Action This Day

Eagle Day to Bombing of the Reich is a improved and enhanced edition of Talonsoft's older Battle of Britain and Bombing the Reich. This updated version represents the best simulation of the air war over Britain and the strategic bombing campaign over Europe that has ever been made.

Moderators: Joel Billings, harley, warshipbuilder, simovitch

User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

156 Sqn (Warboys – Wellington III) 13.9.42

Twelve aircraft detailed, all operated, but two failed to return. S/LD. Collier, Sgt. Brough and crews.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III BJ600 GT-? Crew: Sgt VG Brough RNZAF, Sgt PS Hammond, Sgt WC Massey, Sgt J Herring, Sgt TC Dewar, Sgt W Herbert. T/o 2245 Warboys. Probably shot down by Maj. Karl Theodor Hülshoff Stab NJG2 near the hamlet of Loozen. All are buried in Gramsbergen General Cemetery.

Wellington III BJ789 GT-? Crew: S/L RT Collier, P/O CF Kirkus, P/O J Barritt, Sgt AFJ Mortimer, F/S A Comery. Probably shot down by Oblt. Rudolph Sigmund Stab II./NJG2 or Lt. Eberhard Gardiewski 6./NJG2. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Bremen – Training aircraft for O.T.U.s were again included in the 446 aircraft dispatched. 21 aircraft – 15 Wellingtons, 2 Lancasters, 1 Halifax, 1 Hampden, 1 Stirling, 1 Whitley – were lost, 4.7% of the force.

Bremen reports another heavy raid with 848 houses destroyed and ‘Bremen’s industry suffering further considerable damage’. The Lloyd dynamo works was put out of action for 2 weeks and various parts of the Focke-Wulf factory for from 2 to 8 days. 5 nearly completed aircraft destroyed and 3 more damaged. The report also lists 7 cultural and historic buildings hit in the centre of the town as well as 6 schools and 2 hospitals. 70 people were killed and 371 injured. This was the last BC raid on Bremen for 5 months.

USMEAF - Working in coordination with a Royal Navy battle force, British Army ground observers, and RAF combat units, USAMEAF B-17s and B-24s mount 35 sorties and 12th Medium Bombardment Group B-25s mount 66 sorties against the harbour at Tobruk. Twenty assorted bomber sorties are also mounted against the harbor at Benghazi. Four B-25s are lost over Tobruk.

Base Changes
248 Sqn (Beaufighter VIC) moves to Talbenny
263 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moves to Warmwell

First and Last Operational Missions
417 Sqn (Shandur – Hurricane IIB) flies its first OM of the war
602 Sqn (Skeabrae) flies its first OM and 2nd tour in the Spitfire IA
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

115 Sqn (Marham – Wellington III) 14.9.42

OPERATIONS FOR THE NIGHT OF 14/15th SEPTEMBER 1942. TARGET – WILHELMSHAVEN.
Form B.927, received from Headquarters No. 3 Group.

1956 to 2009
A/C.N.B.J.990 S/L SANDES and crew took off for operations
A/C.R.Z.1657 P/O BERRY and crew took off for operations
A/C.Q.X.3718 P/O Owen and crew took off for operations
A/C.V.B.J.963 Sgt PATE and crew took off for operations
A/C.J.B.J.893 Sgt BOADEN and crew took off for operations
A/C.A.Z.1663 S/L PARSONS and crew took off for operations
A/C.F.X.3447 Sgt HICKMAN and crew took off for operations
A/C.H.B.J. Sgt BARKER and crew took off for operations

BOMB LOAD
The above aircraft carried 54 S.B.C.s (4lb incend), and 18 S.B.C.s (30lb incend) all aircraft carried cameras.

8 aircraft took off for operations between 19.56 and 20.09 hours to attack target WILHELMSHAVEN. The aircraft bombed from heights ranging between 11,500 and 14,700 feet and a few bursts were seen. Many scattered fires were observed on the target and two or three were burning near Aiming Point. One aircraft failed to return from operations.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III BJ693 KO-J. Crew: P/O FB Boaden RNZAF, Sgt KJ Warner RNZAF, P/O FGR Jeffries, Sgt LA Shepherd, Sgt FJ Sears, Sgt HA Roberts. T/o 1958 Marham. Hit by Flak of M. Flak Abt. 222 battery Dangast and crashed into the Innenjade at 2315 hours. On 12 October, Sgt Sears was washed ashore and he now rests in Kiel War Cemetery. Sgt Warner and Sgt Shepherd are buried in Esbjerg Cemetry, Denmark; the others have no known grave.


WILHELMSHAVEN – 202 aircraft of 5 types. 2 Wellingtons were the only aircraft lost. The 4 aircraft of 408 Squadron RCAF in this raid the last operational effort by Hampden aircraft with front-line squadrons.

The Pathfinder marking was accurate and Wilhelmshaven reports its worst raid to date. Housing and city-centre type buildings are listed as being hit hardest. 77 people were killed and more than 50 injured.

As a means to facilitate preparations of the Twelfth Air Force for Operation TORCH, the air force headquarters and commands are attached to corresponding Eighth Air Force headquarters and commands for familiarization purposes.

Large numbers of personnel and units (some only nominally attached to the Eighth Air Force) are formally transferred to the Twelfth Air Force, including two heavy bombardment groups (97th and 301st), three medium bombardment groups (310th, 319th, and 320th), a light bombardment group (47th), a light bombardment squadron (15th), four fighter groups (1st, 14th, 31st, and 52d), three troop carrier groups (60th, 62d, and 64th), an observation group (68th, ground echelon only), and various service units. Many of these units are completing training in the U.K. and have not yet attained operational status. All units involved in the transfer will continue to train or conduct operational missions under Eighth Air Force control until they are redeployed to North Africa.

USMEAF - B-24s attacking Axis ships in Suda Bay are credited with setting a tanker afire. Tobruk is also attacked.

Base Changes
40 Sqn SAAF TR (Non-Op) moves to El Gamil
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to North Weald
608 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to North Coates

First and Last Operational Missions
142 Sqn (Grimsby) flies its first OM in the Wellington III
179 Sqn (Skitten – Wellington VIII) flies its first OM of the war
335 Sqn (Dekhaila) flies its last OM in the Hurricane I
408 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) flies its last OM in the Hampden I
460 Sqn RAAF (Breighton) flies its last OM in the Wellington IV
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

266 Sqn (Duxford – Typhoon IB) 15.9.42

12 aircraft with 609 and 56 Squadrons under W/Cdr. W.E. GILLIAM, DSO, DFC & Bar, AFC, took off from Exeter to cover the withdrawal of Bombers after Bombing Cherbourg. Swept just off of North Coast of Cherbourg Peninsula and saw Sgt. Spence aircraft smoking and heard him say he would bale out. He did so about 25 miles from Cherbourg and was seen sitting in Dinghy. 6 aircraft orbited him for nearly 30 minutes and got fixes, and had to leave then on account of petrol, Air-Sea Rescue tried to get him but no luck, Wind NW 7 sea roughish. Half Squadron landed at IBSLEY, other half WAMWELL. On taking off to fly back to Duxford Sgt. Blackwell engine failed and he crash landed, aircraft smashed but pilot although trapped in the aircraft for 20 minutes was not hurt. On landing near dust at Duxford P/O Wright’s aircraft the first to land swung and undercarriage broke. The other aircraft landed successfully. Sgt. Mollett’s aircraft was run into by a Spitfire at Warmwell early the next day and was smashed, the pilot was not in it.

ADDENDUM – 266 Sqn Typhoon IB R7645. Pilot Sgt. RL Spence. He was never recovered.

12 Bostons of 107 Squadron bombed the whaling factory ship Solglint in Cherbourg harbour, the ship was set on fire and gutted. No a/c lost.

27 Wellingtons and 13 Stirlings of 1 and 3 Group were minelaying in the Frisian Islands and of Verdon without loss.

USMEAF - B-24s and 57th Fighter Group P-40s support RAF attacks on German Army facilities and troops west of El Alamein.

The 57th Fighter Group displaces forward from Palestine to the vicinity of Cairo.

A lone B-24 dispatched to reconnoiter Suda Bay claims one hit for one bomb dropped on an Axis tanker.

First and Last Operational Missions
254 Sqn (Dyce) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIC
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

9 Sqn (Waddington – Lancaster I) 16.9.42

Thirteen crew’s were briefed for operations on the KRUPP’S work at ESSEN:- S/L FRY Aircraft “D”; Sgt Patrick Aircraft “G; F/SGT McDONALD Aircraft “K”; P/O McKEEN Aircraft “M”; SGT GOLEN Aircraft “O”; P/O HAWARD Aircraft (44 Sqn) “C”; F/L SWEENEY DFC Aircraft (44 Sqn) “W”; P/O MUSSELWHITE Aircraft “S”; SGT HOBBS Aircraft “T”; P/O COWAN Aircraft “V”; P/O RUNNACLES Aircraft “Y”; S/L CLYDE-SMITH DFC Aircraft “Z”; F/L STUBBS DFM Aircraft “R”.

F/Sgt McDONALD did not get off the ground; but a dozen aircraft set course for the target. “V” (P/O COWAN) turned back with a U/S rear turret; and “R” (F/L STUBBS) developed trouble with the fuel system, with engines cutting, so that he had to jettison his bombs in the WASH and return to base.

Altogether, this was the Squadron’s most successful operation thus far, in the Lancaster. P/O RUNNACLES actually brought back a photograph showing the corner of Krupp’s Work’s, and P/O McKEEN was only 1,000 yards further away. Another photograph (“Z”) was less than four miles away. But these successes were not without cost, and two crews, P/O MUSSELWHITE and SGT HOBBS, are missing.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I W186 WS-S. Crew: P/O LJ Musselwhite, Sgt J Hall, Sgt W Hunt, Sgt WO Snow RCAF, Sgt RS Morton, Sgt SV Miles, Sgt BE Buechler RCAF. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Lancaster I W4765 WS-T. Crew: Sgt KB Hobbs, Sgt G Dennison, Sgt. DW Constance, Sgt TH Kidd, Sgt M Hull, Sgt DOR Dawson, Sgt AH Jones. Crashed at Angermund, 11 km NNW of the Flingern district of Düsseldorf. Funerals initially took place at the city’s Nordfriehof, but since the ending of the war their remains have been taken to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Essen – 369 aircraft, including aircraft from the training groups. 39 aircraft – 21 Wellingtons, 9 Lancasters, 5 Stirlings, 3 Halifaxes, 1 Whitley lost – 10.6% of the force.

Although much of the bombing was scattered, this was probably the most successful attack on this difficult target. There were 33 large and 80 ‘medium’ fires. 8 industrial and 6 transport premises were hit. The Krupps works were hit by 15 high-explosive bombs and by a crashing bomber loaded with incendiaries. There was much housing damage. In Essen and its immediate surroundings, 47 people were killed and 92 injured.

Many other towns were hit, in particular Bochum with 50 fires and 4 people dead, Wuppertal with 13 dead, Herne with a large fire in a truck garage and Cochem, a small town on the Moselle 90 miles south of Essen, which received 1 bomb load destroying 4 houses and killing 15 people.

USMEAF - B-24s attack the harbour at Benghazi.

Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Non-Op) moves to LG-Z
404 Sqn RCAF (Blenheim IVF) moves to Dyce

First and Last Operational Missions
450 Sqn RAAF (LG.91) flies its first OM in the Kittyhawk III
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

418 Sqn RCAF (Bradwell Bay – Boston III) 17.9.42

Operations were carried out, crews as follows:
Pilot Sgt R Heslop, Navigator P/O JAG Thompson, Air Gunner Sgt G Blakely
Pilot P/O AT Persian, Navigator P/O GCT MacGregor, Air Gunner Sgt CE Stuart
Pilot F/S H Stone, Navigator F/S DH Alcorn, Air Gunner F/S C Forsythe
P/O Persian and crew were last heard of some 45 miles SSE of Exeter. Have not yet returned and were reported missing.

ADDENDUM – Boston III W8331. Crew: P/O AT Persian RCAF, P/O GCT MacGregor RCAF, Sgt CE Stuart RCAF. T/o Bradwell Bay 2014 to patrol Melun and Bretigny (Intruder Op). Last plotted over sea 45 miles SSE of Exeter after being in touch with Exeter Command Guard. Aircraft ditched, all KIA. They are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

3 Halifaxes on leaflet raids to France without loss.

USMEAF - B-24s attack shipping in Pylos Bay and the port facilities and shipping at Sphakia, Khalones, and Pylos Island.

Base Changes
76 Sqn (Halifax II) moved to Linton-on-Ouse
137 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Manston


First and Last Operational Missions
228 Sqn (Oban) flies its first OM in the Sunderland III
340 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VB
602 Sqn (Skeabrae) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VI
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

44 Sqn (Waddington – Lancaster I) 18.9.42

OPERATIONS. Twelve aircraft were detailed for Gardening Operations. Areas detailed were one aircraft (P/O Stephens DFM) QUINCE area. Three aircraft (P/O Wakeford, P/O Hackney, W/O Stett DFM) DEODARS area. Two aircraft (P/O Silcock, P/O Day) DAFFODILS area. One aircraft (F/Lt Barlow DFC) PRIVET area. One aircraft (S/Ldr Stewart DFC) SPINACH area. Three aircraft (P/O Young, P/O Barley, Sgt Rickards) RADISH area. The remaining aircraft (Sgt Beattie) failed to return from this Operation. P/O Young was unable to locate the target area owing to bad visibility. Vegetables were jettisoned. All other aircraft successfully planted their mines in the allotted positions. Parachutes seen to open and vegetables strike water. P/O Barley reports lots of Flak ships down the LANGELAND BELT.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I W1477 KM-W. Crew: Sgt J Beattie, Sgt J Cliffe, Sgt JR Locke, Sgt AF Bentley, Sgt F Walters, Sgt AK Wrigley, Sgt JW Drinkwater RCAF. T/o Waddington. Crashed in the North Sea off Hunstanton. Cause of loss not established. Sgt was washed ashore and was buried in the Evesham Cemetery, Worcestershire; his companions are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Minelaying – 115 aircraft to many locations between Lorient and Danzig. 5 aircraft – 2 Lancasters, 2 Stirlings, 1 Wellington – lost.

1 Halifax on leaflet flight to France returned safely.

The VIII Ground Air Support Command is redesignated VIII Air Support Command.

Col Rosenham Beam is named XII Ground Air Support Command commanding officer, and a number of RAF support units are attached to XII Fighter Command because corresponding USAAF units are not available. (The RAF units include radar operators, signalmen, observers, and air-warning specialists.)

Base Changes
609 Sqn (Typhoon IA) moves to Biggin Hill

First and Last Operational Missions
85 Sqn (Hunsdon) flies its last OM in the Havoc II
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

10 Sqn (Pocklington – Halifax II) 19.9.42

Five crews operated from Pocklington, the target being SAARBRUCKEN, four bombed the primary, Sgt Hampton abandoned the mission owing to a coolant leak on the port outer engine of his aircraft. The aircraft captained by Sgt Wilmott struck a tree top on the Pennines whilst flying low with the crew not sure of their position, the starboard aileron was torn also the outer engine damaged. The Captain climbed his aircraft and ordered the crew to bale out, following himself when all the crew had jumped. With the exception of the Navigator Sgt Mc Dougall who was killed when he fell among the crags of the hills, the entire crew escaped without injury. The aircraft was burnt out when it crashed near the Village of West End, West Yorkshire.

SAARBRÜCKEN – 118 aircraft – 72 Wellingtons, 41 Halifaxes, 5 Stirlings. 3 Wellingtons and 2 Halifaxes lost, 4.2% of the force.

The Pathfinders had to mark 2 targets on this night and the Pathfinder crews allocated to this raid experienced difficulties with ground haze. Bombing was scattered to the west of the target. Saarbrücken reports on 13 houses destroyed, 27 seriously damaged and 1 man killed.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack Pylos Bay, Pylos Island, and Khalones.

Base Changes
7 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IID) moves to Shandur
236 Sqn (Beaufighter VIC) moves to North Coates
335 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to LG.173

First and Last Operational Missions
206 Sqn (Benbecula) flies its first OM in the Fortress IIA
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire IX) 20.9.42

05.41 hours, “A” Flight readiness, “B” Flight available, 08.35 hours, 30 minutes available. Weather bad all day, raining, wind N.W. 10 – 15 M.P.H. 12.30 hours, Squadron released until 17.00 hours. 17.00 hours, Squadron 30 minutes available, and released at 17.14 hours.

8th AF - The combined Anglo-American planning group sets November 8 as D day for Operation TORCH. Nearly all of the USAAF fighter and bomber groups that will have arrived in the U.K. by then are earmarked for a rapid transfer to airfields in French Northwest Africa as soon as they can fly direct or be staged in via RAF bases at Gibraltar.

Base Changes
207 Sqn (Lancaster I) moves to Langar

First and Last Operational Missions
125 Sqn (Fairwood Common) flies its first OM in the Beaufighter VIF
202 Sqn (Gibraltar) flies its last OM in the Sunderland
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

101 Sqn (Stradishall – Wellington) 21.9.42

8 planes ordered for minelaying. Captains:- S/Ldr. V.R. Paterson, Sgt. Hawkins, H.M., failed to return and Sgt. Ralph, J.C., returned early owing to burst tyre and faulty undercarriage indicator. Mine were laid as ordered.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III X3457 SR-R. Crew: Sgt HM Hawkins RAAF, F/S J Rimmer, Sgt JS Sagar, Sgt JE Rodgers RCAF, F/S W Shankland. Shot down Ofw. Karl Haisch (4th victory) 4./NJG3 6 km N. or W. Toftlund at 23.28 hours. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Wellington III X3815 SR-? Crew: S/L VR Paterson DFC, P/O CH Mithcell RCAF, Sgt GL Otter RNZAF, F/S EJ Rowe, P/O REN Butcher RAAF. Shot down by either Ofw. Karl Haisch (5th victory) or Maj. Günther Radusch (11th victory) Stab II/NJG.3 OR one of them shot down a 115 Squadron Wellington that was also lost this night. It is unclear which pilot got which aircraft. Sgt Michell and Sgt Otter were captured and those who died are buried in Abenra Cemetery, Denmark.

Minelaying – 17 aircraft minelaying in Kiel Bay and off Denmark. 3 Wellingtons lost.

Base Changes
80 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to El Bassa
111 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Martlesham Heath
174 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moves to Manston
247 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B/C) moves to High Ercall
257 Sqn (Typhoon IB) moves to Exeter
266 Sqn (Typhoon IA) moves to Warmwell
302 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ipswich
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

226 Sqn (Swanton Morley – Boston III) 22.9.42

2 Sections of 2 aircraft were detailed for Operations. Targets were 3 power stations in NORTHERN FRANCE. F/Lt. YATES-EARL returned to Base having damaged the observers’s cockpit by hitting a bird. P/O. EMMETT and SGT. PARSONS returned to Base owing to insufficient cloud cover. SGT. DAVIES attacked an unidentified target, the primary target already having been bombed. SGT. COLLINS and crew and SGT. DEMONT and crew failed to return from this operation.

ADDENDUM – Boston III AL685 MQ-Z. Crew: Sgt MAH Demont, P/O RW Andrew, Sgt WER Wareham. T/o 1050 Swanton Morley and shot down by fighters near Chocques power station. All rest in Middlekerke Communal Cemetry, Belgium

Boston III AL743 MQ-F. Crew: Sgt MA Collins, P/O HJ Milford, Sgt GA Nicholls. P/O Milford and Sgt Nicholls were captured. P/O Milford was one of the airmen murdered by the Gestapo following the ‘Great Escape’. Sgt Collins successfully evaded.

18 Bostons in low-level pairs attacked power stations in France. 6 Mosquitoes were sent to Ijmuiden steel works. 4 aircraft bombed there. 2 Bostons lost.

In the first fighter action in more than a month, two 31st Fighter Group Spitfires are scrambled to intercept a GAF Ju-88 medium bomber sighted off Selsey Bill. Maj Harrison R. Thyng is credited with a “probable.”

USAMEAF B-24s attacking Axis shipping in Benghazi harbour claim hits on a large vessel and several smaller ships.

Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Eglinton

First and Last Operational Missions
417 Sqn RCAF (Shandur) flies its last OM in the Hurricane IIB
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

305 (Polish) Sqn (Hemswell – Wellington IV) 23.9.42

OPERATION No. 136 – Three aircraft were detailed to take part in mining operations in enemy waters. They were captained by W/CDR. SNIEGULA, SGT. SEKOWSKI, and SGT. FRZYBELA. From this operation aircraft 1476 “F”, Captain, SGT. SEKOWSKI failed to return to base. The other two crews reported successful trips and mines successfully laid.

ADDENDUM – Wellington IV Z1476 SM-F. Crew: Sgt T Sekowski PAF, F/O R Rodznkiewicz PAF, F/O L Ostaszewski PAF, Sgt A Pruchniewicz PAF, Sgt A Ostrowski PAF. T/O 1904 Hemswell to lay mines in French waters off Lorient. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Northolt Memorial.

During this period of prolonged bad weather, BC sent out 3 small raids without Pathfinders.

Wismar – 83 Lancasters of 5 Group; 4 lost.

This was judged to be a successful attack o the Baltic coastal town and the nearby Dornier aircraft factory. Many crews came down to less than 2,000 ft. Numerous fires were seen including a large one in what was believed to be the aircraft factory. Wismar reports 32 houses and 8 industrial buildings seriously damaged, 67 people killed and 109 injured.

Flensburg – 28 Halifaxes of 4 Group; 5 lost. Only 16 aircraft claimed to have bombed Flensburg.

Vegesack – 24 Stirlings of 3 Group; 1 lost.

24 Wellingtons and 8 Stirlings of 1 and 3 Groups minelaying at many places between Biscay and Denmark. 2 Wellingtons lost.

Total effort for the night: 168 sorties, 12 aircraft, 7.1%, lost.

MajGen James H. Doolittle assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force, whose headquarters is now in Scotland, awaiting movement of the seaborne invasion force to French Northwest Africa.


Base Changes
21 Sqn SAAF (Non-Op) moves to LG-Y
129 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Grimsetter
132 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Martlesham Heath
340 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Biggin Hill
350 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Southend
401 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire IX) moves to Kenley
412 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill
416 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Redhill
611 Sqn (Spitfire IX) moves to Biggin Hill
612 Sqn (Whitley VII) moves to Wick
616 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moves to Tangmere

First and Last Operational Missions
48 Sqn (Sumburgh) flies its last OM in the Hudson V
56 Sqn (Matlask) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB
417 Sqn RCAF (Shandur) flies its first OM in the Hurricane IIC
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 24.9.42

05:48 hours Squadron 30 minutes available. At 08:30 hours, “B” Flight one section at a time to patrol Shoreham and Newhaven hourly. At 08:37 hours, Blue Section “Snack-bar 35 & Snack-bar 23” airborne. Snack-bar (SB) is our new call sign. Pancaked 09:50 and 09:55 hours. 09:26 hours, Black Section airborne to relieve Blue, pancaked 10:37 hours. “SB” 34 & 21. At 10:22 hours, Green Section airborne to relieve Black, pancaked 11:02 hours. “SB” 28 & 18. At 10:40 hours, Blue Section “SB” 23 & 15 airborne to relieve Green. Pancaked at 11:23 hours.

Refuelling this morning was Gawd-awful. The Bowser went U/S and pilots on readiness had to keep changing their chutes etc. to other a/c on account of this. Finally “B” Flight had to borrow “A” Flights a/c as the bowser broke down completely, besides running out of petrol. This was no fault of our crews. At 13:00 hours Squadron 30 minutes available. At 16:45 hours, “A” Flight readiness, “B” Flight 15 minutes available. At 16:30 hours, Tannoy announce No. 401 to come to readiness as soon as possible. At 16:40 Squadron at readiness. This is when a balls up on operations part occurred. They tannoyed a scramble for No. 401 readiness section. The whole squadron was scrambled and started up and but the mistake was corrected in time and Yellow Section only took off, Snack-bar 19 & 34. At 18:15 hours Red Section SB 51 & 77 scrambled, airborne at 18:20 hours, landed at 18:30 hours. At 19:02 hours, “A” Flight readiness, “B” Flight 15 minutes available. At 19:41 Squadron released.

Minelaying – 51 aircraft to Texel, the Frisian Islands, Heligoland and the Baltic. 1 Lancaster lost.

Base Changes
115 Sqn (Wellington III) moves to Mildenhall
131 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Thorney Island
488 Sqn RNZAF (Hampden I) moves to Wick

First and Last Operational Missions
143 Sqn (Sumburgh) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter IF
266 Sqn (Warmwell) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

105 Sqn (Horsham St. Faith – Mosquito B.IV) 25.9.42

Four MOSQUITO aircraft of this Squadron took off from LEUCHARS in early afternoon for attack on special target in OSLO.

1. FLYING OFFICER BRISTOW and PILOT OFFICER MARSHALL – Attacked target successfully from 100 feet. Was attacked over the target by two F.W.190’s, which were successfully evaded. Landed at SUMBURGH on return.

2. PILOT OFFICER ROWLAN and PILOT OFFICER REILLY – Attacked target successfully from 100 feet. Was attacked by a F.W.190 after leaving the target. Aircraft was damaged by cannon-fire, but eventually drew away from the F.W.190 and landed safely at SUMBURGH.

3. SQUADRON LEADER PARRY and PILOT OFFICER ROBSON. Attacked target successfully from 100 feet. Was attacked over the target by two F.W.190’s, but evaded them. Direct hit observed on central building. Aircraft landed at SUMBURGH.

4. FLIGHT SERGEANT CARTER and SERGEANT YOUNG – This aircraft was attacked and hit by a F.W.190 over the target and was last seen heading into OSLO FJORD with smoke pouring from starboard engine. It failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Mosquito IV DK325 GB-?. Crew: F/S GK Carter, Sgt WS Young. T/o 1413 from Leuchars to attack the Gestapo headquarters building in Oslo. Shot down by FW190s over Oslofjord. Both arimen are buried in Oslo Western Civil Cemetery.

Oslo Gestapo Headquarters – This raid was intended to be a morale raiser for the Norwegian people and was timed to coincide with a rally of Norwegians who supported the Germans.

4 Mosquitoes of 105 Squadron set off from Leuchars in Scotland but were intercepted by FW190s on their low-level bombing run and 1 Mosquito was shot down. 4 bombs hit the Gestapo headquarters but 3 passed right through the building without exploding and the fourth, which remained inside the building, also failed to explode

USAMEAF B-24s attack Benghazi.

Base Changes
12 Sqn (Wellington II/III) moved to Wickenby.
124 Sqn (Spitfire VI) moved to Tangmere

First and Last Operational Missions
340 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IX
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

12 Sqn (Wickenby – Wellington III) 26.9.42

OPERATIONS were ordered for sea mining in the Baltic area. 6 aircraft took part. Captains were P/O WEYLE, F/LT BELL, P/O FRANCIS, P/O WARD, P/O MORTON, and SGT BAKER. P/O WARD’s aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing, the remaining aircraft all returned safely to Base.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III BJ776 PH-V. Crew: P/O JS Ward RAAF, Sgt JB Harden RAAF, Sgt HC Thompson RAAF, Sgt AC Rich RAAF, Sgt PR Mitchell RAAF. T/o 1930 Wickenby. Lost without a trace. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

52 Wellingtons and 19 Stirlings minelaying in the Frisians and off Denmark. 1 Wellington lost.

Flensburg – 28 Halifaxes of 4 Group were recalled. 1 aircraft went on to bomb the target are and 1 aircraft was lost.

8th AF - Of 75 heavy bombers dispatched to attack GAF airdromes or conduct diversionary raids, only 16 reach their targets, and no bombs are dropped. The entire 301st Heavy Bombardment Group is recalled from the main attack because it cannot locate its fighter escort over the English Channel; the 97th Heavy Bombardment Group is prevented from bombing by thick cloud cover over its diversionary target, and it cannot divine its position until a tail wind has blown it all the way out to the Bay of Biscay; and bad weather also results in the failure of the 92d Heavy Bombardment Group to attack its diversionary targets.

Only days before most U.S. citizens serving as pilots in the RAF are to be transferred to the USAAF, 11 of them flying with the RAF’s 133 “Eagle” Squadron are lost while escorting RAF bombers to targets in France.

USAMEAF - B-24 squadrons dispatched to undertake various strikes against Axis shipping return to base without having found any targets.

Base Changes
1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.154
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Drem
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moved to Predannack
72 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Ouston
145 Sqn (Spitfire VC) moves to LG.92
238 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/IIC) moves to LG.154
453 Sqn RAAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Hornchurch
485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Church Fenton

First and Last Operational Missions
142 Sqn (Grimsby) flies its last OM in the Wellington IV
450 Sqn RAAF (LG.91) flies its last OM in the Kittyhawk I
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

401 Sqn RCAF (Kenley – Spitfire IX) 27.9.42

Weather: Rain and cloud, no flying. Squadron weather bound at Bolt Head. F/L Morrison and F/L Grant did convoy patrol at 13.30 hours from Bolt Head.

USAMEAF -B-24s attacking an 8,000-ton vessel unloading in Benghazi harbour fail to score any hits.

Base Changes
111 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Fowlmere
152 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Collyweston
486 Sqn RNZAF (Non-Op) moves to North Weald

First and Last Operational Missions
122 Sqn (Hornchurch) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VB
609 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

115 Sqn (Mildenhall – Wellington III) 28.9.42

MET. CONDITIONS

Wind East to North Easterly, cloudy with rain, visibility poor.

OPERATIONS (DAYLIGHT) ON 28th SEPTEMBER 1942. TARGET – LINGEN

Form B. received from Headquarters No. 3 Group.

1333 to 1336

A/C. J. Z.1663 S/L. PARSONS and crew took off for operations.
A/C. T. B.K.272 S/L. SANDES and crew took off for operations.
A/C. V. B.J.965 SGT. CRIMMIN and crew took off for operations.

BOMB LOAD

The above aircraft carried 27 500lb G.P’s.

Three aircraft took off on daylight operations between the hours of 1333 and 1336 to attack target LINGEN. Two aircraft returned to base early owing to lack of cloud cover, one bringing back its bombs and the other jettisoning its bombs safe. One aircraft failed to return from operations.

1615

The other two aircraft had returned safely to base by 1615 hours.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III Z1663 KO-J. Crew: S/L RJS Parsons, F/S WL Clough, F/S JA Parker RCAF, Sgt JM Gilmour RCAF, Sgt JJ Stansell RCAF. T/o 1336 Mildenhall in an attempt to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Kanal near Lingen, using cloud cover. Shot down by a FW190 (Uffz Kurt Knespel 10./JG1), executing a beam attack, and crashed 1802 into the IJesselmeer, 8 km S of what in 1942 was the island of Urk. F/S Parker died in the attack, and F/S Clough was last ween, using a fire extinguisher, bravely trying to put out the fire which was raging inside the fuselage. He has no known grave, but S/L Parsons and F/S Parker are buried in the New Eastern Cemetery at Amsterdam. Sgt Gilmour and Sgt Stansell received complimentary food and lodging courtesy of the German government for the duration of the war.

Lingen – 6 Wellingtons. Only 1 aircraft bombed ships, but missed. 1 Wellington lost.

Base Changes
105 Sqn (Mosquito IV) moves to Marham

First and Last Operational Missions
96 Sqn (Wrexham) flies its last OM in the Beaufighter II
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

9 Sqn (Waddington – Lancaster I) 29.9.42

The following crews were briefed for mine-laying operations:
S/L. CLYDE-SMITH, DFC. Aircraft “R”; P/O. COWAN. Aircraft “V”; F/SGT. STOREY. Aircraft “U”; SGT. GOALEN. Aircraft “W”; F/L. SWEENEY. DFC. Aircraft “J”; SGT. PATRICK. Aircraft “G”; P/O. RUNNACLES. Aircraft “Y”.

The crews were allotted different areas in the Baltic in which to plant their vegetables. All aircraft took off. As the mining area was approached, very adverse weather conditions were encountered. F/SGT> STOREY in endeavouring to locate his pin-point, flew over what is thought to be SWINEMUNDE. He encountered intense light and heavy flak, co-operating with searchlights. Failing to locate his objective, he was obliged to bring his “vegetables” back to base. P/O. COWAN located his pin-point, but was interrupted during his run, by light flak, having been picked up by searchlights. He planted his load as ordered. SGT. PATRICK was forced to drop his mines in an alternative area, when his port outer oil pressure dropped off, and it became necessary to feather the engine. This was subsequently found to be a rifle calibre bullet, presumably fired from the ground en route, which had smashed into the engine. The other three crews planted their loads in alternative areas, since low cloud made identification of their pin-points impossible. They were diverted to MARHAM on return due to bad visibility at Base.

SGT. GOALEN failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Lancaster I W4327 WS-W. Crew: Sgt LW Goalen, Sgt JV Renshaw, Sgt DF Shanley, Sgt AG Boughtwood, Sgt DB Paton, Sgt JVL Lebano RCAF, Sgt JE Watts. T/o Waddington to lay mines in the Willow area of the Baltic. Crashed near Stettin. All rest in the Commonwealth Section of the Old Garrison Cemetery at Poznan, Poland.

14 Lancasters minelaying in the Baltic off Bornholm, Sassnitz, and Swinemünde. 1 lost.

At an official ceremony at Bushey Hall, most U.S. citizens serving in the RAF’s three Eagle squadrons are formally released by the RAF for service in the USAAF, and all are assigned (with their Spitfire V and IX fighters) to the 4th Fighter Group, which was officially commissioned by the USAAF on British soil on August 22. The 4th Fighter Group is to operate from Debden Airdrome, in Essex. The group’s ground echelon is formed from the 50th Fighter Squadron ground echelon (formerly a component of the 14th Fighter Group) and USAAF mechanics and armourers trained by the RAF to work on Spitfires. The new group is immediately put on full operational status.

USAMEAF - B-24s attack port facilities at Suda Bay.


Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Andreas
66 Sqn (Spitfire VB/VC) moves to Zeals
88 Sqn (Boston III) moves to Oulton
101 Sqn (Wellington III) moves to Home-in-Spalding Moor
122 Sqn (Non-Op) moves to Martlesham Heath
302 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Heston
485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire VB) moves to Kings Cliffe

First and Last Operational Missions
139 Sqn (Marham) flies its first OM in the Mosquito IV
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

149 Sqn (Lakenheath – Stirling I) 30.9.42

4 A/C detailed Gardening NECTARINE. 1 A/C failed to return. Remaining 3 A/C report having seen all mines going down. Cloud base estimate 2.000 ft. Dark, visibility good.

ADDENDUM – F/S SD Wells RNZAF, Sgt EG Souter, Sgt MH Elliot RNZAF, Sgt LJ Tighe RCAF, Sgt EHC Phillips, Sgt RBL Flint, F/S GH McHugh RCAF. T/o 1928 Lakenheath and headed for the Nectarines area. Crashed in the North Sea, cause unknown. F/S Wells was buried in Heligoland, but his grave could not be found after the war and he now has a Special Memorial in Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf. His crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

20 Wellingtons and 5 Stirlings minelaying off Texel and in the Frisians. 1 Stirling and 1 Wellington lost.

Base Changes
41 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Lianbedr
152 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Wittering

First and Last Operational Missions
91 Sqn (Hawkinge) flies its last OM in the Spitfire VA
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

405 Sqn RCAF (Topcliffe – Halifax II) 1.10.42

131st OPERATION – FLENSBURG

8 Captains took off on what proved a very costly operation for this Squadron. Only 3 of our a/c claimed to have bombed the primary area but intense flak and searchlight dazzle prevented any definite results of attack from being assessed. A couple of small fires could be seen evidently in the town and one to the northeast. One a/c attacked Sylt aerodrome and observed big red flash. Another a/c was forced to jettison bombs safe and incendiaries live. The remaining three a/c are missing, nothing having been heard from them since takeoff. The loss of three a/c and 23 crew members of the Squadron was a severe blow to us. They were experienced crews and have shared the success of our attacks and were valuable in the continued striking power of the unit. The Captains that took part in the attack were of the opinion that this target is now a most dangerous target from low-level.

ADDENDUM – Halifax II W7710 LQ-R “Ruhr Valley Express”. Crew F/O EC Olsen RCAF, Sgt BB Copeland RCAF, P/O JC Kitchen RCAF, F/S AJR Vineberg, F/S AM Carter, P/O AM Green RCAF, F/S WG McCron RCAF. T/o Waddington 1753. Coned by 1. Res Flakscheinw. Abt. 609 (Werfer 12), shot down by 1.-4./Res. Flak Abt. 306 and 1.-3./Iei Flak Abt. 755 near Flensburg Klushof Niehaus at 2236. All were laid to rest at Flensburg, but when their graves were opened in readiness for their remains to be taken to Kiel War Cemetery, two, Sgt. Copeland and F/S Vineberg, could not be identified and their names appear on the Runnymede Memorial.

Halifax II W7780 LQ-Q. Crew P/O JT Campbell, Sgt CA Carpenter, Sgt AD Chance, F/O RJ Ayles RCAF, P/O JRP Burke RCAF, Sgt S Peel, P/O JLP Le Page RCAF. T/o 1757 Topcliffe. Cone by 2. Res. Flakscheinw. Abt. 609 (Werfer 26), hit by 1.-4./Res. Flak Abt. 306, 1.-3./Iei Flak Abt. 755 and Iei. Marineflak Mürwick, crashed at Flensburg-Weiche at 2229 hours. Laid to rest at Flensburg, but their graves now are located at Kiel War Cemetery. The crew were members of 425 Squadron RCAF, attached to 405 Squadron to gain operational experience on Halifax aircraft. However, it would be December 1943, before the type was issued to 425 Squadron.

Halifax II W7802 LQ-T. Crew: P/O WH Duncan RCAF, P/O JW McCann, Sgt JJ Pocock RCAF, Sgt A Fairless, Sgt P Kucheryk RCAF, P/O AA Lang RCAF, Sgt LR Sheward, P/O FL Conningham RCAF. T/o 1751 Topcliffe. Coned by 1. Res Flakscheinw. Abt. 609, hit by 1.-4./Res. Flak Abt. 306 and 1.-3./Iei Flak Abt. 755, crashed into water tower in Flensburg at 2225. All are buried in Kiel War Cemetery, following the discovery of their graves at Flensburg.

Flensburg – 27 Halifaxes of 4 Group. Good bombing results were claimed by 12 crews but 12 aircraft were lost, nearly half the force. The losses sustained this night were the worst in the war so far as the four-engine types were concerned. When added to the six crews lost during raids to this area in late September, 4 Group had sustained a total casualty count of 111 airmen, from which a mere 18 were later reported to be prisoners of war.

The 350th Fighter Group is activated in England under special authority granted by USAAF Headquarters to the Eighth Air Force. The unit, which is initially destined for a ground-attack role with the Twelfth Air Force, is equipped with a mixture of spare P-39, P-400, and P-38 fighters available in the U.K. at the time.

USAMEAF - B-24s attacking Axis ships in Pylos Bay claim hits on a large vessel. B-24s dispatched to attack an Axis convoy at sea fail to locate the target.

Base Changes
24 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moves to LG-Y
106 Sqn (Lancaster I) moves to Syerston
214 Sqn (Stirling I) moves to Chedburgh
407 Sqn RCAF (Hudson V) moves to St. Eval
419 Sqn RCAF (Wellington III) moves to Croft

First and Last Operational Missions
77 Sqn (Chivenor) flies its last OM in the Whitley V
312 Sqn (Harrowbeer) flies its first OM in the Spitfire VC
544 Sqn (Benson – Spitfire PR V) flies its first OM of the war
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
User avatar
warshipbuilder
Posts: 2669
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Location: C-eh-n-eh-d-eh

Re: Action This Day

Post by warshipbuilder »

419 Sqn RCAF (Croft – Wellington III) 2.10.42

Nine aircraft attacked Krefeld and two returned early. F/Sgt. Stowe and crew failed to return.

ADDENDUM – Wellington III BK269 VR-C. Crew: F/S SV Stowe RCAF Sgt HS Sveinson RCAF, P/O AB Morlidge RCAF, P/O HJ Stuart RCAF, Sgt H Nelan RCAF, Sgt HD Price RCAF. T/o 1819 Croft. Shot down by Oblt. Hans-Dieter Frank (11th victory) 2./NJG1 700 m S. Volkel airfield at 2230. Sgt Nelan was captured and those who died are buried in Uden War Cemetery.

Krefeld – 188 aircraft – 95 Wellingtons, 39 Halifaxes, 31 Lancasters, 23 Stirlings. 7 aircraft – 3 Halifaxes, 2 Wellingtons, 1 Lancaster, 1 Stirling – lost. 3.7% of the force.

The Pathfinders encountered dense haze and their marking was late. The raid which developed was dispersed and not expected to cause much damage. Krefeld’s rather general report on wartime bombing does not class this as a ‘Grossangrif’ – a major raid; only 3 streets in the northern part of the town are mentioned as being hit but most of the 41 people recorded as being killed by raids in 1942 probably died on this night.

The 4th Fighter Group, in Spitfires, undertakes its first combat mission as part of the Eighth Air Force. While escorting six 97th Heavy Bombardment Group B-17s on a diversionary bombing raid against St.-Omer/Longuenesse Airdrome, the RAF-trained American pilots (of which 22 are on the mission) down four FW-190s around Dunkirk, Nieuport, and Calais.

The 15th Light Bombardment Squadron, in A-20s, attacks a ship in the Le Havre port at 1420 hours.

Thirty-two 97th and 301st Heavy Bombardment group B-17s, escorted by 31 1st Fighter Group P-38s and approximately 350 RAF fighters, attack Albert/Meaulte Airdrome. Claims by 97th and 301st group gunners amount to nine GAF fighters downed and 13 probably downed. Six 301st Group B-17s are damaged by enemy fire and, on return, one of the B-17s, with three injured crewmen aboard, crash-lands.

Base Changes
33 Sqn (Hurricane IIC) moves to LG.154
65 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Lympne
132 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Hornchurch
331 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moves to Manston
450 Sqn RAAF (Kittyhawk III) moves to LG.224

First and Last Operational Missions
306 Sqn (Northolt) flies its first OM in the Spitfire IX
515 Sqn (Northolt – Defiant NFII) flies its first OM of the war
486 Sqn RNZAF (North Weald) flies its first OM in the Typhoon IB
warshipbuilder

Any ship can be a minesweeper, once.
ED/BTR Ressurection Project
https://www.bombercommandmuseumarchives.ca/
Post Reply

Return to “Gary Grigsby's Eagle Day to Bombing the Reich”