Flight Operations 7

97 SQUADRON OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK - JANUARY TO AUGUST 1945

1 January 1945 – Ladbergen (Canal)

ME623G  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.G.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, P/O G.Futer.  Up 0809  Down 1324.  2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 2 x yellow TI (B24s), 8 x 1000lb MC.  Clear.  Target identified visually.  The impact of the bombs we saw was excellent.  The red TI (Mosquitos) were 200 yards north of the aiming point.  Slight damage to port fin by flak.
PB700H  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 0803  Down 1330.  2 x TI red, 2 x TI green, 2 x yellow TI (B24s), 8 x 1000lb MC.  Clear.  Target located visually.  Dropped as briefed; last bomb of our stick seen to hit the bridge over River Clane.  Hit by heavy flak in target area; starboard outer engine u/s.
PB408O  F/O E.Yaxley, Sgt J.A.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis), F/O G.H.Evans, Sgt R.Wilders, F/O E.Armstrong.  Up 0753  Down 1322.  13 x 1000lb MC.  Clear; 4-5/10ths str-cu cloud, not actually over target.  Visibility good.  Target identified visually.  Dropped bombs as briefed.  Bombing appeared to be accurate.  TIs seemed about 2/300 yards west of the aiming point.  Route markers went down in right place.  Winds were found 025/65.  Small flak hole in front turret; target area, 1119 hrs at 11,750’.

1 January 1945 – Gravenhorst (Dortmund-Ems Canal)

JB706D  G/C P.W.Johnson, F/Sgt F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons (Vis), F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1645  Down 2103.  12 CP No 1, 2 x TI green B25.  Clear.  Identification of target by H2S.  Not satisfied with run.  Unable to pick up datum point on H2S box.  The green marker was in the angle of the two canals on time.  Red TIs very good.  Flares not required.  Flares down accurate and on time.  Gee u/s.  12 CP No 1 brought back to base.
PB521Q  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, W/O J.K.Brown, W/O E.Craven (AB2), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/Sgt W.D.Noall, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 1657  Down 2130.  12 CP No 1, 2 x TI green B25.  Clear.  Identification of target by H2S.  TIs dropped as ordered; waited to drop flares, but Controller said no more were required.  Controller assessed TIs as being on the bank of the canal.  Camera did not operate.
PB473F  S/L N.N.Parker, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/O J.A.Orrell, W/O G.A.Carvell (Vis AB), W/O W.A.Manderson, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1640  Down 2106.  14 CP No 3.  No cloud.  Located target by GPI and visually.  Very steady run; flares seen to be released dead over aiming point.  One stick already down beside ours.  One PBM green TI seen on canal bank.  Starboard outer engine partially u/s due to burst exhaust valve.
PB157B  W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison (Vis AB), W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.Mallinson, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor.  Up 1638  Down 0005 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  No cloud.  Target identified visually by flares.  H2S was u/s from take off, so we dropped back in order to arrive one minute late so that we could use existing flares or TI for visual dropping.  Red TI cascaded at 1900.5 hrs so we used that for dropping.  Illumination was excellent.  TIs were concentrated about one mile SE of marking point.
PB156R  F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer, F/O J.Ray. Up 1653  Down 2336 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  No cloud.  Located target on GPI run from Bremschield.  Very steady run; no trouble.  Another aircraft dropped flares simultaneously.  Those and ours were first dropped.  A green TI was seen down on the bank of the canal, but unable to state exact position.  Marking accomplished in very quick time.
ND589T  F/L N.McConnell, Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/O E.D.Steele, F/Sgt E.F.Carter, F/Sgt M.E.Hawkings, Sgt G.Erickson.  Up 1659  Down 2132 (at Weatherfield).  14 CP No 3.  Target located visually on TI green and red.  “Y” u/s just before enemy coast.
PB133C  F/O J.D.Cottman, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, F/Sgt A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt H.J.Arney, F/Sgt J.Burke, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1644  Down 0010 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Located target visually.  Marking was excellent.  Flares very good.  Controller said no more flares required, as we dropped our last flare.  2 CP No 3 brought back to Base.  Rear turret depression defective.
ND961U  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/Sgt I.A.Cairns, F/Sgt G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1649  Down 2345 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Identified target visually.  At 1907 hrs Controller said “No more flares required” so load brought back.  Starboard outer would not go out of “S” gear.
PB408O  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 1647  Down 2357 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Located target on H2S and visually.  Flared Force 3 not required.  Controller gave this at 1907 hrs.  Load brought back.
ME623G  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.H.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.S.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1658  Down 2357 (at Wick).  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Identified target visually.  Flare Force 3 not required.  Heard Controller say at 1907 hrs that no more flares were needed.  Marking excellent.  Brought load back.  IFF u/s.

4/5 January 1945 – Royan

ME623G  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.J.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, P/O G.Futer.  Up 0055  Down 0632.  4 x TI green B25, 7 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC.  Layer of thin cloud at 14/15000’ base and haze below.  Identification of target by H2S.  Wind passed 0344 hrs 036/23.  On our blind run H2S went u/s so we went round again to inspect target area.  A green TI went down at 0348 hrs at about 2000 yards 280 degrees from H2S marking point.  Another green at 0350 hrs about 1500 yards 190 degrees from H2S marking point.  At 0351 hrs two greens fell in the sea.  Flares started at 0349 hrs well to north of target and scattered; illumination was bad.  Red TI at 0354 hrs 1500 yards 270 degrees from marking point, followed by another on the marking point.  Bombing appeared moderately good with a certain amount of range cover.  One big explosion about 0405 hrs in the town on the east side.  H2S went u/s on target when signals were intermittent.
PB521Q  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, W/O J.K.Brown (Vis AB), W/O E.Craven, F/Sgt F.Broughton, W/O G.I.Batho, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 0059  Down 0644.  4 x TI green B25, 7 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC.  Thick layer of cloud about 16/17,000’ and haze.  Target located on H2X.  First run made at 0349 hrs but TI held up.  While we were running through, two other TI green went down just to south of H2S marking point, and other about 2 miles west, near the coast.  At about H-18 a TI green went in to the sea 3 or 4 miles west of marking point.  Flare Force had flares scattered to NW and illumination was bad.  Flare Force 2 dropped one good stick and one fairly good one.  TI red cascaded at H-3 about 300 yards SW of marking point and was backed up about H-1.  Main Force bombing seemed good in the town.  Photo run made to photgrpah the 2 green TI mentioned above.  Wind sent at 0341 hrs 017/35.  TI green hung up on first run and 2 x 500lb MC hung up on second run.
PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.H.Bushby, W/O G.A.Carvell (Vis AB), F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 0046  Down 0706.  4 x TI green B25, 7 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 500lb MC.  Hazy and 10/10ths cloud about 16,000’.  Target identified on H2S.  Flares were mostly over the sea and marking was bad.  First red was about 200 yards inside the shore.  At 0353 hrs Controller told Marker Force that green was west of bay, and asked Flare Force 3 for more flares between the two greens.  At 0357 hrs Controller to Marker “About 600 yards north of the red already down”.  At 0358 hrs Markers were asked to back up a little to NW of northerly red, which was well down.  Main Force called in to bomb at 0400 hrs on northerly reds.  Wind found 031/33 knots.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, Sgts J.L.Heron, I.M.Wintle.  Up 0040  Down 0650.  14 CP No 3.  Thin layer of cloud at 15,000’ otherwise clear.  Target located on H2X with GPI check from southern tip of Isle of Oleron.  On our run 2 green TI were down and a third followed while we were dropping flares.  Own flares run was very satisfactory.  Other flares seemed scattered and illumination was insufficient. 1 red TI was accurate, another too far south.  Controller instructed that that southern one was to be ignored.  On leaving target at about H+1 we saw bombing concentrated on west of town.
PB376S  F/O E.Yaxley, Sgt J.A.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, W/O R.A.Symmons (vis AB), F/O G.H.Evans, F/O E.Armstrong, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 0058  Down  0657.  14 CP No 3.  High cirrus cloud about 16/17,000’, no cloud below.  Visibility fair.  Identified target visually on green TI and red TIs.  As we turned in one green TI went down at about H-11.  Flares were scattered, illumination poor.  Our run was started on TI green and 4 flares were dropped.  Bomb Aimer located M/P visually and dropped 10 flares visually.  During this run red went down, one accurately and another right in centre of town, near the shore.  Later at 0402 hrs the Controller ordered Main Force to ignore the southern red and bomb on the northern.  On photographic run we arrived at MPI of 2 green TI, one about 500 yards south of H2S M/P.  Large explosion in town at H+3.
PB133C  F/L D.H.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/O R.R.Ormiston, F/L F.H.Harrison (Vis AB), F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, F/Sgt W.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 0038  Down 0707.  14 CP No 3.  No cloud, slight haze.  Identification by H2S.  Satisfactory run, 3 TI green seen.  First 1500 yards bearing 180 degrees from H2S M/P; 2nd 1200 yards 185 degrees.  3rd fell in sea at H-9.  The northerly reds were 150 yards 210 degrees from Mosquito M/P; the southern reds were 1000 yards 190 degrees from this point.  Flare Force 1 dropped flares in a long straggling line parallel to the coast, the least accurate stick being 5 miles NW of aiming point.  Flare Force 2 flares were much more accurate and illuminated the target.  Photo of green TI taken at 0359 hrs, 13,000’.
PB895M  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 0045  Down  0715.  14 CP No 1.  Clear; ground haze.  Target located on H2S.  All our flares ignited except one that hung up.  The 2nd strip of flares were to the NW, 1½ miles as far as we could see.  The rest were quite good.  The marking seemed good also.
ND589T  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt J.G.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, F/L J.L.Billington (Vis AB), W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt D.Wilkins.  Up 0051  Down 0722.  9 CP No 3, 5 x 1000lb MC.  Clear below 15,000’.  Target located visually.  Green flares seemed to ignite.  Not enough flares and very scattered; quite a number in the sea.  The Mosquito did very well to mark at all.  The red TI we were ordered to bomb was in the built up area, and the bombing was excellent.  One terrific explosion at 0403.5 hrs.
PB700H  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O E.T.Steele (Vis AB), F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 0049  Down 0734.  5 x 1000lb MC, 9 CP No 3.  Clear; ground haze.  Target located visually.  All our flares ignited, but some seemed to hit ground before exploding.  One green and one red TI seemed to cascade.  It would be better to use 7 x 4.5” flares instead.  A large explosion seen about 0359 hrs in target area.  1 x 1000lb MC hung up, jettisoned 0716 hrs 10,000’ at 5302N 0028E.            

6/7 January 1945 – Gardening (Privet Area)

PB881L  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O W.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt J.Burke, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon.  Up 1613  Down 0143.  D – 406 Nos 96979, 96982.  C – 716 Nos 25851, 25848, 25849 – al Mk IV.  Position located by H2S.  10/10ths stratus at 5,000’.  PPI at 2046 hrs (release of first mine).
ND495N  F/O A.E.May, Sgts R.P.Garroch, R.J.W.Barling, R.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt C.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 1611  Down 0239.  5 mines.  Position located by H2S.  8/10ths stratus at 4000’.  PPI at 2051 hrs at 2100 (with 1st mine).
Lanc III D (83 Sqn)  F/O E.R.Harrison, F/Sgt J.A.Davies, F/Sgt A.Barnett, F/Sgt E.P.S.Smart, F/Sgt M.Kirkby, F/Sgt F.Smith, F/Sgt H.Young.  Up 1610  Down 0147.  5 mines.  Position located by H2S.  No cloud, haze or low stratus.  PPI 2052 hrs.

7/8 January 1945 – Munich

PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.Mcnabb (Vis AB), W/O R.T.Hillas, F/O J.L.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1706  Down 0121.  2 x 1000lb TI red, 5 x 250lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb (delay).  No cloud, hazy.  Target identified on H2S III.  One red TI fell about 150 yards SE of M/P 8 seconds before another red fell about the same distance NW of M/P.  Flares looked good.  It was obvious that sky attack was unnecessary so we left target area.
PB156R  F/L C.J.Woolnough, F/Sgt P.J.Gould, F/L H.W.Haggerston, F/L I.E.Ravenscroft, W/O B.F.Shearwood (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.Smith, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt E.G.Smith.  Up 1656  Down 0051.  2 x 1000lb TI red, 5 x 250lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb (delay).  About 5/10ths cloud at 18,000’ which did not affect bombing.  Target located visually on green TI.  H2S  was u/s.  One red TI seen to go down just to east of M/P and one to the west, on time.  Controller and Deputy assessed the M/P as midway between the two reds; one green was put down between them and the other to the north.  Flares were good and concentrated in south of town.  On leaving target concentrated bombing was observed by rear gunner.  Our TIs could not be dropped because Box was u/s.
PB521Q  F/O G.H.Coulter, F/Sgt J.Chamberlain, P/O T.F.A.James, P/O L.L.Huston, F/O K.J.Ross (Vis AB), F/Sgt T.Jones, Sgt J.Burke, F/Sgt R.T.Lewis.  Up 1704  Down 2325.  14 CP No 1.  Mission abandoned at 4815N 0725E owing to damage to aircraft by flak – about 12 bursts – involving bomb bay; doors, fuselage surrounding mid upper turret, No 3 tank in port wing, wiring for lights and intercom.  Mid upper gunner wounded.
PB376S  F/O E.Yaxley, F/Sgt J.M.Davies, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/O J.Alabaster, F/O G.H.Evans, P/O E.R.Armstrong, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 1709  Down 0019.  14 CP No 1.  Thin altra-stratus, tops around 20,000’.  Good visibility.  Visual identification of target on red TI, confirmed by Box. The first TI went down at 2021 hrs, appeared accurate.  Two more followed about 300 yards to east.  Illumination was sufficient.  Heard Controller assess marking.
PB700H  F/O B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1708  Down 0137.  6 x 250lb TI green.  A little hazy but clear enough to see TIs.  Identified target on H2X.  2 red TI could be seen in target area rather wide apart.  Greens appeared at about H-3 in a solid mass halfway between the 2 reds.  Controller heard to order Main Force to bomb centre of green TIs.  Our TIs not required.
PB588E  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston.  F/Sgt E.Clarson.  Up 1716  Down 0149.  6 x 250lb TI green.  No cloud.  Located target on H2S.  Emergency method not required.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1715  Down 0057.  6 x 250lb TI green.  Clear.  Target identified visually.  Controller assessed red TIs as bein north and south of the M/P.  At 0205 hrs Controller told the PBM not to drop any more TIs.  Emergency wave not needed, so dropped our bombs.  Large fires seen in target area on way home.
PB133C  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), Sgt L.B.Smith, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Liebermann.  Up 1713  Down 0135.  6 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 250lb TI green.  Hazy; some cloud at 18,000’ and above.  Visual location of target on red TI.  Two red TIs were seen on side of river with the bridge as the centre.  Our TIs were aimed at the actual M/P which was clearly visible by the light of the flares, these being in good concentration.  The flashing “V” and the greens were clearly visible.  Wind found 300/35 passed to Link I at 2017 hrs.  Route marker dropped in position as briefed 2121 hrs, 18,000’.
ME623G  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.G.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, F/Sgt J.Walsh, P/O G.Futer.  Up 1715  Down 0129.  2 x 1000lb TI red, 5 x 250lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb MC.  Thin cloud above; a bit hazy.  Target identified visually, on ground detail.  H2X u/s, so waited until some red TIs went down.  One about 800 yards 095 degrees from M/P, and the other about 900 yards 280 degrees from M/P.  Bomb Aimer could see the H2S M/P clearly, so bombs were dropped visually on that.  Illumination was good.
PB410J   F/L D.H.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/O R.R.Ormiston, F/L F.H.Harrison (Vis AB), F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, W/O J.K.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1718  Down 0143.  6 x 250lb green TI.  Slight haze.  Target identified on H2S.  The first TIs down were scattered all round the M/P.  The Mosquito dropped a green more or less in the centre, very close to the M/P.  The marking was down quickly.  Flares were very good and the illumination was sufficient.  We were not required to drop TIs.
PB895M  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.Beevor, F/O G.C.Lemon.  Up 1712  Down 0140.  6 x 1000lb TI green, 1 x 250lb TI green, 7 x 500lb MC.  Weather clear in target area.  Target located by markers.  Ran up on 2 red TI which were close together, but Controller said the greens were very accurate.  We backed up the north-easterly greens as ordered.
ND961U  F/L R.B.Sexton, Sgt R.O.Aird, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, F/Sgt F.Broughton, Sgts V.R.Orr, P.A.Burtenshaw.  Up 1714  Down 0123.  14 CP No 1.  No cloud.  Identified target by markers.  One stick of flares released immediately prior and parallel to ours.  VHF distorted so unable to hear Controller except right over target, and then very weak.

13/14 January 1945 – Politz

ME623G  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.G.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, P/O G.Futer.  Up 1631  Down 1825.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Mission abandoned because of H2S failure.  This was tested on the ground and set worked rather unsatisfactorily, so we decided to see if it was any better in the air.  When airborne, after a lot of trying we got a very faint ground return, which was intermittent, and there were segments of blackout on the screen, with heavy smoking.  We continued to try and took PPI photos.  Abandoned mission at 5350N 0100E.  Jettisoned 2 x 1000lb MC safe at 5450N 0120E at 1753 hrs 2000’.
PB700H  F/O B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1628  Down 0306.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 3 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Target identified visually.  “Y” equipment was u/s from the start so we bombed visually and brought back the TIs.  We saw  a cluster of greens with red TI in the centre with 2 or 3 greens to NE.  Illumination was very good and marking appeared very good.  Bombing was good and one large explosion at 2214 hrs.  No wind was passed because “Y” was u/s.  Gave information that we were unable to pass a wind at 2205 hrs.
PB706D   F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1635  Down 0228.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 3 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target identification by H2S.  Run up satisfactory.  Representation on H2S not good enough for blind TIs, so dropped the bombs only.  Very large explosion in target area about 2246 hrs.
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.Mcnabb (Vis AB), W/O R.T.Hillas, F/O J.L.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1629  Down 0247.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 3 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped as briefed.  Difficult to hear assessments as VHF very unsatisfactory.  Two big explosions at 2212 and 214 hrs.  Winds sent out 081/25.5 at 2201 hrs.
ND961U  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1625  Down 0306.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb No 2 TI green.  Clear.  Located target visually on TI green.  H2S u/s so we dropped visually on green TI which had gone down on time on SW end of target.  Illumination was good.  On leaving target we saw three very heavy explosions at the start of bombing.  3 x 250lb TI green not required.
PB156R  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt J.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, P/O L.L.Huston, F/Sgt T.Jones, Sgts R.T.Lewis, D.J.S.Thomson.  Up 1627  Down 0218.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb No 2 TI green.  No cloud.  Target located on H2S III.  4 green TI seen.  Seemed well concentrated.  As we ran up 2 flares dropped before ours.  Target area clear and there appeared to be no need of Emergency.  3 x 250lb TI green not required. At H-12 Controller asked Link II to standby in case Link I did not get through.  Immediately Link I heard on VHF “Ok”.  Message received from Link by W/T at H-hour that his VHF was u/s; tookover at H-hour.  No wind received from Breeze Leader, he called up at H+4 to ask if we had received a wind; we replied in negative.
PB133C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt H.J.Arney, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1634  Down 0249.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb No 2 TI green.  Clear.  Identified target on H2S.  A green TI went down to south of target, followed by a cluster of greens between target and the river.  Our own flares were dropped across that target and illumination was good.  After dropping we started and orbit to starboard, and set course for base, when Main Force were called in.  Controller heard on VHF telling Main Force to bomb concentration of reds.  On leaving target rear gunner saw bombing causing large fires.
PB895M   F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/O G.C.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 1633  Down 0209.  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Located target visually on green TI and existing flares.  On run up we saw 3 TI green cascade at 2205 hrs.  They appeared in line NW to SE.  We dropped on the centre TI and when our last flare went we were over the factory.  Illumination was good.  As we turned away red TI was seen to go down.  After leaving target we saw several large explosions from 2215 hrs.
PB881L  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/Sgt I.A.Cairns, F/Sgt G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1635  Down 0253.  14 CP No 3.  Clear, target identified visually on TI green.  On run in 4 green TI went down, two apparently very near to M/P.  One to SE in the river, and the 4th slightly north of the M/P.  We dropped on the 2 closest together.  Illumination was very good.
PB157B  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/O C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, P/O J.D.Nicholls, Sgt N.Johnston.  F/Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 1645  Down 0238.  3 x 1000lb TI green, 11 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target identified visually.  Dropped flares on green TIs.  First 2 or 3 sticks of bombs down caused large explosion; one particularly in target area at 2215 hrs.  Large fires, definitely oil fires also seen.  Our 3 TIs not required.
ND495N  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/Sgt J.A.Orrell, F/Sgt V.J.Day, Sgt D.N.Wilkins, F/Sgt P.C.Denness.  Up 1639  Down 0246.  3 x 1000lb TI green, 11 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target identified visually.  Began running up to target and went through belt of searchlights 5 miles before we dropped.  First greens went down.  After dropping our flares we circled target until Main Force were called at 2214.5 hrs, but our green not required.  Target very well lit by flares and markers very good also.
PB376S  F/O E.Yaxley, F/Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, P/O E.R.Armstrong, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 1648  Down 0251.  14 CP No 3.  Clear; 3-4/10ths cirrus at 25,000’.  Target identified visually on H2S.  Green TIs went down on time; two near railway line and one in town.  Flare illumination very good.  Red TIs seen to cascade but no assessment made as we were on way home.  2 large fires seen in target area as we leaving target – dull orange glow.
PB588E  F/L B.B.Lindsay, F/Sgt J.Cann, P/O J.Rayner, P/O V.R.Cummings, F/Sgt D.D.Williams, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Liebermann.  Up 1641  Down 0254.  3 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target located on H2X.  On our arrival the marking was completed.  There was a good concentration of reds very near to some of the PMBs.  Illumination was good.  Controller was difficult to hear.  The early bombing which we saw was good and one large explosion was observed just about H-hour.  3 x 250lb TI greens not required.

PB473F  F/L D.H.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, F/O R.R.Ormiston, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, W/O J.K.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1642  Down 0241.  3 x 250lb TI green.  Clear.  Good visibility.  Located target on H2S.  When we arrived at target we saw the greens going down and they were clearly visible on the ground.  We knew we should not be required for our TIs but Controller did not give instructions to this effect.  Attack appeared to be very concentrated.  Bombing wind passed at 215 hrs to Main Force.  One very large explosion seen at 2217 hrs, billowing clouds of black smoke up to 10,000’.  Diversion order received 0005 hrs after we had left position “A” on 1150 broadcast.

PB410J  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O F.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 1646  Down 0225.  3 x 250lb TI green No 2, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  No cloud.  Target identified on H2S; Good run and clear picture.  1 x 1000lb not selected owing to time.  Only 2 instead of 5 bombs carried and switch not selected.  Second bomb jettisoned 5353N 1433E at 2223 hrs 15,000’. Held to avoid P of W camp.  Two good explosions seen at approx 2225 hrs.  Orange gush lit sky for 4-5 seconds.

14/15 January 1945 – Merseburg (Leuna Oil Plant)

PB408O   F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.Mcnabb (Vis AB), W/O R.T.Hillas, F/O J.L.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride. Up 1612  Down 0126 (at Breighton).  3 x 250lb TI red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Hazy.  Visibility poor.  Target located on H2X. Dropped as ordered.  Stood off and waited to see if any markers were needed.  Decided that the TIs could be seen.  It was practically impossible to see any ground detail or do any assessing.

PB588E  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (Vis AB), W/O E.Withers, W/O G.I.Batho, F/O H.F.Roberts.  Up 1611  Down 0201 (at Pocklington).  2 x TI 1000lb red, 3 x 250lb TI red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear with ground haze.  Target located visually by green TI.  Definition on PPI was not good enough for blind bombing, so we retained our TI and dropped bombs visually.  Red TI were scattered and one went down about 8 seconds early.  Controller heard to assess green TI as 100 yards NW of M/P.

PB700H  F/O B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1608  0154 (at Breighton).  2 x TI 1000lb red, 3 x 250lb TI red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Ground haze.  Target located visually.  Due to H2S being u/s, we dropped our bombs visually; later the Controller ordered bombing to be on concentration of green TIs with a 14 second overshoot.  Controller remarked that red TIs were very scattered.  1 x 1000lb MC hung up, fell off on diversion aiming point.  2 red TI B25 brought back.

PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1623  Down 0131 (at Breighton).  3 x 250lb TI red, 2 x 1000lb TI red, 9 x 500lb MC (delay).  Thin cloud, hazy.  Target located on H2S.  As our H2S definition was not satisfactory it was not possible to act as PBM.  We therefore dropped our bombs visually.  3 TIs were together with 1 red TI well to SW of it.  Haze prevented further assessment.

PB410J   W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison (Vis AB), W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor, F/Sgt D.Mallinson.  Up 1628  Down 0112 (at Brieghton).  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI red.  Thin low cloud down to the ground.  Target located on H2S.  Dropped flares blind as briefed.  Flares and red TIs appeared scattered.  Our flares were slightly south of M/P.

PB473F  F/L D.H.Simpson, Sgt A.F.Park, P/O J.Mollison, P/O R.R.Ormiston, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, W/O J.K.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 1612  Down 0155 (at Breighton).  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI red.  Slight ground haze.  Target located on H2X.  Marking was completed on time and the bombing was ordered to be on the concentration of green TI with a 14 second overshoot.  Other than 1 stick of flares and some red markers, which were about a mile to the south of the target area, the markers seemed to be in the right place as far as we could see.  Controller said “Ground marking only” at H-5 approx.

PB521Q  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt J.G.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt D.Wilkins.  Up 1607  Down 0145 (at Breighton).  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI red. No cloud.  Target identified by markers.  The first reds seen to go down, cascaded at 2045 hrs. Flares appeared to be well concentrated.  As we heard no instructions over VHF not to drop red TI, we went round again but eventually were unable to drop on backing up reds as bomb sight was u/s.  Either Controller’s VHF or ours must have been faulty – if any orders were given.

PB881L  F/L R.B.Sexton, Sgt R.C.Aird, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, Sgts V.R.Orr, P.A.Burtenshaw.  Up 1615  Down 0220 (at Breighton).  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target located visually.  Green TIs seemed very concentrated in centre of red TIs.  Controller ordered Main Force to bomb concentration of green TI with a 14 second overshoot.  Took our duties as Link III at 2058 hrs.  Passed Controller’s instructions and bombing wind.  Group wind received, passed out 040/25 at 2045 hrs.  Link I passed wind 040/19 at 2051 hrs.

PB895M  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/Sgt I.A.Cairns, F/Sgt G.L.Blackburn, F/Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1617  Down 2035.  14 CP No 3.  Mission abandoned owing to complete electrical failure rear turret 4954N 0430E at 1850 hrs 5,000’.  Considered pressing on but rear turret too cold when about to climb.  Load brought back. 

PB905K  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), Sgt L.B.Smith, W/O H.J.Silzer, F/Sgt A.D’Arcy.  Up 1614  Down 0157 (at Breighton).  14 Cp No 3.  Hazy; target identified visually.  Dropped flares and then stood by as we were Link I, but we could not transmit on VHF as “Press to Speak” plug had come out.  Passed bombing wind 040/19 at H-7, H-5 and H-3 on W/T.  At H-2 handed over to Link III.  First red went down at 2045 hrs and they continued to go down all through the attack.  Very scattered except for about 3 or 4 which were very close to the M/P.

PA973A  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O R.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson  Up 1619  Down 0158 (at Breighton).  11 CP No 3, 3 x TI red.  Clear; hazy on ground.  Target identified by means of red TIs.  We dropped our flares in line with Flare Force 1 as briefed.  3 x TI reds not required.

PB376S  F/O E.Yaxley, F/Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, F/Sgt V.J.Day, P/O E.R.Armstrong, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 1616  Down 0201 (at Breighton).  11 CP No 3, 3 x TI red.  No cloud.  Visibility good in spite of slight haze.  Located target on markers.  Arrived at cluster of red TI which were burning near a number of houses to starboard of a railway line.  Flares concentrated.  Green markers seen near railway junction, believed very slightly NW of M/P.  Unable to drop blind as H2S was u/s.  A number of red seen very scattered around target area; the first at H-15 without photoflash.  These random reds continued throughout attack.  Controller ordered “Ground marking only” at 2258 hrs in spite of scattered red and green marking, clear and appeared correctly placed.  There were a type of jamming on Cologne Chain at 2015 hrs.  Not previously experienced.

PB156R  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt J.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, P/O L.L.Huston, F/Sgt T.Jones, Sgts R.T.Lewis, D.J.S.Thomson.  Up 1624  Down 1929.  3 x 250lb TI red, 11 x 500lb MC (delay).  Mission abandoned 5058N 0000E/W at 1725 hrs 5,000’.  H2S u/s.  Jettisoned 7 x 500lb MC 5350N 0204E at 1847 hrs 7000’.  Brought back remainder.
PB133C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt H.J.Arney, F/Sgt G.A.Lennon, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1623  Down 1058 (at Breighton).  3 x 250lb TI red, 11 x 500lb MC (delay).  No cloud, some haze.  Identified target on H2S III.  At about H-8 Markers Controller was complaining about some smoke haze over target, so we told Navigator to select TIs and prepare to drop them.  During our bombing run Controller said “Emergency TI not required” but these had already gone.

16/17 January 1945 – Brux

PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/O A.Morrison, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O W.M.Bushby, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, W/O W.T.Bray.  Up 1745  Down 0251.  3 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 9 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths low strata.  Target identified visually.  Our H2S was u/s from position X outward bound so we were unable to drop any of our markers.  Some electir wires fused and caught fire but Set operator put it out at 2223 hrs.
PB408O  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, P/O E.Craven, W/O J.K.Brown, F/Sgt J.R.Wjitehead, F/Sgt W.D.Noall, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 1811  Down 0215.  3 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 9 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud tops about 10,000’.  Target identified on H2X.  Blind run was satisfactory and target clearly identified.  We then orbited in preparation for a sky marker run and at 2229 hrs heard the order “Sky”.  We then dropped our sky markers.  Glare of red and green TIs seen through cloud and we heard one green assessed as on the buildings.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.J.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/Sgt J.Spriggs, W/O H.J.Silzer, P/O G.Futer.  Up 1754  Down 0250.  3 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 9 x 500lb MC (delay).  Low cloud, 10/10ths cloud tops approx 3,000’.  Target located by H2S.  We were having trouble with a route marker on the H2S whilst making our run, and were not satisfied enough to drop our PBM greens.  We turned before reaching target and orbited waiting for the command “Sky-sky-sky” which was given at approx 2230 hrs.  We then released our TIs.  Mosquito markers reported direct hit giving large explosion at 2219 hes.  Bomb sight graticule lined up between glow of red, green TIs in release.
PB706D  G/C P.W.Johnson, P/O F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons (Vis AB), F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1750  Down 0238.  3 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 9 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified by markers.  At 2222 hrs Marker Leader reported to Controller that he was at safety height.  Could not see because of fog.  At 2222.5 hrs Flare Force 3 told not to drop.  At 2224 hrs Main Force told to delay arrival by 2 minutes.  At 2224.5 hrs Controller called “Prepare for sky marking”.  At 2226 hrs Marker 3 reported seeing target and went in to mark.  At 2227.5 hrs, the red was assessed at 100 yards south of central chimney.  At 2228 hrs Controller ordered backing up.  At 2228.5 hrs he called “sky sky sky”.  At 2230 hrs (H-hour) he ordered Main Force to attack red TI if visible or glow through cloud.  Controlelr asked if I could see anything and I replied “No” but immediately afterwards corrected it and said that from my altitude the red glow was quite distinct.  Several times Controller ordered Main Force to attack the cascading green TIs.  The sky marking was very accurate and very close to red glow.  I did not see any loose sky markers.  The large mushroom of oil smoke was almost ½ a mile to the east of the red glow.
ND961U  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1758  down 0240.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Identification of target by other flares.  Our H2S was u/s so we ran up and prepared to drop visually.  A green TI cascaded just ahead and we released our flares to starboard of the glow left by this TI.  We were also unable to drop emergency TI blind owing to Box being u/s.  Navigation and run up made on Loran which was very accurate indeed.
PB700H   F/O B.J.Hines, F/L Dodwell (2nd Pilot), Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/O J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1751  Down 0259.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud tops 3,000’.  Identification of target by H2X.  Flare run was satisfactory.  We heard the green assessed as very accurate but no green showed through cloud.  The reds, however, formed a good glare.  We heard “Sky, sky, sky” and came in to drop our emergency TI on specified time.  Controller ordered Main Force to bomb either red glare or any bursting green TIs.  High bursting green TIs were lost in cloud very quickly and did not leave a glare.  At 2254 hrs there was a very large mushroom of black smoke just to north of red TI glare.
PB473F  F/L B.B.Lindsay, F/O Williams (2nd Pilot), Sgt J.Cann, P/O J.Rayner, P/O V.R.Cummings, F/Sgt D.D.Williams, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, F/Sgt W.Liebermann.  Up 1802  Down 0305.  11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud, low.  Located target on H2S.  We could not make a satisfactory run to release our flares.  Controller ordered “Standby for smy marking”, which he gave at 2228 hrs.  We made another run in to release green TI but this again was not satisfactory.  No definition on PPI screen of H2S.
PB410J  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/L J.Would, W/O R.Morgan, Sgts I.M.Wintle, J.L.Heron.  Up 1807  Down 0020.   11 CP No 1, 3 x 250lb TI green.  Mission abandoned at 4910N 0916E at 2130 hrs; load brought back.  H2S was u/s just after take off, although satisfactory ½  an hour before on the ground.  After about ¾ of an hour we got it serviceable but it went wrong again later.  Just after Karlsruhe the intercom went u/s and after ½ hour trying to get it right and finding the emergency intercom was no good, we abandoned mission.
PB157B   F/L R.B.Sexton, Sgt R.C.Aird, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, Sgts V.R.Orr, P.A.Burtenshaw.  Up 1757  Down 0233.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located visually.  Dropped as briefed.  As cloud was 10/10ths, Controller ordered sky marking 2232.5 hrs. Main Force ordered to bomb glow of other red TIs or sky markers.  Link III but we were not called in to take over.

PB376S  F/O E.Yaxley, F/Sgt J.M.Davies, F/O J.F.Woolcott, F/O J.Alabaster, F/Sgt V.J.Day, P/O E.R.Armstrong, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 1801  Down 0236.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud believed 3-4000’ tops.  Target identified visually by existing flares.  Dropped as  briefed.  Raid looked successful, as an orange glow and clouds of black smoke were seen on target as we left.

PB895M   F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 1800  Down 0242.  11 CP No 3, 3 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified visually.  At 2223 hrs Controller ordered us not to drop as we were not required.

PB905K  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/O K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), Sgt L.B.Smith, F/L A.H.Jones, Sgt A.D’Arcy.  Up 1805  Down 0234.  11 CP No 3, 3 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths low cloud, tops about 5000’.  Reached target on time.  Neither VBU nor Flare Force 3 required.  Green TI was seen to go down and showed well enough to bomb on.  Energency marking got smothered quickly in cloud but visible glare remained from the TI.  There was a mushroom of smoke over the target and on return we saw a big blueish explosion lighting up the sky at 2307 hrs.
PB881L  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/Sgt J.D.Grabham, W/O W.C.Parker, F/L G.S.Johnson, Sgt N.Snelling, F/O J.C.Burnham.  Up 1753  Down 0230.  11 CP No 3, 3 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud tops 3000’.  Started flare run on time but at 2122 hrs were ordered not to drop.  Visual marking was not required.  All we saw was one green glare of a TI and a few flares.
PB133C  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O R.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 1814  Down 0254.  3 x 250lb TI green, 11 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target located visually.  Nat satisfied with combined H2S and GPI run on blind marking point.  Dropped bombs only.
ME623G  F/O G.H.Coulter, Sgt J.Shepherd, P/O T.F.A.James, P/O L.L.Huston, F/O K.J.Ross (Vis AB), F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/Sgt R.T.Lewis, F/Sgt D.J.S.Thomson.  Up 1811  Down 0214.  3 x 250lb TI green, 11 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S and flares.  No Controller orders received so was not able to carry out duties as Emergency Wave.  Camera worked but photoflash did not go.  H2S unsatisfactory.

1 February 1945 – Siegen

PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis AB), F/O E.Craven, W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, W/O H.Smith, Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 1609  Down 2136.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped TIs blind.  We prepared to drop sky markers as there was 10/10ths cloud.  H2S failed immediately after we had dropped TIs so would have to drop visually.  Just prior to dropping at H-5 Controller gave order “No sky markers”.  2 x 250lb TIs not required.  H2S failed intermittently throughout the trip.
PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.H.Bushby, W/O G.A.Carvell, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, F/Sgt J.Garnett.  Up 1555  Down 1755.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green.  Mission abandoned at 5230N 0020W due to port outer on fire, this also causing rear turret and Gee to become u/s.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, S/L C.C.Sherring, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 1559  Down 2201.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by red and green glow.  As H2S failed we were unable to drop our TIs.  At 1911 hrs Controller ordered “Stand by for sky”.  Oribited target and prepared for sky marking; on our run up Controller called in Main Force to bomb on red glow direct.  At 1920 hrs someone called Controller and asked if sky marking was required and he replied “No”.
PB700H  F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/L J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), F/Sgt L.B.Smith, F/L A.H.Jones, F/Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 1559  Down 2159.  12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud, base 3000’, tops 5000’.  Target identified on H2S.  We dropped our flares on time and as briefed.  Orbited awaiting emergency method order and after Main Force commenced bombing concentration of red TIs, we called Controller and asked if this method was required at 1921 hrs.  He replied that it was not necessary and that we could go home.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.G.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, Sgt T.Caffrey, P/O G.Futer.  Up1602  Down 2145.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths strata-cu, base 3000’.  Target located on H2S.  We arrived on time and dropped flares as briefed.  Our flares were dropped ¾ mile to port of town to compensate for wind which was at an angle of 60 degrees to track.  One or two green TIs seen 4-5 miles short of the target, on track.  
PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/Sgt J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.McNabb (Vis AB), W/O R.T.Hillas, F/O J.L.Barton, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1607  Down 2134.  14 CP No 1. 10/10ths cloud.  Target identified by H2S.  Dropped flares as briefed.
PB521Q  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt J.G.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt W.Russell.  Up 1558  Down 2141.  12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified by H2S.  Due to an error in selection the two high bursting TIs were dropped instead of the first two flares.  Two CP No 1 jettisoend at position 5010N 0650E at 1930 hrs, 15,000’.
PB881L  F/L R.B.Sexton, F/Sgt R.Cann, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.Jeavons, F/Sgt P.Rainsford, Sgt P.A.Burtenshaw.  Up 1600  Down 2145.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located visually.  Dropped as briefed.  Not called upon to act as Link 4.
PB895M  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.Mcneill.  Up 1556  Down 2159.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud strata-cu, tops 6000’.  Target identified visually on existing flares and green TI.  We arrived on time but had to delay release in order to assess centre of Flare Force 1’s flares, so we were one minute late; by this time Controller said “Prepare for sky sky sky”.  A green TI was seen to cascade at 1908 hrs and we commenced to release our flares just before the emergency method was asked for, and therefore dropped only half our load.  Emergency method not required as Marker III identified visually.
PB133C  F/L N.McConnell, Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/Sgt N.H.Cholerton, F/O E.D.Steele(Vis AB), F/Sgt E.F.Carter, F/Sgt J.Walsh, Sgt G.Erickson.  Up 1601  Down 2153.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  At 1710 hrs Controller gave the order “Sky sky sky”, and as no further orders were erecived, we retained our flares and returned to base.
ND961U  Lt P.J.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.J.W.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington, F/Sgt J.T.Barlow (Vis AB), Sgt J.J.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt E.J.Hunt.  Up 1554  Down 2148.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified visually by  flares already down.  We laid our flares on track straight over the blind ones.  First green TI formed glow under cloud.  Controller asked if any of Marker Force could see the red under cloud, and Link I replied “No”.  Eventually after a postponement of H-hour, direct bombing of red was ordered.  H2S went u/s above 10,000’.
ME623G  F/O C.Arnot, Sgt E.D.Brown, F/Sgt K.B.Leigh, W/O D.E.Eaves, F/Sgt F.Bradley, F/Sgt A.Hughes, Sgt R.H.Hambleton.  Up 1557  Down 2210.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by green TI and flares.  Arrived 1911 hrs.  One green TI was down, no reds seen.  On our first run Controller said “Prepare for sky method”.  On our second run W/T message said “H-hour+4 carry on as previously briefed”.  Nothing further heard on VHF; as we saw high bursting green TI afterwards we assumed there was no need for flares, glow from red and green could be seen below cloud.
ND589T  F/O A.E.May, Sgts R.P.Garroch, R.J.W.Barling, R.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt C.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 1601  Down 2223.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified visually.  Dropped flares as briefed.
PB410J  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 1601  Down 2207.  3 x 250lb TI green, 8 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Strata-cu 10/10ths below at 5000’.  Target located on H2S.  We made our run in and released bombs at 1915 hrs, then orbited awaiting orders for sky marking.  At 1919 hrs Controller told us that we were not required.  No earlier messages received, presumably due to VHF troubles.  Flare concentration appeared good and glow from TIs was visible through the cloud.  Load brought back (TIs); 1 x 1000lb MC hung up.
PB376S  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.C.Lemon.  Up 1610  Down 2140.  3 x 250lb TI green, 8 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target located on H2S.  Dropped bombs as ordered.  Controller postponed H-hour for Main Force for 4 minutes.  At H+2 Controller ordered “Stand by for sky marking” but this was cancelled almost immediately.

2/3 February 1945 – Karlsruhe

PB412J  G/C P.W.Johnson, P/O F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1957  Down 0218.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths strata-cu.  Target identified on H2S.  Winds were different from those forecast, making timing very difficult.  Despite cutting course and increased speed we were unable to arrive on time, being 1½ minutes late.  We were the last to drop green TI, which could be seen through the cloud.  Flares were fairly concentrated around the TI.  No red TI seen, but Marker I heard to call Controller and say that he could identify the M/P and as far as we knew one red TI was dropped.  Controller asked me if we could see the TIs and we said that we could not see any glow at all.  Sky marking was then ordered but no TIs were actually seen floating above cloud, but a good glow was visible for bombing.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt L.G.Pettit, F/L F.V.Gatesman, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/L G.S.Johnson, F/Sgt J.Spriggs, Sgt T.Caffrey, P/O G.Futer.  Up 2011  Down 0303.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths stratus cu, tops 14,000’ but varying heights.  Target located on H2S.  Released primary greens late owing to winds differing considerably from forecast.  Had difficulty in getting round the orbit, and during second run Controller ordered Main Force to complete bombing.  Brought back 1 x 1000lb MC (hung up) and 2 x 250lb TI.
PB408O   F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.H.Bushby, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, F/Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 2015  Down 0253.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths strata-cu tops 8,000’.  Target identified by H2S.  Winds were not as expected and to bomb on time we went from French coast direct to target but were still 4 minutes late.  No glow from green TIs visible above cloud.  Red TIs were not visible.  Controller called for sky method at 2312 hrs.  The green TIs were not very successful as they were below top of cloud,but gave a faint glow, which was swamped by light from flares.
PB700H   F/L H.L.Brooker, Sgt W.J.Morgan, F/L K.Brown, F/Sgt D.J.Hector, F/L J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), F/Sgt L.B.Smith, F/L A.H.Jones, F/Sgt W.D.Noall.  Up 2003  Down 0255.  2 x 250lb TI green, 12 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by H2S.  Owing Gee and Loran being u/s early in the trip, target was reached too late to drop our flares.  We carried out Controller’s instructions and dropped our emergency greens.  After leaving target we were attacked almost continually from 2321 hrs to 2350 hrs by enemy fighters.  At 2206 hrs at position 4940N 0500E 18,000’, there was a large explosion under cloud, followed by red glow, believed to be collision.  We claimed one Me410 and one Ju88 destroyed, and another Me410 as a probable as it was seen with one wing on fire.
PB473F  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O W.V.Kelley, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 2014  Down 0303.  12 Cp No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified by glow from green TI and flares already down.  Glow from green TI seen below cloud.  We dropped our flares visually (as H2S was U/S early on) on same heading as blind flare at same time as Flare Force 2.  Flares well concentrated.  Controller called for sky method.  VHF tuned down as we were being attacked by a fighter; no further messages heard; several floating TI green seen afterwards.
ND961U  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, F/L J.Watt, W/O G.L.Blackburn, F/L W.D.Knowles, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 2020  Down 0244.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud.  Unable to drop flares blind, so orbited to see if we could drop visually, but unable to see glow of TIs.  At 2312 hrs Controller ordered sky marking so we returned to base.  H2S failed; no line of flight, severe sparking.
PB521Q  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/Sgt J.D.Grabham, F/L J.Would, W/O J.G.Alston, F/Sgt N.Snelling, F/Sgt J.Garnett.  Up 2025  Down 0259.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located visually.  Owing to incorrect “Y” fixes we were in ambiguous area; we eventually arrived 12 miles north of target.  Unable to identify on H2S.  Glow could be seen on starboard side, turned to run in and to identify visually.  At 2312 hrs arrived at believed target, which was later positively identified by Loran fixes.  The only order heard on VHF was “Sky sky sky” at 2318 hrs.
PB881L  F/O A.E.May, Sgts R.P.Garroch, R.J.W.Barling, R.George, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt C.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 2021  Down 2038.  14 Cp No 3.  10/10ths cloud strata-cu 8-10,000’.  Target identified by green TI.  Cloud made ground visibility impossible.  Just after we had dropped, Controller ordered sky method.  Glow from green TIs could be seen through the cloud.
PB905K  F/O E.R.C.Harrison, Sgt M.W.P.Sheehan, F/Sgt E.D.Barnett, F/Sgt E.P.S.Smart, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis AB), F/Sgt M.Kirkby, F/Sgt H.Young, F/Sgt F.Smith.  Up 2023  Down 0257.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Arrived at target 2309 hrs.  Seeing nothing we turned round to do another run and almost immediately received W/T message (VHF being u/s) ordering sky markers.
ME623G  F/O C.Arnot, Sgt E.D.Brown, F/Sgt K.B.Leigh, W/O D.E.Eaves, F/Sgt F.Bradley, F/Sgt A.Hughes, Sgt R.H.Hambleton.  Up 2017  Down 0240.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud.  Target located by H2S.  No green TI seen, glow from flares only below cloud.  No reds seen.  We dropped our flares blind; no visual check was possible.  W/T jammed.  No instructions heard on VHF.
PB422P   Lt P.J.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.J.W.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington,  Sgt J.T.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt E.J.Hunt.  Up 2007  Down 0230.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud at approx 10,000’.  Target identified by other flares.  During our run up on to target before release of flares, Controller ordered “Sky” at 2312 hrs and Marker Leader ordered to tell his force to go home; our flares therefore were not required.  Unable to see either greens or red glow from ground markers.  Controller ordered Main Force to bomb glow of green TI, presumably high bursters, but by this time we had left target area.
PB706D   F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, F/Sgt J.Walsh, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 2030  Down 0251. 3 x 250lb TI green, 8 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud tops approx 17,000’.  Target located by H2S.  Controller ordered “Sky” at 2312 hrs.  Winds differed from Met forecast.  1 x 250lb TI green hung up; jettisoned at 5025N 0040E at 0140 hrs at 14,000’.
PB376S  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O J.Smith, W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 2016  Down 0040.   3 x 250lb TI green, 8 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Mission abortive.  Returned early from 4940N 0320E at 2220 hrs 18,000’ due to inability of aircraft to maintain speed at 19,000’ (dropped to 125 knots).  Still no more speed at 18,000’; could only maintain 135 knots with gun turrets stationary.
ND589T  F/L R.B.Sexton, F/Sgt R.Cann, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, F/Sgt R.Jeavons, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, Sgt P.A.Burtenshaw.  Up 2010  Down 0257.  8 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Made run through target at 2305 hrs.  Not satisfied so ran over again at 2311 hrs.  No coloured glow seen but two distinct glows probably from flares.  Heard Marker Leader call Controller and tell him that the bombs were falling to the north and NW of the town, so Controller then ordered Main Force to drop south of main glow at 2323 hrs.

7/8 February 1945 – Dortmund-Ems Canal

PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.H.Bushby, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T.Bray.  Up 2056  Down 0351.  2 x 250lb TI green, 10 CP No 3.  9/10ths medium thin cloud with occasional breaks.  Target identified (Ladbergen) on H2S.  Starboard inner engine had to be feathered to avoid fire at Northampton 2131 hrs.  Starboard outer was seriously overheated when over south of English coast area.  Throttled back to minimum revs and the temperature dropped to required limit.  Proceeded towards target and jettisoned to gain height (we would have been late for PBM in any case).  Second flash jettisoned safe manually over channel on return.
PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, P/O E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis AB), W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/Sgt W.D.Noall, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 2112  Down 0226.  2 x 250lb TI green, 10 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud tops 10,000’, thin stratus.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped green TI as briefed and orbited target until told our flares would not be required.
PB521Q  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/Sgt J.D.Grabham, F/L J.Would, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt N.Snelling, F/Sgt J.Garnett.  Up 2102  Down 0243.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths thin layer medium cloud.  Target located on H2S III.  Clear picture.
PB412J  W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison, W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor, W/O G.A.Lennon.  Up 2057  Down 0235.  14 CP No 1.  9/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Illumination good and punctual.  Green TI not observed.  First red TI was assessed as being 150 yards to west, and second well to east which Main Force were told to ignore.  Marker Force told to back up the first one.  Flares well concentrated; visibility below cloud appeared to be quite clear.  Difficulty might have been experienced at first in distinguishing reds below cloud but they should have been visible after flare had burnt our, as the cloud was quite thin.
PB700H  F/L N.McConnell, F/Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, S/L W.G.Rogers, F/O E.D.Steele (Vis AB), F/Sgt E.F.Carter, F/Sgt N.E.Hawkings, W/O G.Erickson.  Up 2059  Down 0236.  14 CP No 1.  8-9/10ths cloud, tops believed 10,000’.  Target located on H2S III.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 2103  Down 0245.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud thin layer, medium, very small breaks.  Target (Ladbergen) identified on H2S.  Flares did not seem as concentrated as usual.  Red and green TI occasionally seen through small breaks in cloud.
PB905K  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/L C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/O J.A.Pearce (Vis AB), W/O W.A.Manderson, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/O J.C.Burnham.  Up 2110  Down 0234.  14 CP No 3.  9/10ths cloud, tops about 8,000’.  Target identified visually on glow of TI green and flares.  VHF no good; we called and got no reply from Breeze Leader so handed over to Link 2 at H-9.  Owing to cloud we could not see TI green until we were over the top of them, so we dropped on the general glow of illumination.  No ground detail was visible.  1 CP No 3 hung up.
PB895M  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, W/O R.A.Symmons (Vis AB), F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.McNeill.  Up 2100  Down 0249.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud stratus, tops 10,000’.  Target identified visually on existing flares.  Two green TIs seen to cascade; ist at 2351 hrs.  We made our run and dropped visually on the first TI.  1st flare 4¾  miles ENE of the TI.  Another green TI had cascaded about a ¼ - ½ mile to starboard of our track.  1st flares went before 1st green TI.  Flare concentrations and illumination very good.  No reds were seen until after our run was finished.
ND961U  Lt C.W.McGregor, Sgt J.Shield, F/O A.J.Norton, F/Sgt R.C.Smalley, F/L G.S.Johnson (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.N.Cheatle, Sgts P.G.Cannon, D.S.Lennie.  Up 2105.  14 CP No 3.  Aircraft missing – no message received after take off.
ND589T  F/O A.E.May, Sgts R.P.Garroch, R.J.W.Barling, F/Sgt R.P.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt G.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 2102  Down 0248.  14 CP No 3.  8/10ths cloud tops 6,000’.  Target located on H2S with visual check.  Owing to cloud no ground detail was visible and only the general glow of illumination could be seen.

PB588E  F/O C.Arnot, Sgt E.D.Brown, F/Sgt K.B.Leigh, W/O D.E.Eaves, F/Sgt F.Bradley, F/Sgt A.Hughes, Sgt R.H.Hambleton.  Up 2109  Down 0254.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths thin stratus, tops 6-7000’.  Target identified on H2S.  The green TI was seen to go down and disappear into cloud.  We dropped our flares visually, checked by bearing and distance from Munster.   

7/8 February 1945 – Dortmund-Ems Canal (Rheine Town)

PA973C  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, W/O I.A.Cairns, W/O G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 2107  Down 0225.  10 x 1000lb MC (delay).  9/10ths broken stratus, tops 7000’.  Target identified on H2S.  We dropped our bombs blind as briefed.  On leaving we could see the attack on the canal.  Bombing appeared to be concentrated and successful.
PB408O  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, F/Sgt T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 2054  Down 0233.  10 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Bombed on H2S as briefed.  No results seen.

8/9 February 1945 – Politz

PB706D  G/C P.W.Johnson, P/O F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1644  Down 0147.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target identified on H2S.  Smoke screen had started but had not got going in time to be effective early in the attack.  Green TIs were in NW corner of town, two others actually landing in factory itself.  Several explosions seen in target area as we were leaving.
PB410J  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt A.Shepherd, S/L T.Campbell, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/Sgt J.Spriggs, P/O G.Futer, F/Sgt T.Caffrey.  Up 1655  Down 0200.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target identified on H2S.  We dropped our greens according to instructions.  Controller was difficult to hear.  Two sticks of flares were dropped before any TIs.
PB408O  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (Vis AB), W/O E.Withers, W/O G.I.Batho, F/L H.F.Roberts.  Up 1654  Down 0157.  2 x 250lb TI green, 12 CP No 1.  No cloud.  Target located by markers.  As H2S was u/s we reverted to Flare Force 2.  Released visually on green TI.  Factory seen quite clearly; at this time smoke screen was not apparent.  One stick of flares seen about 5 miles to the SW at 2103 hrs and two sticks over factory, also west, down before the TI.  Continuous red explosions seen in target area after bombing started.
PB700H  F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.J.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/L J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1654  Down 0157.  2 x 250lb TI green, 12 CP No 1.  Clear with good visibility.  Target located on H2S.  As we ran up the smoke screen was starting up from about 20 generators.  One stick of flares went down at about H-13 to south of target.  Illumination was very good and Flare Force 3 were not required.  The Controller was late on target.  Deputy I assessed red TI as 400 yards south of M/P and a few moments later as 200 yards.  He called Main Force in to bomb on a heading of 055 degrees with 13 seconds overshoot.  Controller then arrived and took over, repeating Deputy I’s orders.  Bombing was fairly concentrated and at about H+5 and H+7 two large red explosions followed by smoke were seen in target area.
PB473F  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilham, F/O T.F.A.James, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 1653  Down 0212.  2 x 250lb TI green, 12 CP No 1.  No cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Ran in on 20/30 scan (range only 10 miles) set up 4½ miles on 10/10 drum, forgot to turn to 10/10 scale.  Range thus equivalent to 9 miles and flares undershot by 4½  miles and consequently were released before time.
PB376S  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R..Pitt, W/O T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1654  Down 0132.  2 x 250lb TI green, 12 CP No 1.  Clear with good visibility.  Target identified on H2S.  At H-13 a stick of flares went down in target area followed 2 minutes later by TI green.  Two TI green were seen to be on the target and two to the south.  Illumination was good, and Flare Force 3 were not required.  Smoke screen did not join up because of strong wind, and T.II could be seen through the smoke.  At H+3 a very big explosion was seen, followed by smoke.  Rear turret was u/s 10 minutes before target.
PB905K  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/L C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt J.R.Whitehead, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/O J.C.Burnham.  Up 1703  Down 0139.  14 CP No 3.  Clear, good visibility.  Target identified visually on green TI.  When we arrived there were some flares going down before time, as early as H-13.  One stick was about 2 miles south of target.  These were followed by green TI near to the red TI which appeared later in a good concentration.  No smoke screen was observed.  At the very beginning of bombing, two small explosions were seen by the Rear Gunner, followed by a large red explosion and smoke.
NE163Y  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt W.G.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/Sgt N.H.Cholerton, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, W/O G.A.Lennon.  Up 1702  Down 0143.  14 Cp No 3.  Clear.  Target located by flares and green TIs.  First 3 flares dropped at 6 seconds intervals.  We were engaged in predicted heavy flak and had to take evasive action, so pilot ordered that all remaining flares were to be dropped in salvo, as we were actually very near target area.  Raid appeared to be very successful.  First flares very concentrated.  Greens were to northern edge of target.  Marker I (who took over from Controller) ordered Main Force to ignore red to NW of target and bomb the red to the SE.
PB895M  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.McNeill.  Up 1645  Down 0124.  14 CP No 3.  No cloud.  Good visibility.  Target identified visually on green TI and ground detail.  We started our run in about 2100 hrs and first flares began to go down very early at approx 2101.5 hrs.  Engineer identified the target in light of flares and we orbited and made another run to drop on time at 2104/5 hrs.  On the start of our second run we saw two green TI go down into the target area itself.  The smoke screen was covering the target at this time but green TI could be seen through it.  About 5 miles south of Politz we saw what appeared to be 2 sticks of flares at right angles with red and green TIs with them.  This was at 2108 hrs.
PB881L  Lt P.J.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.W.J.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington, Sgt D.J.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt E.J.Hunt.  Up 1704  Down 0203.  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target located on H2S with visual check on green TI.  When we arrived the target was illuminated by flares, some of which appeared to west.  Just after we had started to drop we heard the Controller’s order “No more flares required” so we stopped dropping after 4 flares had gone.
ND589T   F/O A.E.May, Sgts R.P.Garroch, R.J.W.Barling, F/Sgt R.P.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt G.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 1645  Down 0154.  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target identified on H2S.  Instructions received from Marker Leader at 2110 hrs that our flares were not required.  We then left for base.
PB422P  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, W/O I.A.Cairns, W/O G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell  Up 1706  Down 0150.  2 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  No cloud.  Target located on H2S III.  Bombs released on Box.  Emergency TI not required.  Smoke screen had sight of factory but TI red could be clearly seen.  At approximately 2117 hrs a good explosion was seen, followed several minutes later by a particularly large one.  Our TIs not required.
ME623G  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, F/Sgt I.M.Wintle, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 1701  Down 0144.  2 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target located on H2S.  One red TI assessed as 200 yards south.  Considerable glare from flares.  Main Force called in just before H-hour.  Explosion seen on way back from target.
PA973C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.E.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt H.J.Arney, F/Sgt V.E.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1705  Down 0222.  2 x 250lb TI green, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Clear.  Target located visually on red and green TIs.  H2S was u/s from the start so we bombed visually as Main Force.  Red TI were just very slightly to south of M/P; there were also some green TI in the factory.  Bombing was very concentrated and caused several explosions.  Smoke screen did not join and had no effect on visibility of TIs.  Owing to burst hydraulic pipe in Navigator’s compartment we switched off all navigation aids owing to risk of fire and came home on QFMs after reaching the English coast on DR.

13/14 February 1945 – Dresden

PB156R  F/L O.P.F.Taylor, F/Sgt J.B.Aherne, S/L W.M.Burnside, W/O J.H.Bushby, F/Sgt H.N.Stauber, W/O A.J.Astle, F/Sgt W.T. Bray.  Up 1820  down 0252.  5 RP flares red/green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay), 2 x 1000lb TI green.  Half cover 7/10ths layre cloud with stratus at 15,000’.  Target identification on H2S.  Through a slight break in cloud a green TI was seen 200 yards north of the bend.  Inside the bend, this TI was seen to drop at 2202.5 hrs.  Flares gave good illumination and were well concentrated.  Controller assessed some of the green TIs 100 yards south of the M/P.  Controller seemed well pleased with attack; flares seen to be burning well when we were over 90 miles on way home.
PB408O  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, W/O I.A.Cairns, W/O G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1815  Down 0302.  5 RP flares red/green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay), 2 x 1000lb TI green.  9/10ths strata-cu.  Target located on H2S.  Dropped our green TI and bombs as briefed, but distributor arm did not move when bomb teat was pressed, until tapped, causing 5 seconds delay in actual release.  Early in the attack, about H-7, Controller said “No more flares needed”.  Probably did not need Flare Force 3.  Red TI assessed as being within 200 yards.  Main Force told to bomb glow from reds as planned.
PB700H   F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.J.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/L J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1814  Down 0312.  5 RP flares red/green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay), 2 x 1000lb TI green.  8-9/10ths cloud.  Clear.  Target located on H2S.  Went through target, dropping load as briefed, as PBM.  Turned to port ready to line myself up for emergency, as I was unable to see TIs for quite a while.  On second run over target, glow of reds could be seen through gap in clouds, also slight ground detail.  Controller instructed Main Force to bomb red TIs as planned.  After the first 5 minutes he said bombing was getting a bit wild.  At H-6 Controller ordered no more flares.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, S/L T.Campbell, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison, W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor, W/O G.A.Lennon.  Up 1817  Down 0313.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  Medium cloud approx one mile east of target.  Target covered by 10/10ths strata-cu, tops 5,000’.  Identification by H2S III.  Glow of 1 or 2 green TIs throughout.  Our flares first to go down and so there were no flares released before time.  Starboard outer engine lost power and after showing signs of catching fire was feathered near base on return.
PB157B  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/L C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt R.Smith, F/O J.C.Burnham, P/O H.W.Newing.  Up 1811  Down 0323.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  9/10ths thick cloud.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped flares as briefed.  Green TIs seen cascading at H-11.  Glow from TIs and ground detail seen.
PB376S  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt J.E.Pitt, W/O T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1824  Down 0318.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  8-9/10ths cloud, slight breaks.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped flares blind as briefed.  Green TI a little early.  One red TI cascaded estimated 8000’ before PBM went down.  Controller told Link I to tell Main Force to come below medium cloud at 15,000’ and bomb red TI glow according to plan.  One stick of bombs apparently went wide.
PB422P  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/Sgt J.D.Grabham, F/L J.Would, W/O J.G.Alston, F/Sgt N.Snelling, F/Sgt A.Hay.  Up 1820  Down 0254.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  9-10/10ths cloud, thin; layer of medium above.  Target identified on H2S.  Dropped flares blind as ordered.  One green TI seen cascading at 2205.25 hrs.
PB473F  F/L N.McConnell, F/Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/Sgt N.H.Cholerton, F/O E.D.Steele (Vis AB), F/L W.E.Clayfield, F/Sgt N.Hawkings, W/O G.Erickson.  Up 1818  Down 0335.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud approx 6000’.  Controller ordered no more flares at 2208 hrs precisely, as we were running up to release.  Jettisoned flares at position 4830N 0805E at 0022 hrs  At 15,000’ aircraft started to ice up.  As Link I we passed the following messages – 2208 hrs “No more flares” to Flare Force.  2211 hrs “Attack red TI as planned” to Main Force.  2213 hrs “Come below medium cloud”.  2219 hrs “Attack red glow”.  2220 hrs “Complete bombing and return to base”.  2223 hrs “Return to base”.  2228  hrs “Target attacked”. 
PB881L  F/L R.B.Sexton, Sgt R.C.Aird, F/O I.G.Martin, F/O H.B.Milne, F/Sgt R.Jeavons, Sgts V.R.Orr, P.A. Burtenshaw.  Up 1819  Down 0322.  14 CP No 3.  9/10ths thin cloud below; 10/10ths above.  Target located on green TIs, which were seen quite clearly through the cloud and were very concentrated.  Red TIs not seen until after leaving target; assessment of 100 yards east of M/P was heard at 2206 hrs.  Controller ordered Main Force to bomb concentration of reds as planned.  1 CP No 3 hung up and was brought back to base.
PB895M   F/O A.E.May, Sgt R.P.Garroch, F/Sgt R.J.W.Barling, F/Sgt R.P.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt G.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 1819  Down 0322.  14 CP No 3.  9/10ths thin cloud below, 10/10ths above.  Target identified on green TIs and flares.  As our last flares dropped at 2208.5 hrs, Controller said “no more flares”.  Mosquitos had dropped and assessed their red TI.
PB521Q   F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, W/O W.A.Manderson, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.McNeill.  Up 1821  Down 0329.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  7/10ths cloud, tops 6000’.  Target identified by green TI, red TI and flares.  We were about to make a blind flare run when Controller said he wanted no more flares – about H-5.  We were Check 3 and he called on three occasions for information about red TI; replied they were visible from our height.  Meanwhile we continued run to drop bombs, but they did not go owing to faulty manipulation.  Controller said marking was good, bombing improved as it went on.
ND589T  Lt P.J.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.W.J.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington, Sgt D.J.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt E.J.Hunt.  Up 1810  Down 0319.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  9/10ths cloud at approx 5000’.  Target located on H2S III.  Controller ordered no more flares at 2209 hrs.  Bombs released on Box.  Good picture.  Good red glow also seen with fires observed for 30 minutes after leaving target.
PB706D  F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, F/Sgt J.Walsh, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 1830  down 0303.  5 RP flares green /red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay) 1 x 500lb MC (delay).  9-10/10ths thin cloud.  Target located on H2S.  Dropped bombs blind as briefed.  Markers seemed very concentrated and could be seen quite plainly through the cloud.
PA973C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt A.E.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, W/O R.T.Hillas, F/Sgt V.E.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1819  Down 0339.  5 RP flares green /red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay) 1 x 500lb MC (delay).  Layer of cloud at 15,000’; strat-cu at 2,000’.  8/10ths.  Identification of target on H2S.  We arrived and were preparing our run in to drop flares when we realised that ground marking was being carried out.  At 2209 hrs “No more flare”, and at 2212 hrs Main Force were called in to bomb below cloud.  Good spread of fires seen inside bend of river.  Rear Gunner reported at 2245 hrs that fires could still be seen.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, S/L W.G.Cooper (Vis AB), F/Sgt J.Spriggs, P/O G.Futer, F/Sgt T.Caffrey.  Up 1829  Down 0308.  5 RP flares green /red, 6 x 1000lb MC (delay) 1 x 500lb MC (delay).  7/10ths cloud; thin.  Target located by red TI and river check on H2S.  Red TI assessed as 200 yards north of M/P.  Controller appeared satisfied with marking.  Order “No more flares” came early in the attack.  Main Force told to come below medium cloud (at 15,000’).  Link I passed message “Return to Base”.  Many incendiaries seen in built up area and around river.
ME623G  F/O J.Vallance, Sgt D.W.Bright, P/O J.W.Hows, W/O J.W.Wilson, F/Sgt F.Broughton, Sgts F.W.Negus, E.G.Perry.  Up 1813  Down 0348.  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 1 x 500lb MC (delay).  10/10ths thin cloud.  Target located visually.  Loran equipment u/s; unable to locate ourselves on H2S.  No response on Ruhr Gee chain.  When we did locate ourselves we were 40 miles NE of target.  Saw flares and TIs on Dresden and returned to attack.  Dropped load on red glow beneath the cloud.  After leaving target and passing over layer cloud, it was seen that target was well alight.

14/15 February 1945 – Rositz

PB700H  F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.J.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/L J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 1703  Down 0124.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud, thin.  Target identified on H2X.  Ran up and dropped load.  Heard  Controller say that a green TI was down.  Turned round to bomb again and saw that flares were visible through cloud.  No TIs seen.  As Emergency method was obviously not required, returned to hear Controller order Main Force to bomb red TI with one green adjoining.
PB156R  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt A.Shepherd, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/Sgt J.Spriggs, P/O G.Futer, F/Sgt T.Caffrey.  Up 1723  Down 0133.  2 x 250lb TI green, 2 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay).  Thin layer of cloud at 14,500’ in 3 layers, bases 13,500’.  Target identified on H2S.  We had difficulty in making height and had to cut a corner off between position C and E, even so we were still 5½ minutes late in dropping our markers.  We orbited awaiting Sky method, which was not required.  Marking with red TI was carried out effectively.
PB706D  G/C P.W.Johnson, P/O F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, S/L W.G.Rogers, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 1700  Down 0151.  12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths alto-stratus 13-14,000’.  Target located on H2S.  Dropped flares as briefed.  2 green TIs seen some distance apart (about 3 miles).  No red TIs seen. We orbited awaiting sky method.  Flares were fairly concentrated.
PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, F/O J.G.Woolcott, P/O E.Craven, W/O G.K.Brown, W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, S/L C.C.Sherring, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 1717  Down 0103.  12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  Thin medium cloud 10-14,000’.  Target identification on H2X.  Flares dropped as detailed.  Orbited preparatory to doing skymarking, but this was not required.
PB376S  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R.Pitt, W/O T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1720  Down 0131.   12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud, very thin stratus, tops 14,500’.  Target identified on H2S III.  After releasing flares, while heading easterly we had to dive to avoid a Lancaster flying on a NW heading.  One CP hung up and was brought back.  Two green TIs were not required.  Flares appeared to be reasonably concentrated.
PB408O   F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, W/O I.A.Cairns, W/O G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 1713  Down 2136.  12 CP No 1, 2 x 250lb TI green.  Returned early from 5010N 0400E at 1827 hrs 8000’ owing to intercom being u/s and emergency not working properly.  After taking off although extensive check was made, TR1196 did not work at first, and later it was only intermittent.
PB881L   F/O A.E.May, Sgt R.P.Garroch, F/Sgt R.J.W.Barling, F/Sgt R.P.George, F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt G.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 1713  Down 2136.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud, tops 10,000’, base 8000’.  Target located on flares and green TI.  We had to come down below cloud to drop flares visually amongst existing ones.  One red and green TI were seen close together.
ND589T  Lt P.C.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.W.J.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington, Sgt D.J.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt E.J.Hunt.  Up 1718  Down 0129.  14 CP No 3.  6-7/10ths strata-cu, 8000’.  Target identified visually.  TIs seen burning on the ground and some ground detail.  Red and green TI seemed very concentrated over target.  Came down to 12,000’ as there was cloud at 15,000’.  Large explosion seen at approx 2102 hrs.  1 CP No 3 hung up and was brought back.
PB895M  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt W.G.Allison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt D.N.Wilkins.  Up 1716  Down 0123.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths stratus but very thin at approx 8000’.  Target located on markers.  Released visually upwind and across other flares as briefed.  Green TI seen but unable to plot position.  Flares seemed well concentrated.  1 CP No 3 hung up, brought back.  Controller VHF very distorted and intermittent.
PB905K  F/L N.McConnell, F/Sgt J.Aitken, F/O J.G.Cook, F/Sgt N.H.Cholerton, F/O E.D.Steele (Vis AB), F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt N.E.Hawkings, W/O G.Erickson.  Up1719  Down 0137.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths thin cloud, patchy, tops 14,000’.  Target identified by green and red TIs.  PBM first green went down on time, as did blind flares, 2101 hrs.  Controller ordered Main Force to aim at red TI adjacent to accurate green TI 2045 hrs.  Time check 2056 hrs back up red TIs.  2100 hrs Main Force called in.  2102.5 hrs Controller said oil had blown up.  2103 hrs bombed as Flight Plan.  2106 hrs Message from Link I to Controller asking what was wrong with his VHF.  2109 hrs Controller repeated bomb MPI M/P of red TI.  2110 hrs Complete bombing.  2111 hrs Complete bombing, return to base, repeated 2112 hrs, 2113 hrs “Target attacked”.  We repeated these messages as Link II.
PB588E  F/O E.R.C.Harrison, Sgt M.W.P.Sheehan, F/Sgt E.D.Barnett, F/Sgt E.P.S.Smart, F/Sgt M.Kirkby, F/Sgt F.Smith, F/Sgt H.Young.  Up 1727  Down 0148.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  7/10ths broken stratus-cu, tops 5-6000’.  Target located visually on flares and TI, confirmed by H2S.  On making first run in to drop our flares blind we were not satisfied with the result of the set.  Made another run to drop flares visually, but the markers were marking and we considered our flares were not necessary.  Another run was made to drop our two bombs.  Flares retained.
PB521Q  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.McNeill.  Up 1710  Down 0147.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud, thin.  Target identified by H2S with visual check.  We did a blind bombing run on Box, with visual check.  Engineer said we were just starboard of the green TIs at time of dropping.  Red and green TI were very close together and could be seen plainly through the cloud.  Flares seemed good.
PB157B  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (Vis AB), W/O E.Withers, W/O G.I.Batho, F/L H.F.Roberts.  Up 1725  Down 0138.  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud, thin, tops 14,000’.  Target identification by H2S.  We dropped bombs only, as TIs not required.  Glow from flares seen but we were unable to see the TIs.  Could not hear Controller very well on VHF.
PA973C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, P/O A.G.Murray, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, W/O H.J.Arney, F/Sgt V.E.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1728  Down 0145.  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 2 x 250lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud, tops 13,000’.  Target identified on H2S.  The Met winds were not as briefed so had to cut all legs from position C.  Came up to target and identified on the Box.  As we dropped there was a terrific explosion, followed by several smaller ones.  Fires in Dresden could still be seen, also at Chemnitz.  Our TIs not required.

19/20 February 1945 – Bohlen

PB408O   *F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, W/O G.A.Lennon, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 0004  Down 0704.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay), 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud tops 10-12,000’.  Target identified on H2S.  No results visible.  Cloud prevented greens being seen.  Controller heard only by Main Force and not by Marker Leader who took over Control.
PB422P  F/L R.B.Canever, F/Sgt K.A.Hulton, W/C W.M.Mason, W/O G.K.Brown (Vis AB), P/O E.Craven, W/O H.R.G.Abernethy, F/Sgt J.Walsh, F/Sgt B.J.V.Turner.  Up 2357  Down 0653.   2 x 1000lb TI green, 5 x 1000lb MC (delay), 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud, tops 12,000’.  Target located by markers.  Not satisfied with blind run.  Made a second on Box, also unsatisfactory.  Got into position for sky marking run but when this was not called for we came in and dropped bombs on darkest point of glow.  From VHF chatter it appeared that there was some difficulty in red marking and Controller not heard.  Eventually Marker Leader took over.  All we could see an indefinite widespread glow.
PB905K   F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt E.J.Betts, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/L C.A.P.Thomson, F/L J.L.Billington (Vis AB), W/O E.Withers, W/O G.I.Batho, F/L H.F.Roberts.  Up 2346 Down 0707.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  H2S was very poor.  Gee became u/s just fater we passed the Ruhr and the Loran equipment was u/s all the time, so Navigator worked on W/Op’s “Y” fixes but we ended up 14 miles south of target and were too late to drop on it, so returned to base with load.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt R.N.Mower, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt A.Hay, F/Sgt T.Caffrey.  Up 2351  Down 0734.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud.  All that was visible of marking and illumination was a general glow on cloud.  H2S unsatisfactory.  We ran up on track but definition on the set was very murky.  Leipzig was observed but there was no definite shape in the picture, so the set operator concentrated on picking up the target itself; although we saw it once, it was lost again during an evasive action caused by predicted heavy flak before bomb doors were open.  We went round again but as we ran up a Marker said that the target was marked.
PB706D   *F/O K.G.Robertson, Sgt R.C.Saxby, F/Sgt D.Soar, F/Sgt N.C.Scullard, W/O R.Morgan, W/O G.A.Lennon, Sgt J.L.Heron.  Up 2358  down 0750.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud tops 11,000’.  H2S  was u/s.  Loran unsatisfactory.  We were going to act as visual flares with Flare Force 3.  When we ran in on DR we were south of the target approx 20 miles and all we could see was a very large area of flares, illumination below cloud.  At this moment we heard a marker say he was unable to locate the M/P, so we did not release our flares.  Port outer engine was feathered just after we were leaving target.    
PB376S  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R..Pitt, W/O T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 0001  Down 0710.  12 CP No 1, 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud, tops 11-12,000’.  Target located on H2S.  We saw greens go down ahead of us and they showed and they showed a red glow through cloud.  Our run run was satisfactory in spite of the fact that we were attacked by predicted heavy flak throughout our bombing run and we had 3 or 4 hits.
PB895M  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/Sgt Cann, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt D.N.Wilkins.  Up 2349  Down 0706.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud tops 12,000’ approx.  Target identified by flares.  Cloud was too thick to see anything but the glow of the flares.  Controller’s VHF transmitting and receiving about strength 2 although he got strength 5 from Link I.  As he ran in we heard one of the markers say he had run over the factory and was making second run.  Apparently he dropped his markers on the factory, and Main Force were called in to bomb the reds direct.  Not in position to see whether there was a good glow to aim at or not.
PB521Q  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/L J.Watt, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 0003  Down 0711.  14 CP No 3.  10/10thc cloud, tops 12-13,000’.  Target seen from glow from flares.  Green TI accurate.  Marker II said he had identified factory and M/P.  Red TI were not heard assessed but were later backed up and bombed.  Controller ordered “Bomb concentration of red TI” 0416 hrs; repeated 0420 and 0424 hrs.  At 0425 hrs “Bomb red TI direct and return to base”; 0428 hrs repeated “Bomb red TI direct”; 0430 hrs “Complete bombing and return to base”.  At 0414 hrs Controller went off altogether.  Marker Leader and Mosquito Deputy I gave all the other orders afterwards that we heard and passed to Link I.
ND589T  F/O E.Yaxley, F/Sgt J.A.Davies, W/O I.A.Cairns, F/O J.Alabaster, F/O G.H.Evans, F/Sgt A.Rainsford, Sgt R.Wilders.  Up 0009  Down 0719.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths stratus-cu, 9,500’-11,500’.  Visibility good beneath it.  Target identified on existing flares and green TI.  Glow of the green TI was seen as we made our run across.  Flares in general were fairly well concentrated.
PA973C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, P/O J.Rayner, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt H.J.Arney, F/Sgt V.E.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 0002  Down 0729.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud in layer 13,500’.  Target identified by light of flares and check on H2S.  We were unable to drop flares blind on account of unsatisfactory returns on H2S so after dropping bombs visually we went down to 9000’ to try to identify visually to try to supply more flares asked for, as the others were going out.  We could not identify and were then too late.  Marker I had taken over and ordered “Bomb red TI direct”.  Even at 9000’ only glow and no actual markers could be seen.  Flares brought back.
PB157B  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.F.Clarson.  Up 0002  Down 0740.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb MC (delay).  10/10ths cloud 12,000’.  Target located by glow from flares.  Red TI seen just as our flares were bursting.  Only about 6 words heard on VHF.  At H-5 one of the Mosquitos was heard saying he had identified factory but that flares were going out and that more were needed.  No joy on VHF after that.  On return we could see much bombing below cloud layer.
PB410J  W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison, W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor, F/Sgt D.Mallinson.  Up 2355  Down 0708  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10 ths stratus-cu tops 11,000’.  Target located by faint glow below cloud.  Green TI not visible.  Target marked by Mosquitos and Main Force called in to bomb direct by Controller.  A few seconds later Marker I called Controller, and getting no reply, took over and instructed Main Force to bomb green TI but this was amended to “Attack reds direct” following discussion with Link II regarding the Controller’s lost instructions.  Reds could hardly be seen owing to thick cloud.  I did not take over as Lancaster Deputy I because full instructions had already been given.
PB473F  F/L D.H.Simpson, F/Sgt A.F.Park, F/O J.Mollison, F/O R.R.Ormiston, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, W/O J.K.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 0006  Down 0736.  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud tops 11,000’.  Target located by markers.  We were not required for emergency although we expected to be called in and hung around.  We understood that red markers could be seen, but we saw nothing and went down to search; could only see indefinite red glow.  Considerable heavy flak encountered.
PB700H  F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.J.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/L J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 0005  Down 0720.  6 x 1000lb MC (delay), 5 RP flares green/red.  10/10ths cloud tops 11,500’.  Target identification on markers.  Our emergency Wanganui flares were not required and we ran in and dropped bombs on red glow direct as ordered.  Glow not very concentrated bur it had a definite red colour about it.  We bombed late as we had to make a second run – Controller no being ready for us on the first.  Marker Leader took over from Controller and was heard to state that markers were on the factory direct.

20/21 February 1945 – Gravenhorst (Dortmund-Ems Canal)

PB473F  G/C P.W.Johnson, P/O F.J.Ratcliffe, F/L M.E.Hatch, P/O G.D.Moir, W/O R.A.Symmons, F/Sgt N.M.Greenley, F/Sgt J.J.Garrod, F/Sgt D.J.Watts.  Up 2142  Down 0352.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud tops about 1,500’.  Target identified on H2X.  Green TI were dropped as briefed and on time.  Glow was visible through cloud.  Flares were quite good.  Markers went down to 400’ in the vicinity of the target.  No marking actually carried out and raid was abandoned at H-2 approx.
PB700H  F/L B.J.Hines, Sgt J.Sinclair, F/O M.R.McQuillan, F/Sgt A.J.Marrable, Sgt D.Moroney, F/L J.Ray, F/Sgt C.W.Palmer.  Up 2143  Down 0357.  12 CP No 3, 2 x 1000lb TI green.  10/10ths cloud tops 3000’.  Target located on H2S.  On run up we saw two green TI go down and disappear into cloud; after flares had died out glow of green TI was visible.  Our run was unsatisfactory se we did not drop.  We circled target in case our flares were required but Controller ordered “Abandon Mission” at H-3.
ND589T  F/O J.W.Greening, Sgt J.E.Nutt, W/O I.A.Cairns, W/O G.L.Blackburn, Sgt C.D.Newsome, F/Sgt J.A.Dean, F/Sgt T.P.Bell.  Up 2144  Down 0324.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths low cloud, tops 3000’.  Target identified on H2S.  We dropped our flares on time as briefed.  Glow from 2 green TIs seen above cloud.  No marking was carried out and message sent out for Main Force to return without bombing.
PB157B  F/O W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/L C.W.L.Sabine, F/O J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/O J.C.Burnham, F/O F.A.Tuck.  Up 2144  Down 0324.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths low cloud, tops 3,000’.  Target identified on H2S.  Flares were dropped as instructed and on time, but no marking was done.  We were told to return without bombing.
PB422P  F/O F.M.Negus, Sgt L.H.Stephens, F/Sgt J.D.Grabham, F/L J.Would, W/O J.G.Alston, Sgts N.Snelling, J.Garnett.  Up 2139  Down 0333.  14 CP No 1.  10/10ths cloud from 0-6000’.  Target identified on H2S.  On first run, which was made on time, the set operator was not satisfied with it, so we made another to drop, and this was good although we were 4 minutes late.  2 green TIs were seen to cascade through cloud and then disappear.  Markers 1 7 3 were down to 500’, and still in cloud, so marking was not possible.  Controller then called Link II and ordered mission to be abandoned.  Sent out by Link I 0103 hrs.
PB905K  Lt P.C.H.Addison, Sgt F.G.Nelson, P/O E.W.J.Durand, F/Sgt J.Billington, Sgt D.J.Rogers, F/Sgt E.B.Roper, Sgt H.J.Hunt.  Up 2156  Down 0328.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud tops 4-5000’.  Target located by light of existing flares.  A green was seen to go down and disappear into cloud.  No green glow visible.  Our flares were dropped across existing ones.
PB588E  F/O A.E.May, Sgt R.P.Garroch, F/Sgt R.J.W.Barling, F/Sgt R.P.George, F/O K.J.Ross (Vis AB), F/Sgt A.E.M.Mather, F/Sgt G.F.Williams, F/Sgt H.Hall.  Up 2147  Down 0337.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud tops approx 4000’.  Base reported on VHF as 400’.  Target located on markers.  Released our flares across other PB flares as briefed.  Saw 2 green TI cascade above cloud.  TI burst fairly close together.  Controller then ordered Main Force home at H-2½ .
PB410J  F/L D.H.Shorter, F/Sgt A.F.Park, F/O J.Mollison, F/O R.R.Ormiston, F/Sgt G.L.Grantham, W/O J.K.Russell, Sgt K.Setchell.  Up 2152  Down 0335.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud solid below 4000’.  Target identified by existing flares, with H2S check.  Change in wind caused us to be late in spite of increased IAS.  2 green could be seen as glow below cloud after flares had died out close together,  Marker II told Controller he was still in cloud at 400’.  Controller gave order to abandon raid, which was passed at 0104 hrs.
PB521Q  F/O A.M.Dow, Sgt J.Chamberlain, F/O R.A.Muddle, F/O J.A.Orrell, F/O G.R.Willey, Sgt H.F.J.Brittain, F/Sgt W.E.McNeill.  Up 2151  Down 0348.  14 CP No 3.  Cloud 10/10ths tops 4000’.  Target located by green TI and existing flares, also check on H2S.  Big concentration of flares when we arrived.  We could not see greens after they disappeared into cloud.  After all flares had been dropped and no chance of marking appeared possible, attack was called off.
PA973C  F/O K.A.Watson, Sgt L.Wilman, F/O L.R.Mayo, F/O A.Noble, F/O W.Rolfe, F/Sgt C.T.Milford, F/Sgt E.Clarson.  Up 2151  Down 0342.  14 CP No 3.  10/10ths cloud tops about 2000’.  Target found on H2S.  No signs of green TIs.  Flares were in good concentration.  No marking seen.  Markers were very low and still in cloud.  Mission then ordered to be abandoned.

21/22 February 1945 – Gravenhorst (Dortmund-Ems Canal)

PB408O  F/L T.N.Scholefield, F/L J.I.French, F/L I.Hamilton, P/O F.E.K.Hughes, F/O F.T.McNabb (Vis AB), F/L W.D.Knowles, W/O A.J.Astle, W/O M.H.McBride.  Up 1701  Down 2306.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 12 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target identified on H2S.  Red was right on M/P.  The third was most northerly, which Controller ordered Main Force to bomb.  Target was very well illuminated and no more flares were ordered.  None from Flare Force 3.
PB156R  F/O T.W.J.Noon, Sgt T.R..Pitt, W/O T.Higgins, F/Sgt T.A.Hallett, W/O R.O.Thorpe, F/Sgt E.J.Douglas, F/Sgt P.M.Harvey.  Up 1658  Down 2304.  2 x 1000lb TI green, 12 CP No 3.  Clear.  Target location on H2S.  Overshot on ETA and did unnecessary dog leg making us nearly 4 minutes late.  Met winds not as forecast on last third of trip.  We were too late to drop as PBMs.  Red TI fell about 2023.5 hrs, and were well around embankment.  Controller ordered northerly one to be backed and bombed.  2 greens were 2000/2500 yards south.  They were 500 yards apart and at least 3, or 5 or 6 minutes late.
PB410J W/C R.Baker, F/Sgt A.J.Sibbald, F/O K.J.Parfitt, F/L R.V.Allan, F/L F.H.Harrison, W/O F.A.John, F/Sgt D.H.Wonfor, F/Sgt D.Mallinson.  Up 1700  Down 2250.  14 CP No 1.  Weather clear.  Target located on H2S.  Our flares were dropped as ordered.  Green and red TIs were dropped, and marking carried out.  Main Force were called in to bomb red TIs in triangle, i.e. the northern ones.
PB588E  F/L C.W.Eaton, F/Sgt R.H.Mower, P/O W.A.Fripp, F/L J.W.H.Dobbie, F/Sgt R.Smith, F/Sgt A.Hay, F/Sgt T.Caffrey.  Up 1706  Down 2257.  14 CP No 1.  No cloud.  Target identification on H2S III.  While we were releasing flares a red TI cascaded in the middle of them.  We were the third stick to drop; the first fell very short and the rest on our port.  Approaching target, wind found 358/30; in target area after dropping it was 023/35.  This difference partly accounts for us being late.
PB422P  F/O G.A.Hamilton, Sgt E.Watson, F/L J.Watt, F/O J.Smith, W/O R.M.Rusbridge (Vis AB), W/O E.Brown, F/O G.C.H.Beevor, F/O G.T.Lemon.  Up 1659  Down 2244.  14 CP No 1.  Clear, visibility good.  Identification of target on H2S.  Ran over target at 2021.5 hrs, but being dissatisfied with run we did not drop.  PBMs went down about 2021 hrs.  A pair of greens straddled the canal 180 yards east of junction.  Another fell 400 yards ESE of the first pair.  One red TI was seen on east bank of canal in target area, about 1 mile north of greens.  Illumination very good except for one stick of flares about 10 miles to west of target.
PB895M  F/O S.S.Warnock, F/O A.Morrison, F/O F.W.A.Hendry, F/L W.O.Lunn, W/O K.Bate (Vis AB), F/Sgt B.A.Turner, W/O A.Channon, F/Sgt D.N.Wilkins.  Up 1705  Down 2253.  14 CP No 3.  Clear.  Visual identification on green TI and flares.  2 green TI seen, and some flares 5/6 miles SW of target.  Red TI was dropped and assessed and request made to back up, resulting in a binch of 4 red TI.  Main Force called in to bomb most northerly of triangle of red TIs.
PA973C  F/O J.D.Cottman, Sgt J.W.Cross, F/Sgt S.R.E.Baynes, F/Sgt J.S.Coster, F/Sgt H.J.Arney, F/Sgt V.E.Petschell, F/Sgt L.J.Bull.  Up 1703  Down 2242.  14 CP No 3.  Clear, good visibility.  Target identified by ground detail in light of flares.  Our heading was out because we were engaged by accurate predicted flak just before we ran up.  Only 2 sticks of flares dropped on our run and no TIs were down.  Ground detail was clear in the light of flares.
PB154B  F/L W.P.Ryan, Sgt H.V.A.Kirby, F/L C.W.L.Sabine, F/L J.J.G.McPhie, F/Sgt F.Broughton, F/O J.C.Burnham, F/O F.A.Tuck.  Up 1707  Down 2239.  14 CP No 3.  Clear; half moon.  Target located visually by junction of canal, also by flares and green and red TIs.  We were a minute early on arrival, so orbited and came in again, and dropped as briefed.  PBMs and blind flares were late, though flares went down before green TI.  2 greens went down 1 mile SE of junction.  First marker appeared at H-6 immediately after PBM, forming triangle.  Controller said northerly was most accurate and ordered bombing at H-3 approx.
ND589T  F/O A