Action This Day

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105 Sqn (Swanton Morley – Blenheim IV) 24.5.41

1406. Eight aircraft took off to attack Shipping on Beat 8.

1557-1600. Three aircraft attacked a convoy at 53° 30' N. 05° 36' E. at Mast Height. Two 6000 ton and one 4000 ton merchant vessels were bombed. One direct hit was believed to have been obtained on one 6000 ton ship. After a close stick had been dropped on the other 6000 ton Vessel, debris was flung into the air aft of the funnel. Results after the attack on the 4000 ton vessel were unobserved, but a 50' high column of black smoke was observed from it. All aircraft machine gunned the vessels.

1600. One aircraft attacked a merchant vessel at 53° 33' N. 05° 36' E. from mast height. Results were unobserved.

1557. Another aircraft attacked a merchant vessel at 53° 33' N. 05° 36' E. from mast height, but the bombs overshot. Fairly intense light flak from merchant Vessels was encountered and this aircraft PILOT OFFICER G.E.J. RUSHBROOKE and Crew (969371 SGT. G.E. GREENE observer, and 946624 SGT. R. PARR W.OP/A.G.) failed to return. The aircraft was last seen flying towards the Island of AMELAND, although it did not appear to have been hit.

1600. One aircraft attacked a 1500 ton merchant Vessel at 53° 35' N. 06° 05' E. from a 100'. The bombs overshot.

The two remaining aircraft searched Beat 8 for shipping without success and returned with their bombs.

1740-1805. Seven of the eight aircraft engaged on these Operations landed safely at Base.

1407. Three aircraft took off to attack NORDENEY in conjunction with 5 aircraft of 18 Sqdn. All three aircraft jettisoned their bombs and abandoned the task owing to the formation being attacked by M.E.109’s.

1752. Three aircraft landed safely at HORSHAM ST. FAITH.

ADDENDUM – The missing Blenheim R3707 GB-U, is believed to have been shot down by Uffz Netter I.JG.52.

First and Last Operational Missions

74 Sqn (Gravesend) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
111 Sqn (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 26.5.41

There was only one scramble today which proved without incident but the Squadron was at readiness all day. One convoy patrol was carried out. Training flights included camera gun, cloud flying, a four aircraft practice interception and test flights.

Base Changes

226 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Wattisham
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Lake Maryut

First and Last Operational Missions

54 Sqn (Gravesend) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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49 Sqn (Scamptom – Hampden I) 27.5.41

0300 Six aircraft detailed to destroy Battleship Bismarck in position 47° N. And 10° W. at 0800 hours. Aircraft to stand by from 0300 hours till order for departure given.

1200 These operations cancelled and nine aircraft to stand by for gardening in area Jellyfish.

Nine aircraft took off between 2200 and 2245 hours in rather cloudy weather, but only two aircraft were unsuccessful, one having engine trouble and returning after four hours and the other being unable to pinpoint the target. One aircraft was missing from these operations. The remaining aircraft successfully planted vegetables in allotted positions and one returned to Upper Heyford.

ADDENDUM – Hampden AD729 EA-N, crew S/L. D.A. Smith, Sgt. J.R. Butler, F/Sgt. J.G. Leslie and Sgt. R. Thompson, lost without a trace.

Base Changes

21 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Lossiemouth
1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Haneish South

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82 Sqn (Bodney – Blenheim IV) 28.5.41

7 aircraft were detailed to carry out a sea sweep off HELIGOLAND. Sgt. Harrison and Sgt. Starr bombed a 50 ton ship and a hit was observed. S/Ldr’s Carr formation of 3 aircraft was attacked by 3 fighters. Sgt. McGowan and crew, Sgt. Walker and Sgt. Banks were seen to go into the sea, the machine being in flames. Sgt. Cuthbert’s machine was badly damaged but he returned and force landed at HORSHAM.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. J.H. McGowan is buried at Terschelling. Sgt. A.L. Walker and Sgt. D.N. Banks were not recovered.

Base Changes

272 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Abu Sueir
10 Sqn RAAF (Sunderland I) moved to Pembroke Dock

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (Marawa) flew its last OM in the Lysander II
11 Sqn (Aqir) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV
54 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VA

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59 Sqn (Thorney Island – Blenheim IV) 29.5.41

Four sorties from THORNEY to escort convoy from one of which P/O STURROCK and crew did not return. Three searches made for missing A/C without success.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. N.L. Conrade is buried at Lodge Hill Cemetery, Birmingham. P/O. Sturrock and Sgt. W.A. Smallbone were not recovered.

Base Changes

47 Sqn (Wellesley I) moved to Asmara
254 Sqn (Blenheim IVF) moved to Aldergrove
312 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Kenley

First and Last Operational Missions

272 Sqn (Abu Sueir) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IF
302 Sqn (Jurby) started flying OM’s in the Hurricane I for a second time
501 Sqn (Colerne) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA
501 Sqn (Colerne) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA
610 Sqn (Westhampnett) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF(Digby – Hurricane IIA) 30.5.41

At readiness today, there were no scrambles. Tests and local flying were limited due to poor weather conditions.

Base Changes

206 Sqn (Hudson I/III/IV) moved to St. Eval
500 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Bircham Newton

First and Last Operational Missions

60 Sqn (High Ercall) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IF
94 Sqn (Ismailia) flew its last OM in the Gladiator II
601 Sqn (Manston) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 31.5.41

With improved weather the Squadron carried out numerous training flights. A formation practice to 30,000 feet was carried out and test, local and interceptions. Some camera work was also done.

Base Changes

112 Sqn (Gladiator I) moved to Fayid
269 Sqn (Hudson II/III) moved to Kaldadarnes
605 Sqn (Hurricane IIA) moved to Baginton


First and Last Operational Missions

151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I
224 Sqn (Limavady) flew its last OM in the Hudson I

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220 Sqn (Thornaby – Hudson II) 1.6.41

Operational flying consisted of 2 aircraft on Stab and 2 on escort. One aircraft on Stab failed to return. A/F/Lt Halstead and Sgt Hampson, Money, and Fawcett posted “Missing believed killed.

ADDENDUM – Hudson II, T9366, NR-R, crew F/O J.L. Halstead, Sgt. T.E. Hampson, Sgt. J. Money, and Sgt. R. Fawcett was shot down off Bergen by Oblt. Brandis of Zerst/JG77. They were not recovered.

Base Changes

1 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Kenley
32 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Angle
45 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Wadi Natrun
113 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Maaten Bagush
237 Sqn (Lysander I/Gladiator II) moved to Wadi Halfa
308 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Chilbolton

First and Last Operational Missions

68 Sqn (High Ercall) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IF
151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC
222 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB
312 Sqn (Kenley) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I
402 Sqn RCAF (Digby) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA
485 Sqn RNZAF (Leconfield) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA
485 Sqn RNZAF (Leconfield) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA

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40 Sqn (Alconbury – Wellington IC) 2.6.41

Ten crews took part on a raid to Dusseldorf, and of these, seven landed at Alconbury. Two landed at Mildenhall and Docking safely, but the tenth, piloted by Sergeant Sargent, after having successfully completed task, crashed on landing at Alconbury owing to poor visibility. Five of the crew were killed instantaneously, Sergeants Sargent, Beadman, Hicks, Body and Dougherty, the sixth member of the crew, Sgt Hillebrandt was injured and removed to hospital.

Base Changes

55 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Helwan

First and Last Operational Missions

202 Sqn (Gibraltar) flew its last OM in the London II
214 Sqn (Stradishall) flew its first OM in the Wellington II
600 Sqn (Colerne) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IF

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 3.6.41

Six scrambles were ordered during today’s readiness. These operational flights were ordered to patrol a convoy and were all carried out without incident. Observer Corps co-operation flights, local and test flights were carried out.

First and Last Operational Missions

239 Sqn (Gatwick) flew its first OM in the Lysander IIA

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54 Sqn (Hornchurch – Spitfire VA) 4.6.41

The Squadron took off on an offensive patrol over France at 1700 hours. They made a circuit of Boulogne and came out over Calais. When they returned it was with the news the George Gribble came down over the Sea. He and Batchelor had been chasing an Me.109, when Batchelor’s attention was turned away be a second Me.109 a/c. He heard George say that his engine had cut, and saw him bale out and land in the sea some 12 miles out from England. Batchelor orbited for nearly half an hour before he came home, but no rescue boats picked George up. Flight Lieutenant D.G. Gribble D.F.C. was the last member of the old “54”. His exploits are recorded on nearly every page of this History. It only remains to be said that his personality was everywhere identified with the name of this Squadron, and no one who knew him or heard his happy laugh would ever forget the affection they felt from the first. This loss left the Squadron and whole Station more than a little cast down.

ADDENDUM – F/Lt. Gribble was never recovered.

Base Changes

235 Sqn (Blenheim IVF) moved to Dyce

First and Last Operational Missions

112 Sqn (Fayid) flew its last OM in the Gladiator I
211 Sqn (Aqir) flew its last OM in the Blenheim I
308 Sqn (Chilbolton) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 5.6.41

At readiness, two scrambles performed without incident. Dusk landings, camera gun, interception exercise, formation, air firing, and local flying were the training flights today.

First and Last Operational Missions

257 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 6.6.41

During the day two aircraft proceeding to Manby were scrambled while on the way but no incidents occurred. There were also some test flights and local flying.

Base Changes

6 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Adem
46 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Luqa
211 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Heliopolis
222 Sqn (Spitfire IIA/IIB) moved to Matlask

First and Last Operational Mission

122 Sqn (Turnhouse – Spitfire IA) flew its first OM of the war
312 Sqn (Kenley) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB
614 Sqn (Macmerry) – Lysander III) flew its first OM of the war

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603 Sqn (Hornchurch – Spitfire IIA) 7.6.41

12.00 – 12 of our aircraft took off as part of a large formation, from Hornchurch and Biggin Hill. Sweep operations were carried out over N.E. France. All our Pilots returned with the exception of Pilot Officer R.J. Burleigh, flying Spitfire XT-O, W.3111. Pilot Officer Burleigh (No. 81423) was last seen diving through cloud, apparently in pursuit of enemy aircraft. No further details obtainable up to 16.00 hours. The incident took place N.E. France in the vicinity of Boulogne.

ADDENDUM – P/O Burleigh was shot down by an Me.109 of III/JG53. He is buried in Boulogne.

Base Changes

84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Mosul

First and Last Operational Mission

403 Sqn RCAF (Baginton) flew its last OM in the Tomahawk I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 8.6.41

A three aircraft formation and some local flying were the only flights today due to low cloud and poor visibility.

Base Changes

6 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Gubbi

First and Last Operational Mission

123 Sqn (Turnhouse – Spitfire IA) flew its first OM of the war
603 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VA

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9 Sqn (Honington – Wellington IC) 9.6.41

Attacks on enemy shipping along Belgian and Dutch coasts sweep

Wellington R 1758 failed to return

Wellington K 5703 all bombs brought back 6 M.E.109’s encountered 4 miles N.E. of Calais. Evasive action taken by turning into cloud. Neither a/c opened fire. Rear Gunner reported seeing a/c (believed Wellington) being attacked by 2 Me.109’s. Black smoke seen coming from Wellington.

Wellington R 1763 6 x 250 G.P. bombs brought back. “B” bombs fell about 50 yds. in front of a convoy of 14 ships, unescorted, and proceeding N. At about 5 knots, about 20 miles W. of The Hague. Own a/c attacked by M.E. 109 for about half an hour. Fire returned, but damage to E/A unknown. Own a/c undamaged.

Wellington T 2620 failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IC R1758 WS-. Crew W/C R.G.C. Arnold. Sgt. J.M. Pinkham, F/O. D. Bruce. Sgt. H.A. Wink, Sgt. H.A. Barratt and F/O. T.A. Bax. Intercepted NE of Calais and shot down into the sea off Zeebrugge, Belgium. W/C Arnold is buried in Blankenberge Communal Cemetary. Row A, Grave 18. He was 9 Squadron’s popular CO. With the aircraft on fire, he remained at the controls while the remainder of the crew safely baled out and subsequently became POW’s.
Wellington IC T2620 WS-G. Crew F/O. D.F. Lamb DFC, Sgt. C.J. Partington, Sgt. D.J. Mansfied, Sgt. D.A. Humphrey, Sgt. R.S. Bunce and Sgt. W.A. Eccles. Lost in similar circumstances as above. Sgt. Eccles became a POW. Sgt. Mansfield rests in the Canadian War Cemetery at Adegem, Belgium, while at Vlissingen in Holland can be found the grave of Sgt. Partington. Rest of the crew were not recovered.

Base Changes

6 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Tobruk West
74 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Acklington

First and Last Operational Mission

74 Sqn (Acklington) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
79 Sqn (Pembrey) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB
241 Sqn (Bury St. Edmonds) flew its first OM in the Lysander III
602 Sqn (Ayr) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA
609 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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32 Sqn (Angle – Hurricane IIA) 10.6.41

Operational Flying:20 Sorties, 21.15 hrs. A.O.F. 2 sorties. 1.05 hrs.

1 Junkers 88 destroyed, ½ by Sgt. Bernard, ½ by F/O. Remy. F/O Remy force landed in Eire.

ADDENDUM – F/O Remy crash landed in Eire after combat with He 111 of Wekusta 51, and interned. Hurricane IIA Z2832 GZ-M became Irish Air Corps No. 94 and returned to RAF in 1943.

Base Changes

258 Sqn (Hurricane IIA) moved to Martlesham Heath

First and Last Operational Mission

233 Sqn (Aldergrove) flew its first OM in the Hudson V
313 Sqn (Leconfield - Spitfire IA) flew its first OM of the war
609 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 11.6.41

The Squadron was at readiness today but the only operational order that was received was the dusk patrol which was performed. Gun and searchlight co-operative flights were arranged. A practice formation, local flying, instrument flying, practice attacks and dusk landings were today’s training flights.


Base Changes

54 Sqn (Spitfire VA) moved to Debden
402 Sqn RCAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Warmwell

First and Last Operational Mission

101 Sqn (West Raynham) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 12.6.41

Shortly after midnight tonight, three scrambles were ordered up and performed. The day’s training flights were as follows:-- Air to ground firing at Sutton Bridge, camera gun flights, G.C.I. and practice interception, instruments and local flying.

First and Last Operational Mission

76 Sqn (Middleton St. George) flew its first OM in the Halifax I
403 Sqn RCAF (Baginton) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 13.6.41

The Squadron was again at readiness. During the day three scrambles were performed without incident. The dusk patrol was carried out. Camera gun, orby interceptions, army co-operation, test flights and night practice flying were carried out.

Base Changes

3 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B/C) moved to Stapleford Tawney
33 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Gerawla
54 Sqn (Spitfire VA) moved to Hornchurch
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Sidi Haneish South

First and Last Operational Mission

16 Sqn (Weston Zoyland) flew its last OM in the Lysander IIIA
405 Sqn RCAF (Driffield) flew its first OM in the Wellington II
614 Sqn (Macmerry) flew its last OM in the Lysander III