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9 Sqn (Honington – Wellington III) 8.3.42
15 aircraft took off for operations in accordance with Headquarters, No. 3 Group operations order form B.745 dated 8/3/42. (See relevant Form 541).
13 aircraft returned safely.
Wellington X.3411 (Captain Sgt. Lovell) Wellington X.3641 Captain Sgt. Daughty) both failed to return and were reported missing. X.3411, with the following crew, took off at 0028 hours to attack a target in ESSEN: Sgt. Lovell, R.J.T.: 108010. P/O. T.W.W. Woodford; 106534. P/O. R.P. Hoult; 119261. Sgt. Cooke, W.L.; 977278. Sgt. Bowers, W.H.; and 902440. Sgt. Peacey, D.W. No messages were received from the aircraft after it took off.
X.3641, with the following crew, took off at 0031 hours and was also detailed to attack ESSEN. The aircraft requested a fix at 0112 hours and a further fix at 0127 hours, but after that time, nothing further was heard. As soon as daylight permitted, a sweep over the North Sea was carried out by aircraft from other Stations, but without success. Sgt. Doughty, J. 68189. P/O. T.G. Gulliver; P/O. C.D. Waddingham, DFC, 997896. Sgt. Stirling, E.R. 645864. Sgt. Welch, D.S; 845752 Sgt. Heslop, J.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3411 ditched in the North Sea. P/O. Hoult was picked up by a trawler after being in the water for thirty-three hours. Taken first to Lowestoft General Hospital, he was later transferred to RAF Hospital Ely suffering from exposure.

Wellington III X3641 last fixed 5227N 0127E at 0127. It was shot down by Oblt. Ludwig Becker (13th victory) of 6./NJG2 into the sea 8 km N Petten (Eisbär) at 0411.

This was another major step forward, a heavy raid on the previously difficult target of Essen with leading aircraft now fitted with the GEE navigational aid.
211 aircraft took part and 8 were lost. It was a fine night but industrial haze over Essen prevented accurate bombing and the raid was a disappointment. GEE could only enable the aircraft to reach the approximate area of the target. Photographic evidence showed the main target, the Krupp factories, was not hit but some bombs fell in the southern part of Essen.
Essen reports only a ‘light’ raid with a few houses and a church destroyed, 10 people were killed and 19 ‘missing’. The most noticeable incident was the burning down of a well-known restaurant, the Blunnenhoff, in the Gruga Park, which was being used to house foreign workers.

Base Changes

68 Sqn (Beaufighter IIF) moved to Coltishall
237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Mosul
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Gambut

First and Last Operational Missions

107 Sqn (Great Massingham) flew its first OM in the Boston III
154 Sqn (Fowlmere) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
229 Sqn (Msus) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

12 Sqn (Binbrook – Wellington II) 9.3.42
Further operations were ordered against ESSEN from GRIMSBY satellite. 5 aircraft taking part. CAPTAINS were P/O BUCHANAN. F/SGT COOK. P/O GARLICK. P/O GOODMAN & F/SGT MCGILLIS. P/O BUCHANAN’s aircraft did not return from this operation, and the crew, P/O BUCHANAN, SGT SCRAGG, SGT SANDERS, SGT CHEDD, SGT MURDO & SGT ARNOLD were reported missing. Information has since been received from International Red Cross that P/O BUCHANAN, SGT ARNOLD & SGT CHEDD are prisoners of war, and remaining three members of crew killed. Of remaining aircraft on this operation, F/SGT COOK returned early owing to engine trouble, and F/SGT MCGILLIS returned his bombs, target not located.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II W5442 PH-B was hit by flak from 3./Res Flak Abt. 242 at 2342. It was subsequently shot down by Oblt. Alois Lechner (1st victory) of E./NJG2 at 2344 and crashed alongside a road known as the Kagerweg, near Beverwijk, 21 km NW of the centre of Amsterdam. Those who died are buried in the General Cemetery at Bergen.

187 aircraft attacked Essen, three were lost. Thick ground haze led to scattered bombing. Only 2 buildings were destroyed, but 72 were damaged. Bombs fell in 24 other Ruhr towns, with particular damage in Hamborn and Duisburg. 10 people were killed, 19 were missing and 52 were injured in Essen; 74 were killed and 274 injured in other towns.

Base Changes

86 Sqn (Beaufort II) moved to Wick

First and Last Operational Missions

106 Sqn (Coningsby) flew its last OM in the Hampden I
154 Sqn (Fowlmere) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VA

405 Sqn RCAF (Pocklington – Wellington II) 10.3.42

69th OPERATION – ESSEN

Weather and engine trouble combined to limit the effectiveness of the raid. No results of the attack are available from the A/C that released bombs over the target.
One aircraft “N” (Z.8428) failed to return. The Crew of the missing A/C was P/O Durbridge, R.K. (Aus), 404550 Sgt. Lonergan, R.N. (Aus), R78261 Sgt. Garnett, F.C. (RCAF), R64409 Sgt. Broddy, J.M. (RCAF), 11164158 Sgt. Wright, W. (RAF), 1378541 Sgt. Tilley, G.A. (RAF).

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8428 LQ-N t/o Pocklington 1944. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sgt. Garnett was an American from Madison, Wisconsin, serving with the RCAF.
126 aircraft attacked Essen, 4 were lost. This was another disappointing raid with unexpected cloud being the main cause of poor bombing. 62 crews claimed to have bombed Essen; 35 crews bombed alternative targets. The report from Essen shows that only 2 bombs fell on an industrial target – railway lines near the Krupp factory – and 1 house was destroyed and 2 damaged in residential areas. 5 Germans were killed and 12 injured and a Polish worker was killed by a Flak shell which descended and exploded on the ground.

Base Changes

228 Sqn (Sunderland II) moved to Oban
260 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Gasr el Arid

First and Last Operational Missions

207 Sqn (Bottesford) flew its last OM in the Manchester I
419 Sqn RCAF (Mildenhall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC

401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 11.3.42

Weather was U/S with visibility very limited and rain in the morning. Two sections (4 A/C) were at readiness from 0625 to 0845 hours. No flying was done today and the Squadron was released for the day from 1130 hours. The C.O. and Flt. Commanders attended the Wing Commander Flying’s conference at 1100 hours.

Base Changes

73 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to Gambut I

First and Last Operational Missions

416 Sqn RCAF (Dyce) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

301 Sqn (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 12.3.42

Operations against KIEL with 7 aircraft. Crews reported that the ground defences seemed less active than on previous occasions. Weather conditions over the target were good and hits were observed in the dock area. One machine GR-J failed to return and the following members of the crew are missing: F/O. ZARZEWSKI, S. (Capt.) Sgt. KORZON, Z. (2nd Pilot), F/O. PERKOWSKI, P. (Observer) Sgt. KOSIAR, E. (W/T Opr.), Sgt. ZIAJSKI and SIUDA (Gunners).

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1257 GR-J t/o Hemswell 1911. It was possibly shot down by Ofw. Paul Gildner (27th victory) of 5./NJG2 into the sea NW of Vlieland at 0205. Gildner’s victim may also have been one of two a/c lost by 75 Sqn. The crew is commemorated on the Northolt Memorial.

68 Wellingtons were sent to attack the Deutsche Werke U-Boat yard in Kiel. 5 were lost. The report from Kiel indicates that the port area was successfully bombed, with damage at Deutsche Werke and the Germania Werft, both handling U-Boats, and in the naval dockyard. The accommodation ship Hamburg was hit. There was also bombing in the town. Casualties are listed as 12 killed and 21 injured. The Kiel reports two unusual items, a siren which suffered a technical defect and ‘howled’ for an hour and a half, and a warning issued for people to watch out for spies being dropped by parachute during the raid.

Base Changes

35 Sqn (Halifax II) moved to Linton-on-Ouse
154 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Coltishall

First and Last Operational Missions

69 Sqn (Luqa) flew its first OM in the Spitfire PRIV
460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton – Wellington IV) flew its first OM of the war

460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton – Wellington IV) 13.3.42

Five operational sorties carried out over DUNKIRK. (See Appendix B.1) Captain NZ.403951 Sgt. COONEY J.P.D. 2nd Pilot Aus.404688 Sgt. TURNCOCK J.S. Observer Aus.400413 Sgt. Hart I.E. 1st W.Op/A.G. 1359686 Sgt. WOODWARD J., Front Gunner 989226 Sgt. WINTER G.N. Rear Gunner 1380051 Sgt. PASCOE W.A. in aircraft X Z1251 failed to report back to base.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1251 UV-X t/o Breighton 1934. Crashed at St-Joris-lez-Nieuwpoort (West Vlanderen), 4 km E of Nieuwpoort, Belgium. All are buried at the Communal Cemetery St-Joris-lez-Nieuwpoort.

19 Wellingtons were sent to Dunkirk, 2 were lost.

135 aircraft attacked Cologne, in what is considered the first successful Gee raid of the war.

Base Changes

2 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gasr el Arid
4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Gasr el Arid
221 Sqn (Wellington VIII) moved to LG.89

First and Last Operational Missions

416 Sqn RCAF (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 14.3.42

The weather was bright and clear. One section, “B” Flt. was at readiness from 0619 hours and at 1155 the pilots were sent to lunch so as to be available for briefing at 1315 hours. After several postponements the Sqn. (9 a/c) took off with wing at 1607 hours as Escort Wing to six Boston bombers of No. 2 Group who were to bomb an armed merchant cruiser at Le Havre harbour. The wing rendezvoused with bombers at Shoreham. The wing proceeded on course to within five miles of Cap. D’Antver. Because of extremely adverse weather conditions over targets bombs were not dropped and the formation returned. 9 A/C of 401 Squadron landed at Biggin Hill at 1740 hours. Practice flying was then continued till dusk. Two replacement aircraft were received today.

Base Changes

21 Sqn (Luqa) disbanded
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Sidi Haneish
272 Sqn (Beaufighter IIF) moved to Idku
603 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Peterhead

First and Last Operational Missions

260 Sqn (Gasrel Arid) flew its first OM in the Kittyhawk I

401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 15.3.42

Word was received late last night that yesterday’s attempted bombing of an armed merchant cruiser in Le Havre harbour was to be done early in the morning. The pilots reported at the stated briefing time 0615 hours, but after several postponements, because of changing weather conditions a heavy blanket of mist descended on the field and no flying was done till noon when the weather cleared up again. ‘A’ Flight was at readiness from 1300 to 1630 hours. F/Sgts. Morrison and Whitham flew to Manston in the Station Moth to pick up a new Spitfire allotted to the Sqn. Practice flying continued until late in the evening, the last three a/c landing after dusk. A group of about 50 A.T.C. boys visited dispersal and some of them were taken up for short flips in the Station Tiger Moth by P/O. Blakeslee and F/Sgt. Morrison.

First and Last Operational Missions

15 Sqn SAAF (Amriya) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV
55 Sqn (Helwan) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV
340 Sqn (Turnhouse) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 16.3.42

There was heavy mist to the ground in the morning which had lifted to about 3-400 feet by noon but unfavourable weather conditions in the whole Southern area eliminated the possibility of anything but emergency flying. The Air Raid Sirens sounded in a nearby village when an insolent “Jerry” penetrated inland for some distance under cover of the mist. Blue Section of “B” Flt. stood by in cockpits for a possible scramble but nothing came of it. Two pilots, P/O. McLean and Sgt. De Nanorede left for Sittingbourne where they will spend two days with Army Units. This is part of a program designed to familiarize the pilots with army methods and technique. Periods of readiness were as follows: - - One section (2 A/) “B” Flt. from 1140 to 1300 hours and from 1600 hours till dusk. Only 20 minutes of flying was done by the Sqn. today.

401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 17.3.42

Weather u/s in the early morning with low cloud base and limited visibility. It cleared somewhat by 1100 hours allowing some local flights but this was restricted to the immediate vicinity of the field. “A” Flt. had one section at readiness from 0615 hours till 0845 hours and from 1300 to 1630 hours. Arrangements have been completed for the Squadron move to Gravesend which is to be completed by the 19th inst.

Base Changes

94 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gasr el Arid
110 Sqn (Non-Op) left for SEAC
615 Sqn (Non-Op) left for SEAC
402 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Fairwood Common

First and Last Operational Missions

10 Sqn RAAF (Mount Batten) flew its first OM in the Sunderland III

401 Sqn RCAF(Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 18.3.42

The weather was u/s today with a mist to the ground and rain. F/Llt. Ivermore, Sqn. Adjudant is in charge of moving arrangements and he went to Gravesend accompanied by P/O. Warner, Eng. Officer, to inspect the flights, billets, etc., and make the necessary arrangements for tomorrow’s move. Several flights of a few minutes duration were made but the weather remained unfavourable for flying all day. Sgts. P.D. Smith and E.L. Gimbel reported today for duty with the Squadron, from No. 52 O.T.U. as Aston Down. In the officer's mess in the evening, a dinner was given in honour of No. 401, the outgoing Sqn. Beverly Baxter, M.P. gave a humorous but very interesting talk after dinner. P/O. Tucker and Sgt. Cosburn will be at Maintenance today and tomorrow where they are attached to army units for instruction in army methods etc.

Base Changes

408 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moved to Balderton

401 Sqn RCAF(Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 19.3.42

The Sqn. (and wing) was at readiness for an operation which, however, did not take place because of bad weather. The advance moving party in charge of F/O. Warner, Eng. Officer, with ground crews who were to receive a/c at Gravesend on arrival at 1000 hours left Biggin Hill at 0800 hours and arrived at destination at 0945 hours. The balance of Sq. personnel left Biggin at 0900 hours, arriving at Gravesend at 1015 hours. The ceiling over the field at Gravesend was less than 300 feet with horizontal visibility very limited. This prevented the Squadron from taking off and proceeding to their new base. The ground personnel were hard-working preparing dispersal points, unpacking equipment, etc. Officers are quartered at Cobham Hall about three miles from the Station, while airmen with the exception of Sgt. Pilots are billeted in Neisen Huts about two miles from the Station. Sgt. Pilots are billeted at a former tea house called “Polperro” which is adjacent to the Station.

97 Sqn (Woodhall Spa – Lancaster I) 20.3.42

Six Lancaster a/c detailed for operations. F/L MacKid DFC. F/O Rodley. F/O Coton. W/O Harrison DFM. W/O Rowlands. F/S are the Captains. Morning briefing and take off early afternoon, all aircraft were off in 6 minutes. Weather fine – visibility poor. Five sorties were successful, 30 mines being laid in the NECTARINE area. W/O HARRISON crash-landed at ABINGDON, due to the soft state of the aerodrome, no one was injured. F/O RODLEY crash-landed at FRIESTON shore after hitting a roof with the wing-tip at BOSTON, no one was injured and only slight damage was caused to the house at BOSTON. Two others landed at UPPER HEYFORD and another diverted to BICESTER. F/Lt. MCKID DFC had a very successful trip and also machine-gunned some buildings and a party of soldiers on the beach at AMELAND. Several were seen to fall.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I L7570 OF-B. T/o Woodhall Spa for a mine laying sortie off the Frisian Islands. Visibility was poor at the time and as the Lancaster climbed away, its starboard wing tip grazed the roof of a house. This resulted in a crash-landing at 1500 on the beach at Frieston, 4 miles E of Boston, Lincolnshire. The crew escaped injury, and although little damaged, the bomber was swamped by the incoming tide and written off. This was the first operational loss of a Lancaster.

First and Last Operational Missions

40 Sqn SAAF TR (Sidi Azeiz - Hurricane I) flew its first OM of the war
97 Sqn (Woodhall Spa) flew its first OM in the Lancaster I
106 Sqn (Coningsby) flew its first OM in the Manchester I
153 Sqn (Ballyhalbert) flew its last OM in the Defiant I

312 Sqn (Angle – Spitfire VB) 21.3.42

A Flight: From 0610 3 secs. at readiness till 1320 hours, then 30 mins at 1415 hours, red and yellow at readiness till 1815 hours. Air to ground firing, sweep over Saltee, red sec. scramble at 1345 hours. Yellow, white, and red secs. scramble, last named vec. 320, angles 11,000 ft. About 8 miles E of Saltee Island at 1510 hrs, flying N. at 10,000ft, they sighted at 11,000ft an a/c 2 miles W. flying E. Immediately after they identified a/c as Ju.88. Red 1 made two attacks, both from astern, firing MG only, first attack from 300yds at 6,000ft firing a burst of 1 sec., second attack from 200yds firing a burst of ½ second and a second burst of 1 sec. After these attacks he observed black smoke from starboard engine of e/a which dived down and entered the cloud layer. Red 2 simultaneously made 3 attacks, first from astern at a range of 400yds. firing a burst of 1 sec. with MGs and cannon. Red 2 then made a port quarter attack from 300 yds closing to 150yds, firing 1 sec. burst. He observed hits on the roof of the port wing. The third attack was starboard quarter. Red 2 fired a two second burst from a range of 400yds closing to 200yds. During this attack he observed a small amount of grey-black smoke from port side of e/a. He experienced return fire during this attack from reargunner and was hit in right thigh. The e/a then entered cloud. Red 2 (Sgt. Dobrovolny) then asked for emergency homing and landed at Angle at 1520 hours. Red 1 (F/L Dvorak) landed Angle at 1555 hours. Cine cameras were used. One Spitfire VB damaged Cat B., 1 Ju.88 probably destroyed. Rounds fired: Red 1: MGs 240; Red 2: MGs 360, Cannons 72. Sgt. Dobrovolny was taken to S.S.Q. Angle, where it was found a bullet had penetrated his thigh. The M.O. transferred him immediately to the War Memorial County Hospl., Haverfordwest, where he was operated on in the evening with good result. The A.O.C. No. 10 Group telephoned his personal congratulations to this pilot for his bravery and bringing the damaged aircraft safely back. It was found two bullets from the e/a had penetrated the front of the pilot’s cockpit from port to starboard, one of which wounded the pilot. Other bullets were found on the right wing and flaps.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL381, repaired, but destroyed on 2nd May 1942 in forced landing.

Base Changes

18 Sqn (Non-Op) stood down
82 Sqn (Non-Op) left for SEAC

First and Last Operational Missions

332 Sqn (Catterick – Spitfire VA) flew its first OM of the war

401 Sqn RCAF(Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 22.3.42

The fog had intensified this morning with 0.0. visibility. The weather continued u/s for flying in the afternoon but the pilots proceeded from Biggin to Gravesend by road and a/c of the Sqns. (72&401) will be interchanged as soon as weather conditions permit. P.O. Patton and Sgt. Flander left for a two-day stay with army units (131 Inf.Brgde) at Favresham. “A” Flt. had one sect. (2 a/c) at readiness from 0845 to 1130 hours, at which time the Sqn. was released.

Base Changes

72 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Biggin Hill

401 Sqn RCAF(Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 23.3.42

Weather conditions at Gravesend were much improved with sunshine though visibility was slightly limited by haze. Fifteen pilots proceeded to Biggin to pick up 401’s A/C – twelve of them taking off shortly after arriving at Biggin to take part with the wing in a demonstration flight over London in honour of Warships Week now being held in that city. In the afternoon the Sqn. after briefing, took off with the Wing at 1448 hours to rendezvous with the Northolt Wing over Hyde Park at 1500 hrs. at 5,000 feet, for a Sweep over France. Proceeding to Manston to Dunkirk at 22,000 ft. the Wing swept inland to St. Omer and re-crossed the French Coast at 16,000 feet thence to Dungeness. No enemy a/c were seen during the sweep which was carried out in near-perfect weather conditions. 11 A/C landed at Gravesend at 1615 hours. Practice flying was done for the remaining of the daylight hours. F/L Harley proceeded by way Glasgow to an unknown destination and of a special course of instruction, the nature of which is also unknown at the present.

Base Changes

234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Warmwell
452 Sqn RAAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Andreas

First and Last Operational Missions

54 Sqn (Castletown) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
69 Sqn (Luqa) flew its last OM in the Mosquito I
132 Sqn (Skeabrae) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB
417 Sqn RCAF (Tain) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB

44 Sqn (Waddington – Lancaster I) 24.3.42

The Squadron was called upon to provide five Lancaster Aircraft for bombing operations over Essen and these were bombed up with fourteen S.B.C.s each containing 90 x 4 lb. incendiaries. Two of these aircraft were canceled about 14.00 hours as the weather forecasted, made it necessary that only the most experienced pilots be utilized. Take-off was set down for 00.42 hours and a warning was given that aircraft on this operation would be diverted to North East of Scotland. The whole operation, however, was canceled.

Two Lancaster aircraft were also detailed to carry out mine-laying operations in positions near Lorient. Other aircraft engaged in this operation were twenty-three Hampdens. The Lancasters carried six mines each and took off from Waddington at approximately 19.50 hours. Prior to departure, they were warned that, on the return journey, they would be diverted to St. Eval.

W.O. Osborn in Lancaster R5484. K carried out his task successfully and reported having encountered very little opposition. On return to St. Eval he found his brakes unserviceable and he perforce remained there pending repairs being effected.

F/Sgt. Warren-Smith in Lancaster Aircraft R.5493 N. failed to return to “base” and is accordingly posted as “missing” with his crew as follows:-
First Pilot No. 1104095 T/F/Sgt. LYSTER WARREN-SMITH
Second Pilot No. 777687 Sgt. RICHARD ALFRED MARSTON
First Navigator No. 402565 T/Sgt. CLIVE EDWARD WIGRAM CLIFFORD
Second Navigator No. 778282 T/Sgt. ALISTAIR FRASER MURDOCH
First Wireless Operator No.1164937 T/Sgt. EDWARD BURGESS CLUFF
Second Wireless Operator No.985883 T/Sgt. JOHN BOYD
Mid Air Gunner No. 1381257 T/Sgt. WILLIAM HAROLD FLOWER
Rear Air Gunner No. 527607 F/Sgt. JOHN McNALLY DAVIDSON

It is difficult to form any opinion as to why this aircraft was lost. It is noteworthy to record it as the first Lancaster to be lost on operations. As previously recorded W.O. Osborn reported his trip was free from enemy opposition, whilst a pilot from No. 420 (RCAF) Squadron (S/Ldr.Campbell) reported he saw an unknown aircraft over Lorient heavily engaged by anti-aircraft fire. Operations report that an unknown aircraft sent out a “sea-plot” signal which faded at 23.28 hours. The plot given was 49°12 N 4° W and much later the Observer Corps reported four red flares south of Lizard Point. The services of the Sea Rescue Organization were sought and in addition to sea-craft, one Hudson, one Lysander, one Hampden, and six fighter aircraft joined in the search but nothing was seen. It is emphasized that there is no evidence to show that the signal and flares emanated from this Lancaster, and it should be noted that both Scampton and Swinderby lost a Hampden on this operation.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I R5493 KM-N is believed to have been shot down by flak. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Base Changes

74 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Atcham

75 Sqn (Feltwell – Wellington III) 25.3.42

OPERATIONS – ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT ST. NAZAIRE AND ESSEN
Twelve aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack. Well.III, X3652 captained by P/O Slater failed to return, and two aircraft failed to locate the target. Bomb load consisted of 500lbs and 250lbs, this being dropped in the target area but no results were observed. Slight A.A. fire and a few ineffective searchlights were encountered but no enemy aircraft were seen. Weather was fine with slight ground haze. Navigation by TR1335 and D.R. was good.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3652 AA-O. Crew: P/O AB Slater RAAF, Sgt. JH Addis, F/Sgt. JD Fletcher RNZAF, Sgt. AE Wainwright, Sgt. AG Orr RNZAF, Sgt. PL Burridge. The aircraft received a direct hit in the bomb bay, the aircraft was abandoned over Duisburg unfortunately the crew were a parachute short so Sgt Wainwright and Sgt Addis jumped together, tragically when the parachute opened Sgt Addis was thrown off. All the other crew members successfully baled out but were captured and made PoWs. Sgt Addis is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
254 aircraft were sent to attack Essen, the largest force sent to 1 target so far. 9 were lost. Visibility was good and 181 crews claimed to have bombed Essen, many claiming hits on the Krupps works, but bombing photographs showed that much of the effort was drawn off by the decoy fire site at Rheinberg, 18 miles west of Essen. Essen’s report says that only 9 high-explosive bombs, 700 incendiaries, and 1,627 leaflets were dropped there, the last figure being an example of German thoroughness. 1 house was destroyed and 2 seriously damaged. 5 people were killed and 11 injured.

Base Changes

134 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Baginton
601 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Digby

First and Last Operational Missions

419 Sqn RCAF (Mildenhall) flew its first OM in the Wellington III

420 Sqn (Waddington – Hampden I) 26.3.42

Air gunners clay pigeon shooting. Signals Officer lectured to aircrew today. Five a/c were mined up and took off for operations, four a/c reported operations successful, but unfortunately one a/c (Pilot) Sgt. Groff R.C.A.F. (Obs.) Sgt. Stalker R.C.A.F. (W/Op./A.G.) Sgt. Morgan R.A.F. (A.G.) Sgt. Williams R.C.A.F. has failed to return and has been posted as missing. Six Pilots practiced for one hour each in the Link trainer.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE298 PT-D, crew Sgt. WR Groff RCAF, Sgt. LO Stalker, Sgt, RHD Morgan RAF, Sgt. AF Williams. T/o 1927 Waddington to lay mines in Nectarine I region, was shot down by Ofw. Paul Gildner (29th victory) of 5./NJG2 into the sea NW Terschelling at 2257. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
The following is a list of areas where BC conducted mine laying operations and their code names:
Alderney Hostile Ozone
Arcona-River Dievenow Willows
Bordeaux Deodars
Brest Jellyfish
Cherbourg Greengages
Den Helder Limpets
Dunkirk Cypress
Flushing Iris
Frisian Islands Nectarines
Guersney Hostile Air
Heligoland Rosemary
Haugesund Bottle
Heligoland Approaches Eglantine, Yams
Hook of Holland Iris
Ile D'Ouessant Sultana
Kattegat Yewtree
Kattegat Areas Silverthorns
Kiel Bay Radishes, Wallflowers, Forget-me-nots
La Rochelle Cinnamon
Le Havre Scallops
Lim Fjord Krauts
Little Belt Carrots
Lorient Artichokes
Morlaix Upas Tree
Oslo Onions
Oslo Fjord Approaches Tomatoes
Rostock & Arcone Light Sweet Peas
Skagerrak Polyanthus
Spiekieroog Young Yams
St. Malo Hyacinth
St. Nazaire Beeches
Texel (South) Trefoils
The Sound Daffodil
Zuider Zee Welks

Base Changes

15 Sqn SAAF (Blenheim iV) moved to LG98
229 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moved to Gambut
404 Sqn RCAF (Blenheim IVF) moved to Dyce

First and Last Operational Missions

123 Sqn (Castletown) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB
213 Sqn (Idku) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA

408 Sqn (Balderton – Hampden I) 27.3.42

At 10.45 hours, three experienced crews were requested for special gardening operations and, also five freshman crews for gardening operations in the NECTARINE area. The three experienced crews were required to mine the YAMS area. The five freshman crews returned to base following completion of their mining operations, but unfortunately, the three experienced crews failed to return. No news has been received of either members of these crews or whereabouts of the aircraft. Details concerning members of these three missing crews will be found in Appendices A.504, A5.505, and A.506 of Form 541 for the month ending March 1942. The loss of three experienced crews on the same night reduced considerably the experienced efforts of this Squadron. It may be mentioned here that RCAF/J.5227 Flight Lieutenant W.B. Brown, pilot of Hampden AT176, missing following this operation, was recently mentioned in dispatches.

ADDENDUM – Hampden I L4140 EQ-B Bar. Crew P/O GF Beaver RNZAF, F/Sgt. GB McLean RCAF, Sgt. SF Bentley, Sgt. RN Beale. T/o 1919 Balderton was shot down by Oblt. Helmut Lent (32nd victory) Stab II/NJG.2 into the sea N of Terschelling at 22.10. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Hampden I AT176 EQ-A. Crew F/Lt. WB Brown RCAF, Sgt. CD Dunn RCAF, Sgt. RF Howell, Sgt. C Brown. T/0 1921 Balderton was shot down by Oblt. Helmut Lund (33rd victory) into the sea N of Terschelling at 22.42. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Hampden I AE219 EQ-R. Crew P/O. W MacM Fraser RCAF, WO2 A Jenkins RCAF, Sgt. AF Trafford, Sgt. HAB Bird. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Base Changes

418 Sqn RCAF (Debden – Boston III) flew its first OM of the war