Action This Day

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419 Sqn RCAF (Middleton St. George – Halifax II) 4-10-43

Sixteen aircraft detailed to attack FRANKFURT. "D" and "L" did not return from the operation. The remainder of the crews bombed the target and returned safely. “K” Sgt. White Captain, landed at BOTTISFORD, the remainder returning to base. One and a half hours before take-off the tail Oleo leg,and starboard inner magneto on “J” were found to be u/s. Due to the hard work and enthusiasm of the ground crew the aircrafts made serviceable with ten minutes to spare. This was a magnificent achievement on the part of the groundcrew.

ADDENDUM – Halifax II JD204 VR-L. Crew: F/O WH Hamilton RCAF KIA, Sgt J McEwen POW, F/O EL Riley RCAF POW, F/O JR Dale RCAF KIA, Sgt TA Reay POW, Sgt EHW Griffin RCAF KIA, Sgt A Bortolussi RCAF KIA. T/o 1740 Middleton St. George. Shot down by Hptm Heinz-Martin Hadeball (19th victory) 3./NJG6. Crashed at Sohren, 20 km Traben-Trabach at 2127. Those who died are buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Halifax II JD463 VR-D. Crew: Sgt AR Fare KIA, Sgt CR Winterbottom KIA, Sgt GE Chapman KIA, Sgt WL Renner RCAF EVD, Sgt WJ Boyce KIA, Sgt GH Beach, Sgt RE Paddison RCAF KIA. T/o 1737 Middleton St. George. Shot down by Lt. Josef Nabrich (3rd victory) 3./NJG3. Crashed 2 km. S. Ham-sur-Heure at 2236.

BOMBER COMMAND
FRANKFURT
406 aircraft – 162 Lancasters, 170 Halifaxes, 70 Stirlings, 4 Mosquitoes. 3 B-17s also took part. 10 aircraft – 5 Halifaxes, 3 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings – lost, 2.5 percent of the force. 1 B-17 was also lost. This was the last R.A.F. night-bombing raid in which American aircraft took part, but individual B-17s occasionally carried out bombing flights in following weeks.

Clear weather and good Pathfinder marking produced the first serious blow on Frankfurt so far in the war, with extensive destruction being caused in the eastern half of the city and in the inland docks on the River Main; both of these areas are described in the Frankfurt report as having been a ‘sea of flames’. Many city-centre-type buildings are also mentioned as being hit; the new Rathaus had its roof burnt out. No overall figures are given for casualties, the only mention being a tragedy at an orphanage housed in the former Jewish hospital, where a bomb scored a direct hit on the basement shelter killing 90 children, 14 nuns and other members of the staff. In the following days, the main railway station was packed with people trying to leave Frankfurt.

LUDWIGSHAFEN
66 Lancasters of 1 and 8 Groups carried out a diversionary raid without loss but the marking and bombing were scattered.

Minor Operations: 12 Mosquitoes to Knapsack power-station, 1 Mosquito to Aachen, 5 Stirlings minelaying in the River Gironde, 8 O.T.U. sorties. No aircraft lost.

The Mosquito attacking Aachen was carrying out the first operational trial of the G-H blind bombing equipment but the trial was not successful.

Frankfurt route as planned:

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Frankfurt route as flown:

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2nd TAF
A pair of Typhoons of 245 Squadron were lost on this date, both believed to have fallen to enemy fighters as the 'Y' Service (the British radio listening service) had picked up a German interception taking place in the area of operation. Flg Off O.B.James, MM, DFM, was brought down north-east of Evreux by Fw Siegfried Lemke of 1./JG 2, while Flt Sgt J.D.Flynn fell at Hautot-sur-Mer, claimant unidentified (possibly an instructor at a training unit). The loss of the much-admired Flg Off James was particularly hard-felt by 245 Squadron. He had flown many operations as a Sgt Pilot of Bomber Command Handley Page Hampdens before being shot down over Brest. Wounded and captured, his hand had been amputated (unnecessarily, he thought) by hard-pressed German doctors, yet despite this disability, he later managed to escape and return to England. Unable to handle heavier aircraft, and inspired by the exploits of 'One- armed Mac' (Sqn Ldr J.A.F.MacLachlan, a notable fighter pilot), he had successfully retrained as a fighter pilot.

USAAF
FRANCE: 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack St.-Dizier/Robinson Airdrome and a marshalling yard at Sarreguemines, both at about 1140 hours.

Twenty-five 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s dispatched against several GAF airdromes in France are recalled due to bad weather.

GERMANY: When mission leaders fly 100 miles off the projected course, only 15 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack the day’s primary target, an aircraft-industry factory at Wiesbaden, with 45 tons of bombs. Meanwhile, the 77 B-17s that are off course reach Frankfurt am Main, where they join a planned attack by 37 1st Bombardment Division B-17s against aircraft-industry targets and the city itself. Altogether, Frankfurt am Main is struck by about 304 tons of bombs between about 1100 and 1111 hours.

3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack marshalling yards at Saarbrucken and an aircraft-industry factory at Saarlautern between about 1133 and 1139 hours.

The VIII Fighter Command mounts 223 P-47 escort sorties in support of the various VIII Bomber Command missions. In all, 18 GAF fighters are downed along the bomber routes between 1030 and 1203 hours. Capt Walker M. Mahurin, a P-47 pilot with the 56th Fighter Group’s 63d Fighter Squadron, achieves ace status when he downs three Bf-110s near Duren between 1132 and 1140 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack bridges at Bolzano and marshalling yards at Pisa; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack the Argos Airdrome, shipping at Bastia, a highway overpass at Mignano, and road defiles at Isernia and Terracina; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous road, rail, and vehicles targets in and around the battle area.

LIBYA: LtCol Ray J. Stecker replaces Col Frederick M. Byerly as commanding officer of the IX Fighter Command, which is in the process of transferring its head- quarters operation to England.

MEDITERRANEAN: Combined with bombardments undertaken by ships of the Royal Navy (part of an attempt by the British to draw Turkey into the war on the Allied side), Twelfth Air Force B-17s, B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s begin a week-long offensive against German air bases in Greece, Crete, and the Dodecanese Islands.

NORWAY: Twenty U.S. Navy SBD dive-bombers and ten TBF torpedo bombers (rigged out as light bombers) from the USS Ranger attack merchant ships tied up in the harbor at Bodø in two waves beginning at 0830. Altogether, the Navy bombers—which drop a total of 50 500- and 1,000-pound bombs—claim the sinking of five merchant ships, totaling 23,000 tons, and damage to at least seven other ships. Two SBDs and one TBF are lost with a total of three pilots and five aircrewmen. Operation LEADER, as it is called, is the first and only U.S. Navy carrier raid in the European Theater.

TUNISIA: Following several weeks’ service with IX Bomber Command, a detachment of the Eighth Air Force’s 44th Heavy Bombardment Group departs Libya for England.

RAF Base Changes
3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk II/III) moves to Foggia Main
5 Sqn SAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Foggia Main
18 Sqn (Boston III) moves to Brindisi
87 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Borizzo
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Foggia Main
250 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Foggia Main
260 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Foggia Main

First and Last Operational Missions
132 Sqn (Newchurch) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
165 Sqn (Culmhead) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VC and its first OM in the Spitfire IX
456 Sqn RAAF (Colerne) flies its last OM in the Mosquito FBVI
464 Sqn RAAF (Sculthorpe) flies its first OM in the Mosquito FBVI
487 Sqn RNZAF (Methwold) flies its first OM in the Mosquito FBVI

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3 Sqn (Manston – Typhoon IB) 5-10-43

Low Cloud all day. F/O R.E. Barkley 138650 returned from Andover. S/Ldr. R. Hawkins, M.C. A.F.C missing F/O J.L. Foster 123108 missing. WO J. La Rooque R.52052 missing. Two BOMBPHOONS of 3 Squadron 1028/1154 F/O J.L. Foster and F/Sgt S.B. Feldman (USA) went to attack transportation targets in the Ghent area, a Ju 88 was seen to have force landed in a field surrounded by Service onlookers and a maintenance gang who cheerfully waved to our pilots as our aircraft circled over low. They rapidly changed their minds as the cannons opened up and the J.U. 88 was left a blazing wreck. Shortly afterwards 5 F.W. 190s appeared and our pilots escaped into cloud. Although F/O J.L. Foster was contacted again five minutes afterwards on the R/T he unfortunately was not seen again. F/Sgt Feldman's instruments spun and he had a hazardous journey home. In the afternoon 8 BOMBPHOONS of 3 Squadron led by S/Ldr. R. Hawkins, M.C. A.F.C. escorted by 8 TYPHOONS of 198 Squadron led by S/Ldr Bryan D.F.C. 1357/1529 attacked the Sinclair Petroleum Refinery with a low level dive bombing attack. A storage plant was seen to be hit with considerable damage and a refinery plant was shattered with direct hits S/Ldr. R. Hawkins, M.C. A.F.C. was seen to crash through some trees from about 100 feet and his aircraft burst into flames. W/O La Rocque (Canadian) crashed in a slow spin from 3000 feet. On the way to the target the Squadron shot up a powered barge in the WESTONSCHELDE claiming it a Cat. III.

ADDENDUM – Typhoon IB JP514 JF-?. Pilot: F/O JL Foster KIA. Shot down by JG26. Buried at Wevelgem Communal Cemetery.

Typhoon IB JP733 JF-A. Pilot: S/L R Hawkins MC AFC KIA. Shot down by flak. Buried at Ghent Town Cemetery.

Typhoon IB JP911 JF-?. Pilot: W/O JA La Rocque RCAF. Crashed at St-Kruis-Winkel. Buried at Adegem Canadian Cemetery.

2nd TAF
1./JG 2's Fw Lemke was successful again on the 5th, shooting down a 400 Squadron Mustang flown by Flg Off F.J.Parsons north of Bolbec at 1421. Typhoons of 247 Squadron set out on a 'Rhubarb' to the Paris area and encountered a pair of Fi 156 Storch liaison aircraft over Boissets, and both of these were claimed shot down. Flt Lt C.E.Brayshaw also damaged a Ju 88, and both pilots then attacked a locomotive. Near Ablis, three Bf 109s were spotted approaching head-on, and the other successful pilot, Flg Off P.A.Chappell, was seen to fly into the ground near Cortrai and was killed. It is not known whether this was as a result of enemy action, evasive action by the pilot, or mechanical failure.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 55th Fighter Group, in P-38s, is assigned to the VIII Fighter Command’s 66th Fighter Wing.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack marshalling yards at Bologna; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack several roads; and NATAF aircraft attack tactical targets in the battle area and several fuel dumps and railroad trains.

27th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36 pilots down two Ju-52s over Italy, one at 0850 hours and the other at 1115 hours.

RAF Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire XII) moves to Tangmere
56 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Martlesham Heath
91 Sqn (Spitfire XII) moves to Tangmere
603 Sqn (Beaufighter VIC/XIC) moves to LG.91

First and Last Operational Missions
165 Sqn (Culmhead) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB

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401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 6-10-43
Weather: Cloud 5-8/10 at 2,000 ft., vis. 5 miles, wind 10 m.p.h. from S.lW. & W.S.W.
The Squadron took off at 1715 hours as part of Wing Close Escorting 72 Marauders to Amiens Marshalling Yards on Ramrod S.36. The results of the bombing were excellent, and large fires and smoke were seen in the target area. Fifteen plus enemy aircraft were seen diving Eastward from 15,000 feet South of target, but did not one. After bombing, the Marauders continued S.W. for 15-20 miles until turned back by the escort leader. All aircraft landed safely at 1845 hours.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 20th Fighter Group, which is training in P-38s, is formally assigned to the 67th Fighter Wing; and the 352d Fighter Group, in P-47s, is assigned to the 67th Fighter Wing.

GREECE: XII Bomber Command P-38s strafe the Araxos Airdrome.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack a marshalling yard at Mestre; XII Bomber Command B-26s attack roads and highways; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous tactical targets in and around the battle area.

RAF Base Changes
4 Sqn (Mustang I) moves to Odiham
225 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) “A” Flt moves to Capodichino
225 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) “B” Flt moves to Foggia
403 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire IX) moves to Kenley
458 Sqn RAAF (Wellington VIII) moves to Bone
489 Sqn RNZAF (Hampden I) moves to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions
46 Sqn (Idku) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIC
172 Sqn (Chivenor) flies its last OM in the Wellington XII
603 Sqn (LG.91) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter VIC

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401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 11-10-43
Owing to the extremely, bad weather, no flying was carried out during the day. All personnel put finishing touches on the preparation for our move to winter quarters at Biggin Hill.

USAAF
GREECE: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack Rhodes/Maritsa Airdrome.

ITALY: Most NATAF operations are canceled because of bad weather; only a few RAF components are able to attack various tactical targets.

MEDITERRANEAN: XII Bomber Command P-38s attack ships in the harbor at Corfu.

RAF Base Changes
43 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Capodichino
74 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to Peristerona
111 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Capodichino
170 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Huggate
243 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Capodichino
247 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Merston
603 Sqn (Beaufighter XIC) moves to Gambut

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401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 12-10-43
One Section carried out Sector Reconnaissance during the afternoon; and the Squadron was released at 1500 hours owing to heavy ground mist settling down over the area. F/L B.L. Thorne, the M.O., and F/O G.W. Jacques, the Adjutant, left by road at 1000 hours with the Advance party to Biggin Hill.

USAAF
ITALY: Although planned operations are severely hampered by bad weather, NATAF aircraft attack Aquino Airdrome, several road junctions, road and rail traffic, rail facilities, and gun emplacements in and around the battle area.

SICILY: The 81st Fighter Group, which has been conducting coastal operations while based in Tunisia, is transferred to Castelvetrano Airdrome.

TUNISIA: XII Bomber Command bombers are grounded by bad weather.

RAF Base Changes
72 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Capodichino
93 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Capodichino
132 Sqn (Spitfire LFIXB) moves to Detling
182 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Merston
184 Sqn (Hurricane IV) moves to Detling
207 Sqn (Lancaster) moves to Spilsby
602 Sqn (Spitfire LFIXB) moves to Detling
613 Sqn (Non Op) moves to Lasham

First and Last Operational Missions
55 Sqn (Brindisi) flies its last OM in the Baltimore IIIA

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[Zovs]

Love your screenshots from yesteryear they add color.

Thank you.

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 13-10-43
The airborne party left Staplehurst at 1035 hours and set down here at 1110 hours. No. 125 Airfield has been allotted the whole of the South Camp. The Officers’ Quarters are very crowded with three to a cubield. They are sparsely furnished and in need of decorating as they were just recently vacated by airmen and very little time was allowed for distampering. However, the boys settled down and began cleaning up. The dispersal alloted to the Squadron is the northernmost one, and is very fine. Fifteen bicycles and a 15 hunderdweight van have boon allotted for transportation of personnel.

BOMBER COMMAND
4 Mosquitoes to Cologne and 4 to Duisburg without loss.

USAAF
ALBANIA: XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack Tirana Airport.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack the town of Alife and a road junction; and NATAF aircraft directly support the U.S. Fifth Army’s assault crossing of the Volturno River.

The Badoglio government formally declares war on Germany.

RAF Base Changes
81 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Gioia del Colle
90 Sqn (Stirling III) moves to Tuddenham
152 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Gioia del Colle
154 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Gioia del Colle
183 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Preddanack
242 Sqn Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Gioia del Colle
350 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Southend
401 Sqn TCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Biggin Hill
411 Sqn RCAF (Non-Op) moves to Biggin Hill

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 14-10-43
No flying was carried out and the Squadron commenced moving to new quarters in the North end of the Station, allotted to relieve the overcrowded quarters presently occupied. The new quarters were vacated by officers of a French Squadron, and are in good condition, and fully equipped with bureaux, etc. Everybody is happy about the change in habitat.

USAAF
ENGLAND: LtGen Lewis H. Brereton activates the U.S. Army Air Forces in the United Kingdom (USAAFUK) to oversee the U.S. Eighth and Ninth Air forces.

GERMANY: Of 291 1st and 3d Bombardment division B-17s and 29 2d Bombardment Division B-24s dispatched against Schweinfurt, only 229 B-17s reach the objective, where they drop 483 tons of bombs on various aircraft-industry targets. Sixty B-17s—nearly one in four—are lost to flak or fighter opposition, seven are damaged beyond repair, and 138 are damaged. Crew losses are a staggering five killed and 594 missing, plus 40 wounded.

One hundred ninety-six VIII Fighter Command P-47s from four groups are dispatched for bomber-escort duty, but the entire 4th Fighter Group is recalled after going astray in heavy clouds, and the 352d Fighter Group accompanies the 2d Bombardment Division B-24s, which eventually abandon the mission. The remaining 56th and 353d Fighter groups give a good accounting of themselves—13 GAF fighters downed over Belgium and northwestern Germany between 1300 and 1345 hours—but they are able to provide only penetration support owing to limited range. As a result of the unacceptably heavy bomber and crew losses beyond the range of friendly fighters, the Eighth Air Force curtails missions deep inside Germany until enough fighters with sufficient range can be amassed for escort duty all the way to the target and back.

Capt Frank E. McCauley, a P-47 pilot with the 56th Fighter Group’s 61st Fighter Squadron, achieves ace status when he downs a Bf-110 near Aachen at 1345 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s and B-24s attack bridges and towns in east-central Italy, and XII Bomber Command B-25s attack Argos Airdrome. However, bad weather severely limits the support that NATAF aircraft are able to provide to the U.S. Fifth Army along the Volturno River.

RAF Base Changes
170 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Leconfield
256 Sqn (Mosquito NFXII) moves to Luqa
412 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Biggin Hill

First and Last Operational Missions
547 Sqn (Davidstowe Moor) flies its first OM in the Wellington XIII

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401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 15-10-43
Squadron formation practices using cine-gun were engaged in throughout the day. At approximately 1106 hours, F/Sgt. Edwards A.J., flying No. 4 in a Section in Spitfire V-B. B.M.362, undershot the runway in landing in a slight ground mist, ripping off the port mainplane and damaging the starboard mainplane. The fuselage was broken and the whole tail surface ripped off. He walked away from the crash after a bad shaking.

USAAF
ENGLAND: LtGen Lewis H. Brereton resumes command of the Ninth Air Force, following its moved to England from North Africa. Although the Ninth Air Force is slated to provide tactical coverage for U.S. Army ground forces following the projected invasion of France, its fighters will be on loan to the Combined Bomber Offensive until shortly before the mid-1944 invasion.

LtGen Ira C. Eaker assumes command of the newly formed USAAFUK, in addition to his ongoing duties as Eighth Air Force commanding general.

GREECE: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack Megalo Mikra and Salonika/Sedhes airdromes.

ITALY: NATAF aircraft attack a vast array of communications and transportation targets servicing the battle area, as well as tactical targets within the battle area, especially around the Volturno River.

The 340th Medium Bombardment Group, in B-25s, moves from Sicily to San Pancrazio Salentino Airdrome.

NETHERLANDS: The 356th and 55th Fighter groups, in P-47s and P-38s, respectively, make their combat debuts in a pair of fighter sweeps over the Frisian Islands. The 55th is the first P-38–equipped fighter group to operate from the U.K. since the commitment of all U.K.-based P-38s to Operation TORCH a full year earlier. It is also the first VIII Fighter Command unit to actually enter combat in P-38s.

UNITED STATES: The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff accept Gen Henry H. Arnold’s proposal to split the Twelfth Air Force and propose to Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower that he reconstitute the XII Bomber Command as a new Fifteenth Air Force, which will take part, with the U.S. Eighth Air Force and RAF Bomber Command, in the strategic Combined Bomber Offensive.

RAF Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire IX) moves to Palata
4 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Palata
12 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to Manduria
19 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Gatwick
89 Sqn (Non-Op) leaves for Ceylon
122 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Weston Zoyland
168 Sqn (Mustang IA) move to Thruxton
231 Sqn (Mustang I) moves to Redhill
234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hutton Cranswick
268 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Thruxton
341 Sqn (Spitfire LFIXB) moves to Perranporth
400 Sqn RCAF (Mustang I) moves to Redhill
414 Sqn RCAF (Mustang I) moves to Redhill
430 Sqn RCAF (Mustang I) moves to Gatwick

First and Last Operational Missions
544 Sqn (Benson) flies its last OM in the Spitfire PRIV

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257 Sqn (Warmwell – Typhoon IB) 16-10-43
At 10.50 hours F/O Wood and F/Sgt. Gittus took off with the intention of carrying out a rhubarb operation in the Cherbourg Peninsular. A there was no cloud and visibility was quite good, section returned to base. Having landed safely F/Sgt. Gittus usually one of our most reliable pilots taxied head on into a stationary aircraft. The aircraft had been damaged by in flak no doubt had affected his hydraulic system causing a Sgt. Compass adjuster to dive out of the stationary A/C with no loss of time and considerable damage to his funny bone. Both A/C burst into flames and despite desperate efforts by the fire section both aircraft burned furiously accompanied by a "Brocks Benefit" in the form of H.E. and Incendiary cannon shells, which exploded in all directions causing grave danger to life and limb. After about an hour both A/C had burned themselves out. F/Sgt. Gittus was unhurt. At 13.45 a section of 4 A/C reccoed Cherbourg harbour in an endeavour to discover a phantom ship which for several days now, is supposed to be in the area between Brest and Cherbourg. Cherbourg harbour was found to be deserted and although thoroughly examined from quite a low height no flak was experienced.

BOMBER COMMAND
Minor Operations
9 Mosquitoes to Dortmund, 11 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

One of the Mosquitoes was carrying out a G-H trial but its equipment failed and it had to bomb by dead reckoning.

USAAF
ENGLAND: Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, is formally reactivated at Sunninghill Park, England, following its transfer from Egypt. LtGen Lewis H. Brereton resumes his duties as commanding general, and BriGen Victor H. Strahm as chief of staff. The IX Bomber Command is reactivated under the command of MajGen Samuel E. Anderson; the IX Fighter Command is reactivated under the temporary command of LtCol Ray J. Stecker; the IX Air Support Command is reactivated under the command of MajGen Henry J. Miller; and a new IX Troop Carrier Command is activated under the command of BriGen Benjamin F. Giles. Simultaneously, VIII Air Support Command is effectively disbanded when the 3d Medium Bombardment Wing headquarters and all four of its B-26 groups are transferred to the Ninth Air Force. Numerous service and support units, many transferred from the Eighth Air Force, are organized into a newly activated IX Air Force Service Command, which is commanded by MajGen Henry J. Miller.

The new IX Troop Carrier Command assumes control of all Eighth Air Force troop-carrier units—the 315th Troop Carrier Group (consisting of just six C-47 aircraft, two squadron headquarters, and the group headquarters), and the 434th Troop Carrier Group. These units are assigned to the control of the 50th Troop Carrier Wing.

GREECE: Twelfth Air Force P-38 fighter-bombers attack ships at sea off the west coast.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack rail lines, a rail tunnel, marshalling yards, a highway underpass, a gas works, and industrial buildings in and around Bologna; and NATAF aircraft attack a large number of communications and transportation targets, troop concentrations, road traffic, and a landing ground from the battle area north to around the city of Rome.

RAF Base Changes
16 Sqn SAAF (Beaufort I/II) moves to Berka III
24 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to Manduria
47 Sqn (Beaufighter TFX) moves to Sidi Amor
126 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Grottaglie
170 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Thruxton

First and Last Operational Missions
547 Sqn (Davidstowe Moor) flies its last OM in the Wellington XI

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[warshipbuilder]

400 Sqn RCAF (Redhill – Mustang I) 17-10-43
Intruder Bretigny - Melun Aerodrome Pilot interrogated by telephone. Compass 30 degrees out, radio u/s - became lost over - France headed for base - ran out of petrol and crash landed half a mile N of Truro Cornwall. No knowledge of whereabouts at time of landing. Pilot suffered bruises only –a/c Cat “G”.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS
8 Mosquitoes to Berlin, 2 to Aachen, 2 to Hamborn, 54 Stirlings and Wellingtons minelaying in the Frisians and off Biscay ports, 16 O.T.U. sorties. No aircraft lost.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 50th Troop Carrier Wing headquarters is assigned to the IX Troop Carrier Command.

GERMANY: A VIII Bomber Command heavy-bomber force dispatched against Duren is recalled over the North Sea due to bad weather.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command aircraft are grounded because of bad weather, and NATAF is forced to cancel many missions. However, NATAF aircraft, especially A-20s and B-25s, attack numerous rail, road, and tactical targets.

RAF Base Changes
39 Sqn (Beaufighter TFX) moves to Protville I
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Gioia del Colle
420 Sqn RCAF (Non-Op) leaves for the UK

First and Last Operational Missions
120 Sqn (Reykjavik) flies its last OM in the Liberator I
253 Sqn (Montecorvino) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX

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426 Sqn RCAF (Linton-on-Ouse – Lancaster II) 18-10-43
WEATHER: Fine becoming fair during day.
After a long stand down the information was received that the squadron would operate. Due to the enforced absence of S/L Hughes, A.J., in hospital and the imminent posting of S/L J.B. Millward which rendered-both flight commanders U/S for flying the squadron borrowed a crew from 408 Squadron to enable its quota of serviceable aircraft to take-off. Thirteen aircraft took off starting at 17.15 hours which enabled the Station to see a daylight take-off. D.S. 776 piloted by F/L Epps, R.P. was attacked by a Ju 88 Just before dropping bombs but shooting by the gunners and evasive action enabled the bomber to break off the combat and drop the bomb load without further incident. No claim is made for the JU 88 as it appeared undamaged when it broke off the engagement. D.S. 717 piloted by F/S Hansen, L.H. R.109491 - ditched at 21.54 hours just off the English coast due to petrol shortage. This ditching was carried out without casualties or injury. All crew members were able to enter the dinghy. The dinghy drifted ashore near ALDEBURG where the crew were picked up. This crew were loaned to this Squadron by 408 Squadron and operated for the night as a 426 Squadron crew.

BOMBER COMMAND
HANNOVER
360 Lancasters. 18 Lancasters lost, 5.0 percent of the force.

The target area was covered by cloud and the Pathfinders were not successful in marking the position of Hannover. The raid was scattered, with most bombs falling in open country north and north-west of the city.

This raid concluded the current series of raids on Hannover. Bomber Command had dispatched 2,253 sorties in 4 raids and 10 American B-17 sorties had also been flown. 1,976 aircraft claimed to have bombed in the target area. Only 1 raid had been completely successful but that had caused severe damage. 110 bombers were lost on the raids, 49 percent of those dispatched.

Minor Operations: 30 Mosquitoes to Duisburg (11 aircraft), Berlin (8 aircraft) and to 4 other targets, 6 Wellingtons minelaying off Texel, 12 O.T.U. sorties. No aircraft lost.

One of the Lancasters lost on the Hannover raid was the 5,000th Bomber Command aircraft lost on operations since the start of the war. By the end of this night, the bombers had flown approximately 144,500 sorties – 90 percent of them by night – and lost 5,004 aircraft – 4,365 by night and 639 by day – over enemy territory, crashed in the sea or shot down over England by German Intruders or ‘friendly’ defences. The average number of sorties flown in each 24-hour period since the outbreak of war was 96 – 87 in each night, only 9 in each day – and the average operational loss rate was 3.5 percent of all sorties dispatched.

Hannover route as planned:

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Hannover route as flown:

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2nd TAF
As 'Ramrod 273' B-17s set out to attack Düren, but were recalled due to bad weather. The escorting fighters then flew a sweep instead, the Biggin Hill and Detling Spitfires being engaged in combats during the afternoon. Over the Béthune-Ayre area, 132 and 602 Squadrons were flying their new Spitfire IXs, when the pilots of 132 encountered 20 Bf 109s of II./JG 3 and III./JG 26, claiming two shot down. Fw 190s of JG 26 then 'bounced' the two squadrons, Flt Lt Sutherland of 602 and Sqn Ldr Colleredo-Mansfield of 132 each claiming one of these probably destroyed. However, Flg Off E.B.Overton of 132 and Plt Off A.M.Finnie of 602 were both shot down, Finnie losing his life when he ditched north-west of Cap Gris Nez, while Overton became a POW. Fhr Burghardt Woelke of 11./JG 26 was shot down over Béthune in his Bf 109. Ofw Robert Roller of 6./JG 3 claimed a Spitfire (his 10th victory), and it seems likely that a second (identified as a 'P-47") was claimed by Uffz Kurt Laub of III./JG 26.

421 Squadron was also engaged with Fw 190s near Lille a few minutes later, one of these aircraft being claimed shot down, although Plt Off W.M.Barnett's Spitfire was shot up and he crash-landed near Deal on return; a second Spitfire was slightly damaged, while Fw Wilhelm Hofmann of 8./JG 26 claimed a Spitfire shot down at 1420.

USAAF
ENGLAND: LtCol Ray J. Stecker is replaced by BriGen Elwood R. Quesada as commander of the IX Fighter Command, which is in transit to England from Libya.

FRANCE: Throughout the day, in its first missions since being reconstituted in England, the IX Air Support Command dispatches 228 B-26s against airdromes in France. However, bad weather forces the bombers to abort all the missions before reaching their targets.

ITALY: XII Air Support Command A-36s attack the rail yards at Venafro; Twelfth Air Force fighter-bombers attack troops, gun emplacements, and the railroad stations at Boiano, Petacciato, and Vairano; Twelfth Air Force fighters and fighter-bombers strafe the seaplane base at Bracciano and airdromes at Grosseto, Rome, and Viterbo, and attack trains on several lines through Rome; and 47th Light Bombardment Group A-20s attack road and rail targets in central Italy.

86th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36 pilots down two Bf-109s and an Fi-156 in two separate actions.

YUGOSLAVIA: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack marshalling yards at Skoplje, and escorting P-38s attack locomotives and motor vehicles.

RAF Base Changes
2 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VC) moves to Palata
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Spitfire IX) moves to Foggia I
73 Sqn (Spitfire (VC/IX) moves to Montecorvino
93 Sqn (Spitfire VIII) moves to Triolo
145 Sqn (Spitfire VIII) moves to Triolo
206 Sqn (Fortress II/IIA) moves to Lagens
220 Sqn (Fortress II) moves to Lagens
417 Sqn (Spitfire VIII) moves to Triolo
453 Sqn RAAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Skeabrae
485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire LFIXB) moves to Hornchurch
504 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VI) moves to Peterhead
543 Sqn Disbanded
601 Sqn (Spitfire VC/VIII) moves to Triolo

First and Last Operational Missions
451 Sqn RAAF (LG.106) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIC
625 Sqn (Lancaster I/III) flies its first OM of the war

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[warshipbuilder]

401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 19-10-43
Dud weather precluded flying today and a release enabled most of the lads to look over the surrounding towns.

USAAF
ITALY: NAAF opens an air offensive against railroad bridges throughout Italy in the hope of forcing the German Army in Italy to make greater reliance upon vulnerable coastal shipping and motor transport to keep its combat divisions at the front supplied.

XII Bomber Command B-24s flying at low level attack a number of rail bridges; and NATAF aircraft attack rail lines, trains, tunnels, gun emplacements, two landing grounds, an ammunition dump, motor vehicles, and German troops.

A 33d Fighter Group P-40 pilot downs an FW-190 at 1040 hours.

SOVIET UNION: The TRIPARTATE Conference between the American, British, and Soviet foreign ministers opens in Moscow to discuss ways to shorten the war and bring about postwar cooperation.

UNITED KINGDOM: The 359th Fighter Group, in P-47s, arrives by ship from the United States for service with VIII Fighter Command’s 66th Fighter Wing.

RAF Base Changes
118 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Castletown

First and Last Operational Missions
341 Sqn (Perranporth) flies its last OM in the Spitfire IXB and its first OM in the Spitfire VB
603 Sqn (Gambut) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter TFX

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[warshipbuilder]

405 Sqn RCAF (Gransden Lodge – Lancaster III) 20-10-43
Weather: very little cloud at first increasing in to to 9/10, base 2,500 feet at 1300 hours, decreasing in afternoon but increasing again to 7/10, base 1,100 feet at 2200 hours. Visibility very good, wind moderate <unreadable> in afternoon and evening.

OPERATIONS: BOMBING ATTACK ON LEIPZIG – 14 AIRCRAFT DETAILED (ONE MISSING)
Eleven of our aircraft reached and bombed primary in poor visibility. Loads were dropped from an average height of 19,500 foot on Red and Yellow T.I. markers and also on fires in target area. One aircraft jettison load 50 degrees North at 2025 hours, when aircraft iced up and port inner engine stopped. Another aircraft abandoned mission at 20 37 hours when port inner engine iced up load jettisoned 5220N 1215E. Numerous bomb flashes and searchlights were seen over Berlin by some of our crews. Another of our aircraft abandoned mission when Bomb Aimer was ill due to oxygen supply failure. Results of bombing impossible due to poor visibility. Special equipment was used for bombing.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster III JB348 LQ-R. Crew: P/O KR Wood RAAF KIA, Sgt JH Lovelock KIA, Sgt JNR Redpath RCAF KIA, Sgt FW Bundy KIA, F/Sgt WH Hedley KIA, WO1 OO Johnson RCAF POW, F/Sgt EC Brunet RCAF KIA. T/o 1739 Gransden Lodge. Shot down by Oblt Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (32nd victory) 12./NJG1 at Harrenstätte, 7 km SE Sögel at 1926 hours. Funerals for those who died were held at Harrenstätte on 24 October, since then their remains have been taken to Reichswald War Cemetery.

BOMBER COMMAND
LEIPZIG
358 Lancasters of 1, 5, 6 and 8 Groups. 16 Lancasters lost, 4.5 percent of the force.

This was the first serious attack on this distant German city. Weather conditions were very difficult – Bomber Command records describe them as ‘appalling’ – and the bombing was very scattered. No report is available from Leipzig but it is unlikely that much damage was caused by the 271 aircraft which bombed in that area.

Minor Operations: 28 Mosquitoes to Berlin, Cologne, Brauweiler and Emden, 12 Stirlings minelaying in the Frisians, 26 O.T.U. sorties. 2 Mosquitoes lost

Leipzig route as planned:

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Leipzig route as flown:

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USAAF
ENGLAND: The 358th Fighter Group, in P-47s, arrives by ship from the United States for service with the VIII Fighter Command.

GERMANY: Two hundred twelve VIII Bomber Command B-17s are dispatched to attack aircraft-industry targets at Duren, but only 86 from the 3d Bombardment Division are able to complete the attack, releasing 209 tons of bombs over the city at about 1415 hours. Due to the failure of the new Oboe pathfinding equipment aboard the lead 1st Bombardment Division B-17, the entire formation aborts, except for the 379th Heavy Bombardment Group’s 17 B-17s, which attack Woensdrecht Airdrome in the Netherlands, with nearly 42 tons of bombs at 1430 hours. Also, 11 B-17s of the 3d Bombardment Division’s 385th Heavy Bombardment Group attack Aachen when they are unable to locate Duren. Losses are nine B-17s missing, ten damaged, and one written off following a crash-landing. Crew losses are one killed and 85 missing, plus three gunners asphyxiated due to an oxygen-system failure in their airplane.

Three hundred twenty-one VIII Fighter Command P-47s and 39 P-38s are launched to escort and support the heavy bombers. In sporadic action, four GAF fighters are downed over the Netherlands and Belgium between 1400 and 1435 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s, B-25s, B-26s, and P-38s attack the Cervetri and Marcigliana airdromes, the Rome/Casale Airdrome, and rail bridges in and near Grosseto, Montalto di Castro, and Orvieto; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous gun emplacements, motor vehicles, and rail and road targets.

YUGOSLAVIA: XII Bomber Command bombers attack a marshalling yard at Nis, and NATAF fighter-bombers sink two ships off the Dalmatian coast.

RAF Base Changes
24 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to Tortorella
144 Sqn (Beaufighter TFX) moves to Wick
410 Sqn RCAF (Mosquito NFII) moves to West Malling

First and Last Operational Missions
453 Sqn RAAF (Skeabrae) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VC
547 Sqn (Davidstowe Moor) flies its last OM in the Wellington XIII

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[warshipbuilder]

401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 21-10-43
The Squadron took off as part of Wing for Friston at 0725 hours. After being briefed, the Squadron waited about an hour and the operation was called off owing to bad weather over the Continent. They returned to base at 0905 hours in an ugly mood. After getting up before breakfast, and being keyed up to a fighting pitoh, when the operation doesn't go through there is a general lowering of morale and a feeling of love's labour lost.

BOMBER COMMAND
11 Mosquitoes to Emden, the Bruderich steelworks at Düsseldorf and Dortmund. All targets bombed without loss.

USAAF
ALBANIA: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack rail and road bridges.

FRANCE: Seventy-two 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s dispatched against the Evreux/Fauville Airdrome abort in the face of bad weather.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack a rail viaduct at Terni; XII Bomber Command B-24s attack a rail bridge at Orvieto; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack bridges at Acquapendente and Montalto di Castro, and the rail line at Orbetello; XII Bomber Command P-38s attack a radar station at Pellegrino; NATAF A-20s and B-25s attack the town area, a rail line, and troop concentrations at Cassino; and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers attack numerous tactical, rail, and road targets in and around the battle area.

P-40 pilots of the 33d Fighter Group’s 66th Fighter Squadron down six Ju-87s in an engagement at 0755 hours, and P-38 pilots of the 1st and 82d Fighter groups down eight GAF fighters over Orvieto between 1145 hours and noon. Finally, between 1800 and 1830 hours, P-39 pilots from the 350th Fighter Group’s 345th Fighter Squadron score their squadron’s first confirmed victory of the war (of seven altogether) when they intercept GAF night raiders over a convoy off Cape Tenos and down one He-111 and damage another.

Col Arthur Thomas assumes command of the XII Air Support Command.

YUGOSLAVIA: XII Bomber Command P-38 fighter-bombers attack a marshalling yard at Skoplje, and NATAF aircraft attack Axis ships at sea off the Dalmatian coast.

RAF Base Changes
4 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Trigno
12 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to Tortorella
39 Sqn (Beaufighter TFX) moves to Sidi Amor
272 Sqn (Beaufighter VIF/XIC) moves to Catania
454 Sqn RAAF (Baltimore IV) moves to St. Jean

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[warshipbuilder]

427 Sqn RCAF (Leeming – Halifax V) 22-10-43
Sixteen aircraft were detailed for operations against Kassel and as many became airborne at an extremely early hour. "P" returned early due to an oxygen failure in the mid-upper turrets of which the M/U gunner passed out. "V" abandoned task after three generators in engines had become unserviceable. ”Q” returned early due to an oil pressure drop. “Y’s port outer constant speed unit became unserviceable and as result pilot decided to abandon task. “K” crossed the enemy coast off track due to 10/10th heavy aloud up to 20,000 feet which reduced visibility to nil. Soon after crossing the coast enemy defences consisting of accurate-intense heavy flak opened up and holed “Kitty” fourteen times as evasive tactics ensued, comprised of corkscrews, dives and turnings off course, until pilot succeeded in evading the defences. This action delayed for approximately 20 minutes and since Navigator was unable to establish position pilot decided to return to base after safely jettisoning bomb load somewhere over Ruhr. "H” soon after crossing enemy coast encountered - ack-ack - intense heavy flak which vibrated the aircraft into a spiral dive and only after the loss of 7,000 feet was the pilot able to pull the aircraft under control at 12,000 feet. In this engagement about 30 minutes were lost and since the pilot would not have been able to reach the target with the main force, he returned to base early. "E” piloted by W/O D.A. Welch, RAF, returning to base early for some unknown reason, crashed near Marston Moor, Yorks., all the crew being instantly killed. The young pilot reserved, unassuming capable pilot had only a week previously became a bridegroom.

Three crews failed to return from this operation – “D” piloted F/L Weston whose Navigator, P/O Oakley, had also become a bridegroom only a fortnight previously, "N" piloted by P/O Harrison, and “G” piloted by F/S Minter.

Of the remaining aircraft which reached the target "U" piloted by P/O Cozens, was attacked by enemy aircraft three different times on the homeward journey and although there was an exchange of gunfire in each instance, the Halifax escaped unscathed and pilot succeeded in bringing it back to base.

S/L C.H. Earthrowl "A" Flight Commander, flying aircraft “B” completed his 28th trip and also his 2nd tour of operations. In his last trip this evening, he carried a second pilot in the person of the Station Commander Group Capt Plant, who appeared very much impressed by the sortie. The screening of Earthrowl on top of the aforementioned casualties comes as a bad blow to the Squadron, as he was an inspiring leader and one of the best liked Senior Officers of the station and who it is safe to say ranks as one of the most efficient and capable pilots in Bomber Command.

ADDENDUM – Halifax V DK234 ZL-Z. Crew: F/S FA Minter RCAF KIA, Sgt RE Pedder KIA, P/O I Schilansky RCAF KIA, P/O JH Balloch RCAF KIA, Sgt E Fairfield KIA, Sgt HS McCartney RCAF KIA, Sgt A Mithcell RCAF KIA. T/o 1715 Leeming. Hit by 17 batteries of schw. Falk Abt. 383, schw. Flak Abt. 151, gem. Flak Abt. 155, schw. Flak Abt. 407 and schw. Flak Abt. 145 (Eisb.), crashed at Büdderich at 2144 hrs. Six now rest in Reichswald War Cemetery, while P/O Balloch is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Halifax V LK633 ZL-N. Crew: P/O JR Harrison RCAF KIA, Sgt SC Edridge POW, P/O AH Meyers RCAF POW, Sgt JRT Cox RCAF POW, Sgt HT Winter POW, Sgt H Russell RCAF KIA, Sgt RA Wells RCAF KIA. T/o 1731 Leeming. Shot down by Hptm Eduard Jakob (1st victory) 2./NJG2, 2 km S. Harzberg at 2115 hrs. Those who died rest in Hannover War Cemetery. P/O Harrison was from St. Petersburg, Florida.

Halifax V LK959 ZL-D. Crew: F/L WJ Weston RCAF KIA, Sgt JO Lapointe RCAF KIA, Sgt PH Maudling KIA, P/O CE Oakley KIA, Sgt ET McDermott RCAF KIA, Sgt SH Hopson KIA, Sgt WG Crain RCAF KIA, Sgt GE Aitken KIA. T/o 1736 Leeming. Hit by 2.-4. gem. Flak Abt. 594, crashed Ostaaijen, SE Achtmaal at 1958 hrs. All are buried in Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery.

BOMBER COMMAND
KASSEL
569 aircraft – 322 Lancasters, 247 Halifaxes. The German controller was again successful in assessing the target and 43 aircraft – 25 Halifaxes, 18 Lancasters – were lost, 7.6 percent of the force.

The initial ‘blind’ H2S marking overshot the target but 8 out of the 9 ‘visual’ markers correctly identified the centre of Kassel and placed their markers accurately. Although German decoy markers may have drawn off part of the bomber force, the main raid was exceptionally accurate and concentrated. The result was the most devastating attack on a German city since the firestorm raid on Hamburg in July and the results at Kassel would not be exceeded again until well into 1944. The fires were so concentrated that there was a firestorm, although not as extensive as the Hamburg one.

It is impossible to list all the damage. 4,349 separate dwelling blocks containing 26,782 family living units (flats/apartments) were destroyed and 6,743 more blocks with 26,463 ‘units’ were damaged. 63 percent of all Kassel’s living accommodation became unusable and 100,000–120,000 people had to leave their homes. The fire services dealt with 3,600 separate fires. The intensity of the destruction is illustrated by the fact that more buildings were completely destroyed than those classed as ‘lightly damaged’ and there were more ‘large’ fires (1,600) than small ones (1,000); in most raids the lightly damaged buildings and small fires outnumbered serious incidents several times over.

In addition to dwelling-houses, the following properties were destroyed or badly damaged: 155 industrial buildings, 78 public buildings, 38 schools, 25 churches, 16 police and military buildings (including the local Gestapo), 11 hospitals. The Kassel records do not provide any further detail about the industrial damage caused but R.A.F. photographic reconnaissance showed that the Kassel railway system and its installations were severely hit and all 3 Henschel aircraft factories seriously damaged; as these were making V-1 flying bombs at the time, this was a most useful result of the raid and had a major effect upon the eventual opening and scale of the V-1 campaign, comparable to the recent raid on Peenemünde which set back the V-2 rocket programme.

The Kassel records give the number of dead recovered up to the end of November as 5,599, of which 1,817 bodies were unidentifiable and the records go on to add that the ‘Missing Department’ (the Vermisstensuchstelle) was still trying to trace 3,300 people. 459 survivors, however, had been recovered from ruined houses ‘after many days of heavy work’. 3,587 people were injured – 800 seriously – and a further 8,084 people were treated for smoke and heat injury to their eyes.

FRANKFURT
28 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes of 8 Group carried out a diversionary raid. Bombing was scattered. 1 Lancaster lost.

Minor Operations: 12 Oboe Mosquitoes to Knapsack power-station and 1 to Dortmund, 17 aircraft minelaying in the Frisians and off Texel, 10 O.T.U. sorties. 1 Mosquito lost.

Total effort for the night: 645 sorties, 45 aircraft (7.0 percent) lost.

It was on this night that an R.A.F. ground radio station in England, probably the one at Kingsdown in Kent, started its broadcasts with the intention of interrupting and confusing the German controllers’ orders to their night fighters. The Official History (Vol. IV, p. 23n.) describes how, at one stage, the German controller broke into vigorous swearing, whereupon the R.A.F. voice remarked, ‘The Englishman is now swearing’. To this, the German retorted, ‘It is not the Englishman who is swearing, it is me’.

Kassel route as planned:

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Kassel route as flown:

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2nd TAF


'Ramrod 290' took 72 B-26s to Evreux, while several fighter sweeps were flown, 11 Group pilots claiming seven destroyed, one probable and five damaged for just one loss. Two of the former claims and the single loss involved 421 Squadron, the pilots of which claimed two Fw 190s over Beauvais during the morning, but lost Flt Sgt I.R.Foster, who was shot down and killed, apparently by Fw Karl Ehret of 7./JG 26 at 1033.

During the afternoon 2 Group again suffered heavy casualties when 37 Bostons from 88, 107 and 342 Squadrons set off around 1400 to attack an aircraft factory at Courcelles, Belgium. For some reason Wg Cdr R.G.Dickie' England, DSO, DFC, the 107 Squadron Commanding Officer who was leading the formation, veered off course, reaching the coast south-west of Domburg, several miles from the intended landfall, pressing on over Walcheren. By now the formation had become somewhat strung out, and presented easy targets for the coastal Flak gunners. England's Boston was shot down almost at once, and crashed in flames. Three more of the squadron's aircraft went down in moments, one crashing into the sea in a huge ball of fire. One of 342 Squadron's aircraft was also hit in one engine and collided with a hedge whilst trying to crash-land in a field.

As the rest of the bombers pressed on, it was discovered that one of the 88 Squadron aircraft was also missing. Flt Lt John Reeve took over the lead, climbing to 1,000 feet as the target approached. This turned out to be a spread-out area, difficult for accurate bombing, and several crews missed it altogether. As they set course for home, another 107 Squadron aircraft had one engine shot out, while the navigator in another was hit and wounded.

USAAF
FRANCE: Although approximately 160 of nearly 200 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s dispatched on morning and afternoon missions against, respectively, Evreux/Fauville and Cambrai/Epinoy airdromes abort in the face of bad weather, the remainder are able to complete their attacks.

GREECE: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack Athens/Eleusis Airdrome, and 82d Fighter Group P-38 escort pilots down two Bf-109s near the target at about 1230 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-26s attack rail bridges near Orvieto; XII Bomber Command B-25s attack rail bridges near Grosseto; and NATAF aircraft attack Aquino Airdrome and numerous rail, road, and tactical targets in and around the battle area.

A 27th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36 pilot downs two Bf-109s near Viterbo Airdrome at 0845 hours.

TUNISIA: The XII Air Force Provisional Engineer Command is activated.

UNITED STATES: The CCS agree to the establishment of the Fifteenth Air Force to oversee the conduct of strategic Combined Bomber Offensive operations out of bases in the Mediterranean and Italy.

RAF Base Changes
47 Sqn (Beaufighter TFX) moves to El Adam

First and Last Operational Missions
74 Sqn (Peristerona) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX
142 Sqn (Kairouan) flies its last OM in the Wellington III
411 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill) flies its first OM in the Spitfire LFIXB
432 Sqn RCAF (East Moor) flies its last OM in the Wellington X

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[warshipbuilder]

66 Sqn (Perranporth – Spitfire VB) 23-10-43
Fine day. An A.S.R. search started at 1020 (F/Lt. G.Elcombe, W/O D.Mace, F/O D.Baker, F/Sgt. G.Thomas, F/O T.Hamer, Lt. Frye, Sgt. J.French, F/Lt. J.Jackson, Lt. Fato, F/O A.Deytrikh, F/Sgt. V.Lonnen). This was a successful search for survivors of a naval action off Ile de Batz, two FW 190s being shot down by F/Lt. Elcombe and F/Lt. Jackson out of four enemy machines. The other two made off without firing a shot. The day was unfortunately marred by an accident in mid-air over the drome. F/O D.Baker and W/O D.Mace were killed.

USAAF
ALBANIA: XII Bomber Command B-25s attack a bridge. Also, during an attack by XII Bomber Command P-38s on Tirana Airport, an 82d Fighter Group P-38 pilot downs a Ju-52 over the target at 0830 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-26s attack road and rail bridges at Marsciano and Montalto di Castro; and NATAF aircraft attack a German Army troop concentration near Spinete and numerous road, rail, and tactical targets in or near the battle area.

1st Fighter Group P-38 pilots down two Bf-109s and damage or probably down several others over Marsciano at 1340 hours.

RAF Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Baltimore III/IV) moves to Tortorella
74 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Idku
608 Sqn (Hudson IIIA/IV/V) moves to Montecorvino

First and Last Operational Missions
123 Sqn (Bu Amud) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIC
178 Sqn (Terria) flies its first OM in the Liberator III

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75 Sqn (Mepal – Stirling III) 24-10-43
OPERATIONS. MINING OF THE FRISIAN ISLANDS.
Two aircraft were-detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,5001bs one aircraft returned early owing to a navigational failure and the other aircraft dropped its mines but on return as, apparently about to land it crashed 1½ miles S.W. of this aerodrome and almost instantaneously caught fire and burnt out. The Captain F/SGT. J.R. RANDLE, Navigator, F/SGT F.M. EAST, the Air Bomber, SGT.J.J. PURVES, and the wireless Operator SGT. W.R. HILL were killed. The F/Eng. SGT. I. JAKS and the R/GNR, SGT. B.H. BISSETT were admitted to R.A.F. Hospital, ELY the M/UP. GNR. was uninjured.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS
13 Mosquitoes to 5 targets in the Ruhr area and 6 Mosquitoes to Emden, 30 Stirlings and Wellingtons minelaying in the Frisians and off Texel. No aircraft lost.

2nd TAF
The 24th turned out to be a much better day for the Tactical Air Force's units. During a morning Rhubarb' Flg Off L.W.Seath of 400 Squadron encountered Luftwaffe aircraft to the east of Chartres and shot down an Hs 126. Seath and his wingman flew on to Rennes, where he was able to claim damage to an He 111.

Soon after midday 403 and 421 Squadrons from Kenley, engaged with other units in escorting 72 B-26s over France, encountering 20 Bf 109s of I./JG 3 near Doullens. Flg Off Danny Browne of 403 Squadron claimed one shot down and one damaged at 1215, but Flt Lt H.J.Southwood was shot down by Fw Fritz Krüppke of 9./JG 2 north-east of Abbeville at 1219. As the Canadians reformed, 20 more fighters were seen, which this time were Fw 190s, and two of these were claimed damaged by pilots of 421 Squadron. JG 3 lost five Bf 109s, one of these flown by the Kommandeur, Maj Klaus Quaet-Faslem, who crash-landed.

During the mid-afternoon, four more 400 Squadron Mustangs set off on a further 'Rhubarb' to Hesdin, spotting four Fw 190s of 4./JG 26 in the process of taking off from Liegescourt, and these were 'bounced', Flg Off A.T.Carlson shooting down the aircraft flown by 28 victory 'Experte' Hptm Kurt Ebersberger, who was killed. A second Focke-Wulf was claimed damaged by two of Carlson's companions.

Somewhat later 12 Mitchells of 226 Squadron set off to attack Schipol airfield at Amsterdam as 'Ramrod 284, while 24 more from 98 and 320 Squadrons undertook 'Ramrod 285' to bomb a blockade-running merchant ship, Münsterland, in Cherbourg harbour. Escorting the former of these raids, 602 Squadron claimed two Bf 109s over the Dutch coast, one by Plt Off F.S.Sorge and the other by the Squadron in a joint effort. It would seem that they had shot down aircraft of II./JG 3, Hptm Werner Lucas and Uffz Günther Weck of this unit both being brought down. Lucas, Knights Cross recipient, who had claimed 106 victories over Russia, was killed, as was Weck. However, one of the 226 Squadron Mitchells was shot down by Flak during this raid.

USAAF
ALBANIA: XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack Tirana Airport.

AUSTRIA: Eighty-nine XII Bomber Command B-17s and 25 B-24s, escorted by 36 P-38s, attack the Bf-109 factory at Wiener-Neustadt. Total cloud cover prevents all but the 98th Heavy Bombardment Group, in B-24s, from dropping bombs on the target. 301st Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s are able to attack a marshalling yard north of Wiener-Neustadt.

FRANCE: Two hundred 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s, escorted by 205 VIII Fighter Command P-47s and 48 P-38s, attack Beauvais/Nivillers, Montdidier, and St.-Andre-de-L’Eure airdromes.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack a rail bridge near Orvieto and the viaduct at Terni; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous road, rail, and tactical targets in and around the battle area.

P-38 pilots of the 1st Fighter Group’s 27th Fighter Squadron down an Mc.202 and two Bf-109s in an engagement over Lake Bracciano, near Rome, at 1135 hours. Also, during the course of several afternoon actions, A-36 pilots of the 27th Fighter-Bomber Group’s 522d Fighter-Bomber Squadron down three Bf-109s and an Fi-167 biplane.

YUGOSLAVIA: NATAF aircraft attack road and rail targets along the Dalmatian coast.

RAF Base Changes
19 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Gravesend
65 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Gravesend

First and Last Operational Missions
349 Sqn (Friston - Spitfire VC/IX) flies its first OM of the war

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[warshipbuilder]

312 Sqn (Czech) (Ibsley – Spitfire VC) 25-10-43
Weather unchanged. At mid-day Squadron moved west to Portreath with the rest of the Wing for 10 Group Ramrod 95. The Wing gave close escort to Mitchells bombing Brest Lanveoc - Poulmic Airfield. No E/A seen but intense flak, caused the loss of two bombers and of F/O. Stastny of our Squadron. He was last seen by a 310 Squadron pilot 50 miles S. of Lizard after successfully baling out. Air/Sea Rescue sorties were made without success. He was not in his dinghy. Everbody liked him and his loss was felt by the whole Squadron.

BOMBER COMMAND
23 Stirlings minelaying in the Kattegat without loss.

2nd TAF
24 Mitchells of 98 and 320 Squadrons raided Brest/Lanveoc Poulmic airfield during the day, the Dutch squadron leading the attack. Despite heavy Flak, this unit went in straight and level, when suddenly Sgt C.J.Banks' aircraft exploded violently from a direct hit. S/L Bakker's Mitchell then also blew up, similarly hit. Two more bombers were badly hit, one crash-landing at Portreath on return with the pilot wounded, while the second was blown onto its back by the explosion of the first two; this Mitchell, the lead aircraft, was then hit in the fuselage between the radio operator's position and the dorsal turret, the gunner being severely wounded. The pilot, J.H.Maas, managed to pull out of a steep dive and limp back to Exeter, where a good landing was made.

The day was also marked by the first operational use of the rocket projectile by the Typhoon, albeit with disastrous initial results.

'Black Monday'
The first Typhoon rocket attack - 25 October 1943
In the same month that the TAF was formed, the first Typhoon was fitted with the 3-inch RP (Rocket Projectiles) which had been introduced the previous year on Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo-bombers of the Fleet Air Arm. Hurricanes so-equipped were just entering service, but it was thought that the Typhoon could be an ideal launching platform for the weapon. In fact the partnership would prove legendary.

Successful trials at A&AEE and AFDU led to the issue of the first four RP-equipped Typhoons from the ARF at Detling to 181 Squadron at New Romney early in September 1943. This unit had been the first Typhoon bomber squadron and would now pioneer the rocket-armed variant in service use. On 21 September pilots from the Squadron watched an RP demonstration by 184 Squadron Hurricanes at Leysdown range; the next day it was their turn. The Squadron ORB records that the pilots enthused about this new addition to the Typhoon's firepower and thought the combination had a 'big future'. It would be some months before the right tactics and targets would be found for the weapon, and that would be after a disastrous start.

Over the next few days, many sorties were flown on the range and against a target ship off the coast at Eastbourne. On 21 October, the unit was ready for the first operation and in the afternoon, Sqn Ldr F.W.M.Jensen led three of his pilots, escorted by 247 Squadron, with 182 Squadron as top cover, round the Channel Islands in search of shipping. No targets were sighted and the Squadron tried once more early on the morning of 23 October, but again no enemy shipping was to be seen.

Frustrated by the lack of opportunity to test the new weapon, a set piece attack was planned, involving all the 16 Wing squadrons. The target chosen was a power station at Caen, and it would be attacked by six RP-armed Typhoons, with a close escort provided by 247 Squadron and top cover by 182 Squadron. From 121 Airfield, 174 Squadron would carry out a diversionary bombing attack on marshalling yards nearby, escorted by 245 Squadron, while 175 Squadron would provide top cover and would join 182 Squadron in carrying out sweeps calculated to draw Flak. The six 181 Squadron aircraft would take advantage of the chaos, crossing the marshalling yards after the attack to pick up a railway line which was thought to be necessary to provide navigational assistance at low-level leading up to their target. Sqn Ldr Jensen was again leading the rocket- Typhoons, and felt some misgivings (subsequently justified) regarding the chosen approach to the target. This might provide vital clues to the Typhoons' intended target, allowing the defences to be alerted by signalmen along the route.

The Typhoons departed from their home airfields between 1220 and 1240 on 25 October, and headed across the Channel. Visibility was poor however, and 174 Squadron's pilots were unable to identify the marshalling yards through cloud, forcing

them to bomb alternative targets on the coast, while the other units carried out their diversionary roles. The 181 Squadron Typhoons, 'right on the deck' in two 'vics' of three, thundered down the railway line towards the power station. Jensen later recalled: "Just before the target was a line of poplars which marked the point where it was necessary to pull up into the rocket-launching position. At that moment all hell let loose as the Flak batteries opened up; Flg Off Hugh Collins and myself were hit immediately, and Fig Off King a few seconds later. I prepared for a forced- landing, jettisoning my rockets and cockpit side panels; with forward vision obscured by oil on the windscreen, I had to stick my head out of the side of the cockpit, but fortunately spotted a ploughed field in which to put the Typhoon down. I remember trying to keep the Tiffie straight with the rudder, as normal, and the rudder bar nearly broke my ankles!"

Two of the Typhoons discharged their rockets at tempting rail targets en route and three salvoes of rockets hit the power station. Both Jensen and Collins achieved successful forced- landings and were subsequently captured, but Flg Off 'Paddy' King died in his Typhoon. Of the three survivors, Flt Lt Peacock and Fig Off Jones were both killed in subsequent operations with 181 Squadron, but Pit Off Brandreth completed his tour with the Squadron, and later with 137 Squadron, afterwards commanding 181 Squadron shortly before it was disbanded nearly two years after this memorable day (which would be recorded in 181 Squadron's ORB as 'Black Monday').

USAAF
ITALY: NATAF aircraft attack Tarquinia Airdrome and numerous roads and bridges servicing German Army forces in and around the battle area.

YUGOSLAVIA: Twelfth Air Force P-39 fighter-bombers attack the landing ground at Podgorica, and NATAF aircraft attack road and rail targets along the Dalmatian coast.

RAF Base Changes
241 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Phillipeville
547 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Thorney Island

First and Last Operational Missions
235 Sqn (Portreath) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter VIF

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[warshipbuilder]

307 Sqn (Polish) (Predannack – Mosquito NFII) 26-10-43
One Air/Sea Rescue and two Instep patrols. One aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble. One aircraft with crew, W.O. Los, Pilot, and Sgt. Posner, Nav.Rad. missing. Cause unknown. Last heard on R/T at 19.25 hrs, approx. 49.50N 8.208W. Some flying training. Total Times:- 31 hr 05 min.

ADDENDUM – Mosquito NFII DD781. Crew: W/O SW Los KIA, Sgt IL Posner KIA. Instep Patrol, south-west of the Scilly Islands.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 2906th Provisional Observation Training Group is redesignated the 495th Fighter Training Group. The unit processes and provides advanced theater training to replacement fighter pilots for both the Eighth and Ninth air forces.

GREECE: XII Bomber Command B-25s and P-38s attack Megalo Mikra and Salonika/Sedhes airdromes.

ITALY: NATAF B-25s attack Terracina and an ammunition dump; and other NATAF aircraft attack parked Axis aircraft near Ancona, and road, rail, and tactical targets from central Italy south to the battle area.

RAF Base Changes
3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk II/III) moves to Mileni
5 Sqn SAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Mileni
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Mileni
134 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to Qassassin
260 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Mileni
349 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Southend

First and Last Operational Missions
152 Sqn (Goia del Colle) flies its last OM’s in the Spitfire Vb & IX
220 Sqn (Lagens) flies its first OM in the Fortress IIA
235 Sqn (Portreath) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter TFX
424 Sqn RCAF (Non-Op) leaves for the UK
425 Sqn RCAF (Non-Op) leaves for the UK
450 Sqn RAAF (Mileni) flies its last OM in the Kittyhawk III
489 Sqn RNZAF (Leuchars) flies its last OM in the Hampden I

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