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111 Sqn(Dyce – Hurricanes) 1.1.41

Blue Section: Blue 1. S/L. Biggar. Blue 2. P/O. Kellett. Blue 3. F/Lt. Walker DFC.

Intercepted and probably destroyed a J.U. 88 over the sea S.E. of Montrose, S/Ldr Biggar received a bullet in his engine and force landed at Knox Hill Farm. The Hurricane being placed in Cat. 3.

Base Changes

85 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Debden
112 Sqn(Gladiator I) moved to Amriya
264 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Gravesend

First and Last Operational Missions

91 Sqn(Hawkinge – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war

61 Sqn(Hemswell – Hampdens) 2.1.41

ATTACK ON TARGET D.11 (ATLAS WERKE, SHIPBUILDING YARD, BREMEN)

5 Aircraft of No.61 Squadron were detailed to attack Target D.11. Weather conditions were bad and they were 10/10 cloud and snowstorms over the target area. 1 Aircraft returned early with engine trouble. 1 Aircraft successfully attacked the target and observed two bursts in the target area. 1 Aircraft attacked OLDENBURG and observed two bursts on the target. 1 Aircraft attacked WILHELMSHAVEN but failed to observe results. The remaining aircraft turned back within 70 miles of the target, owing to overheating of the Port engine. Both engines cut out when coming in to land and the aircraft crashed some 500 yards behind the Officers Mess’, HEMSWELL. Pilot and Navigator were injured, the other two members of the Crew escaping unhurt.

23 Sqn(Ford – Blenheims) 3.1.41

Six aircraft P/O. Mathews, S/Ldr. Colman, Sgt. Raffles, P/O. Simpson, F/O. Gawith & F/O. Willans carried out Offensive Patrols in Lille, Beauvais, Abbeville area. (French Occupied Territory). S/Ldr. Colman and crew, T/Sgt. Mathews (Obs.), Sgt. Macrory (A.G.) failed to return to base and reported missing. The last R.D.F. plot of their aircraft was in the vicinity of Dieppe. Message of condolence received from A.O.C. 11 Group.

Base Changes

253 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Leconfield
303 Sqn(Non-Op) move to Northolt

99 Sqn(Newmarket - Wellingtons) 4.1.41

09.15. Station Operations informed that an Enemy Aircraft was approaching NEWMARKET from the South. Enemy Aircraft turned for Coast soon afterwards.

09.30. Information was received that the Squadron would not be required to Operate tonight. Normal training was carried out the rest of the day.

12.55. Aircraft L.7785 F/O. Davidson (Capt), Sgt. Keddie (Pilot), P/O. Bellerby and Sgt. Truscott (Crew), crashed on Racecourse after making two unsuccessful attempts to land. F/O. Davidson and Sgt. Keddie were placed on the D.I. List, P/O. Bellerby sustained a fractured arm and Sgt. Truscott face injuries.

13.30. The Medical Officer rang up from White Lodge Hospital for two Blood Donors, two Airmen were sent to the Hospital immediately.

15.40. Information was received from White Lodge Hospital that F/O. Davidson died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

16.00. Information was received from White Lodge Hospital that Sgt. Keddie died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

16.30. Squadron Stood Down until 10.00 hours 5.1.41.

49 Sqn(Scampton - Hampdens) 5.1.41

Ten aircraft were detailed for Gardening Operations in the JELLYFISH area, one in BEECH area and one in ARTICHOKE area.

All aircraft took off between 1645 and 1750 hours. Four Mellons were planted in JELLYFISH area, one in BEECH area and one in ARTCHOKES area.

One aircraft (Sgt. Price) is missing from operations. Of the five unsuccessful sorties one aircraft encountered severe icing which compelled him to land before reaching the target area, and one had engine trouble. The other three reached the target area but were unable to definitely locate the target for dropping.

All aircraft were diverted to ST. EVAL on their return, with the exception of the missing one, and one which landed at BOSCOMBE DOWN with engine trouble, all landed at ST. EVAL.

Base Changes

1 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Kenley

82 Sqn(Bodney – Blenheims) 6.1.41

1 aircraft stood by for day cloud operations and took off at 1506 hrs. Night operations cancelled, owing to weather. Sgt. T.H. Cook was injured in a crash landing near NORWICH on return from an operation. Weather overcast with slight snow. Visibility 1-2 miles.

Base Changes

248 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Dyce

First and Last Operational Missions

11 Sqn(Helwan) flew its last OM in the Blenheim I
39 Sqn(Helwan) flew its last OM in the Blenheim I
39 Sqn(Helwan) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV

209 Sqn(Stranraer - Lerwicks) 7.1.41

S/Ldr. B.A.C. Wood posted to the squadron supernumerary for flying duties w.e.f. 1.1.41. Lerwick L.2672 sunk when taking off, with the loss of one N.C.O. Air Gunner and one airman aircrew, who were drowned whilst trying to get clear of the aircraft which sank very quickly. See F.765A dated 7.1.41 and F.541.

Base Changes

3 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Skeabrae

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown - Hurricanes) 8.1.41

Some air to air practice was engaged in. F.O. Hillock returned to the squadron from sick leave. No scrambles during the day. Squadron performed the South as well as the North Patrol. Flt.Lt.Morrison, the last to pancake, was forced to circle the field for 45 minutes as No. 260 Squadron were doing circuits and night landings. Six pilots did some night flying practice.

Base Changes

3 9 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Helwan

First and Last Operational Missions

39 Sqn(Helwan) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
255 Sqn(Kirton-in-Lindsey – Defiant I) flew its first OM of the war

23 Sqn(Ford - Blenheims) 9.1.41

One aircraft P/O. Bird carried out Searchlight Co-operation in local sector.

One aircraft Sgt. Jones carried our Offensive Patrol in Pois, Beauvais sector and failed to return to base. Posted as missing with crew, Sgt. Bessell (Obs.) and Sgt. Cullen (A.G.)

Base Changes

92 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Manston

First and Last Operational Missions

29 Sqn(Wellingore) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IF

10.1.41 – CIRCUS 1

Bombing Sqn – 114(Blenheims)
Close Escort Sqns – 56, 242,249(Hurricanes-North Weald)
High Escort Sqns – 41, 64, 611(Spitfires-Hornchurch)
Mid-Channel Cover – 66, 74, 609(Spitfires-Biggin HIll)

114 Squadron had already moved some of its aircraft to Hornchurch so it could take-off with the Hornchurch Wing. Some RAF records refer to this operation as Fighter Sweep 1. The 114 Squadron ORB clearly indicates it as “CIRCUS 1”. The following is the 114 Squadron narrative.

The first six aircraft under the command of Wing Comm. ELSMIE took off from HORNCHURCH to keep a rendezvous at 6,000 ft. with 3 squadrons of Hurricanes and 3 squadrons of Spitfires (total 72 fighters) over a south coast town, the whole formation then proceeding to Foret de GUINNES area in France where our squadron successfully dropped 16/250 and 48/40 lb bombs on ammunition and stores dumps hidden in woods. Fires were started. The fighter escort shot down three ME 109s with the loss of one Hurricane, the pilot of which escaped by parachute though slightly wounded. Valuable photographs were taken during the trip and the Squadron returned to HORNCHURCH safely at 1325 hours after being in the air 1 hour 25 minutes. It is believed the Squadron spent an enjoyable evening in LONDON afterwards.


Base Changes

53 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Bircham Newton
55 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to LG.79
208 Sqn(Hurricane I/Lysander I) moved to Gambut

First and Last Operational Missions

69 Sqn(Luqa) flew its first OM in the Maryland I

49 Sqn(Scampton – Hampdens) 11.1.41

No Operations.

ACCIDENTS – Hampden L.4045 P/O. H.F.P. Newhouse. 754792 Sgt. H. Irving; 924097 Sgt. L. Jackson, and 755713 Sgt. P. Prosser.

This aircraft crashed whilst returning from operations, at bout 0730 hours near NORTHOPE Lincs. The cause is unknown. All the crew were killed.
The above aircraft L.4045 was known to the Squadron as the “Queen” and had done the amazing total of 786 hours 10 minutes operational flying before she crashed.

Base Changes

264 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Biggin Hill
3 Sqn RAAF(Gladiator I/II) moved to Gambut

242 Sqn(Martlesham Heath - Hurricanes) 12.1.41

S/Ldr. BADER and F/Lt. TURNER took off on Mosquito raid and fired on small vessel.
F/O. TAMBLYN, F/O. McNIGHT, F/O. ROGERS and P/O. BROWN took off at 1215 hrs. for GRAVELINE – Mosquito Raid – fired on small vessels and machine gunned troops on the beach. Returned 1315 hrs. – F/O. McNIGHT DFC. failed to return.
P/O. LATTA, F/O. EDMUNDS, F/O. ARTHUR and F/O. CHYDERMAN machine gunned a schooner. F/O. LATTA, DFC. failed to return.

First and Last Operational Missions

145 Sqn(Tangmere) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IA

114 Sqn(Oulton – Blenheim IV) 13.1.41

Squadron stood down. A paperchase was organized.
T.1858, P.O. CLARKE, SGT GRINDLEY, SGT ALLEN, took off on a weather recco at 0855 hours but unfortunately this plane did not return and the crew is posted as missing.

POSTWAR – Believed shot down by fighters at 1055 and crashed into the sea NW of Bergen, Holland. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

First and Last Operational Missions

57 Sqn(Feltwell) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown - Hurricanes) 14.1.41

The C.A.S. made a tour of inspection of The Thurso Castle Camp, the aerodrome, orderly room, flight dispersal and Barnyard Dispersal. A practice scramble was staged for him. “B” Flight took off in record time for a runway take-off. A good exhibition of formation flying was given. The C.A.S. took off for the South by Hudson A/C after lunch. Threatening weather prevented patrols. Squadron maintained night readiness.

58 Sqn(Linton-on-Ouse – Whitley V) 15.1.41

Two aircraft made attacks on WILHELMSHAFEN. One of these unfortunately, Captained by P/O. Peers failed to return. The Time off Target signal was given and at 21.45 the last fix was given by BIRCHAM NEWTON. No further news has been received of this aircraft so it must be presumed missing with the crew. The other aircraft made a successful attack from 10500 feet but dense cloud prevented observation of results.

POSTWAR – Shot down by a night-fighter (Oblt Egmont Prinz zur Lippe Weissenfeld, 4.NJG1) and crashed 2246 between the Zwanenwater Lake and Callantsoog (Noord Netherlands), below Den Helder, Netherlands. It is further reported that the night-fighter was radar controlled by Lt Jauk at Station Salzhering, not far from Den Helder.

Base Changes

33 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Amriya
113 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Sidi Barrani
213 Sqn(Hurricane I) move to Driffield

234 Sqn(St. Eval – Spitfire IA) 16.1.41

3 interception scrambles by 6 aircraft. P/O. Beech crashed at Ruan Lanthorne (near Truro) and was killed. Sgt. Rogers engaged a JU.88 over Plymouth and is missing.

Base Changes

55 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Amseat
607 Sqn(Hurricane I) move to Macmerry

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown – Hurricane I) 17.1.41

Our transport continues to be the basis of maintaining any communication between Thurso and Castletown, thereby keeping the squadron operational. A scramble occurred in the afternoon without result. More snow storms threatening. All patrols canceled.

Base Changes

80 Sqn(Gladiator II) moved to Iannina

First and Last Operational Missions

25 Sqn(Wittering) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IF

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown – Hurricane I) 18.1.41

Roads slightly improved but communications far from normal. A scramble occurred in the morning but section had difficulty avoiding heavy snow storms. Heavy blizzard prevented any operational flying. An E/A circled the aerodrome but could not be seen. This A/C was obviously lost. Patrols were cancelled. Squadron maintained night readiness.

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown – Hurricane I) 19.1.41

Heavy intermittent blizzards persisted all day. A scramble took place about 1300 hours. Flt.Lt. Watson, F.O.’s Russell and Connel comprised the scramble section. When avoiding heavy snow clouds they spotted a JU.88 at about 1000 yards range. They climbed to investigate when the A/C disappeared in heavy cloud and further contact was impossible. Number of pilots have colds which seem to be affecting their ears. Skitten unserviceable and our squadron are taking over their duties.

First and Last Operational Missions

64 Sqn(Hornchurch) flew their first OM in the Spitfire IIA.

43 Sqn(Drem – Hurricane I) 20.1.41

F.O. HUEY posted to No. 43 Squadron for medical duties.
Blue Section, No. 43 Squadron engaged enemy aircraft at sea off Aberdeen, P/O. Tufnell involved in F.B. (injured) and admitted Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen.
CLARIFICATION – Tufnell’s a/c was damaged by the JU.88 and he crash landed - warshipbuilder

401 Sqn RCAF(Castletown – Hurricane I) 21.1.41

A quiet day with only one scramble. The section was sent from 20,000 feet to 4,000 feet and back again immediately. They were vectored over a prohibited area but the Navy did not fire. Scramble ended uneventfully. Bad weather prevented dusk patrols.

Base Changes

3 Sqn RAAF(Gladiator I/II) moved to Bir Hacheim

82 Sqn (Bodney – Blenheim IV) 22.1.41

Seven crews were detailed for night operations. P/O. P.H. Moller, Sgt. A.J. Norman and Sgt. F.H.H. Taylor were killed in a crash after taking off on an operational sortie. Weather fair becoming cloudy. Visibility mainly 2 – 4 miles.

First and Last Operational Missions

239 Sqn(Gatwick) flew its last OM in the Lysander II