Action This Day

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32 Sqn (Manston – Hurricane IIB/C) 5.12.41

0800 – 0830 2 A/C Patrol. Dawn Patrol of Base, no E/A sighted.
0820 – 0950 4 A/C Shipping Recco. Shipping Recco in which a cargo vessel and armed escort which was sighted off Calais which opened fire. Aircraft returned fire hits being observed.
1245 – 1355 8 A/C Shipping Attack. Low-Level attack on shipping in the Fecamp, Le Havre area. S/Ldr. Grier and Sgt. Fitch failed to return. F/O. Law slightly wounded.

ADDENDUM – Hurricane IIB Z3237 S/Ldr. T. Grier DFC shot down off Le Havre attacking ships. KIA.
Hurricane IIB BE582 Sgt. W. Fitch shot down off Le Havre attacking ships. KIA.
Hurricane IIB Z4992 F/O. Law, Aircraft CatB. Damaged by flak, returned to service, supplied to Russia 13.2.42

Base Changes

79 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Warmwell
130 Sqn (Spitfire VA/B) moved to Perranporth
139 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Oulton
234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Ibsley
242 Sqn (Non-Op) left for the Far East
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.123

First and Last Operational Missions

74 Sqn (Llanbedr) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
340 Sqn (Turnhouse – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – SpitfireVB) 6.12.41

Flying today consisted of practice attacks, for the most part, local flying and formation, and camera gun reconnaissance. One aircraft test was carried out.

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (LG.124) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

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82 Sqn (Bodney – Blenheim IV) 7.12.41

Nine aircraft were detailed for Operations when Ostende was the target. One aircraft is missing from this operation.

ADDENDUM – Blenheim IV V5876 UX-J hit by 3./Iei Flak Abt.993 and 11. & 12.?Flak Regt. 4, crashing 2 km SE of Ostende at 01.39 hrs. The crew P/O. T. McS Wilson, Sgt. R. Johnston RAAF, and Sgt. F.C. Hubbard are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery at Adegem Belgium. This was the first Blenheim to be lost on a night bombing sortie since 101 Squadron lost two crews raiding Brest on 3-4 April 1941. 23 Blenheims were sent to attack Ostende.

The Japanese thinking they were missing all the fun, decided it was a really good idea to set the Pacific on fire.

Base Changes

134 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Catterick
221 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Limavady

First and Last Operational Missions

94 Sqn (LG.124) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB

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411 Sqn RCAF (Hornchurch – Spitfire VB) 8.12.41

The weather was favourable and the Squadron was delegated for a Ramrod operation as part of the Wing from this Station. Acting as “Top” cover for bombing aircraft (Hurricanes) the Wing departed from this Station at 11.00 hours and proceeded direct to Le Touquet. Going in about 20,000 feet, it was planned to dive on the target which was almost twenty miles inland. Biggin Hill representative, 401 Squadron RCAF was to act as protection against enemy aircraft who were expected to be above us. By the time the Wing reached 10,000 feet on their way to the target; Jerries began to appear:- M.E. 109’s and F.W.190’s. Our Yellow Section was attacked by six and the Section Leader, F/O. MacFarlane (promoted to commission rank November 17th) turned towards them and getting several bursts at them with no apparent effect. Several other pilots also managed to fire their guns, but no claims were made. By this time the bombers had done their work (there is some doubt about this point) and the Wing, therefore, left for a more hospitable area. Several distress signals from pilots were heard but it was impossible to ascertain who was responsible. During this operation, we lost our first to pilots by enemy action – P/O. J.R. Coleman of St. John N.B. and Sgt. D.A. Court of Toronto, Ontario.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB AD264 pilot P/O. J.R. Coleman RCAF was shot down in combat with Me109s and is buried at Pihen les Guines, France.
Spitfire VB AA840 pilot Sgt. D.A. Court RCAF was shot down in combat with Me 109s and has no known grave.

Base Changes

105 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Horsham St. Faith
268 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Snailwell

First and Last Operational Missions

120 Sqn (Nutts Corner) flew its first OM in the Liberator II
504 Sqn (Ballyhalbern) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 9.12.41

Flying this morning included mainly formation and cine-gun and cloud flying. Local recco, bouncing and one shoot-up were performed in the afternoon.

Base Changes

45 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Gambut
47 Sqn (Non-Op) left for Egypt
226 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Swanton Morley
229 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Bu Amud
260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Rezegh
408 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moved to Balderton

First and Last Operational Missions

310 Sqn (Duxford) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 10.12.41

Poor visibility resulted in all aircraft being grounded throughout the day. Notification was received through International Red Cross from Berlin that F/O. H.A. Sprague, missing on 22.11.41, is now a prisoner of war.

Base Changes

208 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Gubbi
254 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Dyce

First and Last Operational Missions

35 Sqn (Linton-on-Ouse) flew its first OM in the Halifax II

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408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 11.12.41

5 aircraft were detailed for gardening in KIEL BAY. One identified the area and successfully dropped its mine. Three others were unable to identify the target owing to cloud and, one dropped the mine in the NECTARINE area and, another dropped his just outside the ELBE estuary and the third returned to base with his. The remaining aircraft AE148 piloted by RCAF/J.5918 Pilot Officer W.F. Hull did not return from this operation and, subsequently reported missing.

ADDENDUM - Hampden I AE148 EQ-B crashed at Sanderum, 5 km SW of Odense, Denmark where the crew (P/O. WF Hull RCAF, Sgt. DL Todd RNZAF, Sgt. S Jamieson, Sgt. L Harding) are buried. This was Sgt. Harding’s first operational trip.

Adolf in his infinite wisdom decided “Hey let's really get this party started!” Then promptly went out and invited the USA to join the fun. Game, set, match.

Base Changes

79 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Fairwood Common
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Tobruk

First and Last Operational Missions

10 Sqn (Leeming) flew its last OM in the Whitley V
96 Sqn (Wrexham) flew its last OM in the Defiant I
306 Sqn (Speke) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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106 Sqn (Coningsby – Hampden I) 12.12.41

For the first time since August the Squadron carried out daylight operations but instead of the formation attacks, the aircraft operated singly taking full advantage of the cloud. Four aircraft were detailed for these raids and one of these returned early owing to lack of cloud cover and a second failed to return. The other two aircraft met with greater success, both achieving highly successful results.

ADDENDUM - Hampden I AE391 crashed between Oberhausen and Osterfeld, Germany. It had been sent to bomb an oil refinery in Gelsenkirchen. The crew, F/L. DH Webber, Sgt. SV Crowhurst RNZAF, Sgt. F Norman and Sgt. T Robson-Scott, are all buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Rezegh
4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to El Adem
80 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Gubbi
94 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Rezegh
238 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Bu Amud
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to LG.103
308 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Woodvale
316 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Northolt

First and Last Operational Missions

3 Sqn (Hunsdon) flew its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIA & B
108 Sqn (Fayid) flew its first OM in the Liberator II
306 Sqn (Churchstanton) flew its first OM of its second tour in the Spitfire VB
312 Sqn (Ayr) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

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44 Sqn(Waddington – Hampden I) 13.12.41

Three aircraft of this Squadron were detailed to carry out daylight mine-laying operations off BREST. Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook, D.S.O. (Hampden AE.196), S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles D.F.C.(Hampden AE.202) and Sgt. Hackney (Hampden AE.298) took off at 13.00 hours. S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles, in spite of anti-aircraft and enemy fighter opposition, successfully laid his mine in the allotted position at 16.46 hours. He was attacked by an M.E.109 and the following damage was caused to his aircraft by Cannon Shell:
Starboard Aileron damaged.
Starboard Wing Tip shot away.
Mane plane behind starboard engine damaged.
Starboard engine fairing torn off.
Starboard engine nacelle damaged.
Starboard Airscrew damaged.
Starboard Rudder shot away.
Starboard undercarriage wheel punctured.
Tale Unit holed.

S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles managed to fly his aircraft back to England where he force landed at Boscombe Down. He speaks highly of the behaviour of his Crew (recorded hereunder) especially his Wireless Operator Sgt. H.O. Peel, who efficiently directed his evasive movements during the whole attack by the enemy fighter. Furthermore S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles could have only landed his crew safely by skillful and cool-headed handling of his aircraft. The Crew were:
Pilot: S/Ldr. P.R. Burton-Gyles, D.F.C.,
Observer: No. 926804 Sgt. E. Fitchett.
W.Op/A.G.: No. 993700 Sgt. H.O. Peel.
Rear Gunner: No. 979926 Sgt. J.H. Waddington

Sgt. Hackney in Hampden AE.298 laid his mine approximately 7 ½ miles West of the allotted position owing to insufficient cloud cover. Of the third aircraft, nothing was heard of it after leaving “base” and is accordingly posted “missing”, together with the following Crew:-
Hampden AE.196
Pilot: Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook, D.S.O.
Observer: No. NZ.402865 T/Sgt. A.H. Cumbley
W./Op/A.G.: No. 989819 T/Sgt. L.D. Leggett
Rear Gunner: No. 79240 F/O. H.J. Jeffcoat

The loss to the Squadron of its Commanding Officer, Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook D.S.O., is severe. He assumed command on the 12th day of March 1941.

ADDENDUM – Crew, and aircraft were lost without a trace

Base Changes

237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Gambut

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408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 14.12.41

9 crews were detailed to bomb shipping at BREST, taking off at approximately midnight. The target was not located or seen by any of the crews and all aircraft returned to base. 7 of these aircraft returned to base with their bomb loads. The two remaining jettisoned their bombs into the sea, owing to icing conditions. 4 aircraft were detailed to bomb docks at CHERBOURGH and, of these four, only three took off owing to one being involved in a collision with a stationary aircraft while taxiing to post. A report was made of the incident. Of the three crews which eventually took off at approximately 00.30 15/12/41 only one returned to base. Of the 2 remaining crews, one Hampden AE.133-X piloted by RCAF/R.69885 Sergeant Vaughn, S.L. was not heard from following time of take-off and, subsequently reported missing. The crew of this aircraft were as follows:
RCAF/R.69885 Sgt. Vaughn S.L. (Pilot) 1st Operational Trip
RCAF/R.58545 Sgt. Thompson R.L. (Navigator) 1st Operational Trip
551850 Sgt. Howells B. (1st W/Op/AG) 10 Trips 58.00 hours
1857912 Sgt. Oates W. (2nd W/Op/AG) 1st Operational Trip

The remaining aircraft, Hampden P5392-W piloted by 1377136 Sergeant Sterling, R.W. crashed, on the return journey at New Farm, Long Down near Christchurch, Hampshire at 03.27 hours 15/12/41. The members of the crew were as follows:
1377136 Sgt. Sterling R.W. (Pilot) 1st Operational Trip
RCAF/R.78502 Sgt. Tomlin J.C. (Navigator) 1st Operational Trip
982517 Sgt. Williams W.R. (1st W/Op/AG) 12 Trips 71.25 hours
1036826 Sgt. Gibson C.G. (2nd W/Op/AG) 1st Operational Trip


ADDENDUM – Hampden AE133 EQ-X, crew and aircraft were lost without a trace

Base Changes

66 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Portreath
71 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Martlesham Heath

First and Last Operational Missions

206 Sqn (Aldergrove) flew its last OM in the Hudson III

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50 Sqn (Skillingthorpe – Hampden I) 15.12.41

BOMBING – DOCKS AND SHIPPING at OSTEND.

Two aircraft were detailed for this operation.
Of these, one turned back owing to starboard engine trouble and, unfortunately, nothing was heard of the other aircraft after take off.

ADDENDUM – Hampden AE380 VN-, crew, Sgt. WJ Young, Sgt. DA Ferguson, Sgt. FA White, and Sgt. EW Armer was hit by 11. & 12./III./Flak Regt. 4 and crashed into the sea off Oostende at 20.39 hours. Sgt. Young is buried in Oostende New Communal Cemetery. His crew has no known grave.
25 aircraft were sent to attack Oostende, this was the only loss.

Base Changes

111 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to North Weald
313 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch
603 Sqn (Spitfire VA/B) moved to Dyce
612 Sqn (Whitley V/VII) moved Reykjavik

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Love the sarcasm.

411 Sqn RCAF (Hornchurch – Spitfire VB) 16.12.41

Six months old today, and to celebrate we lost two more pilots on Air Operations – P/O. S.D. Chamberlain and Sgt. T.D. Holden. Both have been with the Squadron since its formation and were exceptionally good pilots. Unfortunately, an error in navigation on the part of the leader took the section over Calais instead of Dover, when returning from a Convoy Patrol near the French Coast. The section was pounced on by five M.E.109’s and the two pilots concerned ‘bought it’. One was seen to go down in flames after receiving a direct hit, and no particulars are available on the other. No information has been received enabling us to identify the aircraft which was seen to go in. It has been a tough month for this unit. Four pilots killed, at any rate missing, and some five flying accidents. Our motto “Inimicus Inimico” – “Hostile to an enemy” should be more aptly read “Hostile to Ourselves”. It is sincerely hoped that our record will improve considerably and immediately. F/Lt. Boomer is acting Squadron Commander until some person is designated as such.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB W3639. P/P. S.D. Chamberlain KIA.
Spitfire VB AD117. Sgt. T.D. Holden KIA. Buried at Pihe les Guines, France.

Base Changes

41 Sqn (Spitfire VA/B) moved to Westhampnett
229 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gazala

First and Last Operational Missions

3 Sqn RAAF (Madalena) flew its last OM in the Tomahawk II

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44 Sqn (Waddington – Hampden I) 17.12.41

Thirteen Hamden's from this Squadron, together with seven Hampdens from other stations in No. 5 Group, thirty Wellingtons from No. 1 Group, twenty-five Wellingtons from No. 3 Group, twenty-one Whitleys and four Wellingtons of No. 4 Group were detailed to attack Naval Units (Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Prinz Eugen) at Brest. Visibility was very good although it was very dark and cloud varied from five to ten-tenths. The smokescreen was reported in action. Ten of this Squadron’s aircraft attacked this target and dropped the following bombs within the dock area:-
500 lb. S.A.P = 32 bombs.
250 lb. S.A.P. = 16 bombs.
500 lb. G.P. = 8 bombs.
250 lb. G.P. = 4 bombs.

Several bursts were witnessed within the dock area but the majority were unobserved. Enemy fighters were active within this vicinity. Of the remaining three aircraft sent from this Squadron P/O. MacKay in Hampden AD.869 was forced to return to “Base” owing to wireless failure whilst Sgt. Knight in Hampden AE.186 failed to take-off as his aircraft was found to be unserviceable. The third, P/O Kaschula in Hampden AD.868 failed to return and is posted as missing along with the following crew:
Hampden AD.868.R
Pilot: Therald Lionel Kaschula (Rhodesian)
Observer: No. 1054954 Sgt. John George Henderson
W.Op./A.G.: No. 1375168 T/Sgt. Edward Wade
Rear Gunner: No. 778193 T/Sgt. Kenneth E. Hall (Rhodesian)

Regarding this missing aircraft, No. 4 aircraft reported recognition lights and seen at sea and signal W.W.T. (meaning “Maybe forced to land without further signal”) was picked up. The Air Sea Rescue Service was informed and they took immediate action but without result. Subsequent information received from operations throws doubt on the fact that the signal emanated from P/O. Kaschula’s aircraft.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AD868 KM-R presumed lost in the sea off the French coast. P/O. Kaschula is buried in Camaret-sur-Mer Communal Cemetery. His crew have no known graves.
Of the 121 aircraft sent to Brest, 80 claimed to have bombed the approximate position of the German warships.

Base Changes

53 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to Limavady
306 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Churchstanton

First and Last Operational Missions

2 Sqn (Sawbridgeworth) flew its first OM in the Mustang I
59 Sqn (Thorney Island) flew its last OM’s in the Hudson III, V, and VI

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7 Sqn (Oakington – Stirling I) 18.12.41

W/Cdr. H.R. Graham DSO led the Squadron which in turn led the attack on the two cruisers in dry by Stirlings, Halifaxes, and Manchesters of Bomber Command. W/Cdr. Graham bombed in a dive and saw of his 4 x 2000 AP burst across the twin docks which caused puffs of black smoke. His aircraft was hit by ‘flak’ and E/A but, P/O. G.E. Mitchell his rear shot down an E/A which was seen to crash in a field. S/Ldr. L.W.V. Jennens failed to return. He was shot down and some of the crew was seen to bale out. P/O. G.C. Bayley saw two bursts NE of the docks. One M.E.109 was shot down by his rear gunner Sgt. J.M. Smith and the pilot was seen to bale out. P/O. Bayley landed at Waterbeach. F/Sgt. Taylor did not observe results but one M.E.109 was hit and seen to go down in flames and crash. He landed at Bourn. P/O. G.T. Heard dropped his bombs while diving in the direction of the cruisers. He saw black smoke rising from both docks after bombing. ‘Flak’ blew off the astrodome, badly wounding Sgt. Hayward the Engineer. The Rear Gunner, Sgt. Dernan also received a glancing shot through the shoulder but did not mention the fact at the time and it was not until some time afterwards that he did so. W/O. N.L. Tayler did not see his bursts. His aircraft was extensively damaged by ‘flak’ and E/A. The port inner petrol tanks were pierced, turrets U/S, intercom shot up and one front and both back tyres burst. He landed at Bourn. F/Lt. B. Parnell failed to return. P/O. S.G. Matkin saw yellowish bursts of his bombs and flash from each ship amidships. His aircraft was extensively damaged, hydraulics and undercarriage being rendered U/S and a large portion of the rudder surface was shot away. He crash-landed at Oakington and made an excellent job of it, no one being hurt. One M.E. claimed as destroyed and one damaged. P/O. H.G. Pilling saw one burst on the road NW. end of the dock. He was hit by ‘flak’ in mainplane and fuselage and rear turret and gunsight were rendered U/S.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I W7436 MG-D was shot down by Me 109s and crashed at Plouguerneau 24 km N of Brest. Of the crew S/Ldr. LWV Jennens, Sgt. FK Lister RAAF, Sgt. JC Webb, Sgt. EV Smith and Sgt. FV Davis became Pows. F/Sgt WM Baker RCAF and Sgt. J Towns are buried in Plouguerneau Communal Cemetery.
Stirling I N3689 MG-Y was shot down by Me 109s off the French coast. The crew F/L. B Parnell MiD, Sgt. KR Taylor RNZAF, Sgt. JHM Pulford, P/O NF Durban RCAF, F/Sgt. R Wheatley, Sgt. MA Sullivan GM RAAF and Sgt. TP Wright were not recovered.

47 aircraft attempted a daylight raid on the German warships. Accurate bombing was claimed and black smoke was reported rising from the Gneisenau. 6 aircraft were lost.

Base Changes

14 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Gambut
80 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Gazala 2
84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Gambut
94 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Gazala 2
224 Sqn (Hudson V) moved to St. Eval
260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Gazala 2
451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to Maddalena

First and Last Operational Missions

10 Sqn (Leeming) flew its first OM in the Halifax II

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 19.12.41

Poor visibility continued all day both here at base and at Manston and aircraft were grounded at the latter drome for the second night.

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Gazala
4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gazala 3
112 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to El Adem
208 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Tmimi
238 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gazala
245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Middle Wallop
250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gazala 3
263 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Warmwell

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401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 20.12.41

The Squadron is still fogbound at Manston and visibility is near zero. Pilots have had their small kit sent to them as there seems to be no chance of the mist lifting for a few days.

Base Changes

3 Sqn RAAF (Non-Op) moved to El Adem
21 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to Bu Amud
113 Sqn (Blenheim IV) left for SEAC
211 Sqn (Non-Op) left for SEAC

First and Last Operational Missions

73 Sqn Port Said) flew its first OM’s in the Hurricane IIA and B
130 Sqn (Porrenporth) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VA

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106 Sqn (Coningsby – Hampden I) 21.12.41

Six aircraft were detailed for daylight attacks on N.W. GERMANY. The weather was suitable for such an operation when the aircraft left Base but the clouds dispersed later and five of them returned. Despite a recall signal the sixth aircraft apparently continued and presumably shot down – a German broadcast stated that a British bomber was destroyed by fighters during the afternoon.

Base Changes

4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Mechili
112 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Msus
237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Tmimi

First and Last Operational Missions

603 Sqn Sqn (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VA

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79 Sqn (Fairwood Common – Hurricane IIB) 22.12.41

1 Patrol 2 Aircraft “B” Flight. Special Dusk Sweep over to Southern Irish Coast. S/Ldr. C.D. Smith D.F.C. O.C. 79 Squadron was leading the Blue Section. Blue Two F/O. Milne (Australian) is actually an “A” Flight pilot, but in this case in he flew in Blue Section.
They took off at 16.10 hours and flew towards the S.E. corner of EIRE. Their height was between 500/1000 feet. They turned back towards base at 17.00 hours and when 10 miles East of the SALTEE ISLANDS Blue Two noticed Blue One turn to starboard and dive across Blue Two. Blue Two followed and then saw S/Ldr. Smith attacking one of two Heinkel 115 Floatplanes, which were flying North between 500/600 feet.
There wasn’t any R/T message given by Blue One at any time.
Blue One was firing and being fired at by the rear dorsal gun or guns of the He 115, when he appeared to get under the tail of the enemy aircraft and collide with it. Pieces flew off of Blue One’s aircraft and he dived straight into the sea. Blue Two, whose first engagement this was, then made two attacks alone but failed to affect any success. He thinks perhaps he was out of range. Blue Two fired 2.617 rounds. Both the aircraft were Hurricane IIB’s 12 machine guns. Blue Two landed at Fair wood at 17.50 and did not think Blue One had a chance of being alive. Rescue efforts were at once organized by Operations, boats being sent out, and aircraft, to search the area.

Base Changes

65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Debden
94 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Mechili
111 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Debden
403 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to North Weald

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its last OM in the Lysander I
350 Sqn (Valley – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 23.12.41

Fair weather today gave the pilots the opportunity of getting in some flying training, the first chance in nearly five days. Formation and cine-gun exercises were extensively carried out. On landing after one of these flights Sgt. Pope’s undercarriage buckled and his aircraft damaged extensively. The pilot did not suffer injury.

Base Changes

129 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Westhampnett
263 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Charmy Down
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Msus

First and Last Operational Missions

10 Sqn RAAF (Mount Batten) flew its last OM in the Sunderland I

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 24.12.41

One convoy patrol was the only operational order performed today. The rest of the day was spent in practice and training, camera gun, and formation practice being the exercises performed. Dusk landings were also performed.

Base Changes

1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Derna
4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Msus
94 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Msus
234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Predannack
260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Msus
310 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Perranporth
451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Azeiz

First and Last Operational Missions

89 Sqn (Abu Sueir – Beaufighter I) flew its first OM of the war
131 Sqn (Atcham) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB