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, an