Action This Day

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23 Sqn(Manston – Blenheim IVF) 3.3.41

Five aircraft, F/O. Encor, F/Lt. Hoare, Sgt. Rose, F/O. Gawith, F/O. Gawith carried out “Intruder Operations” in Poix, Amiens, Beauvais and Merville Area. F/O. Encor attacked HE 111 from 10 yards dead astern 3 secs. Burst. A.G. gave 2 secs. burst into port engine. E/A then seen to be on fire but lost from view at 1500 feet. Credited one destroyed. F/Lt. Hoare attacked E/A (type unknown) landing at Lille. A burst of 3 secs was fired when E/A was 50 feet above the ground followed by a stick of 4 x 20 lb. Bombs. Credited one damaged. Sgt. Rose reported missing from patrol. Last heard of at 00.39 hours asking for emergency homing. Subsequently reported prisoner of War by Haw-haw on news 4/3/41.

ADDENDUM – The other two crew members, Sgts. Nicholas and Walker KIA. Aircraft believed shot down by flak near Guines.

Base Changes

107 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Leuchars, transferred to Coastal Command
312 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Valley

First and Last Operational Missions

152 Sqn(Warmwell) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA
616 Sqn(Tangmere) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane I) 4.3.41

Blue Section took off at 0813 to patrol Marblethorpe and soon after a heavy ground mist closed in and section landed at W.C.1 and W.C.2 satellites, nearby. The weather remained unfavourable for the remainder of the day and no further flying took place.

Base Changes

33 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Larissa

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CIRCUS 7 – BOULOGNE

Escort Sqns – 303, 601
High Cover Sqns – 145, 610, 615
FS Sqns – 54, 92, 609, 611

139 Sqn (Horsham St. Faith – Blenheim IV) 5.3.41

T.1922 – Bombing Raid - Target: BOULOGNE (CC29) Formation with fighter escort.
Bombed from 16,400 feet. Bomb Load 4 x 250 lbs. 4x 40 lbs. Bombs from all aircraft fell in target area.
V.5460 – Ditto
T.1795 – Ditto
V.6498 – Ditto
R.3611 - Ditto
R.2791 – Ditto – One 250 lbs. bomb hung up.

First and Last Operational Missions

242 Sqn(Martlesham Heath) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I
601 Sqn(Notholt) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane I) 6.3.41

Two scrambles to patrol Skegness during morning without incident. One and a half hours of Squadron formation flying practice in the afternoon was carried out.

Base Changes

80 Sqn(Gladiator II/Hurricane I) moved to Eleusis

First and Last Operational Missions

242 Sqn(Martlesham Heath) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA
611 Sqn(Hornchurch) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA

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401 Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane I) 7.3.41

Rain and low cloud base throughout day. At 1230 hours during an air raid warning an enemy aircraft machine-gunned and dropped five bombs of 250 lbs. each, one of which was a time-bomb. LAC Walker was confined to Sick Quarters due to shock from bombing. One unexploded bomb was fired by the bomb disposal squad at 1400 hours. During the period 1339 to 1533 hours, there were five scrambles.

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266 Sqn(Wittering – Spitfire IA) 8.3.41

P/O. ROACH 0815-0855 Ordered off on vector 030 deg. for two min. returned to base and orbited. Given another vector 050 deg. followed by 080 deg. to BOSTON, then orbited for some time until instructed to return to base. No E/A sighted.

P/O FERRIS - Sgt VAN SCHAICH 1010-1120 Ordered off East on vector 110 deg. tallyhoed Ju.88, and pursued it out to sea for 3 min. E/A destroyed falling into sea in flames. Three of the crewman baled out last seen swimming shorewards. P/O FERRIS missing after engagement and presumed crashed into the sea and drowned.

Sgt. WHESKIL – Sgt BOWMAN 1100-1210 Ordered off on vector 080 deg. For about 10 min. then 010 deg. for 5 min. Then investigated an aircraft that was identified as a WELLINGTON. After vectoring South for 5 min. saw and intercepted an aircraft that was identified as friendly. Ordered to orbit for some time and then return to base and land.

P/O GOSLING – P/O HUMPHREY 1445-1510 Ordered off and then to orbit base at 10000 ft.P/O HUMPHREY called to P/O GOSLING that he had engine trouble and was landing. He subsequently crashed and was slightly injured. Aircraft a write-off. Meanwhile P/O GOSLING continued until raid was identified as a friendly aircraft when he was ordered to land.

Base Changes

61 Sqn(Hampden I) moved to Hemswell

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401 Sqn RCAF(Driffield – Hurricane I) 9.3.41

Squadron at 30 minute available during morning. “A” Flight at readiness 13.20 hours. “A” Flight scramble to patrol base at 14.13 hrs. Weather prevented further flying.

Base Changes

237 Sqn(Hardy/LysanderI/II) moved to Barentu

First and Last Operational Missions

302 Sqn(Westhampnett) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I and its first OM in the Hurricane IIA
303 Sqn(Northolt) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA and its first OM’s in the Spitfire IIA/B

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54 Sqn (Hornchurch – Spitfire IIA) 10.3.41

Another sweep was carried out, in the Calais Boulogne area. No enemy aircraft was seen, but Sgt. Cooper apparently swooped down out of the clouds and was never seen again. Thus 54 sustained another loss of another pilot they could ill afford to lose.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. J.F. Cooper was shot down off Le Tréport by JG 51 at 1535. He was KIA.

Base Changes

55 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Maraua
73 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Bu Amud

First and Last Operational Missions

35 Sqn(Linton-on-Ouse) flew its first OM in the Halifax I
145 Sqn(Tangmere) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA
237 Sqn(Barentu) flew its first OM in the Gladiator II

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401 Sqn RCAF(Driffield – Hurricane I) 11.3.41

Squadron at 30 minutes available. Weather unfavourable and only local recco flights took place in the morning. Weather unfavourable in afternoon – Local flights by single A/C only. Squadron released at 19.30 hours.

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54 Sqn(Hornchurch – Spitfire IIA) 12.3.41

The weather, in the morning was very poor and curtailed flying, but in the afternoon it cleared, but there was no flying until a dusk patrol.
“A” Flight was up, and again inexplicable, there was an unfortunate mishap, as Sgt. Burtenshaw crashed near Maidstone. This tragic accident will be regretted by the whole Squadron, which will be worse off for his loss

ADDENDUM – Sgt. A.A. Burtenshaw was shot down by a Me. 109 of JG 51.

First and Last Operational Missions

96 Sqn(Cranage) flew its first OM in the Defiant I

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CIRCUS 8 – Calais/Marck Airfield

Close Escort – 56 Sqn 17000 ft.
Mid Escort – 249 Sqn 20000 ft.
High Escort – 303 Sqn 28000 ft.
First FS – 54, 64 and 611 Sqns
Second FS – 145, 610 and 616 Sqns

139 Sqn Sqn(Horsham St. Faith – Blenheim IV) 13.3.41

Target CALAIS MARCK. Formation with fighter escort. All aircraft bombed from 17000 ft. Flak not heavy.

First and Last Operational Missions

206 Sqn(Bircham Newton) flew its first OM in the Hudson IV
222 Sqn(Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane I) 14.3.41

“A” Flight at readiness 06.35 hours. Weather operational. Red Section scrambled to Marblethorpe and returned without incident. Two sections carried out a practice scramble of Co-operative practice interception. Yellow Section carried out a Dusk Patrol without incident. Fifteen single and sectional formation training flights carried out during the day as weather good. British Movietone and Air Ministry photographers visited squadron and several “shots” and several shots were taken of A/C in flight and personnel on ground.

Base Changes

600 Sqn(Blenheim IF/Beaufighter I) moved to Drem

First and Last Operational Missions

266 Sqn(Wittering) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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53 Sqn (St. Eval – Blenheim IV) 15.3.41

9 aircraft were dispatched to attack enemy cruiser in BREST. One aircraft failed to return and the crew 43103 P/O. W.H. LEEDHAM (Pilot) 745081 SGT. F.P.H. OATLEY (Observer) and 645116 SGT. E.W. WILLIAMS D.F.M. (Aerial Gunner) were posted as missing.
2 search aircraft were dispatched.

ADDENDUM – No trace of the crew or cause for their loss was ever found.

Base Changes

59 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Thorney Island

First and Last Operational Missions

80 Sqn(Eleusis) flew its last OM in the Gladiator II

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401 Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane I) 16.3.41

“B” Flight came to readiness at 0625 hours but weather was non-operational only a section was detained for readiness. During afternoon Squadron (12 A/C) carried out a local practice formation flight. Two single practice flights also took place.

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149 Sqn(Mildenhall – Wellington IC) 17.3.41

11 A/C detailed to attack Bremen. 3 returned to base, one hitting bomb dump, 1 shot down by JU 88 over aerodrome (M) crew killed and of other 8 all safely returned to base later in the day from their emergency landings.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IC R4174 OJ-M, Sgt. R. Warren, Sgt. E.R. Cooke, Sgt. E.A. Lown, Sgt. H. Chapman, Sgt. W.J. Greaves, and Sgt. D.J. Chapel. While preparing to land, shot down by a JU 88C intruder flown by Lt. Rudolf Pfeiffer, I.NJG/2, and crashed 0610 into a bungalow at Beck Row, Mildenhall, Suffolk. The occupants Mr. And Mrs. Titmarsh are reported to have escaped injury.

First and Last Operational Missions

222 Sqn(Coltishall) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA.

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17 Sqn(Croydon – Hurricane IIA) 18.3.41

At 1055 “A” Flight took off for practice flying off Ford and Shoreham, Yellow Section returning at 1114 hrs. Sgt. Furneaux (Red 2) landed at 1145 hrs., having seen Sgts. Bartlett and Hughes bale out near Uckfield. Sgt. Hughes was later reported at Trunbridge Wells Hospital wounded in the foot and burnt about the face. Sgt. Bartlett was unhurt and later returned by road. He reported seeing 5 Aa/c which he took to be Spitfires, which crossed the coast near Shoreham and swept inland. Sgt. Bartlett ordered his section into line astern and turned to investigate. He then saw a/c behind him and cannon tracer going past him. His a/c was hit in mainplane and tail, and he baled out and landed unhurt. Sgt. Hughe’s a/c was also seen to be hit, and he also baled out. No e/a were seen or positively identified, but a 6-plus raid was plotted in the vicinity. The 5 a/c seen were probably Spitfires from Biggin Hill who were patrolling in the neighbourhood at that time.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. Bartlett and Sgt. Hughes were shot down by ME 109’s from I/JG51.

Base Changes

99 Sqn(Wellington IC) moved to Waterbeach
263 Sqn(Whirlwind I) moved to Portreath

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1 Sqn(Kenley – Hurricane IIA) 19.3.41

Yellow Section (3 Hurricanes) left Kenly at 17.25 hrs to escort convoy moving west between Dungeness and Hastings. 3 ME 109’s advanced from S. and were immediately engaged by our planes. 5 Spitfires entered the fray and a dogfight ensued. P/O. A. Kershaw lost his life. The Senior Officer of the 1st Minesweeper Flotilla stated: “Although I was leading the Flotilla at the time and was on the bridge, I did not actually see very much myself but I have seen the other Commanding Officers who state that a ship of our formation sighted the Hun coming up from astern. The siren was sounded and almost at once the Hurricanes appeared and surrounded the enemy. Kershaw’s plane went into a very steep dive and he baled out but to late. The body was picked up by one of our whalers, and landed at Newhaven after dusk the following day”. No e/a claimed.

ADDENDUM – The 109’s involved were from I/LG2.

Base Changes

113 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Larissa

First and Last Operational Missions

608 Sqn(Thornaby) flew its last OM in the Anson I

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82 Sqn(Watton – Blenheim IV) 20.3.41

Six aircraft carried out an attack on shipping off the Dutch coast. Four aircraft bombed but no results were observed. One aircraft failed to return, the crew being Sgt. Kelly, Sgt. Wilson and Sgt. Adair.

ADDENDUM – Blenheim R3604, Sgt. J.H. Kelly, Sgt. G.R. Wilson RNZAF, Sgt. S.W. Adair was shot down by Minenraumboot 64 and crashed into the sea off the Dutch coast. Sgt. Adair has no known grave; his colleagues are buried in Burgen op Zoom War Cemetary.

Base Changes

320 Sqn(Hudson I) moved to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions

310 Sqn(Duxford) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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18 Sqn(Massingham – Blenheim IV) 21.3.41

Ten a/c and one reserve stood by for operations. Preliminary briefing at 14.30 hours. All eleven a/c took off for Boscombe Down to operate from there and return after operations to Massingham. Eight crews operated (two machines being u/s at Boscombe) but owing to very bad weather conditions four did not locate the target (Lorient). Three of the operating a/c landed at home base, two landed at Boscombe Down and Middle Wallop, one landed at Church Fenton and one at Wittering. One aircraft failed to return but crashed at Digby, all the crew being killed.

ADDENDUM – Blenheim T2038 WV-M, P/O. G.H. Cowings, P/O. R. Daniel, Sgt. E.A. Lee crashed at Barkston, 4 miles NNE of Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Base Changes

236 Sqn(Blenheim IVF) moved to Carew Cheriton

First and Last Operational Missions

310 Sqn(Duxford) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

608 Sqn(Thornaby) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV

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254 Sqn(Sumburgh – Blenheim IVF) 22.3.41

L.8848 – N. STAB – 06.40-09.48 – STAB uncompleted owing to heavy snowstorms encountered on coast. Nothing to report

T.1941 - TROST – 07.00-11.25 – TROST uncompleted. In position HDMH 3818 Convoy of 3 M/Vs 1 – 5000, 1 – 4000, and 1 – 3000 tons. Flak ship opened fire but A/c lured it to port side then flew to starboard to take photographs. A/c flew south for 15 miles intending to complete patrol, but Port engine out so returned to HDWS 2000 and thence to base.

L.9406 – S. STAB – 06.50-Missing – A/c failed to return to base. 8716 P/O. DUFF. J.A. (Pilot), 87420 P/O. WALES, R.G. (Observer) and 647004 Sgt. YORK, J.K. (W/Op/A.G.) reported missing.

ADDENDUM – Crew lost off coast of Norway. P/O. Duff and Sgt. York are buried at Rossebo Var Frelsers Cemetary, Haugesund, Norway. P/O. Wales body not recovered.

Base Changes

237 Sqn(Hardy/Lysander I/II/Gladiator II) moved to Umritsar