Action This Day

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49 Sqn (Scampton –Hampden I) 16.2.42

1005 – 14 crews to lay mines in area of the Frisian Islands and one to drop nickels.

1800 – All took off at minute intervals and 5 aircraft mined at alternative positions, Nectarine Wangeroog, 15 miles off Nordeney, estimated position target and a position 10 miles off Ameland. 7 aircraft failed to lay their mines and returned to base. 1 aircraft only planted its mine in the primary position. One aircraft is missing from operations. The nickeling aircraft dropped leaflets at 5 mile intervals from Paris.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I, AT124, EA-C. Crew, F/O GR Jenkins, P/O JTB Clough, Sgt. JA Woodroofe, Sgt. JA Steele. Lost without a trace. The Runnymede Memorial commemorates the names of this crew.

Base Changes

217 Sqn (Beaufort I/II) moved to Skitten

First and Last Operational Missions

101 Sqn (Bourn) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
156 Sqn (Alconbury – Wellington IC) flew its first OM of the war
350 Sqn (Atcham) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
600 Sqn (Predannack) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IIF

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402 Sqn RCAF (North Weald –Hurricane IIB) 17.2.42

Five sections to readiness 11.15 hours. At 12.55 Green and Blue Sections T.O.B. for convoy patrol off Barrow Deep. These relieved one-hour intervals until canceled at 15.13 hours. Three sections called to readiness 15.54, red section scrambled to patrol Clacton-on-Sea, R.T.B. 17.50. F/L Woods with his section on way out to relieve convoy patrols S.E. of Clacton at 14.05 hours saw a D.O.217 below cloud base which was 800 to 1000. He instructed aircraft of section to proceed on patrol while he turned to give chase. DO 217 was seen to jettison bombs in the sea, climb, and was lost in cloud. Did not reappear. No damage by bombs seen.

ADDENDUM – Hurricane IIB BE471, pilot F/Sgt. Emberg, crash-landed after combat with Me109, Cat.B. Repaired and sent to Russia, August 1942.
Hurricane IIB BE419, pilot F/Sgt. HA Keene, crash-landed, out of fuel, Cat.B.


Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Haneish North
94 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gasr-el-Arid
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gambut
248 Sqn (Beaufighter IC) moved to Dyce
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gasr-el-Arid
451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to Rayak

First and Last Operational Missions

417 Sqn RCAF (Colerne – Spitfire VB) flew its first OM of the war

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420 Sqn RCAF (Waddington –Hampden I) 18.2.42

Lecture on pigeons at 10.00 hours.
Four aircraft bombed up with 2 x 250 G.P. bombs and one mine each. The machines took off at 18.15 hours. Unfortunately, AD915 F piloted by P/O Kee failed to return from this trip.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AD915 PT-F coned by searchlights and hit by Flak of 6./M Flak Abt 216 (Borkum), crashed on North Sea beach Schiermonnikoog at 22.05 hours. At about 1330 on February 22, an army signaller found an exhausted carrier pigeon at Spurn Head. Strapped to its leg was a message that read: “SOS AD915 F Time dispatched 21/2/41 10 o'clock Position OOSTERBIRUM Friesland Netherland 0Z0.” Of the crew P/O. R Kee and Sgt. WHJ Rutledge became PoW’s. Sgt. H Baker and Sgt. JRB Adams are buried on Schiermonnikoog in Vredenhof Cemetery


Base Changes

53 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to North Coates
73 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Gasr el Arid
224 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to Limavady
407 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to Thorney Island

First and Last Operational Missions

611 Sqn (Drem) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 19.2.42

Several aircraft took off for Southend early in the morning to do air to air firing, but before this could be done, the Biggin Hill was called to readiness, and all aircraft “pancaked”. Nothing developed from this, however and from 1300 to 1645 hours one section of two aircraft only was maintained at readiness. At 14.55 the Squadron led by W/C Masterman took part with 72 Squadron in a practice Wing formation which circled the London Area. Individual pilots did some cine-gun, cloud flying, and local flying practice. One section of four aircraft swept the Channel close to the French Coast in practice flight and Sgt. Morrison climbed to an altitude of 40,000 feet in YO-T, which was fitted with a Merlin XLVI engine.

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316 Sqn (Northolt – Spitfire VB) 20.2.42

One section from “B” Flight took off at 10.25 on a “Rhubarb”. They were unable to locate the target near Dieppe and returned to base at 11.30 hours. One section of “A” Flight took off at 10.30 hours on a similar operation, this time the target being St.Valery-en-Caux. They likewise, were unable to locate, but F/L. Sawicz shot up a water tower. On the return flight, the other member of the section had to force-land in the channel, about 15 miles north of Pecamp. F/L. Sawicz gave a fix on the position after having some difficulty in contacting a station. He then flew to Shoreham and landed at base at 13.20 hours. Six aircraft of the Squadron “scrambled” at 12.05 to assist in the rescue operations but no sign of the airman pilot was seen. The enemy intercepted our broadcast and it may be that he was picked up by their rescue service.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB W3820 ditched in the Channel and the pilot, Sgt. W. Kopa was never found.

Base Changes

11 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Helwan

First and Last Operational Missions

450 Sqn RAAF (Gambut I – Kittyhawk I) flew its first OM of the war

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50 Sqn (Skellingthorpe – Hampden I) 21.2.42

BOMBING RHINE VALLEY

6 Aircraft were detailed for this night’s operation.
The majority found the COBLENZ area and the bombs were dropped. One aircraft dropped bombs on the town of AACHEN. The general condition was moonlight with considerable haze. One aircraft was hit several times, and the inboard starboard tank holed. Another aircraft was attacked three times by enemy fighters but used evasive action. Severe icing conditions were experienced on the return journey. One aircraft crashed at YORK and three of the crew killed.
One aircraft returned with bombs owing to them being “hung up”.
A total of 5 x 1000 and 10 x 500 lb G.P.s were expended during the operation.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I, AE394, VN-M. Crew: W/O. IP Mapp, Sgt. HF Thompson, Sgt. FR Law, Sgt. PS Ballard. Ran out of fuel while returning to base and the order to bale out was given. Tragically, one of the lower escape hatches jammed, trapping at least two of the crew. At 0218 the Hampden crashed near the Rowntree’s theatre York. W/O. Mapp was the only survivor.

Base Changes

73 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Gambut II

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 22.2.42

There was a low-hanging mist over the field and in most areas of the Group today. “B” Flight came to readiness at 1300 hours and a section of two aircraft was “scrambled” but returned without incident. Sgt. Morrison flew several members of the A.T.C. in the Station Tiger Moth during one flight of which he force landed on the aerodrome. P/O.’s Whitney and Ormston took off for West Malling in the afternoon but were forced to abandon the trip because of bad weather. S/L. Douglas returned to the station tonight.

Base Changes

66 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Portreath
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gambut II
502 Sqn (Whitley VII) moved to St. Eval

First and Last Operational Missions

203 Sqn (LG.39) flew its first OM in the Maryland I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 23.2.42

“A” Flight took over the readiness for 72 Squadron of Gravesend (who were weather-bound) from 0725 to 1300 hours. The weather here was bad and was restricted to the immediate vicinity of the field. A meeting of the Sports Committee took place to discuss the promotion of sporting activities in the Squadron. In the afternoon “A” Flight was at readiness from 1630 hours till dusk.

Base Changes

26 Sqn (Lysander I) moved to Wick

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144 Sqn (North Luffenham – Hampden I) 24.2.42

The following aircraft took off for night operations:-
AT142 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Raw dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
AT222 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Walton did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
AT182 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Frow dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
P4347 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Radley did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
AT188 Hampden Piloted by P/O. Shackleton did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
AT157 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Woodhead dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
AT117 Hampden Piloted by F/Sgt. Smith dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
AT116 Hampden Piloted by P/O. Perry did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
AT226 Hampden Piloted by Sgt. Weeks dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
AE364 Hampden Piloted by Sgt. Culmer did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
AE248 Hampden Piloted by P/O. Chrystal dropped vegetable and returned to Base.
L4178 Hampden Piloted by Sgt. Bland did not drop vegetable and returned to Base.
The following aircraft took off for night operations, since the take-off no news has been received from them. They are therefore considered missing.
HAMPDEN X2969
Pilot F/Sgt. Dundas BT No. 938236
Navigator Sgt. Barnett BA No. 778270
WT/AG Sgt. Croft WA No. 1001839
WT/AG Sgt. Wilson SB No. 1375244
HAMPDEN AT194
Pilot Sgt. Eklund KH No. Aus|404887
Navigator Sgt. Anderson GH No. Aus|402214
WT/AG Sgt. Dobson JR No. 950135
WT/AG Sgt. Thomas PA No. 755868

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AT194, (crew: Sgt. KH Eklund RAAF, Sgt. GH Anderson RAAF, Sgt. JR Dobson, Sgt. PA Thomas), was shot down by Oblt. Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld (16th victory) of 5./NJG2 into the sea N. Terschelling at 21.49. Sgt. Anderson RAAF is buried in the Lemvig Cemetery, Denmark; his three companions have no known grave.
Note: also claimed by Flak of 7.M Flak Abt. 246 Battery Ameland.

Hampden I X2969, (crew: F/Sgt. Lord BT Dundas, Sgt. BA Barnett, Sgt. WA Croft, Sgt. SB Wilson), was shot down by Oblt. Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld (17th victory) of 5./NJG2 into the sea N. Terschelling at 22.02. F/Sgt. Dundas was the son of the second Marquess of Zetland and the Marchioness of Zetland. He held the title Lord Dundas of Orkney.
Note: also claimed by Flak of 7.M Flak Abt. 246 Battery Ameland.

First and Last Operational Missions

115 Sqn (Marham) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
154 Sqn (Fowlmere – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war
213 Sqn (Idku) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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12 Sqn (Binbrook – Wellington II) 25.2.42

Operations were ordered against KIEL, 13 aircraft taking part. Captains were S/LDR. Jackson, S/LDR. PRESTON, F/LT. HAWKINS-BOOTH, P/O. GARLICK, S/LDR. ABRAHAM, P/O. BUCHANAN, P/O. FOSTER, SGT. DUDER, F/SGT. COOK, F/SGT. McGILLIS, P/O. BARSTOW, F/SGT. LOWE, and P/O. LANGLEY. Of these S/LDR. JACKSON, F/Sgt. COOK and F/SGT. Lowe returned to base early owing to failures. S/LDR. ABRAHAM’s aircraft sent message at 0300 hours, 26.2.42, that engine trouble was being experienced, and that an attempt was being made to reach Sweden. No further news has been received, and this aircraft failed to return. The crew, S/LDR. ABRAHAM, P/O. FOINETTE, SGT. WARDELL, SGT. PAYNE, SGT. DUCKHAM and F/SGT. LITTLEFIELD, were reported missing. P/O. BAIRSTOW’s aircraft also failed to return, and the crew, P/O. BAIRSTOW, P/O. TUNNINGTON, SGT. FOX, SGT. WAKEFIELD, SGT. ENNOR and SGT. LONG-ENNIS, were reported missing. The remaining aircraft all returned safely.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8410, (Crew: S/Ldr. RB Abraham, W/O. DRW Wardell RAAF, P/O. EN Foinette, Sgt. DR Duckham, Sgt. CF Payne, W/O.2 EE Littlefield RCAF) was subsequently was coned by searchlights and hit by Flak of M. Flak Abt. 221, abandoned and crashed 5 km E. of Odense at 0515 hrs. The crew became POW’s.

Wellington II W5440, (Crew: P/O. EA Barstow, Sgt. GE Fox, P/O. E Tunnington, Sgt. RVP Ennor, Sgt. FJ Wakefield, Sgt. GS Long-Innes RAAF), coned by searchlights and shot down by M. Flak Abt. 211 and crashed in sea in flames of Eckernförder Bucht, N. of Krusendorf at 0314 hours.


First and Last Operational Missions

30 Sqn (Non-Op) left for Ceylon aboard HMS Indomitable
55 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Helwan
125 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Colerne
235 Sqn (Beaufighter IF) move to Sumburgh
417 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Tain

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405 Sqn RCAF (Pocklington – Wellington II) 26.2.42

65th OPERATION KIEL DOCKS
In face of tremendous flak from Kiel Harbour, five Captains reached target area. One stick which fell just short of floating dock resulted in large fire visible for 50 miles. Red and green explosions on DEUTSCH WERKE were observed from other bombs. One A/C which reports seeing A/C hit by flak and descend in flames near HUSUM took photo showing 4000 pounder on edge of probably SCHLESWIG. Two A/C returned because of icing and brought bombs back while another jettisoned 4000 pounder live and turned back. Three A/C released nickels in Target area.
CASUALTY (missing)
“D” Captained by F/Lt. Robson is missing from the operation. No word was received after the A/C took off.
The missing crew were: F/Lt. Robson RAF, W/Cdr. McAllister RCAF, 402565 Sgt. Dyson, R60754 F/Sgt. Philips, R65146 F/Sgt. Robson, R56087 Sgt. Piers.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II W5516 LQ-D, (Crew: F/Lt. JA Robson, W/C GD Macallister RCAF, Sgt JH Dyson RAAF, F/Sgt. EE Phillips RCAF, F/Sgt. MPS Robson RCAF, F/Sgt. Piers RCAF), was shot down by Hptm. Günther Radusch (3rd victory) of Stab II./NJG3 into the sea W. of Westerland at 00.55 hours. The crew is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Base Changes

3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gambut
94 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to LG.115

First and Last Operational Missions

154 Sqn (Fowlmere) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VA
340 Sqn (Turnhouse) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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50 Sqn (Skellingthorpe – Hampden I) 27.2.42

GARDENING - NECTARINE. BOMBING – BATTLESHIP – KIEL
8 Aircraft detailed for Bombing and 7 for Gardening.
Of the 7 aircraft detailed for GARDENING, 6 planted the vegetables in the allocated position. One aircraft returned with vegetable owing to intercom break down. All reported bright moonlight and bad visibility over the target area. Of the 8 aircraft detailed for bombing, all reported the target area was completely obscured. 2 aircraft returned early, one owing to intercom failure and the other due to icing. The majority bombed around the town of KIEL. Very little opposition was reported.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE228, crashed 0220 owing to both engines cutting due to lack of fuel as the crew made ready to land. No injuries.
68 to bomb the floating dock at Kiel. The area was completely cloud covered. 47 aircraft bombed the approximate position of Kiel, although Kiel reported hearing planes, no bombs dropped in the town. No aircraft were lost.

Base Changes

73 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Gasr-el-Arid

First and Last Operational Missions

69 Sqn (Luqa) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter I
154 Sqn (Fowlmere) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
185 Sqn (Hal Far) flew its last OM’s in the Hurricane I/IIA/IIB
209 Sqn (Pembroke Dock) flew its last OM in the Catalina I

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401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill –Spitfire VB) 28.2.42

The wing was called to readiness from 0825 to 0855 hours and was again called to readiness at 0915 hours. The Squadron took off with 174 Squadron with orders to cover shipping, returning from a commando raid on an R.D.F. station, north of Le Havre by flying on a course of 210˚ for 20 minutes at 200 M.P.H. On take-off, there was a heavy ground mist from 100 feet to 1500 which caused one section of four a/c to lose sight of the remainder of the Squadron and completed their patrol without sighting the ships. S/L Douglas leading to sections of four flew on the designated course sighting two destroyers which they patrolled for 30 minutes at 3000 feet without incident. In the afternoon 72 Squadron flew to Biggin Hill and at 1320 the Wing was briefed for an operation in which the Wing was to act as high cover 19,000 – 25,000 feet to 6 Blenheim’s and close escort. The target of the Blenheim’s was a submarine on Ostend harbour. After rendezvousing with the bombers at Manston the formation proceeded to target where bombs were dropped, and medium flak was observed directed at bombers. All 6 Blenheim’s returned safely. On the return trip about mid-channel between Ostend and Manston the Squadron was attacked by M.E. 109E and “F”’s and F.W.190’s. Sgt. Clarke reported himself hit whereupon S/L Douglas turning to investigate this and a mixed lot of 190s and 109’s were starting an attack, could not see the Sergeant, who was not seen by the other pilots of the Squadron either. The attack broke up the Squadron formation and the pilots returned in sections. When about 25 miles off Ramsgate, P/O Ormston (Red 1) flying with his No. 2 Sgt. Morrison was attacked from above and astern by one of two F.W.190’s which passed over Red 2 when doing so. Sgt. Morrison followed and as the a/c broke away banking sharply to starboard fired a 2-second burst (cannon) from 250 – 300 yards. He saw his shells bursting inside the e/a’s cockpit and on top of the engine. The e/a slowly turned on its and went straight down emitting black smoke and was followed by Sgt. Morrison for 8,000 feet. At this point Sgt. Morrison saw two other F.W.190s to his left and was turning in that direction when he saw the e/a’s delivering an attack on a section of Spitfires from astern. One of the e/a’s broke away to the right banking steeply and Red 2 followed and opened fire with cannon from 300 – 350 yards. The F.W.190 dived sharply emitting bursts of black smoke which led the pilot to believe that the engine had cut out. Sgt. Morrison was about to close in, 2 other F.W.190s dived and followed the e/a down forming a protective circle around him. Sgt. Morrison then returned, landing at Manston. Sgt. Clarke did not return. Sgt. Morrison claimed one F.W.190 as probably destroyed.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB X4666, Sgt. GF Clarke KIA.

Base Changes

210 Sqn (Catalina I) moved to Sullom Voe


First and Last Operational Missions

603 Sqn (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB
615 Sqn (Fairwood Common) flew its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIB/IIC

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401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill –Spitfire VB) 1.3.42

“A” Flight was at readiness from 0845 to 1350 and from 1630 until dusk. The weather on the field was not good with haze of medium density from 100 to 2,000 feet. Three sections were dispatched to patrol Beach Head to Dungeness in the morning and three sections patrolled convoys in the afternoon. The pilots who were scheduled for “Fighter night” readiness were put to 30 minutes available because of unfavourable weather conditions.

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Haneish South
217 Sqn (Beaufort I/II) moved to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions

59 Sqn (North Coates) flew its first OM’s in the Hudson III, V and VI
66 Sqn (Portreath) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VC

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401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill –Spitfire VB) 2.3.42

The weather all day was u.s. with a heavy mist down to the ground. “A” Flight was at readiness from 0645 to 0845 and “B” Flight took over the readiness from 72 Sqn. From 1300 to 1630 hours. No flying was done by this Squadron today. At 1530 all available pilots went to the Station Intelligence Office where a recognition “bee” with various types of “recog.” material such as aircraft, photographs of coastal parts of France and various types of German naval craft. “A” Flight won over “B” Flight in this contest.

Base Changes

97 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Woodhall Spa
255 Sqn (Beaufighter IIF) moved to High Ercall

First and Last Operational Missions

5 Sqn RAAF (LG121 – Tomahawk IIB) flew its first OM of the war
44 Sqn (Waddington) flew the first ever OM in the Lancaster I
185 Sqn (Hal Far) flew its first OM’s in the Spitfire VB & VC

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311 (Czech) Sqn (East Wretham – Wellington IC) 3.3.42

Eight experienced crews took part in the first Allied raid on Paris, the objective being the great Renault works there. The target was very successfully bombed from heights varying from 1400 to 2500 feet. One aircraft failed to return, no news having been received of it after take-off. Four Freshman crews were engaged on a night attack on Emden, but one of these also was lost. Two others were attacked by enemy fighters, the Rear-Gunner of one bomber being killed. The two aircraft lost by this Squadron were the only ones reported lost by Bomber Command from this night's operations.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IC Z1070 KX-Y, (Crew: Sgt. B Hradil, Sgt. L Kotrch, Sgt. A Tolar, Sgt. J Svoboda, Sgt. I Kormanovic, Sgt. P Strachon), was shot down by flak in the vicinity of Creil, France, where all are buried in the Communal Cemetery.

235 aircraft attacked the Renault works at Billancourt, which was producing 18,000 trucks a year for the German forces. This was the largest number of aircraft sent to a target to this date in the war. The previous record was 229 to Kiel on 7/4/41. The report from Billancourt says that 300 bombs fell on the factory, destroying 40 percent of the buildings. Production was halted for 4 weeks and final repairs were not made for several months. 367 French people were killed, being more than double the death toll of any R.A.F. raid on a German city so far in the war. A further 341 people were classed as badly injured, and 9,250 lost their homes.

Wellington IC Z1187 KX-A, (Crew: Sgt. K Danihelka, Sgt. V Hanzl, F/Lt. L Riha, Sgt. F Janca, Sgt. D Spinka, Sgt. A Podivinsky), was shot down by Ofw. Paul Gildner (25th victory) of 5./NJG2 into the sea 20 km NW of Terschelling at 2120. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Base Changes

131 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Valley

First and Last Operational Missions

174 Sqn (Manston – Hurricane IIB) flew its first OM of the war
402 Sqn RCAF (Warmwell) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 4.3.42

“B” Flt. was at readiness from 0845 till 1025 when the Squadron was released for the day. The weather was u.s. for flying since dawn with rain and mist over the field in the afternoon. A dance was held at the Officer’s mess tonight. F/Lt. Neale and P/O. Blakeslee returned tonight from a trip lasting 2 ⅟₂ days on destroyers escorting convoys which proved very interesting and enjoyable and excellent liaison.

Base Changes

12 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moved to LG.21
79 Sqn (Non-Op) left for India
80 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moved to Gambut
413 Sqn RCAF (Catalina I/IB) left for Ceylon
602 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Kenley

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 5.3.42

The weather in this area was hazy in the morning which cleared at noon. Snow fell from 12.50 to 3.00 p.m. with fairly low temperatures. P/O. Ormston flew in from Hawkinge experiencing some difficulty in locating the base because of the low ceiling. This was the only flying done by the Squadron today. As this was sector release day, one section only was maintained at readiness from 0639 to 1300 hours.

First and Last Operational Missions

402 Sqn RCAF (Colerne) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 6.3.42

The weather in this area was generally hazy with a 500 – 800 foot ceiling. At 11.00 hours the pilots attended a lecture on tank recognition in the Station Intelligence Office after which the Wing Commander Flying gave a short lecture on R/T silence. There was no flying done today by this Squadron because of the prevailing unfavourable weather conditions. S/L. Douglas attended the A.O.C.s conference today at Uxbridge.

Base Changes

209 Sqn (Non-Op) left for East Africa
313 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch

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50 Sqn(Skellingthorpe –Hampden I) 7.3.42

GARDENING – ARTICHOKE AREA

8 aircraft were detailed for this night’s operations, of Gardening in the ARTICHOKE area. One aircraft failed to return, and one aircraft abandoned the mission early owing to technical trouble.

4 aircraft reported dropping vegetables in the primary area, one aircraft jettisoned vegetable and wing bombs “safe”. Other aircraft could not find target area.

A total of 6 vegetables, 6 x 250 lb. G.P.s were expended on this operation.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE400. Crew: P/O. AG Davidson, Sgt. LN Follows, Sgt. WMA Eardley, Sgt. G. Shackleton. T/o Skellingthorpe 0217. Lost over the sea. The body of Sgt. Fellows was washed ashore at Finistere on March 11 and taken for burial at Concarneau Communal Cemetery, France. His three companions are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Base Changes

411 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Southend.