Action This Day

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306 Sqn (Polish) (Northolt – Spitfire VB) 22.8.42

Thirteen aircraft of 306 Squadron left Northolt at 11.00 hours, crossing the English Coast at Beachy Head flying at 0 feet and crossing the French coast at Hardelot at 11.40 hrs. Still flying at ground level they arrived over St. Omer/Longueness at 11.54 hrs. There was no A/A as they went into France but halfway to the target the ground defences opened up at them. Intense A/A was experienced from aerodrome defences and also from Gravelines on the way out. The pilots who returned from St. Englevert was free from A/A. F/Lt. Gil attacked a hangar on Longueness aerodrome. Sgt. KORDASIEWICZ attacked A/A posts on the same aerodrome, and aircraft in the hangar. F/Sgt. Krupa attacked a railway while on the way to St. Omer. He circled three times over Longueness and shot up aircraft in the hangar. He last saw S/Ldr. Czerwinski over the aerodrome. The port wing and tail of his own aircraft were damaged. P/O. Pietrzak, about thirteen miles from the coast, found an aerodrome and attacked aircraft which were dispersed at the edge of a wood. He flew over Longueness and attacked a big hangar and a building nearby. Returning via Gravelines, the tail of his aircraft was damaged. F/O Marcisz attacked A/A posts at Longueness. The starboard wing, rudder, aileron and radiator were damaged by A/A from Gravelines. He fired at a gun position there. Four miles North of Gravelines he saw a large naval unit but he was unable to identify because of his speed and height. F/O. Kurowski attacked a motor car arriving at Longueness aerodrome and fired at buildings and various objects around the aerodrome. He returned via Boulogne without opposition. Sgt. Machowiak attacked a railway engine on the way to St. Omer. He did not locate the target and returned via Gravelines where the starboard wing and cabin were damaged by A/A. Sgt. Rogowski attacked a small hangar on Fort Rouge aerodrome. He returned via St. Englevert without opposition. The cockpit of aircraft was damaged while over the ‘drome. S/Ldr. Nowierski, who was flying the thirteenth aircraft of this Squadron, attacked aircraft on the ground at St. Omer/Longueness aerodrome. This aircraft had its engine running. A detachment of soldiers exercising behind the aerodrome were also attacked. S/Ldr. Nowierski crossed the French Coast East of Gravelines on the return journey. Four pilots failed to return from this operation as follows: F/O. W. Sysezkowsi was last seen when crossing the French Coast on the way in. Not one of the pilots who returned are able to give any information about him. F/Sgt. Z. Horn was last seen by F/Lt. Gil near Desvres. White smoke coming from his aircraft. S/Ldr. T. Czerwinski was seen to make a climbing turn when over the target, giving the impression that he had lost control. F/Sgt. S. Kroczinski reported over the R/T that he was wounded and was going to try and make a forced landing. Later he was heard to say over the R/T that he had landed, his position was approximately South of St. Omer. Nine aircraft landed at Northolt at 12.30 to 12.45 hours, five of them having been damaged by Flak.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB EN826. Pilot S/Ldr. T Czerwinski KIA

Spitfire VB AR381. Pilot F/O W Syzezkowski KIA

Spitfire VB R6770. Pilot Sgt. B Kroczynski POW

Spitfire VB R6904. Pilot F/Sgt. Z Horn KIA.

USAMEAF - 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack the German Army tank repair shops and depots at Matruh. One B-25 is mistakenly downed by an RAF fighter pilot.

Base Changes
73 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.89

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315 Sqn (Polish) (Woodvale – Spitfire VB) 23.8.42

Black Section (F/O SAWIAK & SGT LISOWSKI) took off from VALLEY at 07.57, with orders to patrol Barsey at 15,000 ft. In taking off, SGT LISOWSKI ran into the sand and his a/c tipped on its nose. He took off in a second a/c at 08.05 hrs. The Section was now ordered to intercept Raid 134. Black 2 (SGT LISOWSKI) did not see his leader, because of his delayed take-off. Black 1 tally-ho’d at 08.34, after which R/T communications were broken off. The point of contact was given by Operations as I.O. 2379. Black 2 ran out of petrol and was ordered to land at BALLY HALBERT, which he did at approximately 09.30 hrs. He took off from BALLY HALBERT at 13.00 hrs, and landed at VALLEY at 13.30. Black 2 said the pilots of a section ordered up from BALLY HALBERT saw Black 1 break away from combat at about 500 ft, and that, as they did not experience return fire, they assumed that Black 1 had killed the rear gunner of the JU.88. They attacked the JU.88 themselves, but could give no reason why Black 1 broke away, nor did they know what happened to him afterwards. Black 2 said he did not see the e/a, and he was not interrogated at BALLY HALBERT. VALLEY Controller stated that Black 1 crash-landed near DUBLIN and was taken to hospital badly injured, afterwards dying from his wounds. It was learned later the Ju.88 crash-landed in S. Ireland.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL959. Pilot F/O BJ Sowiak, crash landed in Eire and died from his wounds.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack the harbour at Tobruk

Base Changes
18 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moves to West Raynham

First and Last Operational Missions
423 Sqn RCAF (Oban – Sunderland III) flies its first OM of the war
453 Sqn RAAF (Drem) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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83 Sqn (Wyton – Lancaster I) 24.8.42

At night 14 aircraft took off to bomb Frankfurt. F/Lt. Mathieson & crew and F/Sbt. Goodfellow and crew, failed to return from this operation. Nothing was heard from them.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I R5610 OL-G. Crew: F/L OR Matheson DFC, Sgt P Squires, F/L RM Buchan DFC, F/L JW Dicker RAAF, F/S WR Cubberley, Sgt EV Norman, Sgt HD Quintrell. T/o 2051 Wyton, shot down by Oblt. Walter Barte (6th victory) 4./NJG1, 1 km SE Morkhoven, S. Herentals at 01.46 hrs. F/L Matheson evaded capture and eventually returned to the UK. F/L Dicker and Sgt Cubberley became POW’s. Those who died are buried in Morkhoven Communal Cemetery.

Lancaster I R5623 OL-C. Crew: F/S LT Goodfellow RCAF, Sgt JJ Mathieson, F/O EH Renfree, Sgt E Webster, Sgt H Young, Sgt CHJ Byrd RCAF, Sgt DL Lowe. T/o 2113 Wyton. Exploded and crashed at Kalbach, 14 km SSW of Fulda, Germany. All are buried in Durnbach War Cemetery.

Frankfurt – 226 aircraft – 104 Wellingtons, 61 Lancasters, 53 Stirlings, 8 Halifaxes. 16 aircraft – 6 Lancasters, 5 Wellingtons, 4 Stirlings, 1 Halifax – lost, 7.1% of the force.

This was the second Pathfinder-led raid and the Pathfinder crews again experienced great difficulty in locating the target in cloudy conditions; most of the bombing fell in open country north and west of Frankfurt. Local reports say that some bombs fell in the city, with 17 large and 53 small fires and with moderate property damage. 5 people were killed, including 2 Flak gunners, and 95 people were injured. The outlying villages of Schwalbach and Eschborn were heavily bombed.

8th AF - Eighteen sorties mounted by the 31st Fighter Group, including a scramble to find a daylight raider, result in no contacts.

The 6th Fighter Wing is assigned to Atcham Airdrome to train replacement pilots for Eighth Air Force combat fighter groups.

Having completed its advanced operational training at Goxhill Airdrome, the 1st Fighter Group, in P-38s, transfers to Ibsley Airdrome to prepare for operational combat duty as part of the 6th Fighter Wing.

Twelve 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack the shipyard at Le Trait between 1616 and 1623 hours. There is no enemy response.

USAMEAF B-24s attack the harbour at Tobruk.

Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Non-Op) moves to Shandur
56 Sqn (Typhoon IA) moves to Matlask
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Zeals
118 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Zeals
131 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ipswich
137 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moves to Snailwell
501 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Middle Wallop

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105 Sqn (Horsham St. Faith – Mosquito IV) 25.8.42

In the evening three MOSQUITOS took off for Low-Level attacks on QUADRATH Power Station, (PILOT OFFICER RALSTON and PILOT OFFICER CLAYTON). BRAUNWEILER Switching Station, (FLIGHT LIEUTENANT COSTELLO-BOWEN and WARRANT OFFICER BROOM), and KNAPSACK Power Station, (FLIGHT LIEUTENANT PARRY and PILOT OFFICER ROBSON). STOLBERG attacked instead of QUADRATH, as light failing. Second aircraft missing, (PILOT - FLIGHT LIEUTENANT COSTELLO-BOWEN; OBSERVER - WARRANT OFFICER BROOM). Third aircraft attacked primary target.

ADDENDUM – Mosquito IV DK297 GB-? Both crew members successfully evaded capture and returned to the UK.

8th AF - Units of the Provisional Troop Carrier Command are transferred to the operational control of the VIII Ground Air Support Command.

The 27th Fighter Squadron is relieved of its temporary assignment to Iceland air defenses and dispatched to England to rejoin the 1st Fighter Group.

USAMEAF B-24s attack the Corinth Canal.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack Axis shipping at sea and Axis landing grounds.

Base Changes
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moves to LG.175

First and Last Operational Missions
69 Sqn (Luqa) flies its first OM’s in the Wellington IC & VIII

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152 Sqn (Angle – Spitfire VB) 26.8.42

Sgt Woolrich and Sgt Shaw lost mysteriously: it seems as though they must have collided over the sea in bad visibility. They were vectored after a bandit but ground control lost touch with them and the C.O. shortly afterwards saw a patch of oil on the sea about 30 miles S.W. of base. On further investigation, he saw a pilot in the water which afterwards proved to be Sgt. Shaw who had clearly been killed when his aircraft went into the drink. No trace at all of Sgt Woolrich. Woolrich’s commission was just about due. It was a great piece of bad luck.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BM638. Sgt GD Woolrich was an American.

Spitfire VB EP164. Sgt ME Shaw.

8th AF - Thirty-eight 31st Fighter Group sorties result in no contacts.

Eleven 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack the aircraft factory and GAF repair depot at Meaulte. Three B-17s are damaged and one crewman is killed.

USAMEAF - Two B-24 squadrons attack shipping and port facilities at Tobruk.

Base Changes
60 Sqn SAAF R (Maryland I/II) moves to Wadi Natrun

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305 Sqn (Polish) (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 27.8.42

OPERATION NO. 122

Ten aircraft were detailed to attack the town of KASSEL in Germany. The Captains of the crews being:- F/O. GIEDRYS, F/LT. JONIKAS, SGT. BOJARCZUK, P/O. TURSKI, F/O. ROGOWSKI, W/CDR. SNIEGULA (Commander Officer No. 305 (Polish) Squadron), SGT. PYTLAK, SGT. BANASZUK, SGT. PRYZBYLA, and F/O. WOJICKI.

Bombs were dropped on the target area, heights varying between 9,500 and 14,000 feet, and bursts were seen in the town. One crew reported seeing four big fires, one in the centre of the town and others in the N. and E. parts of the town. When they left many incendiaries bombs were seen to be ignited.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1245 SM-? Crew: Sgt J Pytlak PAF, F/L Kiewnarski PAF, Sgt F Gawlak PAF, Sgt. TJ Frankowski PAF, F/S J Janik PAF. T/o Hemswell, shot down by Hptm. Siegfried Wandam (5th victory) 3./NJG1, at 0030 hours, and crashed near Eindhoven, where those who died are buried in Woensel General Cemetery. F/L Kiewnarski escaped from Sagan in March 1944, was recaptured, and along with his fellow officer escapees, handed over to the Gestapo. He was subsequently murdered and now rests in Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery in his native Poland. Sgt Frankowski was picked up in a wounded state, but, following treatment, he escaped and arrived in England on 25 October 1942, A quite remarkable achievement of courage and tenacity.

8th AF - Forty-two sorties through the day by 31st Fighter Group Spitfires result in no enemy action.

The 92d Heavy Bombardment Group air echelon, in B-17s, arrives in England via the northern ferry route.

The Eighth Air Force establishes a Combat Crew Replacement Center at Bovingdon.

Seven 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack a shipyard at Rotterdam. Three of the B-17s are damaged by enemy fire and one crewman is wounded.

USAMEAF - B-24s attacking an Axis convoy at sea report leaving one ship in sinking condition.

Base Changes
608 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Gosport

First and Last Operational Missions
12 Sqn (Binbrook) flies its first OM in the Wellington III
57 Sqn (Methwold) flies its last OM in the Wellington III
206 Sqn (Benbecula) flies its last OM in the Hudson V

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301 Sqn (Polish) (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 28.8.42

Six aircraft were detailed for an attack on SAARBRUCKEN.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1491 GR-Z. Crew: P/O J Tyszko PAF, F/O W Gandor PAF, F/O F Swida, F/O E Mucha PAF, Sgt A Wasiak PAF, Sgt J Uramowski PAF. T/o 2000 Hemswell. Shot down by a Me 110 and crashed 2245 at Rummen, 14 km SE of Diest, Belgium. Sgt Wasiak was first treated for his wounds, before being aided in his escape by the Comète organization. P/O Tyszko and F/O Swida also evaded capture. The others became PoWs.

Saarbrücken – 113 aircraft – 71 Wellingtons, 24 Halifaxes, 17 Hampdens, 1 Stirling. This was an experimental raid by an assortment of oddments – Halifaxes of 4 Group which were being rested from major operations, Hampdens of 5 Group and new crews from other groups. There were no Pathfinders. The moon was 4/5ths full and it was judged that this relatively undefended target, just inside Germany, could be successfully attacked while the main raid on Nuremberg was taking place.

The raid was not a success; bombing was scattered over a wide area. 15 houses were destroyed and 51 seriously damaged in Saarbrücken and one woman was killed. 7 aircraft – 4 Hampdens, 2 Halifaxes, 1 Wellington – lost, 6.2% of the force.

8th AF - Thirty-eight 31st Fighter Group sorties result in no contacts.

Eleven 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack the aircraft factory and GAF repair depot at Meaulte. Three B-17s are damaged and one crewman is killed.

USAMEAF - Two B-24 squadrons attack shipping and port facilities at Tobruk.


Base Changes
55 Sqn (Baltimore II) moves to LG.86
59 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Thorney Island
613 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Ouston

First and Last Operational Missions
1 Sqn (Acklington) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIC
32 Sqn (West Malling) flies its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIB & C
43 Sqn (Tangmere) flies its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIA, IIB & IIC
243 Sqn (Hibalstow – Hurricane IIA/B/C) flies its last OM’s in the ETO

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88 Sqn (Attlebridge – Boston III) 29.8.42

8 aircraft from this Squadron together with 4 aircraft from 226 Squadron carried out operations at docks at OSTEND – operation successful.

6 aircraft from this Squadron carried out low-level operation against Power Station COMMINES. F/Lt D. ADAMS, 46804. GD. 1281932. SGT. NAV. ‘B’ DUNKLING. L.G. and 629942. F/SGT. W.OP/AG. MILLNS, J.H. failed to return and were posted ‘Missing’. Aircraft No. Z.2260.

P/O R. ARMITAGE, 125900. GD(O) seriously injured and admitted to General Hospital, Ipswich. Aircraft No. X2239 Cat. B. Aircraft Z2236 hit sea but returned. Cat. AC. Aircraft Z2230 hit by Flak but returned. Cat’A’.

ADDENDUM – Boston III Z2260 RH-?. T/o 1041 Attlebridge. Hit by flak while crossing the coast and crashed 1210 into a wood on dunes at Duinhoek. All are buried in the De Panne Communal Cemetery.

8th AF - Eleven 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack the Courtrai/Wevelghem Airdrome and one B-17 attacks a nearby target of opportunity, Steene Airdrome. Three B-17s are damaged by enemy fire, but there are no casualties.

Two two-plane scrambles to intercept enemy raiders marks the combat debut of the 1st Fighter Group, in P-38s. However, neither scramble results in a contact.

The 52d Fighter Group, in Spitfires, arrives at Goxhill Airdrome following the completion of a transition cycle in Northern Ireland.

In its first mission as a full group, the 31st Fighter Group dispatches 36 Spitfires on what turns out to be an uneventful sweep along the French coast. Similarly, 32 1st Fighter Group P-38s sent on a similar sweep make no contacts.


USAMEAF - During the night of August 29–30, 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack an Axis landing ground, and B-24s attack the harbour at Tobruk.

B-24s dispatched to attack an Axis convoy at sea fail to make contact and return to base with their bombs.

First and Last Operational Missions
81 Sqn (Fairlop) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
125 Sqn (Fairwood Common) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IIF
232 Sqn (Debden – Spitfire VB) flies its last OM in the ETO
320 Sqn (Bircham Newton) flies its last OM in the Hudson III

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 30.8.42

08.45 hrs. 1 flight readiness, 1 available. 1100 hours, 1 section readiness, 1 section 15 minutes, balanced released until 0900 hours 31-8-42.

Patrols carried out over Guilford and Canterbury. A.T.C. Cadets given rides in Maggie.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack Tobruk harbour.

Base Changes
58 Sqn (Whitley VII) moves to Stornoway
239 Sqn (Mustang I) moves to Twinwood Farm
609 Sqn (Typhoon IA) moves to Duxwood

First and Last Operational Missions
111 Sqn (Kenley – Spitfire VB) flies its last OM in the ETO
422 Sqn RCAF (Loch Erne – Catalina IB) flies its first OM of the war

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71 (Eagle) Sqn (Debden – Spitfire VB) 31.8.42

The morning opened with the Squadron being released for training. At 1200 hrs “A” Flight were at readiness, “B” flight 30 mins, for station defence. Two Spitfires of 71 Squadron were airborne at 17.10 on a Rhubarb operation to Flushing. (P/O ANDERSON & P/O TAYLOR). P/O ANDERSON landed at Martlesham at 18.40 and returned to Debden at 19.50. P/O TAYLOR’s aircraft was hit by ground machine gun fire and he was forced to bale out at a point between Blankeberg and Ostend about 20 miles out. P/O ANDERSON saw hit sitting in his dingy waving his flag. P/O ANDERSON gave a maiden from 500 ft., cloud preventing him from getting higher. Two Walruses from 277 Squadron, accompanied by six Spitfires from 416 Squadron went out but were not successful in their search. Boats were out on Air Sea Rescue patrol. Up to a late hour there was no further news.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BM305 P/O WD Taylor. He was never recovered.

The XII Bomber Command establishes a temporary headquarters at High Wycombe from which it will prepare for its role in the upcoming invasion of French Northwest Africa.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack Tobruk harbour, and 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack aircraft parked on a GAF landing ground.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s accompany RAF Bostons in an attack against German Army vehicles behind the main El Alamein battle line.

57th Fighter Group P-40s escort RAF bombers during an attack on Maryut.

Base Changes
33 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.85
131 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
174 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to Warmwell
461 Sqn RAAF (Sunderland II/III) moves to Hamworthy
500 Sqn (Hudson V) moves to St. Eval

First and Last Operational Missions
5 Sqn (LG.85) flies its last OM in the Tomahawk IIB
260 Sqn (LG.97) flies its first OM in the Kittyhawk II

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405 Sqn RCAF (Topcliffe – Halifax II) 1.9.42

118th OPERATION – SAARBRUCKEN

Five Captains reached the target in good visibility and dumped their loads in the area. All crews were very enthusiastic at the results of the attack which appeared to be highly concentrated on the town. Very many fires were seen in the built-up area both North and South of the river. No one found any difficulty in identifying the target with the aid of marker and P.F.F. Incendiaries were seen at and near aiming point. One aircraft forced back with engine u/s while one did not take off with technical failures.

“D” (Sgt. McKenzie) This Captain tried to nurse his A/C back with engine trouble but was not able to make it. His port outer engine caught fire at 2344 hours just over English coast and despite every effort the engine could not be feathered and a terrible vibration set in. Captain ordered his crew to bail out when the A/C became unmanageable and P/O Mason and Sgts Kaucharik and Alexander bailed out and were picked up slightly injured although P/O Mason the Navigator had to swim almost two hours to the shore. The A/C crashed at Chapel St. Leonards at 2358 hours and burnt out. Three members of the crew 313 Sgt McKenzie, N.A. RCAF Captain; 536 Sgt. Eagles, C.S. RCAF Air Gunner, 726 Sgt. Stone, H. Air Gunner; were killed. Sgt. Dawdy, L.S. RCAF is missing.

ADDENDUM – Halifax II BB216 LQ-D. Sgt. Dawdy was also killed.

Saarbrücken – 231 aircraft of 5 types. 4 aircraft – 1 Halifax, 1 Lancaster, 1 Stirling, 1 Wellington – lost. 1.7% of the force.

The Pathfinders illuminated and marked a town which they believed to be Saarbücken and the Main Force bombed the place vigorously. A total of 205 aircraft claimed good bombing results. But the town they bombed was Saarlouis, 13 miles to the north-west and situated in a similar bend of the River Saar. The small, non-industrial town of Saarlouis and the villages in the immediate surrounding were heavily damaged. The exact extent of this damage was not recorded but 52 civilians were killed. The report from Saarlouis adds that the number of deaths would have been much higher if many people had not been able to take shelter in the unoccupied concrete positions of the Westwall (Siegfried Line) which ran round Saarlouis. The report also says that this community was ‘enraged’ to be bombed so heavily. No bombs fell on Saarbrücken.

8th AF - The 97th Heavy Bombardment Group is taken off flight status for several days in order to transition completely to new B-17F bombers. The group’s older B-17Es are turned over to the new Combat Crew Replacement Center.

Fighter sweeps and patrols by the 1st, 31st, and 52d Fighter groups, although the heaviest to date, achieve no results.

The 60th Troop Carrier Group is assigned to the VIII Ground Air Support Command’s newly arrived 51st Troop Carrier Wing.

USAMEAF - B-24s attacking the harbour at Candia claim hits on three ships. During the night B-24s attack Tobruk harbour.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s accompany RAF light bombers in attacks on German Army tanks and trucks around the Alam-el-Halfa battle area. Also, two 57th Fighter Group P-40 squadrons escort and support various RAF missions.

Base Changes
81 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Wellingore
154 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Wellingore
225 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/C Mustang I/II) moves to Macmerry
232 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Turnhouse
242 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Digby
308 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ipswich
410 Sqn RCAF (Beaufighter IIF) moves to Scorton
415 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moves to Tain

First and Last Operational Missions

600 Sqn (Beaufighter VIF) moves to Church Fenton

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419 Sqn RCAF (Topcliffe – Wellington III) 2.9.42

Four aircraft took part in an attack on KARLSRUHE. WING COMMANDER A.P. WALSH Squadron Commander, and his crew failed to return. PILOT OFFICERS THOMPSON, FREESTONE and HART were members of the crew. SQUADRON LEADER J.D. PATTISON assumed temporary command of the Squadron.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3711 VR-R. Crew: W/C AP Walsh DFC AFC, P/O HW Thompson RCAF, P/O HW Thompson RCAF, P/O JH Freestone RCAF, Sgt FW Cassidy RCAF, P/O GC Hart RCAF. T/o 2253 Topcliffe. Coned by Flakschw. Rgt. (mot.) 7 and shot down by Oblt. Kurt Martinek (5th victory), 9./NJG4, 2 km S Warnant/8 km N Dinant at 0208 hours. All are buried in Warnant/Dinant Communal Cemetery. W/C Walsh was a Canadian serving in the RAF who, at the time of his death, had flown 29 sorties.

Karlsruhe - 200 aircraft of 5 types. 8 aircraft – 4 Wellingtons, 2 Lancasters, 1 Halifax, 1 Stirling – lost, 4% of the force.

The Pathfinders were accurate and this was a successful raid. An estimated 200 fires were burning at the same time. Reconnaissance photographs showed much residential and some industrial damage. A very short report from Karlsruhe says only that 73 people were killed and that 3 public buildings in the city centre were hit.

8th AF - The 97th Heavy Bombardment Group is taken off flight status for several days in order to transition completely to new B-17F bombers. The group’s older B-17Es are turned over to the new Combat Crew Replacement Center.
Fighter sweeps and patrols by the 1st, 31st, and 52d Fighter groups, although the heaviest to date, achieve no results.
The 60th Troop Carrier Group is assigned to the VIII Ground Air Support Command’s newly arrived 51st Troop Carrier Wing.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack the port of Tobruk.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack GAF landing grounds and, in support of the RAF, attack German Army troops and vehicles around Alam-el-Halfa. Also, 57th Fighter Group P-40s escort and support RAF missions against German Army positions.

By day’s end, the German Army offensive toward Alexandria has been turned back by British Eighth Army ground forces supported in large measure by USAMEAF and RAF aircraft working together.

Base Changes
223 Sqn (Baltimore II) moves to Amriya
243 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Turnhouse

First and Last Operational Missions
260 Sqn (LG.97) flies its last OM in the Kittyhawk I

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75 Sqn (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 3.9.42

OPERATIONS ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT EMDEN
6 aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500 lb were dropped in target area by two aircraft, two failing to reach the target. A.A. fire was slight – searchlights were few. The weather was bad, being heavy cloud all the way to target and 10/10th cloud over target. Navigation was good. Wellington X3396 captained by Sergt. Law and Wellington X3974 captained by Sgt. Hunting, failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3396 AA-? Crew Sgt J Law, Sgt HL Grant RNZAF, Sgt RAW Newman RNZAF, Sgt RE Renton RNZAF, Sgt JTV Gill RNZAF. T/o 2328 Mildenhall. Shot down by Oblt. Paul Gildner (38th victory) 5./NJG2, at Westermarsch near Norden at 0220 hours. Confirmed as shared victory by both Flak and Gildner by OKL on 1.8.44, All are buried in Sage War Cemetery.

Wellington X3794 AA-? Crew: F/S ER Hunting, Sgt EH Beyer, Sgt HE Goldie, F/S McArter RCAF, Sgt W Anderson. T/o Mildenhall and shot down by Lt.Wolfgang Kuthe (2nd victory) 5./NJG2, into sea 8 km NW Callantsoog at 0249 hours. Four are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, while Sgt Anderson is buried in Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery.

Emden – 11 aircraft – 7 Wellingtons, 3 Stirlings, 1 Halifax dispatched but could only bomb through cloud on dead-reckoning positions. 2 Wellingtons lost.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack an Axis convoy at sea with unknown results.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack GAF and German Army installations, vehicles, and troop concentrations in support of British Eighth Army ground units fighting around Alam-el-Halfa; and 57th Fighter Group P-40s support numerous RAF missions in and around the battle area.

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300 Sqn (Polish) (Ingham – Wellington IV) 4.9.42

One fresher crew was briefed for minelaying Operations and carried this task out successfully, and Seven crews were briefed on operations against BREMEN, this again proved to be very successful, all returning Captains remarks were of the very extensive fires which were left burning. Unfortunately Aircraft Z-1320 failed to return from this Operation. The aircraft captained by P/O E. MACHEJ was holed by flak over the target area and set on fire, but P/O MACHEJ did not lose his head having had very considerable flying experience, he put his plane into a dive and by this means managed to extinguish the fire. The whole of the fabric from the trailing edge of the mainplane to the leading edge of the tailplane was burned away. The damage was so considerable that one wonders how the plane ever reached base.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1320 BH-K. Crew: Sgt L Szychowiak PAF, F/O Szpak PAF, Sgt T Kowalak PAF, Sgt Z Blachowski PAF, Sgt J Jukubiec PAF. T/o 2340 Ingham, shot down by Oblt. Ludwig Becker. The crew is commemorated on the Northolt Memorial. Becker also shot down two other Wellingtons this night, his 34th, 35th, and 36th victories. All were shot down into the sea.

BREMEN – 251 aircraft – 98 Wellingtons, 76 Lancasters, 41 Halifaxes, 36 Stirlings. 12 aircraft – 7 Wellingtons, 3 Lancasters, 1 Halifax, 1 Stirling – lost, 4.8% of the force.

The Pathfinders introduced new techniques on this night, splitting their aircraft into 3 forces: ‘illuminators’, who lit up the area with white flares; ‘visual markers’, who dropped coloured flares if they had identified the aiming point; then ‘backers-up’, who dropped all incendiary bomb loads on to the coloured flares. This basic pattern – illuminating, marking, and backing-up – would form the basis of most future Pathfinder operations with the proper target-indicator bombs and various electronic bombing aids being employed as they became available.

The weather was clear and the Pathfinder plan worked well; heavy bombing of the target followed. Bremen confirms that this was a successful raid. Large/medium industrial destroyed 6, seriously damaged 6, lightly damaged 50. Small industrial destroyed 15, seriously damaged 29, lightly damaged 64. Dwelling houses destroyed 460, seriously damaged 1361, lightly damaged 7592.

Approximately 6000 further houses suffered broken windows. After the raid, the local authority telegraphed Berlin, asking for 3 companies of men for glass, roof and other minor repair work and 1000 tons of fuel and repair materials. Among the industrial buildings seriously hit were the Weser aircraft works and the Atlas shipyard. 4 dockside warehouses were destroyed and 3 oil-storage tanks were burnt out. Various public buildings together with 7 schools and 3 hospitals were hit. 124 people were killed and 470 injured. The local report adds, ‘It was no comfort for the hard pressed population that one bomber was shot down by Flak. The people knew that the Flak could not protect the town effectively.’

USAMEAF - B-24s join with the RAF and the Royal Navy in attacking an Axis convoy at sea. Two Axis ships are reported sunk and one is reported on fire.

12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s, supporting RAF Bostons, help repel a German Army ground attack near Alam-el-Halfa.

In the 57th Fighter Group’s first air-to-air action in North Africa, 2dLt Thomas T. Williams, a 66th Fighter Squadron P-40 pilot, is credited with a Messerchmitt Bf-109 single-engine fighter probably destroyed as he escorts RAF bombers near Alam-el-Halfa.


Base Changes
57 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Scampton
144 Sqn (Hampden I) moves to Afrikanda

First and Last Operational Missions
1 Sqn (Acklington) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB

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12 Sqn (Binbrook – Wellington II/III) 6.9.42

OPERATIONS were ordered, target DUISBERG. 6 aircraft taking part. Captains were P/O FAWDON. SGT DUNLOP: SGT MARSHALL: S/LDR HAIG: F/S LITTLEJOHN: SGT BAILEY. F/S LITTLEJOHN’s and SGT DUNLOP’s aircraft failed to return, and the crews were reported missing. SGT AUBERT’s aircraft tipped onto its nose on take off damaging propellers, and sorties were cancelled. S/LDR HAIG’s aircraft was damaged by flak.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8517 PH-C. Crew: Sgt JM Dunlop RCAF, P/O RA Ainslie, P/O WG Elby, Sgt AS Millis RAAF, Sgt ME Wheatcroft. T/o 0053 Binbrook. Cause of loss and crash site not established. All are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Wellington III BJ691 PH-T. Crew: F/S GB Littlejohn RAAF, Sgt GL Marshall, Sgt S Marsden RAAF, Sgt FR Carruthers RCAF, Sgt FH Wilson. T/o 0059 Binbrook. Shot down by Dr. Horst Patuschka (13th victory) 7./NJG2 near Flushing at 0441. All are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.

Duisburg – 207 aircraft of 6 types. 8 aircraft – 5 Wellingtons, 2 Halifaxes, 1 Stirling – lost. 3.9% of the force.

Cloud and haze were present and the bombing was not concentrated. But Duisburg reports its heaviest raid to date, with 114 buildings destroyed and 315 seriously damaged; 86 people were killed.


8th AF - The entire 93d Heavy Bombardment Group air echelon, in B-24s, arrives from the United States and is assigned to VIII Bomber Command’s 1st Heavy Bombardment Wing. The 93d is the first heavy-bomber unit to arrive in the U.K. in a single formation. The unit’s ground echelon also arrives by ship in Scotland.

Eleven 301st Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s attack the St.-Omer/Longuenesse Airdrome without loss or incident. Two 301st Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s that cannot find their group’s primary target attack St.-Omer/Ft. Rouge Airdrome


Thirty B-17s from the 97th Heavy Bombardment Group and the newly committed 92d Heavy Bombardment Group attack the aircraft repair facility and airdrome at Meaulte. One B-17 from each group is lost, and a total of seven are damaged. In all, casualties amount to one killed, five wounded, and 18 missing in action, the heaviest losses sustained to date by the Eighth Air Force on one mission.

Twelve 15th Light Bombardment Squadron A-20s, escorted by 37 31st Fighter Group Spitfires, attack the Abbeville/Drucat Airdrome at 1700 hours without incident or loss.

Base Changes
123 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Hadera
144 Sqn (Hampden I) moves to Vaenga I
315 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Northolt

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 7.9.42

Action: S/Ldr. Hodson reports 402 Squadron of 12 a/c were airborne at 1630 hours, made rendezvous on time with 2 Squadrons of P-38’s and 133 Squadron over Selsey Bill. No. 401 at 25 000 ft., 1 Squadron P-38 at 26,000 feet and 1 Squadron P-38 at 27,000 feet, and 133 Squadron at 28,000 ft.

Wing led by W/C Thomas swept Cherbourg along coast 10 miles off French Coast Le Havre and back to Shoreham. Gps reported 15 plus E/A came up from Le Havre and 15 plus over Cherbourg following formation within 20 miles of Brighton. These E/A were not seen or engaged. All our a/c landed undamaged at 17:55 hrs.

ADDENDUM – 8th AF - Although the 97th and 301st Heavy Bombardment groups dispatch 15 and 14 B-17s, respectively, only four 97th Group bombers attack a Rotterdam shipyard at around 1020 hours, and only five 301st Group bombers attack targets in Utrecht at around 1115 hours. GAF fighters attack both formations and damage five B-17s in all, killing one and wounding four crewmen. USAAF gunners are credited with downing 12 GAF fighters.

USMEAF - B-24s attack Maleme Airdrome (Crete) and convoys at sea and in Suda Bay (Greece).

Base Changes
87 Sqn (Non-OP) moved to Charmy Down
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Ipswich

First and Last Operational Missions
306 Sqn (Northolt) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
462 Sqn RAAF (Fayid – Halifax II) flies its first OM of the war

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78 Sqn (Middleton St. George – Halifax II) 8.9.42

9 Aircraft detailed for Operations. Target – FRANKFURT. One aircraft was damaged by A.A. fire and attacked the alternative target MAINZ. This aircraft became uncontrollable whilst over this country and crew successfully baled out. Another aircraft attacked the alternative (MAINZ) 1 A/C was reported as missing 1 AC returned to Base early as aircraft would not respond to controls – bombs jettisoned. The remaining 5 A/C reached the primary target. One aircraft was attacked by an ME 110. The rear gunner F/Sgt. Dewherst W. being killed. The Captain decided to abandon sortie and landed at R.A.F. Tangmere with full bomb load. 4 A/C attacked and bombed the Primary. Bursts were observed in target area, just north of aiming point. Good fires were seen burning. Visibility: thin layer of cloud and smoke over the target area. 1 A/C landed at RAF. WADDINGTON on return, 1 at RAF. BOSCOMBE DOWN and 1 at RAF. TANGMERE.

ADDENDUM – Halifax II W7782 EY-C. Crew: F/L PH Tippets-Aylmer DFC, Sgt ETH Hodge, Sgt TS Brandon RCAF, Sgt JA Winterbottom, Sgt R Brown, F/S GR Yeates RCAF, P/O EWT Gibbs. T/o 2016 Middleton St. George. Shot down by Hptm. Ludwig Bietman (6th victory) 5./NJG1 SW edge of Selain, 4 km W. Andenne at 2330. Sgt’s Hodge and Brandon were captured, and Sgt’s Winterbottom and Brown evaded. Both evaders, reached Spain on 24 September and arrived back in England by way of Gibraltar on 19 October 1942. Those who died are buried in Heverlee War Cemetery.

Frankfurt – 249 aircraft of 5 types. 5 Wellingtons and 2 Halifaxes lost, 2.8% of the force.

The Pathfinders were unable to locate Frankfurt accurately and most of the bombing fell south-west of the city and in the town of Rüsselsheim, 15 miles away. Frankfurt reports only a few bombs – approximately 6 aircraft loads – with minor damage. 1 person dead and 30 injured. No report is available from Rüsselsheim but BC documents state that the Opel tank factory and the Michelin tire factory were damaged.

8th AF - Virtually closing down Eighth Air Force operations over Occupied Europe, MajGen Carl Spaatz directs all USAAF headquarters and units based in the U.K. to provide support for the upcoming Operation TORCH. Several Eighth Air Force combat units immediately begin transferring to the Twelfth Air Force.

In another administrative action, MajGen Spaatz formally outlines the cooperative Eighth Air Force day-bombing role and RAF Bomber Command night-bombing role in the gathering strategic air offensive against Germany.

The 3d Photographic Group arrives by ship from the United States and is assigned to the VIII Ground Air Support Command.

USMEAF - B-24s attack shipping and port facilities at Suda Bay.

Base Changes
47 Sqn (Beaufort I) moves to Shandur
60 Sqn SAAF TR (Maryland II) moves to El Gamil
64 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Fairlop
93 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Kings Cliffe

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15 Sqn (Bourn –Stirling I) 9.9.42

Six aircraft detailed to NECTARINES. Four aircraft dropped in given positions. One, brought back bombs due to failure to pinpoint. One brought back bombs owing to engine failure. 5/10 to 10/10 cloud and moderate visibility. Aircraft “H” – HARRY – completed fiftieth trip.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I BF352 LS-U. T/o 2015 Bourn. While setting course, the pilot was aware of severe engine vibration, which became worse as the flight continued. An early return was made, but as a precaution the crew was ordered to bale out. All complied, after which the pilot crash landed 2100 on Water Beach airfield, Cambridgeshire. No injuries.

USMEAF - B-24s attack port facilities and shipping at Tobruk.

Base Changes
7 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IID) moves to Kilo 8
32 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Honily
127 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to Kilo 8
224 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Beaulieu
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moves to LG.229

First and Last Operational Missions
19 Sqn (Perranporth) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VC
602 Sqn (Peterhead) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton – Wellington IV) 10.9.42

Ten machines took off from the Sation to take part in a large-scale bombing attack on DUSSELDORF, six of which were Wellington aircraft from this Squadron, and manned by Squadron crews and one Conversion Flight Crew, and four were Wellingtons aircraft loaned by R.A.F. HEMSWELL, manned by crews from No. 460 Conversion Flight. One of the latter crews and one of the Squadron crews (whose aircraft Z.1284(A) sustained damage to the tail wheel on landing, were forced to return owing to technical trouble, and one of the Squadron crews failed to locate the target. Two aircraft were lost as a result of this operation: Wellington Z. 1216 (loaned from R.A.F. Station HEMSWELL), Wellington R. 1695 of this Squadron. The crew of Wellington Z. 1216 (S) were actually members of No. 460 Conversion Flight and have been reported missing, presumably as a result of enemy action. Wellington R. 1695 (Y) which was piloted by AUS. 404941 Sgt. PEARSON J.C. had to make a forced landing on the sea 15 miles North of CROMER at 21.55 hrs., due to engine failure. Bombs and petrol were jettisoned into the sea. AUS. 406599 Sgt. LAWTON R.W. (Air Bomber) and AUS. 407735 Sgt. EVANS M.J. (Navigator) were picked up suffering from bruises and exposure and taken to R.A.F. Hospital, GREAT YARMOUTH. The remainder of the crew have been reported missing, and believed drowned: AUS. 404941 Sgt. PEARSON J.C. (Pilot), AUS. 411102 P/O K.C. Parton (W/T Operator), and AUS. 408194 Sgt. MURPHY, J.H. (Rear Gunner). The last named was a member of No. 460 Conversion Unit.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV R1695 UV-Y. Those who died are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Wellington IV Z1216 UV-S. Crew: F/S JA Bryden RAAF, Sgt AE Brown RAAF, Sgt JK Danks-Brown RAAF, Sgt TC Harris RAAF, Sgt JK King. T/o 2019 Breighton. Crashed in the vicinity of Cologne, where burials first took place in the 1914-1918 War Cemetery. Since 1945 their remains have been taken to Rheinberg War Cemetery.

DÜSSELDORF – 479 aircraft – 242 Wellingtons, 89 Lancaster, 59 Halifaxes, 47 Stirlings, 28 Hampdens, 14 Whitleys. Training aircraft of 91, 92, and 93 Groups took part in this raid. 33 aircraft – 20 Wellingtons, 5 Lancasters, 4 Stirlings, 3 Halifaxes, 1 Hampden – lost, 7.1% of the force. 16 O.T.U., from Upper Heyford, lost 5 of its 13 Wellingtons on the raid.

The Pathfinders successfully marked the target, using ‘Pink Pansies’ in converted 4,000-lb bomb casings for the first time. (The actual weight of the Pink Pansy was 2,800 lb.) All parts of Düsseldorft except the north of the city were hit as well as the neighbouring town of Neuss. The local report, 20 pages long, gives many details.39 industrial firms in Düsseldorf and 13 in Neuss were damaged so much that all production ceased for various periods. 8 public buildings were destroyed and 67 damaged. 911 houses were destroyed and 1,506 seriously and 8,340 lightly damaged. 132 people were killed, 120 in Düsseldorf and 12 in Neuss. 116 further people were still classed as missing 2 days later and 19,427 bombed out.

The newly arrived 303d Heavy Bombardment Group, in B-17s, is assigned to VIII Bomber Command’s 1st Heavy Bombardment Wing.

Base Changes
237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moves to Kermanshah
406 Sqn RCAF (Beaufighter VIF) moves to Predannack
415 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moves to Leuchars
602 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Skeabrae

First and Last Operational Missions
9 Sqn (Waddington) flies its first OM in the Lancaster I
164 Sqn (Peterhead) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VA and its first OM in the Spitfire VB
461 Sqn RAAF (Mount Batten) flies its first OM in the Sunderland III

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91 Sqn (Hawkinge – Spitfire VB) 11.9.42

F/Lt. A.G. Donahue D.F.C. (USA) went on a recco to Ostend & failed to return. From information received it would seem that he had been in combat with a JU 88 which he probably destroyed. In combat which must have ensued his aircraft must have been hit as he was heard to give a Mayday. Numerous searches took place during the day but were hampered by a very thick haze which cut visibility down to 500 yards and gradually got thicker. Flying in consequence was very restricted.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL511 F/Lt. AG Donahue KIA.

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, and the XII Air Force Service Command headquarters arrive by ship from New York to prepare for the upcoming invasion of French Northwest Africa. Also arriving by ship is the 91st Heavy Bombardment Group ground echelon, which is assigned to VIII Bomber Command’s 1st Heavy Bombardment Wing.

First and Last Operational Missions
602 Sqn (Skeabrae) flies its first OM and 2nd tour in the Spitfire IIA and its first OM in the Spitfire VA