Action This Day

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99 Sqn (Waterbeach – Wellington IC) 15.11.41

Seven a/c were detailed to attack Emden and three to attack Kiel and the only Freshman from the Squadron was to accompany the main effort to Emden. Of the three a/c detailed for Kiel, one Capt. Sgt. Russell returned early because of icing trouble and having full bomb load and considerable petrol too was directed to Berner Heath to drop 4 x 500 G.P. dead, and retain 1 x 1000. This was accomplished, but on return to neighbourhood of aerodrome crashed and went on fire. One member of the crew was badly injured some of the others had minor injuries and burns. The bomb carried burst approximately 20 minutes after the fire started. The other two a/c carried out the operation but owing to 10/10 cloud cover one dropped the bomb on E.T.A. while the other jettisoned in the sea owing to shortage of petrol. Of the eight a/c on the Emden target one returned to base early being unable to maintain height owing to severe icing and dropped 1 x 4000 into the sea. Another returned early with intercomm. Trouble and also jettisoned 1 x 4000 into the sea. Four others bombed on E.T.A. Two a/c including the Freshman failed to return to base. The weather conditions were presumably bad and the return journey for all a/c was made extremely difficult. Target signals were received from the two missing a/c, J and R. Other signals included one M.F. signal from J well North of track and three M.F. fixes and four Q.D.M’s from R. The fixes showed that R was considerably off track but he was coming back in the correct direction. The Q.D.M’s also confirmed this.

ADDENDUM - Wellington L7873 LN-J was hit by Flak of 5./M Flak abt. 246 battery Terschelling – West and crashed into the sea at 2147 hours.
Wellington Z8975 LN-R was lost without a trace and presumed crashed into the sea.
49 aircraft bombed Emden, results were not observed because of cloud.
47 aircraft were sent to Kiel, but only 8 reported bombing the target area. Kiel reported a cloudy night and no bombs.

Base Changes

102 Sqn (Whitley V) moved to Dalton

First and Last Operational Missions

54 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB
64 Sqn (Drem) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
124 Sqn (Castletown) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB
504 Sqn (Ballyhalbern) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 16.11.41

Again poor weather conditions prevented any flying being done by the Squadron.

Base Changes

30 Sqn (Hurricane I) moves to LG.005
134 Sqn (Non-Op) leaves for the UK

First and Last Operational Missions

145 Sqn (Catterick) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB

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501 Sqn (Ibsley – Spitfire VB) 17.11.41

Yesterday’s operations were ordered for today, this time from Ibsley. P/O. Stanbury and Sgt. Dean, R.F.C., took off at 09.40 and P/O. Parker, Tomlinson and Sgt. Campbell at 09.50. The latter mentioned pilots returned at 10.57. P/O. Stanbury landed at 11.07. He last saw Sgt. Dean fade away in a rain cloud over the French coast; he circled looking for Sgt. Dean but saw nothing. P/O. Stanbury and Sgt. Dean attacked what they took to be a distillery, a transformer and some Hun soldiers.

ADDENDUM – Sgt. R.F.C. Dean (Spitfire VB AD129 “K”) KIA and is buried at Brevands, France.

Base Changes

24 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.112
54 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Castletown
64 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Hornchurch
207 Sqn (Manchester I) moved to Bottesford
245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Warmwell
260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.124

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 18.11.41

This morning the Squadron went on a sweep over Northern France. No action with enemy aircraft was reported. Cine-gun exercises were carried out in the afternoon and also an extensive convoy patrol, the latter being performed without incident.

Base Changes

12 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.076
14 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.025
21 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.076
124 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Biggin Hill
451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to LG.132

First and Last Operational Missions

54 Sqn (Castletown) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB
64 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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41 Sqn (Merston – Spitfire VB) 19.11.41

S/Ldr. Gaunce Missing believed killed in action, into sea, Estuary of River Lavire.

ADDENDUM – S/Ldr. L.M. Gaunce DFC was shot down by a Me.109 off St. Lo. KIA.

Base Changes

80 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.128
112 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Maddalena, Libya
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.123
411 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch

First and Last Operational Missions

456 Sqn RAAF (Valley) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IIF

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 20.11.41

Practise formations, sector recco. and local flying were the exercises for the day.

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Maddelina, Libya
4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.121
33 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.025
94 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.124
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to LG.124

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 21.11.41

The only flying done today was a 3-hour convoy patrol. Visibility closed in around 1500 hours and Sgt. C.R. Golden crash-landed at Maidstone, Kent. He was admitted to hospital suffering from a fractured left thigh, lacerations to knees and face and shock. He was posted to non-effective.

Base Changes

229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to LG.123
609 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Digby

First and Last Operational Missions

237 Sqn (LG.075) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I
611 Sqn (Drem) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB

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401 Sqn (Biggin HIll – Spitfire VB) 22.11.41

The Squadron carried out practice attacks and some local flying in the forenoon. Early in the afternoon, the Squadron was ordered to patrol convoy. This operation was carried out without incident. Later on, the Squadron in company with 72 Squadron carried out a sweep over Northern France. Considerable numbers of enemy aircraft were encountered with the resultant score for our Squadron 2 ME.109E’s and 2 FW-190’s destroyed, 1 FW-190 probably destroyed, 1 FW-190 damaged and 3 ME-109E’s damaged. Flying Officer H.A. Sprague is missing from the operation.
ADDENDUM - F/O. H.A. Sprague Spitfire VB AD516 was shot down and became a PoW.

Base Changes

26 Sqn (Tomahawk I) moved to Manston
237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.128

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41 Sqn (Merston – Spitfire VB) 23.11.41

1440 1 Aircraft Patrol as ordered.
1630 4 Aircraft Patrol as ordered.
Sgt. D. Fleming spun into sea off Bognar Regis Engine trouble killed on active service.
1640 2 Aircraft Patrol as ordered.
1715 1 Aircraft Patrol as ordered.

Base Changes

245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Chilbolton

First and Last Operational Missions

124 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
234 Sqn (Wamwell) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 24.11.41

The weather today was non-operational, rain and poor visibility keeping the Squadron grounded. One aircraft test took place this morning and constituted the days flying.

Base Changes

61 Sqn (Manchester I) moved to Woolfox Lodge
84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.116
451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Azeiz

First and Last Operational Missions

310 Sqn (Duxford) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
313 Sqn (Portreath) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
331 Sqn (Skeabrae) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB and its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

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217 Sqn (Thorney Island – Beaufort II) 25.11.41

Five crews were detailed for operations. Sgt. Gill and P/O. Etheridge were sent on Gardening. P/O. Etheridge dropped successfully in the shipping channel without incident but on the return journey owing to bad weather conditions at base was diverted to St. Eval where he landed. Sgt. Gill failed to return. No signal of any sort was received from him but an aircraft of Bomber Command reported a British aircraft in the sea off Brest.

ADDENDUM – Beaufort I AW188 MW-Q lost off Brest at 18.40 hours. Sgt. H Gill and Sgt. J.R. Griffiths rest in Kerfaustras Cemetery, Brest. Sgt. N. Boyd Orr was not recovered and Sgt. J.A. Cronie was a PoW.

Base Changes

229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to LG.012
268 (Non-Op) moved to Weston Zoyland
313 (Spitfire IIA/VB) moved to Warmwell

First and Last Operational Missions

76 Sqn (Middleton St. George) flew its first OM in the Halifax II
217 Sqn (Thorney Island) flew its first OM in the Beaufort II

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106 Sqn (Coningsby – Hampden I) 26.11.41

Six freshman crews were detailed for an attack on the docks and sidings at EMDEN. Weather was poor, there being 10/10th clouds throughout the flight, thus making impossible location of the primary target. Five aircraft bombed the approximate target area, two doing so from 8000 feet. One aircraft failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE317 was hit by heavy Flak from M. Flak Abt. 282 battery Hooksiel, and crashed into the sea 3-4 kms NNW of Wangerooge at 21.45 hours. Of the crew, Sgt. J.F. Tarran is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Germany. Sgts. W.J. Moss, R.H. Breckell, and W.L. Ball have no known grave.
100 aircraft were sent to Emden, only 55 reported bombing in cloudy conditions, three were lost.

Base Changes

32 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Manston
50 Sqn (Hampden I) moved to Skellingthorpe
84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.075
142 Sqn (Wellington IV) moved to Grimsby
229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to Maddelena III

First and Last Operational Missions

9 Sqn (Honington) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
149 Sqn (Mildenhall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC and its first OM in the Stirling I

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408 Sqn RCAF (Syerston – Hampden I) 27.11.41

16 aircraft were detailed for operations this date consisting of 13 experienced and 3 freshman crews but, shortly before take-off 5 experienced and the 3 freshman crews were cancelled leaving the remaining 8 experienced crews for this night's operations (Düsseldorf). Owing to adverse weather conditions only 3 aircraft identified and bombed the target and 4 other aircraft jettisoned their bomb loads over last resort targets.
The remaining aircraft Hampden AE437 piloted by F.A. Caldwell failed to return from this operation. On the return journey, this aircraft (AE437) received and acknowledged bearing 222 from Heston M.F.D.F. Station at 22.29 hours and, later at 00.59 hours this same station intercepted a signal from this aircraft advising that they were “running short of petrol.” At 01.03 hours the same station once more intercepted a signal from this aircraft, from the pilot advising he was forced down in the sea through lack of petrol. The approximate position was presumed to be in a radius of 40 miles of 47°30' North 13° West approximately 370 miles off BREST, FRANCE, and approximately 300 odd miles off S.W. LANDS END. It is regretted nothing further has been heard from members of the crew of AE437 since last message intercepted by Heston M.F.D.F. Station at 01.03 hours 28/11/41.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE437 EQ-U. Tragically it is believed the crew misinterpreted the message from Heston when last heard on the w/t. Blenheim aircraft were sent out to search the next day but no trace of the aircraft or crew were found.
86 aircraft were sent to Düsseldorf, 2 were lost. 52 aircraft claimed to have bombed the target and started large fires in the railway yards. Düsseldorf reports only 2 high explosive bombs and 200 incendiaries, fire and damage at a water purification plant, light damage to housing, no casualties. Cologne which was not the target reported bombs and damage to 119 properties and 4 people killed and 13 injured.


Base Changes

615 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Angle

First and Last Operational Missions

74 Sqn (Lianbedr) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
115 Sqn (Marham) flew its first OM in the Wellington III

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220 Sqn (Wick – Hudson V) 28.11.41

Operational Flying – 8 Sorties – Sighted to MV attacked larger with bombs and MG fire – Attacked MV off Norway at 300 feet with bombs which fell under stern. MV sank near Stavanger. V/220 last seen by E/220 when the latter dropped behind flying on only one engine. V/220 failed to return – F/O Tate D.F.C.

ADDENDUM – Hudson V AM799 NR-V crashed into the sea and the crew (F/O. D.W. Tate DFC, Sgt. C.W. Robinson, Sgt. P. Shane, and Sgt. B.R. Edis) were all killed.

First and Last Operational Missions

221 Sqn (Reykjavik) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
610 Sqn (Leconfield) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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457 Sqn RAAF (Andreas – Spitfire IIA) 29.11.41

The first real Squadron “black” day. No.400693 Sgt. R.T. BREWIN flying Spitfire Mk. IIA P.7445 as part of a section led by Sgt. BASSETT lost formation in cloud and is at present missing. Sgt. BREWIN was an average Spitfire pilot and had nearly reached No. 9 Group Operational Standard. He previously had force landed at HARROW on a day in the last month. Although he is officially listed as “Missing”, no hope is entertained for him being alive, as JURBY Air/Sea Rescue aircraft observed a body with a Mae West floating face downwards some 4 miles West of Peel, Isle-of-Man.

ADDENDUM – The body was never recovered.

First and Last Operational Missions

32 Sqn (Manston) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC

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405 Sqn RCAF (Pocklington – Wellington II) 30.11.41

Bombing Attack On HAMBURG
Pocklington Ops. Order No.56 Six A/C detailed
Bombload: 1x1,000, 4x500, 1x250 (.025), 1x250 (HLD) 25 BC.
All A/C to carry Cameras
All Captains (except) “H” identified the city and dock area and from heights from 8,000 ft. to 17.000 ft bombed the target between 2025 and 2112 hours. Attacks were pressed home near the aiming point and bursts and fires were seen near ALTONA STATION, BERLINER THOR, STEIN THOR, and Docks. Our aircraft had to take violent evasive action to escape S/L and flak, and the tailplane of “E” (capt. Sgt. Taylor) was holed. “H” (S/Ldr. Bisset) was reported missing from this operation after “Ops Abandoned” at 1835 and the last four fixes at 1946. An intensive sea search was made, but no trace was found.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II W4576 LQ-H Crew S/Ldr. R.C. Bisset DFC and Bar, F/S A.J. Knight RCAF, P/O. R.A. Mather RCAF, Sgt. W.L. Evans, F/Sgt. C.E. Hillmer, and Sgt. R.P. Mann last heard on w/t at 1835 indicating the crew was returning to base. Presumed lost at sea.
181 aircraft attacked Hamburg, 122 claimed good bombing results in moonlit conditions, 35 bombed alternative targets, 13 were lost.
Hamburg reported 22 fires – 2 large, 65 people killed, 176 injured and 2,500 bombed out.

Base Changes

26 Sqn (Tomahawk I) moved to Gatwick
60 Sqn SAAF R (Maryland I/II) moved to Fuka
113 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.116
130 Sqn (Spitfire VA/VB) moved to Warmwell

First and Last Operational Missions

214 Sqn (Stradishall) flew its last OM in the Wellington II
313 Sqn (Portreath) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
610 Sqn (Leconfield) flew its first OM and second tour in the Spitfire VB

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600 Sqn (Predannack – Beaufighter II) 1.12.41

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER A.F.C. with SGT. GRANT (OR) and FLYING OFFICER IKLAY with SGT. PEARCE were airborne at 08.42 hours to intercept the so-called “MILK TRAIN” (A GERMAN METEOROLOGICAL PATROL MADE DAILY ABOUT THE SAME HOUR PASSING UP THE IRISH SEA TO WEST OF SCILLIES). At 09.00 hours the plots of the “MILK TRAIN” faded and the aircraft were ordered home. 26 minutes later FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER reported that one engine had stopped, and a quarter of an hour later that he was going down into the sea. Meanwhile, the air-sea rescue service was put into operation. FLYING OFFICER G.C. IKLAY, SQUADRON LEADER A.D. McN. BOYD and SQUADRON LEADER C.P. GREEN and others together with LYSANDER aircraft and six SPITFIRES of NO. 66 SQUADRON searched throughout the day without seeing FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER’S AIRCRAFT. This officer’s body washed ashore and duly buried. No trace of his operator SGT. GRANT or his aircraft have yet been found. Through this unfortunate accident, the Squadron has lost another good aircrew. Severe icing had occurred.

Base Changes

19 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Ludham
137 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Matlask
152 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Coltishall

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22 Sqn (St. Eval – Beaufort I) 2.12.41

The target for tonight was the postponed objective from yesterday, the Timber factory at Nantes. Six aircraft were airborne at 15.45 hrs. and set course in formation at 15.50 with W/Cdr. Mayhew in aircraft V leading the formation. It was with deep regret, however, as successful as the operation was in its execution, we learned of the loss of our valued C.O. who failed to return, as also did F/Lt. Noble in aircraft P. S/Ldr. Bateson in aircraft H has described the action in his own words:
“After sighting to He. 115’s we crossed Il de Noumentier in very bad light and were unable to see the leading formation against the dark background of the land. We, therefore, continued on our course with the intention of carrying out divided attack as pre-arranged. After crossing Lake we found ourselves over the Loire, east of our objective. At that moment a large fire was observed to the West of us, so we turned West flying along the river, and found our objective burning fiercely. Having circled the area and seen two more explosions we made our run and released our load in burning target area. The flak was quite intense but could not have been very accurate, as among the three aircraft which attacked and returned (H A B) only one aircraft suffered a single bullet hole. From pilots’ reports it appears A/c A must have been the first to attack, then V and P (assumed from the fact that we saw two further explosions before attacking) then aircraft H, and finally A/c B. A/c F failed to locate the target, visibility very bad and low flying difficult as a result.”

ADDENDUM – Beaufort I AW22 OA-V. The crew W/Cdr. J.C. Mayhew, Sgt. E.W. Walters, Sgt. L.H. Fowler and Sgt. H. Ashton rest in Pont-du-Cens Communal Cemetery, Nantes.
Beaufort I AW216 OA-P. Of the crew F/Lt. J.R. Noble, Sgt. A.J. Dearden and Sgt. W.R. Furzey are buried in Quiberon Communal Cemetery, Morbihan. Sgt. J.F. McGee was not recovered.

Base Changes

12 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.110
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.122

First and Last Operational Missions

229 Sqn (LG.122) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 3.12.41

Unfavourable weather continued today and no flying was done. Sergeant pilots, as well as officers, are being detailed for drill courses which have commenced on the station.

Base Changes

24 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moved to LG.130
404 Sqn RCAF (Blenheim IVF) moved to Sumburgh

First and Last Operational Missions

235 Sqn (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IVF
257 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 4.12.41

Local flying and gun camera exercises were the flights for today.

Base Changes

6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV