Action This Day

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57 Sqn (Feltwell – Wellington III) 7.5.42

Eight aircraft gardening. P/O. Sligo and crew missing.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III Z1564 DX-? Crew: P/O. JA Sligo RNZAF, P/O. D Percival, Sgt. G Richard, Sgt. M Prescott, Sgt. J Collie. T/o 2210 Feltwell, gardening Pumpkin area. Hit by Marine Flak and 2./Iei Abt. 844 (IV.Zug), crashed in sea, twixt northern edge of Fanö Island and Esbjerg at 0125 hours. All are buried in Esbjerg Cemetery, Denmark.

Minelaying – 81 aircraft of 3 and 5 Groups to Copenhagen, the Great Belt, Kiel, and Heligoland. 1 Hampden and 1 Wellington lost.

Base Changes

217 Sqn (non-Op) left for SEAC
238 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.121
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gambut
302 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Heston
310 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Exeter

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408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 8.5.42

No. 5 Group requested 12 experienced crews for an attack on the Heinkel Works and Searchlights in the Warnemunde area. Nine full experienced and 3 semi-experienced were detailed for this operation. All aircraft took off from this aerodrome at approximately 2120 hours and were due to return at approximately 0550 hours the following morning. Two experienced crews were forced to return to base, one after three and a half hours flying owing to instrument trouble and the other, after five and a half hours due to severe engine overheating trouble. These two aircraft returned safely to base. Reports from the aircrew who were over the target area showed that defences at the target to be particularly strong and active. Of the remaining ten crews two were forced to bomb last resort targets owing to powerful searchlight opposition, one bombing an aerodrome in the primary target area and the other an aerodrome on Areo Island. Of the eight remaining crews six successfully reached and bombed the target, observing bursts and fires and later returning safely to base at approximately the expected hour. Unfortunately, the two remaining aircraft did not return from this operation and nothing further has been heard from either of them since the time of take-off.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE288 EQ-H. Crew: Sgt. JS Norton RCAF, Sgt. MS Sinclair RCAF, Sgt. CS Jefferies, Sgt. HF Stroud. T/o 2124 Balderton hit by 1./Iei Flak Abt. 836, 1./Iei Abt. 844 and 1./M Flak Abt. 204, crashed in tidal area SE of Mandö at 0246 hours. All were eventually washed ashore and taken for burial at Esbjerg Cemetery, Denmark.

Hampden I AE297 EQ-F. Crew: Sgt. JW Markle RCAF, F/Sgt. CH Finkbeiner RCAF, F/Sgt. JF Dafoe RCAF, Sgt. EJJ Killham. T/o 2122 Balderton coned by 11. & 13./Flak Rgt. 25, hit 1./Res. Flak Abt. 251, 1./Res Flak Abt.224 and 2. & 4./Res. Flak Abt. 227, crasher near Rövershagen at 0124 hours. All are buried in Berlin at the 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

Warnemünde – 193 aircraft – 98 Wellingtons, 27 Stirlings, 21 Lancasters, 19 Halifaxes, 19 Hampdens, 9 Manchesters – to the town and the nearby Heinkel aircraft factory. 19 aircraft – 8 Wellingtons, 4 Lancasters, 3 Hampdens, 2 Halifaxes, 1 Manchester, 1 Stirling – lost.

No details are available from Warnemünde but Bomber Command’s own records say ‘the attack was only moderately successful'.

First and Last Operational Missions

46 Sqn (Idku) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IF
238 Sqn (LG.121) started its second tour of operations in the Hurricane IIB/C

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457 Sqn RAAF (Redhill– Spitfire VB) 9.5.42

Squadron was on readiness at 05.00 hours and kept busy all day. There were two scrambles before breakfast and one after. They all patrolled between BEACHY HEAD and BRIGHTON – enemy aircraft reported, but nothing seen. At 12.30 hours the Squadron took off (AUS.402267 F/Lt. PH WATSON leading) for Circus at HAZEBRUCK, acting as high cover and top Squadron. The Squadron reached the target all right and were jumped by about 25-30 FW.190’s in sections of four. Yellow section became detached and broke up. One of our aircraft was seen with an enemy aircraft only 50 yards behind it, shooting cannon all over the aircraft. P/O. JS NEWTON (AUS.404730) went after them and could only fire at the enemy aircraft when our aircraft dived away. He got in two bursts at very short range but does not claim. Sgt. GIFFORD, GLC (AUS.402740) did his best to level things up, by attacking 2 enemy aircraft and damaging one which he claims. Unfortunately, we lost two of our most recently joined pilots on this operation – both Australians – AUS.40092 Sgt. SMITH, WJ, and AUS.407426 Sgt. HALLIDAY, RAG. Sgt. Smith came to the Squadron about 1 month ago and was operational, having flown with 11 Group with No. 452 Squadron. He was last seen by his No.2 in a dogfight over the Channel and mid-way between MARDICK and DOVER at about 20,000 feet. Sgt. HALLIDAY came to the Squadron from No.52 OTU ASTON DOWN, also about a month ago, and had only recently been declared operational. Apparently having been shot up in today’s sweep, over the Channel on the way home, he was attempting to make land, but failed and bailed out too late and his aircraft crashed into the sea off DEAL. Sgt. HALLIDAY’s body was picked up from the sea, his parachute half-open, it is believed his aircraft caught fire. On the way home from HAZEBRUCK, over the Channel, the Squadron was continually attacked by enemy aircraft and landed at 14.15 hours. P/O. DH McLEAN (Aus.404652) and Sgt. MacDOWELL, FR (Aus.403070) came back at 13.35 hours with R/T failure. At 14.30 hours the Squadron took off to act as diversion Wing at 25,000 feet for bombing raid on BRUGES. Kenly and Tangmere Wings acting as target support. This Show was without incident and all our aircraft returned at 18.20 hours, having only touched the fringe of the French coast at DIEPPE. Enemy aircraft were seen miles away but could not be engaged.

ADDENDUM - Spitfire VB BM180. Sgt. WJ Smith KIA. Shot down by JG26.

First and Last Operational Missions

309 Sqn (Exeter) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IIF.

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 10.5.42

“A” Flight came to readiness from 0845 to 1300 hours. At 1130 hours the Squadron with Wing took off for Sweep Le Touquet – Gravelines. On approaching Le Touquet the weather proved unsuitable and Wing returned. All a/c landed safely by 1240 hours. At 1430 hours the Squadron was released for the day. The “new” pilots were hard at it again today doing sector recco’s and camera gun work.

Base Changes

55 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Amriya
304 Sqn (Tiree – Wellington IC) transferred to Coastal Command

First and Last Operational Missions

165 Sqn (Ayr – Spitfire VA) flew its first OM of the war
238 Sqn (LG.121) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 11.5.42

Weather 10/10th cloud with base at approximately 1000 ft. clearing somewhat by noon and deteriorating again by 1800 hrs. At 0600 hrs. the squadron was released until 1000 and this was later changed to 1200 hrs. “A” Flight came to readiness at 1315 hours to 1405 hrs. and “B” Flight took over that time till 1730 hrs. “A” Flight was at readiness from 1730 hrs. till dusk. 124 – 72 and 133 Squadrons were released for the rest of the day at 1230 hrs. Two pilots went to Leystown for air to sea firing while other pilots practiced cloud flying, camera gun and formation flying. Two pilots “A” Flight escorted a Blenheim calibration a/c over the Channel from 1445 to 1630 hrs.

First and Last Operational Missions

488 Sqn RNZAF (Thorney Island) flew its first OM in the Hampden I

ADDENDUM - The transport SS Andes docks in UK, carrying about 1,800 personnel for various Eighth AF units. This is first large shipment of AAF troops to UK.

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132 Sqn (Skeabrae – Spitfire VB) 12.5.42

Weather cloudy 8/10 – 10/10 at 2000 feet. Wind NE 15-20 mph. Red Section (P/O. Burgess and Sgt. Crawford) scrambled at 08.00 hours. Red 2 – Sgt. Crawford – lost Red Leader in cloud and was last fixed at 08.30 hours on a bearing of 090° east of the island of Copinsay flying East. ASR action taken immediately without result. Casualty action taken. Dusk patrol of 3 aircraft and night landing practice with 2 aircraft.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL711. Sgt. JF Crawford. Body washed up on the Belgian Coast. Buried in Blankenberge Communal Cemetery

39 officers and 348 enlisted men of HQ and the bomber, interceptor and service commands arrive at High Wycombe, England where the VIII Interceptor Command sets up HQ.

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 13.5.42

The weather was u/s and at 1045 hrs. both squadrons were released for the day. The pilots reviewed recent combat and practice films from 1100 to 1220 hrs. in the Intelligence Office. In the afternoon P/O. Blakeslee did a test flight of short duration this being the only flying done today on this field.

Base Changes

18 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moves to Dundonald
225 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/C) moves to Abbotsinch
602 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill

First and Last Operational Missions

248 Sqn (Dyce) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIC

ADDENDUM – Flying personnel of 15th Bomb Sq, the first US bomb unit sent to UK, arrive at Newport, UK, without aircraft.

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 14.5.42

The weather was u/s again this morning. At 0845 hrs. the squadron was released for training. The weather cleared somewhat later in the afternoon and some camera gun, formation and local flying was done. It was learned later in the evening that S/L A.G.Douglas, F/Lt. R.L. Neal and P/O I. Ormston of this squadron had been awarded the D.F.C.

Base Changes

125 Sqn (Beaufighter IIF) moved to Fairwood Common
239 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Gatwick
402 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Kenley
459 Sqn RAAF (Hudson III/IIIA/VI) moved to LG.40

ADDENDUM – Gen Eaker designated cmdr of Det HQ Eighth AF in addition to his duties as CG VIII BC. Gen Hunter assumes cmd of VIII IC.

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9 Sqn (Honington – Wellington III) 15.5.42

Six aircraft took off for operations in accordance with HEADQUARTERS NO.3 GROUP operations order form B.811 dated 15/5/42.
Five aircraft returned safely. Wellington Z.1615 (Sgt. Richards and Crew) failed to return. Nothing was heard of the aircraft after it took off.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III Z1615 WS-H. Crew: Sgt. S Richards, P/O. J Simpson, Sgt. R Bell, Sgt. A Gruchy, Sgt. P Gaum RCAF. T/o 2304 Honington, hit by Marine Flak and machine gun of Fluwa 6, ditched in Nakskov Fjord at 0221 hours. The four survivors were rescued by local fisherman. Sgt. Gruchy is buried in Svino Cemetery. Sgt. Gaum was trapped for several hours in the confines of the rear turret, but was freed, unharmed, by his rescuers who cut through the metal framework.

Minelaying – 20 aircraft to Danish coasts, Kiel, and the German Bight.

Base Changes

18 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Ayr
81 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch
201 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Azeiz

First and Last Operational Missions

165 Sqn (Ayr) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VA

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401 SqnRCAF (Gravesend– Spitfire VB) 16.5.42

S/Ldr. Douglas called the pilots and ground crew for a short talk in which he thanked the pilots and ground personnel for their good work which culminated in recognition for the squadron in the persons of the Commanding Officer and the Flight Commanders. Considerable camera gun and formation flying was done in the morning, the newer pilots getting in a lot of this type of practice usually accompanied by more experienced pilots. At 1425 hrs. the Squadron took off with 124 Sqn. and joined the Biggin Hill Squadrons. The Wing crossed the coast at Beachy Head and headed for Le Treport on a wing sweep. There was 10/10th cloud in layers. At one point a vector brought the wing to a spot where e/a had been seen, as smoke trails were seen below, with the result the wing came across a formation of 12 plus e/a in the Dieppe area. These came up through cloud approx. 3000 ft. below but wing flying at 22-25000 ft. could not close on them more than 4-5000 yds. As wing came out from France several 190’s were seen above and behind leaving smoke trails but they swung back into France and disappeared. All a/c landed by 1620 hrs. “A” Flight came to readiness at 1730 hrs. Convoy patrols were flown as follows, 4 a/c “A” Flight from 1827 to 1940 hrs. 4 a/c “B” Flight from 1915 to 2032 hrs. 2 a/c “A” Flight from 2000 to 2126 hrs. 2 a/c “B” Flight from 2000 to 2126 hrs. 4 a/c “A” Flight from 2100 to 2225 hrs. The Squadron was released at 2245 hrs.

Base Changes

5 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gasr el Arid
25 Sqn (Beaufighter IF) moved to Church Fenton
53 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to St. Eval
94 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Ikingi Maryut
131 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Merston
415 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moved to Thorney Island

First and Last Operational Missions

421 Sqn RCAF (Fairwood Common – Spitfire VB) flew its first OM of the war

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15 Sqn (Wyton – Stirling I) 17.5.42

Eight aircraft of 15 Squadron set out on a gardening expedition, seven in the BALTIC and one in HELIGOLAND BIGHT. Sergeant Douglas pinpointed MARKELSDORFERHUK and dropped Veg. O.K. P/O. Arnott identified S. tip of LAALANDS and completed mission. F/O. Philips laid mines as ordered. Of the remaining five aircraft, all laid their mines successfully, except S/L dr. Hall, who did not return.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I W7531 LS-F MacRobert’s Reply. Crew: S/Ldr. JC Hall DFC MiD, F/Lt. NGR Booth, Sgt. A Sprigs, F/O. JP Ryan RCAF, Sgt. R Maycock, Sgt. JB Butterworth, Sgt. FL Sharp, Sgt. DJ Jeffs, Sgt. R Nicholson. T/o 2140 Wyton to lay mines in the Danish Sound. Hit by flak from ships in the target area and the port engine caught fire. Shortly afterwards, the Stirling flew over the Little Belt Bridge, was hit by light flak from 3./Iei Flak Abt. 844 (II. And IV. Zug) and crashed at Gals Klint, 2 km W. od Middlefart, Denmark. Sgt. Jeffs was thrown out on impact and was taken into captivity, severely injured. Sgt. Maycock has no known grave, but the rest who died were buried on 21 May at Odense Cemetery. F/Lt. Booth was not a member of 15 Squadron. He had been visiting Wyton and, on impulse, had asked to join the crew. F/O Ryan was a New Zealander serving in the RCAF.

Minelaying – 32 Stirlings and 28 Wellingtons of 3 Group to the Frisians and Heligoland area. German night fighters were active and 5 Stirlings and 3 Wellingtons were lost.

Det, Eighth AF, with help of III BC staff, issues a directive defining its mission, which is the organization,
trg, and supplying of units of ADVONs of Eighth AF to prepare for immediate operations upon
arrival of tac elements of the Eighth. 50 US intelligence officers arrive in UK for trg by RAF BC.

Base Changes

247 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B/C) moved to Exeter

First and Last Operational Missions

223 Sqn (Maaten Bagush) flew its first OM in the Baltimore II

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 18.5.42

Several A/C test flights were done and one pilot tested his cannon off Beachy Head. At 1355 the Squadron took off with 124 Squadron to join up over Biggin Hill for Wing Sweep. Wing led by W/C Rankin with 72 Sqdn. crossed Coast South of Le Treport (stepped up from 18,000 ft. 401 Sqdn. on top) The Wing then turned right and flew off Coast as far as Dieppe where 6 F.W. 190 emerged at approx 18000 ft. Wing orbited. W/C Ranking and a section 72 Sqdn. attacked by did not claim anything. Afterwards a large number of E/A seen by lower Sqdn. to come out of Dieppe as Wing turned for home. On return trip a lone unidentified A/C was seen by 401 Sqdn. traveling south at high speed. All A/C 401 Sqdn. landed Gravesend by 1518 hrs.

Base Changes

300 Sqn (Wellington IV) moves to Ingham

First and Last Operational Missions

214 Sqn (Stradishall) flew its first OM in the Stirling I
242 Sqn (Ouston) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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35 Sqn (Linton-on-Ouse – Halifax II) 19.5.42

MANNHEIM was selected as the primary and ST. NAZAIRE as the ‘fresher’ targets on this night. Nine aircraft detailed to attack MANNHEIM, seven attacked primary and two did not raid. MANNHEIM was identified chiefly by the built up area on bend of Rhine and canal. Bombs were dropped in target area, chiefly on western side of town. Bursts from 4,000 lb. bomb were observed, incendiaries still burning on leaving target area. Moderate heavy flak and intense searchlight activity was encountered by most aircraft. Nickels were dropped at varying times, either on approach or leaving target area. Pilot’s escape hatch on one aircraft flew open, and remained so, held in slipstream. Pilot and observer attempted to close hatch but without success, eventually managed by Bombardier standing with head and shoulders out of hatch whilst first W/Op AG held on to his legs, and pilot reducing speed to 120 m.p.h. and flaps half down. One encounter with enemy aircraft was experienced but evasive action enabled aircraft to return successfully. Two other pilots sighted enemy aircraft but no encounter took place. Two aircraft, Pilot’s F/O. Valters and F/Sgt. Reed, failed to return and are now classified ‘Missing’. Of the six fresher aircraft all but one bombed ST. NAZAIRE. 1/10th light cloud hung over the target. The docks were subjected to severe bombing and extensive damage is presumed, the bombs seen straddling the docks. One aircraft was off track over France trying to pinpoint, petrol consumption proved high and pilot decided to make for Base. Bombs were jettisoned safe from 10,000 feet.

ADDENDUM – Halifax II W1101 TL-S. Crew: Sgt. DH Reed RNZAF, Sgt. EJ Morris, Sgt. FDO Hunter RAAF, Sgt. FE Flint, Sgt. RL Prosser, F/Sgt. LP Russell. T/o 2230 Linton-on-Ouse coned by 2./Res. Flakscheinw. Abt. 300, hit by 1./Res. Flak Abt. 702, 1./Res. Flak Abt. 710, 1./Res. Flak Abt. 903, & 3./Res. Flak Abt. 385, 1. & 2./Res. Flak Abt. 499 and 2./Res. Flak Abt. 385, impacted 200 meters north of Huchelheim at 0135 hours. The crew was initially buried in Manheim, but since the war they have been moved to Durnbach. Sgt. Morris was a regular air force NCO whose service number indicates he joined the service in the 1920’s. At 41 he was well above the age considered as average for operational aircrew.

Halifax II W7658 TL-H. Crew: P/O. RW Valters, Sgt. SR Stickney, Sgt. WR Hunt, P/O. RG Baker, Sgt. G Daft, Sgt. DG Southwell, Sgt. G Kennedy RCAF. T/o 2233 Linton-on-Ouse hit by flak while crossing the French coast, and this was followed by a night-fighter attack. Lt. Fridrich Graeff (1st victory) 9.NJG4. With the starboard inner ablaze, the pilot ordered his flight engineer to feather the propeller, but in the confusion of the moment, he inadvertently stopped the starboard outer. All attempts to restart this engine failed and the bomber went into a steep dive, crashing at 0050 near Aiglemont (Ardennes), 5 km NE of Charleville-Mézières. P/O Valters, Sgt. Stickney, Sgt. Hunt and Sgt. Kennedy are buried in Aiglemont Communal Cemetery. Sgt. Baker became a POW. Sgts Daft and Southwell evaded capture and eventually made it back to the UK.

Mannheim – 197 aircraft – 105 Wellingtons, 31 Stirlings, 29 Halifaxes, 15 Hampdens, 13 Lancasters, 4 Manchesters. 11 aircraft – 4 Halifaxes, 4 Stirlings, 3 Wellingtons – lost.

155 aircraft reported hitting Mannheim but most of their bombing photographs showed forest or open country. The Mannheim report describes the long delay before the attack developed, with aircraft at greater heights than in previous raids passing to and fro searching for the target. When the raid did begin, bombs approximately equivalent to no more than 10 aircraft loads fell in the city. A concentrated group of about 600 incendiaries in the harbour area on the Rhine burnt out 4 small industrial concerns – a blanket factory, a mineral-water factory, a chemical wholesalers, and a timber merchant. Only light damage was caused elsewhere in the city. The only fatal casualties were 2 firemen.

Det., HQ Eighth AF, under Gen. Eaker, assumes control of all USAAF organizations in British Isles.

Base Changes

104 Sqn (Wellington II) moves to LG.106
239 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Detling

First and Last Operational Missions

151 Sqn (Wittering) flies its last OM in Defiant NFII
307 Sqn (Exeter) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIF
609 Sqn (Duxford) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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29 Sqn (West Malling – Beaufighter IF) 20.5.42

Pilot Officer Mitchell took off on operations at 01.44 hours. On coming in to land during bad visibility crashed on the aerodrome and was killed. His operator, Sgt. Thomas, escaped with slight head injuries.

Base Changes

18 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Wattisham
73 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moved to El Adem
108 Sqn (Wellington IC) moved to LG.105
140 Sqn (Spitfire I/PRIV) moved to Mount Farm
268 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Weston Zoyland

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41 Sqn (Merston – Spitfire VB) 21.5.42

“A” Flight at readiness. “B” Flight 15 mins. F/Sgt. Fee & F/Lt. Vyoukal took off to patrol off Le Havre. F/Lt. Vyoukal did not return. Squadron 30 mins. all day from 09.00 hrs. Air firing into sea from 15.08 to 15.40 hrs. Squadron released at 14.40 hrs.

Addendum – Spitfire VB BL998. Pilot F/Lt. K Vyoukal (Czech) KIA. Anti-shipping sortie, Seine estuary, 0600 hours. Hit by flak.

Base Changes

225 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/C Mustang I/II) moved to Thruxton
232 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Ayr

First and Last Operational Missions

616 Sqn (Kings Cliffe) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VI

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 22.5.42

Whispy cloud at approximately 10,000 feet with slight ground haze. “A” Flight was at readiness from 0845 to 1300 hours. After a briefing at the dispersal hut, the Squadron taxied onto the field for take-off but were recalled before being airborne. Considerable local, camera gun and formation flying was done for the remainder of the day.

Base Changes

5 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gambut 2

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend) 23.5.42

9/10th could at approx. 8000 ft. At 11.18 hours, the Squadron took off with 124 Squadron rendezvoused with 133 and 72 Squadrons over Gravesend for an offensive Wing Patrol. The Wing crossed coast over Dungeness (1,000 ft.) and climbing reached Hardelot at 15000 ft. Sqdns. Stepped up behind (401 top at 24,000 ft.). The Wing turned left behind Boulogne and out at Marquise, then down Channel with Sqdns. Climbing independently – 401 climbed to 32000 in an attempt to get above smoke trail height or rather to get in between two smoke trails heights, one caused by haze below and the other a natural one above. E/A were reported over Calais and E/A about 7 miles north of Calais, but the Sqdn. which was flying in immediate vicinity and at heights reported did not see any E/A. After patrolling up and down Channel, the Sqdn. returned to base landing Gravesend by 1240 hrs. Some aerobatics, cine gun, and local flying was done but the weather deteriorated in the early afternoon and at 1540 hrs. the Squadron was released for the rest of the day.

Base Changes

4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gambut 2
260 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gambut 2

ADDENDUM - VIII Bomber Command is activated at Langley Field and VIII Interceptor Command at Selfridge Field.

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At 0653 Red Section (2/Lt. Mollstad and 2/Lt. Strand “A” Flight) were ordered to patrol Hartlepool in connection with Raid 650 coming down from the North. At 0717, section was handed over to Seton. A few minutes later, after a final vector of 240 degrees, a twin-engined aircraft was sighted 8 miles slightly to starboard about 3,000 ft. below. Closing in, Section recognized aircraft as a Ju-88 – Section then flying at 26,000 ft. E/A made a complete turn, thus turning against our aircraft as section turned in. Our aircraft close to approx. 250 yards, when Red 1 gave a very short burst of cannon and machine-gun fire. When Section were dead astern, Red 2 leading, opened fire at 250 yards and Red 1 saw smoke issuing from starboard and slightly from port engines of E/A. The Ju-88 took violent evasive action, Red 1 closed into 250 yards and opened fire with a number of very short bursts, when ammunition ceased with one short burst. As a result of this burst, the wingtip of the Ju-88 fell off and machine gun strikes were observed along the fuselage, to avoid a collision with E/A owing to its reduced speed, Red 1 had to evade violently. Return fire from E/A caused slight damage to Red 1’s aircraft: Red 2’s aircraft was hit in the coolant system and during the combat Red 1 noticed smoke white smoke coming from Red 2’s aircraft. The Ju-88 was left making a steep turn to starboard and going into cloud at 11,000 ft. his speed greatly reduced. Red 1 landed at W Hartlepool at 0744. Red 2 crash-landed as a result of enemy action, by Whyte Leys Hospital, South Shields, with minor injuries and suffering from shock.

Base Changes

145 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Gambut

First and Last Operational Missions

42 Sqn (Leuchars) flew its last OM in the Beaufort II
452 Sqn RAAF (Andreas) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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222 Sqn (North Weald – Spitfire VB) 25.5.42

Rodeo 51 Wing left base at 1040 hrs after one postponement. The W/Cdr almost had to return almost immediately owing to instrument failures. S/Ldr. Jankiewicz ordered to lead the wing, which crossed the coast between Ostend and Dunkirk, afterwards 222 Squadron became separated near Gravelines & was heavily attacked from both sides by superior forces of the enemy chiefly F.W.190’s with the result P/O. Walton was probably shot down and S/Ldr. Jankiewicz also is missing.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB AD233 S/Ldr JS Jankiewicz KIA in combat with fighters of JG26
Spitfire VB W3332 P/O GF Morgan (not Walton per 222 Sqn ORB) PoW shot down by fighters of JG 26 5km NW of Berck-sur-Mer.

Base Changes

94 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to El Gamil

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 26.5.42

After briefing at Intelligence Office the Sqn. took off at 0951 hours to rendezvous over base at 14,000 ft with the two other Sqns of the Wing. The Biggin Wing was to act as Escort Cover to nine Boston Bombers on raid to St. Omer. The Wing was stepped up from 17 to 21,000 ft with 72 Sqn below, 124 middle and 401 top Sqn. Wing followed bombers towards Calais turning and flying up the coast 1 mile out and entering France East of Dunkirk instead of between Gravelines and Mardyk as detailed. The Wing maintained height and proceeded to Cassell, then St. Omer and out at Calais crossing Channel to Diver. Over Cassell, 8 – 12 E/A’s were seen approaching above head-on, one of these half-rolled and fired from 1000 yds three stray bullets hitting F/Sgt. H.McDonalds and Sgt. R.W.Danison’s aircraft, but E/A did not attack. Many A/C were seen in area. All A/C landed safely at Biggin Hill by 1122 hrs except one of 401 Sqn (P/O Merritt) landed early at Manston at 1020 hrs with engine troubles. There was slight flak 2,000 ft below at Dunkirk and 500 ft below from Calais. There were no casualties for or against. The Sqn with Wing took off Biggin Hill by 1948 hrs, made rendezvous over West Malling with the 8 Hurri-Bombers and their escort Hornchurch Wing) and climbing crossed out over Deal at 18,000 ft. The French coast was crossed over Gravelines at 19,000 ft turning at Audricq coming out over St. Inglevert area. Wing still climbing turned northwest flew up Channel at 20/22,000 ft. at one time losing sight of Hornchurch Wing but they were picked up again inside us in Cap Griz Nez area. Only E/A seen were 5 A/C away in distance over St. Omer – Calais area. Over target (Calais) W/C and other pilots saw what they thought was a large fire in the target area. As wing approached Dover on return trip, 401 Sqn turned back over Channel to investigate E/A reported in Griz Nez area without result and returned via Folkestone to base, landing at 2115 at Gravesend.

First and Last Operational Missions

235 Sqn (Sumburgh) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IF

ADDENDUM – Gen. Arnold, Adm. Towers, and ACM Portal attend Anglo-American air conference in London. Topics of discussion include allocation of aircraft and establishment of US air forces in UK.