RE: Action This Day

RE: Action This Day (Full Version)

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warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/15/2021 1:08:21 AM)
99 Sqn (Waterbeach – Wellington IC) 15.11.41 Seven a/c were detailed to attack Emden and three to attack Kiel and the only Freshman from the Squadron was to accompany the main effort to Emden. Of the three a/c detailed for Kiel, one Capt. Sgt. Russell returned early because of icing trouble and having full bomb load and considerable petrol too was directed to Berner Heath to drop 4 x 500 G.P. dead, and retain 1 x 1000. This was accomplished, but on return to neighbourhood of aerodrome crashed and went on fire. One member of the crew was badly injured some of the others had minor injuries and burns. The bomb carried burst approximately 20 minutes after the fire started. The other two a/c carried out the operation but owing to 10/10 cloud cover one dropped the bomb on E.T.A. while the other jettisoned in the sea owing to shortage of petrol. Of the eight a/c on the Emden target one returned to base early being unable to maintain height owing to severe icing and dropped 1 x 4000 into the sea. Another returned early with intercomm. Trouble and also jettisoned 1 x 4000 into the sea. Four others bombed on E.T.A. Two a/c including the Freshman failed to return to base. The weather conditions were presumably bad and the return journey for all a/c was made extremely difficult. Target signals were received from the two missing a/c, J and R. Other signals included one M.F. signal from J well North of track and three M.F. fixes and four Q.D.M’s from R. The fixes showed that R was considerably off track but he was coming back in the correct direction. The Q.D.M’s also confirmed this. ADDENDUM - Wellington L7873 LN-J was hit by Flak of 5./M Flak abt. 246 battery Terschelling – West and crashed into the sea at 2147 hours. Wellington Z8975 LN-R was lost without a trace and presumed crashed into the sea. 49 aircraft bombed Emden, results were not observed because of cloud. 47 aircraft were sent to Kiel, but only 8 reported bombing the target area. Kiel reported a cloudy night and no bombs. Base Changes 102 Sqn (Whitley V) moved to Dalton First and Last Operational Missions 54 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its last OM in the Spitfire VB 64 Sqn (Drem) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA 124 Sqn (Castletown) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB 504 Sqn (Ballyhalbern) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/16/2021 12:57:54 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 16.11.41 Again poor weather conditions prevented any flying being done by the Squadron. Base Changes 30 Sqn (Hurricane I) moves to LG.005 134 Sqn (Non-Op) leaves for the UK First and Last Operational Missions 145 Sqn (Catterick) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/17/2021 12:53:22 AM)
501 Sqn (Ibsley – Spitfire VB) 17.11.41 Yesterday’s operations were ordered for today, this time from Ibsley. P/O. Stanbury and Sgt. Dean, R.F.C., took off at 09.40 and P/O. Parker, Tomlinson and Sgt. Campbell at 09.50. The latter mentioned pilots returned at 10.57. P/O. Stanbury landed at 11.07. He last saw Sgt. Dean fade away in a rain cloud over the French coast; he circled looking for Sgt. Dean but saw nothing. P/O. Stanbury and Sgt. Dean attacked what they took to be a distillery, a transformer and some Hun soldiers. ADDENDUM – Sgt. R.F.C. Dean (Spitfire VB AD129 “K”) KIA and is buried at Brevands, France. Base Changes 24 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.112 54 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Castletown 64 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Hornchurch 207 Sqn (Manchester I) moved to Bottesford 245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Warmwell 260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.124 First and Last Operational Missions 6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/18/2021 2:27:30 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 18.11.41 This morning the Squadron went on a sweep over Northern France. No action with enemy aircraft was reported. Cine-gun exercises were carried out in the afternoon and also an extensive convoy patrol, the latter being performed without incident. Base Changes 12 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.076 14 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.025 21 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.076 124 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Biggin Hill 451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to LG.132 First and Last Operational Missions 54 Sqn (Castletown) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB 64 Sqn (Hornchurch) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/19/2021 12:56:10 AM)
41 Sqn (Merston – Spitfire VB) 19.11.41 S/Ldr. Gaunce Missing believed killed in action, into sea, Estuary of River Lavire. ADDENDUM – S/Ldr. L.M. Gaunce DFC was shot down by a Me.109 off St. Lo. KIA. Base Changes 80 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.128 112 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Maddalena, Libya 250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.123 411 Sqn RCAF (Spitfire VB) moved to Hornchurch First and Last Operational Missions 456 Sqn RAAF (Valley) flew its first OM in the Beaufighter IIF

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/20/2021 12:38:42 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 20.11.41 Practise formations, sector recco. and local flying were the exercises for the day. Base Changes 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Maddelina, Libya 4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.121 33 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.025 94 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.124 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to LG.124

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/21/2021 1:14:10 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 21.11.41 The only flying done today was a 3-hour convoy patrol. Visibility closed in around 1500 hours and Sgt. C.R. Golden crash-landed at Maidstone, Kent. He was admitted to hospital suffering from a fractured left thigh, lacerations to knees and face and shock. He was posted to non-effective. Base Changes 229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to LG.123 609 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Digby First and Last Operational Missions 237 Sqn (LG.075) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I 611 Sqn (Drem) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/22/2021 12:45:52 AM)
401 Sqn (Biggin HIll – Spitfire VB) 22.11.41 The Squadron carried out practice attacks and some local flying in the forenoon. Early in the afternoon, the Squadron was ordered to patrol convoy. This operation was carried out without incident. Later on, the Squadron in company with 72 Squadron carried out a sweep over Northern France. Considerable numbers of enemy aircraft were encountered with the resultant score for our Squadron 2 ME.109E’s and 2 FW-190’s destroyed, 1 FW-190 probably destroyed, 1 FW-190 damaged and 3 ME-109E’s damaged. Flying Officer H.A. Sprague is missing from the operation. ADDENDUM - F/O. H.A. Sprague Spitfire VB AD516 was shot down and became a PoW. Base Changes 26 Sqn (Tomahawk I) moved to Manston 237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to LG.128

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/23/2021 1:01:54 AM)
41 Sqn (Merston – Spitfire VB) 23.11.41 1440 1 Aircraft Patrol as ordered. 1630 4 Aircraft Patrol as ordered. Sgt. D. Fleming spun into sea off Bognar Regis Engine trouble killed on active service. 1640 2 Aircraft Patrol as ordered. 1715 1 Aircraft Patrol as ordered. Base Changes 245 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Chilbolton First and Last Operational Missions 124 Sqn (Biggin Hill) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB 234 Sqn (Wamwell) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/24/2021 1:02:09 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 24.11.41 The weather today was non-operational, rain and poor visibility keeping the Squadron grounded. One aircraft test took place this morning and constituted the days flying. Base Changes 61 Sqn (Manchester I) moved to Woolfox Lodge 84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.116 451 Sqn RAAF (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Azeiz First and Last Operational Missions 310 Sqn (Duxford) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB 313 Sqn (Portreath) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB 331 Sqn (Skeabrae) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB and its first OM in the Spitfire IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/25/2021 1:20:29 AM)
217 Sqn (Thorney Island – Beaufort II) 25.11.41 Five crews were detailed for operations. Sgt. Gill and P/O. Etheridge were sent on Gardening. P/O. Etheridge dropped successfully in the shipping channel without incident but on the return journey owing to bad weather conditions at base was diverted to St. Eval where he landed. Sgt. Gill failed to return. No signal of any sort was received from him but an aircraft of Bomber Command reported a British aircraft in the sea off Brest. ADDENDUM – Beaufort I AW188 MW-Q lost off Brest at 18.40 hours. Sgt. H Gill and Sgt. J.R. Griffiths rest in Kerfaustras Cemetery, Brest. Sgt. N. Boyd Orr was not recovered and Sgt. J.A. Cronie was a PoW. Base Changes 229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to LG.012 268 (Non-Op) moved to Weston Zoyland 313 (Spitfire IIA/VB) moved to Warmwell First and Last Operational Missions 76 Sqn (Middleton St. George) flew its first OM in the Halifax II 217 Sqn (Thorney Island) flew its first OM in the Beaufort II

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/26/2021 12:57:10 AM)
106 Sqn (Coningsby – Hampden I) 26.11.41 Six freshman crews were detailed for an attack on the docks and sidings at EMDEN. Weather was poor, there being 10/10th clouds throughout the flight, thus making impossible location of the primary target. Five aircraft bombed the approximate target area, two doing so from 8000 feet. One aircraft failed to return. ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE317 was hit by heavy Flak from M. Flak Abt. 282 battery Hooksiel, and crashed into the sea 3-4 kms NNW of Wangerooge at 21.45 hours. Of the crew, Sgt. J.F. Tarran is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Germany. Sgts. W.J. Moss, R.H. Breckell, and W.L. Ball have no known grave. 100 aircraft were sent to Emden, only 55 reported bombing in cloudy conditions, three were lost. Base Changes 32 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Manston 50 Sqn (Hampden I) moved to Skellingthorpe 84 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.075 142 Sqn (Wellington IV) moved to Grimsby 229 Sqn (Hurricane I/IIB/C) moved to Maddelena III First and Last Operational Missions 9 Sqn (Honington) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC 149 Sqn (Mildenhall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC and its first OM in the Stirling I

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/27/2021 1:13:47 AM)
408 Sqn RCAF (Syerston – Hampden I) 27.11.41 16 aircraft were detailed for operations this date consisting of 13 experienced and 3 freshman crews but, shortly before take-off 5 experienced and the 3 freshman crews were cancelled leaving the remaining 8 experienced crews for this night's operations (Düsseldorf). Owing to adverse weather conditions only 3 aircraft identified and bombed the target and 4 other aircraft jettisoned their bomb loads over last resort targets. The remaining aircraft Hampden AE437 piloted by F.A. Caldwell failed to return from this operation. On the return journey, this aircraft (AE437) received and acknowledged bearing 222 from Heston M.F.D.F. Station at 22.29 hours and, later at 00.59 hours this same station intercepted a signal from this aircraft advising that they were “running short of petrol.” At 01.03 hours the same station once more intercepted a signal from this aircraft, from the pilot advising he was forced down in the sea through lack of petrol. The approximate position was presumed to be in a radius of 40 miles of 47°30' North 13° West approximately 370 miles off BREST, FRANCE, and approximately 300 odd miles off S.W. LANDS END. It is regretted nothing further has been heard from members of the crew of AE437 since last message intercepted by Heston M.F.D.F. Station at 01.03 hours 28/11/41. ADDENDUM – Hampden I AE437 EQ-U. Tragically it is believed the crew misinterpreted the message from Heston when last heard on the w/t. Blenheim aircraft were sent out to search the next day but no trace of the aircraft or crew were found. 86 aircraft were sent to Düsseldorf, 2 were lost. 52 aircraft claimed to have bombed the target and started large fires in the railway yards. Düsseldorf reports only 2 high explosive bombs and 200 incendiaries, fire and damage at a water purification plant, light damage to housing, no casualties. Cologne which was not the target reported bombs and damage to 119 properties and 4 people killed and 13 injured. Base Changes 615 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Angle First and Last Operational Missions 74 Sqn (Lianbedr) flew its first OM in the Spitfire VB 115 Sqn (Marham) flew its first OM in the Wellington III

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/28/2021 2:12:05 AM)
220 Sqn (Wick – Hudson V) 28.11.41 Operational Flying – 8 Sorties – Sighted to MV attacked larger with bombs and MG fire – Attacked MV off Norway at 300 feet with bombs which fell under stern. MV sank near Stavanger. V/220 last seen by E/220 when the latter dropped behind flying on only one engine. V/220 failed to return – F/O Tate D.F.C. ADDENDUM – Hudson V AM799 NR-V crashed into the sea and the crew (F/O. D.W. Tate DFC, Sgt. C.W. Robinson, Sgt. P. Shane, and Sgt. B.R. Edis) were all killed. First and Last Operational Missions 221 Sqn (Reykjavik) flew its last OM in the Wellington IC 610 Sqn (Leconfield) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/29/2021 1:13:19 AM)
457 Sqn RAAF (Andreas – Spitfire IIA) 29.11.41 The first real Squadron “black” day. No.400693 Sgt. R.T. BREWIN flying Spitfire Mk. IIA P.7445 as part of a section led by Sgt. BASSETT lost formation in cloud and is at present missing. Sgt. BREWIN was an average Spitfire pilot and had nearly reached No. 9 Group Operational Standard. He previously had force landed at HARROW on a day in the last month. Although he is officially listed as “Missing”, no hope is entertained for him being alive, as JURBY Air/Sea Rescue aircraft observed a body with a Mae West floating face downwards some 4 miles West of Peel, Isle-of-Man. ADDENDUM – The body was never recovered. First and Last Operational Missions 32 Sqn (Manston) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIC

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (11/30/2021 1:05:17 AM)
405 Sqn RCAF (Pocklington – Wellington II) 30.11.41 Bombing Attack On HAMBURG Pocklington Ops. Order No.56 Six A/C detailed Bombload: 1x1,000, 4x500, 1x250 (.025), 1x250 (HLD) 25 BC. All A/C to carry Cameras All Captains (except) “H” identified the city and dock area and from heights from 8,000 ft. to 17.000 ft bombed the target between 2025 and 2112 hours. Attacks were pressed home near the aiming point and bursts and fires were seen near ALTONA STATION, BERLINER THOR, STEIN THOR, and Docks. Our aircraft had to take violent evasive action to escape S/L and flak, and the tailplane of “E” (capt. Sgt. Taylor) was holed. “H” (S/Ldr. Bisset) was reported missing from this operation after “Ops Abandoned” at 1835 and the last four fixes at 1946. An intensive sea search was made, but no trace was found. ADDENDUM – Wellington II W4576 LQ-H Crew S/Ldr. R.C. Bisset DFC and Bar, F/S A.J. Knight RCAF, P/O. R.A. Mather RCAF, Sgt. W.L. Evans, F/Sgt. C.E. Hillmer, and Sgt. R.P. Mann last heard on w/t at 1835 indicating the crew was returning to base. Presumed lost at sea. 181 aircraft attacked Hamburg, 122 claimed good bombing results in moonlit conditions, 35 bombed alternative targets, 13 were lost. Hamburg reported 22 fires – 2 large, 65 people killed, 176 injured and 2,500 bombed out. Base Changes 26 Sqn (Tomahawk I) moved to Gatwick 60 Sqn SAAF R (Maryland I/II) moved to Fuka 113 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to LG.116 130 Sqn (Spitfire VA/VB) moved to Warmwell First and Last Operational Missions 214 Sqn (Stradishall) flew its last OM in the Wellington II 313 Sqn (Portreath) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA 610 Sqn (Leconfield) flew its first OM and second tour in the Spitfire VB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/1/2021 1:02:59 AM)
600 Sqn (Predannack – Beaufighter II) 1.12.41 FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER A.F.C. with SGT. GRANT (OR) and FLYING OFFICER IKLAY with SGT. PEARCE were airborne at 08.42 hours to intercept the so-called “MILK TRAIN” (A GERMAN METEOROLOGICAL PATROL MADE DAILY ABOUT THE SAME HOUR PASSING UP THE IRISH SEA TO WEST OF SCILLIES). At 09.00 hours the plots of the “MILK TRAIN” faded and the aircraft were ordered home. 26 minutes later FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER reported that one engine had stopped, and a quarter of an hour later that he was going down into the sea. Meanwhile, the air-sea rescue service was put into operation. FLYING OFFICER G.C. IKLAY, SQUADRON LEADER A.D. McN. BOYD and SQUADRON LEADER C.P. GREEN and others together with LYSANDER aircraft and six SPITFIRES of NO. 66 SQUADRON searched throughout the day without seeing FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.G. FLETCHER’S AIRCRAFT. This officer’s body washed ashore and duly buried. No trace of his operator SGT. GRANT or his aircraft have yet been found. Through this unfortunate accident, the Squadron has lost another good aircrew. Severe icing had occurred. Base Changes 19 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Ludham 137 Sqn (Whirlwind I) moved to Matlask 152 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Coltishall

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/2/2021 1:16:55 AM)
22 Sqn (St. Eval – Beaufort I) 2.12.41 The target for tonight was the postponed objective from yesterday, the Timber factory at Nantes. Six aircraft were airborne at 15.45 hrs. and set course in formation at 15.50 with W/Cdr. Mayhew in aircraft V leading the formation. It was with deep regret, however, as successful as the operation was in its execution, we learned of the loss of our valued C.O. who failed to return, as also did F/Lt. Noble in aircraft P. S/Ldr. Bateson in aircraft H has described the action in his own words: “After sighting to He. 115’s we crossed Il de Noumentier in very bad light and were unable to see the leading formation against the dark background of the land. We, therefore, continued on our course with the intention of carrying out divided attack as pre-arranged. After crossing Lake we found ourselves over the Loire, east of our objective. At that moment a large fire was observed to the West of us, so we turned West flying along the river, and found our objective burning fiercely. Having circled the area and seen two more explosions we made our run and released our load in burning target area. The flak was quite intense but could not have been very accurate, as among the three aircraft which attacked and returned (H A B) only one aircraft suffered a single bullet hole. From pilots’ reports it appears A/c A must have been the first to attack, then V and P (assumed from the fact that we saw two further explosions before attacking) then aircraft H, and finally A/c B. A/c F failed to locate the target, visibility very bad and low flying difficult as a result.” ADDENDUM – Beaufort I AW22 OA-V. The crew W/Cdr. J.C. Mayhew, Sgt. E.W. Walters, Sgt. L.H. Fowler and Sgt. H. Ashton rest in Pont-du-Cens Communal Cemetery, Nantes. Beaufort I AW216 OA-P. Of the crew F/Lt. J.R. Noble, Sgt. A.J. Dearden and Sgt. W.R. Furzey are buried in Quiberon Communal Cemetery, Morbihan. Sgt. J.F. McGee was not recovered. Base Changes 12 Sqn SAAF (Maryland II) moved to LG.110 250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.122 First and Last Operational Missions 229 Sqn (LG.122) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/3/2021 1:35:51 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 3.12.41 Unfavourable weather continued today and no flying was done. Sergeant pilots, as well as officers, are being detailed for drill courses which have commenced on the station. Base Changes 24 Sqn SAAF (Boston III) moved to LG.130 404 Sqn RCAF (Blenheim IVF) moved to Sumburgh First and Last Operational Missions 235 Sqn (Dyce) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IVF 257 Sqn (Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/4/2021 12:58:43 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 4.12.41 Local flying and gun camera exercises were the flights for today. Base Changes 6 Sqn (Wadi Halfa) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IV

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/5/2021 1:13:42 AM)
32 Sqn (Manston – Hurricane IIB/C) 5.12.41 0800 – 0830 2 A/C Patrol. Dawn Patrol of Base, no E/A sighted. 0820 – 0950 4 A/C Shipping Recco. Shipping Recco in which a cargo vessel and armed escort which was sighted off Calais which opened fire. Aircraft returned fire hits being observed. 1245 – 1355 8 A/C Shipping Attack. Low-Level attack on shipping in the Fecamp, Le Havre area. S/Ldr. Grier and Sgt. Fitch failed to return. F/O. Law slightly wounded. ADDENDUM – Hurricane IIB Z3237 S/Ldr. T. Grier DFC shot down off Le Havre attacking ships. KIA. Hurricane IIB BE582 Sgt. W. Fitch shot down off Le Havre attacking ships. KIA. Hurricane IIB Z4992 F/O. Law, Aircraft CatB. Damaged by flak, returned to service, supplied to Russia 13.2.42 Base Changes 79 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Warmwell 130 Sqn (Spitfire VA/B) moved to Perranporth 139 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Oulton 234 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Ibsley 242 Sqn (Non-Op) left for the Far East 250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to LG.123 First and Last Operational Missions 74 Sqn (Llanbedr) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA 340 Sqn (Turnhouse – Spitfire IIA) flew its first OM of the war

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/6/2021 1:10:24 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – SpitfireVB) 6.12.41 Flying today consisted of practice attacks, for the most part, local flying and formation, and camera gun reconnaissance. One aircraft test was carried out. First and Last Operational Missions 6 Sqn (LG.124) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/7/2021 1:27:40 AM)
82 Sqn (Bodney – Blenheim IV) 7.12.41 Nine aircraft were detailed for Operations when Ostende was the target. One aircraft is missing from this operation. ADDENDUM – Blenheim IV V5876 UX-J hit by 3./Iei Flak Abt.993 and 11. & 12.?Flak Regt. 4, crashing 2 km SE of Ostende at 01.39 hrs. The crew P/O. T. McS Wilson, Sgt. R. Johnston RAAF, and Sgt. F.C. Hubbard are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery at Adegem Belgium. This was the first Blenheim to be lost on a night bombing sortie since 101 Squadron lost two crews raiding Brest on 3-4 April 1941. 23 Blenheims were sent to attack Ostende. The Japanese thinking they were missing all the fun, decided it was a really good idea to set the Pacific on fire. Base Changes 134 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Catterick 221 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Limavady First and Last Operational Missions 94 Sqn (LG.124) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/8/2021 1:12:18 AM)
411 Sqn RCAF (Hornchurch – Spitfire VB) 8.12.41 The weather was favourable and the Squadron was delegated for a Ramrod operation as part of the Wing from this Station. Acting as “Top” cover for bombing aircraft (Hurricanes) the Wing departed from this Station at 11.00 hours and proceeded direct to Le Touquet. Going in about 20,000 feet, it was planned to dive on the target which was almost twenty miles inland. Biggin Hill representative, 401 Squadron RCAF was to act as protection against enemy aircraft who were expected to be above us. By the time the Wing reached 10,000 feet on their way to the target; Jerries began to appear:- M.E. 109’s and F.W.190’s. Our Yellow Section was attacked by six and the Section Leader, F/O. MacFarlane (promoted to commission rank November 17th) turned towards them and getting several bursts at them with no apparent effect. Several other pilots also managed to fire their guns, but no claims were made. By this time the bombers had done their work (there is some doubt about this point) and the Wing, therefore, left for a more hospitable area. Several distress signals from pilots were heard but it was impossible to ascertain who was responsible. During this operation, we lost our first to pilots by enemy action – P/O. J.R. Coleman of St. John N.B. and Sgt. D.A. Court of Toronto, Ontario. ADDENDUM – Spitfire VB AD264 pilot P/O. J.R. Coleman RCAF was shot down in combat with Me109s and is buried at Pihen les Guines, France. Spitfire VB AA840 pilot Sgt. D.A. Court RCAF was shot down in combat with Me 109s and has no known grave. Base Changes 105 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Horsham St. Faith 268 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Snailwell First and Last Operational Missions 120 Sqn (Nutts Corner) flew its first OM in the Liberator II 504 Sqn (Ballyhalbern) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/9/2021 1:37:08 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 9.12.41 Flying this morning included mainly formation and cine-gun and cloud flying. Local recco, bouncing and one shoot-up were performed in the afternoon. Base Changes 45 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Gambut 47 Sqn (Non-Op) left for Egypt 226 Sqn (Non-Op) moved to Swanton Morley 229 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Bu Amud 260 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Sidi Rezegh 408 Sqn RCAF (Hampden I) moved to Balderton First and Last Operational Missions 310 Sqn (Duxford) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/10/2021 1:56:38 AM)
401 Sqn RCAF (Biggin Hill – Spitfire VB) 10.12.41 Poor visibility resulted in all aircraft being grounded throughout the day. Notification was received through International Red Cross from Berlin that F/O. H.A. Sprague, missing on 22.11.41, is now a prisoner of war. Base Changes 208 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Gubbi 254 Sqn (Blenheim IV) moved to Dyce First and Last Operational Missions 35 Sqn (Linton-on-Ouse) flew its first OM in the Halifax II

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/11/2021 1:13:51 AM)
408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 11.12.41 5 aircraft were detailed for gardening in KIEL BAY. One identified the area and successfully dropped its mine. Three others were unable to identify the target owing to cloud and, one dropped the mine in the NECTARINE area and, another dropped his just outside the ELBE estuary and the third returned to base with his. The remaining aircraft AE148 piloted by RCAF/J.5918 Pilot Officer W.F. Hull did not return from this operation and, subsequently reported missing. ADDENDUM - Hampden I AE148 EQ-B crashed at Sanderum, 5 km SW of Odense, Denmark where the crew (P/O. WF Hull RCAF, Sgt. DL Todd RNZAF, Sgt. S Jamieson, Sgt. L Harding) are buried. This was Sgt. Harding’s first operational trip. Adolf in his infinite wisdom decided “Hey let's really get this party started!” Then promptly went out and invited the USA to join the fun. Game, set, match. Base Changes 79 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Fairwood Common 250 Sqn (Tomahawk IIB) moved to Tobruk First and Last Operational Missions 10 Sqn (Leeming) flew its last OM in the Whitley V 96 Sqn (Wrexham) flew its last OM in the Defiant I 306 Sqn (Speke) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IIA

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/12/2021 1:01:11 AM)
106 Sqn (Coningsby – Hampden I) 12.12.41 For the first time since August the Squadron carried out daylight operations but instead of the formation attacks, the aircraft operated singly taking full advantage of the cloud. Four aircraft were detailed for these raids and one of these returned early owing to lack of cloud cover and a second failed to return. The other two aircraft met with greater success, both achieving highly successful results. ADDENDUM - Hampden I AE391 crashed between Oberhausen and Osterfeld, Germany. It had been sent to bomb an oil refinery in Gelsenkirchen. The crew, F/L. DH Webber, Sgt. SV Crowhurst RNZAF, Sgt. F Norman and Sgt. T Robson-Scott, are all buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Base Changes 1 Sqn SAAF (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Rezegh 4 Sqn SAAF (Tomahawk IIB) moved to El Adem 80 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to El Gubbi 94 Sqn (Hurricane IIB) moved to Sidi Rezegh 238 Sqn (Hurricane IIB/C) moved to Bu Amud 274 Sqn (Hurricane IIA/B) moved to LG.103 308 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Woodvale 316 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Northolt First and Last Operational Missions 3 Sqn (Hunsdon) flew its last OM’s in the Hurricane IIA & B 108 Sqn (Fayid) flew its first OM in the Liberator II 306 Sqn (Churchstanton) flew its first OM of its second tour in the Spitfire VB 312 Sqn (Ayr) flew its last OM in the Hurricane IIB

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/13/2021 12:49:17 AM)
44 Sqn(Waddington – Hampden I) 13.12.41 Three aircraft of this Squadron were detailed to carry out daylight mine-laying operations off BREST. Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook, D.S.O. (Hampden AE.196), S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles D.F.C.(Hampden AE.202) and Sgt. Hackney (Hampden AE.298) took off at 13.00 hours. S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles, in spite of anti-aircraft and enemy fighter opposition, successfully laid his mine in the allotted position at 16.46 hours. He was attacked by an M.E.109 and the following damage was caused to his aircraft by Cannon Shell: Starboard Aileron damaged. Starboard Wing Tip shot away. Mane plane behind starboard engine damaged. Starboard engine fairing torn off. Starboard engine nacelle damaged. Starboard Airscrew damaged. Starboard Rudder shot away. Starboard undercarriage wheel punctured. Tale Unit holed. S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles managed to fly his aircraft back to England where he force landed at Boscombe Down. He speaks highly of the behaviour of his Crew (recorded hereunder) especially his Wireless Operator Sgt. H.O. Peel, who efficiently directed his evasive movements during the whole attack by the enemy fighter. Furthermore S/Ldr. Burton-Gyles could have only landed his crew safely by skillful and cool-headed handling of his aircraft. The Crew were: Pilot: S/Ldr. P.R. Burton-Gyles, D.F.C., Observer: No. 926804 Sgt. E. Fitchett. W.Op/A.G.: No. 993700 Sgt. H.O. Peel. Rear Gunner: No. 979926 Sgt. J.H. Waddington Sgt. Hackney in Hampden AE.298 laid his mine approximately 7 ½ miles West of the allotted position owing to insufficient cloud cover. Of the third aircraft, nothing was heard of it after leaving “base” and is accordingly posted “missing”, together with the following Crew:- Hampden AE.196 Pilot: Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook, D.S.O. Observer: No. NZ.402865 T/Sgt. A.H. Cumbley W./Op/A.G.: No. 989819 T/Sgt. L.D. Leggett Rear Gunner: No. 79240 F/O. H.J. Jeffcoat The loss to the Squadron of its Commanding Officer, Wing Commander S.T. Misselbrook D.S.O., is severe. He assumed command on the 12th day of March 1941. ADDENDUM – Crew, and aircraft were lost without a trace Base Changes 237 Sqn (Hurricane I) moved to Gambut

warshipbuilder -> RE: Action This Day (12/14/2021 1:04:30 AM)
408 Sqn RCAF (Balderton – Hampden I) 14.12.41 9 crews were detailed to bomb shipping at BREST, taking off at approximately midnight. The target was not located or seen by any of the crews and all aircraft returned to base. 7 of these aircraft returned to base with their bomb loads. The two remaining jettisoned their bombs into the sea, owing to icing conditions. 4 aircraft were detailed to bomb docks at CHERBOURGH and, of these four, only three took off owing to one being involved in a collision with a stationary aircraft while taxiing to post. A report was made of the incident. Of the three crews which eventually took off at approximately 00.30 15/12/41 only one returned to base. Of the 2 remaining crews, one Hampden AE.133-X piloted by RCAF/R.69885 Sergeant Vaughn, S.L. was not heard from following time of take-off and, subsequently reported missing. The crew of this aircraft were as follows: RCAF/R.69885 Sgt. Vaughn S.L. (Pilot) 1st Operational Trip RCAF/R.58545 Sgt. Thompson R.L. (Navigator) 1st Operational Trip 551850 Sgt. Howells B. (1st W/Op/AG) 10 Trips 58.00 hours 1857912 Sgt. Oates W. (2nd W/Op/AG) 1st Operational Trip The remaining aircraft, Hampden P5392-W piloted by 1377136 Sergeant Sterling, R.W. crashed, on the return journey at New Farm, Long Down near Christchurch, Hampshire at 03.27 hours 15/12/41. The members of the crew were as follows: 1377136 Sgt. Sterling R.W. (Pilot) 1st Operational Trip RCAF/R.78502 Sgt. Tomlin J.C. (Navigator) 1st Operational Trip 982517 Sgt. Williams W.R. (1st W/Op/AG) 12 Trips 71.25 hours 1036826 Sgt. Gibson C.G. (2nd W/Op/AG) 1st Operational Trip ADDENDUM – Hampden AE133 EQ-X, crew and aircraft were lost without a trace Base Changes 66 Sqn (Spitfire IIA) moved to Portreath 71 Sqn (Spitfire VB) moved to Martlesham Heath First and Last Operational Missions 206 Sqn (Aldergrove) flew its last OM in the Hudson III

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