Action This Day

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75 Sqn (Mepal – Stirling III) 8.9.43
TRAINING.
After the completion of night flying tests we prepared for night operations.

OPERATIONS. ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT BOULOGNE.
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. They carried their maximum bomb load in bombs of 1,000lbs and 500lbs. One aircraft crashed whilst taking off and two returned early. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Very little fires were seen, but numerous huge explosions were observed in the target area. Some heavy and light predicted A.A.fire and a few searchlights, were encountered but caused no trouble. Some enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. The weather was good and visibility was clear except for slight ground haze. Navigation was excellent. The aircraft which crashed during take-off was captained by F/O. I.R.MENZIES.Whilst taking off it swung off the runway and crashed into two houses on the far side of the perimeter track. It caught fire almost simultaneously, and in the fire various bombs exploded, and the aircraft was a total wreck. Three members of the crew were killed, a W.A.A.A.F. officer of R.A.F.Station, MEPAL was killed, and an Aircrew Sergeant, was killed, both of the latter whilst rendering assistance. In addition two civilians were killed and others injured.

Bomber Command
BOULOGNE GUN POSITIONS
257 aircraft – 119 Wellingtons, 112 Stirlings, 16 Mosquitoes, 10 Halifaxes. O.T.U. aircraft formed part of this force and 5 B-17s also flew the first American night-bombing sorties of the war with Bomber Command. Nos. 4 and 5 Groups did not take part in the raid. No aircraft lost.

The target was the site of a German long-range gun battery and the marking was mainly provided by Oboe Mosquitoes, some of whom were experimenting with a new technique. But the raid was not successful; the marking and the bombing were not accurate and the battery does not appear to have been damaged.

Route as planned:

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Route as flown by 6 Group:

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2nd TAF
Another reconnaissance Mustang was lost, this one from 414 Squadron, which was broughtdown in the Mardyck area by Uffz Gerd Wiegand of 8./JG 26.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 44th, 93d, and 389th Heavy Bombardment groups, all in B-24s, are returned to operational status with the 2d Bombardment Division following several months’ temporary service with IX Bomber Command (Operation TIDALWAVE).

The Eighth Air Force activates the 652d Heavy Bombardment Squadron as a provisional weather-reconnaissance unit charged with conducting meteorological missions over the North Atlantic. The unit is equipped with B-17s.

FRANCE: A total of 135 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack the Lille/Nord and Lille/Vendeville airdromes between 0922 and 1013 hours; and 68 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack German Army coastal defenses around Boulogne between 1756 and 1818 hours.

During the night of September 8–9, five B-17s from the Eighth Air Force’s independent 422d Heavy Bombardment Squadron join RAF bombers in a raid against targets in the Boulogne area. The B-17s drop 43 500-pound general-purpose bombs and five special Photoflash bombs. This is the first Eighth Air Force night-bombing mission of the war.

ITALY: At 1830 hours, on the eve of the AVALANCHE landings, Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower announces the armistice with Italy. This is followed at 1945 hours by a similar announcement from Marshal Pietro Badoglio. Upon Badoglio’s announcement, the Italian Fleet and many Italian warplanes head for predetermined points to surrender to the Allies.

Strikes by Allied aircraft on targets near Salerno continue right up until the landings begin: IX Bomber Command B-24s attack the Foggia satellite fields; about 130 XII Bomber Command B-17s attack Frascati; XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack highways and bridges; and Twelfth Air Force fighters support the British Eighth Army around Pizzo.

During the night of September 8–9, Twelfth Air Force fighters bomb and strafe roads behind the invasion area, and medium bombers attack roads and junctions in the Naples area.

SARDINIA: Twelfth Air Force P-40s attack the landing ground at Pabillonis.

TUNISIA: The 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group reaches its new base at La Marsa Airdrome and is assigned to the Twelfth Air Force. The new unit is equipped with F-5 photo-reconnaissance aircraft, a P-38 variant.

RAF
First and Last Operational Missions
308 Sqn (Davisdstowe Moor) flies its last OM in the Wellington XIII
544 Sqn (Benson) flies its last OM in the Mosquito PRIV

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331 Sqn (Norwegian) (North Weald – Spitfire IX) 9.9.43
Fair, slight breeze. Ground mist in the morning but cleared by 09.45 hrs. when 13 a/c including and led by Winco took off on Beach patrol No. 5. They were given freedom to move outside of area, so they swept Bethune, Lille Ghent, Ecclo, Ypres and came out east of Dunkirk. No e/a and no flak. Returned to base without incident 11.25 hrs.

12 a/c including and led by Winco took off at 14.15 hrs. Ramrod S.45. They reached Merville at 25.000 ft. then swept over Lille and back to Merville where they saw the bombers. At this time Yellow 2, Sgt. Horg, reported engine trouble and was escorted back as far as Dunkirk where he was seen to crash about 500 - yards off shore, at 15.11 hrs. Nobody saw him bale out. The rest returned to base at 15.45 hrs.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire IX MA748. Pilot: Sgt HA Horg KIA.

2nd TAF
After two weeks of associated aerial bombardment, Operation 'Starkey' took place on this date. The expected large-scale opposition from the Luftwaffe failed to materialise, but Spitfires from 122 Airfield did manage to find some action.

Capt T. Johnsen, a Norwegian flight commander with 122 Squadron, was able to claim two Bf 109s probably shot down north of the Somme Estuary during 'Ramrod S.43' (killing a pilot of 5./JG 2 and wounding another from this unit's 4 Staffel in the process). However the Squadron lost one of its new Spitfire IXs, either to Hptm Kurt Bühligen of II./JG 2 at 1557, or to 8./JG 26's Uffz Wiegand who claimed one in the St Pol area three minutes later.

USAAF
FRANCE: The Eighth Air Force concludes Operation STARKEY, a dress rehearsal for the air plan drawn up for the invasion of France in mid-1944: Between 0830 and 0840 hours, 1st Bombardment Division B-17s seed Lille/Nord, Lille/Vendeville, and Vitry-en-Artois airdromes with thousands of 20-pound fragmentation bombs designed to damage airplanes, buildings, and equipment; four 2d Bombardment Division B-24 groups (including the 392d Heavy Bombardment Group, in its combat debut) attack the Abbeville/Drucat, St.-Omer/Ft. Rouge, and St.-Omer/Longuenesse airdromes with general-purpose and fragmentation bombs; 20 of 87 3d Bombardment Division B-17s briefed to attack an aircraft plant in Paris do so at 0903 hours while 48 B-17s divert to a secondary target, the Beaumont-sur-Oise Airdrome, between 0855 and 0916 hours; also, at about 0815 hours, 59 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack their briefed target, the Beauvais/Tille Airdrome.

Two hundred fifteen P-47 escort are launched in support of the heavy-bomber attacks, including a patrol over the English coast by the 352d Fighter Group, in its combat debut with VIII Fighter Command. Just one GAF airplane is claimed, an FW-109 downed near Beauvais at 0817 by a 56th Fighter Group P-47 pilot.

Two hundred two 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s drop more than 334 tons of bombs on coast-defense positions around Boulogne between 0745 and 0915 hours at a cost of three B-26s lost to enemy fire, 18 B-26s damaged, and two B-26s lost in operational accidents. Crew losses amount to 11 killed, 19 missing, and eight wounded.

ITALY: When the U.S. Fifth Army, including some attached British Army units, invades southern Italy at Salerno and Paestum, powerful German Army ground forces are immediately dispatched from other areas to counterattack the beachhead. The entire Twelfth Air Force is ordered aloft to stem the flow of German troops and vehicles.

IX Bomber Command B-24s attack the Foggia satellite fields; XII Bomber Command B-17s attack bridges at Cancello Arnone and Capua; more than 240 B-25 and B-26 sorties are mounted against rail bridges at Potenza and the landing ground at Scanzano; and NATAF aircraft patrol over the landing beaches, provide on-call air support against all manner of tactical targets, and mount sweeps against motor vehicles and other targets of opportunity.

During the course of hundreds of fighter sorties, only three GAF aircraft are engaged: a Do-217 bomber that is damaged by a 325th Fighter Group P-40 pilot during a morning mission; and an FW-190 and an Fi-156 that are downed by 86th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36 pilots, also during the morning.

RAF
Base Changes
33 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Bersis
237 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to Idku

First and Last Operational Missions
239 Sqn (Hornchurch) flies its last OM in the Mustang I
274 Sqn (Derna) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIC
404 Sqn RCAF (Wick) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter TFX

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198 Sqn (Manston – Typhoon IB) 10.9.43
We turned our attention to shipping once again when eight of our aircraft took off at 1130 for a Roadstead to the Dutch Islands.

Aircraft took off from Manston, and, making landfall North of Demburg, swept into the OOSTERSCHELDE. Although the weather turned out be extremely difficult (10/10 at 400 feet) two small Naval auxiliaries (provisionally identified as a fishing protection vessel of 200 tons and a motor guardship) were attacked repeatedly, set on fire and beached North of KATS. The operation was marred by the loss of one at our original pilots, F/Sgt. Pat Donagby who disappeared in the bad visibility during the attack and was not seen again. An air-sea rescue march was carried out in the afternoon on his behalf by F/O Houston and F/O Jonas, but without success. The days score thus became: Claims, Cat 2. 1 Fishery protection vessel. (200 tons).

ADDENDUM – Typhoon IB JP508 TP-? Pilot: F/Sgt M Donagby POW. Shot down by flak.

USAAF
ITALY: The German Army occupies the city of Rome.

XII Bomber Command B-17s, B-25s, and B-26s attack the communications network leading to the Salerno area from throughout central Italy; IX Bomber Command B-24s attack a Foggia satellite field; and NATAF aircraft provide direct and general support for Allied forces within the beachhead area.

At 0740 hours, while conducting an armed reconnaissance over southern Italy, 12 27th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36s come upon a German Army road column amounting to more than 500 trucks and armored vehicles moving north through Lagonegro, 70 road miles from Salerno. In the attack that follows, and numerous others mounted on this column during the day by the 27th Fighter-Bomber Group, an estimated 177 German vehicles are destroyed and an estimated 246 are damaged. The road column, which equals the strength of three armored divisions, is completely stalled. The decisive nature of this single interdiction—one among many performed by Twelfth Air Force aircraft—can be seen when it is taken into account that concerted German Army counterattacks at Salerno nearly drive their way through the beachhead to the sea.

Throughout the 27th Fighter-Bomber Group attacks on the German Army road column, only one GAF fighter is engaged, a Bf-109 that is downed by a 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadron A-36 pilot. In other, extremely light fighter action, three GAF fighters are downed over or near the invasion beaches by 1st and 31st Fighter group pilots.

Within only one day of the landings, the former Axis airdrome at Paestum, in the British zone, is made operational in anticipation of an early occupation by the 33d Fighter Group, which has made something of a specialty of being the first Allied air unit into a forward location.

During the night of September 10–11, the 12th Medium Bombardment Group, in B-25s, attacks several communications centers.

RAF
Base Changes
225 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Salerno
266 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Exeter

First and Last Operational Missions
92 Sqn (Lentini) flies its last OM’s in the Spitfire VB and VC

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317 Sqn (Polish) (Fairlop – Spitfire VB) 11.9.43
Slight fog in the morning and in the afternoon, a remarkably successful Ramrod 216. The Squadron led by F/Lt. JANICKII, Z, took off at 1600 hours. Our eleven aircraft were part of the Polish Wing which made rendezvous and escorted bomber to a target at ROUEN. When over the target the Wing Commander ordered all Wing into fours led by their <unreadable> Commanders respectively to <unreadable) with ten or more pairs of F.W.190s. Combat followed in which F/Lt. JANICKI, Z, damaged one F.W.190 and shared a destroyed F.W. with F/Lt, MARTINI, F, who destroyed a second F.W.190 and damaged yet another. F/O WAL, R, shot down a third and F/O, KUROWICKI, S, shot down a fourth F.W. 190 before announcing on the R/T that he was hit, This pilot did not return. He was last seen fighting with four F.W.190s, south-west of ROUEN. The remaining pilots landed safely back at 1755 hours in two's and threes. MARTINI's aircraft had two sizeable holes in the Wings.

Other Flying for today was local formation flying carried out by two pilots.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL406 JH-? Pilot: P/O S Kurowicki KIA. Shot down by FW-190 near Rouen. Buried at Le Havre Military Cemetery.

2nd TAF
Grp Capt H.C.A. Paddy' Woodhouse, commander of 16 Wing which comprised two Typhoon Airfields, and Wg Cdr Alec Ingle, Wing Leader of 124 Airfield, led Typhoons from both Airfields over France during the evening to attack Beauvais/Tillé airfield, where around 20 Fw 190s were encountered. Damage was claimed to three of these, including one by Woodhouse himself, but Ingle was shot down, becoming a POW,("Irvin beat Newton by two seconds..." he later wrote, his parachute having opened just in time); 175 Squadron's Flt Sgt R.O'Hara-Murray was killed however. Pilots of II./JG 26 were responsible, Hptm Naumann, Lt Hoppe and Fw Peter Crump each claiming a Typhoon shot down, although Naumann's claim was subsequently rejected.

USAAF
FRANCE: Thirty-two 323d Medium Bombardment Group B-26s attack Beaumont-le-Roger Airdrome at 1756 hours; and 14 of 19 322d Medium Bombardment Group B-26s are damaged by enemy fire during an attack at 1704 hours on the day’s briefed secondary target, the Le Trait shipyard.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack a marshalling yard, a bridge, and a highway junction in and around Benevento; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack highways and road junctions serving German Army forces moving on the beachhead area; and NATAF aircraft provide support throughout the day for Allied forces in the beachhead, and attack a broad band of routes leading into the area.

In all, nine GAF fighters and a Ju-52 are downed by USAAF fighter pilots during several afternoon engagements, all more or less over the Salerno beachhead. 1stLt Gerald L. Rounds, a P-38 pilot with the 82d Fighter Group’s 97th Fighter Squadron, achieves ace status when he downs a Bf-109 while patrolling over the Salerno beachhead area at 1440 hours. Rounds’s fighter is damaged in this action and he is forced to crash-land at his base in Sicily. And 1stLt Rodney W. Fisher, a P-38 pilot with the 1st Fighter Group’s 71st Fighter Squadron, achieves ace status when he downs an FW-190 and two Bf-109s at 1745 hours while defending the Salerno beachhead.

SARDINIA: Axis forces begin a peaceful evacuation of the island via Corsica, where Free French Army troops are aiding citizens in an uprising against the German garrison.

UNITED KINGDOM: In anticipation of the transfer of the Ninth Air Force to England, MajGen Ira C. Eaker, the commanding general of the Eighth Air Force, is named commander of all USAAF units and personnel in the United Kingdom.

RAF
Base Changes
274 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Ibsley

First and Last Operational Missions
603 Sqn (Borizzo) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IC
616 Sqn (Ibsley) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VII

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401 Sqn RCAF (Fairlop – Spitfire VB) 12.9.43
Weather: Clouds 2-6/10 at 2,500 it. vis 2,000-4,000 yds., Wind 8-12 m.p.h. from E by S.W.

The Squadron put in intensive practice on Squadron aerobatics, including tail chase and cine gun pactice, air fighting, flight formations and tactics.

USAAF
GREECE: IX Bomber Command B-24s attack Kalathos and Maritsa airdromes.

ITALY: As German Army pressure mounts on the Salerno beachhead, XII Bomber Command B-17s attack road defiles at Mignano, a road bridge at Benevento, and the Frosinone Airdrome; and NATAF aircraft provide support for Allied forces in the beachhead throughout the day, and attack numerous communications targets in the area.

In the day’s only fighter action, 82d Fighter Group P-38 pilots probably down two GAF fighters over the sea near Salerno during the afternoon.

Engineers complete a new runway near Paestum.

The Isle of Capri, in the Gulf of Naples, is occupied.

During the night of September 12–13, NATAF aircraft fly numerous intruder missions over six Axis airdromes between Rome and Pizzo.

RAF
Base Changes
72 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Tusciano
239 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to West Raynham

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3 Sqn (Manston – Typhoon IB) 13.9.43
10/10ths low cloud during the morning with rain showers. Broken cloud in the afternoon.

At 1115 hours 9 BOMBPHOONS of the Squadron led by S/Ldr. HAWKINS, M.C. A.F.C. set out to attack any shipping that might be lurking among the DUTCH ISLANDS. They found and attacked plenty of ships between OVERFLAKKEE, SCHOUWEN and THOLEN with the following results. Cat. I - 2 Coasters and 1 Barge. Cat. II 1 Pile Driver, 1 Dredger, 1 Coaster (6/800 tons) Tugs and 1 Barge. Cat.III-6 Tugs, 2 Barges and 1 Launch. A splendid attack but unfortunately at the cost of two pilots, as F/Sgt CHRISFORD was last seen making his way in the direction of DORDRECHT having announced that he would be compelled to crash land. F/O DOWNES (Canadian) was forced to bale out about 20 miles N.E. of OSTENDE. He made a short speech of farewell and good wishes to the Squadron over the R/T and was then seen in his parachute and it is possible that he was picked up by a nearby fishing fleet. Search patrols were put out immediately. 198 Squadron sent out 4 aircraft and later F/Lt COLLINS D.F.C and Sgt WHITMAN (Canadian) went out to search. On the way back Set WHITMAN was forced to ditch which he did most successfully 15 miles off ZEEBRUGGE. 2 further sections of 3 Squadron went out on A/S/R and located Sgt WHITMAN who was firing flares. He was eventually picked up by a Walrus and taken back to HAWKINGE, after an adventurous time and was admitted to S.S.Q. HAWKINGE. F/O F.C.H. CUSTANCE (Adjutant) returned from H.Q. 11 Group.

ADDENDUM – Typhoon IB DN623 JF-U. Pilot: Sgt C Crisford POW.

Typhoon IB EJ989 JF-S. Pilot: F/O JM Downes RCAF POW. Hit by flak. Downes was an American serving in the RCAF.

BOMBER COMMAND
5 Oboe Mosquitoes to Cologne and 5 to Duisburg. No losses.

USAAF
ENGLAND: In a major reorganizational move based on assessments of combat command-and-control experience over the preceding year, the Eighth Air Force officially activates the three heavy bombardment divisions that have overseen combat missions on a provisional basis on September 6, 7, and 9. The 1st Bombardment Division, commanded by MajGen Robert B. Williams, assumes responsibility for overseeing the combat operations of the 1st Heavy Bombardment Wing (B-17s); the 2d Bombardment Division, commanded by BriGen James P. Hodges, assumes responsibility for overseeing all Eighth Air Force B-24 units; and the 3d Bombardment Division, commanded by MajGen Curtis E. LeMay, assumes responsibility for overseeing the 4th Heavy Bombardment Wing (B-17s). Each bombardment division will also eventually have particular fighter and other operational units assigned.

The 1st and 40th Combat Bombardment wings begin overseeing several 1st Bombardment Division B-17 groups; the 2d, 14th, 20th, and 41st Combat Bombardment wings begin overseeing several 2d Bombardment Division B-24 groups; and the 4th, 13th, and 45th Combat Bombardment wings each begin overseeing several 3d Bombardment Division B-17 groups. Also, the various provisional combat bombardment wings and the 6th Fighter Group (responsible for training the Eighth Air Force’s replacement fighter pilots) are disbanded.

The 91st, 351st, and 381st Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 1st Bombardment Division’s 1st Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 92d and 305th Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 1st Heavy Bombardment Division’s 40th Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 303d, 379th, and 384th Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 1st Heavy Bombardment Division’s 41st Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 389th Heavy Bombardment Group is assigned to the 2d Bombardment Division’s 2d Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 44th and 392d Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 2d Bombardment Division’s 14th Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 92d Heavy Bombardment Group is assigned to the 2d Bombardment Division’s 20th Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 94th and 385th Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 3d Bombardment Division’s 4th Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 95th, 100th, and 390th Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 3d Bombardment Division’s 13th Combat Bombardment Wing.

The 96th and 388th Heavy Bombardment groups are assigned to the 3d Bombardment Division’s 45th Combat Bombardment Wing.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s and B-25s, and NATAF light and medium bombers attack roads and highways leading to the Salerno area; and NATAF A-36s destroy as many as 30 German Army vehicles near Potenza. (While doing so, 27th and 86th Fighter-Bomber group A-36 pilots down six GAF fighters in two separate morning engagements.)

The 33d Fighter Group moves forward from Sicily to Paestum Airdrome, in the Salerno beachhead.

During the night of September 13–14, in a rush operation, 600 U.S. Army paratroopers are dropped at Agropoli, south of Salerno, by 82 52d Troop Carrier Wing C-47s and C-53s. The drop is flawless; the paratroopers are dropped exactly on the drop zone, and no airplanes are lost.

LIBYA: Col Frederick M. Byerly replaces Col Charles D. McAllister as commanding officer of the IX Fighter Command.

RAF
Base Changes
243 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Tusciano
611 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Coltishall

First and Last Operational Missions
544 Sqn (Benson) flies its first OM in the Mosquito PRIX

[warshipbuilder]

617 Sqn (Coningsby – Lancaster III) 14.9.43
On 14th. September 8 aircraft (Captains S/L. Holden, S/L. Maltby, F/L. Shannon, F/L. Wilson, F/L. Knight, F/L. Allenbrook, P/O. Rice and P/O. Divall) took off to carry out an attack on the Dortmund Canal. At approximately 0040 hrs. on the 15th, a recall message was sent to all aircraft, on account of unfavourable weather. The aircraft were then over the North Sea, and in turning to make the homeward journey the aircraft piloted by S/L. Maltby was seen to crash into the sea. Nothing definite is known of the cause of this accident, but it is possible the aircraft struck the water. R F/Lt. Shannon circled over the spot for over two hours and directed the Air Sea Rescue to the scene. The body of S/L. Maltby was recovered, but no trace was found of the remainder of the crew.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster III JA891 KC-J. Crew: S/L DJH Maltby DSO DFC KIA, Sgt W Hutton KIA, F/S V Nicholson DFM KIA, F/O J Fort DFC KIA, F/S AJ Stone KIA, F/S V Hill KIA, W/O JL Welch DFM KIA, Dgt HT Simmonds KIA. T/o 2350 Coningsby carrying a 12,000-lb HC bomb and set course for the Dortmund-Ems canal near Ladbergen. Recalled, but for reasons not known crashed 0040 into the sea 8 miles NW of Cromer, Norfolk. S/L Maltby is buried at Wickhambreaux, Kent; his crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. With the exception of W/O Welch, this crew had made the final attack on the Möhne dam.

BOMBER COMMAND
Minor Operations
8 Lancasters of 617 Squadron set out with the new 12,000-lb bomb (not the 12,000-lb Tallboy ‘earthquake’ bomb developed later) to attack the banks of the Dortmund–Ems Canal near Ladbergen. While the force was over the North Sea, however, a weather reconnaissance Mosquito reported that there was fog in the target area and the Lancasters were recalled. The aircraft of Flight Lieutenant D. J. H. Maltby, one of the original members of the squadron that had attacked the Ruhr dams, crashed into the sea and the crew were all killed. Maltby’s body was washed ashore and is buried at Wickhambreux, near Canterbury in Kent; the names of the other 6 crew members are on the Runnymede Memorial for the Missing.

8 Mosquitoes made a nuisance raid on Berlin. 1 aircraft lost.

USAAF
ENGLAND: The 55th Fighter Group, a P-38 unit, arrives from the United States aboard ship for duty with the VIII Fighter Command.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO): Scheduled attacks by more than 100 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s against GAF airdromes are aborted due to bad weather.

The 355th Fighter Group, in P-47s, makes its combat debut in an uneventful fighter sweep over the North Sea coast.

ITALY: As part of an all-out air, naval, and ground effort to stem German Army counterattacks against the Salerno beachhead, XII Bomber Command B-17s, B-25s, and B-26s, IX Bomber Command B-24s, and RAF heavy bombers attack highways, bridges, defiles, road centers, rail lines, marshalling yards, a barracks, gun emplacements, and numerous other targets in a wide band around the battle area. Also, NATAF aircraft mount more than 500 combat sorties in direct support of the Allied ground forces. By day’s end, the German Army counterattack against the Salerno beachhead is stemmed, thanks in large part to relentless air-interdiction operations conducted by USAAF and RAF air units.

Two FW-190s and an Fi-56 are downed during several morning engagements over the Salerno beachhead by 27th and 86th Fighter-Bomber group A-36 pilots and 82d Fighter Group P-38 pilots.

British Eighth Army troops enter Bari.

During the night of September 14–15, XII Troop Carrier Command C-47s drop U.S. Army paratroopers near the Sele River.

RAF
Base Changes
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Spitfire IX) moves to San Francesco
59 Sqn (Liberator V) moves to Ballykelly
92 Sqn (Spitfire VIII) moves to Grottaglie
122 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Brenzett

First and Last Operational Missions
73 Sqn (La Sabala II) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX
417 Sqn RCAF (Lentini West) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
454 Sqn RAAF (LG.91) flies its last OM in the Baltimore III
488 Sqn RNZAF (Bradwell Bay) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter VIF

[warshipbuilder]

428 Sqn RCAF (Middleton St. George – Halifax V) 15.9.43
Weather clear. Operations ordered for a raid on Montlucon. 26 aircraft taking part. Rubber factory the objective. Station Parade held at 0830 in remembrance of the Battle of Britain. 120 personnel of this sqn were detailed to attend. Congratulations on the appearance and smartness was extended by F/L Davies the new adj. W/C Smith is going on operations to-night.

Bombing exercises were carried out this a.m. satisfactorily. W/C Smith failed to return and is reported missing. A very great loss. F/L Formen, Gunnnery Leader and Acting Flight Commander F/L Mason, Navigation Leader, P/O Dereniuk, Bombardier, Sgt. Heywarth, Engineer Leader, P/O Bell as 2nd Pilot on his second trip, Sgt. Malins WOP/AG and W/O Nelmes both experienced crew, all were with the O.C. and are now reported missing. One aircraft EM252 landed at Tangure on an early return due to port engine being unserviceable. Another early return by DE252 due to air speed indicator failure. Photographs of results were not good due to clouds. Three new crews arrived late to-night and due to not being informed accommodation was not available. Some at the N.C.O.'s had to sleep in chairs.

ADDENDUM – Halifax V LK913 NA-N. Crew: W/C WDM Smith POW, P/O EN Bell RCAF POW, Sgt C Heyworth EVD, F/L EB Mason RCAF EVD, F/O H Dereniuk RCAF KIA, P/O RO Malins POW, P/O JM Nelmes RCAF EVD, F/L JM Forman RCAF EVD. T/o 1958 Middleton St. George. Hit by incendiary bombs while approaching the target, turned away and crash landed at Cérilly, 35 km NNE of Montlucon.

BOMBER COMMAND
MONTLUÇON
369 aircraft of 3, 4, 6 and 8 Groups – 209 Halifaxes, 120 Stirlings, 40 Lancasters. 5 American B-17s also took part. 2 Halifaxes and 1 Stirling lost.

This was a moonlit raid on the Dunlop rubber factory at Montluçon in Central France. The Pathfinders marked the target accurately and the Master Bomber, Wing Commander D. F. E. C. Deane, brought the Main Force in well to carry out some accurate bombing. Every building in the factory was hit and a large fire was started. This appears to be the last occasion on which the Pathfinders used the Master Bomber technique until the spring of 1944.

No report of the raid is available from France.

Route as planned:

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Dortmund–Ems Canal
8 Lancasters of 617 Squadron took off to carry out the postponed raid on the banks of the canal but the area was misty and 5 aircraft were lost, including those of Pilot Officer L. G. Knight, another of the Dams Raid survivors, and the new squadron commander, Squadron Leader G. Holden. These heavy losses, and the losses of the Dams Raid, confirmed that low-level attacks on German targets, even when away from major defended areas, were not viable with heavy bombers and this type of operation was not repeated. 617 Squadron now started retraining as a specialist high-altitude-bombing unit.

Dortmund-Ems Canal route as flown:

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USAAF
FRANCE: Eighty-seven 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack Romilly-sur-Seine Airdrome with nearly 268 tons of bombs at 1850 hours; and 47 2d Bombardment Division B-24s attack Chartres Airdrome with 141 tons of bombs at about 0905 hours; 78 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Hispano-Suiza aircraft-engine factory in Paris with 229 tons of bombs at about 1855 hours; 21 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Billancourt-Renault works in Paris with 63 tons of bombs at 1854 hours; and 40 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Caudron-Renault aircraft factory in Paris with 119 tons of bombs at 1855 hours. Five B-17s and one B-24 are lost.

Sixty-eight 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack the Merville Airdrome with 100 tons of bombs at about 1745 hours, but 72 B-26s dispatched to attack Lille/Nord Airdrome return to their bases without completing the mission.

During the night of September 15–16, at about 2340 hours, five B-17s from the Eighth Air Force’s independent 422d Heavy Bombardment Squadron join RAF bombers on a mission against an aircraft-industry target in France.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s, B-25s, and B-26s attack numerous highways and road junctions surrounding the Salerno beachhead area; IX Bomber Command B-24s attack a marshalling yard at Potenza, various rail lines, and several warehouses; and NATAF aircraft attack rail lines, highways, motor vehicles, and German-occupied buildings.

GAF attempts to penetrate to the beachhead area throughout the day result in the confirmed downing, between 0730 and 1900 hours, of 11 FW-190s by pilots of the 31st and 33d Fighter groups and the 86th Fighter-Bomber Group.

The 57th and 79th Fighter groups move from Sicily to Rocco Bernardo and Crotone airdromes, respectively.

German Army counterattacks against the Salerno beachhead subside.

RAF
Base Changes
3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk II/III) moves to Grottaglie
4 Sqn (Mustang I) moves to Funtingdon
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Grottaglie
184 Sqn (Hurricane IV) moves to Snailwell
268 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Funtingdon
450 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Grottaglie

First and Last Operational Missions
429 Sqn RCAF (Leeming) flies its first OM in the Halifax II

[warshipbuilder]

Yesterday and todays.

419 Sqn RCAF (Middleton St. George – Halifax II) 16.9.43
Fourteen aircraft were detailed to attack MODANE (tunnel and marshalling-yards). Three aircraft were forced to return early due to severe icing conditions encountered. Ten aircraft bombed the target and returned safely, but were diverted from base. Aircraft "S" was missing from this operation, the crew being: 108356 F/Lt. A.N. Quaile (Captain), (on his 25th sortie), J14507 F/O E. Aspinall (Navigator), J. 1729 P/O G. T. Graham (Bomb Aimer), 1270593 F/Sgt. Bright, P.J. (W/Op AG), R. 80349 Sgt. Martin, L.F. (F/Engineer), J. 14627 F/O H.P.E. Smith (M/U Gunner), 112175 F/Lt. B.L. Kenyon (Rear Gunner), R. 115662 Sgt. Bowdon, (2nd Pilot). F/Lt. A.N. Qualle was deputy Flight Commander, "B"Flight, F/O H.F.E. Smith was "B" Flight Gunnery Leader; and F/Lt. B.L. Kenyon, Sqn Gunnery Leader F/Lt. Kenyon was on his 44th operational sortie, and was one of the original members of the Squadron having joined the Unit in March, 1942.
ADDENDUM – Halifax II LW240 VR-S. Crew: F/L AN Quaille POW, Sgt EE Bowden RCAF POW, Sgt LF Martin RCAF EVD, P/O LE Aspinall RCAF POW, P/O GT Graham RCAF EVD, F/S TJ Bright RCAF EVD, F/O FHE Smith RCAF EVD, F/L BL Kenyon RCAF POW. T/o 1904 Middleton St. George. Shot down by Lt. Detlef Grossfuss (7th victory) 2./JG2, 12 km S Liseux at 0320 hrs.

BOMBER COMMAND
MODANE
340 aircraft of 3, 4, 6, and 8 Groups – 170 Halifaxes, 127 Stirlings, 43 Lancasters – to attack the important railway yards at Modane on the main railway route from France to Italy. 5 American B-17s also took part. The marking of the target, situated in a steep valley, was not successful and the bombing was not accurate. No report is available from France. 2 Halifaxes and 1 Stirling lost.

Anthéor Viaduct
12 Lancasters – 8 from 617 Squadron and 4 from 619 Squadron – attempted to bomb the railway viaduct near Cannes on the coastal railway line leading to Italy, but no direct hits were scored. 1 Lancaster of 619 Squadron was lost; it came down in the sea off Portugal, possibly while trying to reach Gibraltar.

Minor Operations: 5 Mosquitoes to Berlin, 3 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

Modane route as planned

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Modane route as flown by 6 Group

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USAAF
FRANCE: Seventy-nine 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Nantes port area, and 51 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack Nantes/Chateau Bougon Airdrome between 1502 and 1512 hours. Two of the seven B-17s that are lost are brought down by aerial bombs dropped by GAF aircraft.

While escorting the 1st Bombardment Division B-17s on target penetration, 56th Fighter Group P-47 pilots down two GAF fighters over northwestern France at 1430 hours.

Ninety-three of 148 3d Bombardment Division B-17s dispatched attack the La Pallice port area, and the La Rochelle/Laleau and Cognac/Chateaubernard airdromes between 1731 and 1758 hours. Four B-17s arebrought down by enemy action and five are lost in accidents during night landings, with the result that 44 crewmen are killed and 30 are missing in action.

Sixty-seven 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack Beaumont-le-Roger and Tricqueville airdromes with 92 tons of bombs at 1735 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack rail and road targets in and around Benevento and Caserta; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack road and rail targets at Capua, Formia, and Mignano; IX Bomber Command B-24s attack a supply dump and road junctions in and around Potenza; NATAF aircraft attack motor vehicles, troop concentrations, communications targets, and Axis aircraft on the ground in and around Contursi and Eboli; and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers provide constant on-call support for Allied ground forces in the Salerno beachhead area.

Three GAF fighters and a Ju-88 are downed by USAAF fighters pilots over southern Italy in a series of minor engagements between 0720 and 1440 hours.

The 68th Reconnaissance Group’s 111th Reconnaissance Squadron, in P-51As, moves from Algeria to Sele Airdrome.

RAF
Base Changes
5 Sqn SAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Grottaglie
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Spitfire IX) moves to Grottaglie
43 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Tusciano
89 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Idku
122 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Kingsnorth
143 Sqn (Beaufighter XIC) moves to Portreath
152 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Asa
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Asa
234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Rochford
242 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Asa
250 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Grottaglie

First and Last Operational Missions
335 Sqn (Tocra) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC
405 Sqn RCAF (Gransden Lodge) flew its last OM in the Halifax II
504 Sqn (Redhill) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VC

401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 17-9-43

Weather: Clouds 3-6/10 at 3,000 ft., vis. 8-12 miles, wind 6-10 m.p.h. from S.E.

Squadron, except "A" Flight, was released at noon. "A" Flight a released from readiness at 2100 hours. "A" Flight engaged in an hour's air fighting practice with the cine gun during the afternoon.

BOMBER COMMAND
Minor Operations
6 Mosquitoes to Berlin, 8 Wellingtons minelaying off Brest. No losses.

USAAF
FRANCE: Five B-17s from the Eighth Air Force’s independent 422d Heavy Bombardment Squadron join an RAF attack on the marshalling yards at Mondane between 0029 and 0044 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s and B-26s attack Ciampino and Pratica di Mare airdromes; XII Bomber Command B-25s attack barges and small craft around the mouth of the Tiber River; IX Bomber Command B-24s attack road and rail junctions at Pescara, in eastern Italy; Twelfth Air Force P-38 fighter-bombers mount 27 separate dive-bombing attacks against rail and road targets and targets of opportunity in the Salerno beachhead area; and NATAF aircraft mount day-long sweeps over the beachhead area and attack numerous rail and road targets servicing German Army forces in southern Italy.

Four GAF fighters are downed by pilots of the 33d Fighter and 27th Fighter-Bomber groups during two separate afternoon actions over the Salerno beachhead area.

Thanks in large measure to the unremitting pressure exerted by the Allied air forces, German Army forces withdraw from the Salerno area to a new defensive battle line north of the beachhead.

TUNISIA: A detachment of the 2d Bombardment Division’s 93d Heavy Bombardment Group arrives from England for temporary duty with IX Bomber Command.

RAF Base Changes
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Perrinporth
131 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Churchstanton
165 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Culmhead
184 Sqn (Hurricane IV) moves to Newchurch
257 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Warmwell
616 Sqn (Spitfire VI/VII) moves to Exeter
First and Last Operational Missions
310 Sqn (Sumburgh) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VI

[warshipbuilder]

401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 18-9-43
Weather Clouds 2-6/10 at 2,500 ft., vis. 10-15 miles, wind 8-12 m.ph. from N.W.

The Squadron was airborne at 0936 hours as part of Wing close escorting 12 Mitchells bombing the Rouen-Cotteville Marshalling Yards on Ramrod 226. At approximately 1010 hours, F/O J.W. Flandor, flying Blue 3, was forced to leave the formation due to a glycol leak at 14,000 ft. a few miles north of Rouen. He glided the aircraft with an idling engine out of the Continent and baled out over the English Channel from about 1,500 feet, approximately 20 miles west of the mouth of the Somme. He was picked up by a Walrus of the A.S.R. at 11.15 hours and taxied to Dover Harbour, arriving at 2330 hours. Bomb hits were seen on the trucks of the Marshalling Yards. A large red explosion was seen West of wagon shops. All aircraft landed at 1050 hours with the exception of Y.0.M. piloted by F/Sgt. Morrisey, J.J., which landed at 129 Airfield with engine trouble.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS

5 Mosquitoes to Cologne, 49 aircraft minelaying in the Frisians and off Biscay ports. No losses.

USAAF
FRANCE: Although 162 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s are briefed for attacks on three targets in France, only 25 from the 387th Medium Bombardment Group overcome bad weather to drop 37 tons of bombs on the Beauvais/Tille Airdrome.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack Viterbo Airdrome and the road between Salerno and Avellino; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack Ciampino and Pratica di Mare airdromes; IX Bomber Command B-24s attack a marshalling yard at Pescara; 321st Medium Bombardment Group B-25 gunships attack a lighthouse and small vessels near Capraia and at sea between Italy and Corsica; and P-38s under temporary NATAF control strafe four satellite fields in the Foggia Airdrome complex and attack numerous roads, rail lines, and bridges with bombs and machine guns.

A 14th Fighter Group P-38 pilot downs a Ju-52 during the morning strafing attack at Foggia.

The 27th Fighter-Bomber Group, in A-36s, moves forward from Sicily to Capaccio Airdrome.

SARDINIA: Preparations are begun to take over Sardinia’s airfields as soon as the island surrenders to a small Allied landing force without a shot being fired.

RAF Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VIII/IX) moves to Isola
2 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VC) moves to Isola
130 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Catterick
182 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Wigtown
183 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Perranporth
302 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Tangmere
313 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ibsley
350 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Digby

First and Last Operational Missions
16 Sqn (Hartfordbridge) flies its first OM in the Spitfire PRXI
89 Sqn (Idku) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIF
166 Sqn (Kirmington) flies its last OM in the Wellington X
404 Sqn RCAF (Wick) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter XIC

[warshipbuilder]

411 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 19-9-43

Between 10.45 and 12.15 hours the Squadron took part in a Ramrod operation No. 232 to Lillle- Nord aerodrome. During this operation several enemy fighters attacked the bombers and No.411 Squadron aircraft; four F/W 190's were seen attacking Blue 4 (F/O Haw) Blue 3 (F/O Orr) making an attempt to distract them by firing two short bursts. The last Blue 3 saw of Blue 4 he was still in a tight turn with two F/W on his tail at five to six thousand-feet F/O V.A. Haw, did not return from this operation. Some cine-gun, tailchase and local aircraft flights were carried out between the first operation of the day at operation No. 233 which took place from 17.00 to 18.10 hours. The Squadron, led by F/L Matheson, turned back: with the 72 Marauders and fighter escort due to inclement weather. Squadron Leader Semple has been moved to No. 14. Can. General Hospital (Horley) to have an operation carried out on his knee. It will mean his removal from Command of the Squadron as he will be hospitalised for approximately one month.

ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB BL422 DB-? Pilot F/O VA Haw AFM POW.

2nd TAF
TAF Spitfires were over France as part of 'Ramrod 232' during the morning, Flg Off V.A.Haw of 411 Squadron being shot down to become a POW, either by Hptm Klaus Mietusch of III./JG 26, or by Uffz Wiegand of 8./JG 26, who claimed at the same time. Lt Ernst Todt of III./JG 26 was shot down and killed in his Bf 109, but the only claim against such an aircraft was for one damaged by Flg Off A.F.Pavey of 122 Squadron; he may therefore have been Todt's victor.

USAAF
FRANCE: Of 144 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s dispatched against Lille/Nord and Merville airdromes, only 18 from the 386th Medium Bombardment Group attack Lille/Nord with 26 tons of bombs at 1139 hours.

ITALY: NATAF aircraft mount numerous attacks on rail and road targets around the expanding Salerno beachhead.

Allied ground forces secure Auletta and Potenza.

TUNISIA: Detachments of the 2d Bombardment Division’s 44th and 389th Heavy Bombardment groups arrive from England for temporary duty with the IX Bomber Command.

RAF Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VIII/IX) moves to Cassano
2 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VC) moves to Cassano
74 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to Nicosia
310 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Ibsley
402 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Digby
416 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Wellingore
417 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VIII) moves to Grottaglie
504 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Castletown

First and Last Operational Missions
131 Sqn (Churchstanton) flies its last OM’s in the Spitfire VB & VC

[warshipbuilder]

198 Sqn (Manston – Typhoon IB) 20-9-43

Weather had closed to 10/10 low cloud with rain and was therefore unsuitable for large scale operations but in accordance with the other Squadrons we decided to make use of the conditions for Rhubarb. After some trouble in fitting in owing to the large number of the people inspired by similar ideas F/O Allan Houston and F/Sgt. Broad eventually took off at 1300 hours to attack railway and transportation targets between BRAY DUNES ROULERS-GHENT. They did not return thus, at one bitter stroke we last two excellent pilots and companions (one a deputy Flight Commander) both of whom were members of the original "Old Guard" which formed the backbone upon which the Squadron was built at Digby in December last year.

ADDENDUM – Typhoon IB JP375 TP-? Pilot: F/O AJ Houston POW. Shot down by Flak near Rouen

Typhoon IB JP723 TP-? Pilot: F/S RF Broad KIA. Shot down by Flak, crashed at Vladso, buried in the town Churchyard.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS
8 Mosquitoes to Berlin, 20 Wellingtons minelaying off Brest, Lorient and St-Nazaire, 21 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

USAAF
ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s and B-26s attack road and rail targets around the expanding beachhead area; XII Air Support Command A-36s and NATAF aircraft attack German Army forces concentrating in the Nocera area.

In its last operational mission against targets in Italy, the IX Bomber Command dispatches 98th and 376th Heavy Bombardment group B-24s against a marshalling yard at Castelfranco Veneto. Clouds obscure the target, but the 98th Group bombers release their bombs on the basis of a time-to-target estimate, and the 376th Group B-24s attack the airdrome and marshalling yards on the return leg.

The 31st Fighter Group, in Spitfires, moves forward from Sicily to Montecorvino Airdrome.

LIBYA: Upon their return from the day’s mission to Italy, the 98th and 376th Heavy Bombardment groups—and the 43d Service Group and all Ninth Air Force military police and engineering units—are ordered to move to Tunis, where, upon arrival, they will be formally transferred to the Twelfth Air Force.

RAF Base Changes
14 Sqn (Marauder I) moves to Blida
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Brindisi
118 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Peterhead
124 Sqn (Spitfire VII) moves to West Malling
168 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Hutton Cranswick
170 Sqn (Mustang IA) moves to Hutton Cranswick

First and Last Operational Missions
415 Sqn RCAF (Thorney Island) flies its last OM in the Hampden I

[warshipbuilder]

401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 21-9-43

Weather: Clouds 7-10/10 at 3,000 ft., vis. 6-12 miles, wind 8-13 m.p.h. from W.N.W.

The Squadron was airborne at 0855 hours as part of Wing Close Escorting 18 Mitchells to bomb the Lens-Lieven Coke Ovens on Ramrod 235. The bombing results were indefinite. Ten plus F.W.190’s attacked from above and ahead over Aubigny. Yellow Section fired at one of them but the range was too great to expect any results. No further action encountered. The aircraft landed at 1020 hours.

3/Ldr. E.L. Neal, D.F.C, departed on a week's leave and F/Lt. I.C. Ormston, D.F.C., assumes temporary command of the Squadron.

During the afternoon, all pilots flew over to 127 Airfield to practice tank identification and view a "Sherman" and a "Churchill" tank which were on that airfield.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS
26 aircraft minelaying in the Frisians and off Brest, 3 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

2nd TAF
In an attack on a synthetics plant at Lens, two of 98 Squadron's six Mitchells were attacked by Fw 190s, one being shot down at once and one ditching ten miles off Berck-sur-Mer due to damage. Obstlt Josef 'Pips' Priller, Kommodore of JG 26, and Hptm Naumann of II./JG 26, each claimed one of these bombers shot down; Priller's 94th victim would seem to have been the Mitchell flown by Flg Off Atkins, as he reported that it went down near St Pol, not over the sea.

USAAF
FRANCE: Forty-four of 73 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s dispatched attack Beauvais/Tille Airdrome with 65 tons of bombs at 0937 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack the bridge and town at Benevento; VIII Bomber Command B-24s on detached service with the XII Bomber Command attack Bastia and Leghorn; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack landing craft and a ferry near Elba and bridges at Cancello Arnone and Capua; and NATAF aircraft attack troop concentrations, tanks, motor vehicles, and German-occupied towns beyond the expanding Salerno beachhead area.

LIBYA: Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, ceases operations at Tripoli to prepare for its move to the U.K.

RAF Base Changes
266 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Harrowbeer
306 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Heston
308 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Heston
312 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Ibsley
317 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Northolt

First and Last Operational Missions
46 Sqn (Idku) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter XIC
302 Sqn (Northolt) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB and first OM in the Spitfire IX
316 Sqn (Northolt) flies its last OM in the Spitfire IX
504 Sqn (Castletown) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VII

[warshipbuilder]

32 Sqn RCAF (East Moor – Wellington X) 22-9-43

15 aircraft were detailed for bombing operations over Hannover. 14 aircraft took off. One aircraft piloted by F/Sgt. Southwold crashed on take-off and landed in field about 150 yards from the end of the runways nobody injured. Eleven aircraft were successful in bombing the target. One aircraft failed to return from this operation. One aircraft ditched in the North Sea.

ADDENDUM – Wellington X LN547 QO-G. Crew: Sgt LJ Tierney POW, P/O JR Sewell POW, P/O LM Whetton POW, Sgt JH Much POW, F/S BO Williams RNZAF POW. T/o 1907 East Moor. Hit by Flak of 8. Flak Div.

Wellington X LN554 QO-P. Crew: Sgt RM Barlow RCAF KIA, Sgt A. Buchan RCAF, Sgt W Mayo RCAF, Sgt FG Reeson KIA, Sgt A Haggens. T/o 1902 Leeming. Ditched 0045, out of fuel, some 60 miles E of Flamborough Head. The two airmen who died are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The survivors, after 12 hours in a dinghy, were picked up by the navy.

BOMBER COMMAND
711 aircraft – 322 Lancasters, 226 Halifaxes, 137 Stirlings, 26 Wellingtons – on the first major raid to Hannover for 2 years; this was the first of a series of 4 heavy raids on this target. 5 American B-17s also took part in the raid, their first night raid on Germany. 26 aircraft – 12 Halifaxes, 7 Lancasters, 5 Stirlings, 2 Wellingtons – lost, 37 percent of the force.

Visibility in the target area was good but stronger winds than forecast caused the marking and the bombing to be concentrated between 2 and 5 miles south-south-east of the city centre. It has not been possible to obtain a German report but it is unlikely that serious damage was caused.

OLDENBURG
21 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes of 8 Group carried out a diversionary raid, dropping much Window and many flares and target indicators to simulate the arrival of a larger force. The losses on the Hannover raid, lower than the recent average, may indicate that this tactic was partially successful. No aircraft were lost on the diversionary raid.

Minor Operations: 12 Mosquitoes on a further diversion to Emden, 4 Stirlings minelaying in the Frisians, 7 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

Hannover route as planned:

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USAAF
FRANCE: Seventy B-26s from the 3d Medium Bombardment Wing attack Evreux/Fauville Airdrome with 105 tons of bombs at 1613 hours, but 72 other B-26s are prevented by bad weather from attacking Beauvais/Tille Airdrome.

GERMANY: Five B-17s from the Eighth Air Force’s independent 422d Heavy Bombardment Squadron join and RAF attack against Hannover between 2143 and 2209 hours.

GREECE: In its final mission in the theater, IX Bomber Command dispatches the last of its B-24 groups against Athens/Eleusis and Maritsa airdromes.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack bridges and rail and road targets around the Salerno beachhead area; 321st Medium Bombardment Group B-25 gunships operating under NATAF control attack small ships and craft near Elba; NATAF aircraft attack German Army troop concentrations, gun emplacements, tanks, and motor vehicles in and around the battle area, the landing ground at Capua, and docking facilities and ships at Manfredonia.

LIBYA: Upon their return from the day’s mission to Greece, the last Ninth Air Force B-24 groups are formally transferred to the Twelfth Air Force, leaving the Ninth with no operational units.

NETHERLANDS: While conducting a fighter sweep along the North Sea coast, 353d Fighter Group P-47 pilots down two GAF fighters near Utrecht between 1215 and 1220.

RAF Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VIII/IX) moves to Scanzano
5 Sqn SAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Bari
164 Sqn (Hurricane IV) moves to Fairlop
182 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to New Romney
316 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Acklington

First and Last Operational Missions
166 Sqn (Kirmington) flies its first OM’s in the Lancaster I & III
274 Sqn (Paphos) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VC

[warshipbuilder]

426 Sqn RCAF (Linton-on-Ouse – Lancaster II) 23-9-43

WEATHER: Cloudy all day; good visibility; moderate Wly winds.

Five a/c were required for bombing operations. As "A" Flight has completed installation of new "GEE equipment and all crews have received training in the use of this new equipment, this flight became operational today and "B" Flight was screened from operations. Crews were selected from "A" Flight and a/c were prepared. All five a/c took off. The first a/c took off at 19.15 hours and the last a/a took off at 19:19 hours. All a/c successfully attacked the German industrial town of MANNHEIM, and 4 a/c returned safely to BASE without incident. However A/C D.S. 714 piloted by J.14907 F/L L.N. McCaig had an encounter with enemy might fighters shortly after attacking the target. The a/c, sustained considerable damage; the hydraulics were damaged, port fin rudder shot off, rear turret damaged, mid-upper turret U/S, port wing damaged, 2 petrol tanks damaged, port elevator damaged, intercom and radio transmitter U/S. During the encounter both gunners suffered slight injuries. The MU/AG R.A.F. 1890019 Sgt Ketcher, G. R. received a bullet wound in the right thigh and the R/G R.109503 F/S Hawkes, E.S. received a bullet wound in the calf of the right leg. Despite the damage sustained by the A/C and the injuries of the gunners, the Captain succeeded in bringing the A/C back to this country and landed at Thorney Island. A crash landing had to be affected as the under carriage was U/S.

BOMBER COMMAND
MANNHEIM
628 aircraft – 312 Lancasters, 193 Halifaxes, 115 Stirlings, 8 Mosquitoes. 5 B-17s also took part. 32 aircraft – 18 Lancasters, 7 Halifaxes, 7 Wellingtons – lost, 5.1 percent of the force.

This raid was intended to destroy the northern part of Mannheim, which had not been so severely hit in the successful raid earlier in the month. The Pathfinder plan worked well and concentrated bombing fell on the intended area, although later stages of the raid crept back across the northern edge of Ludwigshafen and out into the open country. The following buildings were destroyed in Mannheim: 927 houses, 20 industrial premises, 11 schools, 6 public buildings and a church. A large number of other buildings were damaged and approximately 25,000 people were bombed out of their homes. 102 people were killed and 418 were injured. There were more than 2,000 fires.

Local records (provided on this night by Herr Erwin Folz and not from the local authorities) show that the later stages of the bombing crept back across the Rhine to the northern part of Ludwigshafen, where the I.G. Farben factory was severely damaged, and then to the smaller outlying towns of Oppau and Frankenthal. Ludwigshafen suffered 47 people killed and 260 injured. A further 8,000 people were bombed out, of whom 4,289 were foreign workers. The centre of the small town of Frankenthal was completely burnt out and 38 people were killed there.

DARMSTADT
21 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes of 8 Group carried out a diversionary raid on Darmstadt without loss.

The diversionary purpose of this raid was not achieved because Darmstadt was too close to Mannheim and the German night fighters could see the main attack only 20 miles away quite clearly. But the small force of bombers caused much damage in this university town which had little industry and which had not been seriously bombed before. 273 buildings were damaged and 147 people were killed.

Minor Operations: 6 Mosquitoes to Aachen, 28 O.T.U. sorties. 1 O.T.U. Wellington lost.

Mannheim route as planned:

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Mannheim route as flown:

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USAAF
FRANCE: Forty-six of 117 1st Bombardment Division B-17s dispatched attack the Nantes port area with 134 tons of bombs at about 0815 hours. While escorting the 1st Bombardment Division B-17s over the target and during the withdrawal, 353d Fighter Group P-47 pilots down five GAF fighters near Nantes and Chateaubriant between 0815 and 0845 hours.

Fifty-three 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Kerlin/Bastard Airdrome with 155 tons of bombs at about 0815 hours, and 55 3d Bombardment Division B-17s attack Vannes/Meucon Airdrome with 165 tons of bombs at 0825 hours.

Seventy 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack Conches Airdrome at 0907 hours, and 69 B-26s attack Beauvais/Tille Airdrome at 1545 hours.

Sixty-one 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack the Nantes port area with 174 tons of bombs at about 1810 hours; and 19 1st Bombardment Division B-17s attack Rennes/St.-Jacques Airdrome (secondary) with 57 tons of bombs at 1834 hours. This is the first time in which two entirely separate heavy-bomber missions have been mounted from the U.K. in one day.

GERMANY: Four B-17s from the Eighth Air Force’s independent 422d Heavy Bomber Squadron join an RAF attack against Mannheim between 2211 and 2222 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-26s attack bridges at Cancello Arnone and near Capua; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous towns, roads, railroads, and motor vehicles in and around the battle area.

RAF Base Changes
2 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VC) moves to Scanzano
3 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk II/III) moves to Bari
92 Sqn (Spitfire VIII) moves to Gioia del Colle
111 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Montecorvino
112 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Bari
126 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Gerbini
154 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Seretville
185 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Hal Far
195 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Fairlop
227 Sqn (Beaufighter VIC) moves to Lakatamia
232 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Seretville
250 Sqn (Kittyhawk III) moves to Bari
252 Sqn (Beaufighter VIF/XIC) moves to Lakatamia
450 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to Bari

[warshipbuilder]

199Sqn (Lakenheath – Stirling III) 24-9-43

One aircraft was detailed for minelaying (Sgt Robinson & crew). The aircraft returned before completing its mission owing to Gee U/s. Three nines were jettisoned safe and two mines were brought back. The aircraft crashed into trees on landing. Tanks exploded followed by mines. The Air Bomber Sgt W.M. Morrison Aus. 4.23162 was killed, and three other members of the crew were injured.

BOMBER COMMAND
MINOR OPERATIONS
4 Mosquitoes to Duisburg, 39 aircraft minelaying in the Frisians and south of Texel, 2 O.T.U. sorties. 1 Stirling minelayer lost.

2nd TAF
127 Airfield Spitfire IX pilots, led by their Wing Leader, Wg Cdr Hugh C.Godefroy, claimed three Fw 190s shot down in the Poix area during the afternoon, on a day in which Spitfire pilots claimed 20 victories in the course of three 11 Group 'Ramrods'. Victims included four Bf 110s of II./ZG 1, plus several damaged, and four Fw 190s.

USAAF
CORFU: The island is seized by a German Army landing force.

FRANCE: Seventy-one 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack Evreux/Fauville Airdrome at 1149 hours, and 66 B-26s attack Beauvais/Tille Airdrome at 1602 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack numerous roads, road junctions, bridges, and rail lines in and around the battle area; VIII Bomber Command B-24s on detached service with the XII Bomber Command attack marshalling yards at Pisa; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous tactical and communications targets throughout southern Italy.

The XII Air Support Command’s 47th Light Bombardment Group, in A-20s, moves forward from Sicily to Grottaglie Airdrome.

MEDITERRANEAN: XII Bomber Command medium bombers attack an Italian Navy destroyer between Elba and Corsica.

RAF Base Changes
4 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Scanzano
152 Sqn (Spitfire VC/IX) moves to Seratelle
229 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Hal Far
242 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) movers to Seratelle
249 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Hal Far

First and Last Operational Missions
131 Sqn (Churchstanton) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX

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Dear Reader
I will be MIA for what I hope is a short period of time. Until then, keep 'em flying.

623 Sqn (Downham Market – Stirling III) 25-9-43

Three aircraft detailed for Gardening. (Nectarines I). Capts:- P./O. Muir; Sgt. Fogarty and F/Sgt. Hookway. Visibility was poor and it was raining. Mines were dropped and trip was without incident, except for mishap to F/Sgt. Hookway's aircraft. The upper escape hatch blew off just after leaving Garden.

BOMBER COMMAND
Minor Operations
8 Mosquitoes to Cologne and Düsseldorf, 10 Stirlings minelaying in the Frisians, 11 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

USAAF
FRANCE: Sixty-eight 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack St.-Omer/Longuenesse Airdrome with 100 tons of bombs at 1718 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-17s attack marshalling yards at Bologna and a rail bridge at Bolzano; XII Bomber Command B-25s and B-26s attack the Bastia/Borgo, Lucca, and Pisa airdromes, a road junction, and several rail and road bridges; and NATAF aircraft attack numerous tactical targets.

In the first air-to-air engagements over Italy in a week, a 31st Fighter Group Spitfire pilot downs an FW-190 during the morning near Montecorvino Airdrome, and 27th Fighter-Bomber Group A-36 pilots down three Bf-109s around Aquino Airdrome at 1220 hours.

RAF Base Changes

First and Last Operational Missions
53 Sqn (Liberator V) moves to Beaulieu
64 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Coltishall
417 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VIII) moves to Goia delle Colle

First and Last Operational Missions
223 Sqn (Gerbini III) flies its last OM in the Baltimore III

[warshipbuilder]

401 Sqn RCAF (Staplehurst – Spitfire VB) 28-9-43

Weather: Clouds 6/10 at 5,000 ft., vis. 6-12 miles, wind 16-20 mph. from N.W.

No flying was carried out today and liberty runs to Maidstone were laid on for the Squadron.

BOMBER COMMAND
8 Mosquitoes attacked Cologne and Gelsenkirchen without loss.

USAAF
ITALY: Most of the Twelfth Air Force is grounded by bad weather, but NATAF fighter-bombers are able to attack several targets.

RAF Base Changes
93 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Battipaglia
111 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC/IX) moves to Battipaglia
225 Sqn “A” Flt (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Seretelle
225 Sqn “B” Flt (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Scanzano

First and Last Operational Missions
127 Sqn (Ramat David) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VC
139 Sqn (Wyton) flies its last OM in the Mosquito BIX
335 Sqn (Tocra) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

[warshipbuilder]

460 Sqn RAAF (Binbrook – Lancaster I/III) 2-10-43

Weather: Fair, scattered showers in the afternoon. There was some local flying and air tests during the morning. Eighteen aircraft were detailed for an attack on MUNICH, and on their arrival back at Base was very enthusiastic regarding the route which they considered very good. Visibility was good over the target and from reports it was considered a good prang. From this raid two aircraft unfortunately failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I W4301 AR-H. Crew: F/S GL Weller RAAF POW, Sgt JW Bond POW, F/S AF Taylor RAAF POW, F/S HC Thompson RAAF POW, F/S JS Farmer RAAF POW, Sgt FS Dunn POW, Sgt WE Edmonds RAAF KIA. T/o 1844 Binbrook. Shot down by Fw Herbert Ludwig (4th victory) 6./NJG101. Crashed between Holzkerchen and Mitterdarching, 32 km SSE of Munich at 2354. Sgt Edmonds lies in Durnbach War Cemetery.

Lancaster III JA856 AR-C. Crew: F/S FLR Lloyd DFM RAAF KIA, Sgt G Douglas KIA, Sgt R Hurrell KIA, Sgt AS Mitchell RAAF KIA, Sgt RE Woodford KIA, Sgt LA Sim KIA, F/S F Sheehan RCAF KIA. T/o 1852 Binbrook. Shot down by Fw Willi Rullkötter (1st victory) at 2339. Crashed at Deisenhoffen 13 km SSE of Munich. All were buried 4 October at Deisenhoffen. Since then their remains have been moved to the Durnbach War Cemetery.

BOMBER COMMAND
294 Lancasters of 1, 5 and 8 Groups and 2 B-17s. 8 Lancasters lost, 2.7 percent of the force.

Visibility over the target was clear but the initial marking was scattered. Heavy bombing developed over the southern and south-eastern districts of Munich but later stages of the raid fell up to 15 miles back along the approach route. Most of this inaccurate bombing was carried out by 5 Group aircraft, which were again attempting their ‘time-and-distance’ bombing method independently of the Pathfinder marking. The 5 Group crews were not able to pick out the Wurmsee lake, which was the starting-point for their timed run.

Brief reports from Germany state that 339 buildings were destroyed, 191 people were killed and 748 were injured. No other details are available.

Minor Operations: 8 Mosquitoes to Cologne and Gelsenkirchen, 117 aircraft minelaying at various places from Lorient to Heligoland, 21 O.T.U. sorties. 1 Halifax minelayer lost.

Route as planned:

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Route as flown:

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USAAF
FRANCE: Due to poor visibility, just six of 72 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack St.-Omer/Longuenesse Airdrome at 1715 hours.

GERMANY: With two H2S-equipped 482d Heavy Pathfinder Bombardment Group B-17s guiding them, 339 1st and 3d Bombardment division B-17s attack aircraft- industry targets at Emden through cloud cover with 953 tons of bombs between 1557 and 1603 hours. Losses are two B-17s downed and 34 B-17s damaged.

In all, VIII Fighter Command fighters mount 227 escort sorties. Six GAF fighters are downed over the Netherlands and northern Germany between 1600 and 1635 hours by P-47 pilots of the 4th, 56th, and 353d Fighter groups. While flying withdrawal escort for the heavy bombers on their way home from Germany, Col Hubert Zemke, the commanding officer of the 56th Fighter Group, in P-47s, achieves ace status when he downs an FW-190 near Groningen, Holland, at 1635 hours.

ITALY: Air operations are severely limited due to bad weather, but some XII Air Support Command aircraft are able to attack roads, bridges, and motor vehicles while conducting armed-reconnaissance missions.

NETHERLANDS: A scheduled attack by 392d Heavy Bombardment Group B-24s against Woensdrecht Airdrome is completely thwarted by heavy clouds.

TUNISIA: BriGen Gordon P. Saville replaces MajGen Elwood R. Quesada as commanding general of the XII Fighter Command.

Following several weeks’ service with IX Bomber Command, a detachment of the Eighth Air Force’s 93d Heavy Bombardment Group departs for England.

RAF Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VIII/IX) moves to Gioia del Colle
2 Sqn SAAF (Spitfire VC) moves to Gioia del Colle
416 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Digby

First and Last Operational Missions
227 Sqn (Lakatamia) flies its first OM’s in the Beaufighter VI ITF & XIC
431 Sqn RCAF (Tholthorpe) flies its first OM in the Halifax V

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428 Sqn RCAF (Middleton St. George – Halifax V) 3-10-43

Air tests were carried out in the forenoon also air to air firing, air to sea firing. 13 aircraft detailed for operations to Kassel. One returned early, the rest completed sortie. Sgt. McArthur and W/O Edwards failed to return. W/O Edwards was half way through his second tour and had P/O Goldstein as second pilot. Two aircraft Ianded at Tangere on return. Normal routine in all sections.
ADDENDUM – Halifax V EB213 NA-G. Crew: W/O FB Edwards KIA, P/O RP Goldstein RCAF KIA, Sgt ER Burbage POW, Sgt F Gration RCAF POW, Sgt GM Herbert RCAF KIA, Sgt AJ Hodgkins KIA, Sgt J Lundy RCAF KIA, Sgt AJ Cadeau RCAF KIA. T/o 1852 Middleton St. George. Shot down by Oblt Walter Riedlberger (3rd victory) 5/NJG2. Crashed at Hofgeismer, where those who died were laid to rest in the Burguffeln Kreuz. Their graves are now in Hannover War Cemetry.

ADDENDUM – Halifax V EB214 NA-S. Crew: Sgt KAB McArthur RCAF KIA, Sgt LF Buttler RCAF POW, F/O RA Thompson RCAF POW, P/O TJ Elliot RCAF KIA, Sgt EW Ranson POW, Sgt RR Raymond RCAF POW, Sgt R McDonald POW. T/o 1839 Middleton St. George. Hit by 1., 2., 4. & 6./schw. Flak Abt. 635 and 4./schw. Flak Abt. 351 between 22.41-42 hrs, crashed 4 km NNW Gemünden at 22.42 hrs. The two airmen who died now rest in Hannover War Cemetery.

BOMBER COMMAND
KASSEL
547 aircraft – 223 Halifaxes, 204 Lancasters, 113 Stirlings, 7 Mosquitoes. 24 aircraft – 14 Halifaxes, 6 Stirlings, 4 Lancasters – lost, 4.4 percent of the force.

This raid did not proceed according to plan. The H2S ‘blind marker’ aircraft overshot the aiming point badly and the ‘visual markers’ could not correct this because their view of the ground was restricted by thick haze. German decoy markers may also have been present. The main weight of the attack thus fell on the western suburbs and outlying towns and villages. But, even so, large fires were started at both the Henschel and Fieseler aircraft factories, at the city’s main hospital and at several other important buildings. The eastern suburb of Wolfshanger was devastated. Kassel’s casualties were 118 dead – 68 civilians, 12 military and 38 foreigners – and 304 injured. Musgrove, in his excellent book Pathfinder Force, records that a large ammunition dump at Ihringshausen, just north of Wolfshanger, was hit by a chance bomb load and the resulting explosions attracted further bombs; photographs taken later showed 84 buildings at the military location destroyed and a great mass of craters. The outlying townships of Bettenhausen and Sandershausen were also severely hit but details for these places are not available.

Mosquito Operations
10 aircraft on a diversion to Hannover, 12 Oboe aircraft to Knapsack power-station near Cologne, 4 aircraft on Mark II Oboe trials to Aachen. No losses.

Minor Operations: 7 Stirlings minelaying in the Frisians, 7 O.T.U. sorties. No losses.

Kassel route as planned

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Kassel route as flown

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2nd TAF
B-26s were escorted to Woensdrecht and Schipol during the morning, 126 Airfield squadrons forming part of the escort. Over Schipol Wg Cdr Chadburn and pilots of 401 Squadron claimed two Bf 109s shot down and three damaged; II./JG 3 which rose to give combat did indeed suffer two losses here, and Stab/JG 3 another, although all the pilots survived unhurt. Hptm Joachim Kirschner and FhjFw Hans Frese each claimed Spitfires shot down, although none was lost during this action. An Fw 190 was also claimed shot down over Woensdrecht by Sqn Ldr 'Buck' McNair of 421 Squadron. At 1300, 2 Group provided a strong force of its new Mosquitoes for a raid on Guerledon and Pont Château power stations. Led by Grp Capt Charles Pickard, the Sculthorpe airfield commander, 12 aircraft each from 464 and 487 Squadrons took part, AVM Basil Embry with his SASO, Grp Capt David Atcherley as his navigator, flying 'tail-end Charlie' in the formation. They were escorted by Typhoons from 10 Group.

Next off was 'Ramrod 258, comprising 12 Bostons of 107 Squadron targeted with Orleans power station, 11 of 342 Squadron going to that at Chevilly-la-Rue, and 14 of 88 Squadron raiding Distre. Flak proved devastating again, two 342 Squadron aircraft being shot down, while two of 88 Squadron ditched in the Channel after taking hits. Amongst the escorting fighters, Flt Sgt H.W.Bowker of 412 Squadron claimed two Fw 190s shot down over Abbeville, and a third was claimed damaged.

Soon after 1700 'Ramrod 259' sent B-26s to Tillé and 320 Squadron Mitchells to Rouen's Grand Quevilly power station. Here 127 Airfield's Canadians claimed considerable success over Amiens whilst escorting the Mitchells, 403 Squadron claiming four Fw 190s and 421 Squadron two more. However, each unit lost one aircraft, Sgt S.Barnes of 403 Squadron coming down near Roye where he was captured, while Flg Off W.F.Cook of 421 Squadron was shot down in the same area, but evaded capture and returned six weeks later. Two more 11 Group Spitfires were lost during this particular 'Ramrod, during which none of the main Luftwaffe Jagdgeschwader appear to have suffered any losses. Claims at this time against Spitfires were made by Hptm Klaus Mietusch, Kommandeur of III./JG 26, Hptm Hermann Staiger, Staffelkapitän of 10./JG 26, and Fw Peter Crump of 6. Staffel, while JG 2's Hptm Herbert Huppertz and Ofw Lorenz Dessoy claimed two more.

USAAF
CORSICA: 14th Fighter Group P-38 pilots engaged by Bf-109s over Bastia down one and damage two others.

FRANCE: Sixty-three 3d Medium Bombardment Group B-26s attack Beauvais/Tille Airdrome at about 1725 hours.

ITALY: XII Bomber Command B-25s, B-26s, and P-38s attack numerous bridges (including pontoon bridges) throughout south-central Italy; and XII Bomber Command fighter-bombers attack German Army vehicles in the battle area.

The 321st Medium Bombardment Group, in B-25s, and the 82d Fighter Group, in P-38s, move from Tunisia to bases in Italy.

U.S. Fifth Army troops capture Benevento.

MEDITERRANEAN: XII Bomber Command P-38s attack Axis ships at sea between Italy and Corsica.

NETHERLANDS: One hundred thirty-one 3d Medium Bombardment Wing B-26s attack Amsterdam/Schipol, Haamstede, and Woensdrecht airdromes.

TUNISIA: Following several weeks’ service with IX Bomber Command, a detachment of the Eighth Air Force’s 389th 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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