Action This Day

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300 Sqn (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 17.4.42

10 aircraft were detailed for Operations against HAMBURG and the crews briefed. Eight crews found little difficulty in identifying the target and the attack was pressed home. A number of fires were seen some of which were very large. Aircraft P failed to return from this operation and the following members of the crew are missing F/O J. KUSMIERZ PAF, F/O J. URBANIAK PAF, F/O J. ORSZA-MATYSEK PAF, SGT. J. ORLEWSKI PAF, SGT. F. BAY PAF, SGT. A. HUPALO PAF. Unfortunately, the loss of this crew is felt particularly, they were old and well experienced. F/O SZOSTAK the Captain of aircraft X abandoned the task owing to a defective oil supply. After jettisoning part of his bomb load he attempted to land but oil covered the screen and he decided to jettison the remainder before he landed.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1267 BH-P. T/o 2353 Hemswell. It was shot down by Oblt. Helmut Lent (37th victory) Stab II./NJG2 into the sea 25 km N of Terschelling at 0159. All are commemorated on the Northolt Memorial

Hamburg – 173 aircraft – 134 Wellingtons, 23 Stirlings, 11 Halifaxes, 5 Manchesters. 7 Wellingtons and 1 Manchester lost.

107 crews claimed to have bombed the target but the German estimate was that no more than 50 aircraft had attacked Hamburg. There were 75 fires in Hamburg – 33 classed as large – 23 people were killed and 66 injured. The largest fire was in the warehouse of a drinks manufacturer. 60,000 bottles of alcohol were lost, mainly because the heat of the fire forced the corks out of the bottles.

Base Changes

73 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/IIB/IIC) moved to Gambut Main.

First and Last Operational Missions

405 Sqn RCAF (Pocklington) flew its last OM in the Wellington II

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401 Sqn RCAF(Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 18.4.42

“A” Flt. was at readiness from 0845 to 1300 hours. The Sqn. was briefed hurriedly at 1345 hours for a Wing Sweep in support of a formation with Hurri-Bombers whose target was Serqueux railway junction. After a 30-minute delay, a take-off was made at 1425 hours (14 A/C) and proceeded to Beachy Head at 13,000 feet whose rendezvous was made with 72 and 124 Sqns. The formation proceeded across the channel making landfall north of Le Crotoy at 25,000 feet and sweeping inland to Ault where the cost was recrossed at the same height. The Wing recrossed the English Coast at Beachy Head at 16,000 feet and returned to base. 1 A/C (spare with Sqn.) returned at 1525; 2 A/C returned with engine trouble at 1510 hours and 11 A/C landed safely at 1535 hours. As the two Biggin Hill Sqns. Were released for the rest of the day, “A” Flight came to readiness at 1740 hours till dusk.

Base Changes

263 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Angle
312 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Fairwood Common

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49 Sqn (Scampton – Hampden I) 19.4.42

Four aircraft took off for mining at Terschelling. Two successfully located the primary area and mines were laid. Weather conditions were partially unfavourable, mainly thick haze, 10/10th cloud at 2,000 ft. No moon. One aircraft failed to return from this operation.

Addendum – Hampden I AT217 EA-S. Crew: Sgt. FW Slingo, Sgt. I McClaren, Sgt. RJ Webley, F/Sgt. EW Jackson. T/o 2043 Scampton to lay mines off the Frisian Islands. Presumed lost over the sea. Sgt. Slingo is buried in the Sage War Cemetery; F/Sgt. Jackson rests in the Dutch General Cemetery at Oldebroek, but their two companions have no known grave.

Minelaying – 51 aircraft to the Frisian Islands; 1 Hampden and 1 Wellington lost.

Base Changes

455 Sqn (Wigsley – Hampden I) transferred to Coastal Command

First and Last Operational Missions

58 Sqn (St. Eval) flew its first OM in the Whitley VII

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 20.4.42

A scheduled early morning operation was cancelled because of bad weather. The Sqn. flew to Biggin Hill for briefing but the projected operation was again cancelled. The Sqn. took off for Gravesend at 14.20 and “A” Flt. came to readiness from 1440 to 1730 hours.

Base Changes

320 Sqn (Hudson III) moved to Bircham Newton
603 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Takali

First and Last Operational Missions

230 Sqn (Aboukir) flew its first OM in the Sunderland III
331 Sqn (Skeabrae) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 21.4.42

No flying was done today. “B” Flt. came to readiness at 0845 hours and at 0930 hours because of existing weather conditions the state was reduced to one section (2 A/C) only at readiness and 2 sec. 15 min. available. At 1230 72 and 124 Sqns. were released for the remainder of the day and the Sqn. remained at readiness till dusk. The pilots attended a lecture in the morning by F/L Harley on invasion troops technique and in the afternoon F/L Keane, the area interrogation officer, came to the station and lectured the pilots on the pitfalls to be avoided if they are unlucky enough to be ever interrogated by a German officer.

Base Changes

144 Sqn (Hampden I) moved to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions

54 Sqn (Castletown) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB
125 Sqn (Colerne) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IIF

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75 Sqn (Feltwell – Wellington III) 22.4.42

OPERATIONS – ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT COLOGNE

Ten Well. III aircraft from this unit were detailed to carry out an attack on the above target. Bomb loads of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, 20lb incendiaries and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area but owing to low cloud no results were observed. There were only a few searchlights active and A.A. fire was slight. Well. III, X3487, captained by P/O. Jarman was attacked by a JU.88 which made one attack and then broke away to port. The result of this short attack, however, was serious, the second pilot P/O. Nicol was mortally wounded. The rear gunner Sgt. Harris was killed and the navigator Sgt. Taylor and W/Operator Sgt. Fernie were wounded. The bomb load was not dropped on the target but dropped in the sea. The machine was brought back to base and was crash landed. Well. III aircraft, X3705, captained by F/S. McLachlan was also attacked by an enemy fighter and the second pilot P/O. Fountain was killed, and Sgt. Tutty wounded. F/S. McLachlan managed to reach his base where he crash landed. Well. III. X3667, captained by F/Sgt. Mahood failed to return to base.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3667 AA-?. Crew: F/Sgt. TS Mahood RNZAF, Sgt. CC Wrighton RNZAF, F/Sgt. FS Dromgoole RNZAF, Sgt. RJS Kelly RNZAF, Sgt. HTO McMahon RNZAF. Sgt. JF McLinden. Presumed crashed in the sea. Sgt. McLinden is buried in Ste-Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, while the rest of the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Cologne – 64 Wellingtons and 5 Stirlings, all equipped with Gee, were dispatched on an experimental raid, with orders to use Gee as a blind bombing aid. Some bombs were dropped accurately on Cologne but others were up to 10 miles from target. 2 Wellingtons lost.

Cologne records show that 44 high-explosive and1,200 incendiary bombs fell in the city, perhaps 12 to 15 aircraft loads. 4 people were killed and 8 injured and minor property damage was caused, although 6 industrial buildings are shown as having been damaged.

Base Changes

316 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Heston

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77 Sqn (Leeming – Whitley V) 23.4.42

Call. Eight Crews.

Briefed. Eight crews were briefed for an attack on ROSTOCK.

Operations. Seven crews took off (“B”, SGT. SMITH, E.A., “G”, SGT. FISHER, “H”, SGT. WHITHAM, “J”, SGT. THOMSON, “K”, S/LDR. PRYDE, “M”, SGT. MORGAN, “X”, F/SGT. COX). Good visibility was found over the target area. F/SGT. COX returned, after jettisoning bombs, with engine trouble. All other aircraft bombed ROSTOCK.

Casualties. Aircraft “H” (SGT. WHITHAM) was reported missing, after failing to return.

ADDENDUM – Whitley V Z9363 KN-H. Crew: Sgt. B Whitham, F/Sgt. AW Johnson RAAF, Sgt. A Whitaker, Sgt. R Wilde. Coned by searchlight batteries of M. Flak Abt. 241 and 251 at 0107 hrs., hit by Flak of M. Flak Abt. 241 and 251, crashed at Grevenkrug, 4km NNW of Bordesholm, 12 km NNE of Neumünster. All are buried in Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

Rostock – 161 aircraft – 93 Wellingtons, 31 Stirlings, 19 Whitleys, 11 Hampdens, 6 Manchesters, 1 Lancaster. 4 aircraft – 2 Wellingtons, 1 Manchester, 1 Whitley – lost.

This was the first in a series of 4 raids on this Baltic port town. These raids had many of the characteristics of the successful raid on nearby Lübeck 1 month earlier – a concentrated, incendiary, area-bombing attack on the narrow –street Altstadt of a town with only light defences. An added feature on each night, however, was the inclusion of a small number of bombers, from 5 Group on the first 3 nights, to attempt a precision attack on the Heinkel factory on the southern outskirts of Rostock.

On this first night, 143 aircraft were sent to bomb the town and 18 the Heinkel factory. Bombing conditions were good but results of the raid disappointing. The Heinkel factory was not hit and most of the main bombing intended for the Altstadt fell between 2 and 6 miles away.

Base Changes

223 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Maaten Bagush
250 Sqn (Kittyhawk I) moved to Gambut I

First and Last Operational Missions

49 Sqn (Scampton) flew its last OM in the Hampden I
255 Sqn (High Ercall) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IIF

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420 Sqn RCAF(Waddington – Hampden I) 24.4.42

A big effort was put on again tonight to the same target, the Heinkel factory at Rostock. Eight a/c were loaded up with bombs and incendiaries and took off. Seven a/c successfully completed job. Four a/c safely returned to base while three a/c landed successfully elsewhere. A/C P.5330 J is missing –
1283649 Sgt. J Potter Pilot
CanR68516 Sgt. JM Hicks RCAF Navigator
CanR77150 Sgt. JH Smith RCAF Air Gunner
CanR78176 Sgt. FGW Adams RCAF Air Gunner

ADDENDUM – Hampden I P5330 PT-J. Hit by 1. & 3./Iei. Flak Abt. 770 and crashed near Sonderby Klint, 6 km SSE of Assens on the Danish Island of Fyn. Sgt. Adams was taken prisoner and his crewmates are buried in Assens (Fyn) New Cemetery.

Rostock – 125 aircraft of 6 types, 91 to the town and 34 to the Heinkel factory. 1 Hampden lost.

The centre of town was bombed heavily on this night but the Heinkel factory buildings were not hit, although some bombs did fall in the general factory area.

First and Last Operational Missions

33 Sqn (LG.12) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB
207 Sqn (Bottesford) flew its first OM in the Lancaster I

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9 Sqn(Honington – Wellington III) 25.4.42

Eight aircraft took off for operations in accordance with Headquarters, No. 3 Group operations order form B.791 dated 25/4/42.

Seven aircraft returned. Wellington X.3226 (S/LDR. D.H. HOLMES and crew) failed to return. Nothing was heard of this machine after it took off.

Wellington X.3440 (P/O. A. TAYLOR and crew) was attacked by an enemy fighter shortly after leaving the target area (ROSTOCK). The rear gunner Sergeant J.W. WATSON was killed and the aircraft severely damaged. The Captain, however, succeeded in bringing his machine back to base where he made a belly landing, without further injury to the crew. He himself, was slightly wounded in the back.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3226 WS-. Crew: S/Ldr. DH Holmes AFC, Sgt. PWC Flannery, F/Sgt. WB Richmond, F/Sgt. J North, F/Sgt. R Ballantyne, F/Sgt. W Lock. It has not been determined exactly how this aircraft was brought down. There is some confusion between it and a 103 Squadron Wellington DV579. One or the other was hit by 1. Lehr- and 2. Versuchsbatterie FAS I, and crashed into the Breitling near Rostock at 0214 hrs. Or one or the other was shot down by Oblt. Rudolf Schoenert (15th victory) 5./NJG2 and went down 25 km SW Heligoland (Hummer) at 0024 hrs. The crew is commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.

Rostock – 128 aircraft of 6 types, 110 to the town and 18 to the Heinkel factory. Crews reported that Rostock’s Flak defences had been strengthened.

Heavy bombing of the town and many fires were achieved. Some aircraft also hit the Heinkel factory for the first time; the crews achieving this were flying Manchesters from 106 Squadron, which was commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson.

Base Changes

37 Sqn (Wellington IC) moved to LG.09

First and Last Operational Missions

66 Sqn (Porttreath) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA
73 Sqn (Gambut Main) flew its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIA & B
84 Sqn (Gasr el Arid) flew its last OM in the Kittyhawk I
96 Sqn (Wrexham) flew its first OM in the Defiant II
152 Sqn (Eglington) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

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149 Sqn(Lakenheath – Stirling I) 26.4.42

9 aircraft detailed to attack the Heinkel works at ROSTOCK. 1 aircraft failed to take off owing to engine trouble. Bombs dropped on workshops and assembly sheds, bursts and fires seen. Assembly sheds eventually seen to blow up. 3 aircraft were badly holed and Sgts. Trevayne, Goodwin, and Mackie received injuries which are proving not to be serious. An enemy fighter was shot down by the rear gunner of “B” and 1 aircraft failed to return to base, and is reported missing. The attack was very successful.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I W7512 OJ-A. Crew: P/O JH Thomson RCAF, F/Sgt. HF Jordan, Sgt. AJV Holman, P/O. PC Budd RCAF, Sgt. JD Burnley, Sgt. CH Johnston, Sgt. A Pope, Sgt. G Baker. Aircraft was shot down by Lt. Paul Szameifat (4th victory) at 0201 hours.

Rostock – 106 or 109 aircraft (there are conflicting figures) of 7 different types, approximately half to the town and half to the Heinkel factory. 3 aircraft – 1 Stirling, 1 Wellington, 1 Whitley – lost.

The four raids in this series resulted in the destruction of 1,765 buildings and serious damage to 513 more buildings in Rostock. Bomber Command estimated that 130 acres were destroyed, 60 percent of the main town area. Casualties were 204 people killed and 89 injured, figures which would have been much higher if large numbers of people had not fled after the first raids.

In reporting these raids, the Germans used the expression ‘Terrorangriff’ (‘terror raid’) for the first time.

Base Changes

302 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Warmwell
311 Sqn transferred to Coastal Command
455 Sqn RAAF (Hampden I) moved to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions

151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its first OM in the Mosquito NFII
220 Sqn (Nutts Corner) flew its last OM in the Hudson VI and its first OM in the Fortress I

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7 Sqn(Oakington – Stirling I) 27.4.42

COLOGNE was the target on this occasion and nine aircraft were detailed to attack it. F/Lt. B.M. Denny went on a gardening sortie to HELIGOLAND from which he did not return. Of the nine detailed for COLOGNE all started and of these F/O. N.E. Winch was forced to abandon the sortie as one of his engines caught fire. The remainder dropped their bombs on the target with good results, with the exception of Sgt. Davies who could not maintain height and dropped his North of LE CATEAU.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I N3727 MG-G. Crew: Flt/Lt. BM Denny, F/Sgt. LN Hodgkins RCAF, Sgt. DW Craft, Sgt. LF Evans, P/O GW Wilkinson, Agt. A Penman, Sgt. TJ Savage. Presumed lost over the North Sea. One body, that of P/O. Wilkinson was washed onto Romo Island on 6 October 1942 and he was buried the next day in Kirkeby Cemetery. His companions have no known grave.

Advanced echelon (ADVON) of HQ 8th Air Force and bomber, interceptor, and base commands, along with 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 2d Air Depot Group, and a weather detachment totaling about 1,800 men, sail from Boston, Massachusetts for the UK.

Base Changes

66 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moved to Ibsley
234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Portreath

First and Last Operational Missions

157 Sqn (Castle Camps – Mosquito NFII) flew its first OM of the war
415 Sqn (St. Eval – Hampden I) flew its first OM of the war
486 Sqn RNZAF (Wittering – Hurricane IIB) flew its first OM of the war

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460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton – Wellington IV) 28.4.42

Ten aircraft took part in a bombing attack on KIEL. Wellington Z.1290 (T) piloted by Aus. 404868 Sgt. SHEPHARD L.M. were detailed to operate against KIEL. The aircraft took off on time and since then no communication has been made with the aircraft nor has it returned. It has been reported missing presumably the result of enemy action.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1290 UV-T. Crew: F/Sgt. LM Shephard RAAF, Sgt. JF Carpender, P/O. R Bond RAAF, Sgt. TH McIlveen RAAF, Sgt. WW Perroux RAAF, Sgt. JF Cosgrove RAAF. T/o 2226 Breighton, was coned by searchlight battery of M. Flak Abt. 241 and shot down by Lt. Gustav Tham (1st victory) 6./NJG3 near Bockhorst NE Neumünster at 0303 hours.

Kiel – 88 aircraft – 62 Wellingtons, 15 Stirlings, 10 Hampdens, 1 Halifax. 5 Wellingtons and 1 Hampden lost.

54 aircraft claimed good bombing results in bright moonlight but against strong Flak and fighter defences. Post-raid photographs reported ‘no new damage’ but the Kiel records show that damage was caused to all 3 shipyards, to the hospital of the Naval Academy and to the university library as well as to private housing. 15 people were killed and 74 injured.

HQ VIII Ground Air Support Command is activated at Bolling Field, Washington, DC.

Base Changes

311 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Aldergrove

First and Last Operational Missions

96 Sqn (Wrexham) flew its last OM in the Defiant II

410 Sqn RCAF (Drem) flew its last OM in the Defiant I

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57 Sqn (Feltwell – Wellington III) 29.4.42

Nine aircraft attacked a Power station near PARIS. One aircraft, P/O. Heald & crew, missing.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3640 DX-? Crew: P/O. KF Heald RNZAF, Sgt. AG Ennis, Sgt. JC Clark, P/O. AE Parsons, Sgt. AW Munro. T/o 2125 Feltwell. Crashed near Bievres (Seine-et-Oise), 12km SE of Versailles. All are buried in Bievres Communal Churchyard.

Paris/Gennevillers – 88 aircraft – 73 Wellingtons, 9 Hampdens, 6 Stirlings – to the Gnome & Rhône aero-engine factory. 3 Wellingtons lost.

The main factory was not hit but other industrial buildings in the nearby Port de Paris on the Seine were. The local report says that 1 industrial building was destroyed and 3 more damaged with no casualties suffered by French people.

First and Last Operational Missions

78 Sqn (Croft) flew its first OM in the Halifax II
151 Sqn (Wittering) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIC
214 Sqn (Stradishall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC
229 Sqn (Hal Far) disbanded
249 Sqn (Takali) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB
256 Sqn (Squires Gate) flew its last OM in the Defiant I
266 Sqn(Duxford) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 30.4.42

At 0945 hours the Sqn. took off for Biggin Hill where after briefing they took off again on circus operation No. 148. After taking off at 1058, rendezvous was made with Kenley and Northolt Wings over Redhill and crossed into the channel at Selsey Bill and climbed to reach west of Le Havre at 20,000 ft., stepped up. Our formation saw the bombers coming out when we were 10/15 miles off Le Havre and swept inland. E/A’s which had been reported were then seen in small lots and a general melee ensued at least 10 pilots of the wing fired (4 of 401) including S/Ldr. Douglas who claimed a ME 109E (damaged). Sqn. landed Biggin by 1330 hrs. At 1510 hrs. the Sqn. with Wing took off with Wing from Biggin Hill for Fighter Sweep, rendezvoused with Kenley and Tangmere Wings at Dungeness (Biggin Hill on top 17/21,000 ft.) The formation swept Ambelteuse – Gris Nez and returned without incident at 1615. 1 A/C (401 Sqn.) Sgt. Fiander crashed on landing (wheels up), pilot unhurt, A/C Cat. “B”. The Sqn. was released for the rest of the day at 1655 hrs.

Base Changes

145 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Helwan
313 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Fairlop

First and Last Operational Missions

239 Sqn (Gatwick) flew its last OM in the Tomahawk I
264 Sqn (West Malling) flew its last OM in the Defiant NFII
407 Sqn RCAF (Bircham Newton) flew its last OM in the Hudson III

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401 Sqn RCAF (Gravesend – Spitfire VB) 1.5.42

After briefing in Intelligence Office the Squadron took off at 0910 hours, rendezvoused over base with Biggin Wing then as the formation proceeded on route to rendezvous with bombers and escort, due to unfavourable weather conditions a cancellation was received – the Squadron returned to base. Shortly afterwards word was received the operation would take place, take off at 1125 hours, but was again cancelled. Another operation was projected with briefing to take place at 1430 hours. This one was cancelled at 1420 hours. Shortly after all this, after a quick briefing, the Squadron took off at 1506. Wing Commander Rankin was leading formation with 401 Sqdn. with 124 middle and 72 Squadron on top. The Wing crossed English Coast at Selsey Bill and heading for Le Havre climbed to cloud base at 7000 ft. When 5 miles north of Le Havre the Wing climbed to 15000 ft. where E/A were encountered in small groups, ME.109E’s and F’s and FW.190’s being reported. As Wing was leaving this area our Yellow section circled twice below cloud air area approx. 15 miles W of Le Havre and were “jumped” by ME. 109E’s and F’s two first followed by 10 or 11 more. F/Lt. Neal saw P/O. Patton being hit and he went down from 7000 ft. his A/C hitting the water. The section 4 A/C became separated and P/O’s Ormston and Blakeslee – (Yellow 2 and 3 respectively) after several combats in which P/O. fired at several E/A without observing results of his fire were flying in cloud due north about 25 miles S of Shoreham. P/O. Ormston went down through cloud to pin point himself, when he saw a FW.190 approaching in a S Westerly direction. The E/A was 1000 ft. below and he swung over diving on him in a quarter astern position and fired a 3 second burst (cannon) closing to 200 yds. He saw his cannon hitting the E/A’s port wing root and also a violent pinkish flash which came out from along the leading edge of wing root down the fuselage. As this occurred another FW.190 crossed over the first in an attempt to make a head on attack but P/O. Ormston climbed steeply up to the right into the cloud and returned to English Coast. He claimed FW.190 as damaged but information was later received from Y service to the effect that a German pilot was forced down shortly afterwards into the sea in are Fecamp – Le Havre - the claim was changed to destroyed - but later was only allowed as a damaged. F/Sgt. Murray – (Red three) was flying with W/C. Randkin and G/C Barwell about 15 miles west of Le Havre when W/C. Rankin (Red) spotted and E/A below to the north. The section dived on E/A – G/C Barwell firing from long range but section broke away. F/S. Murray continued the chase and when E/A had reached coast line opened fire (2 sec. cannon burst) from 500 yds closing to 400 yds from astern. As he fired there was a sudden burst of thick black smoke which poured from E/A’s wing roots which increased in volume. As he was then just off shore – the enemy’s coastline – he climbed and noticed Red 3 P/O Whitham who had covered him during his combat. The latter E/A was claimed as damaged. After the first attack W of Le Havre Yellow 1 (F/Lt. Neal) was again jumped about 20 miles further north by 2 E/A and evaded those. He was short of petrol and continuing due north was again attacked by two 109F’s one of whose bullets struck the glycol radiator and 2 cannon shells striking the starboard wing from underneath. Smoke started to fill the cockpit so he gave a “Maidez”, removed his helmet, wound the trimming tabs fully forward and then baled out striking his head and knee on the aerial post. He was approx. 25/30 miles south of Portsmouth. After being in the sea for two hours he was picked up by a rescue boat and brought to Portsmouth. It is of interest that a fix of his position was received from the German R.D.F. Branch through Y service. The Squadron took off from Biggin Hill at 1905 to search for F/Lt. Neal landing at Gravesend at 2045 after a search of a wide area in the Selsey Bill – Portsmouth area.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB P8750 F/Lt. EL Neal wounded. Circus 150, St. Omer. Damaged by Me109s. Baled out wounded south of Portsmouth, rescued. Later No. 401’s C.O.

Spitfire VB AD134 P/O. JR Patton KIA. Circus 150, St. Omer. Engaged by JG2. Crashed into the sea.

Base Changes

40 Sqn (Wellington IC) moved to Abu Seir
64 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch
264 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Colerne
412 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Martlesham Heath

First and Last Operational Missions

105 Sqn (Horsham St. Faith) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV

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106 Sqn (Coningsby – Manchester I) 2.5.42

Following the successes of April, the Squadron commences the May operations with a new record – the dispatch, without any hitch, of eight aircraft, this being the greatest number of Manchester’s on any one operation so far. Their task was gardening in the FORGET-ME-NOT and WALLFLOWER areas, but if the operation started with high hopes it ended, if not in disaster, at least in misfortune – two of the aircraft failed to return and they were in fact, the only two Bomber Command aircraft missing. There is nothing to indicate the cause of their loss as very little opposition was encountered and the remaining six aircraft successfully laid their mines in the required areas with very little interference.

ADDENDUM – Manchester I L7399 ZN-X. Crew: F/Sgt. WLJ Young, Sgt. G wale, W/O. JC Bryce, Sgt. RG Davies, Sgt. H Kendall, Sgt. AE Hanks, Sgt. H MacLean. Hit by Sperrfeur Battr. 299, 300 and 301 and 4./M.A.A. 508 (Stellung Drogden), crashed near Lilholt, Denmark, at 0415 hrs. Sgts. Kendall and Hanks became POW’s and the rest of the crew rest in Abenra Cemetery.

Manchester I R5840 ZN-? Crew: F/Sgt. LO Hurd, F/Sgt. WH Fixter, P/O AW Simpson, F/Sgt. D MacCallum, Sgt. RL Dotice, Sgt. TB Morris, Sgt. WS Stephen. Coned by searchlights, hit by light Flak of II./2.Iei. Flak Abt. 836 and crashed near Hooge, ESE of Amrum at 0045 hrs. Crew all POW’s.

Minelaying – 96 aircraft of 3 and 5 Groups carried out extensive minelaying from Germany to Brittany. 2 Manchesters lost.

Base Changes

14 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to El Firdan
71 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Debden
241 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Ayr
312 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Harrowbeer
403 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Southend

First and Last Operational Missions

49 Sqn (Scampton) flew its first OM in the Manchester I

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305 Sqn (Lindholme – Wellington II) 3.5.42

Operation No: - 91

NINE aircraft were detailed for an attack on the Port of Hamburg, the Captains being SGT. JACEWICZ, F/LT. HIRSZBANDT, F/O. JANKOWSKI, F/O. SKARPETOWSKI, SGT. GUSOWSKI, P/O. DeCOSTRES, SGT. KORPETA, F/LT. JONIKAS & SGT. MAKA.

The attack was made in very poor weather conditions, there being 10/10th could over the target. Owing to poor weather conditions no definite results could be observed but the glow of fires could be seen through the clouds. From this operation 8406 “G”, F/O. JANKOWSKI, failed to return from this operation, however, SGT. JACEWICZ, Captain of aircraft 5573 “O” reported having seen two aircraft shot down at the mouth of the river ELBE, one by nightfighter, the other by FLAK. This was unsatisfactory trip around on account of poor weather conditions.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8406 SM-G. Crew: F/O. A Jankowski PAF, Sgt. W Wieraszka PAF, F/O. S Barzdo PAF, Sgt. T Zagorski PAF, Sgt. S Gross PAF, Sgt. M Nowitarski PAF. T/o 2256 Lindholme. Shot down by Lt. Karl-Heinz Völlkopf (2nd victory) 5.NJG2 into the sea W of Vlieland. All are commemorated on the Northolt Memorial.

Wellington II W5590 SM-A. T/o 2251 Lindholme. Hit by Flak of 3.Flak Div. while flying over the Elbe Estuary on return flight and flew for one hour on port fuel tank, then switched over to starboard fuel tank for half an hour. Aircraft was finally forced to land in the sea 146 miles East of Mablethorpe. Crew took to dinghy and were picked up by MTB at 0900 hours.

On the 100th anniversary of a great fire in Hamburg, Bomber Command sent a comparatively small force of aircraft to attack this city after receiving an unfavourable weather forecast. 81 aircraft were dispatched: 43 Wellingtons, 20 Halifaxes, 13 Stirlings and 5 Hampdens. 3 Halifaxes and 2 Wellingtons were lost.

Hamburg was found to be completely cloud-covered and only 54 aircraft bombed on its estimated position. Despite these unfavourable circumstances, a success out of all proportion to the numbers of aircraft involved was achieved. 113 fires were started in Hamburg, of which 57 were classed as large. Reported as completely burnt s out were a large entertainment palace, a theatre and a cinema (all in the Reeperbahn area), and a dockside warehouse full of goods and vehicles. One 4,000-lb bomb lived up to its ‘blockbuster’ reputation when it exploded at a street junction in an old residential area near the city centre. 11 blocks of flats in the narrow streets were destroyed by blast, 11 more buildings were severely damaged and 352 slightly damaged. 59 people were killed here and 67 injured. The total casualty list in Hamburg on this night was 77 killed, 243 injured and 1,624 bombed out.

Base Changes

124 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
239 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Abbotsinch
306 Sqn (Spitfire VB) m0ved to Kirton-in-Lindsey

First and Last Operational Missions

126 Sqn (Luqa – Spitfire VC) flew its first OM of the war
152 Sqn (Eglinton) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

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420 Sqn RCAF(Waddington – Hampden I) 4.5.42

Seven aircraft were bombed up and took off for STUTTGART. One aircraft was hit by flak near Ostend on outbound journey and one engine damaged and caught fire, and the aircraft was holed in 42 places. The pilot, CAN.R74901 Sgt. Maitland, W.J., was hit on the right side of the chest and although injured kept the aircraft well under control and made a good landing at Martlesham Heath. The aircraft P.1314 S, is category A.C. Aircraft P.1187 X, pilot CAN.R74827, Sgt. Hilery, F.S., was hit severely by Flak near Luxemburg when returning from STUTTGART. Shortly afterwards was savagely attacked by a ME.110 which, on its third firing pass, mortally wounded Sgt. Halward, and injured Sgt. Hiley. Considerable damage was inflicted on the aircraft, but return fire from Sgt. Johnson, G.D., is thought to have destroyed the night-fighter. Later, the bomber crash landed at St. Mary’s Farm, Great Bentley, 7 miles ESE of Colchester, Essex.

ADDENDUM – For his great courage in the most hazardous of circumstances, Sgt. Hiley was awarded an immediate DFM, the details being Gazetted 13 May 1942.

Stuttgart – 121 aircraft – 69 Wellingtons, 19 Hampdens, 14 Lancasters, 12 Stirlings, 7 Halifaxes – on the first large raid on this city. 1 Stirling lost.

As on the recent Rostock raids, a proportion of the force was detailed to attack a specific factory target, on this occasion the Robert Bosch factory, which made dynamos, injection pumps and magnetos. The Ministry of Economic Warfare judged this factory to be one of the most important in Germany. But Stuttgart, which straggled along a series of deep valleys, was a notoriously difficult target to find, even in conditions of good visibility. On this night, 10/10th cloud covered the whole area and the raid was a failure. Bombs were scattered across a wide area of Stuttgart and the surrounding countryside. 13 people were killed and 37 injured in Stuttgart but 12 of the dead were the result of one 4,000 lb. bomb in the north-western suburb of ZUffenhausen. The Bosch works were not hit. A decoy site near Lauffen, 15 miles north of Stuttgart, attracted many bombs. This clever decoy was ‘defended’ by up to 35 searchlights and 50 Flak guns and regularly attracted bombs when targets in Southern Germany were attacked. The town of Lauffen was bombed 37 times in the war because of the decoy. Stuttgart people were not popular there.

Base Changes

32 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to West Malling
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to North Weald

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7 Sqn (Oakington – Stirling I) 5.5.42

Eleven aircraft were despatched in the excellent time of 23 minutes to bomb STUTTGART. It was a pity that visibility in the target area was very poor, all aircraft reporting thick haze. Eight of them bombed the vicinity with a large number of incendiaries. P/O J.D. Hart returned as the pilots escape hatch blew off. F/O W.R. Butterfield could not identify the target area and Sgt. Lewis failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I N3710 MG-M. Crew: F/Sgt. J Lewis RNZAF, Sgt. GS Markland, Sgt. AJ Higgins, Sgt. JA Edwards, F/O. WJ Kennedy RAAF, Sgt. AS Lush, P/O. RL Wootley, F/Sgt. GR Gahan RAAF. T/o 2133 Oakington, shot down by Maj. Kurt Holler (1st victory) Stab III./NJG4, crashed near Avesnes-sur-Helpe (Nord) 14 km S of Mauberge, France at 0330 hours. All rest in Avesnes-sur-Helpe Communal Cemetery.

Stuttgart – 77 aircraft – 49 Wellingtons, 13 Stirlings, 11 Halifaxes, 4 Lancasters – to the city and the Bosch factory. 3 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling lost.

There was no cloud but the ground was haze-covered. The Lauffen decoy again attracted much of the bombing. The nearest bombs to Stuttgart fell in woods west of the city.

Major General Carl Spaatz assumes command of HQ 8th Air Force at Bolling Field, Washington, DC.

First and Last Operational Missions

61 Sqn (Syerston) flew its first OM in the Lancaster I

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419 Sqn RCAF (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 6.5.42

Four aircraft bombed STUTTGART while four freshmen journeyed to NANTES. One aircraft failed to return from STUTTGART.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3717 VR-C. Crew: F/Sgt. LJO Roberts RCAF, F/Sgt. ACV Brophy RCAF, F/Sgt. WL Valkenier RCAF, F/Sgt. JG Murray RCAF, F/Sgt VE McDougall RCAF. T/o 2205 Mildenhall hit by 1.-3./Res. Flak ABT. 491, 5./Res. Flak Abt. 492 and 4.Res./ Abt. 396, crashing at Oggersheim at 0123 hours. All KIA and were first buried at Mannheim, but since 1945 their remains have been taken to Durnbach War Cemetery.

Stuttgart – 97 aircraft – 55 Wellingtons, 15 Stirlings, 10 Hampdens, 10 Lancasters, 7 Halifaxes – to the city and the Bosch factory. 5 Wellingtons and 1 Halifax lost.

The third raid on Stuttgart was another failure, with crews again blaming ground haze for their inability to identify the city. Stuttgart’s records show that no bombs fell in the city, though a few fell in woods to the west. The Lauffen decoy may have been responsible for a raid that developed on the large town of Heilbronn, only 5 miles from the decoy fire site but 20 miles from Stuttgart. More than 150 buildings were hit in Heilbronn and 7 people died there.

Base Changes

19 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Perranporth
51 Sqn (Whitley V) moved to Chivenor
77 Sqn (Chivenor - Whitley V) transferred to Coastal Command

First and Last Operational Missions

164 Sqn (Skeabrae – Spitfire VA) flew its first OM of the war