee u/s.  Flash selected correctly but did not drop.  Technical failures.  Landed at Knettishall.
ND746L  F/O D.M.Royston-Piggott, Sgt J.C.Cousins, F/Sgt J.Madley, F/O T.A.V.Russell, W/O K.Bate (AB2), F/O V.G.Carpenter, Sgts J.Burke, C.T.Milford.  Up 1644  Down 2147.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 reco flares.  Clear, no haze.  Identified target by green TI, flares and ground detail.  No route marker seen.  Two green TIs seen to cascade at about 1920 hrs, straddling canal east and west at least a mile apart – about a mile north of the junction of the two canals.  First flares were accurate and illuminated whole area.  At 1926 hrs Controller called for Flare Forces II and III and ordered then to drop east of first flare wave.  No red TIs seen.

6 November 1944 - Rheine

ND961U  F/O C.E.T.Peters, Sgts J.Ace, G.M.Saunders, F/Sgt L.C.Welham, Sgts P.M.Piper, L.Worley, F/O J.Negus.  Up 1636  Down 2134.  10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  Clear.  Located target on H2S.  No results observed.  Landed at Knettishall.
PB408O  F/L J.S.Runnacles, F/O W.J.Cowen, W/O J.M.Crawford, F/O H.C.Annett, W/O J.Moore, F/Sgt J.E.G.Madge, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon.  Up 1636  Down 2134.  10 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay).  No cloud.  Target identification by 184.  Dropped bombs on instruments as briefed.  No results seen.  1 x 1000lb MC hung up; jettisoned safe.  Aircraft landed at Knettishall owing to adverse weather conditions.
ND692H  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgts J.E.Nutt, I.A.Cairns, G.L.Blackburn, C.D.Newsome, J.A.Dean, T.P.Bell.  Up 1629  Down 2115.  10 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear, good visibility.  Target located on H2S.  operation carried out as briefed.  Landed at Snetterton Heath.
PB461M   F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, P/O G.K.Kendall, W/O G.E.Boswell, F/Sgt K.Mannion (AB2), Sgt T.D.Cremins, F/Sgt E.J.Hobbs, F/Sgt G.A.Oliver.  Up 1631  Down 2053.  10 x 1000lb (½ hour delay).  No cloud.  Identification of target by H2X.  Released on instruments as briefed.  No results observed.  Landed at West Raynham owing to adverse weather conditions.
PB522Q  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, F/Sgt R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1637  Down 2140.  10 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear.  Location by H2X.  Released on instruments as briefed.  No results observed.  No defences.  Landed at Beccles due to weather.
PB422P  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt W.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O H.Smith, W/O A.Channon.  Up1626  Down 2109.  10 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear.  Target located on DR (H2S discovered to be u/s).  Obliged to do blind run from Grevenhorst indicated by illuminating flares.  On ETA bombed built up area on the set.  W/T also u/s.  Landed at Knettishall owing to weather conditions.

7.11.44 Aircraft returning from diversions today.  The funeral of F/O McLean took place at Brookwood Cemetery today.  A relative attended & F/O Martins represented the Squadron Commander.

8.11.44 Bombing, Y runs and Loran cross country training carried out.

9.11.44 Loran, high level bombing, fighter affiliation & Y runs.  Most of the night flying was cancelled except for a Loran cross country and 1 aircraft bombing.

10.11.44 5 aircraft bombing training, 6 on night Loran cross countries also high level bombing & fighter affiliation took place.  The funeral of F/O Frost (Aus) took place today at the Cambridge Regional Cemetery, one relative attended, also S/L Reid and F/L Baker (Aus) representatives for the Squadron Commander.  F/O Frost was recovered from the sea on the 6th Nov.  Two aircraft and the crews, F/O Peters and crew and F/L Runnacles & crew with two additional set operators have been reported missing from the night Loran cross countries.  Another aircraft was shot up by flak on crossing the coast line.  No news whatsoever has been heard of the missing crews since they left base for the training which was carried out over the continent.  F/Lt Runnacles was one of our most promising pilots together with his crew.  F/Sgt Farish and F/Sgt Farrell who were the extra set operators were two of the Squadron’s most capable operators.

11.11.44 10 Lancasters have been detailed for operations against a target at Harburg.  Thin stratus at 12,500 ft.  Some e/a activity on last leg in to target, accurate predicted H/F, moderate barrage later.  The primary blind markers and flare forces dropped their flares from approx 17,500 ft.  Controller ordered Main Force to bomb centre cluster of red TI.  Good bombing resulted on or near M/P with incendiaries, later covering town.  Red TI attracted some bombing but main weight of attack believed to have fallen as required.  Large explosion seen.  All aircraft returned safely to base.

11 November 1944 – Harburg

PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.M.Mason, W/O G.K.Brown, F/Sgt E.Craven (AB2), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, W/O H.Smith, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1633  Down 2103.  1 x TI red, 1 x TI green (B22), 1 TI red No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear, some ground haze.  Identified target on H2S.  Owing to change of wind we were slightly late.  Only one green TI was seen.  We orbited in preparation, made a run across the target at H+1, as no order for a sky attack had been given, we left the area.  Red TIs were seen and were assessed as being each side of the aiming point.
PA973A  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/O R.T.Martins, F/Sgt W.Yates (AB2), F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.A.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1615  Down 2115.  1 x TI red, 1 x TI green (B22), 1 TI red No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear.  Located target on H2X; GPI check from Elemshaven.  Four minutes lost at English coast – H2X de-sychronised.  More time lost due to 100 mph cross-wind.  On arrival one red and one green were down about 200 yards apart.  We dropped green as ordered and visual check showed them to be on aiming point.  Target was easily marked but two stray reds were seen NW of it, a good 4 miles away.  Blind flares were accurate and well backed up; illumination good.  Main Force called in to bomb at 1918 hrs.  At 1920 hrs approx a violent explosion was seen in centre of oil storage tanks;  cloud of black smoke and oily yellow flame bellowed up.  Extremely successful attack.
PB156R  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, P/O J.H.Maxwell, F/Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt R.Moore, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon.  Up 1645  Down 2130.  12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16.  Clear, very hazy.  Found target on flares and red TI, arrived 6 minutes late owing to alternating wind velocity.  At 1911 hrs red TI seen to go down.  As our H2S was u/s we lined up to drop our flares to undershoot this red TI.  At 1917 hrs Marker II went in and just missed the chimney.  At 1918 hrs this red TI was backed up by other Mosquitos; at same time Controller said “Come in and bomb as planned centre group of red TIs” and also said that the outer red TI was “phoney”.
ND961U  F/O D.M.Royston-Piggott, Sgt J.C.Cousins, F/Sgt J.Madley, W/O K.Bate, F/O T.A.V.Russell (AB2), F/O V.G.Carpenter, F/O E.Armstrong, W/O A.J.Croll.  Up 1635  Down 2134.   12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16.  Clear.  Identification visually by red TI.  Found that H2S was not good enough for dropping blind.  On arrival at 1908 hrs one red TI was down but no flares.  We ran over, orbited and came back, by which time first flare had dropped.  Dropped first flare when red TI was in graticule.  At approx 1915 hrs Controller heard to ask for centre red TI to be backed up.  Main Force called in at 1916 hrs.
PB473F  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, F/Sgt R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1637  Down 2126. 12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI red B22, 1 x TI red No 16.  No cloud, haze.  Located target on H2X as ordered.  At 1913 hrs there were two red TIs to north and south of river and greens between these.  Controller called for more flares at 1914 hrs and at 1916 hrs for Main Force to bomb.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.B.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/L R.V.Allan, F/O F.H.Harrison (AB2), W/O F.A.John, Sgts D.H.Wonfor, D.Mallinson.  Up 1645  Down 2141.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear at target; patches of stratus up to 18,500’.  Target identified by ground detail confirmed by H2S.  We were slightly late at target due to change of wind.  Dropped flares as briefed.  Four reds and one green TI seen on first run – believed dummies, as they were early and very close together.  Very difficult for Controller to give instructions for bombing owing to number of red TIs in area.  Directions given for Main Force, and target area bombed.  Several large explosions seen, one with orange flash.
PB522Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, F/O K.J.Ross, F/Sgt L.L.Huston (AB2), Sgts T.Jones, D.J.S.Thomson, R.T.Lewis.  Up 1643  Down 2109.  12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  No cloud, very slight haze.  Visual location of target on green TI.  Ground detail at 1907.3 hrs.  Green TI seen in centre of town and one immediately west of marking point.  At same time one red TI seen close to green which was down by marking point.  At 1918.5 hrs a big explosion with dark smoke seen at target, apparently dead on aiming point.
PB408O   F/O J.W.Greening, Sgts J.E.Nutt, I.A.Cairns, G.L.Blackburn, C.D.Newsome, J.A.Dean, T.P.Bell.  Up 1648  Down 2132.  9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 25, 3 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear.  Found target on H2S.  As we ran in to bomb, Controller called up and asked for Flare Force 3 to drop their flares and allow for wind.  We were in correct position so dropped our flares with bombs.  Main Force ordered to bomb centre red TI as the outside ones were dummies.  Some incendiaries dropped short of target.  One red TI seen reflected in water.
PB588E  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1644  Down 2137.   9 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI green No 25, 3 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  2/10ths cloud, very thin.  Target location by H2S confirmed visually.  One other green TI went down after ours in first position and in second position also one green TI route marker went down simultaneously with ours.  Running up to target at 1911 hrs, no other flares down, but a green TI about 400 yards to east of one larger.  Dropped bombs and circled; no more flares required from us; at 1921 hours large yellow explosion seen near red TIs.
PB461M  F/O W.R.Sinclair, Sgt S.B.Morgan, P/O G.K.Kendall, W/O C.E.Boswell, F/Sgt K.Mannion (AB2), F/Sgt T.D.Cremins, F/Sgt E.J.Hobbs, F/Sgt G.A.Oliver.  Up 1653  Down 2131.  2 x TI green No 16, 1 x TI red B22, 8 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear, slight haze.  Located target on H2S.  First two flare waves late on target and were being called in as we were on our run at 1913 hrs.  Green TI went down about 1912 hrs in centre of built up area; immediately after two reds went down, one just to west of marking point and the other “Bang on”.  At 1916 hrs two very large orange explosions in target area with black smoke.  One red TI seemed to be dummy, seen on north side of river at 1912 hrs; this attracted some incendiaries at first.      

12.11.44 Y runs, cross country and air to sea firing training.

13.11.44 Three crews carried out Y runs on Lincoln and Nottingham also one cross country during day.  Night training was cancelled.

14.11.44 Early briefing for crews carrying out Y runs on Nottingham & Lincoln, also bombing & Y runs.  Night fighter affiliation cancelled.

15.11.44 6 crews training Y runs on Lincoln, bombing, high level bombing and fighter affiliation.

16.11.44 Early briefing for 12 aircraft to carry out Mock Bombing Attack on London in 2 waves.  Owing to cloud the target was not visible.  Thick fog set in at base in the evening and many aircraft had already been diverted here.  A signal from FRU (BASU) BLA has been received today stating that F/O Peters (Pilot), F/Sgt Farish (A/Obs), Sgt Ace (F/E), Sgt Saunders, who were in one of the aircraft missing from the Loran night cross country, have been found killed & the remainder of the crew presumed to be either baled out or killed at scene of crash at Cernay-En-Dormois, Marne, France.  Enemy action presumed.  Aircraft found to be burnt out and completely disintegrated, large crater approx 15 ft deep by 20 ft across, engines and props not visible in very soft swampy ground.  The bodies are at the US Army Hospital, Chaons-Sur-Marne.

17.11.44 One aircraft on Y runs – no other flying.

18.11.44 4 crews training on Y runs plus high level bombing.  13 aircraft and 2 crews have been detailed for operations today – the crews were briefed but the operation was cancelled about an hour before take off.  Aus P/O Giddings, who was missing with his crew from Etamps on the 9/10th June 44 has been reported killed & buried in Breux Cemetery.

19.11.44 13 aircraft and crews again detailed for operations, owing to adverse weather it was cancelled before briefing.  No flying today.

20.11.44 A large training programme laid out for today, but owing to bad weather in early morning & 17 aircraft detailed for operations only 1 cross country and some NFTs were carried out.  Later the operation was cancelled.

21.11.44 Bombing, Y runs on Boston was carried out.  17 aircraft and crews are detailed to attack Dortmund-Ems Canal.  The aircraft took off just before dark in very cold weather but rain has been forecast for return at base.  The target lay at Gravenhorst.  The weather 8 to 10/10 in a layer, cloud tops at 5500 ft – base at 4000 ft.  Defences 2 H/F guns, slight L/F, no S/Ls & no fighter activity.  First flares and green TI were dropped and seen by Controller to NW of target and south.  There was a good concentration of flares to NW.  Marker I marked with red TI & was assessed as 100 yards south of M/P.  Marker Leader was called to back up and two more red TI were dropped, one right on M/P & the other about 250 yards away on the right bank to the NE of M/P.  Controller called in Main Force to bomb as planned & below 4000’ cloud base aiming at the first two reds on their way in.  Bombing commenced and was pretty accurate, the target becoming obscured by smoke, but the TIs were always visible.  The raid is considered successful, most bombs fell very near the south easterly bank.  All our aircraft returned safely to base.

21 November 1944 – Gravenhorst (Canal)

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/L A.A.Aveline, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.Billington (AB2), F/Sgt E.Withers, W/O G.Batho, F/L J.R.Blott.  Up 1715  Down 2251.  13 CP No 1, 1 x 1000lb TI LB green.  10/10ths cloud tops 6000’.  Target located by existing flares.  Did not drop flares as sufficient illumination.  Canal seen quite clearly.  “Y” u/s.  Existing flares rather scattered.  Wind found 327/32, 2035 hrs, 16,000’.
PB410J  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/L J.Would, F/Sgt W.Yates (AB2), F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1723  Down 2302. 13 CP No 1, 1 x 1000lb TI LB green.  8/10ths broken strata-cu tops 6-7000’.  Target located by green TI and visually on canal.  Owing to failure of H2S we converted from PBM to Reserve Flares on 2nd stage PBM flares.  No green TI dropped and so no photograph.  On seeing weather at target decided to drop our low exploding flares but before we could run into wind, Controller decided he had sufficient illumination.  We waited until majority of Main Force had bombed, then set course for home.  One stick of flares 5 miles west but otherwise target very well illuminated, and markers – seen through breaking cloud – were right on the canal bank.  Confirmed by Controller on VHF at 2157 hrs.  VHF vey weak.  Gee u/s; artificial horizon u/s.
PB473F  F/L C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, P/O J.Rayner, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie, F/O G.S.Johnson (AB2), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, F/Sgt G.Futer, W/O A.J.Croll.  Up 1711  Down 2251.  13 CP No 1, 1 x 1000lb TI LB green.  10/10ths strata-cu 6000’.  Identified target on H2S, GPI run and Gee.  Ran in and dropped TI but did not see this explode.  Turned down wind and then into wind and dropped 9 flares.  Controller at 2055 hrs said “no more flares”, then told Markers to back up red markers, and brought force down to 4000’ at 2049 hrs.  Wind sent out 315/4457 – 2048 hrs.
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.McNabb (AB2), F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/O J.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1719  Down 2249.   13 CP No 1, 1 x 1000lb TI LB green.  9/10ths strat-cu cloud.  Location of target on H2S.  Dropped TI as ordered.  Orbited until markers were told to go home and that no more flares were needed – 2054 hrs.  Wind sent 310/30 at 2047 hrs, 16,000’.  Gee u/s.
PB706D  G/C P.W.Johnson, F/Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, W/O R.A.Symmons, P/O G.D.Moir (AB2), F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1714  Down 2255.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths cloud.  Target located on H2S – bearing and distance from Rheine.  Main Force were told to come down low to bomb, owing to cloud just before we dropped our flares.  One of the red TIs was assessed 100 yards south.  At approx 2055 hrs Main Force were told to come in and bomb first red TIs on run up.
ND862E  S/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/L T.Campbell, W/O G.A.Carvell (AB2), F/Sgt W.A.Manderson, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1724  Down 2250.  14 CP No 1.  8-9/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S and GPI run.  On arrirval target was obscured by cloud.  Dropped flares on H2S as briefed, green TIs could be seen near red TIs dropped by Mosquitos.  Controller ordered backing up of red TI 100 yards from aiming point.  Second red TI was said to have over shot considerably.  Main Force told 2057.5 hrs to come in and bomb first red TI on run in.  Other flares appeared to drop close to ours to starboard.
PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/S K.A.Hulton, S/L W.M.Mason, W/O E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (AB2), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, W/O H.Smith, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1737  Down 2241.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths cloud strata-cu, tops 6000’.  Target identification on H2S.  Went in and dropped on H2S as instructed.  Too early for assessment.
PB156R  F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (AB2), F/L W.E.Clayfield, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1733  Down 2253.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths strata-cu tops about 8000.  Target located on H2X and GPI run.  One green TI was down near target and another two miles south.  Both over target.  One red TI seen on SE bank of canal.
ND746L    F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, P/O J.H.Maxwell, F/Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt R.Moore, W/O F.H.Green.  Up 1727  Dowb 2300.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud, base 4,500’.  Identified target on H2S – GPI run.  Main Force told to go below cloud.  At 2054 hrs Marker Leader said he had dropped 100 yards south.  At 2055 hrs Controller said “No more flares.”  At 2056 hrs Marker Leader said one of the backers up had overshot badly, and a minute later said “Come below cloud and bomb first red TI.”  Marking said to be accurate.  At 2103 hrs ordered to complete bombing – aiming at middle TI – and return to base.
PB522Q  F/O S.S.Warnock, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, Sgt D.Wilkins, W/O A.Channon.  Up 1725  Down 2251.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths strata-cu cloud.  Target found visually by green TI.  Saw red Wanganui simultaneously 3 sticks of flares, on 83 target and some more to west.  Ran up as briefed and dropped green TI.  Controller told us to bring bombers down to 4000’ at 2030 hrs.  That was all we passed until Controller said “Bomb the southerly red TI.”  W/Op passed W/T message “Finish bombing and return to base” at 2115 hrs.  Loran u/s.  VHF off tune stud C.
PB461M  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/Sgt J.Smith, W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.Lemon, F/O G.C.Beevor.  Up 1725  Down 2324.  14 CP No 1.  8/10ths cloud.  Target located visually by canal junction and red TI.  Arrived at target 2053 hrs and found only two lines of 9 flares down.  A green TI went down too late for us to bomb on it so we orbited and ran in with Flare Force 3, but Controller ordered “No more flares”.  One green TI seen some distance away south of canal.  Two red TI seen right by canal, and a third north of these.  Target well illuminated.
ND961U  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgts J.E.Nutt, I.A.Cairns, G.L.Blackburn, C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1722  Down 2319.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths strata-cu.  Target area located by glow from flares below cloud.  As H2S was u/s, we made a run in on Gee but as no green TIs were seen we made a left hand turn and prepared for another run in.  Almost immediately Controller said that no more flares were to be dropped.  We then returned to base.
PB700H  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1727  Down 2256.  14 CP No 1.  7/10ths cloud tops about 4000’.  Target identified visually by red and green TIs.  On run up saw 4 flares spread over considerable area.  No TIs visible to line up on so we went through the target and when we did see them they were to north.  Crossed target again.  Did another 180 degree turn on to heading 250; Engineer lined up visually on red TIs and dropped.  Target seen visually on southern run.
PB157B  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 1743  Down 2324.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths strata-cu cloud, tops 5000’.  Visibility good.  Located target by green TI.  Controller called up at 2054 hrs saying “Do not drop any more flares”.  Returned to base.  H2S u/s.
PB133C  F/O J.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt V.J.Day, Sgt K.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1738  Down 2325.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths strata-cu cloud.  Arrived target area 2055 hrs.  Two minutes later Controller ordered no more flares.  Two red TIs seen visually close to canal.
ND495N  F/O T.W.J.Noon, W/O N.D.Owen, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1741  Down 2311.  14 CP No 1.  8/10ths cloud.  Target identified by existing flares and green TI.  Heard at 2055 hrs no more flares were required; orbited to port.  At 2057 hrs Main Force told to bomb most southerly red TI below cloud.  At 2059 hrs we returned to base, our flares not being needed.
ND589T  F/O E.Yaxley, Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O W.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, F/O R.W.Rolfe, Sgts H.Wilkinson, R.Wilders.  Up 1735  Down 2330.  14 CP No 1.  6/10ths stratus cloud.  Target located by green TI.  We were reserve high bursting flares.  On arrival at target we saw 3 green TIs close to canal with one red TI actually on the canal bank.  Controller said that no more flares were required so we made another orbit and returned to base. 

22.11.44 18 aircraft have been detailed for operations, 2 of these being cancelled after briefing.  Trondheim was the primary target.  The Squadron attacked with 4 Primary Blind Markers, the remainder in three Flare Forces, in clear weather over the target, with very light & ineffective H/F and L/F & no fighter opposition.  Flares were dropped as briefed.  The Mosquito aircraft failed to locate & mark the target and Main Force brought their bombs back.  The Squadron took off from base late in the afternoon, the trip being a very long one averaging about 10 hours.  All crews returned to base, F/L Gee landing with only 3 engines, the port outer having failed on the return journey.

22/23 November 1944 – Trondheim

PA973A  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/L A.A.Aveline, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.Billington, W/O E.Withers, W/O G.Batho, F/L J.R.Blott.  Up 1555  Down 0200.  14 CP No 3 Mk II.  Clear.  Target location by H2X, confirmed visually.  First green TI went down about 2245 hrs, short of target, and another was near to it.  First flares appeared to be short.  Flares in general fairly scattered but illuminated target adequately.  No reds seen.  No Controller heard because our VHF transmitter was on whole time, owing to technical failure not known at time.
PB410J  F/L W.H.Benton, F/Sgt J.E.Rimmington, F/O J.Watt, F/L J.Would, F/Sgt W.Yates (AB2), F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt F.A.Holbrook, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1552  Down 0201.  14 CP No 3 Mk II.  Weather clear.  Identified target by H2X and GPI run from coast.  One green TI at 2048 hrs to SE of target.  Flares rather scattered.  No red TI.
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.McNabb (AB2), F/Sgt R.T.Hillas, F/O J.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1611  Down 0221.  1 x 1000lb TI green, 1 x 1000lb TI yellow, 1 x 250lb green No 16, 10 CP No 3 Mk II.  Weather clear.  Target identified on H2X.  First in.  Our 1000lb green fell on aiming point and another on coast 3 miles west of town, about 2047 hrs.  Flares very scattered.  Target well illuminated.  Smoke screen from SW of town working very well and obscured town; it started before we dropped our green TI.
PB522Q  F/O C.J.Woolnough, Sgt P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, F/O I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (AB2), F/L W.E.Clayfield, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1610  Down 0150.  1 x 1000lb TI green B22, 1 x 1000lb TI yellow B22, 1 x 250lb green No 16, 10 CP No 3 Mk II.  Clear, good visibility.  Cloud base 17,000’.  Target identified by H2S.  Two green TIs went down early at 2044.5 hrs followed by a stick of flares in same place 2 to 3 miles south of H2S aiming point.  Ours overshot by approximately ½ a mile.  More flares followed.  Then we dropped our yellow TI 200/300 yards inland from the position briefed, ours was the only yellow to be dropped.  A considerable smoke screen had started up when we dropped our green TIs, and drifting NW obscured western half of the bay.  No red TI were seen.  Controller could hardly be heard.  “Stand easy” was given 2103 hrs and Marker Leader could be heard telling Markers to go home.  Neverthless, eastern section of harbour was not affected by smoke screen as far as we could see.
PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, S/L W.M.Mason, W/O E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (AB2), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, W/O H.Smith, F/Sgt J.V.B.Turner.  Up 1615  Down 0151.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target located visually.  “Y” scanner u/s.  Set operator managed to correct it in the air but by the time we reached target it was late.  Heard no request for more flares.  Waited till 2105 hrs when Controller said “Don’t bomb, return to base”.
PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.M.Bushby, Sgt H.N.Stauber, F/Sgt A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 1616  Down 0225.  14 CP No 3 Mk II.  Clear.  Location of target on H2S.  Green TIs very scattered.  Flares very good, especially the last wave.  No Mosquito marking seen.  Smoke screen seen to be in operation later in attack.  No bombing seen.  Impossible to hear Controller.
ND746L  F/L W.T.Gee, F/Sgt P.R.Turner, F/Sgt S.E.Osborne, P/O J.H.Maxwell, F/Sgt R.H.Utting, F/Sgt R.Moore, W/O F.H.Green.  Up 1609  Down 0159.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Identified target on H2X, GPI run.  Flares and green TI went down at 2047 hrs.  Flares were a long way short of target.  VHF  was practically useless because someone had theirs on transmit.  Nothing else received till 2104 hrs, when we got message on W/T “Do not bomb” and at 2107 hrs “Abandon mission”.  We could not pass our breeze through as unable to contact Link I.  Port outer u/s – feathered.
PB461M  F/O S.S.Warnock, Sgt L.J.Pettit, F/O F.W.Ahendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, Sgt D.Wilkins, W/O A.Channon.  Up 1550  Down 0140.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target located on H2X, confirmed visually.  First green TI went down about 2045 hrs short of target, and another was near to it.  First flares appeared to be short; ours were short and a bit to starboard.  Flares in general fairly scattered but illuminated target adequately.  No reds seen.  No Controller heard because our VHF was on transmit owing to technical failure not known at time.
PB473F  F/L B.B.Lindsay, F/L P.J.Roberts, P/O J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.Cummings, F/Sgt D.D.Williams, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Liebermann.  Up 1552  Down 0201.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target located on H2X and GPI run from coast.  One green TI at 2048 hrs to SE of target.  No red TI.  Flares were rather scattered.  One flare hung up due to electrical failure.  Bad weather encountered on route.
ND862E  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/O J.A.Pearce (AB2), Sgts L.Smith, A.D’Arcy, F/L A.H.Jones.  Up 1557  Down 0209.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target identified visually by ground detail.  2 green TIs seen 3 miles west of target.  Flares scattered.
PB157B  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 1556  Down 0203.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear, visibility good.  Found target by green TI and existing flares.  On arrival first green TI had gone out before we could commence run.  We laid our blind flares across as briefed.  We heard nothing over target on our VHF – u/s; we tried studs A and B.  No red TIs were seen.  Illumination seemed fairly good, many flares being over aiming point.  We were late on target as H2S was u/s.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, F/Sgt R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1556  Down 0145.   14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, good visibility.  Target located on H2S and by existing flares.  First flares down when we arrived.  One green TI was seen to west of town and another to east of dock area.  Two sticks of flares were seen laid across each of those TIs.  Our bomb sight was u/s for visual bombing so we dropped on H2S.  N o red TIs seen.  Controller’s remarks could not be heard.  No reception on VHF as one aircraft had set on transmit.
ND589T  F/O E.Yaxley, Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, W/O B.Harthill, Sgts H.Wilkinson, R.Wilders.  Up 1612  Down 0234.   14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Identified target visually by green TI and existing flares.  On arrival there were two green TI, one on eastern edge of target and the other on the western edge.  We lined up on a second green TI and dropped 9 of our flares as we overshot somewhat.  No red TIs seen.  VHF weak through someone with VHF on transmit.  “Abandon mission” came through at approximately 2103 hrs.
PB700H  F/O S.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuilland, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1608  Down 0150.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target located visually.  First green TI to go down was approx 5 minutes early.  We were north of target at time, turned to 180 degrees till we were bearing 270 degrees from target, then turned on to an easterly heading.  Lined up on green TI, but flares were released on the box.  We were Flare Force 3 but Controller  gave us permissiom to drop ours.  We were Link II but it was impossible to receive any winds owing to someone having VHF on transmit, but W/Op managed to average winds picked up from 5 Lancasters and sent back to Group.
JA846K  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O R.W.Rolfe, Sgt E.Clarson, no RG shown.  Up 1606  Down 0254.   14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Located target on H2S and by green TI.  Arrived 2056 hrs and awaited instructions.  Received “Stand easy” at 2103 hrs, so brought flares back.  No red TIs seen.  Two green TIs seen to west of town.
ND495N  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1614  Down 0232.  14 CP No 3 Mk II, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target seen visually, confirmed by Box.  At 2045 hrs saw green TI on hill to west, followed by another also to west.  Illumination good.  Called in by Controller at 2055 hrs.  One CP No 3 jettisoend unknown position in sea, safe.   

23.11.44 Several crews on cross countrys and Y runs.  17 aircraft and crews were briefed for operations in the afternoon, but this was soon cancelled owing to bad weather setting in.

24/25.11.44 Some training carried out – weather poor.

26.11.44 High level bombing, Y runs and cross countries carried out.  16 aircraft have been detailed to attack Munich.  The Squadron force consists of 2 primary blind markers, 2 u/t PBM, 8 Flare Force in 4 waves and 2 Supporters, who were routed via Italy and Mont Blanc to attack the target from an easterly direction.  On arrival the weather was clear with slight industrial haze and the river, streets and houses could clearly be seen.  Defences were caught napping, very slight H/F at start followed by lsight but very accurate predicted flak giving way to a weak barrage.  The Controller arrived late, so Marker I assumed control on Controller’s instructions pending his arrival.  Flares were placed accurately and illumination was good.  Marker I tally-ho at H-7.  He assessed himself as almost on A/P & ordered fellow markers to back up.  Controller had by then arrived and confirmed accuracy of markers.  Backing up was finally completed by H-1, producing a very bright patch of red.  Main Force were called in to bomb approx H hour, & were warned against spoofs west of town and against undershooting.  Reports show that the whole of the planned sector was well ablaze.  A very successful attack is anticipated.  Good photographs were obtained.  After a long journey lasting approx 9 hours all aircraft and crews landed safely at base.

26/27 November 1944 – Munich

PB422P  P/O C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/O H.W.Haggerston, W/O B.F.Shearwood, F/L I.E.Ravenscroft (AB2), F/L W.E.Clayfield, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 2330  Down 0830.  1 x 1000lb TI green B22, 1 x 250lb TI green No 16, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x TI yellow.  Clear.  Target location by H2S.  We dropped our TI and 1000lb MC as ordered but 1000lb green TI hung up.  Flares were 2/3 minutes early, but very good concentration and whole area illuminated.  First red TI cancelled with a yellow.  Marking done very quickly.  Main Force called in at H-1.  Raid appeared to be very good.
PB473F  F/L C.W.Eaton, Sgt L.J.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/O J.W.H.Dobbie, F/O G.S.Johnson, F/Sgt J.Spriggs, S/L C.C.Sherring, P/O G.Futer. Up 2341  Down 0820.  1 x 1000lb TI green B22, 1 x 250lb TI green No 16, 4 x 1000lb MC, 1 x TI yellow.  Clear, very slight haze.  Target identified on H2S.  Met forecast very accurate.  Mosquitos were able to identify very quickly.  Flares were down 2 minutes early but were very good indeed and illuminated the whole area.  Main Force called in at H-hour.
PB700H  F/O B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuiilan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, W/O J.K.Russell, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 2322  Down 0826.  12 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  No cloud, slight haze.  Identified target on H2X, confirmed by GPI run from point on lake.  No greens seen on run up, but 3 on ground after dropping.  They appeared to be on northerly end of town.  A concentration of reds was seen on way out from target.  Controller heard to say they were good.  One red was out to north and cancelled by order of Controller.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, F/Sgt R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 2339  Down 0821. 12 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Identified target on H2S.  Satisfied with H2S run; clear picture.
PB408O  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/O H.Morrison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, Sgt D.Wilkins, W/O A.Channon.  Up 2314  Down 0848.  12 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Identified target on H2S, confirmed by GPI run from lake.  We were first in; no green TIs down.  Immediately after some were dropped almost in line with our flares.  Other flares followed and were concentrated across town.  On way from target reds seen but too far away to be assessed.  3 dummy red TIs shot up from target to NW 6 or 7 miles, colour was good but they were too big and did not brush up into candles.  One yellow flare was seen with the dummies.
PB522Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, P/O L.L.Huston, F/O K.J.Ross (AB2), F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/Sgt R.Moore, Sgt R.T.Lewis.  Up 2328  Down 0848.   12 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Released flares on green TI as briefed.  Saw two green released as were turning on the bombing run.  There was a line of flares already down.  The two flares were ¾ of a mile apart and at right angles to our track.  Bombing later appeared to be concentrated.  Slight flak damage to leading edge of starboard wing, believed hit over target.
ND746L  F/O J.W.Greening, F/Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/Sgt I.A.Cairns, F/Sgt G.L.Balckburn, F/Sgt C.B.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 2327  Down 0850.  10 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  Wetaher excellent.  Target located visually on green TI and flares.  Ran over at 0155 hrs.  3 green TI seen on NE of town centre, and some greens away to NW.  Flares were concentrated over town and one stick was a little to SW of main concentration.  During our second run at 0158 hrs Controller said that Flare Force 3 was not required.  One red  - possibly a dummy TI, which did not cascade – to NW of town.
PB157B  F/O W.B.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 2357  Down 0833.  10 x 7” clusters, 4 x TI green No 2, 2 rec flares.  Clear.  Target found by flares confirmed by H2X.  From what we heard on VHF (although no order from Controller was heard on VHF) and from what we could see of the marking, it was obvious that the 3rd Flare Force were not required, so we brought our flares back.  Good concentration of red TIs seen, also some inaccurate bombing.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfit, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison (AB2), W/O F.A.John, Sgts D.Mallinson, D.H.Wonfor.  Up 2334  Down 0827.  6 x 1000lb MC, 5 x TI green No 2, 1 x TI green B21, 2 rec flares.  Clear, no cloud, good vis.  Target identified on H2S.  Whole raid went according to plan, and bombing appeared well concentrated.  We were not required for our emergency method.  Dropped bombs blind as instructed.  As Link II could not contact Link I (no W/T contact) we took  over duties of Link I.
PB588E  F/L B.B.Lindsay, F/Sgt J.I.French, P/O J.Rayner, F/Sgt V.R.Cummings, F/Sgt D.D.Williams, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, F/Sgt M.D.Inglis.  Up 2347  Down 0852.   6 x 1000lb MC, 5 x TI green No 2, 1 x TI green B21, 2 rec flares.  Clear, good visibility.  Target identified on H2S.  One green TI seen well away to south as we bombed, but 3 greens formed a good cluster.  Blind flares were well backed up.  Red concentrated except for one well to north, cancelled by a yellow.  At 0456 hrs no more flares required.  At 0456.5 hrs back up southern red TIs.
PB461M  F/O E.Yaxley, Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, W/O B.Harthill, Sgts H.Wilkinson, R.Wilders.  Up 2332  Down 0842.  7 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear.  Identification by H2S.  Left target too early for assessment of raid.  Green TIs appeared rather scattered, red TIs going down as we were running up.
PB156R  F/O G.A.Hamilton, F/Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, P/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (AB2), W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.Lemon, F/O G.C.Beevor.  Up 2333  Down 0838.  7 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear; good visibility.  Located target on H2S.  bombed blind as ordered.  Flares, 2 greens and 2 reds, were down before this.  Directions were to back up most southerly of the reds and ignore northern one at approx 0453.5 hrs.  The bombs dropped by the PBMs could be seen clearly.  Conditions were very good.
PB133C  F/O J.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt V.J.Day, Sgt K.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull  Up 2354  Down 0854.  7 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear, good visibility.  Target identified on H2S.  Green and red TIs appeared to be on each side of track.  The greens were in a straight line and appeared to be well concentrated.  Flares gave adequate illumination, and red TIs were very good.  Controller assessed as being on the aiming point and told Flare Force 3 not to drop their flares.  Route marker dropped on position as briefed and was very useful.  Gee u/s from English coast on way out.
PA973A  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O R.W.Rolfe, Sgt E.Clarson, F/L J.R.Blott.  Up 2343  Down 0912.   7 x 1000lb MC (½ hour delay).  Clear, slight haze.  Identified target on H2S.  One green TI seen to north of town.  Good concentration of flares over town.  2 red TIs about one mile to north.  Main Force bombing started to time and was concentrated, some good fires starting as we left target area, one with big pall of black smoke in NW section of town.

27.11.44 Crews resting – only one cross country carried out.

28.11.44 Numerous Y runs & a Radar Test today.

29.11.44 High level bombing, Y runs during day and 4 crews carried out night bombing training.  The following information from Int Red Cross has been received – “Sgt Flint reported prisoner of war, the remainder of the crew, S/L Parkes & crew who were missing on the 15/26th August 44 are reported killed.” “F/O Weller A/G has now been re-classified as missing believed killed in action.”  “The body of F/Sgt T.R.G.Owen is reported washed ashore at Grebbestad, Sweden on the 18th Oct 44”.  He was missing with F/O McCurdy on 26/27 Aug 44.

30.11.44 Large amount of training today – high level bombing, fighter affiliation, air sea firing, Y runs & bombing & cross country, also a programme of night high level bombing & fighter affiliation carried out.

1.12.44 Air sea firing, fighter affiliation, bombing Y runs and GPI runs carried out today.

2.12.44 Large amount of bombing at ranges, Y runs in the morning. Four crews detailed for operations, to brief with 83 Squadron. The operation was cancelled after briefing.

3.12.44 Turret and radar test, and one aircraft local flying. Bad weather.

4.12.44 Improved weather - eight aircraft were airborne first thing in the morning for training. 16 aircraft took off soon after 1600hrs to attack Heilbronn, two primary blind markers, flare forces in 3 waves & two supporters. Weather was clear over target except for some thin stratus at 7,500ft. Flak negligible, some predicted heavy flak south of Mannheim, little fighter activity. The attack was punctual with PBM, two of whose load fell in the centre of the town. A profusion of flares followed, producing intense illumination of the whole town and adjoining countryside. Flares were very accurate. F/O Yaxley had icing troubles leaving target, and turned back evenutaully, breaking cloud 8 miles east of Karlsruhe. He reported this town well ablaze, but fires at Heilbronn even better. All crews returned safely to base.

4 December 1944 - Heilbronn

PB156R - F/O C.J.Woolnough, F/S P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, F/L I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (VBA), F/S R.Smith, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/S E.G.Smith. Up 1628 Down 2233. 1 x TI green B22, 12 x CP No 1. Clear. Target located visually (by flares, green TIs etc). Owing to a navigational error we arrived at target approx 8 mins late; as it was too late to drop the green TIs, we waited to see if our flares were needed. At 1934 Controller said that no more were wanted, and ordered bombing to commence. Flares seemed excellent, as also were the markers. There seemed to be some difficulty with the yellow TIs.

PB706D - F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/S D.Soar, F/S N.C.Scullard, F/S R.Morgan, Sgt J.L.Heron, Sgt I.M.Wintle. Up 1610 Down 2258. $ x TI green B22, 1 x TI green No16, 12 x CP No1. Clear sky. Target located on H2S. Dropped green TIs as briefed. First red TI assessed as 200 yards out. Flares were very good. At 1924, Backers up called in, no more illumination required. Icing encountered Heilbronn area.

PB410J - W/C R.Baker, Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/O F.H.Harrison (VBA), W/O F.A.John, F/S D.Mallinson, Sgt D.H.Wonfor. Up 1617 Down 2242. 14 x CP No1. Clear sky. Good visibility. Target identified by green TI. 1st green TI fell about 1 minute before we dropped our flares, so we dropped visually. The first flare being released 5.4 miles short of the green TI. No other flares were down at the time. 1st stick of flares after ours were 2 miles to port. No red or yellow TIs seen at time we wre over. Ground detail could be seen and the A/P identified easily. Target subsequently well illuminated.

5.12.44 A few crews on training but before lunch, 13 aircraft were called for operations, with briefing soon after. Bad weather was the Met forecast & the operation was cancelled just when the crews were on their way to the aircraft.

6.12.44 Again, 13 aircraft detailed for operations, the raid schedule reading the same except for one crew, S/Ldr Parker replacing F/L Shorter, the latter now having completed 45 sorties & has one more to do to finish his crew with the same number. All 13 aircraft took off at dusk, consisting of 2 PBM, 3 waves of flare force & 2 supporters. The weather was clear over the target. Defences were slight, flak being negligible, but considerable fighter activity over target, Glesson. Only one PBM released; the other either not satisfied with Box, or instruments u/s. The green cascaded at H-11 & was followed by 1st flares which, although rather short, illuminated the A/P. Illumination was sufficient for the target to be marked at H-8, assessed as slightly wset & almost on railway line. Backing up produced a close concentration. Controller called in Main Force to bomb at H-3 1/2, which was accurate, producing two large, believed petrol explosions. The 3rd wave of flares was not required. F/O Yaxley was again unfortunate, his aircraft being shot up & his mid upper gunner being wounded; others have very close shaves. Sgt Wilkinson (MU/G) is now in Station Sick Quarters and progressing favourably. Numerous combat reports were reported & F/O Yaxley claims a JU88 probably destroyed, his aircraft being damaged by a ME410, which also took part in the encounter, the port outer being put entirely out of action. The raid was considered highly successful, and all aircraft and crews returned safely to base.

7.12.44 A considerable amount of flying training today.

8.12.44 Aircraft grounded today - first fall of snow, but soon turned to rain and sleet. Lecture was given yesterday afternoon by Major Lumley on 'The Far East'. Today a technical film was shown in the station cinema for all aircrew.

9.12.44 Very cold and sharp frost this morning. Various crews on flying training. Squadron has been informed that a number of aircraft & crews will be required for operations. Information has been received that S/Ldr H.R.de Belleroche, Pilot, F/Sgt L.E.Greay and F/Sgt W.W.Winskill (Can) are prisoners. This crew was missing from operations on the 11/12 September 1944. Operations were cancelled early in the afternoon, & 14 aircraft were laid on for night training. About 1730hrs night flying was cancelled and all aircrew were confined to camp pending further operations.

10.12.44 13 aircraft & crews were briefed and called upon to take off at 0300hrs in support of a tactical target; later take-off was delayed to approx 0430hrs, & the 13 aircraft took off from base. After reaching the Thames Estuary, all aircraft were recalled to base from this operation. White frost early this morning. No training flights in forenoon. Snow commenced to fall at 1430hrs, continuing all afternoon. All flying, including night flying, cancelled, and Squadron given unofficial 'stand down'.

11.12.44 Six aircraft detailed early flying. Weather fit, and training programme carried out. Training continued in afternoon, and night flying training laid on.

12.12.44 Early morning flying carried out, weather fit, and forenoon training laid on. Commenced raining approximately 1300hrs, but afternoon programme carried out. No operations and night flying training training carried out.

13.12.44 Seven aircraft detailed for early flying, but details not carried out. Operations on, and 14 aircraft and crews detailed, take-off 1530hrs. All 14 took off, weather fair with very poor visibility. Diversion very likely. Attack carried out on Koln & Emden in Oslo Fjior, and aircraft returned to diversion aerodrome at Milltwon, Scotland. Weather very poor and aircraft stranded at Milltown. No training carried out on morning of 14th.

14.12.44 All aircraft returned to base in afternoon with exception of two aircraft, which had to remain at Milltown due to unserviceability. No night flying carried out.

15.12.44 No morning flying. Operations scheduled and 14 aircraft and crews detailed. Flight planning late, and no news yet of briefing. The 2 aircraft which were left at Milltown have not yet returned. In late afternoon, one aircraft returned from Milltown, while the other had to remain there, due to unserviceability.

16.12.44 One aircraft took off on air test. Squadron informed that operations are on, and 13 aircraft and crews detailed. Flight planning postponed until late afternoon. Take-off approximately 2030hrs but this was cancelled, and crews told to standby for take-off 2350hrs. 2300hrs operation cancelled. Aircraft on air test diverted due to weather.

17.12.44 No early morning flying - operations scheduled. 14 aircraft and crews detailed and briefed 1345hrs, to attack a target at Munich. Diverted aircraft from 16th returns. Take-off 1630hrs - weather fine, fairly strong wind, nil-2/10ths cloud. All aircraft returned safely. Successful raid.

18.12.44 Weather fine in morning. Squadron informed that operations are scheduled. 15 aircraft detailed, take-off approx 1600hrs. weather fine for take-off & good effort anticipated. All aircraft took off and returned safely. Target was port installations and ships in Gdynia harbour - almost as long a trip as Konigsberg.

19.12.44 Thick fog early this morning. At approx 0945hrs, Station Ops informed us we were again working. Heavy going this, three nights running. In middle of briefing, operations were cancelled, and crews given 'stand down' until 2350hrs - very unofficial.

20.12.44 Very thick fog this morning and likelihood of flying very small.

21.12.44 Sixteen aircraft have been detailed for operations. Briefing took place after lunch & one crew was cancelled. Take-off was at 1630hrs, but 2 crews were unable to get airborne owing to technical defects. 13 aircraft and crews eventually set off to attack an oil target at Politz near Stettin, in very misty waether, visibility only half way up the runway. The crews were ordered just before taking off that they were to divert, on return, to Wick. Although all the reports are not yet to hand, the raid was not considered very successful. There were no Mosquito aircraft marking the target, and the Lancaster marking was not successful. Five aircraft landed away at Wick & the Squadron Commander landed at Metheringham. Other crews were told over R/T to land at Base, but the visibility was very poor. F/O Sinclair (Aus) & crew are missing from this operation - six aircraft from other Squadrons crashed between base and Lincoln. The attack was made by Primary Visual & Blind Markers, and three waves of flare force, the average time of mission being 10 hours.

22.12.44 Fog all day - no flying and 5 crews still at Wick.

23.12.44 Fog again today - after lectures & discussions in the morning, all crews were stood down from duty.

24.12.44 Thick fog at Base. One aircraft returned last night from Wick - the remaining four landed at Taddenham. An attempt was made to return from taddenham this afternoon & land at Metheringham, with 'FIDO', but this was unsuccessful and the four aircraft were again diverted, this time to Strubby.

25.12.44 Fog and white frost. No flying. Squadron stood down & officers & NCOs were in attendance at the Airmens Christmas Dinner.

26.12.44 Similar weather to yesterday, but five crews were briefed for operations. The operation was cancelled, which was just as well, as the armourers were scarcely able to find the aircraft to bomb up in the fog, and only a few bombs were loaded on the aircraft.

27.12.44 Last night, crews were called for an operation early today - in the morning this was cancelled. Several aircraft were then detailed for a training flight to test a new scanner which has been fitted. All diverted aircraft and crews are once again at this base.

28.12.44 Weather very cold, but was clear enough for flying training. Only 4 aircraft were detailed for tonight's operations, and were briefed at 1700hrs to operate as primary visual markers. The operation was against cruisers near Horton - identification was difficult - a marker reported that he saw a ship, which appeared of a cruiser shape, surrounded by many bomb bursts. Heavy flak and light flak from ships east of Horten Mole was intense. 3 searchlights and no fighter activity. Flares and bombs were dropped from 9000ft in clear weather below, but stratus at 14000ft obscured the moonlight and consequently visibility was inadequate.

29.12.44 Fighter affiliation and bombing training and some aircraft on nigth training. 9 aircraft were laid on for operations in the evening; later, the schedule being changed and the operation laid on for daylight in the morning.

30.12.44 The operation was cancelled. Special & bombing training carried out, also several crews detailed for night Y runs.

31.12.44 Some flying training carried out. 8 aircraft briefed for operations & night training detailed. The target was again the 'Koln' or other cruisers at Horten. The attack was in clear weather - no cloud - and moderate flak from the cruisers, & was considered unsuccessful. All aircraft returned safely to base.