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CIRCUS 88

139 Sqn (Manston – Blenheim IV) 29.8.41

The aircraft took off on operation from R.A.F. Station, MANSTON on a circus operation, the target being HAZEBROUCK.

Rendezvous with fighter escort was made at NYE and aircraft then proceeded to target. Three miles south of HARDELOT however, intense flak was encountered and the leading aircraft (W/CDR HALLIDAY & CREW) was hit and 3 x 250 lbs. NS 2 X 40 lb. bombs were self jettisoned. On seeing the leader’s bombs, the remaining aircraft thinking an alternative target was being attacked also released their bombs. The formation then flew on to the primary target when the leading aircraft dropped its remaining bomb.

No results were observed owing to ground haze. Four aircraft were hit by heavy flak, but all returned safely to base.

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Barrani
94 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Ballah

First and Last Operational Missions

111 Sqn (North Weald) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VVB
504 Sqn (Ballyhalbern) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB
455 Sqn RAAF (Swinderby – Hampden I) flew its first OM of the war

Resistance Operations 30.8.41

The first flights by Bomber Command in support of Resistance groups in the German-occupied countries were carried out this night by an unknown number and type of aircraft from the newly formed 138 Squadron based at Newmarket. The unit was joined in this work by 161 Squadron in February 1942. Both Squadrons belonged to 3 Group and a permanent base was established for them at Tempsford.

Base Changes

6 Sqn (Lysander I) moved to Wadi Halfa
204 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Gambia

First and Last Operational Missions

59 Sqn (Thorney Island) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
69 Sqn (Luqa) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV
113 Sqn (Maaten Bagush) flew its last OM in the Blenheim I

99 Sqn (Waterbeach – Wellington IC) 31.8.41

Ten aircraft took off to attack targets at Cologne and one freshman to attack Boulogne. Five aircraft dropped their bombs in what was thought to be the target area. Owing to 8/10 to 10/10 cloud it was impossible to locate the actual target but several bomb flashes were seen through the clouds. Another aircraft attacked a small town believed to be Eusterkirchent the primary not attempted owing to engine trouble. Three aircraft brought their bombs home. The Freshman returned to the vicinity of Waterbeach but was diverted with another of our aircraft (Sgt. Russell) to Mildenhall. As P/O Eccles was making his second attempt to land he was attacked by a Junkers 88 while only 150 feet from the ground all the crew with the exception of the rear gunner being killed. It is thought that the enemy aircraft may have followed ours from the neighbourhood of Waterbeach or Oakington.

ADDENDUM – Halifax R1411 was shot down by Fw. Alfons Köster (10th victory) of 3/NJG2.

Base Changes

122 Sqn (Spitfire I) moved to Catterick
152 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Swanton Morley

First and Last Operational Missions

111 Sqn (North Weald) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
129 Sqn (Westhampnett – Spitfire VB) flew its first OM of the war
249 Sqn (Takali) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I
406 Sqn RCAF (Acklington) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IIF
412 Sqn RCAF (Digby – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war
602 Sqn (Kensington) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

118 Sqn (Ibsley – Spitfire IIB) 1.9.41

1610 - With one section of 501 Squadron sighted an enemy convoy consisting of 5 ships, 8 miles off P. de Barfleur.

1810 – Together with 501 Squadron went over to search for convoy previously reported. Convoy sighted N.E. of Cherbourgh moving slowly westward consisting of 5000 tons cargo vessel, two destroyers and two flak ships. The cargo vessel and two flak ships were attacked and damaged considerable flak experienced. P/O. ANDERSON was shot down into the sea and P/O. MACKENZIE’S and S/LDR HOWELL’S aircraft were hit by flak but returned safely.

Base Changes

33 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Haneish
73 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Amriya
245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Chilbolton

First and Last Operational Missions

59 Sqn (Thorney Island) flew its first OM’s in the Hudson III, V and VI
71 Sqn (North Weald) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
249 Sqn (Takali) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB
315 Sqn (Northolt) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA and first OM in the Spitfire VB
607 Sqn (Martlesham Heath) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB

58 Sqn (Linton-on-Ouse – Whitley V) 3.9.41

8 aircraft were detailed to attack the PRINZ EUGEN. Owing to weather conditions all these aircraft were recalled at 20.30 hours and some were diverted. 3 landed at ACKLINGTON, 2 returned to LINTON, 1 landed at LEEMING, and one at ABINGDON. The remaining aircraft captained by P/O Law undershot the aerodrome at ACKLINTON and crashed. The Captain 87053 P/O Law, A.A., the 2nd pilot R.69644 Sgt. Trewin W.N., the Observer R.56104 Sgt. Ward R.L. and the Wire Op.A.G. 755404 Sgt Stagnall C.O. were all killed while the Rear Gunner 82973 P/O. Comber Higgs was slightly injured.

ADDENDUM – P/O. Law had survived a traumatic three days drifting in the North Sea on return from operations 17-18 April 1941, while as recently as 7 August he survived a serious crash at LINTON.

First and Last Operational Missions

612 Squadron (Wick) flew its first OM in the Whitley VII

10 Sqn (Leeming – Whitley V) 6.9.41

Nine aircraft took off from Base for operations over Germany, two aircraft failed to return. Four aircraft bombed the primary target, P/O. Godfrey bombed a railway junction at HALTERN, Sgt. O’Brian bombed fires near the primary, heavy and accurate flak was encountered by all crews.

ADDENDUM – Whitley V Z6478 ZA-S was shot down by Oblt. Ludwig Becker 4./NJG1 and crashed 2300 on an artillery range operated by the Wehrmacht near Oldebroek (Goderland), Holland. All our buried locally in the Genral Cemetary.
Whitley V Z6942 was shot down by flak and the crew were POW

Base Changes

73 Sqn (Hurricane) moved to Port Said

72 Sqn (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB)

1555 RHUBARB (P/O Bocock and Sgt Falkiner)

The French coast was crossed midway between Berck-Sur-Mere and Le Touquet. North towards St. Etaples and Army lorry loaded with cables was ‘Shot up’ by Sgt Falkiner strikes were observed, coming out at the coast P/O Bocock ‘Shot up’ a Bofors Gun. Two of the gun crew were seen to fall. 2 aircraft landed at 1640 – 1730 hours.

1620 RHUBARB (F/Lt. D. Stewart-Clark and Sgt Merritt)

2. aircraft swept inland from Gravelines to Calais. When returning about midway between Calais and Dover Sgt. Merritt probably destroyed an Me.109E. F/Lt. D. Stewart-Clark did not return from this flight. 1 aircraft landed 1720 hours.

First and Last Operational Missions

48 Sqn (Stornoway) flew its first OM in the Hudson V

CIRCUS 100A – Hazebrouck marshalling yards

88 Sqn (Attlebridge – Blenheim IV)

3 aircraft attacked HAZEBROUCK Marshalling Yards with Fighters of 615 Squadron in circus operation. All bombs dropped on or near target and all aircraft returned safely.

CIRCUS 100B – Abbeville marshalling yards

408 Sqn RCAF (Syereston – Hampden I)

The formation rendezvoused over Rye 3 minutes before time and set course for the target. The route being Base – Rye – Target – Rye – Base. No opposition from flack or fighters was encountered on the whole journey by the formation and good results were obtained. The bombing run up was made on 135° N at 14,000 time 15.34. The bomb load was 6 – 1900 lb bombs five of which were seen to burst in the centre of the yards. Photographs taken do not show the bursts but bombs on their way down over the run.

CIRCUS 100C – Rouen ship yards

82 Sqn (Bodney – Blenheim IV)

Nine aircraft from this squadron together with three from No. 114 Squadron were detailed to carry out a “Circus” raid on the Ship Yards at Rouen. The three aircraft of No. 114 Squadron and three aircraft from this squadron turned back from the rendezvous. The other six aircraft successfully completed the raid.


First and Last Operational Missions

120 Sqn (Nutts Corner – Liberator I) flew its first OM of the war

234 Sqn (Warmwell) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

CIRCUS 101 – Power Station Gosnay

18 Sqn (Horsham St. Faith – Blenheim IV) 21.9.41

All aircraft attacked the target and dropped bombs. All bombs were seen to burst in the target area and the target was enveloped in thick black smoke, numerous heavy explosions were seen including 2 or 3 on the Eastern end of the machine shop and boiler house. Two Me 109’s approached the formation but did not attack. Slight heavy, fairly accurate flak was encountered but all a/c returned safely. Photographs later confirmed the direct hits.

139 Sqn (Oulton – Blenheim IV)

Six aircraft set out with fighter escort to attack the above target. Target successfully bombed from 14,000 feet with 10 x 250 lbs. G.PN.D.T. and 9 x 250 lbs. G.P. Inst. and 20 x 25 lbs. Incends. 12 bursts observed in target area, blue & green flashes observed and two large fires started a few bombs over shot but flames were observed on impact. Very slight and accurate flak was encountered over the target and at several points en route heavy and accurate flak was encountered. No aircraft were hit.

CIRCUS 102 Railway Repair Shop Lille

408 Sqn RCAF (Syerston – Hampden)

The rendezvous with the fighter escort was made over Manston exactly on time. The weather over the South coast and occupied territory was exceptionally good. Flack of heavy calibre was encountered Bailleul and Armentieres. The target was identified and a run in on 117° was made, height 15,000 ft. Bomb load for five aircraft 1 – 1900lb on each and on AE 139 four 500 lbs G.P. Three of the 500 lbs overshot the target but one hit the track south east of the target. Three hits by 1900 lbs were seen on the target. One 1900 lb was dropped safe owing to the release gear being hit by flack. One 1900lb dropped off on bomb doors being opened but later was seen to have hit a large factory on the west of Lille. Very heavy intense accurate flack was encountered over Lille and continued past Bailleul resulting in all six aircraft being hit but the formation held together. One Me 109F attacked the formation but sheered off when the Hampdens opened fire.

Base Changes

21 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Watton
55 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Fuka
123 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Castletown
237 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to LG.Y
331 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Skeabrae

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its first OM in the Gladiator II

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

500 Sqn (Bircham Newton – Blenheim IV)

09.35 – SHIPPING PATROL – M, S and X/500. Blenheim S/500 led formation and decided to descend below cloud level. M/500 lost rest of formation and patrolled alone. M was then attacked by 2 Bi-plane single engined float planes. The leading E/A delivered one long burst which hit rear gun turret, smashing perspex. Rear gunner replied with short burst and both guns went U/S. Blenheim M then took violent evasive action, weaving at sea level. A/C then set course for base and X/500 carried out patrol but nothing sighted. S/500 failed to return.

Base Changes

253 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Hibaldstow

First and Last Operational Missions

108 Sqn (Fayid) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC
122 Sqn (Catterick) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

401 Sqn RCAF (Wellingore – Spitfire IIA) 23.9.41

Heavy fog restricted flying most of the day.

401 Sqn RCAF (Wellingore – Spitfire IIA) 24.9.41

Heavy and persistent fog and mist kept the aircraft on the ground all day.

Base Changes

92 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
609 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Biggin Hill

First and Last Operational Missions

21 Sqn SAAF (LG.21 – Maryland II) flew its first OM of the war

66 Sqn (Perranporth – Spitfire IIA) 25.9.41

2 Spitfire 2A (L.R.) Black Section (Sgt.Green and P/O.Mitchell) left Perranporth 1450 hours on an interception patrol. Black 1 had R/T trouble soon after take off, but it was working alright by the time the section was off Land’s End. After several vectors Black Section was told to keep a good look out to port. Shortly afterwards themselves being at 6,000 feet they saw an enemy aircraft to port and well below, at about 1500 feet. The sky was clear but from a little below the e/a – at 1400 feet there was a bank of 4/10ths cloud which was down to 600 feet. The e/a dived through this cloud and our aircraft followed, losing it temporarily but finding it below cloud, at about 500 feet slightly to starboard and still going down. Black 1 told Black 2 to attack line astern from starboard and port, at about 150 feet and 300 yards Black 2 experienced slight return fire, and noticed himself his own ammunition hitting the water after his first attack so that he raised his nose slightly; even then he does not appear to have seen whether or not the e/a was hit, although he does state that white smoke came out of the starboard engine.

Black 2 is unable to estimate his speed accurately but he states “that he was going as fast as he could” but he didn’t seem to gain on the e/a which went straight on: this one reason why stern attacks were only made.

When he had expended his ammunition Black 2 turned away and found himself in the cloud, calling up Black 1, got no reply could not contact Black 1 on e/a. Elver 2 came through and gave Black 2 a vector of 330° and after 22 minutes he made land at Lizard and landed at Perranporth at 16.05 hours.

First and Last Operational Missions

90 Sqn (Polebrook) flew its last OM in the Fortress I
274 Sqn (Amriya) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB

9 Sqn (Honington – Wellington III) 26.9.41

Twelve aircraft carried out operations in accordance with Headquarters, No. 3 Group operations order form B.619 dated 26/9.

0205 All aircraft returned safely except Wellington III X.3222 crashed on return to base at RUSHFORD near THETFORD. 517683. SGT. WHITE H.W. (2nd pilot). 1163420. SGT. LIFFORD, R.G. (Front Gunner) were killed and J.5094. P/O. (Observer) died later of injuries. 921067. SGT. CHISHOLM, J.A. (W/Operator) was admitted to West Suffolk General Hospital, Bury St. Edmonds and placed on the seriously ill list as a result of injuries sustained. The two other members of the crew were uninjured.

ADDENDUM – This aircraft took off at 2002 (Target Emden) but was recalled at 2345 and crashed at Rushford 3 miles ESE of Thetford. This was the first Wellington III written off by Bomber Command.

Base Changes

613 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Andover

First and Last Operational Missions

9 Sqn (Honington) flew its first OM in the Wellington III
69 Sqn (Luqa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
87 Sqn (Colerne) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I
118 Sqn (Ibsley) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
255 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IF

CIRCUS 103A

110 Sqn (Wattisham – Blenheim IV) 27.9.41

Orders were received that 9 aircraft of this Squadron were to stand-by together with 8 aircraft of No. 226 Squadron at one hour’s notice from 0930 hours. The target or rather Task, was a Shipping Beat, but this order was later superseded by instructions that 12 aircraft were to carry out a CIRCUS operation escorted by fighters, on the Marshalling Yards at AMIENS LONGEAU. Six aircraft of this Squadron, together with 6 aircraft of No. 226 Squadron took off at 1320 hours for HASTINGS were where they picked up their air fighter escort. Course was set for target which was bombed from 14000’. Altogether 22x500 lbs. bombs and 44x25 lbs. Incendiaries bombs were dropped, and bursts were seen on West end of target and also North end. An Engine shed was seen to be staddles also Works centre. All aircraft engaged in this operation, returned safely to base, landing approximately 1545 hours.

126 Squadron (Wattisham – Blenheim IV)

6 A/c took off together with 6 A/c from 110 Sqn at 13.00 hours to attack the marshalling yards at AMIENS. Bursts were seen at W. end of target and N.E. and one burst seen on engine shed in marshalling yard. Another seen in centre of works from bridge to eastern end of works. Further observations difficult owing to bursts enveloping position in smoke. Dog fights reported between e/a and supporting fighters but no e/a encountered. Total bomb load 12x500 lb. Inst. and 24x25 lb. incend.

CIRCUS 103B

114 Sqn (West Raynham – Blenheim IV)

TARGET:- POWER STATION AT MAZINGARBE
Aircraft failed to locate primary target, and instead attacked a railway junction near LA BASSE. 11 aircraft attacked from 15,000 ft. (one having returned owing technical trouble) with 500 lb bombs and 25 lb. incendiaries – our aircraft being escorted by fighters of 11 Group. Bursts were observed on two long sheds at the side of the railway track – other bombs fell wide. Photographs were taken. Numerous fighter combats were seen but no E/A attacked the Blenheims. Intense heavy flak was experienced before reaching the target at 1435 hours at 15,000 ft. over FORET DE NIEPPE from the N.E. corner of the forest, and 3 of our A/C were slightly damaged. All our A/C returned safely to the base with no injuries to the crew.

Base Changes

11 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.09
45 Sqn (Blenheim IV) move to LG.16
84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Habbaniya

First and Last Operational Missions

27 Sqn (Luqa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
266 Sqn (Wittering) flew its last OM’s in the Spitfire IIA & IIB

49 Sqn (Scampton – Hampden I) 28.9.41

1115 - 14 Aircraft to stand to undertake bombing operations at Frankfurt.
2215 – 9 Aircraft only took off, 4 being cancelled and one suffering a tail wheel collapse at the taxying point. One aircraft was cancelled at the take off. One crashed eleven minutes after being airborne and all the crew were killed. One aircraft did not return from operations and nothing was heard of it. Five landed away from Base. Of the aircraft that actually reached the target area, 4 were successful and two unsuccessful, owing to poor visibility and ground haze. Flak was heavy with some light, and was accurate.

ADDENDUM – Hampden AD733: hit by Flak and crashed near Karbach (Kreis St. Goar) at 04.15 hrs. Crew POW.

Base Changes

266 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Martlesham Heath
268 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Barton Bendish

First and Last Operational Missions

118 Sqn (Ibsley) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB
125 Sqn (Fairwood Common – Defiant) flew its first OM of the war

7 Sqn (Oakington – Stirling I) 29.9.41

Seven aircraft were detailed to attack STETTIN. The average bomb load was 5500 lbs. and a large number of incendiaries were carried by three aircraft. F/LT. D.J.H. Lay DFC. did not see his bursts, F/Sgt. Bayley saw his, and saw fires and purple explosions on leaving. F/O. M.W. Hardstaff’s compass was U/S. and he was forced to return. W/O. A. Fletcher did not return – last heard of about 40 miles N.E. of Lowestoft. P/O. R.Ellis-Brown saw his incendiaries fall near a large fire and increase its area. Sgt. C.J. Cobbold did not return and nothing was heard from him after take off. Sgt. S.G. Matkin also bombed existing fires with good results.

ADDENDUM – Stirling W7433 MG-U last heard on w/t at 02.58 over the North Sea, plotted some 40 miles N.E. of Lowestoft. Eventually three bodies washed up on the Dutch coast. Cause of loss unkown.
Stirling W7441 was shot down by Lt. Ludolf Schmitz (3rd victory) into the sea between Hadersleben and Baagö Island at 22.17. Four of the crew were taken prisoner.

Base Changes

143 Sqn (Beaufighter IF) moved to Sumburgh
208 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Aqir
221 Sqn (Wellington IC) moved to Reyjavik

First and Last Operational Missions

264 Sqn (West Malling) flew its last OM in the Defiant)
607 Sqn (Martlesham Heath) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA

402 Sqn RCAF (Southend – Hurricane IIB) 1.10.41

Convoy patrols.

Base Changes

268 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Snailwell

First and Last Operational Missions

123 Sqn (Castletown) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA
124 Sqn (Castletown) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB
140 Sqn (Benson – Spitfire IA) flew its first OM of the war
151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its last OM in the Defiant I
151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its first OM in the Defiant II
238 Sqn (LG.12) flew its first OM’s in the Hurricane IIB/C
303 Sqn (Speke) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA
317 Sqn (Exeter) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

CIRCUS 104

88 Sqn (Attlebridge – Blenheim IV) 2.10.41

6 aircraft took off to attack Electric Power Station at Le Havre. Recalled, failing to contact fighter escort.

First and Last Operational Missions

140 Sqn (Benson) flew its last OM in the Spitfire PRIV
229 Sqn (LG.12) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC

88 Sqn (Attlebridge – Blenheim IV) 3.10.41

6 aircraft attacked Power Station at Ostend. Bombs were dropped on buildings on the quay to the left of the target. All aircraft bombed on the Leader. Heavy flak was experienced after bombing. AUS.400425. SGT. LEDBETTER. J.F. Pilot wounded in leg, but piloted aircraft to base and made a successful landing.

Base Changes

74 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Lianbedr
258 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Debden
403 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Martlesham Heath

First and Last Operational Missions

132 Sqn (Peterhead) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB
302 Sqn (Warmwell) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB
306 Sqn (Northolt) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB
457 Sqn RAAF (Andreas) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA