Action This Day

[warshipbuilder]

7 Sqn (Oakington – Stirling I) 26.7.42

Eleven sorties to HAMBURG. Eight aircraft successfully bombed the target. Many fires were seen both in the town and the docks. Sgt. Land had engine failure and mid-upper turret trouble, and jettisoned bombs in the sea. F/Fgt. Brethour had to jettison his bombs owing to the close attention of enemy night-fighters. Unfortunately F/Lt. Harris J.N., failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I R9328 MG-A. Crew: F/L JN Harris, Sgt AJ Roberts, Sgt WCP Harfoot, F/O DP Leigo RAAF, Sgt RC Stewart-Moore RAAF, Sgt EE Blythe, Sgt JH Caldwell RAAF. T/o 2250 Oakington, hit by 1. & 4./schw. Flak Abt. 613, 1., 2., 6. & 13./M. Flak Abt. 274 and 1. & 4./M. Flak 254, crashed in River Elbe near Brunsbüttelkoog, S of positions 5-6 of 4./M. Flak Abt. 274 (at Neufelderkoog) at either 01.26/01.46 hrs. (as filed in Marine Flak claims reports), or 01.47 hrs (as filed in Luftwaffe Flak claims reports). Sgt Harfoot, F/O Leigo and Sgt Caldwell were KIA, the others captured.

Hamburg – 403 aircraft – 181 Wellingtons, 77 Lancasters, 73 Halifaxes, 39 Stirlings, 33 Hampdens – dispatched in what was probably a full ‘maximum effort’ for the regular BC squadrons. 29 aircraft – 15 Wellingtons, 8 Halifaxes, 2 Hampdens, 2 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings – were lost, 7.2% of the force.

Crews encountered a mixture of cloud and icing at some places on the route but clear weather at the target. Good bombing results were claimed. Hamburg reports show that severe and widespread damage was caused, mostly in housing and semi-commercial districts rather than in the docks and in industrial areas. At least 800 fires were dealt with, 523 classed as large. For the first time, the strong Hamburg fire department was forced to call for extensive help from outside the city. 823 houses were destroyed and more than 5,000 damaged. Estimates of compensation for damage claimed ran to 250 million Reichsmarks (1.86 billion US 2022). More than 14,000 people were bombed out. 337 people were killed and 1,027 injured.

USAMEAF - B-17’s and B-24’s bomb harbour at Tobruk.

Base Changes
340 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Westhampnett

First and Last Operational Missions
153 Sqn (Ballyhalbert) flew its last OM in the Beaufighter IF
257 Sqn (High Ercall) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA
611 Sqn (Martlesham Heath) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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57 Sqn (Feltwell – Wellinton III) 27.7.42

2 aircraft detailed for daylight ops. BREMEN. One W/Cmdr. M.V. PETERS-SMITH DFC & crew failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3653 DX-? Crew: W/C MV Peters-Smith DFC, F/O NE Hodson RNZAF, F/L DSS Low, Sgt RH Moses, Sgt AT Drysdale. T/o 1530 Feltwell in an attempt to use cloud cover to reach Bremen. Unable to ascertain whether this a/c was lost to flak, fighters, or mishap. All are buried in Becklingen War Cemetery.

Minor Operations – 8 Wellingtons on cloud-cover raids to Northern Germany bombed blindly through clouds in the Bremen and Emden areas. 2 aircraft lost.

Eighth AF - HQ VIII FC opens at Bushey Hall following move from temporary HQ at High Wycombe. Gen Hunter, designated CG VIII FC on 14 May in US, assumes command in England. Gen Candee, CG VIII GASC, announces staff assignments and begins organization of his command in UK.

Base Changes
33 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.85
154 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hornchurch

First and Last Operational Missions
145 Sqn (LG.154) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB and its first OM in the Spitfire VC
208 Sqn (LG.100) flies its last OM in the Hurricane I
220 Sqn (Ballykelly) flies its last OM in the Fortress I

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9 Sqn (Honington – Wellington III) 28.7.42

CREWS: Sgt. Patrick; Sgt. Hazell; P/O. Haward; F/Sgt. Trustrum; P/O. Rinnackes; F/Sgt. McDonald; Sgt. Hannaford; S/L. Ledger; Sgt. Goalen; P/O. Mullens; F/O. Mackenzie; Sgt. Hall; P/O. Cowan; F/L. Stubbs; S/L. Clyde-Heath.

The above crews were briefed on operations for HAMBURG. 14 aircraft took off, but F/Sgt. Trustrum in “F” could not get off due to negative earth. The weather was very adverse with the result that four aircraft turned back; Sgt. Patrick “A”; P/O. Haward “D”; Sgt. Goalen “O”; S/L. Clyde-Smith “Z”. F/O. Mackenzie “R” crossed the enemy coast North of the Elbe, but his aircraft went into a spin due to icing and he was forced to jettison his 4,000-lb bomb. 6 aircraft reached the target and attacked on reasonably good visibility, but encountered heavy anti-aircraft barrages. Three photographs were obtained. Three of our aircraft are missing.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III W3456 WS-. Crew: Sgt. HJ Hannaford, Sgt. EJ King, Sgt. GL Ferry, Sgt. JA Elmslie RCAF, Sgt. WS Warren. T/o 2300 Honington hit by Flak of 3.Flak Div. and crashed in sea near Wangerooge at 0112 hours. Sgt. Warren’s body washed ashore, and he now rests in Kiel War Cemetery. His companions are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.

Wellinton III X3475 WS-. Crew: P/O JD Mullins RCAF, P/O GA Cooper, P/O MW Groves, P/O. RO Cordall, Dgt. EJH Gurr RCAF, Sgt, JC Highfield. T/o 2241 Honington: coned by 1.-3./Flakscheinw. Abt. 119, and by 3./Flakscheinw. Abt. 610, hit by 1. & 2./Res. Flak Abt. 225, 2. &3./schw. Flak Abt. 607 and 1. & 2./schw. Flak Abt. 613, crashed at the Panzer barracks at Fischbeck, 10 km E. of Buxtehude at 0120 hours.

Wellington III X3606 WS- X3606. Crew: S/L H Ledger, P/O G McK Beech RCAF, P/O JE Coleman, F/Sgt . JR Ludkin, F/Sgt. DA Hunter. T/o 2309 Honington, hit by 4./schw. Flak Abt. 262 and crashed into Bürgerpark, Bremen. F/Sgt. Hunter POW. Those who died are buried in Becklingen War Cemetery.

Hamburg – 256 aircraft – 165 from 3 Group and 91 O.T.U. aircraft – dispatched. A much larger force had been detailed for this raid but bad weather over the bases of 1, 4, and 5 Groups prevented their participation. The force which took off comprised 161 Wellingtons, 71 Stirlings, and 24 Whitleys.

The weather, both on the outward flight and over the English bases, worsened and the O.T.U. aircraft were recalled, although 3 of them went on to bomb Hamburg. That part of the bomber force which did proceed became very scattered; many more aircraft turned back and only 68 bombed the target area. Hamburg suffered 13 people killed and 48 injured with 65 fires, 15 of them large.

Bomber casualties were heavy. 16 Wellingtons and 9 Stirlings were lost from 3 Group, 15.2% of those dispatched by this group. 4 O.T.U. Wellingtons were lost and one Whitley crashed in the sea.

Base Changes
111 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Kenley
340 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hornchurch

First and Last Operational Missions
64 Sqn (Hornchurch) flies its first OM in the Spitfire FIX
124 Sqn (Gravesend) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VI
220 Sqn (Ballykelly) flies its last OM in the Fortress II

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50 Sqn (Swinderby – Lancaster I) 29.7.42

BOMBING – SAARBRUCKEN AIMING POINT C
A total of 14 aircraft were detailed for this night’s operation.
5 aircraft were able to attack the primary target, 6 the alternative area, the town of SAARBRUCKEN, 2 developed technical trouble and returned early, and one failed to return from this operation.
Visibility below cloud was reported as being good. One aircraft dropped bombs on a factory, which was seen to blow up completely. Many fires were observed. Very little opposition was encountered.
A total of 12 x 4,000lb H.C. 30 x 500lb G.P. 10 x 250lb G.P 192 x 30lb incend. and 2820 x 4lb incend. was expended on this operation.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I R5728 VN-L. Crew: Sgt. L Foster RCAF, Sgt. DJ Ware, P/O RH Curran, F/Sgt. CD Kennedy RAAF, Sgt A. Wiles RAAF, Sgt. CJ Stallard RAAF, Sgt. CA Bowes. T/o 0001 Swinderby, shot down by Oblt. Reinhold Eckardt (24th victory) 7./NJG3, and crashed 0330 at Braine-le-Comte, 6 km NE of Soignies, Belgium. One engine fell onto a school, which had been commandeered by the Wehrmacht, killing six soldiers and injuring two others, one of whom died. A ragdoll, inscribed Essen and Cologne, was found in the debris and this doll is believed to have belonged to Sgt. Bowes. The airmen were buried in the Braine-le-Comte Communal Cemetery. Shortly after claiming the Lancaster, Oblt. Eckhardt engaged a Halifax and was shot down.

Saarbrücken – 291 aircraft of 5 types on the first large raid to this target. 9 aircraft – 3 Wellingtons, 2 Halifaxes, 2 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings – lost.

The defences at the target were not expected to be strong and crews were urged to bomb at lower than normal altitudes. 248 aircraft reported accurate bombing, three-quarters of them doing so from below 10,000 ft. BC claimed ‘severe damage’ to 2 industrial targets, an ironworks and an engineering works. Saarbrücken’s records show severe damage and casualties in the centre and north-western districts. 396 buildings were destroyed and 324 seriously damaged, with 155 people being killed.

Base Changes
6 Sqn (Hurricane IID) moved to LG.89
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
126 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moves to Debden
601 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to LG.85
616 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moves to Great Sampford

First and Last Operational Missions
9 Sqn (Honington) flies its last OM in the Wellington III
305 Sqn (Hemswell) flies its last OM in the Wellington II

[warshipbuilder]

306 Sqn – Polish (Northolt – Spitfire VB) 30.7.42

At 16.40 hrs. 12 aircraft of 306 Squadron, together with 302 and 317 Squadrons took off for a Rodeo. The formation flew over Pevensey Bay below 500 feet, course was then set for St. Omer with all aircraft keeping as near to sea level as possible. When the French Coast was seen all aircraft flew at full throttle over the coast (at 17.18 hrs.) and started to climb after penetrating 2 – 3 miles. Intense light flak (m.g. and Bofors) was experienced and it was there P/O. Pentz may have been hit. There is no information about P/O. Pentz who was missing from the Operation. He may have crashed in France or have made a forced landing. On arriving over St. Omer the Wing was in the height belt of 12,000 to 14,000 feet, and here they turned left, back towards Cap Griz Nez, and recrossed the French coast at 17.33 hours. No E/A were seen.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL733. P/O Pentz POW. Shot down by flak in the Ile de Batz area.

USAMEAF - B-24’s bomb convoy in Pylos Bay claiming hits on 2 merchant ships. B-17’s hit Tobruk harbour.


Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Non-Op) moves to Kasfareet
60 Sqn SAAF TR (Maryland I/II) moves to Beirut
73 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Shandur
129 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Thorney Island
308 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Heston
316 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hutton Cranswick

First and Last Operational Missions
23 Sqn (Ford) flies its last OM in the Havoc I
114 Sqn (West Raynham) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV
608 Sqn (Thornaby – Hudson III/IIIA/V) flies its last OM’s in the ETO

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44 Sqn – (Waddington – Lancaster I) 31.7.42

Operations. 15 aircraft were detailed to attack DUSSELDORF ‘X’, 6 with 1 x 4000HC and S.B.C.s, and 9 with 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500, & 2 x 250lbs. One aircraft returned early owing to mechanical trouble and oxygen failure. One aircraft failed to return, no signals being received from it. 12 aircraft attacked the primary target, and one the alternative. There was no cloud, but a ground haze. Crews considered this a good raid, and the town was a mass of fire and smoke. One aircraft was observed to be shot down near MUNCHEN-GLADBACH. Flak was heavy in the searchlight cones.

ADDENDUM – Lanctaser I L7537 KM-L. Crew: F/Sgt. N Tetley, Sgt. E Forman, Sgt. JM Macmahonb, Sgt. EB Egan RCAF, F/Sgt. G Kelly DFM, Sgt. P Rix, Sgt. CN Gardiner. Crashed near Monchengladbach. All are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Düsseldorf – 630 aircraft – 308 Wellingtons, 113 Lancasters, 70 Halifaxes, 61Stirlings, 54 Hampdens, 24 Whitleys, This was another raid in which BC training units provided aircraft, though it was not an attempt to reach the 1,000 aircraft figure. It was the first occasion when more than 100 Lancasters took part in a raid. 484 aircraft claimed successful bombing although their photographs showed that part of the force bombed open country. More than 900 tons of bombs were dropped.

Düsseldorf’s records are very detailed (page 16 of the report gives details of a cow with an injured udder caused by a bomb splinter!). Most parts of the city and of Neuss, the suburb town over the Rhine, were hit. 453 buildings in Düsseldorf and Neuss were destroyed and more than 15,000 damaged (12,192 only ‘lightly’). 954 fires were started, of which 67 were classed as large. 279 people were killed – 245 in Düsseldorf and 34 in Neuss; 1,018 people were injured and 12,053 were bombed out.

The casualties of the bomber force were again heavy. 29 aircraft – 16 Wellingtons, 5 Hampdens, 4 Halifaxes, 2 Lancasters, 2 Whitleys – were lost; this was 4.6% of those dispatched. 92 O.T.U. lost 11 of its 105 aircraft on the raid, a casualty rate of 10.5%.

USAMEAF - The complete air echelon of 57th FG, commanded by Col Frank H Mears, has arrived in Palestine by this date; 12th BG commanded by Col Charles G Goodrich, is now arriving in Palestine. Thus USAMEAF has P-40’s and B-25’s to add to its B-24’s and B-17’s.


Base Changes
15 Sqn SAAF (Blenheim IV/V) moves to Maryut
86 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Thorney Island
350 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill
415 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moves to Wick

First and Last Operational Missions
49 Sqn (Scampton) flies its first OM in the Lancaster I
103 Sqn (Elsham Woods) flies its first OM in the Halifax II
257 Sqn (High Ercall) flies its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIB & IIC.

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105 Sqn – (Horsham St. Faith – Mosquito B.IV) 1.8.42

Three MOSQUITO aircraft took off in the morning for High Level attacks on, KIEL (P/O PRINGLE and P/O THOMAS), FRANKFURT (SGT. WILKINSON and SGT. BASTOW), BREMEN (F/SGT. COLLINS and P/O KERRY), and Two in the afternoon – HANOVER (F/SGT. KELLY and P/O HARNIMAN), WILHELMSHAVEN (F/O SHEARS and SGT. EGAN). First aircraft abandoned task owing to engine trouble, bombs jettisoned. Second aircraft attacked primary target, but bombs believed fused safe; engine trouble experienced and aircraft crash landed at base, (SGT. WILKINSON injured). Third aircraft missing (Pilot – FLIGHT SERGEANT COLLINS. Observer – PILOT OFFICER KERRY). Fourth aircraft attacked target, smoke seen. Fifth aircraft attacked target, bursts not observed.

ADDENDUM – Mosquito B.IV DK308 GB-J. Crew: F/Sgt. LG Collins RCAF, P/O PW Kerry. T/o 1139 Horsham St. Faith. F/Sgt. Collins POW. P/O Kerry is buried in Sage War Cemetery.

Minor Operations - 6 Bostons to Flushing docks – 2 aircraft lost. 5 Mosquitoes to widely separated German targets – 1 aircraft lost.

Eighth AF – General I. Eaker describes the mission of VIII BC as the destruction of carefully chosen strategic targets in Europe.


USAMEAF - B-24’s hit convoy in Mediterranean, scoring 3 direct hits on a large merchant ship which last aircraft reports sinking. 1 B-24 is lost in crash-landing at base.


Base Changes
13 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moves to Macmerry
222 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Winfield
611 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Redhill

First and Last Operational Missions
93 Sqn (Andreas) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VBV
210 Sqn (Sullom Voe) flies its first OM in the Catalina GRIIA
256 Sqn (Woodvale) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter IF

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire F.IX) 3.8.42

Squadron returned to Biggin Hill landing at 11.10 hrs. Squadron airborne at 15.55 hrs, with new Spit IX for squadron formation practice, landed at 14.35 hrs. Letter from 11 Group H.Q. Intelligence stating E/A shot down by F/L. Neal and F/Sgt. Cosburn 3/6 identified as ME.108 carrying Oberleutnant Hahn and German staff officer and W/T Operator, all three killed. Hahn was German war <unreadable>.

U.S. Army Air Force squadron equipped with Spitfire V.B’s and U.S. markings arrived at Biggin Hill.

Base Changes
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Turnhouse
248 Sqn (Beaufighter IC) moves to Takali

First and Last Operational Missions
229 Sqn (Reformed) (Takali) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VB & VC
402 Sqn RCAF (Redhill) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB

[warshipbuilder]

Forgot this yesterday.

485 SqnRNZAF (Kingscliffe – Spitfire VB) 2.8.42

1300 – RHUBARB
Green Section (1.P/O Maskill, 2.Sgt. Langlands) took off Kingscliffe 13.00 hrs landed at Martlesham, refuelled took off 14.36 hrs. Belgian coast was crossed slightly to the South of Ostend at 15.05 hrs. P/O Maskill fired at a camouflaged hut in a clearing on the outskirts of Ostend, hut may have contained ammunition as it disintegrated. Turned to port, flew along railway line running inland. Shot twice at trucks and signal boxes, again at trucks and signal boxes on railway line thought to be Ostend/Bruges line. Strikes seen, but extent of damage not observed. Green 2 Sgt. Langlands last seen by Green 1, 3 or 4 miles inland from Belgian coast on way out. Green 1 saw no flak, and landed at Martlesham 16.07 hrs, Kingscliffe 17.30 hrs. Sgt Langlands missing.

ADDENDUM –Spitfire VB BM247. Sgt. NM Langlands KIA. Hit by flak.

Base Changes
72 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Duxford

First and Last Operational Missions
14 Sqn (LG.121) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV
125 Sqn (Fairwood Common) flies its last OM in the Defiant I
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
402 Sqn RCAF (Redhill) flies its first OM in the Spitfire F.IX
420 Sqn RCAF (Waddington) flies its last OM in the Hampden I
1435 Sqn (Luqa – Spitfire VB/VC) flies its firs OM of the war

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460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton – Wellington IV) 4.8.42

Ten aircraft took part in a “Gardening” operation in which Wellington aircraft Z.1422 (W) failed to return to Base. The crew composed – AUS 402948 F/Sgt. GRAND A.G. (Captain), AUS 405724 Sgt. MacCLEOD A.D. (Air-Bomber), AUS 405723, Sgt. HOWARD A.W. (Navigator), AUS 404313 Sgt. HOBGEN T.C. (WOP/AG), and AUS 405277 Sgt. LOWIS C.F.D. (AG).

ADDENDUM – T/o 2214 Breighton to lay mines in French waters. Sgt. Hobgen is buried in Quiberon Communal Cemetery; the rest of the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

USAMEAF - B-24’s strike convoy in the Mediterranean, claiming hits on 2 merchant ships.


Base Changes
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Non-Op) moved to Qassasin
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Longtown
72 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Morpeth
92 Sqn (Non-Op) moved LG.172
130 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to West Freugh
601 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moved to LG.219

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419 Sqn RCAF (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 5.8.42

Four aircraft set out to attack ESSEN, while three others dropped Nickels in the LILLE area. Due to lack of cloud cover the ESSEN attempt was not very successful. One aircraft, captained by Pilot Officer KREFTING failed to return from this operation.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3360 VR-R. Crew: P/O RM Krefting RCAF, F/Sgt. WJ Macauley RCAF, Sgt. HA Brown RCAF, Sgt. RF Churchill, Sgt. TH Lawton, Sgt. AH Johnson. T/o 2315 Mildenhall, shot down by Oblt. Rheinhold Knacke (30th victory) 1./NJG1, crashed at Budberg, 9 km NE of Duisburg. All are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

The Ruhr – 25 aircraft, 17 to Essen and 8 to Bochum. The intention was to reach the target area by Gee and then to bomb visually through gaps in the cloud. Only 3 aircraft bombed at Bochum and only 1 at Essen. 5 aircraft – 3 Halifaxes, 1 Lancaster and 1 Wellington – were lost and a further aircraft crashed in England.

Eighth AF - VIII FC dispatches its first mission—11 aircraft of 31st FG on a practice run over France.


Base Changes
33 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Idku
145 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to Idku
213 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moves to Kilo 8
488 Sqn RNZAF (Hampden I) moves to Skitten
608 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Sumburgh

First and Last Operational Missions
23 Sqn (Ford) flies its last OM in the Boston III
257 Sqn (High Ercall) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB
611 Sqn (Redhill) flies its first OM in the Spitfire F.IX

[warshipbuilder]

Back in a week or so

7 Sqn (Oakington – Stirling I) 6.8.42

10 sorties were detailed to attack DUISBURG. Three sorties were abandoned owing to engine trouble and Rear Turret and intercom Unserviceability. Visibility was not good, but the town was attacked and scattered fires were observed. Flares were not successful. Unfortunately Sgt. C.G. Pullen and crew did not return – nothing being heard after take off.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I R9154 MG-F. Crew: Sgt. CG Pullen RNZAF, Sgt. PCJ Brain, P/O AWC Montgomery, Sgt. EG Kershaw, Sgt. DW Mathieson, Sgt. RL Bodwell, Sgt. L Hore RAAF. T/o 0100 Oakington, shot down by Oblt. Reinhold Knacke (31st victory) 1./NJG1, crashed at Hüthum, 3 km NW of Emmerich. All are buried in the Reichswald War Cemetery.

USAMEAF - B-24’s hit harbour at Tobruk.


Base Changes
23 Sqn (Mosquito NFII) moves to Manston
404 Sqn (Blenheim IVF) moves to Sumburgh

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 14.8.42

“B” Flight at readiness, “A” Flight 15 minutes at 04.27 hours. Blue Section F/L H. Merritt and F/S M. Zobell on patrol Dungeness and Dover at 06.29 hours, landed 08.30 hours from Hawkinge. 0905 hours Squadron 30 minutes available.


Skeleton ground crew by M.T. to Lympne at 09.15 hours.


Ground crew arrive Lympne 12.30 hours, and a/c arrived at 13.25 and 14.40 hours, landed without difficulty at aerodrome. Squadron advised by Ops, will be at 30 minutes available until 13.00 hours, 15-8-42, changed at 18.10 hours to readiness at 19.30 hours released at 21.20 hrs. Officer’s Mess at Phillip Sasson’s home, grounds quite beautiful terraced up slope towards flat coast line, swimming pool in front, house finished in Egyptian style, marble pillars and walls, sunken bath tubs in some bathrooms, marble in others, with chain toilets. Very weird arrangement of winding, narrow stairs, connecting floors. Inner sun court, Turkish Harem style, fountain in centre, pictures and most furniture and light fixtures removed. Many well kept terrace hedges down slope of hill, initials with “P.S.” on all concrete balustrades. Summing it all up, anyone would know a woman had little to do with the interior decorating or architecture. 133 Squadron having been here before, and knowing the layout, got the best rooms.


Base Changes
3 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moved to Shoreham
23 Sqn (Mosquito NF.II) moved to Bradwell Bay
32 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Friston
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Eastchurch
71 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
124 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moved to Gravesend
133 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Lympne
165 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Gravesend
242 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Manston
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Manston
332 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Manston
401 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire IX) moved to Lympne

Iceland - 2d Lt Joseph D Shaffer (33d FS) and 2d Lt Elza E Shahan (27th FS) jointly shoot down FW-
200 off coast of Iceland. This is first aerial victory of USAAF in ETO.

[warshipbuilder]

408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 15.8.42

At 1005 hours No. 5 Group requested 6 experienced and 2 freshman crews for tonight’s operations over DUSSELDORF. Original instructions were that the 2 freshman crews were to “GARDEN” in the “NECTARINE AREA” but, after having been cancelled and taken off the schedule entirely, at 1735 hours it was decided to include the freshman crews with the experienced on the DUSSELDORF target. At 1845 hours 4 aircraft were detailed for possible dingy search stand-by. Out of the eight aircraft detailed for this operation, one was cancelled at take off time owing to engine trouble which could not be repaired before the time of take off. Out of the 7 aircraft which did take off, 5 were successful in reaching and bombing their primary target and reported fires which spread over a considerable area. Another aircraft returned early from approximate position 5210N. 0430E. being unable to pinpoint and returned to base with bomb load. Considerable amount of cloud was encountered over the whole route except in the vicinity of the target where some was well broken. Flares were used and found to be of great assistance in locating the target. Unfortunately, one of the crews, piloted by the Flight Commander of “A” Flight, Flight Lieutenant John Sommerville CARDELL did not return from this operation and nothing further has been heard of this crew since time of take off at 0015 hours, August 16, 1942. This was Flight Lieutenant CARDELL’s first operational trip with this Squadron having been posted here on August 10, 1942 for the duties of Flight Commander. Whilst at O.T.U., where this officers duty was that of an instructor, he had completed 2 operational trips prior to being posted here and, had he returned from this operation he would have been recommended for the acting rank of Squadron Leader. The names of the members of his crew, together with particulars of their operational hours and trips, are as follows:

RCAF/CAN/C.1613 F/Lt. John Sommerville CARDELL (Pilot), 2 trips, 15:25 hours
121572 P/O. George Lewson STANIAR (Navigator) 1 trip, 5:35 hours
1282079 Sgt. MITCHELL Edwin, (1st WOP/AG) 25 trips, 155:40 hours
1256528 Sgt. JEWELL Henry Leonard (2nd WOP/AG) 5 trips, 25:35 hours

ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE432 EQ-S. T/o 0015 Balderton, lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

DÜSSELDORF – 131 aircraft of 5 types. 4 aircraft – 2 Lancasters, 1 Hampden, 1 Wellington – lost.

Visibility was poor and bombing scattered. Düsseldorf and Neuss reports only a light raid, the most serious incident being in the centre of Neuss where a 4,000 lb. bomb caused much blast damage to buildings, including the Rathaus, the police station, the telegraph office, and the hospital at the Herz Jesu convent. 1 person was killed in Neuss, none in Düsseldorf; 13 people were injured. No industrial production of any kind was lost as a result of this raid.

USAMEAF - B-24’s bomb Tobruk harbour



Base Changes
83 Sqn (Lancaster) moves to Wyton
154 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Fairlop
263 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moves to Colerne
303 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill

[warshipbuilder]

207 Sqn (Bottesford – Lancaster I) 16.8.42

Six aircraft detailed for operations. Mining. Two carried out their missions successfully and two failed to return to base. (CAPTAINS – P/O SOUTHWELL, F/SGT SUTHERLAND)

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I R5616 EM-J. Crew: P/O AJ Southwell, Sgt J Read, F/O DJ Quinlan RCAF, Sgt R Robson, F/O WM Edmonds RAAF, F/S JA McClean RCAF, Sgt T Douglas. T/o 2100Bottesford for mine laying duties in the Geranium area. Crashed in the sea SSW of Mano Island. Sgt Read captured. Those who died were buried on 22 August in Fourfelt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

Lancaster I R5509 EM-N. Crew: F/S NJ Sutherland RNZAF, Sgt AM Craig, Sgt WB McVicar, Sgt AH MacKenzie, Sgt S Spencer, Sgt J McArthur, Sgt A Roddam. T/o 2131 Bottesford to lay mines in the Willows area. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

USAMEAF - Personnel strength is greatly increased and supply and maintenance prospects are much improved by arrival of ground echelons of 57th Ftr, 12th and 98th Bomb, and 323d Serv Gps.


Base Changes
19 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Rochford
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/C) moves to Tangmere
118 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
130 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Thorney Island
152 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Angle
222 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Biggin Hill
310 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill
312 Sqn(Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill
602 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Biggin Hill
485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire VB) moves to West Malling

First and Last Operational Missions
224 Sqn (Tiree) flies its last OM in the Hudson V
486 Sqn RNZAF (Wittering) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

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300 Sqn (Polish) (Ingham – Wellington IV) 17.8.42

Seven aircraft were despatched on operations for OSNABRUCK, five completed the mission and reported quite a successful trip the bombing seemed to be well concentrated on the town. Unfortunately, aircraft A-1409 captained by SGT. I. KONDERAK failed to return from this operation and Sgt. S. CHMIELEWSKI was forced to abandon the mission owing to the pilot's hatch opening.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1409 BH-A. Crew: Sgt I Konderak (PAF), F/O Zakrzdewski-Rusinski (PAF), Sgt W Vandalli (PAF), Sgt. H Kowalski (PAF), Sgt J Hmenia (PAF). T/o 2157 Ingham, shot down by a night-fighter. All were captured except for Sgt Konderak, who died of his injuries on 22 August. He is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Osnabrück – 139 aircraft of 5 types. 5 aircraft – 3 Wellingtons, 1 Halifax, 1 Stirling – lost. 3.4% of the force.


111 crews reported accurate bombing. Osnabrück recorded a sharp attack on the north and north-western parts of the town with 77 dwelling-houses and 4 military buildings destroyed and 125 other buildings seriously damaged, including the town’s main hospital, a paper mill, and a copper-wire factory. 7 people were killed and 15 were injured.


Eighth AF - 12 B-17s of 97th BG, escorted by Spitfires, launch first USAAF HB attack from the UK against
Europe. Target is Rouen-Sotteville marshalling yards. Sgt Kent R West shoots down a German fighter, thus becoming the first Eighth AF gunner to receive credit for a combat kill. VIII GASC opens its HQ at Membury.


First and Last Operational Missions
18 Sqn (Wattisham) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV
243 Sqn (Ouston – Spitfire VB) flies its last OM in the ETO

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12 Sqn (Binbrook – Wellington II) 18.8.42

OPERATIONS were ordered against FLENSBURG. 7 aircraft taking part. Captains were P/O ROWE, F/S NORMAN, SGT JONES, P/O UTZ, F/S DEIGNAN, F/S GOULTER, & SGT PRYCE. P/O ROWE’s aircraft did not return from this operation, and the crew: P/O DW ROWE, SGT RLS RITCHIE, SGT LD GRAVES, SGT JA SHARP & SGT C BLACK were reported missing. The remaining aircraft returned safely.

ADDENDUM – Wellington II Z8538 PH-O. T/o 2035 Binbrook. Presumed lost over the sea. Three bodies washed ashore; F/S Ritchie and Sgt Sharp are buried in Ockerö Churchyard, Sweden, while Sgt Black rests in Frederickshavn Cemetery, Denmark. The others have known grave.

Flensburg – 118 aircraft including 31 Pathfinders. 4 aircraft – 2 Wellingtons, 1 Halifax, 1 Stirling – lost. 3.4% of the force.

Flensburg, on an inlet of the Baltic, was, in theory, an easy target for the Pathfinders on their first operation but the winds encountered were not as forecast and the bomber force drifted north of the target to a part Of Denmark whose coast also had many inlets. 16 Pathfinder crews claimed to have marked the target area and 78 Main Force crews also claimed to have bombed in the correct place. Flensburg reports that the town was not hit at all but a Danish report shows that the towns of Sǿnderborg and Aberna and a large area of Denmark up to 25 miles north of Flensburg were hit by scattered bombing. 26 houses were destroyed and 660 were damaged but only 4 Danish people were injured.

The Pathfinders lost their first aircraft on this night, Halifax W1226 of 35 Squadron. The crew all became prisoners of war.

Base Changes
419 Sqn RCAF (Wellington III) moves to Topcliffe
612 Sqn (Whitley VII) moves to Thorney Island

First and Last Operational Missions
13 Sqn (Macmerry) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV
305 Sqn (Hemswell) flies its first OM in the Wellington IV

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Operation Jubilee – The Dieppe Landing

412 Sqn RCAF (Tangmere – Spitfire VB) 19.8.42

Today was exceptionally busy with the squadron making numerous sorties, over France in the area of Dieppe. At 06.20 hours the squadron took off from Merston to provide cover for shipping off Dieppe. At arriving at their destination, they were encountered by 6 FW. 190s. A hot fight ensued with neither side downing any A/C. They all returned to base at 07.35 hours.

At 09.45 hours the squadron took off again, this time to escort a Hurricane Bomber Squadron. The objective was reached & bombed. No e/a were met, but two of our A/C were hit by flak. The first of our A/C had the tail unit completely blown off, and crashed in France killing the pilot, P/O Brookhouse. The second A/C crashed into the sea, after having been hit by flak in the engine which caused a glycol leak. The Pilot F/S Aldcorn, baled out and was picked up by a naval motor launch approximately 40 minutes later.

13.45 hours saw the squadron taking off again, this time to escort two squadrons of long-range Hurricane Bombers. On reaching their objective, the bombers were attacked by a squadron of FW. 190s. Approximately six of these e/a attacked the bombers, the remaining six attacked 412 Squadron, which was immediately broken up. A terrific dogfight ensued with neither destroying any A/C. The squadron returned to base, where they landed at 15.05 hours.

Eighth AF - 22 B-17s drop 34 tons of bombs on Abbeville/Drucat A/F causing extensive damage. This mission is flown to occupy enemy fighters and prevent them from opposing an invasion by over 5,000 Allied troops, mostly Canadians, who raid Dieppe. 2d Lt Samuel F Junkin Jr of 309th FS, 31st FG, flying a Spitfire in support of the amphibious raid on Dieppe, shoots down a German fighter. This being the first aerial victory won by an Eighth AF fighter pilot flying from the UK.

Base Changes
10 Sqn (Halifax II) moves to Melbourne
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Non-Op) moves to El Firdan
108 Sqn (Wellington IC) moves to LG.237
274 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moves to LG.88

First and Last Operational Missions
59 Sqn (North Coates) flies its last OM’s in the Hudson III, V, & VI
614 Sqn (Macmerry) flies its last OM in the Blenheim IV

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218 Sqn (Downham Market – Stirling I) 20.8.42

OPERATIONS. Nine crews were detailed and briefed for operations tonight. They were:
A. F/O. Spear. J. P/O. Corser. U. F/O. Sanderson. C. P/O Bullock. R. F/S Yates.
M. P/O. McAulay. F. F/L Dodkin. T. Sgt. Elsom. Q. Sgt Hartley.

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY. The effort was Gardening which cost us dearly. Those of our planters who returned safely to the fold reported to have carried out their duties successfully. Four of our crews did not return. 33,000 lbs of seed were sown during this operation.

ADDENDUM – Stirling I W7573 HA-U. Crew: F/O OJ Sanderson RAAF, Sgt RT Higgins, P/O GL Tudor, Sgt CD Dixon RCAF, Sgt C Smith, F/S J Farrimond, Sgt FJ James. T/o Downham Market to lay mines in the Fehrmarn Channel. Crashed between Brodersby and Geel, 9 km ENE of Schleswig, where the crew were first laid to rest. Since 1945, their remains have been taken to Kiel War Cemetery.

Stirling I W7615 HA-M. Crew: P/O G McAuley DFC, Sgt GLA Neale, F/S SE Stevens, Sgt E Nettleton, F/S BW Roberts, Sgt AE Burkitt, Sgt HR Davies. T/0 2025 Downham Market to lay mines in Kiel Harbour. Lost over the Baltic Sea. Three bodies, those of F/S Stevens, Sgt Nettleton, and Sgt Davies, were given up by the sea and taken for burial in cemeteries located in Denmark and Germany. Their companions have no known graves.

Stirling I BF319 HA-C. Crew: F/O DV Bullock RNZAF, Sgt HG Stubbs, Sgt RD Rich, F/S W Brown, P/O HC Reynolds, Sgt JH Webb, F/S JA Sparks. T/o 2020 Downham Market to lay mines in the entrance of Kiel harbour. Crashed at Langwedel, 17 km SW of Kiel. Funerals took place Neumünster, but since the war, the remains have been transferred to Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

Stirling I BF338 HA-Q. Crew: F/S L Hartley, Sgt JA Sharpe, Sgt N Podmore, F/O ICNewell, F/S CH Barrow, Sgt GES Wren, Sgt JK Young. T/o 2015 Downham Market to lay mines in the Cadet Channel. Crashed at Hoffnungstal-Mariental. Sgt Young POW. Those who died were buried at Schleswig, but in the immediate post-war years, their remains were taken to Kiel War Cemetery.

Minelaying – 57 aircraft laid mines in many places from Brest to Danzig. 4 Stirlings and 3 Wellingtons lost. 5 Halifaxes made leaflet flights to France without loss.

Eighth AF - Principle of coordinated day and night bombing receive its first formal definition in ‘Joint
British/American Directive on Day Bomber Operations involving Fighter Cooperation.’ Emphasis is
placed on achieving continuity in bombing offensive from UK. 11 HBs attack Longeau M/Y at Amiens,
a vital point in the traffic flow between France and Germany.

The party’s over, everybody go home.
Base Changes
12 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to LG Z
19 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Perranporth
32 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moves to West Malling
39 Sqn (Beaufort I/II) moves to Luqa
40 Sqn (Wellington IC) moves to Kabrit
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Lianbedr
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Gravesend
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/C) moves to Ibsley
124 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moves to Debden
127 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to LG.88
130 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Perranporth
222 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Drem
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Debden
242 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to North Weald
303 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Kirton-in-Linsey
310 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Exeter
312 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Harrowbeer
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to North Weald
332 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to North Weald
602 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Peterhead

First and Last Operational Missions
85 Sqn (Hunsdon) flies its first OM in the Mosquito NFII
227 Sqn (Luqa – Beaufighter IC) flies its first OM of the war
456 Sqn RAAF (Valley) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IIF

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91 Sqn (Hawkinge – Spitfire VA) 21.8.42

To-day has been fairly quiet but P/O Le Maire (Belgian) was badly shot up by F.W.190’s south of Folkestone. He had “scrambled” at 12.45 hours, with Sgt. Sutton & spotted F.W.190’s at 1000’ going towards the French coast from Hythe. P/O Le Maire was at 7000’ & he dived towards them but as he did so two other F.W.190’s attacked him. His aircraft was damaged but he managed to get away from the e/a & although the engine out near Folkestone he glided into Hawkinge & crash landed. The aircraft is a loss but P/O Le Maire was unhurt. Sgt. Sutton was also attacked but not hit & managed to evade the e/a.

Eighth AF - At Gen Arnold’s request, Gen Eisenhower gives Gen Spaatz additional duties as Air Officer for ETOUSA and head of the air section of its staff, thus assuring active participation by Eighth AF in theater planning. 12 airplanes are dispatched to bomb shipyards at Rotterdam, but mission is aborted due to attack by 25 Me-109’s and FW-190’s. Lack of proper coordination with Spitfire escort is major factor in failure of mission.


Base Changes
3 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Hunsdon
23 Sqn (Mosquito NFII) moves to Manston
145 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to LG.154
213 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moves to LG.85
401Sqn RCAF (Spitfire IX) moves to Biggin Hill
485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Kings Cliffe
601 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to LG.154


First and Last Operational Missions
210 Sqn (Sullom Voe) flies its first OM in the Catalina IB