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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 3.10.42

05:20 hours “A” Flight readiness, “B” Flight 15 minutes. 05.55 hours, Squadron on A.S.R. patrol as follows:

Action: S/L K. Hodson reports 10 a/c airborne at 05.55 hours. Set course for Beachy Head then due East for 12 minutes to mid-channel, to latitude 51° 41', then south to North Foreland, were given a vector of 70° by mandrake. Blue Section climbed to 9,000 feet, then given a vector of 100° and told to climb to 20,000 feet to intercept bandits. Blue Section climbed into the sun on this vector to 14,000 feet, could not see E/A who evidently could see us, and dove back to France. Blue Section dove to 4,000 feet just off French Coast S.E. of Boulogne but did not intercept. Blue Section then patrolled mid-channel on Air Sea Rescue. All our aircraft landed undamaged at 07.20 hours.

USMEAF - B-24s attacking Axis ships in Pylos Bay during the night of October 3–4 down two GAF fighters.

Base Changes
122 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Hornchurch
335 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to LG.85


First and Last Operational Missions
171 Sqn (Gatwick – Mustang I) flies its first OM of the war
224 Sqn (Beaulieu) flies its first OM in the Liberator III

401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 4.10.42

Weather 10/10 cumulus, heavy fog, and drizzle. Wind 10-15 M.P.H. from S.W. At 06.04 hours Squadron at readiness, at 06.45 hours, readiness cancelled, Squadron at 30 minutes. At 11.05 hours released for the day.

Serviceability:
“A” Flight – 6 a/c, 8 pilots
“B” Flight – 7 a/c, 8 pilots

Base Changes
123 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Habbiniya
210 Sqn (Catalina I/IB/GRIIA) moves to Pembroke Dock

425 Sqn RCAF (Dishforth – Wellington III) 5.10.42

OPERATIONS: 1st OPERATIONAL SORTIE OF 425 SQUADRON: 11 aircraft required, 3 were cancelled. 8 aircraft proceeded and 1 aircraft, Wellington III, X.3943 (G), crashed near Finchingfield, Essex, on its way to enemy territory and all crew were killed.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3943 KW-G. Crew: Sgt MF O’Driscoll RCAF, Sgt JB Sandiford RCAF, Sgt JM Armstrong RCAF, F/S AC Challis RCAF, Sgt JG Howells RCAF. T/o Dishforth 1847. Crashed at Bowton Farm, Finchingfield, 8 miles NW of Braintree, Essex. Funerals for the entire crew were held on 9 October, at Saffron Walden Cemetery.

Aachen – 257 aircraft – 101 Wellingtons, 74 Lancasters, 59 Halifaxes, 23 Stirlings. 10 aircraft – 5 Haifaxes, 2 Stirlings, 2 Wellingtons, 1 Lancaster – lost, 3.9% of the force. A further 6 aircraft crashed in England, possibly in thunderstorms which were present when some squadrons took off for the raid.

The weather continued to be bad over Germany. There was little Pathfinder marking in Aachen and most of the bombing fell in other areas. Aachen reports that the raid on this night was carried out by an estimated 10 aircraft and that the centre of the attack appeared to be in the southern suburb of Burtscheid, where a 4,000 lb severely damaged a hospital and 2 nearby churches. 34 fires were started, 5 of them being classified as large. A moderate amount of housing was hit and, rather surprisingly, 22 industrial buildings were damaged. 5 people were killed and 39 injured.

Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
77 Sqn (Elvington) transferred to Bomber Command

First and Last Operational Missions
227 Sqn (Luqa) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IC
420 Sqn RCAF (Skipton-on-Swale – Wellington III) flies its first OM of the war

44 Sqn (Waddington – Lancaster I) 6.10.42

OPERATIONS. Eight aircraft were detailed for an attack on OSNABRUCK. (S/Ldr. Stewart, DFC, F/Lt. Barlow, DFC, S/Ldr. Burnett, F.O. Osborne, P.O. Miers, P.O.Barley, F/Sgt. Rowan-Parry, Sgt. Watt) Two aircraft (S/Ldr. Stewart, DFC, and P.O. Miers) did not return from this Operation. The remaining six aircraft were successful in attacking the primary target, and many good fires seen in built up areas. Flares lit up main area and bursts of 4,000lb bombs seen. Glow of fires could be observed from a considerable distance after leaving.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I R5903 KM-R. Crew: P/O VG Miers RAAF, Sgt GH Craig, F/L HL Fenn, Sgt EH Hucklesby, P/O DL Cowling, Sgt J Burke, Sgt RB Gadson. T/o Waddington. Crashed at Klosterhote, 11 km SE of Meppen. Sgt’s Burke and Gadson were buried in the Evangelical Friedhof at Quackenbrück, though both have since been taken to Rheinberg War Cemetery. The rest of the crew were captured, but P/O Miers was repatriated a year later after contracting tuberculosis.

Lancaster I W4188 KM-G. Crew: S/L IA Stewart DFC, Sgt CD Shepherd, F/O FH Ryan RNZAF, F/S CHR Leyshon, P/O CH Williams, P/O JE Corrie, F/S LH Mutter DFM. T/o Waddington. Hit by Osnabrück based Flak and crashed. All were buried in the Evangelical Friedhof. In the immediate post-war years, their remains were taken to Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Osnabrück – 237 aircraft – 101 Wellingtons, 68 Lancasters, 38 Stirlings, 30 Halifaxes. 6 aircraft – 2 Halifaxes, 2 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings – were lost, 2.5% of the force.

The Pathfinders succeeded in illuminating the Dummer See, a large lake northeast of the target which was used as a run-in point. The town was then found and marked. The bombing was well concentrated, with most of the attack falling in the centre and the southern parts of the target. Osnabrück’s report shows that 149 houses were destroyed, 530 seriously damaged and 2,784 lightly damaged. 6 industrial premises were destroyed and 14 damaged. Other places hit were 6 public buildings, 5 churches, 4 schools, 1 hospital and the local gasworks. 65 people were killed – 45 civilians, 16 policemen or servicemen and 4 foreign workers – and 151 were injured.

LtGen Bernard L. Montgomery issues a plan to the British Eighth Army for an offensive from the now-stable El Alamein front. It will begin on October 24, taking place two weeks ahead of the projected Anglo-American invasion of French Northwest Africa.

USAMEAF B-24s attack Benghazi harbour. Two B-24s are lost to attacks by Axis fighters.


First and Last Operational Missions
112 Sqn (LG.175) flies its first OM in the Kittyhawk III
203 Sqn (LG-X) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 7.10.42

Weather: 10/10 cumulus cloud, heavy fog, and rain. Wind 10-15 M.P.H. from the West. No flying, Squadron released for today.

USAMEAF B-24s attacking shipping and port facilities at Suda Bay claim seven direct hits on a tanker and eight direct hits on a fuel installation.

Base Changes
145 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moved to LG.173

First and Last Operational Missions
250 Sqn (LG.91) flies its last OM in the Kittyhawk I and its first OM in the Kittyhawk III

301 Sqn (Polish) (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 8.10.42

4 aircraft were detailed for minelaying. 1 failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1255 GR-Z. Crew: Sgt S Bielec PAF, F/O J Stapor PAF, Sgt SR Sapeta PAF, Sgt S Szczepanski PAF, Sgt S Chudy PAF. T/o 2029 Hemswell. Hit by 4.Iei. Flak Abt. 845 and crashed S. of De Kooy airfield. Sgt Chudy captured. Those who died were laid to rest in Huisuinen Military Cemetery, though their graves are now in Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery.

Minelaying – 57 aircraft to Lorient, St. Nazaire, Brest, Ostend, Texel, and the Frisians. 2 Wellingtons lost.

Two B-24 squadrons from USAMEAF’s 98th Heavy Bombardment Group are turned back by bad weather while on their way to attack Benghazi, but the provisional independent Halverson Bombardment Squadron (formerly HALPRO) is able to attack shipping in Benghazi harbour.

Base Changes
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Hawkinge
501 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hawkinge

First and Last Operational Missions
47 Sqn (Shandur) flies its first OM in the Beaufort I

105 Sqn (Marham – Mosquito IV) 9.10.42

Five MOSQUITO AIRCRAFT took off in the early morning (1) W.O.C. R.K.BOOLS and SEGEANT G.W.JACKSON for dawn attack on DUISBURG. This aircraft failed to return. FLIGHT LIEUTENANT C.E.S.PATTERSON and SERGEANT J.EGAN, for dawn attack on GELSENKIRCHEN, primary target overshot owing to increased wind and cloud. Town believed LIMBERG attacked from 20,000 feet. No bursts observed. (3) WING COMMANDER H.I.EDWARDS and PILOT OFFICER H.E.P.P.CAIRNS for attack on DUISBURG. Primary target obscured by cloud. SIEGBURG attacked from 25,000 feet. Bursts not observed owing to bombing through hole in clouds. FLIGHT SERGEANT N.BOOTH and FLIGHT SERGEANT P.A.TURNER for dawn attack on DUSSELDORF. Primary target abandoned owing to cloud and wrong winds. COBLENZ attacked from 25,000 feet. Bursts seen in built-up areas, and three clouds of smoke. (5) PILOT OFFICER P.W.T.ROWLAND and PILOT OFFICER R.L.REILLY for high-level attack on SAARLOUIS. Task abandoned through observer becoming ill.

ADDENDUM – Mosquito IV. Crew: W/O CRK Bools MiD, Sgt. GW Jackson. T/o 0525 Marham. Shot down by Fw. Fritz Timm 12./JG1. Both are buried in Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium.

14 Wellingtons laid mines in the Frisian Islands without loss.

In the Eighth Air Force’s heaviest daylight-bombing mission to date, approximately 108 USAAF heavy bombers—including 24 B-24s of the newly committed 93d Heavy Bombardment Group—are dispatched to attack a steel plant, an engineering works, and a locomotive and freight-car factory around Lille. Sixty-nine bombers attack the primary targets and ten attack various targets of opportunity, including the city of Roubaix and two GAF airdromes. Although 72 1st and 4th Fighter group escorts fail to down any GAF interceptors, the heavy bombers are credited with the destruction of 25 GAF fighters, plus 38 probables. In all, three B-17s and one B-24 are lost, one each is damaged beyond repair, and 46 others sustain damage. Ten are wounded and 29 are counted as missing.

Several “firsts” are accumulated this day by Eighth Air Force heavy bombers. On its first combat mission, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group becomes the first B-24 unit to enter combat with the Eighth Air Force. The first mission-related midair collision sustained by Eighth Air Force heavy bombers occurs during the flight to France, when a pair of 92d Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s collide. (Both B-17s are forced into vertical dives but both escape and return to bases in England.) And a B-17 of the 301st Heavy Bombardment Group that has been damaged by enemy fire over the target becomes the first Eighth Air Force bomber ever to ditch at sea. Although the B-17 sinks in just over a minute, all of its occupants are saved.

When reconnaissance aircraft discover that the Axis landing grounds at El Daba and Sidi Haneish are waterlogged, 16 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s join RAF bombers and fighter-bombers in exploitive attacks that destroy or damage as many as 26 Axis aircraft on the ground.

1stLt William J. Mount, a P-40 57th Fighter Group P-40 pilot, scores the first USAAF air-to-air victory in North Africa against a GAF Bf-109 fighter in the vicinity of El Alamein.

USAMEAF B-24s attack shipping and port facilities at Benghazi.

Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Non-Op) moves to LG.98
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Zeals
132 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Martlesham Heath
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to North Weald

First and Last Operational Missions
122 Sqn (Hornchurch) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX

149 Sqn (Lakenheath – Stirling I) 10.10.42

3 aircraft detailed for sea mining operations. 2 aircraft laid mines as ordered. 1 aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. All crew except Mid-Upper gunner killed.

ADDENDUM –Stirling I BF348 OJ-P. Crew: F/S HJ Hart, Sgt AW Corker, Sgt LJ Warren RNZAF, Sgt HC Whitwell RNZAF, Sgt KG McKenzie RNZAF, Sgt HR Batrick, Sgt HIF Connelly RNZAF. T/o 1852 Lakenheath to lay mines off the mouth of the Gironde. Shortly after becoming airborne, a serious technical problem developed and the pilot tried to land at Watton. While doing so the Stirling hit some trees and crashed 2015 at Great Cressingham, 5 miles SSE of Swafham, Norfolk. All killed except Sgt Batrick.

Minelaying – 47 aircraft off Biscay ports and in the Frisians without loss.

The 31st Fighter Group is removed from operational status with the Eighth Air Force so it can prepare for its role in Operation TORCH.

The first air echelon of the 44th Heavy Bombardment Group, in B-24s, arrives from the United States for service with VIII Bomber Command’s 2d Heavy Bombardment Wing; and the first air echelon of the 91st Heavy Bombardment Group, in B-17s, arrives from the United States for service with VIII Bomber Command’s 1st Heavy Bombardment Wing.

USAMEAF B-25s attack Axis landing grounds behind the El Alamein front.

USAMEAF B-24s attack shipping and port facilities in Benghazi harbour.

Base Changes
127 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to LG.89
175 Sqn (Hurricane IIBN) moves to Harrowbeer
254 Sqn (Beaufighter VIC) moves to Docking
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/IIC) moves to LG.89
417 Sqn RCAF (Hurricane IIC) moves to idku
486 Sqn RNZAF (Typhoon IB) moves to West Malling
501 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Middle Wallop

75 Sqn (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 11.10.42

OPERATIONS. Gardening in the KATTEGAT and the Little Belt.
Nine aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500 lb. vegetables were successfully planted in the allotted area. Wellington X3597 piloted by F/Sgt Curr bombed a bridge near Middlefort, with three 500 lb. G.P. bombs, the first bomb was just short, others very close and might have hit the edge of the bridge. Light A.A. fire was encountered at the Middlefort Bridge. No searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen, there was no cloud, visibility was good. Navigation was good by D.R. T.R. visual and pin-point. Wellington BK341 captained by Sergt. Shalfoon failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III BK341 AA-? Crew: Sgt CJ Shalfoon RNZAF, Sgt H Wolfenden, Sgt S Posner, Sgt A Parsons, Sgt RH Scott RCAF. T/o Mildenhall to lay mines in the Kattegat. Crashed 2329 between Langli Island and the Skallingen, N of the main shipping channel leading into Esbjerg, Denmark. Sgt Shalfoon and Sgt Posner have no known graves, while the others were buried on 16 October in Fourfelt Cemetery.

Minelaying – 80 aircraft to many locations. 2 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling lost.

USAMEAF B-24s attack an Axis convoy at sea

Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Lianbedr
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Drem
101 Sqn (Wellington III) moves to Holme-in-Spalding Moor
164 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
312 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Churchstanton
408 Sqn RCAF (Non-Op) moves to Leeming

First and Last Operational Missions
256 Sqn (Woodvale) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IF

12 Sqn (Wickenby – Wellington II) 12.10.42

OPERATIONS ordered, sea mining, 4 aircraft taking part. Captains were SGT FANSHER, SGT WITHELL, S/L HAIG & SGT SIMMONDS. SGT SIMMONDS aircraft crashed at DRIFFIELD on return. SGTS YAPP and STANDFAST were killed. SGTS SIMMONDS, FISHER, and BOWES were injured. Aircraft wrecked.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8532 PH-P. Crew: Sgt KRW Simmonds, Sgt K Bowes, Sgt JP Standfast RCAF, Sgt GW Fisher RCAF, Sgt TW Yapp RCAF. T/o 1734 Wickenby for minelaying duties in the Hawthorn area. Crashed 2330, due to engine failure, and burnt out, at Langtoft, 11 miles WSW of Bridlington, Yorkshire. Those who died are buried in Driffield Cemetery.

Wismar – 59 Lancasters of 5 Group encountered bad weather conditions but claimed to have started a large fire at the target. 2 aircraft lost.

USAMEAF B-17s attack the harbour at Tobruk.

Base Changes
80Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.85

First and Last Operational Missions
57 Sqn (Scampton) flies its first OM in the Lancaster I
120 Sqn (Ballykelly) flies its last OM in the Liberator II

420 Sqn RCAF (Skipton-on-Swale – Wellington II) 13.10.42

Operations carried out by 10 a/c. Three bombed target. One a/c collided slightly with another a/c returning from target – top portion of tail cut off. Returned to base safely. One a/c made forced landing. Two in hospital with broken legs. Rest of crew alright. One a/c crashed at Leemington aerodrome while attempting to land in very poor weather conditions. Crashed into house on climbing turn killing all five of the crew. A/C completely demolished.*

ADDENDUM – Wellington III DF636 PT-S. Crew: F/S WB Croft RCAF, Sgt REE Gurd, P/O A McB Wardrop RCAF, P/O WJ Jones RCAF, Sgt HJT Gray RCAF. T/o 1831 Leeming. Lost power and crashed 0138 into a house while trying to go round again from a misjudged approach to base. All were buried on 17 October in Ripon Cemetery
*The two aircraft mentioned were the first Wellington losses by 420 Sqn since converting from the Hampden.

Kiel – 288 aircraft – 100 Wellingtons, 82 Lancasters, 78 Halifaxes, 28 Stirlings. 8 aircraft – 5 Wellingtons, 1 each of the other types – lost, 2.8% of the force

A decoy fire was operating and at least half of the bombing was drawn away into open countryside, but the rest of the attack fell on Kiel and its immediate surroundings. The Kiel diarist records a now familiar list of area-bombing damage, the only items of particular interest being that 17 omnibuses were destroyed in their garage and that much of the bombing fell on the south-eastern suburbs of Elmschenhagen. He also refers to a constantly recurring theme in recent raids, the vast amount of roof damage and glass breakage with the increasing use by BC of high-capacity blast bombs. 250,000 square metres of roof tiling and 150,000 square metres of glass were blown away in Kiel on this night. Casualties were 41 killed and 101 injured. He writes ‘Amazingly, the Flak hardly opened fire for some time although the bombers were over the town.’ This withholding of fire was a ploy which the German defences developed to hinder the identification of a target by the bombers, particularly when a nearby decoy site was being used. There were often disagreements between local party officials, who wanted their people to see the Flak banging away vigorously, and the local Luftwaffe Flak commanders who were attempting this tactical deception.

57th Fighter Group P-40 pilots are credited with downing two Bf-109s in an action approximately 10 miles south of El Alamein.

Base Changes
23 Sqn (Mosquito NFII) moves to Bradwell Bay

First and Last Operational Missions
112 Sqn (LG.175) flies its last OM in the Kittyhawk I

65 Sqn (Drem – Spitfire VB) 14.10.42

During the morning a Squadron Formation was carried out. Individual practice flying was carried out, during the afternoon. At 17.25 hours White Section (1280311 Sergeant LONG, J.A. and 1032515 Sergeant ARMSTRONG, T.) were ‘scrambled’ and vectored at 5,000 feet out to the sea North of DUNBAR. Five miles out to sea Sergeant LONG’s engine failed and he crash-landed in a small field very close to the coast North of DUNBAR. Sergeant LONG was unhurt but his aircraft is Category “C”. Sergeant ARMSTRONG landed at base at 18.00 hours. Yellow Section (69438 Flight Lieutenant C.R. HEWLETT and 117704 Pilot Officer M.J. Wright) was ‘scrambled’ at 17.40 hours and patrolled base at 3,000 feet until ordered to land at 17.55 hours.

5 Wellingtons minelaying in the Frisian Islands without loss.

Thirty-four 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s and part of the group ground echelon displace forward to a landing ground within 50 miles of the British Eighth Army battle line. For operational convenience, the group is placed under RAF control.

USAMEAF B-17s attacking shipping in Tobruk harbour claim hits on a large ship and the destruction of a small ship moored alongside.

First and Last Operational Missions
4 Sqn (Clifton) flies its first OM in the Mustang I
101 Sqn (Holme-in-Spalding Moor) flies its last OM in the Wellington III
331 Sqn (North Weald) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB

00 Sqn (Polish) (Ingham – Wellington IV) 15.10.42

Five crews were briefed for Operations on COLOGNE, but bad luck seemed to dog our men, three crews completed the Operations, two being disappointed with the results, one being of the opinion that it was highly successful. One abandoned owing to severe icing and engine trouble, bringing his bomb load back to base. Aircraft X-1475 Captained by Sgt. C. Syzmen failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1475 BH-X. Crew: Sgt C Syzman PAF, F/O P Sobolewski PAF, Sgt. S Piatek PAF, F/S M Mielnik PAF, Sgt LJ Bialy PAF. T/o 1840 Ingham. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Northolt Memorial.

Cologne – 109 Wellingtons, 74 Halifaxes, 62 Lancasters, 44 Stirlings. 18 aircraft – 6 Wellingtons, 5 Halifaxes, 5 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings – lost, 6.2% of the force.

This was not a successful raid. Winds were different from those forecast and the Pathfinders had difficulty in establishing their position and marking the target sufficiently to attract the Main Force away from a large decoy fire site which received most of the bombs. Cologne reports 1 ‘Luftmine’ (out of 71 4,000-pounders carried by the bombing force), 3 other high-explosive bombs (out of 231) and 210 incendiary bombs (out of 68,590). 226 houses were damaged but only 2 of these received what was classed as ‘serious damage’; 4 people injured.

The 14th Fighter Group, in P-38s, completes its first combat mission with the Eighth Air Force by escorting RAF Boston light bombers to France. The Bostons attempted to bomb a large German merchant ship recently seen in Le Havre docks. The intended target had moved from its berth but a 5,000-ton ship nearby was bombed instead and so badly damaged that she was later seen aground and later still in dry dock. No Bostons lost.

4 Mosquitoes bombed a factory at Hengelo and 1 Mosquito bombed the docks at Den Helder, all without loss.

Base Changes
421 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Angle
610 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Castletown

First and Last Operational Missions
331 Sqn (North Weald) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IX

115 Sqn (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 16.10.42

OPERATIONS NIGHT OF 16/17 OCTOBER, 1942. GARDENING OPERATIONS
Form B., received from Headquarters, No. 3 Group.

1800 to 1915
A/C.G.B.K.312 S/L. WRIGHT and crew took off for operations.
A/C.K.B.K.306 F/S HICKMAN and crew took off for operations.
A/C.D.B.K.336 Sgt. OLDRIDGE and crew took off for operations.
A/C.A.B.K.338 Sgt. THURSTON and crew took off for operations.
A/C.P.B.K.314 Sgt. SMITH and crew took off for operations.
A/C.H.B.J.660 Sgt. McCRAE and crew took off for operations.
A/C.L.B/K.307 P/O. LARKINS and crew took off for operations.
A/C.R.Z.1657 Sgt. ROBERTSON and crew took off for operations.
A/C.N.B.J.990 Sgt. MILLER and crew took off for operations.
A/C.V.B.J.965 Sgt. ROSS and crew took off for operations.
A/C.Q.X.3946 Sgt. GORDON and crew took off for operations.

BOMB LOAD
The above aircraft carried 22 1,500lb. Mines and 18 500lb. G.P’s.

11 aircraft took off on GARDENING OPERATIONS between the hours of 18.00 and 19.15 hours. 5 aircraft dropped their mines in the allotted positions by T.R. and D.R. from height between 700 and 800 feet. One aircraft attempted to bomb a bridge over the river at Nantes without observing any results. One aircraft bombed a concentration of searchlights at St. Aubin-sur-Mere and the lights were doused. 2 aircraft brought back 500lb. G.P.s as no suitable target was found. 2 aircraft failed to return from operations.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3946 KO-Q. Crew: Sgt DH Gordon RNZAF, Sgt D Buchanan, Sgt CR Stoward, Sgt CG Parr, Sgt ET Port. T/o 1800 Mildenhall for mining operation off the western coast of France. Presumed crashed in the target area. Sgt Gordon is buried on the Ile de Ré at le-Bois-Plage-en-Ré Communal Cemetery. Sgt Buchanan and Sgt Parr both res on the same island, but in Ste-Marie-de-Ré Communal Cemetery. The two remaining crew have no known grave.

Wellington III BK312 KO-B. Crew: S/L CM Wright, P/O DF FitzGerald, P/O ED Daintith, F/S WJ Mollard RCAF, Sgt E Wilde. Four are buried in Sage War Cemetery. F/S Mollard is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

23 Wellingtons and 11 Stirlings minelaying off Biscay ports, 5 O.T.U. sorties. 2 Wellingtons and 2 Stirlings lost.

By this date (having started on September 14), the following combat units have been assigned to the Twelfth Air Force for use in the upcoming campaign in French Northwest Africa: 97th and 301st Heavy Bombardment groups (B-17s); 1st, 14th, and 82d Fighter groups (P-38s); 31st and 52d Fighter groups (Spitfires); 81st and 350th Fighter groups (P-39s); 3d Photographic Group (B-17s, F-4s, and F-5s); 47th Light Bombardment Group (A-20s); 15th Light Bombardment Squadron (A-20s); and 60th, 62d, and 64th Troop Carrier groups (C-47s). Many of these units represented approximately half the former strength of the Eighth Air Force.

Although many USAMEAF B-17s and B-24s dispatched to attack Benghazi harbour must abort in the face of bad weather, several B-24s are able to attack the target

Base Changes
420 Sqn RCAF (Wellington III) moves to Middleton St. George

412 SqnRCAF (Redhill – Spitfire VB) 17.10.42

The only ‘Op’ sorties today were done by “A” Flight. This was a patrol in which 4 a/c participated. The remainder of the days’ sorties were non-ops.

Le Creusot - This famous raid was carried out against the large Schneider factory at Le Creusot, situated more than 300 miles inside France. The factory was regarded as the French equivalent to Krupps and produced heavy guns, railway engines and, it was believed, tanks and armoured cars. A large workers’ housing estate was situated at one end of the factory. BC had been given this as the highest priority target in France for a night attack but only in the most favourable of conditions. Harris decided to attack by day, at low level, despite the fate of the force sent to Augsburg exactly 6 months earlier, when 7 of 12 Lancasters dispatched were shot down. The task was given to Air Vice-Marshal Coryton’s 5 Group and its 9 Lancaster squadrons carried out a series of low-level practice flight over England.

After a favourable weather report, 94 Lancasters set out on the afternoon of 17 October. The force was lead by W/C LC Slee of 49 Squadron. 88 aircraft were to bomb the Schneider factory; the other 6 were to attack a nearby transformer station which suppled the factory with electricity. The Lancasters flew in a loose formation over the sea around Brittany and crossed the coast of France between La Rochelle and St-Nazaire without any fighter escort. For 300 miles the Lancasters flew at tree-top level across France. No German fighters attacked the bombers during this flight. The greatest danger was from birds; 4 aircraft were damaged, and 2 men injured in bird strikes.

After a fine piece of work by W/C Slee’s navigator, P/O AS Grant, the force reached its last turning-point near Nevers and gained height for bombing. There was practically no Flak at the target and bombing took place in clear conditions at heights of between 23,500 and 7,500 ft. Nearly 140 tons of bombs were dropped. The Lancasters returned home safely as darkness closed in. The only casualty was one aircraft of 61 Squadron which bombed the nearby transformer power station at such a low level that it crashed into a building.

The 5 Group crews claimed a successful attack on the Schneider factory but photographs taken later showed that much of the bombing had fallen short and had struck the workers’ housing estate near the factory. Some bombs had fallen into the factory area but damage there was not extensive. It has not been possible to obtain a report from France on the casualties suffered by the local people in this raid.

7 Stirlings minelaying in the Baltic off Bornholm and Sassnitz without loss.

Operation TORCH convoys begin to assemble in the Firth of Clyde.

Base Changes
50 Sqn (Lancaster I) moves to Skellingthorpe
203 Sqn (Maryland I/Baltimore II) moves to LG.227

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 18.10.42

06.28 hours Squadron 30 minutes available. 08.00 one flight airborne on patrol and one flight at readiness. At 10.13 hours, White Section airborne to patrol convoy 15 miles S.E. of Shoreham. Red Section, while on patrol duty between Beach Head and Shoreham. Sighted Dornier 217 which immediately disappeared into cloud.

S/L. K.L.B. Hodgson, D.F.C., was in charge of No. 401 Squadron in the Station Church Parade, and during the ceremonies, pictures were taken for the Canadian Press. At 18.47 hours, the Squadron was released. Serviceability: “A” Flight 8 A/C, 8 pilots, “B” Flight 9 A/C 8 pilots.

First and Last Operational Missions
39 Sqn (Shallufa) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
51 Sqn (Chivenor) flew its last OM in the Whitley V

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 19.10.42

Weather: Complete overcast at 500 feet, with heavy fog covering the aerodrome, clearing towards noon with 10 M.P.H. winds from the West. 06.29 hours Squadron at readiness, 08.35 hours Squadron 30 minutes available. At 09.45 hours, all pilots were called to the Intelligence Office where an interesting talk was given by S/L Bertwhistle on Escape When Shot Down in France.

P/O Fiander left to attend a four day course on beam approach procedure at West Malling. At 14.00 hours, Red Section airborne to patrol from Selsey Bill to Shoreham and during the afternoon the whole Squadron was used on patrolling the southern coast, taking off in two’s and four’s. At 18.17 hours, Squadron released.

USAMEAF B-25s join RAF units in an all-out three-day effort against Axis landing grounds behind the El Alamein front. B-24s attacking shipping at Tobruk harbour claim a direct hit on one vessel.

Base Changes
3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk I) moves to Amriya
501 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ballyhalpert
504 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Middle Wallop
450 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Amriya

First and Last Operational Missions
543 Sqn (Benson – Spitfire PRV) flies its first OM of the war

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 20.10.42

Weather: Aerodrome covered with thick fog and mist, with very little wind. At noon, heavy fog, and rain began to fall and kept on until dark. One a/c airborne on air-firing tests at 13.53 hours, the only flight of the day. At 05.31 hours, Squadron 30 minutes available.

S/P Gisbel received his commission and was congratulated by all the boys.

It was a year ago today that No. 401 Squadron moved into No. 11 Group and to celebrate the occasion a party of 32 journeyed to the Greyhound Hotel, Croydon, and a very enjoyable time was had by all. During the evening P/O Bragg became very generous and seeing an old friend from Calgary, presented him with two pounds, unfortunately, the next morning he couldn’t remember the friend’s name.

Six Mosquitoes to individual German targets; 2 aircraft bombed at Bremen and 1 at Minden. I Mosquito lost (105 Sqn).

MajGen Dwight D. Eisenhower directs the Eighth Air Force, as its first priority, to ensure the safety of TORCH convoys by attacking German submarines and submarine bases within reach of USAAF airfields in the U.K. Also, of secondary importance, the Eighth Air Force is directed by Eisenhower to attack GAF airdromes within range of the convoy routes.

Allied air activity in Egypt intensifies precipitously as a means for achieving local air superiority in time for the October 24 start of the El Alamein offensive. USAMEAF B-25s support RAF bombers in attacking Axis landing grounds behind the El Alamein front.

USAMEAF B-17s and B-24s dispatched against Tobruk fail to locate the target due to bad weather and poor visibility, but three B-17s attack the coastal highway near Bardia while returning to their bases.


Base Changes
7 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IID) moved to LG.89
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Non-Op) moved to Burg El Arab
96 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Honiley
111 Sqn (Fowlmere) left for North Africa
410 Sqn RCAF (Beaufighter IIF) moved to Acklington

7 Sqn (Oakington - Stirling I) 21.10.42

Five sorties went gardening off the FRISIAN ISLANDS. F/O Brady and crew did not return, and were believed to be shot down off of YARMOUTH; the circumstances were the subject of an Investigation, carried out by Group Captain Boyle of Stradishall. The remaining sorties laid mines as ordered.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I BF390 MG-A. Crew: F/O NS Brady, Sgt J Watkins, F/O AA Harvey, F/S RE Flavelle RCAF, F/O RG Winder RCAF, Sgt JD Cooper RCAF, Sgt KA Wilkins. T/o 1747 Oakington for mine laying duties in the Nectarines region. Shot down by anti-aircraft fire and crashed 2142 in the sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Earlier, the bomber had crossed the East Anglia coast, well S of its intended track and then appeared to fire off the wrong colours of the day after being engaged by coastal batteries, The Runnymede Memorial perpetuates the memory of this crew.

7 Stirlings and 7 Wellingtons were dispatched to lay mines off Denmark and in the Frisians but the Wellingtons were recalled. 1 Stirling lost.

Cloud cover prevents all but 15 of 90 B-17 and B-24s dispatched against the submarine base at Lorient from finding their targets. (The 97th Heavy Bombardment Group, which is the only unit to drop its bombs on the target, completes its final mission with the Eighth Air Force, as do the 92d and 301st groups.)

Eight of 17 B-17s dispatched by the 11th Combat Crew Replacement Command attack Cherbourg/Maupertus Aerodrome and claim ten of 36 attacking GAF fighters downed, plus four probably downed. USAAF losses on this mission amount to three B-17s downed and six damaged plus five crewmen wounded and 30 missing.

USAMEAF B-25s support RAF bombers in attacking Axis landing grounds behind the El Alamein front.

Bad weather prevents USAMEAF B-24s from locating Benghazi harbour, but German Army tent camps and Axis landing grounds near the coast in Egypt are attacked during the return flight.


Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Baltimore III/IV) moves to LG.98
80 Sqn (Hurricane IID) moves to LG.37
130 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Warmwell
219 Sqn (Beaufighter IF) moves to Scorton
239 Sqn (Mustang I) moves to Cranfield

First and Last Operational Missions
540 Sqn (Benson – Spitfire PRIV) flies its first OM of the war
542 Sqn (Benson – Spitfire PRIV) flies its first OM of the war

97 Sqn (Woodhall Apa – Lancaster I) 22.10.42

Air firing training. Eleven aircraft detailed for operations. At 14.00 hours trials were carried out by a Manchester aircraft on Arrester Gear – the performance appeared satisfactory. The A O C 5 Group and many Station Commanders and Squadron Commanders were in attendance. On Operations which were against GENOA, ITALY, one aircraft failed to take off and two abandoned the missions due to failures and engine trouble. The remaining eight aircraft reached and successfully bombed the target. The raid was very successful, bright moonlight over the target and vis good. Little opposition. All aircraft diverted, weather bad at base. W.4728 over shot aerodrome at North Luffenham due to bad visibility and little petrol to spare. All the crew were uninjured. The aircraft was badly damaged.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I W4728 OF-T. Crash-landed 0500 at North Luffenham after running low on fuel. The Lancaster ended up in the overshoot area after hitting an obstruction. This was the first four-engined bomber written off during BC operations concerned with an Italian target.

Genoa – 112 Lancasters of 5 Group and the Pathfinders were dispatched to recommence the campaign against Italy to coincide with the opening of the Eighth Army offensive at El Alamein. It was a perfectly clear moonlight night and the Pathfinder marking was described as ‘prompt and accurate’. The bombing by this comparatively small force of aircraft, carrying only 180 tons of bombs, could hardly have been carried out under more ideal conditions. No Lancasters were lost.

Details from Genoa are not precise but very heavy damage was caused in the city centre and in the eastern districts. Many old buildings including the Palazzo Ducale and several museums and churches, were destroyed. Provisional estimates of casualties were 39 dead and 200 injured but the actual figures may have been higher. Local reports mention the severe effect on the morale of the people of Genoa.

12 Stirlings laid mines off the southern Biscay coast without loss.

The cargo echelon of the U.K.-based component of the TORCH invasion fleet sails from the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, and the first headquarters echelon of the Twelfth Air Force begins moving from England to North Africa.

In an extension of the USAAF and RAF air offensive against Axis landing grounds and airdromes in Egypt and Libya, USAMEAF heavy bombers attack Maleme Airdrome.

USAMEAF B-25s attack Axis aircraft dispersed on the ground behind the El Alamein front; and 57th Fighter Group P-40s escorting the B-25s attack tent camps and vehicles along the coastal highway near El Hamma, reconnoitre the area west of El Daba, and attack German Army artillery positions.

USAMEAF B-17s dispatched to attack Candia abort in the face of bad weather.

A USAAF headquarters detachment that has been gaining experience under the RAF is redesignated as the headquarters of the new joint Anglo-American Desert Air Task Force (DATF), a tactical air command that is to provide direct support for the British Eighth Army during the imminent El Alamein offensive. LtGen Lewis H. Brereton is designated to head the new command in addition to his ongoing duties as the USAMEAF commanding general. Brereton’s DATF deputies are BriGen Auby C. Strickland, who will be chief of staff, and BriGen Elmer E. Adler, who will head a new Air Force Service Command.

The 57th Fighter Group and 12th Medium Bombardment Group, which have been operating temporarily under RAF control, are transferred to the control of the new DATF.

Base Changes
123 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Dosha Tappeh
222 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ayr

First and Last Operational Missions
504 Sqn (Middle Wallop) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VC