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44 Sqn (Waddington – Hampden I) 2.5.41

Two Hampden aircraft (P.O. Tripp and Sgt Dart) took off at 21.55 and 22.05 hours respectively to carry out bombing operations over HAMBURG. Employed on similar operations were the following numbers of aircraft from other Groups or Units – No. 207 Squadron 2. Scampton 11. Lindholme 6. No. 1 Group 16. No. 3 Group 33. No. 4 Group 22.
Sgt. Dart reached his objective and dropped four 500lb bombs which burst along the North bank of the river. Several small fires resulted.
The second aircraft Hampden AD.864 was not heard of after crossing the coast, and it failed to return to its “Base”. It must therefore be presumed lost, together with the following personnel:-
91069. P.O. H.U.A. Trip. – Captain
P.O. J.E.P. Jeff. – Navigator
552078. T/Sgt. R.J. Leaper. – W.O./A.G.
636523. T/Sgt. E. Eger. – Rear Gunner

ADDENDUM – P/O Jeff has no known grave, but the rest of the crew are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

Base Changes

55 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.95

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (Marawa) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I
43 Sqn (Drem) flew its first OM’s in the Hurricane IIA & IIB
68 Sqn (High Ercall) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IF
257 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane I) 3.5.41

A twelve aircraft formation practice was held in the morning and proved to be very successful. Several test flights were carried out. Air Commodore Stevenson gave the pilots a lecture on night interceptions; the squadron taking over night operational duties as of this date. The program was arranged in conjunction with No. 402 Squadron, R.C.A.F., either squadron sending a flight of six aircraft to W.C.1 on alternative nights to carry out the new duties. Ten Mark II Hurricanes arrived today and six will be used tonight on the night operational orders.

Base Changes

3 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B/C) moved to Debden
82 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Bodney
85 Sqn (Havoc I) moved to Hunsdon
3 Sqn RAAF (Non-Op) moved to Aqir

First and Last Operational Missions

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

601 Sqn (Manston – Hurricane II) 4.5.41

Sgt. Scott and Sgt. Fearn escorting a Lysander off Deal were attacked by 3 Me.109’s. A general dogfight ensued after which Sgt. Scott was compelled to break away having fired all ammunition. Sgt. Fearn gave centre Me. Bursts and saw bullets strike tail and fuselage. He then ran into cross fire from another e/a, sustained wounds to face and leg, but managed to reach Manston where he crash landed with u/c up.
In a sweep over France, F/Lt. Mayers was attacked and forced to bale out over the sea. Was rescued uninured, and his aircraft crashed at Eastry.

ADDENDUN – Sgt. Fearn was shot down by Oberst Wener Mölders JG/51. F/Lt. H.C. Mayers DFC was attacked by an Me.109 II/JG53


First and Last Operational Missions

94 Sqn (Ismailia) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I
101 Sqn (West Raynham) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
241 Sqn (Bury St. Edmonds) flew its last OM’s in the Lysander I & II

16 Sqn (Tangmere – Spitfire IIA) 5.5.41

There were 6 patrols, 4 at dusk by single aircraft. In the first patrol F/O Marples and F/O Casson attacked a Ju.88. Unfortunately, F/O Casson’s aircraft was hit by a cannon and he was forced to bale out, uninjured, east of Littlehampton.

First and Last Operational Missions

501 Sqn (Colerne) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

601 Sqn (Tangmere – Hurricane IIA) 6.5.41

Two of the Squadron’s Hurricanes met 6 Me.109s 5 miles off the French Coast. In the combat, Sgt. Briggs was shot down, and baled out in the sea, being picked up unhurt. P/O Mansk while assisting in Lysander escort met 3 109s in the Dover area, one of which he shot down.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. Briggs was shot down by Oberst Werner Mölders JG51

54 Sqn (Southend – Spitfire IIA) 7.5.41

At 10.40 hrs., 11 aircraft took off to act as High Rover to Blenheims which were to bomb Shipping between Calais and Dunkirk. The Squadron met the Blenhims escorted by 64 Squadron over Eastchurch. They flew South and crossed the French Coast near Gris-Nez, changing course from North East. Light A.A. was encountered near Calais and along the coast. The Squadron Leader saw 4 Me.109’s, but they were too far away to engage. Black Leader, F/Lt. Gribble chased one Me.109 into cloud, but thought it inadvisable to follow, so broke off pursuit. Black 2 Sgt. Hall followed into cloud for he was not seen again. This was 3 miles North East of Dunkirk. 10 aircraft landed at 12.00 hrs.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. H.K. Hall was shot down and KIA.

Base Changes

145 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Merston

First and Last Operational Missions

225 Sqn (Tilshead) flew its last OM in the Lysander III
501 Sqn (Colerne) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IA

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 8.5.41

The Squadron was at readiness today but without operational orders except the dusk patrol. The usual practice flights were carried out in addition to a six aircraft demonstration flight over Sleaford. Seven aircraft are at readiness at base for night operations; one for use of Station Commanding Officer.

Base Changes

64 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Martlesham Heath

First and Last Operational Missions

16 Sqn (Weston Zoyland) flew its last OM in the Lysander III

303 Sqn (Northolt – Spitfire IIA) 9.5.41

Various patrols, one over Maidstone was amended to orbiting over the Channel. Ten Me.109’s attacked, but broke off when flight concerned descended to 10,000 feet.

1515 SPHERE OPERATION: P/O Zumbach became detached, and was attacked while himself was diving to attack. After gaining the English coast he baled out successfully. Glycol fumes did what a bullet through his hair could not.

On a Bacon patrol P/O Gladych fired at an unidentified enemy aircraft, but broke off because fighter approached him from behind – these transpired to be Hurricanes.

ADDENDUM – P/O J.E.L. Zumbach was shot down by an Me.109 from III/JG53.

Base Changes

3 Sqn RAAF (Non-Op) moved to Lydda
616 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to WEsthampnett

First and Last Operational Missions

104 Sqn (Driffield – Wellington II) flew its first OM of the war
202 Sqn (Gibraltar) flew its first OM in the Catalina I

504 Sqn (Exeter – Hurricane I) 11.5.41

Normal day until evening, at 20.00 hours while ‘B’ Flight at supper, Squadron brought to readiness. ‘A’ Flight ordered to patrol base at 20,000 and then ‘B’ Flight to follow. (Actually 14 machines were put up). Reported approach of 50+ towards Beaton Bay. Squadron patrol in flight at 20,000. F/Lt. White (A Flight) are dived on by a number of 109’s and is shot down, forced landing, (with wheels up,) near Wellington with slight wounds to his ankle. E/A are to fast for us and after bombing Brixham, Torquay and another party at Weymouth get away. Understood 3 are shot down by other Spitfires. During night two heavy attacks by 6 E/A at midnight and 03.30 hours on station. About 170 bombs dropped. Eight of our a/c damaged, 3 beyond immediate our repair. Runways damaged but Squadron able to carry out operational requirements. AC.2. W. Armstrong of Maintenance flight killed by bomb when acting duty crew on flare path. Our third casualty here from bombing.

ADDENDUM – F/Lt. B.E.G. White was shot down by a Me.109 from JG2

Base Changes

107 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Great Massingham and transferred to Bomber Command
213 Sqn left for MTO

First and Last Operational Missions

403 Sqn RCAF (Baginton – Tomahawk I) flew its first OM of the war

221 Sqn (Limavady – Wellington VIII) 12.5.41

F/O. ROBINSON took off on a night Ant-Submarine patrol. After being airborne for twenty minutes this aircraft crashed in LOCH FOYLE. All the occupants were killed, namely:- F/O. ROBINSON, P/O. ROBERTS-BROWN, SGT. WYNN, SGT. BOHAM, SGT. NEWEY, SGT. WHITE, S.G.

ADDENDUM – Aircraft crashed 2 miles SW of Magilligan Point, cause unknown.

Base Changes

84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Habbaniya

First and Last Operational Missions

16 Sqn (Weston Zoyland) flew its first OM in the Lysander IIIA
250 Sqn (Amriya – Tomahawk IIB) flew its first OM of the war
401 Sqn RCAF (Digby) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

234 Sqn (Warmwell – Spitfire IIA) 13.5.41

Nineteen patrols by forty-seven aircraft. The Squadron did a Channel Sweep, whilst this operation was taking place P/O. Goodall and Sgt. Stoodley, collided and crashed into the sea. Sgt. Stoodley was seen to bale out but no trace has been found of either of the pilots.

ADDENDUM – Neither P/O. H.H. Goodall or Sgt. E.L. Stoodley was ever found.

Base Changes

3 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B/C) moved to Martlesham Heath
114 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Leuchars

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 14.5.41

At readiness today, the Squadron had 14 operational orders. Two of these orders were to patrol a convoy. The dusk patrol was cancelled as the weather closed in about dusk. In addition to all these operational flights, cloud flying, tests and local reconnaissance were carried out. There were no incidents during the day but an air-raid warning was sounded on the station.

Base Changes

64 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Hornchurch

21 Sqn (Watton – Blenheim IV) 15.5.41

Eight aircraft of 21 Squadron were detailed to make a daylight attack on HELIGOLAND but before reaching the objective a convoy of five merchant vessels escorted by 3 Flak ships were intercepted. Aircraft E attacked a 1600 ton cargo vessel and a volume of brown and grey smoke was observed by another aircraft D.167. Aircraft W and U attacked a 4000 ton cargo ship a direct hit being observed – the ship being left enveloped in flames with a heavy list to starboard. The vessel was also machine gunned and the ships wireless carried away by U. D.168. Aircraft X and C secured hits on a 5000 ton cargo vessel which was left in flames. D.169 Aircraft B attacked a 3000 ton cargo vessel but the bombs were observed to overshoot. D.170 Aircraft H was observed by another aircraft to attack a 3000 ton cargo ship – the bombs overshooting. This aircraft was subsequently attacked by a Me 109 and over shot into the sea. The enemy aircraft was also destroyed. D.172 Aircraft M abandoned task owing to a technical failure

ADDENDUM – The crew F/O J.F.T. Ogilvie, Sgt. R.P. Mayers and Sgt. W.V. Fillingham of Blenheim IV V6732 YH-H, were not recovered.

Base Changes

255 Sqn (Defiant I) moved to Hibaldstow

First and Last Operational Missions

202 Sqn (Gibraltar) flew its last OM in the Swordfish I
237 Sqn (Asmara) flew its last OM in the Lysander II

600 Sqn (Colerne – Beaufighter IF/IIF) 16.5.41

A day and night of ups and downs. We bagged one Hun, but should have had three. On the debit side SQUADRON LEADER PRITCHARD was shot down but baled out. FLIGHT LIEUTENANT BOYS with his operator FLYING OFFICER GLEGG destroyed a J.U.88 near HONINGTON. This is “B” Flight’s first success and it was the result of some very good work by the pilot and operator. About the same time PILOT OFFICER ROSS and SERGEANT DOVE were gaining steadily on another bandit when searchlights took a hand, illuminating the Beaufighter 5 times, blinding the pilot and enabling the Hun to take evasive action and escape. The tragic occurrence, however, was the experience of SQUADRON LEADER PRITCHARD and SERGEANT GLEDHILL. They were put onto a Hun south of Gloucester and followed him to 5 miles south of Coventry. Searchlights never illuminated the bandit, but frequently lit up our fighter. This, it is imagined, told the Hun he was being followed, for he took the most violent evasive action, doing twisting, turning and climbing. However, SERGEANT GLEDHILL kept him on the A.I. screen with very considerable skill and eventually a visual was obtained after a very long and stern chase. Just as the Beaufighter pilot was positioning himself to attack, searchlights in spite of SQUADRON LEADER PRITCHARD’s appeals for them to douse, illuminated the fighter when 100 yards from the enemy, a J.U.88, giving the Hun a perfect silhouette. The Hun opened fire, blowing the starboard side of the cockpit in, setting light to the petrol feed, causing flames to envelope the pilot. However, after certain difficulties, both SQUADRON LEADER and SERGEANT GLEDHILL baled out successfully, SQUADRON LEADER PRITCHARD suffering burns on the face and SERGEANT GLEDHILL having a bullet wound in the leg. Both were taken to Warwick Hospital and are progressing satisfactorily.

Base Changes

30 Sqn (Blenheim I/IF) moved to Amnya
64 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Turnhouse
238 Sqn (Non-Op) left for the MTO
603 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Hornchurch

First and Last Operational Missions

15 Sqn (Wyton) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
145 Sqn (Merton) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB
224 Sqn (Limavady) flew its first OM in the Hudson V

54 Sqn (Southend – Spitfire IIA) 17.5.41

‘A’ Flight patrolled Maidstone at 20,000’ and ‘B’ Flight patrolled Foulness at 15,000’. When ‘A’ Flight was on their patrol, they were warned of bandits near Dungeness going North. They saw 4 Me. 109’s in two pairs, at the same height flying North. The 109’s manoeuvred around the Spitfires and the Leader ordered the Flight to break up and dive. Sgt. Kan was last seen as the Flight broke up and presently he went into a straight dive, he was not seen again and the wreckage of his plane was found at Biddenden. The loss of Sgt. Kean is one that will be felt by the Squadron for although relatively a newcomer he made himself popular and well liked.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. E.J. Kean was shot down by a Me. 109 of JG52.

First and Last Operational Missions

13 Sqn (Hooton Park) flew its last OM’s in the Lysander I & II
88 Sqn (Sydenham) flew its last OM in the Battle I
257 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB
611 Sqn (Hornchurch) started OM’s for a second time in the Spitfire IA

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA)

During could flying exercises today, one aircraft was scrambled. There was nothing to report after this operational flight was completed. Other exercises were camera-gun, tests and local flights and a shoot-up of Newmark in demonstration of war Weapons week.

First and Last Operational Missions

308 Sqn (Baginton) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA
500 Sqn (Carew Cherinton) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV
611 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

306 Sqn (Northolt – Hurricane IIA) 19.5.41

Patrol Maidstone Line at 15,000’. Squadron was suddenly attacked from above by six Me. F/L. Nowak had had aileron trouble and F/O. Slonski was moving up to lead the Squadron when the attack took place. P/O. J. Czapiewski posted as missing due to Enemy Action. P/O. K. Rutkowski and Sgt. Kroczynski baled out after engagement with enemy – P/O. Rutkowski landed uninjured, Sgt. Kroczynski admitted to Margate General Hospital seriously injured by Cannon bursts.

ADDENDUM – All three pilots were shot down by Me. 109’s from JG52. P/O. J.K. Czapiewski was KIA.

First and Last Operational Missions

13 Sqn (Hooton Park) flew its first OM in the Lysander III and then went off Ops.
24 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to Shandur

CIRCUS 10

21 Sqn (Watton – Blenheim IV) 21.5.41

Eleven aircraft of 21 Squadron acting in conjunction with six aircraft from 110 Squadron were detailed to make a daylight attack on the Power Station and Oil Refinery at GOSNAY three miles from BETHUNEM. The aircraft escorted by fighters in boxes of six. Bombing individually from 12,000 ft. direct hits were observed on both targets causing clouds and streams of smoke from the Power Station and green explosions and volumes of smoke from the Refinery. Some eight tons of bombs were dropped. The escorting fighters were engaged in numerous combats with ME.109. One ME.109 was shot down by two of our bombers D.176 One 250 lb. bomb of aircraft U and aircraft N hung up. D.175. Aircraft P turned back over mid-channel owing to technical failure in undercarriage. D.179 All bombs of aircraft O hung up. D.178

Base Changes

112 Sqn (Gladiator I) moved to Heraklion
249 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Takali

First and Last Operational Missions

249 Sqn (Takali) started OM’s for the second time in the Hurricane I

252 Sqn (Aldergrove – Beaufighter IC) 22.5.41

Ferry Flight from Gibraltar

Information received that four Beaufighters left GIBRALTAR at 1000 hours bound for England. One landed at WESTON ZOYLAND, one at PERRANPORTH, one in the sea off MOUNTS BAY, and one crashed in SOUTHERN IRELAND. These aircraft were flown to England with two pilots and one observer each. F/Lt. R.E. JAY, Sub.Lt. V.R. Crane with W.D. Brown as observer, landed at WESTON ZOYLAND in PN N. F/O. J. BLENNHERHASSETT, Sub.Lt. K. HOLME, and Sgt. Walker landed at PERRANPORTH, in very bad weather. F/O. S. MACDONALD, F/O. G. LEMAR, and Sgt. BOOTH, landed in the sea off MOUNTS BAY an were picked up by a small coastal vessel. They were later transferred to West Cornwall Hospital, TRURO. One aircraft is missing, but believed to have crashed in EIRE. The occupants are, F/O. J. HOLGATE, F/O. H. VERITY, and Sgt. BARNETT. No flying at ALDERGROVE on account of very bad weather.

ADDENDUM – Aircraft force landed in Eire and crew interned.

Base Changes

213 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Abu Sueir
229 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Idku
242 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to North Weald

First and Last Operational Missions

226 Sqn (Sydenham) flew its last OM in the Battle I
452 Sqn RAAF (Kirton-in-Lindsey) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 23.5.41

The practise flights were local reconnaissance, cloud flying and camera gun.

First and Last Operational Missions

224 Sqn (Limavady) flew its first OM in the Hudson III

401 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Hurricane IIA) 24.5.41

During readiness state today there were four scrambles. No incidents happened. The dusk patrol was carried out. A four aircraft practise interception was held; formation and local test flying were also carried out.

Base Changes

272 Sqn (Non-Op) left for the MTO

First and Last Operational Missions

111 Sqn (Dyce) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA