Air Operations Holland January 1942.. 2 Bc. 12

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AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND JANUARY 1942..

2 BC. 12 Hampdens despatched on roving patrols over the Dutch and NW German coast. 11 a/c w abandoned owing to lack of cloud. One attacked Leeuwarden A/F but results U0. 2 FC. 1145 four Spitfires despatched to attack barges at Veere, but abandoned due to lack of cloud. Between 1045/1140 2 Hurricane bombers on shipping recce attacked by Me-109s. 1 Hurricane MIA. 2/3 BC. 7 Hampdens despatched mining off Frisians. 2 successful. 3 CC. 0945. A Hudson on a roving patrol attacked 2 coastal vessels of 800 tons each 9 miles NW of IJmuiden. 3 X 250 GP delayed action bombs were dropped from 25 feet at the 1st vessel. One feil 5 feet short, one overshot and the 3rd unobserved. A large column of water enveloped the stern of the vessel and a wisp of smoke was seen. The 2nd vessel was attacked with 1 X 250 from 25 feet. The rear gunner saw smoke believed to come from stern of vessel. 1834. One of 3 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off IJmuiden bombed a light believed to be a MV of f IJmuiden, with 4 X 250 GP from 100 feet resulting in a red glow being observed. PRU. a.o. IJmuiden. 1200. IJmuiden. 2 MVs, one trawler and one escort vessel proceeding south. 3/4 BC. 10 Hampdens mining Frisiàns. 7 a/c succesful. One Hampden MIA.(Believed to be down in the sea off Texel.) (Was 1/106 Sqn) 5 CC. 1030. A Hudson on a roving patrol off the Frisian Islands attacked a MV of 5/6000 tons one of a convoy of 10 leaving the harbour of IJmuiden. 4 X 250 from 2000 f eet, two direct hits and 2 near misses being seen. Debris and a large cloud of black smoke seen after the attack. A 2nd Hudson on same patrols sighted the convoy and attempted to attack a MV of 3000 tons but bombs failed to release. Two further Hudsons on same patrol failed to sight any shipping, but one a/c had a combat with a Ju-88 off The Hague. ,rv N..c.rA- M*teek 1'5

~ . 5/6 CC. 2320 A Hudson on roving patrol off Dutch coast sighted a convoy of 2 MVs and 3 esc Vs 18 miles NW Terschelling. The a/c made a low level attack on a MV of 6000 tons, resulting in a small explosion, followed 2 minutes later by a large red explosion. 5/6 FC. Havoc despatched to patrol Overflakkee. A/c returned due to icing. One Hurricane despatched to Soesterberg attacked a Me-110 near Rotterdam. The starboard engine of which burst into flame and the a/c claimed as probably destroyed. (Was Sgt Scott of No 3 Sqn.) 6 CC. 1818. Of 4 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off DC, 1 attacked a MV of 1000 tons 14 miles NNW of IJmuiden, but U0. Other 3 a/c saw no shipping. PRU. a.o. Katwijk aan Zee. 6/7 CC. 2345. 4 Hudsons to attack shipping off Frisians. 1 a/c attacked a MV of 5/6000 tons in convoy off Ameland, but U0. 7 CC. 1140. A Beaufighter on patrol attacked with cannon and MGs a trawler type of vessel of 300 tons, 15 miles SSW of IJmuiden. Many hits but no serious damage seen. 7/8 CC. 0005. 2 Hudsons on a roving patrol LL attacks on a convoy of 7 MVs of 3/4000 tons, 2 esc Vs and 1 destroyer off Terschelling, but U0. January 1942 page 2.

8/9 BC. 5 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 4 succesful. 9 CC. PRU. Terneuzen and Breskens. 10 FC. 2 Spitfires on a shipping recce sighted some barges escorted by flakships off the Hook. This convoy not attacked, flakships also no action. One of the Spits also sighted off IJmuiden 4 ships of 2/3000 tons. One Spitfire and pilot MIA. (Sgt. Sturt. 152 Sqn) 10 CC. 1800. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off DC. 1 Hudson saw a convoy of 4 MVs (2 of 6/8000 and 2 of 3/4000 tons) esc by 5 flakships off Texel, and attacked one of the large MVs from mastheight with 4 X 250, and a direct hit amidships. Large flash seen. The MV also MGd. Hudson damaged by flak, observer wounded. 2nd Hudson attacked a 2000 tons tanker 1 mile south of above mentioned convoy going in opposite direction. 4 X 250 dropped from 150 -Peet and after the attack a white cloud of steam from the stern of the vessel. 10 seconds bright flames seen coming from superstructure on the stern, and later spreading all over the ship. Could be seen from 30 miles. Two Hudsons early return due technical t rouble, other 2 saw no shipping. Aa 1~1004 éot...,gm PRU. a.o. Flushing, part of coast off Ostend and Naamstede A/F. eg. $- ° 10/11 BC. 6 Blenheims on" Leeuwarden, Soesterberg and Schiphol. Results: 1 a/c each attacked Leeuwarden and Schiphol, 2 a/c attacked Soesterberg, but U0. 1 Blenheim on Soester- berg MIA. (1/82 Sqn.) ATs. Terschelling and Oostvoorne. A fire was started in a position believed to be that of Terschelling seaplane base.(!). 11 CC. PRU. a.o. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Scheveningen to Katwijk, Hilversum/Loosdrecht A/F, barge building yards between Dordrecht and Rotterdam, Delfzijl, Venlo, Roermond, Flushing, IJmuiden and Soesterberg. 12 CC. PRU. Den Helder, Soesterberg and Rotterdam. 14 CC. PRU a.a. IJmuiden and Amsterdam. 14/15 BC. Projected ops, Soesterberg, Schiphol and Leeuwarden A/Fs 17 a/c; Rotterdam 14 a/c. Rotterdam docks 9 Blenheims and 2 Wellingtons. Results 5 Blenheims attacked,but U0. A/Fs. 6 Blenheims attacked Schiphol, 4 Soesterberg and 1 Leeuwarden, dropping total of 6 tons HE and 8 X 250 oil bombs. Bombs straddled flarepath at Schiphol and fires were started at Schiphol and Soesterberg. Of the 17 despatched, 1 a/c on Schiphol MIA. (1/114

Sqn.) ATs. 18 a/c tgts in NWG and Holland. por , 6,4,7., . 15 FC. Between 1135/1230 2 Spits on offensive patrol off DC attacked a large flakship, strikes being seen on the bridge. 15/16 BC. Schiphol and Soesterberg 5 Blenheims and4 Wellingtons. 3 Hampdens mining Frisians. Results: Hampdens succesful. Soesterberg and Schiphol: 2 Wellingtons attacked Soes- terberg, bursts seen in th tgt area and small fires started. Schiphol attacked by 3 Blenheims, bursts seen in front of enemy a/c landing on NW/SE runway. 1 Blenheim on Schiphol MIA. (1/82 Sqn.) 16 CC. PRU. a.o. Flushing. 17 CC. 0818. A Hudson on roving patrol off DC attacked a small fishing vessel of the trawler type of 600/800 tons ± 12 miles W of Den Helder. 4 X 250 feil 15 yards from vessel, also MGd. January 1942 page 3. 17/18 BC. Soesterberg 1 Wellington and 1 Stirling. No attack due bad weather. 19 CC. 1402. A Beaufighter on patrol sighted 5 small armed vessels 15 miles NNW IJmuiden. A cannon attack made on one ship which was left emitting clouds of smoke. 21 CC. 1255. A Beaufighter on recce off DC sighted a convoy of 5 MVs of ± 3000 tons each off The Hague. Subsequently a striking force of 5 Hudsons and 3 Beaufighters was despatched to attack this convoy. But abandoned owing to extreme darkness and haze. 21/22 BC. Wellingtons to Schiphol and Soesterberg. Resutls: 5 Wellingtons attacked Soesterberg bombs falling on a runway and near NE boundary of A/F., followed immediatly by many outbreaks of fire. Seven enemy a/c, same airborne and some on the ground attacked with MGs. Two claimed as damaged. 'bv-°o • n!s,a, 1 Wellington attacked Schiphol bombing hangars and other buildings N of landing ground There searchlights extinghuised and one light gun emplacement silenced by MG fire. One enemy a/c also attacked as it was landing and seen to burst into flames. Claimed as destroyed. ATs. Some tgts on Frisian Islands, but U0. 22 CC. 1750. A Hudson on patrol off Frisians sighted a convoy of 6 MVs N of Borkum. A LL attack was made on a MV of 1000 tons, two direct hits scored and two large flames seen. PRU. a.o. Ijmuiden, Hook of Holland, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. 1 Beaufighter MIA off DC.,(1/248 Sqn) 22/23 BC. Blenheims Schiphol and leeuwarden. 4 Hampdens mining off Frisians. Results: Hampdens 3 succesful, 1 MIA.; 4 a/c attacked Schiphol, bursts seen on runway. One stick feil along flarepath as an enemy a/c was landing. 1 a/c attacked Leeuwarden, but U0. ATs Bergen A/F, but UO. Note: at 2030 (local) 12 HE bombs feil in Enschede. Leaflets dropped over Meppel.

26/27 BC. 6 Hampdens mining Frisians. 5 succesful. ATs. single a/c Rotterdam docks. !s') Encounters enemy a/c. At 16.500 feet over the southern point of Texel a Ju-88 opened fire on a Wellington at 150 yards. The Wellington rear gunner replied with a 10 seconds burst and 2 short bursts at 100 yards. The Ju-88 dived in a spiral disappearing into cloud at 4000 feet. Strikes observed on the starboard wing of the enemy a/c, parts of wing seen to fall off. Claimed as probably destroyed.

28/29 BC. Projected ops Rotterdam 31 a/c. Results: 26 a/c (Whitleys) attacked dropping 45 tons HE. Weather good and docks clearly visible. Many bursts and large fire seen in doek area. A/Fs. 4 Blenheims attacked Soesterberg and 4 a/c (including 1 Wellington as AT) ((,i,., vk„ ) attacked Schiphol. Bursts seen across runways and flarepathes. 1 Blenheim Leeuwar- den MIA 1 114 Sqn.) 1 Whitley on Rotterdam in sea off Harwich. No survivors. (1/78 Sq) xc W.k 29 CC. 0858. A Beaufighter on recce attacked the largest of 3 vessels 8 miles N of IJmuiden. Hits with cannon fire on deck and hull causing same damage. Ship ± 300 tons. 0910. Same Beaufighter attacked a 700 ton MV of The Hague. Considerable damage as shells were seen to explode on hull, deck, bridge and funnel.

31 CC. 1214. A Hudson on a roving patrol off DC attacked a 3/4000 ton coastal freighter, one of 8 MVs esc by a flakship 15 miles N of Ameland. 4 X 250 from 100 feet scoring 2 direct hits, one on the bow and one amidships. Dense smoke was seen to issue from amidships. 1 Hudson on rover patrol off Frisian Islands MIA. (1/407 off IJmuiden !!!) g.

:m. c ..a ile . 1 AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND FEBRUARY 1942.

6 BC. 46 a/c, 33 Hampdens and 13 Manchesters mining off Frisians. 26 Hampdens and 11 Man- chesters succesfull. 1 Hampden MIA. One of the above a/c sighted a Wellington on the beach at Den Helder. The a/c evidently landed with U/C up and otherwise appeared to be undamaged. The Wellington believed to be one of the 3 Wellingtons MIA on night 20/21 January, on Emden. (Was Wellington Z8370 of 12 Sqn. Pilot F/Lt. Thallon, 20/21-1-42 on Bosplaat Terschelling.) 7 BC. 23 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 25 succesfully, 3 MIA. 1 Me-109 destroyed. 8/9 BC. 4 Blenheims despatched on offensive patrols Schiphol and Soesterberg. Abandoned due 10/10th cloud and heavy snow showers. . 8 FC. A Spitfire who took-off at 1146 on a shipping recce off the Belgian coast is MIA. 8 CC. 0415/0810 5 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off Dutch coast. Four returned without sighting any targets, 5th MIA. (1/407 Sqn. P/0: McCulloch.) D445/1000 Of 5 Beauforts despatched to attack shipping between IJmuiden/Ameland, one made a torpedo attack on a 6000 ton MV off Terschelling with UO results. The other 4 returned without seeing anything. 0537/0927 2 Beaufighters despatched to attack shipping between Calais/IJmuiden. One returned without sightings. Other MIA (1/248 MIA) 1200/1700 6 Beaufighters despatched to attack shipping off Dutch islands. All returned without any sightings. 1630/2000. 5 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping W of Borkum. One sighted convoyo of 12 MVs and 4 or 5 escorts ± 30 miles N of Terschelling at 1750 hrs. A bombing attack made on one of the MVs of 4000 ton, one hit being estimated amidships. Other returned without sightings. 11 CC. PRU. Den Helder, IJmuiden, Amsterdam, shipping off den Helder, Rotterdam and Terneuzen. 1200 Amsterdam. 9 "E/R" boats present. Possible torpedo boat still in dry dock and "M" class minesweeper in same position as on 16/12. 1200 IJmuiden. No naval units present. 1200 Rotterdam. 2 MTBs departed from the Lek- haven since 22/1 and no active naval units are now present. Raid assesment.: Rotterdam: A reliable source reports that in the raid of 28/29-1: (1) The Holland warehouses , said to contain copper and tin, were destroyed. (2) An armed trawler was sunk. (3) The first floor of the warehouse of Stokvis, manufacturers of heavy machinery, was burned out. 11/12 BC. 1 Manchester mining off Frisians. 12 CC. 1221 A Beaufighter on patrol attacked with cannon and MGs a 500 ton trawler off IJmuiden. Many hits above and below waterline. At 1630 2 Beaufighters of CC were despatched to shadow the enemy force. At 1800 1 of these a/c sighted the "Scharnhorst" and 6 destroyers, ± 15 miles SW Den Helder. During the night CC despatched 1 Catalina, 1 Whitley and 1 Wellington to continue shadowing the naval units. Note: This day the break-out of the German battleships through the Canal. Details available. 12/13 BC. Mining East Frisians. 13 CC. PRU. Amsterdam, IJmuiden, part of Flushing, Rotterdam and New Waterway and docks.

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14 CC. PRU. IJmuiden, Amsterdam, Flushing and Rotterdam. 1230 Amsterdam: 10 MTBs and 2 TBs present. 1230 Rotterdam: The only part of the port photographed did not reveal any naval units. 1230 IJmuiden: No shipping of any importance present. 1 Beaufighter MIA off Dutch coast. (1/248) 14/15 BC. ATs. Isolated attacks a.o. Flushing. 14/15 FC. 2 Havocs despatched to patrol Eindhoven A/F. One returned early due technical trouble other failed to locate Eindhoven and went to Gilze-Rijen, where bombs were dropped on the presumed position of the flarepath, but U0. 15 CC. On a recce off the Dutch coast, a Beaufighter attacked a motor coaster type vessel with cannon and MGs. Hits claimed but no results reported. 16 BC. 8 Bostons despatched to carry out a rectangular sweep off the Dutch coast. One returned early, remaining 7 saw no shipping. (88/226 Sqns.) 16 FC. Between 1025/1210 2 Spitfires patrolling the Dutch coast observed a small ship near Katwijk aan Zee and a number of floating mines at intervals of 2 miles off the coast. 16 CC. PRU. a.o. Hellevoetsluis. 16/17 BC. 3 Blenheims to Soesterberg and 2 to Schiphol. Results: 1 a/c attacked Schiphol and dropped about 1/2 a.ton HE. Flashes and some fires observed. 1 a/c attacked A/F believed to be Soesterberg were a red glow was seen. 2 Whitleys leaflets on Amsterdam and Utrecht areas. 16/17 FC. A Havoc was despatched at 2207 and one at 2248 to attack Eindhoven A/F. Both returned unable to reach target owing 10/10th cloud. 17 BC. 8 Bostons despatched to attack shipping off Dutch coast. Nothing seen (88/226 Sqns.) 17 FC. Between 1057/1245 two shipping recces flown each by 2 Spitfires over the Dutch coast. Both reported a destroyer escorted by 2 flakships between Hook of Holland and Sche- veningen. 17 CC. 0833. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast saw two coaster Vs of 700 tons 12 miles NE The Hague. One vessel attacked with 4 X 250 and both MGd. But UO. 0840. A Hudson on patrol off Texel sighted and attacked a convoy of 11 MVs off Ter- schelling with 4 X 250, but U0. Convoy also MGd, a/c slightly damaged by flak. 1 Hudson off Texel and 1 off Terschelling MIA. (Claimed by fighters. 1 each 233 and 500 Sqn FTR.) 18/19 BC. 6 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 19 FC. Between 0810/0905 2 Spitfires on ship recce off Dutch coast sighted 2 naval auxiliairies and about 20 fishing vessels off The Hague and a cargo vessel in Hook of Holland. A further 10 fishing vessels observed off IJmuiden and a very much larger number further north. 19 CC. 0924. A Hudson on patrol off Frisian Islands saw 12 fishing vessels 10 miles W of Den Helder. The a/c attacked but bombs overshot. 1C. February 1942 page 3. 19/20 BC. 0 Leaflets Amsterdam area. 19/20 FC. At 2305 a Havoc to Gilze-Rijen. Target not located. 23/24 BC. 5 Hampden mining off Frisians. 24 FC. Between 0950/1130 2 Spitfires saw a convy of Hook of Holland travelling north 10 miles off the coast.It consisted of 3 vessels of 2500/4000 tons escorted by 5 300 tons vessels and a destroyer. 24 CC. 1 Hudson on rover patrol off Dutch coast MIA. 24/25 BC. 19 Hampdens and 4 Manchester mining off Frisians. 2 Hampden MIA. 25 FC. 1058/1226 2 Spitfires on ship recce sighted 4 small fishing vessels and 2 tramp steamers of 5/600 tons N of The Hague, and a 1000 ton vessel entering the harbour at IJmuiden Between 1543/1719 4 Spitfires despatched to attack alcohol distillery at Bergen op Zoom. This target not located and attacked shipping at Zeebrugge. 25/26 BC. 9 Hampden and 1 Manchester mining off Frisians. 5 Hampden and 1 Manchester succesfull. 26 BC. 4 Bostons despatched to attack shipping off Dutch coast. Two of these a/c attacked from 50 feet a ship of 1500/2000 tons one of a convoy of 6 MVs 15 miles N of Hook of Holland. Dropping 8 X 500 GP. Two bombs scored hits or near misses. 2 a/c made no attack. (226 Sqn.) 26 FC. Between 0930/1120 2 Spitfires on ship recce saw a 1000/1500 ton vessel, probably a minesweeper in company with 2 400 ton vessels and a flakship off Hook of Holland. 27 CC. PRU. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden, Hook of Holland and Den Helder. 1430. Rotterdam: 16 E or R boats have arrived since 11/2. Since 14/2 4 M class MSw have arrived in the Schiehaven and 3 MSw have left the Parkhaven. Merchant shipping is still small and there is no transshipment to barges in the Waalhaven. 27/28 BC. 8 Hampdens and 3 Manchesters mining off Frisians. 28 CC. PRU. a.o. Flushing. 1 Wellingon missing from a patrol off the Dutch coast. 28/2-1/3 FC. 1 Havoc to Eindhoven A/F. Failed to locate target. (Was Boston III of 418 RCAF Sqn.) AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND MARCH 1942. 1 CC. 1525. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast attacked 3 fishing Vs 50 miles WNW of Terschelling. Four bombs dropped, nearest 10 yards from a vessel. Also MGd. 3/4 BC. 4 Blenheims to Soesterberg and Schiphol. Recalled after take-off. 8 CC. PRU. a.o. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Den Helder, Flushing and A/Fs at Flushing, Ypenburg, Haamstede, Waalhaven and Valkenburg/Katwijk. 8/9 BC. 6 Blenheims to Soesterberg and Schiphol. Results: 2 a/c attacked Soesterberg, bursts seen N 4 , near buildings and across flarepath. Schiphol no attack made. e 0--%' v-w - 5 Hampdens mining off Frisians. s`~ ®tom 8/9 FC. 4 Havocs, 6 Boston III and 3 Hurricanes A/Fs. a.o. Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven. A Havoc dropped bombs on A/F believed to be Gilze-Rijen. A Hurricane attacked searchlights at Haamstede and Gilze-Rijen and damaged an a/c on latter A/F. (P/0 Hay of No 3 Sqn.) 9 CC. PRU. Walcheren and Schouwen. (twice) 9/10 BC. 2 Hampdens mining off Frisians. ATs. a.o. Soesterberg, Schiphol, Schellingwoude and Leeuwardén. Leaflets Eindhoven area. 1 `> 10 FC. 1145/1430. Two Spitfires on ship recce saw 6 ships near entrance to IJmuiden harbour, one of which was thought to be a tanker of 2/3000 tons. 10/11 BC. ATs. a.o. Single a/c attacked Rotterdam bombs feil across the northend of dock no 20 Leaflets Deventer, and Arnhem area. 11 FC. 1230/1410. Two Spitfires ship recce off Dutch coast saw a convoy off IJmuiden. 2 MVs of each 2500 tons and 3 smaller vessels escorted by 2 destroyers and 4 Me-109s. A combat ensued but there were no casualties. 12 FC. 1425/1535. Two Spitfires saw a convoy of 5 single funnelled cargo ships of about 2500 tons proceeding south between Scheveningen and Hook of Holland. There were also 6 ships of ± 2000 tons and a naval vessel anchored near the Hook. 12 CC. A Hudson on a rover patrol off Frisian Islands dropped 4 X 250 on a suspected MV 18 miles N of Borkum. But U0. 12/13 BC. 5 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 13 CC. PRU. a.o. Flushing, Venlo A/F. IJmuiden, Haamstede A/F and Delfzijl. 1300 Flushing: 5 torpedo boats and 6 M class MSw have arrived in the outer harbour since 8/3. One cargo liner - 420 feet - is a new arrival in Flushing roads. 13/14 BC. 2 Blenheims Soesterberg and Schiphol. 1 a/c attacked Schiphol, but U0. 4 Hampdens mining off Frisians. ATs. a.o. Amsterdam, some fires .leen which appeared to be in the naval dockyards.

14 CC. PRU. Rotterdam. 1440. Rotterdam: Western basin not photographed, but 14 E/R boats now present compared with 16 E/R boats and 4 M class MSw in same section of port as on 27/2. Dutch destroyer probably still present at Rotterdam Dry Dock Company, but in changed berth. Merchant shipping activity remaining negligeble, with no MVs in Waalhaven March 1942 page 2. 15 FC. At 1115 a squadron of Spitfires was despatched to attack E boats off the Dutch coast. 4 E boats were sighted and attacked, one of which caught fire and was last seen enveloped in smoke. The remaining 3 were also hit and damaged. One Spitfire damaged. At 1340 a squadron of Whirlwinds was despatched to attack E boats off the Dutch coast. Nothing seen. Note. 1st FC attack on shipping off Dutch coast. 15 CC. 1400. 6 Beauforts with torpedos despatched to attack a convoy of The Helder but did not locate the target. One Beaufort crashed into the sea on return 5 miles S of May Island. Crew killad. (1/217 Sqn.) 15/16 BC. 2 Blenheims despatched to Soesterberg. One returned with bombs due engine trouble, 2nd saw no activity and made no attack. A 3rd Blenheim bombed Schiphol, but U0. 20 BC. 13 Manchesters and 6 Lancasters mining off Frisians. 6 Manchesters and 5 Lancasters succesfully. A/c were intercepted by a single Me-109. 23 FC. 1 Spitfire saw 2 destroyers and 3 large MVs 24 miles W of The Hague. 23 CC. 4 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off Flushing, consisting of 2 destroyers and 3 MVs which had previously be seen W of The Hague by a Spitfire of FC. All a/c returned safely unable to locate target. 24 CC. PRU. a.o. Roermond, Venlo, Flushing, Antwerp and Walcheren. Flushing: since 13/3 5 torpedo boats, 6 M class MSw and 2 Siebel ferries have left and there are no naval units present. 25 FC. Spitfires on ship recce reported 8 ships due W of Haamstede, the largest being 2000 tons, 3 of the others 1/1500 tons and were without funnels. The remainder were very small ships. 25 CC. 4-1836. A Hudson on a ship recce off the Dutch coast saw a tanker type vessel of 2/3000 tons together with one MV of 1500 and one MV of 1000 tons, anchored 5 miles W of The Hague. Attack made on a tanker type with 4 X 250 from 50 feet but results UO owing 4 a/c taking evasive action. The MV of 1000 tons was MGd and hit. 4 ;ter 25/26 CC. 2000/2300. 2 Hudsons despatched to attack the above vessels, but failed to locate. 25 CC. PRU. Leeuwarden A/F and Groningen. 25/26 BC. 359 a/c despatched (254 Essen) No targets mentioned in Holland. 26 CC. PRU. Dordrecht, Utrecht, Rotterdam. Sliedrecht, Arnhem, Alblasserdam, Hook of Holland, Amsterdam, Den Helder, IJmuiden and Haamstede A/F. 1115 Rotterdam: Considerable increase in merchant shipping activity. Barge transshipment has recommenced in Waalhaven where 8 MVs of over 200 feet are now present. 1250 Den Helder: 5 E/R boats new arrivals since 8/3. 1250 Amsterdam: 12 E/R boats, 1 possible 2 TBs and 1 M class MSw now in port. Merchant shipping and barges little change sine 8/3. 26/27 BC. 11 Blenheims on patrol A/Fs Holland. 8 Blenheims attacked the A/Fs at Schiphol, Soes- terberg and Leeuwarden. Bursts were seen on each target but otherwise U0. Of the 11 a/c despatched 2 are MIA ( 1/114 near Zeist, 1/114 Waddensea off Harlingen)

1 Hams. s m. o er iret ofaaFri, msbianurs1s3se o ena.o sHRc fmllt j ca(u14 and 1/420, both off Terscheling March 1942 page 3. 26/27 BC cont.: Leaflets Enkhuizen, Hengelo and Zwolle areas.

25/26 BC. Teabags dropped over Holland. 26/27 FC. 2 Havocs Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen. Bombs on Gilze-Rijen, bursts seen in dispersal areas. 2 Hurricanes despatched to Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen. At Eindhoven an enemy a/c was attacked and several hits seen on its fuselage. Probably destroyed. (Sgt Scott of 3 Sq.) At Gilze-Rijen a Do-217 attacked and seen to crash NE of the A/F. (Sgt. Shaw of 3 Sqn.) Intense flak reported by bath a/c. 27/28 BC. 8 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 7 succesfull. (3/408 Sqn FTR mining Germany.) 8 Blenheims offensive patrols A/Fs Holland. Results: 3 Blenheims attacked Schiphol, clouds of smoke seen to rise from runway. 2 Blenheims attacked Soesterberg, bursts seen on ' runway. 1 a/c MIA. (1/114 Sqn. si s, 16 r , c L /tvo ) , 27/28 SD Flights. Agent Baatsen dropped over Holland. 1st victim "England Spiel".

28/29 FC. 3 Havocs Gilze-Rijen, only 1 a/c bombed. `" 4f3 . e6 yd&v A %A 6, ~me ok • 28/29 BC. 7 Hampdens mining off Frisians. 6 succesfull. 2 Blenheims offensive patrols A/Fs Hol-land. 1 a/c attacked Soesterberg, bursts seen on runway, and 1 a/c attacked Schiphol, but U0. 29/30 BC. 17 Hampdens and 3 Manchesters mining off Frisians. 2 Manchesters MIA. (1 each of 61 and '106 Sqns.) 31 BC. 11 Hampdens despatched on offensive patrols NW Germany and 6 Wellingtons to attack Essen. Results: 10 Hampdens returned with bombs due weather. 1 Hampden MGd an unidentified A/F believed to be Leeuwarden and Harlingen, and also bombed a railway line in the vicinity. (1/50 Sqn flew LL over A/F) 5 Wellingtons attacked unidentified targets in Ruhr, but U0. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND APRIL 1942.

1 FC. 1200/1330 2 Spitfires on shipping recce off Dutch coast attacked a fishing vessel SW of IJmuiden, hits observed. 1 CC. PRU. Ijmuiden. 1245 IJmuiden: 1 tanker of 510 feet, 1 MV of 360 feet both heavily armed, ecorted by 3 trawler type auxiliaries and 1 escort vessel, 5 miles SW of IJmuiden, south bound. The tanker is identified as sthe one used as a supply ship for the Tirpitz at Trondheim and last seen N of Bergen on 20/3 southbound. 1 /2 BC. 3 Blenheims offensive patrols Eindhoven and Leeuwarden. No bombing attacks made owing to unfavourable weather conditions, but 1 a/c made MG attack on searchlights at Harlingen. Main target railways in Hanau area Germany. 1 a/c attacked with 8 HE railway line Groningen-Assen, 10 miles SW of Groningen. Also MGd. 2 CC. PRU a.o. Flushing. 1125.: 2 Heavily armed ausiliaries and a coaster seen leaving port. 3/4 BC. 21 Hampdens mines off Frisian Islands. 2 succesfull, 19 returned. 3/4 FC. A/Fs. a.o. Soesterberg. 1 Hurricane, returned due bad weather. 5 FC. 0955/1145 2 Spitfires on shipping recce saw a vessel of 700 tons in company with numerous other vessels, halfway, between the Hook and Ostend. A/c made attacks, but U0. ` ~~qoi luw cïgexon~ 1(~áa~a~~ p cam. 1. 5/6 BC. 6 Blenheims despatched on offensive patrols to a.o. Leeuwarden, Soesterberg, Schiphol and Venlo. Results: attacks made by 3 a/c on A/Fs at Soesterberg, De Kooy, Schiphol, and Leeuwarden. Bursts seen on A/Fs, at Schiphol near runways. Note: reports state that Leeuwarden was attacked at 23.30 hrs with 16 bombs (3 X 500 and 13 X 40 lb. of which 8 duds. At 22.57 hrs the dummie A/F of Schiphol,near Aalsmeer was attacked with .e 2 HE and 14 shrapnel bombs.) 4 , x r C `r ,, 's 5/6 FC. 1 Havoc attacked and bombed EIndhoven A/F, but U0. 6/7 BC. ATs. One a/c an A/F believed to be Schiphol. 7 FC. 1110. Two Spitfires on ship recce saw off Katwijk a convoy of 15 Vs, one of which was 6/8000 tons. 7/8 CC. 1920/2245. 4 Hudsons despatched to locate and attack the convoy of 15 Vs reported off Katwijk. Reports state that one a/c located the convoy off Borkum and attacked 1 MV with 2 estimated hits. Remaining a/c saw nothing. 8 BC. 4 Bostons despatched to attack shipping off the Dutch coast. 2 a/c obtained near misses on an auxiliary schooner of The Hague. The attack was carried out from mast height and the vessel was also MGd. Remaining 2 a/c saw nothing. 8 CC. 0630. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast, encountered a Me-110 12 miles N of IJmuiden. Shots exchanged, but no hits registered by either a/c. 8/9 BC. 3 Blenheims offensive patrols. Eindhoven, Soesterberg and Leeuwarden attacked each by 1 Blenheim. Bursts seen on the western end of the flarepath at Eindhoven, causing fires, and also on Leeuwarden A/F. At Soesterberg bombs are believed'c to have over-shot the runway by 300 - 400 yards. In," Are c, r„ . ATs. Single a/c Haamstede and Terschelling. April 1942 page 2. 8/9 CC. A Hudson on ship recce off the Dutch coast bombed a probable flarepath at Texel at 2246, but U0. 9 BC. 7 Wellingtons to attack Essen. 5 returned owing lack of cloud cover, 6th with technical trouble. One Wellington bombed an unidentified village on the route from Overflakkee to Essen, but U0.°°~ 10/11 BC. 3 Blenheims Soesterberg and Schiphol. None of despatched a/c attacked the A/Fs. Single a/c attacked a beacon NW of Vught, which was extinguished and a lighting system S of Zandvoort. ATs. A/Fs in Holland. 10/11 FC. 4 Bostons to Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen. 1 bombed Eindhoven. Boston dropped bombs on a large building, believed to be a factory, near a railway in the Eindhoven area and 2 large fires ware started. 10/11 BC. ENncounters with enemy a/c. A Stirling had an encounter with a Me-109 between the Zuidersea and the Dutch coast. The Me-109 did not fire. Rear and Mid upper gunner fired, scoring hits causing flaming debris to fall. Claimed as destroyed. 11 CC. PRU. 1330. Amsterdam: 14 E/R boats now present. Since 26/3 further 2 sloops launched, making a total of 5 now fitting out. 11/12 FC. 6 Bostons and 2 Hurricanes despatched to patrol Gilze-Rijen, Eindhoven, Soesterberg, and Schiphol. A Hurricane attacked an unidentified a/c which was damaged, over Schip-hol, 2nd a/c attacked but U0. (Sgt Shaw of 3 Sqn). 2nd Hurricane a/c over Soesterberg but UO. One Boston unable to find Gilze-Rijen dropped bombs on Naamstede A/F bursts being seen on perimeter. 2nd Boston dropped bombs along flaPepath at Eindhoven just 4 f after a/c had taken off. 2 Other Bostons failed to locate target. •r• 4 b' s [ <-SF 14 -d- . 11/12 CC At 2015 6 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy of 8 MVs NW of Texel and a further convoy of 16 MVs (10 of 5/6000 and 6 of 1/2000 tons) 4 miles north of the 1st. Both convoys had previously been sighted by a Beaufighter at ± 1657 hrs, course NE. Reports state that a/c failed to locate the convoys, but one a/c attacked another convoy of 5 - 8 ships of 2/3000 tons 50 miles W of Texel, dropping 4 X 250 from 300 feet on one of rear vessels. A/c was forced to take evasive action but air gnr saw flash which might have been bomburst on a ship. Also MGd. 1 a/c MIA (1/53) 12/13 FC. 2 Bostons bombs on Eindhoven A/F. NW corner, 3 fires. 1 Boston Gilze-Rijen but U0. 1 Hurricane attacked and damaged a He-111 over Schiphol (P/O.Hay 3 Sqn), 2nd Hurri- e cane saw nothing. 1 Boston MIA (1/418 .:t~2e - !ia ~t f4e't4 A 13 CC. 1130 Rotteram: 9 M class MSw and 10 E/R boats now in port. Naval vessel of 280 feet is a new arrival in IJsselhaven. 13/14 BC. 47 a/c, 13 Wellingtons, 12 Stirlings and 10 Hampdens mining off Frisians and German Bight. Resp. 10, 10 and 6 succesfully. 1 Stirling MIA (1/15 Sqn.) 14 CC. PRU. 1300. Damaged tanker off Ameland. Photographs reveal this' to be about 11.000 tons tons and is identified as the tanker which acted as supply ship to the Tirpitz, and last seen southbound off Ijmuiden on 1/1. The tanker has stern and starboard quarter awash.

3 x x 14/15 CC. 1824 A Beaufighter on recce off the Dutch coast saw 5 Vs (3 sma119 N of Borkum. At 1945 3 Hudsons despatched to attack these ships, but returned sighting nothing. April 1942 page 3.

14/15 CC. 2014. 3 Hudsons were despatched to attack a tanker aground off Ameland. 1 a/c attacked but no hits. 2 a/c made no attack. 12/13 BC. Leaflets dropped in Arnhem area. a1 14/15 BC. 5 Blenheims offensive patrols Leeuwarden, Soesterberg and Schiphol. Results: 1 Blenheim attacked Schiphol, bombs believed to have fallen across runways. 1 Belnheim attacked Soesterberg and a lighting system NE of Amsterdam, but UO. C e r mN Sem

14/15 CC. 0545. One of 3 Hudsons despatched to attack a beached tanker off Ameland, dropped 4 X 250 from 30 f eet , all of which overshot the target. Intense and accurate flak was encountered during the attack. Other 2 a/c did not attack. 15/16 CC. 2000. A further Hudson despatched to attack the tanker, and a report states that a/c attacked with 4 X 250 GP, with 2 possible hits. 15/16 FC. 2 Havocs, 1 Boston and 2 Hurricanes despatched between 2305/0040 for Dutch A/Fs. One a/c bombed illuminated A/F believed to be Flushing from 6000 feet. Other made no attacks. 15/16 BC. 4 Blenheims offensive patrols to Leeuwarden, Soesterberg and Schiphol. Single Blenheims attacked Soesterberg and Leeuwarden, but UO. A further Blenheim attacked a lighted flarepath at Leeuwarden on which a plane was landing, and bombs believed to f all on flarepath fust short of enemy a/c landing. C ow" + s,l6t 16/17 FC. 14 a/c Bostons, Havocs and Hurricanes despatched to attack A/Fs France/Holland. a.o Schiphol, Soesterberg and Gilze-Rijen. 1 Boston failed to locate Gizze-Rijen and bombed Naamstede A/F causing several fires. 1 Hurricane patrolled Schiphol, but saw nothing 15/16 CC. Of 7 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of Texel, 2 a/c located convoy and dropped 8 X 250 from 400 and 200 feet, but U0. 16/17 CC. 2020. 6 Beauforts despatche to attack a convoy off Terschelling. All returned safely, not having located the convoy. 17 CC. PRU. 1300. Twenthe/Enschede. 16 medium a/c visible, probably Ju-88. 17/18 CC. 2000. 5 Beauforts and 3 Hudsons to attack convoys off Texel and Dutch coast between The Hague/IJmuiden. Convoys not found. 0300/0700. 8 Hudsons to attack shipping off Dutch coast. 1 Hudson attacked a MV of 1500 tops 15 miles W of Den Helder, 4 X 250 from 50 feet and rear gunner saw a large flash on side of vessel. 2nd Hudson attacked a MV of 4000 tons 10 miles W IJmuiden, 4 X 250 from 20/30 feet but U0. 1 Hudson MIA. (1/407 P/0 Giradot ) 17/18 BC. 6 Blenheims offensive patrols Leeuwarden, Soesterberg and Schiphol. 2 Blenheims attacked Leeuwarden A/F and bath crews believe to have hit the target. Soesterberg and Schiphol also visited, no activity and no attacks made. 1 MIA. (1/114 W.Cdr. Hull) ATs. a.o. Terschelling and Texel. 17/18 FC. Bostons to Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven. Bursts seen in target areas and at Gilze buildings set of fire. April 1942 page 4. 18/19 CC. 1925/2300. 3 Beauforts despatched to attack any shipping reported by a Beaufighter during a recce off the Dutch coast. Beaufighter sighted a tanker of 1000 tons, 1 MV of 1500 tons and a small tug off Borkum at 2000 hrs, and also 3 small MVs and 2 flakships north of Norderney, but no attack was made as Beauforts failed to receive sighting reports. 19/20 BC. 51 a/c., 23 Hampdens, 13 Wellingtons, 9 Manchesters, 4 Stirlings and 2 Lancasters, mining off Frisians. Resp. 15, 8, 6 , 1 and 2 succesfully. 1 Wellington and 1 Hampden MIA. (1 Well./156, 1 Hamp/49 Sqns.) 21 CC. 1741. A Beaufighter on patrol intercepted and attacked a he-59, 30 miles WNW Terschel- ling, shooting away a section of the starboard float of enemy a/c. The He-59 then turned away to starboard and contact was lost as the Beaufighter was then attacked by a Me-110 which was avoided by taking evasive action. 22/23 BC. ATs. 1 Wellington attacked an A/F believed to be Valkenburg and fires started in the SE corner. 23/24 CC. 2255. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch islands sighted a convoy of 11 MVs and 2 flakships off Vlieland. Attack with 4 X 250 on one flakship, but U0. At 0024 3 Hudsons despatched to attack this convoy, but no reports received from these a/c._ 24 BC. 12 Bostons despatched with F escort on Flushing harbour area. Weather conditions were good, with no cloud and excellent visibility, but lome haze. All the a/c dropped 47 X 500 GP from 13000-14000 feet. Bursts were seen north of the engine sheds and in the sea west of the town. All a/c returned safely. 24 FC. At 1400 26 Squadrons (??) of Spitfires escorted and supported 12 Bostons of BC to attack harbour area at Flushing. 60 enemy a/c were plotted as a counter to this operation and in the ensuing combats 1 Ju-52, 1 FW-190 were destroyed and 3 Fw-190s damaged. 10 Spitfires and pilots MIA, and further 2 Spitfires damaged. (2/72, 2/122, 1/124, 1/140 and 4/234 Sqns.) Note: Dutch pilot, Jan Flin . rm,a made his first sweep this day as a member of 222 Sqn to Flushing. 24/25 BC. 4 Blenheims offensive patrols to Leeuwarden. 3 a/c attacked. Little activity was observed and the target was unlit at the time, Bombs feil across NE/NW corner of the A/F. 1 Blenheim MIA. (1/114) ATs. a.o. Leeuwarden. ~~ rom_, ~c 25 CC. PRU. 1115 Amsterdam: since 11/4 12 E/R boats have departed leaving only 2 now present. 1 MV of 310 feet has arrived. 1115 Den Helder: since 11/4 5 E/R boats and a MV of 250 feet have arrived. 1145 Flushing: since 17/4 3 Siebel ferries have arrived. 25/26 BC. 1 Blenheim offensive patrol Leeuwarden. Bombed on flarepath,but U0. 25/26 CC. 0053. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast sighted 4 MVs of between 1000/3000 tons in line astern 10 miles off Norderney. Attack on 2nd ship, with 4 X 250 from 150 feet,UO. 26 CC. 1257. A Beaufighter had an inconclusive encounter with a Ju-88 ± 80 miles N of Texel. 26/27 BC. 2 Blenheims to Leeuwarden, 1 to Eindhoven. 2 Blenheims attacked Leeuwarden in clear moonlight. Bombs are believed to have fallen on A/F and on buildings in SE corner. 1 Blenheims Eindhoven, bombs believed to have straddled flarepath. April 1942 page 5. 27/28 FC. 4 Bostons despatched patrol on A/Fs. 1 bombed Schiphol, bursts seen on a hangar. One detailed on Gilze-Rijen MIA. (1/418 Sqn.) 28 CC. 1130 Rotterdam: 4 M class MSw, 19 E/R boats, 15 TLCs, one TB of 250 feet, one Dutch destroyer and one naval unit 270 feet present. The 370 feet heavily armed blockade breaker, recently seen at Le Havre and Boulogne, is now berthed at Wiltons wharf. 1130 The Hook: No shipping of importance present. 28/29 BC. Blenheims offensive patrol A/Fs Holland. 2 Blenheims Soesterberg, bombs believed on runway; 1 Blenheim Schiphol, bursts seen centre perimeter lights and 1 Blenheims attacked Valkenburg, U0. 29 CC. PRU. 1420 Flushing. 2 M class MSw and 3 Siebel ferries present . Otherwise no change since 25/4. 29/30 CC. 2025. A Beaufighter on patrol off Frisians sighted 3 MVs of 4/5000 tons and 1 small MV 10 miles N of Borkum. At 2245 3 Hudsons despatched, but nothing to report. 29/30 BC. 4 Blenheims Leeuwaren, 1 Soesterberg and 1 Schiphol. All a/c attacked and believed hits were scored. ka v. . 29/30 FC. 2205/0356 22 a/c, Bostons and Hurricanes to patrol A/Fs in occupied countries. One Boston bombed Gilze-Rijen. 30 BC. 6 Bostons with F escort Flushing. All a/c attacked from 12000 feet dropping 24 X 500. Bursts observed on th quay of De Schelde to south of the Verbreed kanaal and on De Schelde docks. 30 FC. 1430. 9 Squadrons of Spitfires escort and support for 6 Bostons in an attack on the harbour and oil installations at Flushing. Few enemy a/c seen but combats resulted in 1 Ne-109 prob destroyed, and 1 Me-109 and 1 Fw-190 damaged. 1 Spitfire damaged. (1 Spitfire claimed by 5/JG1) 30/4-1/5 CC. 2045. A Beaufighter on ship recce sighted 5 MVs of 2/6000 tons off Texel. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND MAY 1942. 2 CC. 1620. Four Hudsons despatched to attack two convoys previously seen by a Beaufighter off IJmuiden, but returned due to lack of cloud cover. 3/4 BC. Four Blenheims offensive patrols, 2 to Eindhoven and 2 to Gilze-Rijen. Two reached Eindhoven and 1 Gilze-Rijen, but due to 10/10th cloud unable to locate the target. 4 FC. 1119/1303. Two Spitfires on ship recce damaged 3 Me-109s encountered off IJmuiden. One Spitfire and pilot MIA. 3/4 CC. 0300. A Hudson on patrol off the Frisian Islands saw a convoy of 4 MVs of 1500-2000 tons and 6 smaller vessels off Ameland. 10 X 100 A/S bombs dropped in a dive attack, and 4 hits were obtained amidships on one of the 2000 tons MVs., which caught fire. 4 CC 1030. Six Hudsons despatched to attack the convoy mentioned above. The convoy, of which one ship was damaged, was located almost stationary off IJmuiden by 4 of the a/c. LL bomb and MG attacks were made but no hits with bombs scored. Considerable flak was encountered from the convoy and from shore batteries, and some a/c were damaged. Of the 2 remaining a/c, one was seen in the sea W of the convoy with the crew swimming towards a dinghy which was circled by a Me-109, the other is missing. (2/53 Sqn.) .. 1730. A Beaufighter on.patrol off the Dutch coast saw an MV listing to starboard assisted by two 'tugs off IJmuiden, with two other tugs approaching. 4/5 CC. 2140. Two Hudsons, and 2 hours later 3 further Hudsons were despatched to continue the attack on the convoy off IJmuiden. All 5 returned without locating the target. 0304. A Hudson on patrol off the Frisian Islands sighted a convoy of 15 MVs off Ter-schelling. A LL attack was made with 4 X 250 on one of the MVs (2000 tons) but UO due evasive action, but it is believed a near miss to starboard was obtained. At 0355 another Hudson on same patrol sighted a convoy of 11 ships a few miles to the Bast of the convoy previously mentioned. 10 X 100 A/S bombs were droppen on a MV of 1500 tons resulting in an orannge flash followed by an explosion which shook the aircraft. 0415. Three Hudsons were despatched to attack the shipping off Terschelling reported above. One a/c attack a MV of 5/6000 tons in a convoy of 12 ships escorted by 6 flakships off Terschelling. 4 X 250 A/S bombs dropped from 20 f eet and hits were scored on the starboard side of the vessel and on the deck, debris was seen to fly in the air and the vessel was left in flames. Other ships in the convoy were also MGd. The Hudson was hit in one engine by flak but the a/c returned safely on one engine. The 2nd a/c also located the convoy but was hit by flak when about to attack. The pilot was wounded but was able to bring the a/c back to base. This a/c MGd a flakship escorting the convoy. The 3rd a/c returned without sighting any shipping. PRU. 1515 Rotterdam: A considerable movement seen in minor naval units since 28/4. Two TBs, 2 M class Msw, 15 E/R boats, 15 TLCs and 2 Dutch destroyers, both of which are in- complete, are now present compared with 2 TBs, a naval unit (270 feet) 4 M class MSw, 19 E/R boats, 15 TLCs and one Dutch destroyers which was present on 28/4. The usual large turnover in merchant shipping seen in the Waalhaven where 14 MVs are now pre-sent compared with 11 previously seen. Elsewhere in the port 4 MVs including one of 460 feet, have arrived. The barrage breaker (350 feet) and the Crefeld type MV (485 ft) are still present. 6 E/R boats are now present at P. Smits Yard compared with 5 on 28/4. 1515 Maassluis: 7 trawler type auxiliaries have departed since 4/5 leaving none now present. 1515 The Hook: 9 trawler type auxiliaries seen at the Quay compared with 5 on 28/4. Two tanker type vessels of ± 270 feet are in the New Waterway. 5/6 FC. 3 Bostons to patrol A/Fs France/Holland. Bombs dropped on Gilze-Rijen where 3 a/c were seen on the ground, and on Eindhoven, but both U0. 5/6 BC. 4 Blenheims Schiphol. 3 attacked in good visibility, bursts seen on EW runway, and at junction of runways. May 1942 page 2. 5/6 CC. A Hudson had inconclusive combat with a Dornier off the Frisian Islands, at 0532. (32o ! ~) . 6 FC. Spitfires on ship recce reported a convoy of 12 MVs, including some of 6000 tons, off the Dutch coast, proceeding north. 6/7 BC. Four Blenheims despatched to Schiphol, Leeuwarden, Soesterberg and Eindhoven. Each one Blenheim attacked Leeuwarden and Soesterberg, bursts across the runways. One Blenheim on Eindhoven MIA. (1/18 Sqn. in sea.) 6/7 FC. 1 Hurricane despatched to Gilze-Rijen attacked an enemy a/c as it was landing. At the same time a Boston dropped bombs on the runway and a fire was observed. The enemy a/c is claimed and shared as probably destroyed. (Hurricane Sgt,Scott/3 Sqn., Boston P/O. Lukas/418 Sqn.) 7 CC. PRU. 1145 Amsterdam: No change of any note since 26/4 except for the arrival of one 450 feet MV in floating dock of Amsterdam Dry Dock Co. 1145 Den Helder: Since 25/4 5 E/R boats, 2 trawler type aux. and 2 armed vessels of 200-250 f eet have left. Raid assesment. Flushing: Photographs taken during the attack on 30/4 show bombs feil on the seawall south of the dry dock of the Verbreed kanaal, on buildings SW of the repairing dock and on the south end of the west quay in the Verbindings kanaal. Bombs also feil on the bridge and on sthe north quay of the marine dock. 7/8 CC. 2155. 12 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of 12 MVs (1 of 7000, 3 of 3000 and 8 of 800 tons) previously reported by a Beaufighter on a north course off Texel. Further 8 Hudsons despatched on roving patrol off Frisians in hope to follow up attack. Note: Further details available. 320 Dutch Sqn participated in this attack. Sgt. Jansen MIA. 8/9 FC. 12 Boston/Havoc despatched A/Fs France/Holland. Nothing to report. A Huricane attacked and destroyed a He-111 and probably destroyed a Dornier off IJ- h e i C • muiden. Another Hurricane probably destroyed an unidentified a/c over Soes- terberg. (P/O. Hay and Sgt. Scott of 3 Sqn.) 8/9 BC. Three Blenheims to Leeuwarden. All 3 attacked in good visibility and bursts seen on runways. ( ..r~ 13 BC. Four Wellingtons Essen. 14 FC. 2 Spitfires despatched to Flushing at 1530, made no attack. 15/16 CC. 202.0/2345 8 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of 9 MVs (1 of 5000 and 3 Of 3000 and 5 escorts)previously reported by a Beaufighter off Terschelling at 1815. 2037/2345 9 Hudsons despatched to attack 2nd convoy off Texel of 11 MVs (including one of 6000 tons) sighted at 1821 by a Beaufighter, proceeding north. Note: 320 sqn participating. Succesful attack. Details available. 16 FC. 1600/1720 6 Spitfires despatched to attack shipping off Dutch Islands. Only shipping observed Dutch fishing fleet off Naamstede and no action taken. 17/18 FC. 5 Bostons despatched to Leeuwaren, Schiphol, Soesterberg, Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen. 1 Bombed Schiphol, straddling flarepath. No enemy a/c of flak. Another bombed Gilze- Rijen with 1 X 250 and 80 X 4 inc., starting fire among hangars. No enemy a/c seen. Boston detailed for Leeuwarden MIA (1/418 Sqn.) May 1942 page 3.

17/18 BC. 18 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 16 succesfull. 1 MIA. 19 CC. 1300. 2 Beaufighters despatched to attack E boats reported off Vlieland. A/c returned without seeing any target. 19/20 FC. 2 Bostons detailed on Soesterberg and Schiphol are MIA. (both 418 Sqn.) A Hurricane destroyed an unidentified a/c near Leeuwarden. (Sgt Scott 3 Sqn.) 19/20 BC. Encounters enemy a/c. 5 Miles NW of Walcheren at 14000 feet a Me-110 attacked a Wel- lington. Gunner replied and the 110 claimed as destroyed. Over Walcheren at 12000 feet an a/c was attacked by an enemy a/c. Gunners replied and enemy a/c claimed as damaged 20 CC. PRU. 1130 Rotterdam: Since 5/5 5 E/R boats have departed and one naval unit of 270 feet arrived making total of 13 E/R boats, 1 M class Msw, 1 TB and 1 naval unit of 270 feet now present. Merchant ships show considerable turn-over and a decided increase both in number and tonnage. Arrival included 4 MVs of 450-500 feet. 20 FC. Six Spitfires shipping off Walcheren.Note: attack on ships of Rheinflottielje. 25 BC. 4 Bostons despétched to attack shipping off the Dutch coast. Nothing seen. 26 FC. 1420. 6 Spitfires despatched to search for shipping, attacked one of two armed MSws 4 miles W of Walcheren. Ship left burning fiercely and proceeding at reduced speed. 27/28 BC. 52 a/c, including 9 heavies mining off Frisians. All operations cancelled!! 27 FC. 1600. 4 Squadrons of Spitfires detailed to sweep the Blankenberghe/FLushing area. During combats 1 Me-109 destroyed and 4 damaged. One Spitfire MIA. In addition 3 MSws attacked 4 miles north of Walcheren and all damaged. In one case vessel seen on fire and on another an explosion was seen. 28/29 CC. 1911. A Beaufighter on recce off the Dutch coast saw a convoy of 4 MVs of 3/4000 tons 6 MVs of 1/2000 tons and 4 escorts on a north course off Vlieland. At 2230 21 Hudsons despatched. 0026-0058. 11 of 21 Hudsons despatched carried out LL attacks on a widely dispersed enemy convoy off the Frisian Islands. Direct hits claimed on 8 MVs ranging from 1000 to 3500 tons, and fires were seen to break out in 6 ships, one of which was seen lying on its side ablaze from stem to stern. In two cases hits were registered on the same ship by 2 a/c. A further Hudson sighted the convoy and attempted to attack, but bombs hung up. The remaining a/c saw no ships. One Hudson MIA. (1/407 Sqn.) Note: 320 sqn participating. Details available. 29 FC. 2000/2120 2 Spitfires on ship recce saw 8 vessels, the largest ± 600D tons, south of IJ- muiden, proceeding north. 29/30 CC. 2205/0320. 22 Hudsons, 6 Hampdens and 2 Beaufighters have been despatched to attack shipping off the Frisian Islands. Note: Details on this attack available. 29/30 BC. 15 Stirlings and 3 Wellingtons mining of Frisians. Resp 13 and 3 succesfull, 1 Stirling MIA. (1/15 Sqn.) 30/31 BC and FC. 1000 bomber raid on Cologne. Detials available. This night leaflets, a.o. over Rotterdam. May 1942 page 4.

Adds.

30/31 BC. 1043 a/c on Cologne. 49 Blenheims on A/Fs. In Holland 9 Blenheims on Twenthe and 9 on Venlo. Results: 36 Blenheims carried out attacks, ar). on Twenthe and Venlo, and bursts observed on runways in most cases. 2 Blenheims MIA. (1/13 and 1/114 Sqn.) ATs. Single a/c a.o. Naamstede A/F, Aldorf and other tgts in Ruhr, but no outstanding results. 30/31 FC. 38 a/c despatched to patrol enemy A/Fs in Belgium, France and Holland. Results: Boston IIIs and Havocs attacked A/Fs at Leeuwarden, Soesterberg, Schiphol, Deelen, Gilze-Rijen, Eindhoven, Venlo in Holland, but apart from bomb bursts nothing outstanding was observed.One Boston caused fires in Harlingen harbour. 1 Boston MIA (1/23 Sqn.crashed on Deelen A/F.). Hurricanes destroyed 1 Ju-88 and damaged 2 Ju-88s and 1 unidentified enemy a/c over the A/Fs at Venlo, Deelen, Gilze-Rijen and St.Trond. 31 BC. Five Mosquitoes despatched between 0400 and 1710 on a visual recce of Cologne. 3 a/c dropped 6 X 500 and 6 X 250 on Cologne, but U0. 1 MIA. (1/105). 31 FC. At 1515 four squadrons of Spitfires were despatched to attack shipping off Walcheren. Two minesweepers, which were attacked and damaged, ran aground near Walcheren. An armed trawler in the same area was set on fire and seen to sink. 1 Me-109 was destroyed and 1 Me- 109 damaged. Two Spitfires and pilots are missing, the first of these was hit by flak and force landed on Walcheren Island, and the other crashed in the sea F 4 miles off shore. Pi& . 22 os. it Alt,e.- r . r Som.. w,r . AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND JUNE 1942.

31/5-1/6 BC. Two Wellingtons detailed to attack Cologne, dropped ± 1 1/2 tons of HE. Results UO due 10/10th cloud. 31/5-1/6 FC. Attacks on Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven. At Gilze-Rijen a Do-217 was destroyed and another damaged by a Hurricane. At Eindhoven an enemy a/c was also destroyed by a Hurricane. Other objectives were the causeway at the north end of the Zuidersea and small vessels off the Maas estuary. (F/S. Smith. 3/Sqn.) 31/5-1/6 CC. 6 Hudsons and 3 Hampdens despatched to attack a convoy of 4 MVs of 4/5000 tons and 6 escorts, previously seen by a Beaufighter off The Hague. Dwing to fog the convoy was only located by one of the Hudsons which attacked at 0240 a MV of 3/4000 tons 10 miles N of IJmuiden. 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 A/S bombs from mastheight, but U0. 1 BC. 12 Bostons with F escort to attack Flushing, and 2 Mosquitoes to attack Cologne. Results: 2 Mosquitoes. One attacked target, other MIA (1/105 Sqn. in sea.) 12 Bostons attacked in good visibility, dropping 48 x 500 HE. Bursts were seen among buildings south of the Marine dook, and on the north side. All a/c returned safely. 1 FC. At 1800 12 Squadrons of Spitfires escort and withdrawal cover for 12 Bostons in the port area of Flushing. All returned safely without being engaged in combat. Four squadrons of Spitfires carried out a sweep over Haamstede as diversion to the above attack and one of these squadrons was intercepted by 15 FW-190s. As a result 1 FW-190 and 1 Spitfire damaged. 1/2 BC. 2nd 1000 a/c raid on Essen. 49 Blenheims on A/Fs. a.o. 8 Blenheims on Twenthe, and 8 Blenheims on Venlo. (others Germany/Blgm/Fr.) Results: 27 Blenheims attacked A/Fs, in most cases bursts observed on runways. 1 Blenheim on Bonn, and 1 on Venlo MIA.(2/114). ATs. 71 a/c attacked A/Fs and other targets in Ruhr area. No tgts mentioned in Hol-land. Note: Apart from attacks on A/Fs., German reports state that a lot of bombs were dropped in open fields, doing little harm and/or damage. 1/2 FC. 33 a/c, 13 Bostons, 6 Havocs and 14 Hurricanes were despatched to carry out harassing operations ove enemy aerodromes. Results: bombs were dropped by Havocs and Bostons on the A/Fs at Leeuwarden, Gilze-Rijen, Deelen, Eindhoven and Laon-Athies, results being in the main U0. Hurricanes destroyed a Do-217 near Eindhoven, damaged a Ju-88 over St.Trond A/F and damaged another enemy a/c over the A/F of Twenthe. Other targets included a.o. searchlights at Overflakkee, the harbour of IJmuiden and an E boat off Flushing. C - - t (ooe›g.4 o -,- PJ Afree 2 FC. Between 0640/1010 2 Spitfires on Air/Sea Rescue patrol, attacked a wireless-station north of The Hague, hits being observed on a rectangular building. Atb 1653 a Spitfire on ship recce sighted 13 vessels north of the Hook together with 12 small coasters and a hundred fishing vessels escorted by 4 flakships and a Me-109. They were proceeding in a southerly direction. 1/2 CC. 2325. The 1st of 4 Beaufighters was despatched to patrol enemy A/Fs at Texel, Leeuwarden and Schiphol. Results: One a/c had an inconclusive combat with two enemy a/c., and another attacked runways and sheds and buildings on Leeuwarden A/F. Hits with cannon and MG fire were scored on the buildings. The remaining Beaufighters carried out their patrols without incident. 2350. 3 Hampdens carrying torpedoes and 1 Hudson carrying flares, despatched to attack 2 convoys, one consisting of 5 MVs of 1000 tons and 2 escorts, and the other of 8 MVs of 1/4000 tons, previously seen by a Beaufighter off the Frisian Islands. Results: A/c returned without locating their targets. 2/3 BC. ATs. Noordwijkerhout and A/F near Utrecht where inc. feil across runways and buildings, starting a large fire. Leaflets Amsterdam and other Dutch areas. June 19142 page 2. 2/3 FC. A Hurricane despatched to Eindhoven destroyed an unidentified a/c there. (Sgt. Inwood of 3 Sqn.) 3 CC. PRU. 11410 Flushing: 2 Siebel ferries have returned to the outer harbour since 30/5. At 1530 they were seen to have departed from the outer harbour and are presumed to bi the 2 possible barges reported by a pilot to be southbound off the coast. 3/4 BC. 1 Blenheims despatched to Leeuwarden, unable to locate target. ATs. A flarepath believed to be Schiphol and an A/F at Oldenbroek attacked by single a/c. Incendiaries were dropped at Schiphol as an a/c was taking off and fires broke out. 3/4 CC. 0030. Two Beaufighters despatched to patrol A/Fs at Texel and Leeuwarden saw no activity and made no attack. 4 CC. PRU. 1430 Amsterdam: 1 TB, 2 E/R boats and 5 TLCs have departed since 22/5. Merchant shipping shows little change apart from the arrival of 1 MV of 250 f eet. 4 FC. 1632/1800 2 Spitfires on patrol damaged a Ju-88 10 miles off the Dutch coast. 4/5 BC. 13 Blenheims on Schiphol. Results: 10 a/c attacked dropping 14 tons HE and 40 X 30 inc. Weather was good with no clouds. Numerous bursts and a number of fires were seen amongst hangars and buildings along the SE side of the A/F, together with some on runways. (1 Blenheim crashed immediatly after take-off, all crew being killed.) ATs. An A/F believed to be Soesterberg was attacked by one a/c and searchlights in an unidentified position were MGd. Results U0. 4/5 FC. 8 Intruders to patrol A/Fs. Results: 1 Boston dropped bombs at Soesterberg. Remaining 7 returned owing to poor visibility. 5 BC. 1 Mosquito PRU on Schiphol. Photographs taken of part of the A/F. Note: 1206/1358 Mosquito of 105 Squadron. Oxygen failed over Schiphol and the obser ver passed out. 5/6 BC. 7 Wellingtons, 3 Hampdens and 2 Lancasters mining off Frisians. All succesfuli. 6 CC. At 1302 2 Beaufighters located a dinghy containing 5 of the crew of a Stirling ± 12 miles NW of Walcheren. At 1615 the crew were picked up by a HSL. Raid assesment. Flushing: photographs taken on 30/5 show that during the attack on 30/5 a direct hit demolished tha centre of one bay in a four bay building of De Schel-de Co:, adjoining the repairing dock. 6/7 BC. 3 Blenheims to Leeuwarden. Results: 1 a/c attacked, but U0. ATs. a.o. searchlight concentration on Ameland. 6/7 FC. 4 Hurricanes despatched to patrol Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven. Results: One destroyed an enemy a/c neer Eindhoven and one, despatched to Gilze-Rljen is missing. The other two did not locate their targets. (Claim was by Sgt. Gawith 3 Sqn. A/c MIA was F/5 Smith also fo 3 Sqn. down in sea. ) 7/8 BC. 19 Wellingtons, 12 Stirlings, 9 Lancasters and 3 Hampdens mining off Frisians. Resp. 18, 11, 9 and 3 succesfull. 7/8 FC. 15 a/c on Intruder ops. One Boston dropped HE and inc. on Leeuwarden A/F, and numerous bursts and fires observed. June 1942 page 3.

8/9 BC. 5 Blenheims despatched, 3 to Venlo and 3 to Twenthe. Results: 1 attacked Venlo and 1 attacked Eindhoven. 8/9 FC. 19 a/c Intruder ops. Bostons bombed A/Fs Gilze-Rijen, Leeuwarden and Schiphol. At Schiphol flashes and fires were seen as well as one explosion, the nature of which suggested that an ammodump had received a direct hit. 4- . 9 FC. 1445. 6 Spitfires despatched to attack shipping between Ostend/Flushing. Neer the Noorderhooft an R-boat was seen and attacked by all a/c. It was observed to explode and sink. 9/10 BC. 38 Wellingtons, 11 Stirlings mining off Frisians. Resp 37 and 10 succesfull. 9/10 FC. Bostons and Havocs Intruders. Bombs on Schiphol. 9/10 CC. 0250 A Hudson on ship recce off the Dutch coast was fired on by two surface vessels off Borkum. The a/c attacked with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 A/S bombs, but U0. 10 FC. At 1045 and 1420 2 X 6 Spitfires respectively despatched to attack shipping off Wal- cheren. In bath cases a/c returned without incident. 10/11 FC. Boston Intruders bombs on Soesterberg. 11/12 BC. a)kbiR$x xcei>o8#xf ianscx 81 a/c mining off Frisians. 50 Wellingtons, 19 Stirlings, 7 Lancasters and 5 Hampdens. resp 46, 17, 5 and 4 succesuil. One Stirling attacked a convoy 15 miles NW of Borkum, and 2 Wellingtons bombed flakships in the same vicinity but U0. 11/12 FC. 1 Boston despatched to patrol Soesterberg and Schiphol. Bombs dropped on Schiphol. 11/12 CC. 2045 A Beaufighter on a ship recce off the Dutch coast, had an inconclusive combat with a Ju-88 about 60 miles W of Terschelling. 14/15 CC. Two Beaufighters on patrol off the Frisian Islands sighted a convoy of 8 MVs and 4 esc/V 10 miles N of Terschelling. At 0007 4 Hudsons despatched to attack but no reports yet received. Further reports: 0130. 1 a/c sighteEt 1 MV of 1000 tons and 2 MVs of 800 tons 11 miles W of Den Helder. Individual attacks carried out on 3 vessels, a total of 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 A/S bombs dropped from 100 feet. After the attack on the larger MV and one of the 800 ton MVs violent flashes were seen and the crew of the a/c saw only one vessel on the surface and claim the other 2 as being sunk. At 0136 the 2nd a/c attacked a MV of 1000/1500 tons off Texel with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 bombs which overshot very close to the vessel. The other two Hudsons failed to locate the targets. 14/15 FC. Intruders. Bostons bombs on Soesterberg and Haamstede. 15 FC. At 1430 a search for shipping in this case Ostend/Flushing/Haamstede was made by 11 Spifires. An armed minesweeper off Walcheren was attacked and a large explosion observed followed by black smoke and the msw was left in a sinking condition. 16 FC. At 1045 12 Spitfires to search for shipping Flushing/Ostend. 2 of the a/c returned early due technical trouble, and the remaining a/c saw nothing. At 2030 4 Spitfires despatched to search for shipping off Walcheren, but abandoned their task owing to unfavourable weather. June 1942 page 4. 16/17 BC. ATs. 1 a/c bombed A/F believed to be Naamstede, but U0. 17 BE. CC. One rnember of the crew of a Hampden missing from a patrol off the Frisian Islands on the 4th of June, was picked up alive by a MGB off IJmuiden after being sighted in a dinghy on 16th June by a Beaufighter. (Hampden of 415 Sqn. P/0. Mahn.) 17/18 BC. 31 a/c, 19 Wellingtons and 12 Lancasters mining off Frisians. Resp. 17 and 11 succesfull One of the Wellingtons attacked four small merchant vessels 20 miles N of Vlieland, but all bombs missed their target. 18/19 BC. 34 Wellingtons, 15 Stirlings and 6 Lancasters mining off Frisians. Resp 32, 14 and 6 succesfull. One of the Wellingtons bombed flak positions on Schiermonnikoog, but U0. 18/19 CC. 0129. Of the 2 Hudsons despatched on a roving patrol of f the Frisian Islands, one saw a convoy of 8 MVs off Texel. An attack was made on heading ship, with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 from 700 feet, but U0. The other a/c saw nothing. 19 FC. At 1015 2 squadrons of Spitfires despatched to attack shipping in the Ostend/Flushing area, and 3 armed minesweepers damaged near Knocke, been seen to go aground. A number of enemy a/c encountered and as result of combats 4 FW-190s destroyed, 1 FW-190 probably destroyed and 4 190s damaged. 3 Spitfires MIA and further 3 damaged. (129/222 and 331 Sqdns lost Spitfires.) 19 CC. 1843. A Beaufighter on patrol off the Frisian Islands saw a convoy of 11 MVs (5 of 2/3000) 23 miles N of Borkum and at 1900 2 MVs (5/6000 tons) and 2 esc Vs 10 miles N of Schiermonnikoog. Another Beaufighter on the same patrol was attacked at 1845 by 2 enemy fighters of f Borkum. The Beau was damaged and one of the crew was wounded. / 19/20 BC. Two Blenheims on Leeuwarden. Bursts seen on the NS runway and on an intersection of runways. 19/20 CC. 2315. 5 Hudsons despatched to attack enemy shipping off the Frisian Islands. One a/c sighted at 0101 a convoy of 2 large MVs and 4 small Vs 20 miles NNW of Borkum. 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 dropped from 70 feet, but U0. The others saw nothing. 20 CC. PRU. 1200 Rotterdam: Little change in naval units in part of the port that was covered. Merchant shipping shows decrease, particularly in the Waalhaven where 5 MVs are now present. 20/21 BC. 3 Blenheims on Leeuwarden, one on Twenthe. Results: the a/c on Twenthe attacked and bursts seen in centre of A/F. At Leeuwarden intense flak and opposition of enemy a/c compelled two of the Blenheims to jettison their bombs. The 3rd was unable to pinpoint the target owing to poor visibility. Leaflets in the Delfzijl area. 20/21 CC. 0103. Of the 5 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off Terschelling, one a/c carried out a LL attack on a MV of 1500 tons off Texel, 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 dropped which caused an intense bright flash and debris to be thrown into the air. The Hudson crew estimate that 2 or more hits were scored amidships. 3 a/c failed to locate the target, 5th MIA. (1/407) 21 CC. PRU. 1200 Rotterdam: naval units present compose 1 TB, 2 M class MSw., 1 escort V, 4 old type M class Msw and 9 E/R boats. June 1942 page 5. 21/22 BC. 24 Wellingtons and 9 Lancasters mining Frisians. Resp. 23 and 8 succesfull. 21/22 FC. Bostons and Hurricanes Intruder ops. A He-111 destroyed at Soesterberg and 1 enemy a/c at Eindhoven. 1 Do-217 damaged at Soesterberg by Hurricanes. (Sgt. Gawith Soesterberg, and Sgt Collins Eindhoven. Both 3 Sqn.) 22/23 BC. 6 Blenheims to Leeuwarden. 5 attacked, bursts seen on the runways. 22/23 CC. A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast attacked a 5/600 tons MV appr 20 miles SW Den Helder. 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 dropped from 100 feet and although no flash observed, at least 2 bombs exploded close enough to the vessel to cause a list which was observed as the a/c left. 23/24 BC. 19 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 15 succesfull, 2 MIA. (Bath 103 Sqn.) 23/24 FC. ,3P31 Bostons and Hurricanes Intruder ops. 1 Boston bombed Gilze-Rijen and near IJmuiden a Hurricane attacked a Ju-88 which collided with another enemy a/c, both being seen to crash. (P/0 Hay 3 Sqn.) One Boston MIA. (1/418) 24/25 FC. Intruder ops. A Hurricane saw 2 enemy a/c at Eindhoven but was unable to engage. 25/26 BC. 896 a/c Bremen with assistance of 102 a/c of CC (82 Hudsons and 20 Wellingtons) and 5 Blenheims of Army Co-operation Command. On airfields 44 a/c, 24 Bostons, 16 Blenheims and 4 Mosquitoes. 25/26 FC and CC., and Army Co-operation Command. On airfields, FC 31 a/c, 14 Bostons, 11 Hurricanes and 6 Havocs. CC 12 Beaufighters and Army Co-operation Command 15 Blenheims. Results all Commands: ATs. No targets mentioned in Holland. 54 a/c, comprising 33 of Bomber Command, 16 of Fighter Command and 4 of Coastal Com- mand carried out attacks on the following aerodromes: (In Holland) Deelen, Eindhoven, Gilze-Rijen, Leeuwarden, Bergen, Valkenburg, Naamstede, Venlo and Twenthe. In most cases bursts were observed on the A/Fs and some fire were started. A number of other a/c carried out patrols but have nothing of interest to report. 1 Hurricane of FC and 2 Blenheims of Army Co-op MIA. (1 Hurricane 1 Sqn detailed on Gilze-Rijen and 2 Blenheims of 13 Sqn. One detailed for Venlo.) Coastal Command losses: 4 Hudsons and 1 Wellington on Bremen MIA, 1 Wellington crashed. (1/320 Dutch Sqn.) 26 CC. 1 Beaufighter on Air Sea Rescue search crashed in the sea north of Terschelling.(1/235). 26/27 BC. 15 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. All succesfull. 27/28 CC. 2200. 4 Hampdens and 1 Hudson despatched to attack shipping off Borkum. 2 Hampdens and the Hudson made no attack due unfavourable weather and flak. 2 Hampdens MIA. (2/415 Sqn.) 27/28 BC. Bremen. 10/10th cloud over target and all a/c bombed by navigational aid. ATs. single a/c Texel A/F and a target believed to be E of Bremen, but U0. 28 FC At 1500 17 Spitfires detailed to search for shipping in Flushing area, but they had nothing of interest to report. June 19142 page 6.

29/30 CC. 0030. 7 Hudsons despatched to attack 2 MVs of 5/6000 tons previously seen by a Beau- fighter * 12 miles NE Borkum. ( Attacked shipping off Heligoland.) 29/30. BC. 6 Blenheims A/Fs in Holland. Targets not located.

Adds. Claims night 25/26 June.: 2 Ju-88s, 1 Me-110, and 1 unidentified a/c destroyed, a and 1 Ju-88 probably destroyed.

26/27 FC. Intruders. Bostons and Hurricanes to France. One Spitfire carried out an uneventful patrol over' Haamstede. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND JULY 1942. 1 FC. 2 Spitfires shipping patrol off Flushing in the evening. 1/2 FC. Hurricanes Intruder ops. Attacked a minesweeper near Rotterdam and a MV off Domburg. 1 CC. 2012 Beaufighter on recce off Frisian Islands saw a convoy of 9 MVs N of Terschelling proceeding north. 1/2 CC. 8 Hampdens and 8 Hudsons despatched to attack above convoy. 0115/0203. 3 Hampdens and 3 Hudsons located a scattered convoy of ± 10 MVs (3 of 4/5000 tons) off Borkum. 1 Hampden attacked MV of 4000 tons from 3500 feet with 4 X 250 B bombs and whilst on return journey saw flames as if from burning ship. Other 2 Hampdens made torpedo attack on a MV. Rear gunner of 1 a/c saw column of black smoke rising from target after the attack, while the crew of the other saw large ship enveloped in flames and roll over on its starboard side. One Hudson bombed a 4/5000 ton MV with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 believed hit on stern. Other 2 Hudsons had flares only which were dropped in neighbourhood of convoy before and during attack. Heavy flak and 1 Hampden damaged which crashlanded on return, two of crew injured. Remaining a/c saw nothing. 1 Hampden MIA. (1/415 Sqn.) 2 CC. 2020. A Beaufighter on recce off Fr. Isl. saw convoy of 10 MVs of 4/5000 tons and 2 esc Vs proceeding east, off Schiermonnikoog. A further convoy of 12 MVs on W course also sighted 15 miles to the NE of the 1st convoy. 2/3 CC. 14 Hudsons and 7 Hampdens despatched to attack bath convoys. 0115. One Hudson attacked a small MV off Borkum, but U0. 2nd Hudson saw and attacked convoy of 6 MVs off Schiermonnikoog, also U0. 3rd Hudson attacked a MV of 3/5000 tons with one esc NW Borkum. Considerable smoke seen to come from target and vessel was left on fire from stem to stern. Much light flak from escorts. Other 11 Hudsons and 7 Hampdens saw nothing. 2/3 BC. 24 Blenheims A/Fs. a.o. in Holland attacked Venlo, Twenthe and Leeuwarden, bursts seen on runways. ATs. a.o. Texel A/F. 3 CC. PRU. 1145 Flushing: 1 Siebel ferry seen approaching the outer harbour and 4 more approaching the port in line astern. 4 BC. 12 Bostons despatched to attack Dutch A/Fs. Six of these manned by crews from USAAc This being the 1st occasion on which they are reported to have participated in ops from this country. Targets and results as follows: De Kooy. 3 a/c (2 with US crew). Intense flak prevented any attack being made and 1 a/c with US crew hit by flak N of target seen to crash on the beach. One of the other a/c attacked a reporting ship 20 miles SW Den Helder but bombs overshot. MG attack made on 2 similar ships and hits scored on wheelhouses. (1 MIA) Bergen (Alkmaar) 3 a/c(1 with US crew). All a/c made a LL attack and fires seen among hangars on N side of the A/F. 1 a/c with US crew shot down by flak over target and another shot down into the sea by Me-109 on homeward trip. (2 MIA) Valkenburg. 3 a/c (2 with US crews) No bombing attack made but all a/c MGd A/F and a Me-109 on ground was set on fire. Haamstede. 3 a/c (1 with US crew9. All a/c attacked LL obtaining hits on the adminis- tration buildings, a hangar and dispersal points to SE of the A/F. In addition a parade of about 160 Germans in flying kit was efficiently MGd. (1/226 and 2 15th BS.(L)) 7 FC. At about 1940 2 Mustangs of Amy Co-operation Command sighted a convoy of 8 ships of of 3/5000 tons on a SW course off Terschelling. 6/7 FC. 2 Bostons Schiphol, uneventful. 1 Hurricane Eindhoven, nothing to report. July 1942 page 2. 6/7 CC. A Hudson on a roving patrol off Fr.Isl. dropped 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 on a target believed to be shipping off Terschelling. Explosions seen but due to darkness U0. 0110 hrs 0122. 2nd Hudson on roving patrol off Fr.Isl. 2 x 250 and 6 X 100 on what appeared to be 3 ships close to the coast at Borkum. But U0. 7 CC. PRU. 0845 Delfzijl: since 1/7 3 M class minesweepers and 7 TLCs have left, also 9 MVs. 6 MVs of 2/300 tons have arrived. 0845 Rotterdam: since 5/7 no change occured in naval units apart from decrease in auxiliaries. Merchant shipping activity continues in Waalhaven where 18 MVs of over 200 feet are present. Considerable barge activity in progress. 0845 Amsterdam: only west part of port photographed showing that 14 invasion type barges have arrived since 5/7. 0845 Den Helder. since 2/7 6 auxiliaries have arrived and one TLC has left. 7/8 BC. 102 a/c 79 Wellingtons and 23 Stirlings mining off Frisians. Resp 72 and 19 succesfull. One Wellington also bombed small ship flying a balloon 20 miles N of Terschelling. A Stirling bombed a convoy of 3 MVs 8 miles N of Norderney. Bath U0. 7/8 CC. 1925. Beaufighter on recce off Fr.Isl. saw convoy of 12 ships, 3 MVs of 7000 tons, 7 of 1500 and 2 of 1500 believed to be escorts, off Ameland. Other shipping also seen off Borkum. 4 Hampdens and 2 Hudsons despatched to attack the convoy of 12 ships sighted by the Beaufighter off the Fr.Isl. and 2 Hudsons also despatched to attack convoy of 8 MVs sighted by Mustangs off Terschelling. 0045/0056. Of the 4 Hampdens and 4 Hudsons despatched to attack convoys off Fr.Isl. 3 Hudsons carrying flares only located ships off Terschelling. Guided by the flares 3 of the Hampdens dropped total of 12 X 250 "B" bombs on estimated position of convoy, but U0. Other a/c returned with bombs.

8 Cam, BC. Raid assessment. Occupied Holland. Photographs taken during the joint attack on A/Fs on 4th July show 2 direct hits on the main hangar buildings at Bergen/Alkmaar and bombs bursting on buildings at the eastern end of the landing field at Schouwen. 8/9 FC. Intruder ops. 1 Boston bombed Eindhoven but U0. 8 FC. In the afternoon a squadron of Spitfires abortive search for shipping Ostend/Flushing. 8/9 CC 0100. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off the Fr.Isl. Two a/c flak from a convoy 10 miles NW of Borkum and an attack was made on the estimated position of vessels. 4 X 250 adn 12 X 100 dropped, but U0. Another a/c bombed a searchlight position on either Ameland or Terschelling. Other 3 a/c no attacks. 9 CC. 2018 3 Beaufighters on a ship recce were attacked by 2 Me-109s 6 miles N of Norderney. 1 Beaufighter seen to burst in flames and crash in the sea, yet another Beaufighter MIA. (2/236 Sqn.) 9/10 BC. 24 Hampdens, 23 Wellingtons and 3 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 14, 16 and 3 succesfull. 1 Wellington MIA. (1/142 Sqn.) 9/10 FC. 2 Bostons despatched to patrol A/Fs Holland. 1 despatched to Gilze-Rijen/Eindhoven MIA, the other saw no activity at Soesterberg and Schiphol. (1/418 ) 11 FC. Between 1120/1250 2 Spitfires uneventful anti-ship patrol Flushing/Hook. July 1942 page 3.

11/12 BC. 60 a/c, of which 8 heavies despatched on mining Frisians. Only 4 Wellingtons laid 8 mines off Frisian Islands. Extremely bad weather conditions. 12/13 BC. 21 Wellingtons, 15 Lancasters and 7 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 16, 14 and 6 succesful. 1 a/c also attacked ground defences at Ameland. 1 Wellington MIA (1/460 Sqn.) 12/13 FC. 12 Intruders to France/Holland. 1 Boston attacked 2 enemy a/c about to land at Gilze- Rijen. No claims made. 13/14 BC. 10 Blenheims A/Fs Holland. Total of 9 Blenheims attacked A/Fs at Twenthe, Venlo and Deelen. Deelen U0. On Twenthe bursts on runways and amongst barracks blocks at SE corner of the A/F. 1 Blenheim on Deelen MIA. (1/18 Sqn.) ATs. a.o. single a/c ground defences near Rotterdam. 13/14 CC. 0012/0046. 2 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy previously reported by Mustangs of Army Co-op off Frisian Islands. 1 dropped 7 X 100 AS bombs from 800 feet on a MV appr 7 miles SE of Borkum Reef. Bursts being observed from starboard to port across the ship. Other Hudson 8 X 100 on estimated position of convoy off Borkum Reef. U0. 14 CC. 2001 Beaufighter on recce off Fr.Isl. saw 6 MVs 1/3000 tons and a trawler off Terschelling. 3 Hudsons despatched to attack this convoy. 2005. Same Beaufighter also saw 2 coastal type MVs 1/2000 tons esc by a trawler and esc V off Vlieland. 3 Hudsons despatched to attack this convoy. 14/15 CC. 0020/0125. Reports from 6 Hudsons. 1 Hudson attack a MV 5 miles NW Terschelling with 6 X 100 abd 2 X 250 from 5000 feet which feil wide off target. 2nd Hudson attacked convoy of 4-5 MVs off Texel with same laad, from 2500 feet, all feil into the sea. 3 3rd Hudson attacked a MV off Terschelling with same laad, but U0. Three others saw nothing. 15 FC. At 1800 4 squadrons of Spitfires despatched to attack shipping Ostend/Flushing. A 500 tons tug towing a target and a 45 feet motorboat alongside were attacked 3 miles off Walcheren. The tug was left in a sinking condition and strikes were seen on the motorboat, claimed as damaged. 15/16 CC. 2235. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of 10 MVs esc by 4 flakships off IJmuiden previously sighted by a/c of FC. 0005. 1 Hudson bombed a target located by navigational aid 8 miles W of Texel, 4 flashes and one heavy explosion seen. (1 a/c Norderney) Others saw nothing. 15/16 FC. Intruders. 1 Hurricane attacke an enemy a/c over Eindhoven, but U0. (Sgt Inwood 3 Sq) 16 BC. 27 a/c daylights (Wellingtons, Stirlings and Mosquitoes) IJmuiden. 2 Mosquitoes to attack the iron and steel works. Both a/c bombed from 50 feet dropping 6 X 500 and 2 X 250 HE. Bombs from leading a/c were seen falling towards the coking plant on the N side of the works and a red flash was seen immediatly afterwards. Cloud base down to 300 feet and no further results seen. 17 BC. 17 a/c to Essen. 2 attacked. One a/c attacked a convoy of 11 MVs stationary off Kat-wijk with 2 X 1000 and 2 X 500 from 1500 feet. Bombs seen to explode within 15 yards of the ships, one of which believed damaged. Both gunners sprayed decks with MGs from 300 feet. 17 FC. 1020 6 Spitfires to attack shipping Ostend/Flushing. Nothing seen. July 1942 page 4. 18 BC. 10 Lancaster to Essen. 6 between 1044/1135, 4 at 1325 hrs. 3 attacked. One a/c attacked a vessel of 900/1200 tons in the Oosterschelde, but bombs overshot. Lancaster was attacked by FW-190s and a Me-109 just south of Schouwen. In combats the Me-109 claimed as probably destroyed, a FW-190 as damaged. 20 CC. 1950. A Beaufighter on recce off Fr.Isl. slightly damaged in an inconclusive encounter with a Ju-88 45 miles WSW of Vlieland. 21 BC. Mosquitoes Essen. ATs. One Mosquito 2 X 500 and 2 X 250 on De Kooy A/F from 2500 feet. 21 CC. PRU. 1500 Amsterdam: Only extreme W part of port covered. Portion seen only changes of note the launching of a MV from Neth. Shipbuilding yard since 7/7 now alongside in Minerva haven. 21/22 FC. 13 a/c despatched to patrol A/Fs and railway centres in Holland/France. Nothing to report.

21/22 BC. ~:vx 1 4 Wellingtons, 4 Lancasters and 1 Hampden mining off the Dutch coast. 2 Wellingtons mining off Frisian Islands. 8 Blenheims on A/Fs. In Holland Venlo and Twenthe. Results: 2 Blenheims bombed Twenthe, bombs believed on A/F; and 1 Blenheim Venlo, but U0. ATs. An A/F south of Haarlem and searchlights and flak emplacements believed to be on Schouwen Island by single a/c. 22 BC. Ghent-Terneuzen canal. 2 Bostons to attack oil installations. This target was not located but both a/c attacked the Sluiskil Chemical Works in conditions of 8/10 cloud, dropping 4 X 500 HE and 32 X 30 inc from LL. Hits seen near a cooling tower. A tug and 4 barges on the Westerschelde canal MGd. Strikes on bridge of tug. 22 FC. 1150. 2 Spitfires despatched to Walcheren. Abandoned due back of cloud cover. 1615 4 Spitfires detailed to Ostend, attacked and hit a locomotive near Walcheren. 23 BC. 1 Mosquito to IJmuiden. Abandoned lack of cloud cover. 23 FC. Commencing at 0520 and continuing untill 1535 hrs 26 Spitfires and 8 Typhoons despatched to attack railway and barge targets mainly in France but also at IJmuiden. Targets attacked trains, other railway objectives, barges, factories troops and gun posts. 1 Spitfire MIA. 1325/1500 2 Spitfires uneventful search shipping Nieuport/Flushing. 23/24 BC. 6 Lancasters, 4 Wellingtons, 2 Hampdens and 1 Stirling mining off Dutch coast. 8 Blenheims A/Fs, in Holland Twenthe and Venlo. Two Blenheims attacked Venlo from 1500 feet Bursts seen on main runway and a/c seen landing believed damaged. ATs. A/Fs at Gilze-Rijen and one believed to be at Teuge by single a/c. As a result of fights with enemy a/c 3 Ju-88s claimed as destroyed, 1 by a Lancaster near Deventer and 1 by a Halifax near Vught A/F. 23/24 FC. Intruder ops. Nothing to report. 25 BC. 2 Bostons attacked Sluiskil Chemical Works from 50 feet with 8 X 500 HE. Visibility excellent and 2 bursts seen on the roof of the ammonia plant and 2 on the sulphuric acid plant. Dense blaccksmo~ o ke LunEseen ecoming from buildings which are believed to have been 2Bostons edéyspattcle flak t r e n 9 eAll returned before Dutch coast due back of cloud cover. July 1942 page 5. 25/26 BC. 21 Blenheims to attack A/Fs. In Holland Leeuwarden, Venlo, Twenthe and Deelen. 11 Blenheims attacked a.o. Venlo, Deelen and Twenthe. 3 Blenheims MIA detailed on resp Venlo, Vechta and Leeuwarden. (3/114 Sqn.) 1 Blenheim att a dummy A/F near Westhoofd. 5123 / e,s ATs. Unidentified tgts in Ruhr and Holland. a.o. A/Fs and flak positions in Holland. 25/26 FC. Intruders. Hurricanes destroyed a Ju-88 near Haamstede and damaged a Ju-88 over Eindhoven. (Sgts Inwood and Scott 3 Sqn.) Also attacked barges between Schouwen/0- verflakkee. Activity seen both at Gizle-Rijen and Eindhoven but no interception. 26 BC. 3 Mosquitoes targets in Ruhr, Duisburg, Cologne and Essen. Attacks made on build-up areas believed to be Duisburg, a factory on the east bank of the Rhine, probably at Rheinhausen, and a built-up area believed to be Oberhausend. One hit on factory, others U0. At 08.25 bombs feil in Maastricht. 26/27 FC. 4 Hurricanes and 3 Bostons despatched to patrol A/Fs at Leeuwarden, Soesterberg, Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen. No activity seen. 1 Hurricane despatched to Schiphol attacked one of 3 1000 ton vessels 15 miles S of IJmuiden, strikes seen. 26 CC. 1743. A Beaufighter on recce off Fr.Isl. saw convoy of 2 MVs of 4000 tons and 6 smaller MVs and 2 escorts, 13 miles off Schiermonnikoog. A Beaufighter despatched to shadow and 13 Hudsons and 6 Hampdens to attack this convoy. 26/27 CC. 2326/0040. 2 Hudsons attacked N of Norderney. 1 Hudson attacked a MV of 2/3000 tons miles NW Terschelling. Bomb flashes observed and rear gunner saw bursts on port side of MV followed by heavy black smoke clearly seen in light of flares. 1 Hampden attacked 2 coasters N of Borkum , but bombs overshot. 2 Hampdens attacked convoy of 12 MVs off Borkum from 4000 feet, but U0. 6 Hudsons single attacks on MVs Ameland/Lan- geoog, but U0. Other a/c no attacks. 26/27 BC. 22 a/c on A/Fs, 10 Bostons and 12 Blenheims. Bostons to attack Leeuwarden and a Blen- heim Gilze-Rijen. Boston attacked Leeuwarden. (1 Boston On Jever MIA. 1/226 Sqn) ATs. Single a/c Haamstede. 27 BC. 8 Wellingtons Bremen/Essen. (2 MIA) 27 FC. 1840 3 squadrons Spitfires despatched to attack shipping Ostend/Flushing. No attacks made. 27/28 FC. Intruder ops. 22 Hurricanes, 12 Bostons, 1 Mosquito and 1 Havoc France/Holland. Attacks on trains and railway centre at Geertruidenberg and bombs on Gilze-Rijen A/F. Hurricanes destroyed 1 Ju-88, and damaged 1 JU-88, 1 He-111 and one other a/c. ( all of 3 Sq) 28 FC. 1400/1500 4 squadrons Spitfires and 3 squaadrons Typhoons took off to attack shipping between Calais/Flushing. Uneventful. 28 CC: 1812. A Beaufighter on patrol off fr.Isl. saw 3 Me-109s apparently escorting a biplane flying boat appr 45 miles N of Terschelling. The 109s opened fire but the Beau taking evasive action climbed to 400 feet and then side-slipped, and one of the enemy a/c following him down dived straight into the sea. 28/29 BC. 43 a/c on A/Fs. Holland. 3 on Leeuwarden, Soesterberg, Gilze-Rijen, Schiphol, De Kooy, Bergen/Alkmaar, Valkenburg and Venlo. All Bostons. 2 Blenheims Twenthe. A lot of a/c were recalled but 16 Bostons attacked a.o. Leeuwarden, Gilze-Rijen, Schiphol, De Kooy, Bergen and Valkenburg. Most cases bursts among buildings and on runways. 1 Boston on Schiphol and 1 on Bergen MIA. (2/107) (1 Blnhm /18 on Stade MIA). July 1942 page 6. 28/29 FC. Intruder ops by 21 Hurricanes, 7 Bostons and 6 Mosquitoes. Only 1 Hurricane reported a combat with a Ju-88 over Holland. (1 Mosq., and 2 Hurricanes MIA. 1/23 and 2/3 Sqns) 29 FC. Two Mustangs of Army Co-op Cd are MIA from a ship recce off Flushing. (2/268 Sqn) 29 CC. 2005. 2 Beaufighters on patrol off Fr. Isl. saw following ships: (1) MV of 4000 tons and 1 esc V 25 miles N of Ameland; (2) 4 MVs 4000 and 4 MVs 2000 tons 10 miles N of Terschel- ling; (3) 5 MVs 2000 tons 10 miles N of Borkum and (4) 8 MVs (1/8000, 3 of 2/4000 and 4 small) also appr 10 miles N of Borkum. 29/30 CC. 4 Hampdens with"B" bombs and 2 Hudsons with flares detailed to attack the 2nd convoy mentioned above. 0145. 4 Hampdens an 2 Hudsons returned without locating the target near Terschelling. 29/30 FC. Intruder ops. 6 Hurricanes and 2 Bostons. One Boston despatched to Soesterberg saw nothing there and then shot-up an engine and goods train near Gorinchem. Others nothing. 30 CC. 1430. A Spitfire on a meteorological flight saw a convoy of 20 MVs and escorts 20 miles SW Den Helder. 1915. A Beaufighter on patrol off Fr.Isl. saw convoy of 10 MVs 12 miles N of Vlieland. Raid assessment. Sluiskil. Photographs taken during day attack on 25th July on power station and chemical works show bombs bursting on the wharf of the works and an inc bomb bursting in the centre of the roof of the sulphuric acid plant. 30/31 CC. 2235. 19 Hudsons and 4 Hampdens with torpedos despatched to attack 2 convoys mentioned above. 0055/0147 Of 19 Hudsons and 4 Hampdens 17 Hudsons and 3 Hampdens located and attacked convoys between Ameland and Norderney. One Hampden estimated a direct hit amidships with a torpedo on a 3000 ton MV whilst 3 Hudsons each claim hits on MVs of 5/7000, 5000 and 1500/2000 resp. Smoke seen to come from each of these MVs after the attacks, and latter ship appeared to be stationary and down at the bows. Possible hits and near misses also claimed by the other a/c but UO owing to evasive action from heavy flak. 30/31 RE. FC. Intruder ops. 18 Hurricanes, 9 Bostons, 6 Mosquitoes and 1 Havoc. Three Bostons attacked Philips Radio Works at Eindhoven dropping 12 X 500 in centre and south parts of works. A Hurricane damaged an enemy a/c over Schouwen. (Scott. 3 Sqn.) 31 CC. PRU. 1245 Rotterdam: The port was not completely covered. Little change is noticcable since 21/7 in the portion seen, except for the departure of 11 E/R boats and the arrival of 4 trawler type auxiliaries. 31/7-1/8 BC. 6 Blenheims A/Fs. Twenthe, Venlo and St.Trond. 2 Blenheims attacked Twenthe starting fires in buildings to the south of the A/F. One Blenheim unable to reach Venlo due to engine trouble attacked Naamstede were bursts were seen in a building on the perimeter and a large fire started. One Blenheim on Venlo MIA (18 Sqn. W/Cdr Hartie Jo-nes DFC.) ATs. a.o. Roermond, Haamstede and Texel. 31/7-1/8 FC. Intruder ops. 13 Hurricanes, 10 Bostons, 3 Mosquitoes and 2 Havocs France/Holland. No bombing attacks but MG attackes on railway objectives. 1 Boston on Leeuwarden MIA. (1/418 Sqn crashed near Bergen/ALkmaar.) LUCHTOPERATIES NEDERLAND AUGUSTUS 1942.

1 augustus. Bomber Command. Zes Bostons met jageresc aanv op S' in Vlissingen. Alle losten hun bm' (tot.24 X 500 pdr' bris.) bij goed zicht van een hoogte van ca 2500 m. Expl gerap op loodsen aan N kant van marinehaven en tussen gebouwen W van de haven. Zeker een bom viel op schip in aanbouw en anderen in marinehaven. Door hevige goed gerichte flak werd een Boston boven het doel neergeschoten en kwam een tweede,na een treffer in linker motor later in zee terecht. Twee man van bemanning konden worden gered. NOOT. Beide van 107 Sqn. P/0 Corah kwam neer bij Breskens, P/0 Skinner in zee. 1 augustus Fighter Command. Tussen 1425/1515 uur werden 4 Spits op AS (Anti-schip) vlucht langs de Nl kust onder schept door FW-190'. 1 FW-190 werd neergeschoten en 1 beschadigd. Om 1630 esc. 4 Squadrons Spits 6 Bostons naar Vlissingen, 3 andere Squadrons zorg- den voor rugdekking (withdrawal cover!?) Geen luchtgevechten maar een Spit beschadigd door flak. 1 augustus Coastal Command. ASR (Air Sea Rescue) 1920 uur. Een Walrus en 6 Spits assisteerden een HSL (High Speed Launch) bij de redding van twee man van de bem van een Bost uit zee, 30 mijl OZO van Felixstowe. NOOT. T.a.v. Vlissingen. Bommen op woningen en Scheldewerf. Scheepsbouwhal bescha digd en machinewerkplaats vernield.

1/2 augustus. Fighter Command. Intruder Ops. 7 Vlgn. Twee naar Frankrijk MIA. Boston naar Gilze-Rijen werd aangevallen door Ju-88 evenwel zonder succes. 2 augustus. Fighter Command. Om 1440 uur starten 6 Spits voor aanv op spoorwegdoelen in Nl en Belg., waarbij doelen werden aangev. bij Oostende en bij Vlissingen o.a. een locomotief, rollend ma terieel en schepen. 1 Spit ging verloren. NOOT. Was Sgt. Longlands van 486 Sqn. 3 augustus. Fighter Command. 's Middags starten 16 Spits i~ vier vluchten voor aanv op spoorwegdoelen in buurt Texel en Vlissingen. Met boordwapens (bwps) aanvallen op schepen in N.Holl.Kanaal en militaire barakken in buurt van Haarlem/Ijmuiden, alsmede een trein bij Gent. 1 Spit ging verloren. NOOT. Was Sgt. Vessey van 485 Sqn. Kwam neer 1425 uur bij Biezelinge. 4 augustus. Coastal Command. Om 2152 uur rapport. een Beaufighter op patr bij de Fr. Eil. een conv. bestaande uit een VS van 4000 t. en twee van 800 ton geesct. door 2 mijnenvegers en een esc. schip, 13 mijl N van Borkum. 4/5 augustus. Coastal Command. Tussen 2152/4 en 0150/5 vijf Hudsons voor aanv op conv gerap door Beaufighter. 3 Huds zagen conv bestaande uit 6 of meer VS' bij Terschelling. Elk vltg 2 X 500 pdr en 6 X 100 pdr ASB (Anti ship bombs), maar behalve flitsen van expl. RNWG (Resultaten niet waargenomen.) De andere twee vonden niets. 4/5 augustus.Bomber Command. Drie Lancasters 16 mijnen bij Fr. Eil. 4/5 augustus. Fighter Command. Intruder Ops. Dertien vltgn. Geen byz. 5 augustus. Fighter Command. 0600/0700 uur 8 Typhoons AS patr gebied rond Walcheren. Niets gezien. 1440/1615 uur 4 Spits aanv met bwps op flakstellingen en schepen in de buurt van Leiden en H.v.H. Inslagen op (binnen)schepen waargenomen. AUGUSTUS - 2 -

5 augustus. Bomber Command. Een Mosquito met als doel een aanv van grote hoogte op IJmuiden keerde i.v.m. on- voldoende wolkendekking terug. 5/6 augustus. Bomber Command. 12 Stirlings, 4 Wellingtons en 2 Lancasters 91 mijnen bij Fr. Eil. 5/6 augustus Coastal Command. Tussen 2140-2335 starten 6 Hudsons voor een aanval op een VS (vrachtschip) van 3 3/4000 t, gerap door een Spit om 1820, 2 mijl N van H.v.H. Twee Huds vonden een conv bij Vlieland. Een Huds deed een aanv op een VS van 5 5/6000 t van het tankertype met 2 X 500 pdrs en 6 X 100 ASB's, die ca 50 m voor het schip vielen. De 2de Huds maakte verschillende runs over het conv maar de bommen wilden niet los komen. De 3de Huds liet zijn bommen vallen op een positie bij Texel waar vermoedelijk schepen lagen, maar RNWG. De andere 3 Huds lieten hun bommen los in een noodafworp, een door een treffer van de flak in zijn brandstoftanks, de anderen i.v.m. nachtjagers. Het is evenwel waarschijnlijk dat de bm'n van een van deze Huds op een vliegveld vielen , vermoedelijk dat van Terschelling(!). 6 augustus Fighter Command.

In de morgen 1 San Spits op AS patr Oostende/Vlissingen. Geen jtY?.ar.c!,eR+t b. ^g. in de middag 4 Spits naar het noorden van Nl. Aanvallenop schepen in kanaal bij Petten, geschutsopstel. en militaire barakken in de buurt met bwps. Bij alle aanv. treffers waargenomen en een van de barakken brandend achtergelaten. 6/7 augustus Bomber Command. 6 Blenheims voor aanv'n op vlv Gilze-Rijen, Venlo en Twenthe. Twenthe werd aangev. door 1 Blenh., bm' vermoedelijk langs startbaan. Gilze en Venlo niet aangev., maar 2 Blenh elk een aanv op vlv Deelen en Haamstede als alt. doel. Haamstede eveneens alt. doel voor een Halifax met 2 X 4000 pdrs. 1 Lancaster mijnen bij Fr. Eil. 8 augustus Fighter Command. Om 1135 een Sqn Spits gestart voor AS patr Oostende/Vlissingen. Een Spit beschadigd door flak boven de Schelde, verder geen byz. 9 augustus Fighter Command. Tussen 1050 en 1900 uur twee AS patr door twee maal 2 Sqn'n Spits, Oostende/Vlis- singen. Geen byz. 9/10 augustus Bomber Command. 1 Lancaster en 2 Hampdens mijnen bij Fr. Eil. 13 Blenheims vlv., waarvan 4/Venlo, 3/Twenthe en 2/Lwdn. Venlo, Twenthe en Lwdn elk aangev door 1 Blenh en expl gerap op startbanen en verlichting. Op Venlo onstond brand. Andere Blenh deden aanv op vlv Texel, Deelen, Haamsteden en een "ongeidentificeerd" vlv bij Eindhoven. Als alt. doel 1 Lancaster aanv op vlv Deelen met 1 X 4000 pdr., maar RNWG. 9/10 augustus Fighter Command. Intruder Ops door 5 Hurricanes en 4 Bostons. Behoudens gevecht door een Hurricane met vijandelijk vltg boven Nederland, geen byz. 9/10 augustus Coastal Command. Huds op patr langs Nl Kust om 2152/9 een aanv op conv van 8 VS vijf mijl NW Borkum I.v.m. hevige flak, RNWG. 11 Swordfishes mijnen langs Nl kust Ymuiden/Texel. 7 sussesvol en een mijn in alt positie. Een vroegt terug door motorstoring, twee MIA. NOOT. S/Lt Bentley en S/Lt Whitelaw-Wilson, beide van 811 Sqn Fleet Air Arm (FAA) bij Den Helder. Tussen 0100/0145 tien Huds voor aanv op conv van 20 VS gerap door Huds bij Borkum Om 0315/10 deed 1 Huds aanv op VS van 6/8000 t bij Borkum en scoorde zgn "near miss". Andere Huds zagen niets. 11/12 augustus Bomber Command. Blenheims. 2/Gilze-Rijen, 1/Venlo en 1/Lwdn. Geen van deze vlv aangev (slecht weer) maar 1 Blenh Waalhaven als alt doel. Negen Hampdens mijnen in Elbe mond, maar een loste mijn bij Fr. Eil en tevens 2 X 250 pdr op verm een schip NW van Borkum. AUGUSTUS - 3 -

11/12 augustus Fighter Command. Intruder ops door 11 vltgn. Geen byz. 12/13 augustus Bomber Command. Blenheims vlv. waarvan 1/Venlo. Doel niet gevonden. 6 van 7 Wellingtons en 2 Lancasters resp 12 en 12 mijnen bij fr. Eil. 13 augustus Bomber Command. 7 Bostons aanv op schepen bij Nl kust. Een een voltreffer midscheeps op klein obser vatie vaartuig 33 mijl W van de Kooi. Schip brak in tweeen en zonk. 5 Bostons von-den niets en een keerde vroegt terug. 13/14 augustus Bomber Command. Tien Wellingtons mijnen Fr. Eil. 7 succesvol met 14 mijnen. 13/14 Fighter Command. 2 Mosquitoes patr vlv Nederland. Geen byzonderheden. 14 augustus Fighter Command. Om 1045 twee Mustangs gestart voor aanv op doelen bij Brugge. Beide MIA. NODT. Beide 239 Sqn. F/Lt (Jakes en P/0 Pullin. Een om 1239 neergesch. door Marineflak bij Wissekerke op N.Bevl. piloot gevangen. 14 augustus Coastal Command. Om 2030 uur tien Huds gestart voor aanv op conv van 21 VS gerapporteerd door vltg van Fighter Command bij de Nl kust bij Den Haag. Dm 2330 alle weer geland, geen schepen gezien. 15 augustus Fighter Command. Tussen 1415 en 1525 4 Spits voor aanv op schepen bij Nl kust. Een bewapende motor- boot aangevallen en tot zinken gebracht. (22. G l€ 1 15/16 augustus Bomber Command. 8 Lancasters en 1 Stirling mijnen bij Fr Eil. 7 Lancasters 38 mijnen, Stirling MIA. NOOT. Dit was Stirling N3705 van 7 Sqn., piloot Sgt Orrell. Maakte (prima) noodlanding bij Slot Loevestein. Stirling kort daarna door Duitsers naar G-Rijen gevlogen. 16 augustus Bomber Command. 1 Mosq. scheepswerf Vegesack. Geen wolkendekking daarom alt doel, nl schepen in haven van IJmuiden met 4 X 500 pdr van ca 400 meter, maar RNWG. NOOT was van 105 16 augustus Coastal Command. 2020 uur 7 Huds voor aanv op conv van 9 VS, alle uitgerust met kabelbalonnen, gerap door een Beaufighter W van Vlieland. 1 Huds zag conv van 12 VS N van Terschelling en deed aanv m et 2 X 250 pdr en 6 X 100 ASB. maar RNWG. Andere Huds zag conv van 6 VS ND van Ameland en viel aan met zelfde lading, ook RNWG. 5 Hudsons zagen niets 16/17 augustus Bomber Command. 26 Wellingtons, 11 Stirlings en 2 Lancasters mijnen bij Fr. Eil. Respectievelijk 19 Wellingtons 38, 11 Stirlings 43 en 2 Lancasters 10 mijnen. 16/17 augustus Fighter Command. Intruder Ops. 2 Bostons en 2 Mosquitoes. Geen byz. 17/18 augustus Bomber Command. 8 Blenheims v1v. waarvan 2/Lwden en 2/Twenthe. 2 Blenheims Twenthe, bommen op baanintersectie waar brand ontstond. Lwdn niet aangv maar een Blenheim naar Eelde 1 Hampden mijn Z van Texel en 1 Wellington bij Fr. Eil. Wellington wel succesvol, Hampden niet. X49,4 e. -p 8. (r14

18 augustus Coastal Command. 7 Huds voor aanv op schepen bij Ameland. Alle terug, doel niet gevonden. 18/19 augustus Bomber Command. 9 Wellingtons mijnen bij Fr. Eil. Alle succesvol 18 mijnen. 18/19 augustus Fighter Command. Intruder Ops. geen byz. 19 augustus. Alle Commands DIEPPE. 10 AUGUSTUS - 4 - 20 augustus Coastal Command. Beaufighter op patr rap om 1748 uur een conv van 2 VS van 3/5000 t, 11 VS 1500-3000 tonen 2 esc schepen, 19 mijl NNO van IJmuiden. Om 2020 starten 12 Huds voor aanv op dit conv en 4 Huds vonden en vielen schepen aan bij de West Fr.Eil. Alle aanvallen uitgevoerd van ca 1300 m., elk met 2 X 250 pdr en 6 X 100 ASB. Het is aannemelijk dat een treffer werd geboekt op de boeg van een VS van 2/3000 t en een "near miss" op het achterschip van een VS van 1500 t. Een grote steekvlam gevolgd door een doffe rode gloed werd gezien na een aanv op een VS van 2000 t. Ook werd een serie bommen afgeworpen boven een conv van 10 dicht bij elkaar in formatie varende schepen en hoewel de expl niet werden gezien, werd na de aanval een rookkolom boven het conv waargenomen. Van de andere 8 Huds waren 3 i.v.m. vijandelijke vlgn gedwongen terug te keren, 1 loste bommen in noodafworp door flakschade. 2 vonden doel niet en 2 hadden techn moeilijkheden. NOOT. Het was een Huds van 320 Sqn die de serie over het conv afwier- pw vang Terschelling. Twee andere Huds van 320 keerden overrichterzake terug. 20/21 augustus Bomber Command. Totaal 60 vlgn mijnen, waarvan 4 Wellingtons (3 succesvol) 6 mijnen bij Texel. 21 augustus 8th USAAF. 12 B-17's met jageresc voor aanv op haven van Rotterdam. Rendezvous met jagers werd niet op tijd gemaakt met als consequentie dat esc terug werd geroepen. 9 B-17's (3 vroegt terug door techn moeil) gingen door tot Nl kust voordat terug-roep sein werd ontvangen. Toen de formatie koers zette terug naar huis werden ze op een hoogte van ca 6000 m aangevallen door ca 20/25 FW-190's en Me-109's en tijdens de gevechten werd een B-17 zwaar beschadigd en de piloot en 2de piloot ge-wond, de laatste fataal. 2 vijand. vlgn vernietigd en verscheiden beschadigd. NOOT. B-17's waren van 97 Bomb Group. 21 augustus Fighter Command. Om 1015 uur 12 Sqns Spits voor esc en dekking van 12 B-17's voor aanv op R'dam. Rendezvous niet op afgesproken tijd en esc teruggeroepen. Een Sqn Spits ontving geen terugroep signaal en vloog een deel van de route met de B-17's mee, maar was was gedwongen vroegtijdig terug te keren i.v.m. brandstofgebrek. 22 en 22/23 ausgustus vrijwel niet gevlogen i.v.m. slecht weer. 23/24 augustus Bomber Command geen ops. 24/25 augustus Bomber Command. 6 Wellingtons, waarvan 5 succesvol, mijnen bij Fr. Eil. 25 augustus Bomber Command. 4 Mosquitoes. 1/Hannover en 3/Keulen. Mosq Hannover door techn moeil alternatief doel en wel vlv op Texel waar 3 X 500 pdr van ca 8000 meter werden afgeworpen. NOOT. Was 105 Sqn. 25 augustus Fighter Command. In middag AS patr door 6 Spits bij Nl kust. Geen byz. 25 augustus Coastal Command. Om 2035 uur 9 Huds gestart voor aanv op conv van 9 VS en 2 esc schepen gerap door Beaufighter 13 mijl N van Borkum. 4 Huds deden aanv op VS N van Terschelling. Aanv'n uitgevoerd van ca 1300 m met elk 2 X 250 pdr en 6 X 100 ASB. Een voltreffer gezien op een VS van 3000 t en mogelijk ook twee andere VS getroffen daar na de aanval een grote kolom rook werd gezien. 26 en 26/27 augustus vrijwel niet gevlogen i.v.m. slecht weer. 26 augustus Coastal Command. Foto recce. 1140/26 Delfzijl. Sedert 12/6 zijn 6 VS van ca 70 - 110 meter lengte uit de haven vertrokken en 5 aangekomen. Het aantal binnenschepen in de haven is verminderd van 107 tot ca 60. 27 augustus 8th USAAF. 9 B-17's met jageresc aanv op doelen in R'dam. 7 deden aanv op Wilton Scheepswerf van ca 7000 m hoogte en lieten 28 X 500 en 12 X 1000 pdr brisant vallen. Weer per-

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AUGUSTUS - 5 - fect en doelen duidelijk geidentificeerd. Tref's in midden van doelgebied en 2 B-17's claimden voltreffers of "near misses" op 2 schepen in het havenbasis, van waaruit veel rook werd gezien.Andere inslagen NO en 0 van doelgebied. Hevige flak en 3 B-17's licht beschadigd. Een B-17 vroegt terug en een kon bommen niet lossen. v.,w 27 augustus Fighter Command. Om ca 1645 vier Sqns Spits voor esc van 8 B-17's naar R'dam. Rugdekking door 8 andere sqns Spits, terwijl eveneens nog eens 8 sqns Spits afleidings sweep vlogen over het Oostende/Brugge gebied. Geen gevechten of verliezen gerapporteerd. 27/28 Fighter Command. Intruder Ops. Geen aanv. in Nl. 28 augustus Coastal Command. 2 Beaufighters op patr langs Fr Eil. MIA. NOOT. Beide 236 Sqn. S/L Jay geditched en gered. P/0 Sherwood MIA. PRU. 29 vluchten waarvan 16 door 140 Sqn Army Coop. 3 Spits MIA. NOOT. o.a. Sgt Evans van 1 PRU om 1310 NW van Alfen bij Tilburg. 28/29 augustus Fighter Command. Mosquito claimde een vijandelijk vltg beschadigd bij Gilze-Rijen. NOOT. Was Sgt. Wright van 23 Sqn. 29 augustus Fighter Command. Kort na zonsopgang werden door een Spit op AS patr twee kleine schepen gezien bij Walcheren. Een werd aangevallen en beschadigd. 29 augustus Coastal Command. Rond 0744 uur had een Huds op ASR patr en cirkelend rond een dinghy, een onbeslist gevecht met een Do-24 ca 43 mijl NW van Vlieland. Om 1135 deed een Beaufighter eveneens op ASR patr een aanv op en beschadigde een Do-215 60 mijl WNW Terschelling. Dm 1150 zag een andere Beaufighter op zelfde patr een Do-215 50 mijl WNW Terschelling. Een gevecht ontstond en toen de Do voor het laatst werd gezien was die op weg naar de Nl kust met sterke rookontwikkeling uit de rechter motor. Om 1425 had een Huds eveneens op zelfde patr een gevecht met een Me-110 52 mijl NW van Vlieland. Treffers werden waargenomen. ASR (Air Sea Rescue). 0900/29. De bemanning van een Beaufighter die in zee neer- kwam ca 50 mijl NW Terschelling, kon worden gered. 21 vlgn en 4 marine schepen werkten samen in deze zoek - en reddingsactie, ondanks vele aanvallen van vijandelijke vliegtuigenn. NOOT. Van 320 Sqn deden de Vliegende Hollander en de Middelburg aan deze actie mee en hadden daarbij vuurcontact met 3 Duitse vlgn., o.a. een Do-24, een Do-17 en een Me-110 waarbij treffers op de Duitse toestellen werden geplaatst en deze verjaagd.

30 en 30/31 augustus Bomber Command. Slecht weer geen ops. 30 augustus Fighter Command. Om 143D starten 4 Spits voor een aanv op locomotieven in het Zandvoort/Katwijk gebied maar door het slechte weer vroegt afgebroken. Om 1800 starten 4 Mustangs en 2 Typhoons voor een offensieve patr langs de Nl kust Door het slechte weer werd niets gezien. 31 en 31/1 augustus. Slecht weer.

31 augustus. Fighter Command. Om 1720 2 Spits gestart voor een "verstorings actie" in de buurt van Vlissingen. Schepen op een kanaal naar Knocke werden aangevallen. Door flak 1 Spit MIA. NOOT. Was P/0 Taylor van 71 Sqn. Stortte meer in zee. Nog steeds vermist. In de morgen en avond patr van 2 Mustangs van Army Coop langs Nl Kust. Geen byz. 31 augustus Coastal Command. Een Beaufighter op patr langs Fr. Eil. MIA. NOOT. Was 2/Lt. Chauvin van 236 Sqn. AUGUSTUS - 6 -

Raid analyse na foto verkenning. Rotterdam/Schiedam. Wilton Werf. Fotos genomen op 28/8 geven de volgende informatie t.a.v. de USAAF aanval op 27/8. a. Een schip van ca 80 meter lengte, mogelijk de hulpmijnenveger COBRA ligt op haar zijkant, na vermoedelijk een voltreffer. b. Het passagiersschip NOORDDAM maakt slagzij naar bakboord en vertoonds bom- schade midscheeps door een bom die er naast op de kade viel. c. Een grote werkplaats in het midden van de werf heeft een groot gat in het dak door een voltreffer. NOOT. Volgens Duitse gegevens vielen er 22 bommen waarvan 16 op de Wilton Werf. Er zonken twee schepen waarvan een van 12000 ton. Het andere schip was inderdaad de COBRA van 2131 BRT die op de Werf Gusto in Schiedam werd getroffen.

NOOT. T.a.v de operaties van Coastal Command op 16 augustus; Drie Hudsons van 320 Sqn deden hieraan mee en het was de Rotterdam die om 22.20 uur zijn bommen loste boven het convooi N van Terschelling.

NOOT. T.a.v. operaties van Bomber Command in de nacht van 17/18 augustus 1942. In deze nacht vlogen de Blenheims van dit Command hun laatste ops. Om 01.45 die nacht landde de laatste Blenheim weer veilig op zijn basis. Het was die van Sgt. Rounding van 18 Sqn die als doel het vlv Leeuwarden had gehad. Dit niet had kunnen vinden en uiteindelijk zijn bommen had gelost op het eiland Borkum.

Enkele aanvulling t.a.v. lijst. 9/10 augustus Fighter Command. Luchtgevecht was boven Naamstede.

15 augustus Fighter Command. Tussen 1415 en1525 4 Sqns Spitfires voor aanv op schepen bij Ned kust. Patr van ( J b í a Oostende tot Schouwen en terug naar Walcheren. Een bewapende motorlaunch vermoedelijk tot zinken gebracht. NOOT.Aanvallen op flakposities, radarposten, schepen van het Rheinflottielje en een meetschip bij Walcheren. Meetschip beschadigd en op het strand gezet. 13/14 augustus Fighter Command. 2 Mosquitoes patr vlv Nederland. Behoudens zoeklichten en flak bij Eindhoven en Soesterberg, geen byzonderheden.

27 augustus Bomber Command. 4 Mosquitoes Dld. 1 MIA (Noordzee) 2 AT's waarvan 1, om 2036, aanval op chemische fa- briek in Sluiskil met 2 X 500 en 2 X 250 ponders brisant. Treffers op machinehal en zoutzuuropslagplaats. NOOT. Duitsers rapporteerden grote productieuitval na deze aanval. (Mosquitoes waren van 105 Sqn.) AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND SEPTEMBER 1942.

1 BC. 8 Bostons despatched to carry out a sweep off the Dutch coast. 3 a/c completed the sweep, but sighted nothing. 5 abandoned, 4 due to bad weather, 1 due engine trouble.

1 FC. . \,eer Between 1320/1535 4 Spitfires attacked barges and canal targets in North Holland. One Spitfire from this operation MIA, been hit by flak. (Sgt. Riley POW. 485 Sqn. Near sportsplace Kerkerhout The Hague. at 1515.) Uneventful patrols by 2 Mustangs in the morning and 4 in the evening off the Dutch coast. 2 BC. 6 Mosquitoes on several targets (3 in Germany) Ghent-Terneuzen canal oil installation. Target attacked with 4 X 500 bombs in dive from 2000 to 500 feet, 1 bomb seen to burst between storage tanks and factory buildings. Other U0. IJmuiden Iron/Steel and Sluis-kil Chemical Factory abandoned due no cloud cover. 2 FC. Mustangs of Army Co-op uneventful patrols off Dutch coast. 2/3 BC. 2 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling mining off Frisian Islands. All succesful. 3 FC. Mustangs of Army Co-op uneventrul patrol Dutch coast. 4 BC. 3 Mosquitoes despatched to attacks on Sluiskil, Ghent-Terneuzen and IJmuiden abandoned due Jack of cloud cover. 4/5 BC. 3 Wellingtons mining Frisians Islands. 6 BC. IJmuiden Iron/Steel works. 1 Mosquito despatched. This a/c attacked from 50 feet dropping 4 X 500. Photos taken. 6 CC. 1450. A Beaufighter on recce off Fr.Isl. attacked a 500 ton vessel of tramp type 15 miles NE Borkum 2 X 250 dropped from 50 feet and these were seen to hit the water at the stern of the vessel which was completely obscured by a spout of water of ± 20 feet high. At least one hit below waterline estimated and vessel hit with cannon and MGs. PRU. 1100. Rotterdam: Much of the port is obscured by cloud but since 28/8 the minelayer "Olaf Trygsvason", 1 M class Msw and 4 E/R boats have left. 13 E/R boats remain in port. 1130 Flushing: The 370 feet MV and 240 feet a/c security vessel both seen at Dunkirk at 5/9 have arrived and are berthed in the outer harbour. Since 3/9 3 E/R boats and a 260 feet TB tender have left. 6/7 CC. 2130. 8 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping reported by a Beaufighter off the Fr. Islands. Between 2302/2337 3 Hudsons attacked 3 medium sized MVs in convoy off Ter- schelling. Each a/c attacked with 2 x 250 and 6 X 100 released from 3000 to 4000 feet. One a/c reports seeing 2 bursts 40 feet to starboard of the target and another a/c saw 2 orange flashes 30 seconds after the attack. No other results observed and remaining a/c saw nothing. 6/7 BC. 4 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 2 Wellingtons dropped leaflets in the Amsterdam and The Hague areas. 7 8th AF. 29 B-17s despatched with F escort to attack shipyards at Rotterdam/Schiedam. Results: 7 a/c attacked from 24/26000 feet in cloud conditions of 8/10 to 10/10 dropping 35 X 1000. A few bursts seen outside the target. 2 a/c dropped 10 X 1000 on Utrecht from 26000 feet hits being claimed on the railway station. The B-17s encountered continious September 1942 page 2. 7 8th AF. cont.: fighter opposition from the Dutch coast to and from Rotterdam and claim as the result 12 a/c destroyed, 10 probably destroyed and 12 damaged. (Luftwaffe lost only 2 a/c.) 7 FC. At 0930 5 squadrons of Spitfires escorted 29 B-17s to Rotterdam. At same time 9 squadrons of Spitfires made a diversionary sweep over Ostend/Bruges area. Enemy opposition encountered by both the escort and the diversionary sweep. The former probably destroyed 1 FW-190 for the loss of one Spitfire and pilot and the Jatter probably destroyed 2 FW-190s for the loss of one Spitfire, the pilot of which is safe. (64 and 501 squadron had losses.) 7 CC. 1930 7 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off Fr. Isl. At 2105 one a/c attacked a medium sized MV in convoy off Den Helder. 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 dropped from 3000 feet but feil 150 feet wide of vessel. At 2203 a 2nd a/c attacked a medium sized MV in convoy off Texel. Same bombload from 4000 feet but all bombs feil in the sea. remaining 5 a/c saw no shipping. 7/8 FC. Intruder ops. No activity seen. 1 Boston MIA. (1/418 Sqn 7/8 21 Wellingtons and 3 Stirling mining off Frisians. Resp 20 and 2 succesful. 8/9 FC. Intruder ops. 5 Moquitoes, 3 Bostons and 1 Hurricane France/Holland. Of the 5 Mosqui- toes, 3 with targets on Holland MIA. (all 23 sqn.) 4."1z l . ,:.,. ^. 9 CC. 1822. A Beaufighter on ship recce saw a convoy of 9 MVs and 2 escorts 30 miles NNW of Texel. 9/10 CC. 2128. 11 Hudsons despatched to locate and attack the above convoy. 4 a/c located a convoy 10 miles NW of Borkum. Each a/c attacked with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100 from 4000 feet hits being observed on 2 vessels. 2 a/c attacked a large MV in the centre of a convoy N of Ameland, 2 X 250 and 6 x 100 from 4000 feet in each attack, 1 stick falling ahead and another falling astern of the target. 9/10 BC. 9 Stirling mining Frisian Islands, 7 succesful, and 3 Wellingtons mining S of Texel, 3 succesful. 10 CC. 1708. A Beaufighter on ship recce attacked a tramp type vessel of 4/5000 tons 8 miles NNW of Borkum, 2 X 250 GP released from 50 feet, resulting in 2 near misses. 10/11 CC. 2345. 9 Hudsons despatched to locate and attack shipping off Borkum sighted by a Beaufighter. The Hudsons returned safely without sighting any shipping. 10/11 FC. 4 Mosquitoes, 5 Bostons and 3 Hurricanes despatched on Intruder ops Blgm/Holland. A Mosquito sighted and chased an enemy a/c near Enschede. The enemy a/c attempted to take evasive action and was seen to crash into the ground. Same activity at Gilze-Rijen but no combats. (Mosquito W/Cdr Hoare of 23 Sqn.) 10/11 BC. ATs. The A/Fs of Ouddorp and Haamstede and a flarepath on the Goedereede peninsula. 11 FC. A Spitfire on ship recce of the Dutch coast at dawn was in combat with a Ju-88 which, from information received is claimed as probably destroyed. The Spitfire and pilot MIA. (1/91 Squadron.) 1 . t!/ir c c 1950/2315. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack ship off Den Helder. 5 a/c attacked the ship by the light of flares and 2 a/c had near misses. September 1942 page 3. 13 FC. In the morning a squadron of Spitfires to search for shipping Ostend/Flushing. Nothing to report. 13/14 FC. Intruder ops. 5 Bostons to patrol the Leeuwarden area, nothing to report. 4 Mosquitoes the Twenthe area. 1 damaged by flak. (W/Cdr Hoare) 13/14 BC. ATs. A/Fs at Texel and Leeuwarden and a flak position at Zwolle. e i, . 15 FC. In the afternoon 2 squadrons of Spitfires an uneventful anti ship patrol in the Flus-hing area. 15 CC. 1731. A Beaufighter on a ship recce saw a convoy of 5 MVs of 1/2000 tons 12 miles NW of Borkum. 15/16 CC. 0310. 11 Hudsons despatched to locate and attack this convoy. 2 a/c bombed the estimated position of a convoy off Texel but U0. Remaining a/c saw no shipping. 1«ZX 15/16 BC. 27 Wellingtons and 4 Stirlings mining off Frisians. resp 23/3 succesful. 16 BC. 9 Bostons with F escort Den Helder port area. All these a/c returned safely having abandoned task before reaching the Dutch coast, owing adverse weather. 16 FC. At midday one squadron of Mustangs of Army Co-op provided close escort for 9 Bostons of BC to attack Den Helder. In addition one squadron of Spitfires covered the attack forces and rear support was provided by 3 squadrons of Typhoons and 2 of Spitfires. No combats ensued and all a/c returned safely. kX XXX 16 CC. 1610. A Beaufighter on ship recce saw MV of 5500 tons 10 miles N of Terschelling. At 1900 3 Beaufighters despatched to attack this vessel, but returned without locating the ship. 16/17 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Hurricanes to patrol A/Fs in Holland. Nothing to report. 16/17 BC. : ATs. Several unidentified A/Fs in Holland. o».),, A /P C ^4°4 ,-:- ,, ,.,c m„e 17 CC. Raid assessment occupied Holland. Sluiskil. Photographs taken on 13/9 show that as a result of attacks on 22 and 25 July and 27 August the Compagnie Neerlandaise de L'Azote (Chemical works) has been damaged. In the ammonia synthesis building the roof of the central bay has been stripped over an area of about 185 X 55 Peet and the roof of the northern bay is damaged by blast. In the sulpharic acid plant two bars at the SE corner have been damaged, the roof of one having been stripped over an area of 80 X 25 feet. 18 FC. Between 1500/1630 2 squadrons of Spitfires on anti ship patrol Ostend/Flushing. A MV of 500 ton attacked N of Ostend and left burning and in sinking condition. 18/19 CC. 1945 7 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy sighted off IJmuiden. At 2045 6 Naval Swordfishes despatched to attack the same convoy. Results: 5 Hudsons attacked the convoy off Vlieland between 2120/2152. The attacks from 4000 feet with 10 X 250 and 24 X 100. Near misses observed on 4 vessels of about 1500 tons. One of the Swordfishes attacked a large MV off Texel at 2213 and released a torpedo farm 100 feet. A direct hit is estimated but UO due to evasive action from flak. Remaining a/c returned seeing no shipping. September 1942 page 4. 18/19 BC. 18 Wellingtons and 11 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 17 and 11 succesful. 19/20 FC. Inntruder ops. 4 Hurricanes, 4 Bostons and 6 Mosquitoes A/Fs France/BIgm/Holland. One Mosquito attacked an enemy a/c coming in to land at Gilze-Rijen but results U0. 19/20 CC. 2020/2100. 9 Hudsons and 2 Beaufighters despatched to attack a 5/6000 tons MV sighted by a Beaufighter off Vlieland. Results: 1 Hudson saw 2 MVs N of Ameland at 2245 and attacked from 2000 feet with 4 X 250 AS bombs. Two explosions seen, the nearest 50 feet from the vessel. Intense heavy and light flak was encountered. A 2nd Hudson attacked the convoy at 2220 in appr the same position and dropped 4 X 250 but U0. Remaining a/c saw nothing. 21 FC. In addition to normal patrols a total of 12 Spitfires carried out harassing ops at points along the Dutch coast during the afternoon. Targets attacked consisted of a flakship off Naamstede which was left on fire, barges in a canal south of Petten and a hangar at De Kooy A/F. 1 Spitfire MIA. (P/0. Slater of 121 Sqn.) '4°-l" 22 BC. 6 Mosquitoes Iron and Steel works IJmuiden. At 1057 one of 3 Mosquitoes attacked from 100 feet dropping 4 X 500 which are thought to have fallen on the coke ovens. The remaining 2 a/c attacked unidentified gasworks in the Haarlem area, dropping 8 x 500, and bursts were observed alongside a tall gasometer. At 1400 a further 3 Mosquitoes attacked dropping 12 X 500 from 50/100 feet. Bursts not observed, but debris from a large explosion was seen SSE of the tallest gasometer. (all a/c 105 Sqn.) 22 FC. In the afternoon a squadron of Spitfires uneventful search for shipping in the Ostend/Flushing area. 28/2$ CC. 2000/2300 11 Hudsons to attack a convoy of 4 MVs of 3000 tons with 5 escorts sighted by Spitfires of FC north of IJmuiden at 1640. Results: one a/c was carrying 50 flame floats locating the convoy off Texel and dropped its flame floats in a circie around the convoy. All a/c attacked dropping 22 X 250 and 59 X 100 between 3000 and 5000 feet. Hits obtained on one MV of 6000 tons and on 2 MVs of 4000 tons. Two of these hits were confirmed by a/c other than those that attacked. All a/c returned safely. 23/24 BC. 8 Stirlings and 3 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. resp 7 and 3 succesful. 24/25 BC. 15 Wellingtons and 3 Stirlings mining off Frisians. All succesful. 25/26 BC. 10 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. All succesful. 25/26 CC. 2115/0100. 5 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy sighted by a Beaufighter off the Frisian Islands. 4 a/c attacked the convoy, one a/c claims a direct hit on a 3/4000 ton MV, some near misses also claimed. All a/c returned safely. 0240/0555 5 Hudsons and 10 Swordfishes were despatched to attack the same convoy. Results: 0355/0431. 1 Hudson located the convoy and dropped flame floats and flares, and 4 Hudsons attacked from 4000 feet dropping total of 8 X 250 and 24 X 100 ASBs. 1 a/c claimed a direct hit on a MV of 10000 tons and another observed 2 near misses on another MV. 1 Naval Swordfish located the convoy and dropped flares and 7 Swordfish made torpedo attacks but results UO owing to bad visibility and taking evasive action. The remaining Swordfish made no a t t a c k . t é i e , 26/27 CC. 2040/2355 4 Hudsons despatched to attack a MV of 6000 tons previously reported N of Texel by an a/c of FC. Results: 1 Hudson attacked a vessel at 2225 18 miles NNE of Ameland dropping bombs from 4000 feet, but U0. 2nd Hudson saw 5 MVs off Terschelling at 2307 and bombed from 4000 ft, also U0. Remaining 2 a/c saw nothing. 2ee, September 1942 page 5.

26/27 BC. 24 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling mining off Frisians. Resp 23 and 1 succesful. 27 FC. In addition to normal patrols one small offensive operation against shipping was undertaken by the Command. Between 1600/1700 12 Spitfires attacked 3 armed trawlers off the Dutch coast N of Flushing. Strikes observed on all 3 vessels and one of them left in flames. 28 BC. 6 Wellingtons despatched to attack Lingen. 5 a/c abandoned task owing to lack of cloud cover. One of these a/c attacked a MV of ± 1000 tons 18 miles NE of Amsterdam drop-ping 9 X 500, but bombs overshot by 50 yards. The other 4 made no attack. Remaining Wellington MIA.(1/115 Squadron. shot down by fighters into the IJsselmeer at 1802 hrs local. S/Ldr. Parsons. 3 killed, 2 POW.) 29 FC. During afternoon 1 squadron of Spitfires uneventful search for shipping Ostend/Flushing. 3V/9-1/10 BC. 15 Wellingtons and 5 Stirlings mining off Frisians, resp 14 and 4 succesful. 5 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 4 succesful, 1 MIA. (1/12 Squadron crashed at 2110 hrs local 200 meters East of Bergen A/F due searchlight blinding. Crew killed.) AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND OCTOBER 1942. 1 BC. 3 Mosquitoes individual attacks Industrial targets Ghent-Terneuzen canal and Sluiskil Chemicalworks. (2 on Ghent) Sluiskil. 1 a/c attacked from 50 feet with 4 X 500 HE two of which feil on the sulphite store. As the a/c left the target much steam and brown smoke was seen coming from this building and from the power station, which is also believed hit. 1 CC. 1428. A Beaufighter attacked a 200 ton motor coaster with cannons 25 miles NW Borkum hits seen amidships near waterline. 1 /2 CC. 2340/0250 7 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy sighted by a Beaufighter NW of Ter- schelling. Results: 0117/0142. 4 a/c attacked each with 2 X 250 and 6 X 100. 1 Hudson attacked from 2500 feet a MV of 12000 tons off Den Helder but bombs overshot. 2nd Hudson attacked from 4000 feet a large MV in convoy off IJmuiden , this only resulted in an orange explosion. 3rd Hudson attacked ship off IJmuiden and 4th Hudson a small ship off Den Helder, but U0. 2/3 BC. 3 Wellingtons mining Frisians. Main target Krefeld, 1st operation with Pathfinders. 5/6 BC. 257 a/c on Aachen, 24 Pathfinders and 232 bombers. Majority of bombs feil this night on the Dutch town of Lutterade in the province of Limburg. (For details see also BCWD) No ATs mentioned in Holland. 6 BC. 4 Mosquitoes to attack diesel engine works at Hengelo. Results: 2 a/c attacked with 8 X 500 from 100-250 feet in good visibility but failing light. Bombs of 1 a/c feil on target just south of the raiiway and bursts seen on a large 8 storied building and on the railway. Bombs from 2nd a/c believed straddled target. 1 a/c attacked the Twentsch Central Power station Hengelo with 4 X 500 from 50 feet bombs seen to explode on the powerhouse and for 11 seconds whole building enveloped in red flames, followed by a cloud of black smoke. 4th a/c abandoned due technical trouble. Hit a bird and observer flew the a/c home. Bombs jettisoned in open country. (105 Sqn.) 8/9 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Bostons France and 1 Mosquito to Leeuwarden. Mosquito returned with technical trouble. 8 CC. 1450. A Beaufighter on ship recce saw convoy of 14 MVs and 1 escort off IJmuiden. 1453 A Beaufighter on ship recce did an cannon and MG attack on en E/boat 13 miles N of Ameland. Hits seen along waterline from bow to stern and when last seen E/boat had stopped. 8/9 CC. 2115. 5 Naval Swordfishes mining succesfully off Ostend. 2045 9 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy reported at 1450 off IJmuiden. All a/c returned without sighting any shipping. 8/9 BC. 14 Stirlings, 9 Halifaxes and 5 Wellingtons mining off Frisian Islands. Resp 10, 8 and 4 succesful. 6 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 5 succesful, 1 MIA (1/301 Sqn.) 9/10 BC. 14 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. all succesful. 10 FC. At 1450 4 Spifires took-off to attack gas works at Goes (Walcheren) but due to cloud target not located. 10/11 BC. Mining. 10 Halifaxes off Frisians and 5 Wellingtons S of Texel. All succesful.

11 BC. October 1942 page 2.

11 BC. 6 Mosquitoes dusk raid on several targets. 1 on Sluiskil. Results: Sluiskil. In conditions of 5/10 cloud and failing light the a/c attacked from 50 f t with 4 X 500. Bursts not seen but white smoke from west end of suphate plant. (W/Cdr Shand 139 Sqn) (2 MIA one near Oudenrijn nr Utrecht and one in Northsea. 1/105 and 1/139.) Lrtetí. 11 CC. PRU. 0930 Rotterdam: The Dutch destroyer of 340 feet now lies near minelayer "Olaf Tryggvason" in the Schiehaven. Other naval units present comprise 7 E/R boats, 2 M class MSw, 1 F class escort vessel, 11 TLCs. The depot liner "St.Denis" D/28, 32 auxiliaries and the usual Dutch naval units. In Waalhaven 17 MVs over 200 feet now present. 0930 IJmuiden: 4 E boats visible. This is the 1st occasion that E boats have been here for a long period. 8 auxiliaries only other shipping of note in port. 11/12 CC. 1820/2115 5 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy off Frisian Islands. None seen. 11/12 BC. 9 Wellingtons and 1 Halifax mining Frisians. resp 8 and 1 succesful. 12/13 CC. 1830/2130 4 Naval Swordfishes succesful mining S of Texel. 2200/0200 5 Hudsons to attack shipping off the Dutch coast. 1 a/c attacked the largest of 14 ships in convoy off Terschelling dropping 4 X 250 from 4000 feet. Near misses seen on either side of the bow. 12/13 BC. 10 Wellingtons succesful mining off Frisians. 13 FC. In the morning 12 Spitfires uneventful shipping patrol off the Dutch coast. 13/14 CC. 1820/2130 5 Swordfishes succesful mining S of Texel. 13/14 BC. ATs. Single a/c a.o. W of Terschelling, but U0. 14 FC. At 1530 a squadron of USAAF Spitfires took-off to attack shipping off Hook of Holland. Minesweepers were attacked but U0. In the afternoon 4 Mustands of Army Co-op attacked locomotive sheds, trains and camouflaged positions in the vicinity of Leeuwarden, and in all cases hits observed. 14 CC. 0738. 2 Beaufighters on recce a MG and cannon attack on 2 E boats 40 miles NW of Texel. One a/c also attacked with 2 X 250 from 1200 feet which burst 100 yards astern of one of the vessels. 15 BC. 4 Mosquitoes despatched to attack Stork Diesel engine works at Hengelo. All a/c attacked LL dropping 16 X 500 HE. A large number of bursts seen on target causing much smoke, through which glows of fires were seen. 1 Mosquito despatched for Den Helder. A/c attacked from 100 feet dropping 2 X 500 and 2 X 250 which were estimated to have fallen to the Bast of dock nr 5. 15 FC. At dawn 4 Whirlwinds uneventful shipping patrol Griz Nez/Walcheren. 15/16 BC. ATs. 1 Halifax attacked a flarepath appr 10 miles SW of Gilze-Rijen, but U0. (Was dummy at Brakel)

16 BC. 6 Mosquitoes Stork Hengelo. All a/c attacked from 100-150 feet with 24 X 500. Hits claimed on the Iron Foundry and on the despatch room, the Diesel motor shops and erecting shops. October 1942 page Z.3. 16 FC. At 1430 4 Mustands of Army Co-op took-off on a harassing operation in northern Holland. Two small ships off the Dutch coast attacked, hits observed. Also 5 engines and 2 trains fired at, strikes seen in most cases. 16/17 BC. 5 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 4 succesful, 1 MIA (1/115 Sqn.) 17 FC. About midday 4 Mustangs despatched to attack railway targets on the Dutch coast near Vlieland(!). A number of LL attacks made and considerable damage caused to locs, rolling stock and station buildings. Strikes also obtained on barges in a canal, a gasometer and a trawler off the coast. 18 FC. A squadron of Spitfires an uneventful ship patrol in Walcheren area. 21 BC. 3 Mosquitoes despatched to attack Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen. Results: Hannover this Mosquito dropped 4 X 500 from 800 feet on Leeuwarden A/F bombs seen to burst on A/F buildings and on perimeter track. Bremen. Two bombs droppef from 800 feet on factory at Nordhorn, single bomb from same height on centre of Stork works at Hengelo and on targets in Lingen. 21 FC. At 0940 4 Mustangs despatched to attack gasometers at Katwijk, strikes observed on 2 gasometers, a strong point and a 500 ton armed trawler off the coast. At 1000 4 further Mustangs to attack railway targets in Germany. Also attacked railway and canal targets in Holland in the vicinity of Leeuwarden and on 2 500 ton vessels off the coast of the Zuiderzee were fired at, one being left on fire. 21/22 BC. 7 Stirlings mining off Frisians. 6 succesful, 1 a/c crashed in sea off Yarmouth, crew killed. 22 BC. 17 Wellingtons to Essen, 5 Wellingtons to Lingen. 1 Wellington attacked a town believed to be Cleve from 2500 feet dropping 9 X 500 on a built up area, through a gap in the clouds. 22 FC. Between 1253/1540 4 Mustangs attacked 2 armed trawlers near Schiermonnikoog, strikes seen and 1 vessel left with thick smoke issuing from its superstructure. Barges and a light gauge railway were attacked on a small island between Ameland and Terschelling (!!!!!!) 23 BC. 26 Wellingtons targets in Germany. 4 Mosquitoes to Stork Hengelo. 3 a/c attacked target from 100 feet dropping 12 X 500, bursts seen between engine erecting shop and diesel motor store and in the vicinity of the machine turning ship. One bomb thought to fall on or near the engine erecting shop. 1 MIA: (1/105 S/Ldr. Simpson at Raard.) 23 FC. At 1400 a Spitfire on recce attacked 3 armed trawlers off Flushing and a tug off Sangatte. One of the trawlers and the tug damaged. Shortly after 6 Spitfires despatched to attack these vessels, but were not located. 23 CC. 1614. 4 Beaufighters despatched to attack a convoy previously seen by another Beaufighter at 1115 off Terschelling. 1 a/c sighted convoy off Vlieland but made no attack on account of intense flak. 1 a/c returned early with engine trouble and the remaining a/c one of which was seen to hit the water in the target area, are MIA. (2/236 Sqn.) 24 FC. Shortly before midday 2 Spitfires despatched to attack a hutted camp at Petten. Primary not located but 4 camouflaged cars and a circular tank with superstructure near Petten were attacked and strikes seen. Tank was left blazing. October 1942 page 4. 24/25 FC. Intruder ops. 6 Mosquitoes, 10 Bostons and 5 Hurricanes patrols Holland and France. Many trains attacked. 25 FC. At 0700 4 Whirlwind bombers despatched to attack shipping Griz Nez/Hook of Holland, nothing seen. 26/27 BC. 6 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 5 succesful. 27 BC. IJmuiden. 1 Mosquito to attack Iron and Steel works. The a/c was unable to locate the target in failing light and haze, and bombed a gasometer to the east of IJmuiden, dropping 4 X 500 from 100 feet- A large fire seen burning with orange flames after the attack. (Was at Haarlem.) Den Helder. 1 Mosquito to attack the port area. This a/c attacked from 1300 feet in conditions of poor visibility dropping 4 X 500. Bursts not observed but bombs believed straddled docks from whicha column of white smoke was seen to rise. (Both 105 Sqn.) 27/28 BC. 4 Stirling mining off Frisians. 2 succesful. 29 BC. IJmuiden. 1 Mosquito despatched. This a/c abandoned primary owing lack of cloud cover and attacked Den Helder dock area from 1500/3000 f eet dropping 4 X 500, bursts UO but believed to NW of dock nr 5. (105 Sqn.) 6 Wellingtons roving commission Ruhr. 1 attacked Wesel dropping 9 X 500 from 13000 feet 2 a/c returned owing lack of cloud cover and 3 others are MIA. (3/115 Sqn. All 3 shot down between 1607/1623 by German fighers appr 50-70 miles off the Dutch coast.) 29 FC. Between 1055/1255 12 Spitfires uneventful patrol Ostend/Flushing. 30 BC. 8 Mosquitoes despatched, 2/Leeuwarden A/F, and single a/c to attack Lingen, and A/Fs at Woensdrecht, Gilze-Rijen, Flushing; Deelen and Jever. Results: 2 a/c on Leeuwarden attacked from 50 f eet and bombs believed to have fallen on buildings on SE side of the A/F. Intense flak experienced and 1 a/c was hit, and crashed 10 miles from base, crew injured. No other primary was attacked mainly due lack of cloud cover. The a/c on Lingen is MIA and a/c on Flushing abandoned due to mishap on take-off. Single a/c attacked with UO resuits from LL a railway near Moerdijk., a large ship moored in the outer harbour of Den Helder and a small ship off Wangerooge. (Mosquite MIA was shot down by flak at 1420 at Den Helder. 1/105 Sqn.) 30/31 BC. 4 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 3 succesful. 31 BC. 8 Wellingtons despatched to attack Emden/Essen. 4 a/c on Essen abandoned due to lack of cloud cover, but one of these had an inconclusive combat with FW-190s in the Zuiderzee area. Other 2 MIA.(Both 150 Sqn. W/cdr Mackay near Steenwijkerwold and Sgt Brook near Gendringen in Holland, both shot down by fighers.) 31 FC. At midday 1 squadron of Spitfires uneventful patrol Ostend/Flushing. AIR OPERTIONS HOLLAND NOVEMBER 1942. 3 FC. Spitfires attacked an armed trawler off Schouwen. 3 BC. Stork Hengelo. 3 Ventura's despatched to attack. Results: 1 a/c unable to locate primary attacked railway line between Apeldoorn and Amersfoort immediatly N of Barneveld, dropping 3 X 500 adn 2 X 250 from 50 feet and bursts seen along the track, northern track seen to blow up. 2nd a/c attacked a main raad and canal near Harmelen, 6 miles W of Utrecht from 50 feet dropping 3 X 500 and 2 X 250 and 8 X 30 inc. The bridge was seen to blow up and a large petroleum motor transport which was MGd after bombing was left on fire. 3rd a/c did not bomb. 4 FC. In the afternoon 4 Spitfires attacked camouflaged huts on the Dutch coast south of Haarlem. 5 FC. Midday. 4 Typhoons on ship recce off the Dutch coast attacked and damaged a small coaster off Overflakkee. Ï 6 . G • 10 Ventura's despatched. 4 to Maassluis Lubricating Oil works. 1 a/c attacked ships in docks at Rotterdam dropping 3 X 500 and 2 X 250 and 16 x 30 inc from 50 feet and a 2nd a/c dropped same laad from 500 feet on a tug and a barge in the estuary SE of Maas-sluis. Bombs seen to burst between the 2 vessels. 1 a/c abandoned, 1 MIA. 2 on Roosendaal railway centre. Both abandoned due weather. 1. (. 2 on IJmuiden Iron/Steel. 1 a/c unable to locate and no attack, other MIA. r 2 Den Helder. 1 a/c unable to locate target owing to low cloud attacked barges in a small harbour believed to be at Hoorn, dropping 3 X 500 and 2 X 250 and 16 X 30 from 2000 f eet. The other a/c MIA. (3/21 Squadron.) 6 FC At midday 3 Spitfires despatched to attack th gasw works at Bergen op Zoom. All a/c attacked from between 100/600 feet and the target is claimed as destroyed. ( 1 flown by Dutch pilot. F/0. Lutz.) 6/7 CC. 2015/2310. 4 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off The Hague,all returned without making an attack. 6/7 BC. 1 Wellington mining off Frisians. 1 Stirling mining Frisians MIA (1/7 Sqn.) 7 BC. 6 Ventura's 2 each to (1) Ghent-Terneuzen canal/Kuhlmann works, (2) Ghent port area and (3) Terneuzen port area. Results: (1) one a/c located target but unable to drop bomb. 2nd a/c unable to locate target owing to cloud, attacked A/F believed to be at Flushing, with 3 X 500, 2 X 250 and 16 X 30 from 800 feet, bombs believed to have over shot. (2) Unsuccesful, no attacks and (3) One a/c unable to locate target owing bad visibility attacked from 300 feet a large ship in the Schelde estuary. 3 X 500, 2 X 250 which were seen to fall near ship. 2nd a/c MIA (1/21 Sqn.) 7 CC 1615/1900. 7 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off The Hague, reported by Beau- fighter. No attack made, all returned. 7/8 BC. 7 Wellingtons mining Frisians, all succesful. 4 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 2 succesful, 1 MIA. (1/156 Sqn.) 8/9 CC. 1831/2145. 7 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy off IJmuiden reported by Mustangs of Army Co-op. 1 a/c attacked 2 MVs 10 miles N of Texel at 2043 with 4 X 250 from 4000 f eet, but U0. 2nd a/c attacked shipping off Terschelling at 2031, also UO (Both 320 Sq) 8/9 BC. 16 Wellingtons and 10 Halifaxes mining off Frisians. resp 13 and 8 succesful. 2 Halifaxes MIA. ( 1/76 and 1/10 Sqn.) November 1.942 page 2. 9 CC. PRU. 1050 Rotterdam: Naval units now present comprise 8 E/R boats, 7 M class MSw, 20 TLCs, the liner St Denis and 2 trawler type auxiliaries. MVs show complete turnover in Waalhaven and considerable decrease in tonnage. 17 MVs have departed since 11 act. leaving a total of 8 now present. 1630/1800. 7 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy seen by Mustangs of Army Co-op off IJmuiden. Between 1819/1842 3 a/c made individual attacks on medium sized MVs seen in convoy off Den Helder. Each a/c 4 X 250 and near misses seen by 1 a/c, results on other two U0. 3 saw nothing, 1 MIA. (1/32D Sqn.) 9/10 BC. ATs. e.o. flak positions on Schiermonnikoog and unidentified tgts in NWG and Holland. 10 FC. 0720/0810 4 Whirlwind bombers uneventful ship patrol Calais/Flushing. 1547/1715 12 Spitfires uneventful sweep off the coast Calais/Flushing. 10/11 BC. 28 Stirlings and 8 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 10/11 FC. 3 Naval Albacores (!!) despatched on anti-ship patrols off French and Belgian coasts. One of these a/c bombed the wake of a ship off Mardijck. 12/13 FC. 6 Albacores patrol Calais/Ostend. 13 BC. 2 Mosquitoes despatched to attack Flushing are both MIA. 1 Boston, which with other a/c was sent out to search for the missing a/c, is also MIA. (2 Mosquitoes of 105 Sqn. at 1251 and 1252 shot down by flak near Ritthem and Oostkapelle. Boston claimed by fighters appr 60 miles W of Goeree at 16.47 hrs. These times local times.) 13 FC. At 0930 2 Spitfires despatched to North Holland, primary target a hutted camp near Medemblik was not located but 4?°gasometers in that area were left in flames. In the afternoon two pairs of Spitfires despatched to N. Holland, 2 of these attacked 3 large steel barges at Goes, strikes being seen in all cases. 2 Spits despatched on ship recce between Texel and Hook of Holland are MIA. (2/167 Sqn. shot down by fighters 25 miles W of Alkmaar, one pilot P/0 Geesink(Dutch) picked up by Do-18 and brought to Schellingwoude. Times 1432 and 1434.) Y-,fe,. d C ( _~ 16/17 BC. 25 Wellingtons mining Frisian Islands. 23 succesful. 17 FC. Between 0930/1046 3 Typhoons despatched to attack a military camp at Middelburg. Target not located but attack made on A/F at Flushing where 1 Me-109 was destroyed and 1 damaged, both on the ground. A flak tower destroyed and 1 damaged and a loc was also attacked in the vicinity. 2 Typhoons damaged by flak! Between-1115/1255 6 USAAF Spitfires uneventful anti ship patrol off Dutch and Blgn coast. 17/18 BC. 12 Wellingtons and 3 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 11 and 3 succesful. 17/18 CC. 2019. A Hudson on anti ship patrol attacked a MV of 3000 tons off Ameland. 4 X 250 from 4000 -Peet seen to undershoot. 0115. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off Ameland. No attacks made. 18 FC. 3 Squadrons of Spitfires detailed to attack Naamstede, returned owing to adverse weather. 19 FC. Spitfires uneventful patrol Flushing/Ostend. 2 USAAF Spitfires destroyed a FW-190 SW Flushing. November 1942 page 3. 20 BC. 1 Mosquito despatched to take photographs in the North Beveland and Ooster Schelde areas. 20 FC. In the afternoon 11 Spitfires detailed to escort 24 Beaufighters of CC in attack on a convoy off the Dutch coast, which had been sighted at 1007 by 2 Spitfires on recce. Dwing to poor visibility Spitfires unable to make rendezvous but the Beaufighters la-ter seen leaving the convoy in ones and twos. 3 FW-190s seen at extreme range but no combats took place. 8 USAAF SPitfires uneventful patrol off Schouwen. In course of harassing operations from Den Helder/Cherbourg Spitfires damaged a loc near the mouth of the Schelde and attacked a hutted camp, a railway engine and 2 barges on the canal near Den Helder. 1 Spit and pilot MIA. (411 Sqn. P/0. Patterson.) 20 CC. 1500. 24 Beaufighters, 15 carrying bombs and 9 torpedoes, and later at 1630, 11 Hudsons and 4 torpedo carrying Hampdens despatched to attack a convoy of 12/16 MVs previously seen by 2 Spitfires at 1007 12 miles W of Texel. 11 Beaufighters and 1 Hudson attacked this convoy off The Hague dropping a total of 10 X 250 GP and 8 torpedoes. Hits with torpedoes observed on one vessel of 6/7000 tons, one vessel of 1500 tons and 1 escort, and several near misses with bombs. One Beaufighter carried out cannon and MG attack on escort vessel and another Beaufighter had an inconclusive combat with 3/4 FW-190s. 3 Beaufighters and 1 Hampden MIA from this operation. (Beau's 1/254 and 2/236, Hampden 415 Sqn.) Note: First "Strike Wing" operation!! 21 FC. At 1345 4 Spitfires attacked a circular tank in a field near Uitgeest (N of IJmuiden) leaving it in flames. 22 FC. In the morning 2 Spitfires despatched to attack a military camp near Rotterdam. Un- eventful due to weather conditions. 23 FC. Between 1145/1510 3 Typhoons and 3 Spitfires and 2 Whirlwinds offensive patrols Low Countries. Uneventful due unsuitable weather. 2 Mustands of Amy Co-op despatched to attack barges in the Dortmund-Ems canal. Prevented by bad weather, but attacked troops near Alkmaar causing some casualties 23/24 BC. 14 Halifaxes and 6 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. resp 12 and 3 succesful. 24 CC. 1645. 3 Hampdens despatched to attack shipping of f Hook of Holland. All returned having seen no shipping. 25 BC. 6 Wellingtons Essen. 5 abandoned. 1 of these after turning back unsuccesfully attacked 2 coastal barges off Zandvoort with 4 X 500. 6th Wellington MIA. (Polish a/c. shot down by flak near Bergen A/F at 13.28 hrs (local) 1 crewmember killed, 4 POW) 5 Lancasters targets Germany. 1 MIA. (1/207 Sqn. claimed as Liberator appr 40 miles WNW of Bergen by fighters.) 25 FC In the afternoon 2 anti ship patrol by Whirlwind bombers off Hook of Holland. Nothing seen. 25 CC. 1600. 12 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy seen on a north course off Hook of Holland by a Spitfire. 8 a/c attacked convoy N of IJmuiden with total 29 X 250. One bomb bursted on forecastle of a MV of 2000 tons causing a yellow explosion and 1 possible hit and 1 near miss seen on 2 other vessels. Other U0. 4 a/c made no attack. 25/26 BC. 5 Halifaxes mining off Frisians. 5 succesful. November 1942 page 4. 26 FC. Harasssing operations N.France and Low Countries and uneventful patrol by Whirlwinds. Mustangs of Army Co-op destroyed a Me-109 over the Zuiderzee and a Ju-52 in the 01- denbroek area. 2 small ships S of Den Helder also attacked and left on fire and strikes observed on a loc near Alkmaar. 1 Mustang MIA. (1/268 Sqn. F/Lt. Griffin near Kootwijkerbroek at 1500 hrs local for reasons unknown. Pilot killed.) 26/27 BC. 20 Halifaxes mining Frisians. 17 succesful. 27 BC. 6 Bostons despatched in 3 pairs. 1 pair to Bruges, 2nd and 3rd pair to Maassluis and IJ- muiden. Results: Maassluis Oil works. 1 a/c attacked a large factory in the target area dropping 2 X 500 and 16 X 30. Direct hits on factory. Explosions followed by a large column of greyish smoke. The other a/c abandoned off the Dutch coast due to back of cloud cover. Note: Factory was tobacco etc factory of Van Nelle. IJmuiden blast furnaces and Steel works. Both a/c attacked from 50 feet with 8 X 500. One bomb seen to hit the east end of the coke oven plan causing a considerable explosion and a large column of black smoke seen rising on leaving target. 27 FC. 2 Mustangs attacked tugs and barges in canal near Groningen and locs in the neighbourhood. Many strikes were seen and 3 tugs blew up. At dusk 4 Typhoons despatched to shoot down balloon flying over enemy convoy off the Dutch coast prior to attack by a/c of CC. Typhoons reached Dutch coast near The Hague but no large convoy sighted. 27 CC. 1530-1605. 7 Hudsons and 7 torpedo Hampdens despatched to attack convoy of 15 MVs including 4 of 5000 tons each, reported seen on a S course by 2 Mustangs of Army Co-op. Between 1715/1740 5 of the Hudsons attacked a convoy off IJmuiden with 18 X 250 but only near misses. At 1750 1 Hudson attacked a 2500 ton MV in convoy off Texel with 4 X 250 one of which was a direct hit. Remaining Hudson located convoy off IJ-muiden but bombs hung up. All 7 Hampdens saw nothing. 27/28 BC. 5 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. Succesful. 28 FC. 5 Spitfires attacked barges in a canal at South Beveland, causing several explosions, and a goods train in the vicinity succesfully attackedd. South of Naamstede a He-115 shot down by a Spitfire into the seaO. Results of intense flak and some opposition from enemy fighters 2 Spits MIA and 1 damaged. (2/485 ) 3 Typhoons attacked 6 large and several small camouflaged huts in a military camp near Middelburg. 28 CC. 1530. 8 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy seen by a Beaufighter off Borkum. All returned, sighting no shipping. 29 FC. At 1050 12 Spitfires despatched on shipping patrol off the Dutch coast. Off Walcheren 4 FW-190s encountered and as a result of combats 2 FW-190s damaged for the loss of 2 Spitfires.(2/331 and 1/611 MIA that day.) Between 1130/1325 2 Spitfires attacked a barge in a canal neer Walcheren and got strikes on small MV off the coast. Between 1205/1405 1 of 4 Mustangs on patrol over the Dutch coast attacked a loc on the Zandvoort/Haarlem railway, strikes observed. 30 CC. 1609. 2 Hudsons on ASR search encountered 2 FW-190s 48 miles WNW of IJmuiden at a height of 700 feet. During combat 1 Hudson damaged. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND DECEMBER 1942. 1 FC.

4 Typhoons harassing ops. Attacks on 9 barges and a tug in Katwijk area, but UO. 2 FC. 4 Typhoons attacked a military camp at Scheveningen setting fire to one hut and damaging others. A barge on a canal naar The Hague also damaged. 2/3 FC.

Mosquito despatched to patrol Gilze-Rijen. Nothing to report. 4 CC.

PRU. 1145 Rotterdam. Since 30/11 there has been a decrease in naval and MVs. Activa naval units now present comprise 4 M class MSw, the depot liner D28 and 9 E/R boats. MV shipping departures included 3 MVs of 400 feet, 3 MVs of 200/250 feet have arrived 4/5 BC.

18 Stirlings and 5 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 17 and 5 succesful. 6 BC. 93 a/c attack on Philips Eindhoven. Details available. 6 FC. Around midday 3 squadrons of Spitfires and 1 squadron of Typhoons provided withdrawal support for 47 Venturas, 36 Bostons and Mosquitoes of BC which had been despatched to attack Philips Electro-Chemical works at Eindhoven. No hostile reaction was plotted and no combats were reported. (Spitfires 11/167, 12/411 and 10/485 Sqns. Typhoons 13/56 squadron)

In conjunction with this operatin a diversion was carried out by 8 Mustangs of Army Co- op Cd in addition to routine patrols.

8 Mustangs carried out a diversion to North of Alkmaar. A variety of targets were attacked in this area including 6 small ships, a tug, lock gates and camouflaged gun positions, strikes being seen in all cases. A goods train was damaged, and one of 3 barges which were attacked was lef t in flames. An infantry patrol, searchlights and sentries were also attackedd. Concentrated flak was encountered from any camouflaged gun positions west of the canal between Callantsoog and Zand and as a result one Mustang was damaged. (8/268 Sqn. Up 1056 down 1311.) 6/7 BC 10 Lancasters and 4 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 10 and 3 succesful. 7 FC.

Between 0915/1210 4 Mustangs despatched to attack railway targets N of Alkmaar. A goods train attacked by 2 a/c many strikes seen an 1 engine blew up. Goods trucks, several boxes and engine sheds all attacked, strikes seen. Hits also obtained on 2 tug and 5 barges. Very heavy flak.1 Mustang MIA.2 damaged. (1/268 Sqn. at 1002 by flak

300 meters N of Alkmaar. Pilot POW.) 7 CC. 1538. 8 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of 8 medium Vs seen on a SW course NE of Ameland by a Beaufighter. 7 a/c saw nothing, 1 a/c saw from 1000 feet 4 Vs one of appr 1000 tons 5 miles S of Terschelling. An attempt to attack made, but bombs failed to release. 7/8 BC. 9 Stirlings, 4 Lancasters and 1 Wellington mining off Frisians.

8 BC. from 300 2 Mosquitoes despatched to attack doek area at IJmuiden and den Helder. 1 a/c attacked from 150 feet a factory half a mile SW of the gasworks at Haarlem. A column of white smoke seen rising to appr 200 feet. A/c on Den Helder MIA. (Shot down by flak at 1245 local 3 miles NW Den Helder over w a s * Crew 2 POW. 105 Sqn.)

8/9 BC. 20 Halifaxes mining off Frisians. 19 succesful, 1 MIA.(1/10 Sqn.) 9 BC. e Electricitystarted between power maan station po werHen Station elo. 1 Mos and iraíway des Q tchel r 5. d dr d 4 X 500 feet. A fire e December 1942 page 2. 9 FC. 4 Typhoons attacked 2 locs, 2 tugs, a barge, a goods train, engine sheds and gun positions in the Flushing/Goes area. Strikes observed. 2 Mustangs of Amy Co-op despatched to attack railway and canal targets in the Ter- schelling area. Weather unsuitable but an attack was made on a tug towing 2 barges. 9/10 BC. 2 Stirling mining off Frisians. 10 FC. Between 1100/1230 6 Spitfires on anti ship patrol off the Dutch and Blgn coast attacked 4 small MVs escorted by a flakship between Blankenberghe/Flushing. One of the MVs left on fire and flakship damaged. Two Spitfires hit by return fire from ships and are MIA. (2/453 Sqn.) 10/11 FC. Intruder ops. 2 Hurricanes despatched to patrol Dutch A/Fs. 1 Hurricane damaged an enemy a/c over Gilze-Rijen and Soesterberg. (P/Os Dalton and Smith of 3 Sqn.) 11 FC. 1450/1610 4 Typhoons despatched to attack a military camp near Middelburg. Scored many hits on large hut. 11/12 BC. 9 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. 7 succesful. 12 FC. At dawn 4 Typhoons despatched to Holland. Buildings and dispersal huts on Valkenburg A/F attacked and barges in canal nearby, but no specific results. Two early returns due engine trouble. At appr 1130 4 Spitfires despatched to attack de Kooy A/F. Primary not attacked due to weather but a number of barges on Noordzee canal were damaged and 2 FW-190s destroyed off the Dutch coast. 12 CC. 1730. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack shipping off the Dutch coast between Flushing/ Den Helder. Nothing seen. 12/13 BC. 15 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 14 succesful. 13 FC. Typhoons attacked 4 locs, goods wagons and barges in Zevenbergen area, and a small MV, a tug and 5 barges in the Haamstede area. The 4 Spitfires despatched to attack railway targets at Bergen op Zoom found no suitable target. On return journey 2 FW-190s encountered and as result of combat 1 Spitfire MIA. (1/167 Sqn S/Ldr Lane. at 16.34 Local 20 miles W of Schouwen.) 14 BC. .Z AU 52 Mosquitoes despatched to Eindhoven and Roosendaal. Bath abandoned. 14 CC. 1620/1920. 9 Hudsons and 1 torpedo Hampden despatched to attack a convoy of 12 MVs seen at 1009 off Den Helder by a Beaufighter. 8 Hudsons attacked convoy off The Hague with total of 30 X 250. Near misses on vessel of 3000 tons and heavy black smoke seen by gunner of 1 a/c to be rising to 2/300 feet from MV of 4000 tons in centre of convoy. Other Hudson and Hampden no attack. PRU. Rotterdam: 7 M class MSw and 4 E/R boats have arrived since 4/12 making total of 10 M class and 12 E/R boats now present. MVs show outstanding increase in tonnage particularly in Waalhaven where 21 MVs of 200/300 feet now present. 14/15 BC. 27 Halifaxes, 23 Lancasters and 6 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 24, 1 and 3 succesful. Lancasters were recalled due bad weather. 15 FC. p At 0810 2 USAAF S itfires despatched to_ Ostend/Brugeg ere.a. Off. Walcheren, theet saw December 1942 page 3.

15 FC cont.: a Ju-52 which in taking evasive action flew into heavy flak barrage. It was seen to be hit and shortly after there was a large splash in the sea. Ju-52 claimed as c probably destroyed, 1 Spitfire damaged. %/ ° - 16 FC Mustangs of Army Co-op saw a convoy off the Dutch coast. 17 BC. 6 Wellingtons to attack Leer in Germany. 5 abandoned due weather. 6th attacked the Island of Vlieland and a fishing vessel off shore, but Uo. . Railway tgts in Holland and Belgium. 2 Mosquitoes Roosendaal. Each a/c 4 X 500 from 1000/1500 feet. Target believed to be hit. (2/139 Sqn.) 17/18 Fc. Intruder ops. 1 Boston to A/Fs in Holland. Uneventful. 17 CC. 1212. A Beaufighter on recce off the Frisian Islands saw 3 Ju-88s 15 miles WNW of Bor- kum. Attack made and 1 Ju-88 claimed as damaged. 17/18 BC. 5 Stirlings mining Frisians. 20 FC. At 0825 4 Typhoons despatched to attack transport targets in the Leyden canal area. A loc was attacked and stopped and strikes seen on a barge and a gun post. 20/21 CC. 2250. 4 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy seen by BC a/c at 2010 off the Dutch coast. All returned, nothing seen. 20/21 BC. 6 Mosquitoes on Lutterade power station. 3 Mosquitoes attacked dropping 9 X 500 from 26000 feet in cloudless weather with good visibility and slight haze. c.ae. rottAL. 21 BC. Den Helder docks. 6 Ventura's with F escort. Dwing to lack of cloud abandoned. 21 FC. 3 squadrons of Spitfires escort for Ventura's. Nothing to report. 22 BC. 6 Wellingtons Emden. 4 attacked, 1 attacked Pilsum and 1 no attack. 22 FC. 1115/1515 Total 9 Typhoons, 6 Spitfires and 2 Whirlwinds despatched to N France and Low Countries. Typhoons sank 2 tugs, damaged some barges and attacked engine sheds and gun posts near Alkmaar. 4 locs and 3 tugs hit near Katwijk. Mustangs of Army Co-op saw convoy off Dutch coast. 22/23 CC. 2140/2247 3_Tdrpedo Hampdens and 9 Hudsons despatched to attack convoy of 16 MVs up to 5000 ton seen on N coarse off IJmuiden by 2 Mustangs. 7 Hudsons and 2 Hampdens attacked convoy off Ameland dropping 28 X 250 and 2 torpedoes. Two direct hits claimed on vessels of 2500 and 3/4000 tons respectively and 2 near misses on other Vs. Result of torpedo attack by Hampdens U0. 1 Hudson MIA: (1/407) 23 BC. Den Helder 6 Ventura's with F esc. All a/c attacked from 8500 feet dropping 18 X 500 and 23 X 250. Good weather conditions were encountered and bursts seen across torpedo workshops, naval barracks and in an area SE of naval basin. Heavy inaccurate flak, but no fighters seen. 23 FC. 3 Squadrons of Spitfires escort for Ventura's to Den Helder. 22/23 FC. a.o. 1 Hurricane anti-ship patrol Le Havre/Noordwijk. Nothing seen. December 19142 page 14. 22/23 FC. cont.: 9 .Bostons, 5 Whirlwind bombers, 4 Typhoons and 1 Hurricane, locs and trains in occupied territory. Mainly France and Belgium.

X23 CC. a/40. PRU. Sittard: Several points of damage seen to Lutterade power station and Maurits State Coal Min,including severe damage to the NE corner of target. Severe residential damage in the vicinity, particularly to SE of the works. 23 BC. Den Helder. Photographs taken during the daylight attack on the docks by 6 Ventura's on 23 December show a marked concentration of bombs in the doek area. Direct hits on naval barracks, the torpedo workshops and naval bakery, and there are possible hits on the Zee doek sluice.

23/214 FC. 1 Typhoon and 1 Hurricane anti ship patrol Noordwijk/Le Havre. 28/29 BC. 5 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling mining off Frisians. All succesful. 29 FC. One of 4 Mustangs from Army Co-op is MIA from a photo recce off the Dutch coast. ( 2 Sqn. J.J.Smith.) 31 FC. 2 Mustangs of Army Co-op despatched to the Alkmaar/Den Helder area. Abandoned due to adverse weather. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND JANUARY 1943. 2 Raid assessment. Hengelo, middle of November. Stork factory hit by 13 bombs. Apart from direct damage caused, 56.000 square meters of glass were destroyed and this in itself sufficient to cause a severe reduction in output on account of black-out difficulties. The pover station got a hit which resulted in destruction of the reserve capacity. 2 8th AF. 4 B-24s despatched to make individual attacks on targest in Germany, using cloud cover, abandoned at Dutch coast due to weather. 3 FC. 2 Mustangs despatched on offensive patrols to Den Helder abandoned due lack of cloud cover. Two other Mustangs on photo recce over Dutch coast fired short bursts at enemy troops near hangars at an A/F on Schouwen, but U0. 3 Raid assessment. Eindhoven. It is learned from a reliable scource that Philips after first informing their Turkish branch shortly after the attack that "on account of accumulation of work" no visits to Eindhoven were to be made for the present, have now informed them that as a result of events early in December, normal production was interupted. They should, however, shortly be able to carry out orders in the main from undamaged stocks. 3/4 FC. Intruder ops. 8 Bostons and 4 Hurricanes, Uneventful. 3/4 BC. 6 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 3 succesful. 4 FC. A squadron of Spitfires an uneventful sweep off Flushing. 4 CC. 1615. 9 Hudsons despatched to attack 5 MVs of 2500/3500 and 6 smaller MVs of 1000 tons previously seen by a Beaufighter off Terschelling. All a/c returned, seeing no shipping. 8 CC. PRU. 1315 Rotterdam: 13 MVs including one of 510 feet present in the Waalhaven compared with 15 on 23/12. 3 MVs of 300/350 feet are new arrivals in the Rijnhaven. 1330 Den Helder: 1 MV of 390 feet with engines aft is a new arrival in the roads since 23/12, and is being manoeuvred by a tug. 8/9 BC. 15 Lancasters, 9 Stirlings and 6 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 8, 9 and 6 succesful. 1 Lancaster MIA. 9 BC. IJmuiden Iron and Steel works. 12 Ventura's with F escort making rendezvous at 1400. All bombers attacked dropping 35 X 500 and 48 X 250 HE from 8000 feet in cloudless weather with good visibility. Bombs seen to burst across cokes ovens, benzol plant, blower engine house, gas holder and mechanical workshop. 9 FC. 1350/1530 2 squadrons of Spitfires escort and cover for 12 Venturas to attack IJmuiden. 6 Typhoons as withdrawal cover. No enemy a/c seen. Mustangs of Army co-op sighted a convoy off the Dutch coast. 9 CC. 1640. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy of 9 small MVs seen N of IJmuiden by Mustangs of Army Co-op. One a/c located a convoy of 5 Vs off Den Helder and attacked a MV of appr 1000 tons with 4 X 250 from 3500 feet, which overshot by 50 feet. Remaining a/c no attack. 9/10 BC. 37 Wellingtons, 32 Halifaxes and 2 Stirlings mining off Frisians. resp 29, 25 and 2 succesful. 3 Halifaxes MIA. ( 1/10, 1/51 and 1/419 Sqns.) January 1943 page 2.

11 8th AF. 2 B-24s despatched on roving commission to NW Ruhr, abandoned due Jack of cloud. 12 FC. Shortly after midday 3 Typhoons despatched to attack targets in Holland. Three tugs left in sinking condition and 15/20 wooden barges also attacked and many strikes seen. In addition hits observed on a loc between Haarlem/Heemstede. In the afternoon a squaadron of Spitfires search for shipping off Flushing. 4 small ships seen off Walcheren but no attack made. One of 2 Mustangs attacked a MG post south of Hazenpolder, near Alkmaar. 12 Raid assessment. IJmuiden. Photographs taken during the attack on 9/1 on biast furnaces and steel works shqw hits on furnaces, coke oven plant, rolling min andrailway sidings to the west. 13 BC. At ± 1610 6 Wellingtons despatched to lay mines off Frisian Islands. 5 succesful. 13 8th AF. At 0830 4 B-24s despatched on roving commission NW Germany abandoned due no cloud. At 1230 16 B-24s despatched for diversion towards Flushing. Uneventful. 13 FC. At 0930 4 Typhoons despatched to attack targets at Rotterdam. Strikes seen on gunposts and wooden barges near The Hague and 2 Typhoons hit by flak MIA. (2/56 Sqn.) At 1055 3 Mustangs of Army Co-op despatched on offensive patrols to N. Holland and the Rhine, recalled owing unsuitable weather. At ship recce off the Dutch coast 2 destroyers seen off The Hague in the morning and at 1700 a convoy of 16 Vs between The Hague and katwijk. 13 CC. 1930. 9 Hudsons despatche to attack a convoy of 16 MVs of 4 of 4000 tons and 8 smaller ships escorted by flakships seen at 1700 by Army Co-op Mustangs on a N course. 8 Hudsons attacked the convoy dropping 32 x 250. Direct hits claimed on 2 MVs of 2/3000 ton each and a probable on another V of 2000 tons. Two a/c reported seeing an explosion and fire in the direction of the convoy after they set course for base. 13/14 BC. Essen. One Ju-88 claimed as probably destroyed over the Zuiderzee. 14 BC. At 1200 6 wellingtons to Leer. 1 attacked, 5 abandoned. At 1630 7 Wellingtons despatched for mining off Frisians. 4 succesful. 1 MIA (1/466 Sqn) 15 BC. At 1210 6 Wellingtons despatched to Norden (N of Emden) but owing to no cloud a/c recalled. One a/c did not receive signal and proceeded to target and attacked dropping 2 x 1000and 2 X 250 from 600 feet. 15 FC. 8 Mustangs of Army Co-op. 7 abandoned, but 1 a/c attacked and damaged a loc near Bruges, set fire to an armed launch and a tug towing barges in the Scheld estuary and attacked small coasters scoring hits on waterline. Note: ships of Rheinflottille near Veere. 15/16 FC. 1835/0030. 16 a/c., 7 Bostons, 6 Whirlwind bombers, 2 Typhoons and 1 Hurricane Intruder ops France and Low Countries. Some locs and ships off Belgian coast. 17 CC. PRU. 1140 Eindhoven. Photographs covering the whole of the Philips works adequatly. A large part of the roof of the lamp and valve factory removed since 14/12. A detailed report in preparation. 17/18 FC. Intruder ops. 10 Bostons, 6 Typhoons, 4 Whirlwinds and 3 Hurricanes, Fr/Blgm/Hall. Nothing to report. January 1943 page 3. 18 FC. Mustangs of Army Co-op at ship recce saw at 1309 a convoy of 15 Vs NW of IJmuiden. 18 CC. 1745. 6 Hudsons despatched to attack the convoy of 15 MVs and 2 escorts seen NW of IJmuiden at 1309 by a/c of Army Co-op. The 6 a/c located the convoy 20 miles N of Texel and attacked dropping 24 X 250 from 3000/4500 feet. Three a/c got hits on 3 Vs of 1500, 2000 and 2500 respectively. Another a/c saw near misses astern of a V of 3000/ 5000 tons.(a.o. 320 Sqn. MV "Algeria" of 1619 tons) 18/19 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Mosquitoes, 3 Typhoons, 3 Bostons and 1 Hurricane occupied countries. Nothing to report. 18/19 BC. 22 Stirlings and 7 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 20 and 7 succesful. 20 BC. At 1400 8 Mosquitoes were despatched to attack the Diesel Engine works at Hengelo. 6/10 to 10/10 cloud at 3/5000 feet was encountered over the target and 6 Mosquitoes attacked from 50/1000 feet dropping 24 X 500. Bursts seen on the boiler shop, and later a column of brown smoke appeared rising to 1000 feet over the target area. Other bombs are believed to have fallen on the engine erecting shop, Diesel motor store and in the vicinity of Dikkers Company Fitting works. No enemy a/c seen but light and heavy flak at various positions. 1 Mosquito went to Lingen and 1 abandoned task on being hit by flak before reaching the target. 20 FC. 2 Mustangs of Army Co-op on ship recce in the morning between Den Helder and the Hook saw a convoy of 12 MVs 2 miles N of The Hague. 20/21 CC. 1945 2 Hudsons despatched on recce off the Dutch coast. A preliminary report states that 1 a/c made an unsuccesful attack on a tanker in a convoy the other a/c is MIA. 2115. Full report of Hudson which attacked a vessel in convoy off the Dutch coast. The convoy of 6 MVs seen off Den Helder and attack was made on the largest MV of 6000 tons with 4 X 250 and all overshot, the nearest being 20 feet to port abaft the beam.r.-- 21/22 C S1°E Ktsr PA9E. 40 Halifaxes, 30 Wellingtons, 2 Stirlings and 2 Lancasters mining of f Frisians. Resp 32, 25, 10 and 2 succesful. d wet t i kAt mi A . ;; ATs. single a/c target believed to be an A/F at Deventer. 22 BC. Ghent/Terneuzen canal oil installation. 12 Mitchells with F escort making rendezvous at 1430. 8 a/c attacked dropping 16 X 1000 and 30 X 500 from 1000/2000 feet in good visibility with 5/10 light cloud. Bursts seen on target causing black smoke and debris. Of the 12 a/c despatched 3 are MIA.(1/98 over target, and 2/180 is sea) Note: 1st operation of Mitchells. 22 FC. At 1430 a squadron of Spitfires rear cover for a/c on attack to Ghent/Terneuzen. Army Co- op. In addition to routine patrols and recce 16 Mustangs escort for 12 Mitchells of BC in attack on Ghent/Terneuzen. Enemy fighters and intense flak over Dutch/ Belgian coast. One FW-190 destroyed and another probably destroyed. Four Mustangs MIA and 6 damaged. Some of the casualties caused by coastal flak posts which were MGd by our a/c on way out. Spitfires not engaged in combat. ( MIA of 169/268 Sqns) 23 1~. FC. At 1645 a Spitfire on ship recce attacked and damaged a small MV N of Flushing. 23/24 BC. ATs. Single a/c bombed a flak concentration NW of Roermond. January 1943 page 4. Z3(8EX 20/21 BC. 8 Wellingtons mining of f Frisians. 21 BC. Port area Flushing. 12 Bostons with F escort making rendezvous at 1430. All Bostons attacked dropping 44 X 500 from 9500 feet in very good visibility with 2/10 to 5/10 cloud at 4000 feet. Several bursts seen amongst the docks. 21 FC. At 1400 2 squadrons of Spitfires escorted 12 Bostons to Flushing. 21 8th AF. 3 B-24s despatched to targets in Germany, abandoned at Dutch coast due Jack of cloud. 21/22 FC. Intruder ops. 2 Mosquitoes despatched over Holland. One returned with nothing of interest to report from the Gilze-Rijen/Eindhoven area, and the other damaged a Do-217 over Deelen and the loc of a goods train near Arnhem.

25 BC. Flushing. 12 Bostons after rendezvous with F escort at 1110 attacked docks from 11000 feet dropping 40 X 500 MC. There was no cloud over the target and visibility was good. Five a/c took photographs. Bursts seen among buildings west of the entrance to the Walcheren canal among oil storage tanks further east, on the quayside between the Inner haven west and the Inner haven east and also to the east of the submarine slipways. Intense heavy flak on the approach to and over the target and one a/c seen to crash after tail had been shot away. (1/226 Sqn.) 25 FC. 1110/1300 5 squadrons of Spitfires (including 2 US squadrons) escort for 12 Bostons to Flushing. No enemy a/c seen, and nothing to report. 26 8th AF. 4 B-24s despatched in pairs at 0800 and 0900 to Emden and Oldenburg, but all abandoned due no cloud. MEM( 26 CC. 1300. Spitfire despatched on PRU to Ghent MIA. (1/542 Sqn. Sgt. Goldie.) 26/27 CC. 0045. 8 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy seen by PRU Spitfire on a N course off IJmuiden. Between 0224/0250 3 a/c attacked shipping off Borkum. Total of 12 X 250 from 4000 f eet, but apart from one bright flash seen between 2 Vs results UO. Intense flak and nightfighters encountered during the attack. 4 a/c did not attack. 1 MIA. 26/27 FC. Naval Albacores carried out an uneventful search between Dunkirk/Flushing. 27 8th AF: 1st USAAF attack on Germany. "Dwing to uncertain and deteriorating visibility none of the B-24s attacked the target. Bombs were dropped in or near the Zuidersea. 2 B-24s MIA". Note: 44 B.Gr. bombed near Lemmer. 27/28 FC. 4 Albacores despatched on anti-ship patrol in the Flushing and Boulogne area. No shipping seen. Intruder ops. 1 Boston, uneventful. 27 Raid assessment. Hengelo. Photos taken on 25/1 show following damage from attacks on 23/10/42 and 20/1. In the Stork engineering works, the Diesel motor store and the Dikkers fitting works have both been seriously damaged by direct hits, and the boiler shops have been damaged at the west corner. There is also roof damage at several other buildings. NW of the Stork Works two buildings of the Electrical and mechanical Equipment Factory (Hazemeijer) have been damaged. IJmuiden. Photos taken after the attack on 9/1 show damage to the Eastern group of miastduérnace eadhhnt blast stores, and a large hole in the roof of the new rolling January 1943 page 5.

27 Raid assessment cont.: Flushing. Photos taken on the attack of 25/1 show at least 3 direct hits on buildings on the Mole S of the entrance to the Verbreed canal and several bombs bursting on the quayside. Four more bursts on the quay west of the Outer haven, one of them on the railway lino NE of the station. 27/28 BC. 16 Wellingtons, 10 Lancasters and 5 Stirlings mining off Frisians. All succesful. 5 Welling- tons, of which 4 succesful, mining S of Texel. 28 FC. Spitfires, Typhoons and Whirlwinds uneventful shipping patrols. 28/29 FC. 1 Albacore uneventful anti-ship patrol off the Dutch coast. 29 BC. IJMuiden biast furnaces and steel works. 12 Venturas with F escort. 2 Venturas attacked in conditons of 9/10 cloud dropping 2 tons of HE from 10.000 feet, but U0. Remaining a/c abandoned task owing to the thick cloud covering the target and their inability to identify the aiming point. 29 FC. 2 Squadrons of Spitfires at 1430 escort for Venturas to IJmuiden, and as a result of combats 1 FW-190 destroyed and 1 damaged for the loss of 1 Spitfired. (1/118 Sqn. Sgt Cross at 1547 local 10 miles NW IJmuiden.) Later 2 squadrons of Spitfires uneventful seach for shipping between Ostend/Schouwen. 29 8th AF. 5 B-24s NW Germany, all returned early. 29/30 CC. 1800 8 Hudsons despatched to attack 3 MVs of 4000 tons towed by 3 tugs with one escort vessel previously seen at 1336 by a Beaufighter on recce off Texel. Of these a/c 4 returned without attacking, one landed early with mechanical trouble, 1 jettisoned bombs and 2 made unsuccesful attacks. 1830 Hudson attacked large MV in tow on a S course off Den Helder dropping 4 X 250 from 1500 feet. Nearest bomb seen 50 yards from vessel. 1847. 2nd Hudson dropped 4 X 250 from 1500 feet on the estimated position of the ships off Den Helder, but U0. 30 BC. Mosquitoes sto Berlin. At 0930 8 Bostons despatched. All a/c abandoned task owing to lack of cloud cover but 1 a/c bombed 4 coastal type MVs near Overflakkee, dropping 4 X 500 MC from 4000 feet, but U0.(Note: 4 bombs reported off Brouwershaven.) Emden. 1100 hrs. 8 Wellingtons. 4 attacked, 2 bombed docks, 2 estimated position of target, 1 attacked Aurich and 1 MIA. Oldenburg. 1445 11 Wellingtons despatched. Dwing to cloud primary not attacked but 3 a/c attacked Esens, Westerstede and near Varel. 2 MIA. (One each lost of 426, 427 and 466 Sqns.) 5 Bostons Eindhoven and 4 Bostons Nijmegen, abandoned. 30 FC. In the morning 2 Spitfires despatched to attack transport targets in Holland and a loc was unsuccesfully attacked near Zaandam. (Note: was train Amsterdam/Heila.) 30/31 FC. 2 Albacores uneventful ship patrol off Flushing. 30/31 BC. 10 Halifaxes mining Frisians. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND FEBRUARY 1943.

1 FC. Between 1108/1305 2 Mustangs ship recce Hook of Holland/Den Helder'. Nothing seen. (Sole operation that day!) 2 8th AF. 61 B-17s and 22 B-24s Germany. Abandoned off Texel due 10/10 cloud. 2 FC. Mustangs uneventful ship patrol off the Dutch coast. 3 BC. IJmuiden steel works. 12 Venturas rendezvous with F escort at 1220. Dwing to 10/10 cloud at 2000/3000 -Peet and to technical trouble, all a/c abandoned at various points along route. 3 FC. 2 Sqaudrons of Spitfires escort at 1220 Venturas to IJmuiden. No enemy a/c seen. 2 Mustangs despatched on railway targets in the Leeuwarden area. Operation abandoned due weather, but one gun post on Dutch coast was attacked. 3/4 FC. 2 Albacores uneventful patrol off the Dutch/Belgian coast. 3/4 BC. ATs. 2 a/c attacked Gilze-Rijen and 1 a/c Eindhoven. The Stirling which attacked Eind- hoven had en encounter with a Ju-88 which is claimed as destroyed. Note: attacks made on Gilze-Rijen and on dummy A/F at Goeree. 4 8th AF. 86 a/c Germany. 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 attacked a convoy off Vlieland. Note: bombs feil also in provinces Friesland and Groningen.

4 FC. r.. M 1ze0 Army Co-op. 4 Mustangs despatched to attack transport targets on Terschelling. Dwing to back of cloud ops abandoned, but one a/c attacked a loc on Ameland (!), strikes being seen. An enemy convoy seen off Vlieland and 2 Mustangs attacked and damaged a small escort V. At same time 2 Mustangs despatched on similar operations in the Leeuwarden area. 11 goods trains attacked on the Leeuwarden/Groningen railway, serious damage caused to 6 locs. Two military vehicles also attacked, one being seen to over-turn and strikes being seen on an R boat off the Dutch coast. Note: MG attacks on tramline between De Knijpe and Langezwaag. 4 CC. 1830. 4 Hudsons and 3 Hampdens despatched to attack convoy of 5 MVs, 15 trawlers type escorts and 3 MSw off Vlieland, seen by a/c of Army Co-op at 1240, and by a Beaufighter on recce at 1313. All a/c returned having seen no shipping. 1 Beaufighter on patrol off the Frisian Islands MIA. (1/236 Sqn. Sgt. J.B. Wallis) 5 FC. 1040/1241. 6 US Spitfires on anti-ship patrol saw aconvoy of escorted MVs off The Hague. One a/c attacked and damaged 2 esc Vs and one MV. 1 Spit MIA.(Lt. Kelly 335 Sqn) 11 Mustangs despatched to France and Holland. A heavily laden barge being towed by a tug was attacked near Marrum (Makkum). MG attacks at Hook of Holland, Harlingen and Flushing. In course of operation a flak tower was set on fire in Holland. 5 CC. 1 Beaufighter on recce off the Dutch coast MIA. IX 36 X (1/235) 5/6 BC. 19 Stirlings mining off Frisians. 11 succesful. 1 MIA. (1/75 Sqn.) 6 FC. 1 Spitfire on ship recce attacked a 2000 tons vessel near Flushing. Many hits observed. 10 Mustangs despatched to attack transport targets in France and Holland. No reports on Holland.

2/Albácores uneventful ship search between Boulogne/Flushing. February 1943 page 2. 6/7 BC. 24 Wellingtons and 20 Halifaxes mining off Frisians. Resp 13 and 17 succesful. 1 Welling-ton MIA.(1/424) 5 Wellingtons, all succesful, mining S of Texel. 7 FC. Small harassing operations. 4 Typhoons and 2 Whirlwinds offensive patrols NE France/ Belgium and Holland. Whirlwinds abandoned, Typhoons no targets in Holland. 1 Typhoon MIA. (1/609 Belgium.) 6 Mustangs despatched to France and Holland. Nothing suitable. A ship recce carried out in which a 2/3000 tons ship, possibly a destroyer seen moving north off Katwijk. 1 Albacore anti ship patrol off Flushing. Nothing seen. 8 CC. PRU. 1 Spitfire despatched over NW Germany and Holland MIA. (1/541 Sqn. S/Ldr. van der Heijden. In sea.) 8/9 CC. 1920. 5 Hampdens (with bombs) and 4 Hudsons despatched to attack MV of 5000 tons with a Sperrbrecher and 2 trawlers seen on a S course 10 miles N of IJmuiden by a Spitfire on photo recce. All a/c returned seeing no shipping. 9 Raid assessment. Flushing. Photos taken on 8/2 show that as result of the attacks on 21 and 25/1 the shipbuilding shed of De Schelde Shipyard, west of the marine dock has a 32 X 32 hole in its roof, and a shed on the west side of the Inner haven East is severely damaged. The biast Wall of an oil storage tank has been hit and the roof of a shed near the A/F is 1/3 destroyed. 9/10 FC. 2 Albacores anti-ship patrol off Flushing. Uneventful. 9/10 BC. 7 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 6 succesful. 10 FC. In addition to normal patrols and photo recce, 4 Typhoons bombers carried out an antiship patrol off the Dutch coast. Off IJmuiden an armed trawler was attacked and near misses scored. Vessel seen listing and on fire. Claimed as damaged. Note: Bombs on a VP boat off IJmuiden. 10 CC. 1 Spitfire despatched on a photo recce of Flushing and Amsterdam is MIA. (1/541 Sgt Evans. Shot down at 1058 local 6 miles SW of Goes by fighters. Pilot evad:: , ng.) 11 BC. 8 Bostons despatched in pairs to Holland and N.France. Roosendaal. Both a/c attacked from 50 -Peet dropping 8 X 500 MC. Bursts seen on engine sheds and across railway tracks. Considerable accurate light flak encountered but no enemy a/c seen. 1 Boston MIA.(1/107 Sqn at 16.05 local 6 miles W of Breda. 2 crew killed 2 POW. Was crash, not claimed by flak and/or fighters.) Alkmaar. Both a/c unable to locate primary. Abandoned task after 2 members of one crew had been wounded by intense light flak over Bergen/Alkmaar A/F. MGd A/F. 11/12 BC. 18 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 15 succesful. 12 FC. In the morning 4 Typhoon bombers did offensive ship recce off the Dutch coast. Without incident. Army Co-op. At 0815 8 Mustangs took off to attack the barracks and Camp at Amersfoort. One of our a/c returned early due engine trouble but remainder each averaged 4 attacks on the target. Strikes observed on buildings and on troops amongst whom casualties were caused. One Do-217 was attacked in the vicinity by 3 a/c and is claimed as damaged. Hangars on Texel A/F and shipping off Den Helder also attacked . At 1129 4 Mustangs despatched to attack railway targets in Holland. In the Leeuwarden area a staff car, 2 radio towers, 2 goods trucks, 2 barges and a lorry attacked and many strikes observed. During this operation an MG post was silenced. In addition 4 barges and 3 small trawlers damaged in the Zuiderzee. February 1943 page 3. 12/13 BC. 33 Wellingtons and 2 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 30 and 2 succesful. 13 BC. IJmuiden steel works. At 1020 12 Venturas despatched to attack. 9 a/c attacked in conditions of 5/10 cloud at 3/5000 feet, dropping 24 X 500 and 34 X 250 HE from 10000 feet. Bursts seen in the target area, 3 a/c made no attack. Moderate heavy and light flak over target but no enemy a/c seen. At 1530 further 12 Venturas despatched to attack. 11 a/c attacked in Bood visibility dropping 33 X 500 and 43 X 250 from 9000 feet and bursts seen on the coke ovens and near gasholders to the north. 1 a/c made no attack. Considerable heavy and light flak experienced in the target area, and the bombers were attacked by several FW-190s and Me- 109s. One FW-190 was hit by one of the Ventura and seen to burst in flames. 13 FC. 2 Squadrons of Spitfires escort at 1020 and 1530 for two attacks Bach by 12 Venturas of BC. During the 2nd op the escort cover was attacked by a few FW-190s resulting in one Spitfire damaged. At 1510 2 Typhoon bombers escorted by 2 Typhoon Fs carried out an unevenntful search for shipping off the Dutch coast. 14 8th AF. At 0830 75 B-17s despatched to attack railways at Hamm. All a/c returned safely, having abandoned task in the vicinity of Dokkum on account of 10/10 cloud. There were 13 encounters with enemy a/c of which one is claimed as destroyed. 14 FC. Shortly after 1130 a squadron of Spitfires covered the return of B-17s from Holland. No enemy a/c seen by the fighters. At 1107 2 Mustangs despatched to attack railway targets in the Leeuwarden/Meppel area. 1 loc damaged east of Ameland and as one of our a/c was hit by flying debris and the other by flak, they returned to base without completing the task. Note: at 1100 local MG attack on narrow track railway on Texel. Loc damaged, loc driver killed. 14/15 BC. Cologne. Flak moderate to intense, and there was considerable fighter activity. One Halifax claims to have shot down a Ju-88 over Holland. 16 FC. 1548/1717 2 Typhoon bombers and 2 Typhoon Fs carried out an uneventful anti-ship patrol off IJmuiden. 8 Mustangs despatched on offensive patrol over Holland in the morning. Majority of a/c forced to abandone due weather. 16/17 FC. 2 Whirlwind bombers despatched on anti-ship patrol Dunkirk/Flushing. Uneventful. 34 a/c. 10 Beaufighters, 8 Mosquitoes, 7 Bostons, 6 Whirlwinds and 3 Typhoons offensive ops N.France, Low Countries and NW Germany. Nothing reported in Holland. Note: At 2200 (local) MG attack on 2 cokes ships and a goods train in the province of Zeeland, and some incendiaries near the electricity works in Sluiskil, but no damage done. 17 BC. At 1630 6 Wellingtons despatched to Emden. 3 attacked, 2 attacked ATs and 1 made no attack. Note: Around 1830 (local) several bombs in the provinces of Friesland and Gro- ningen. 18 FC. Shortly after midday 2 Typhoon Bs despatched to search for shipping off the Dutch coast. Abandoned due to fog. Army Co-op. Photo and ship recce carried out and at 1646 4 Mustangs saw an enemy convoy if 18 Vs off IJmuiden. In addition 1 Mustang on ship recce off the Hook was damaged by flak from an enemy vessel. 17 BC. Further report on Emden op. At 1630 6 Wellingtons to attack making use of cloud cover. Heavy cloud up to 953 feet encountered on route, but th target was clear. 3 a/c attacked, 2 on visual i enti ication and 1 on the estimated position of the target, aided by "GEE" fixes, dropping February 1943 page 4. 17 BC cont.: 18 X 500. As alternative targets, 1 a/c attacked an unidentified railway centre and 1 a/c a small unidentified town to the north of Emden each dropping 6 X 500. Both a/c broke cloud cover and saw their targets clearly. The remaining a/c unable to locate target brought back its bombs. (See note above.) 18/19 CC. 2025/2330. 6 Hudsons with bombs, 4 Beaufighters and 6 Hampdens with torpedoes, despatched to attack 2 convoys of appr 12 and 18 Vs respectively. The convoys were previously seen off the Dutch coast at 1646 by a Spitfire on a photo recce and 4 Mustangs of Army Co- op. A Preliminary report states 4 Hudsons attacked with 16 X 250 off IJ-muiden, 2 direct hits and one near miss are estimated. 1 Hudson tried to attack but bombs hung up, other Hudson returned early due engine trouble. 1 Beaufighter carried out a torpedo attack, but U0. Other 3 saw no shipping. Of the 6 Hampdens 1 attacked with a torpedo but results awaited. 3 a/c saw nothing, 1 crashed on take-off, crew killed and 1 MIA. Full report.: 1 Hudson attacked a MV of 2000 tons from 4500 feet with 4 X 250 which exploded slightly to starboard of centre of the vessel. Another Hudson attacked a MV of 2500 in appr the same position from 4000 feet with 4 X 250 seen to explode on the stern of the vessel. A column of smoke observed rising from the MV. 2 further Hudsons attacked MVs of 4500 and 900 tons resp but bombs seen to overshoot, in the latter case only 8-10 yards to starboard quarter of the vessel. A torpedo attack by 1 Hampden and 1 Beaufighter on 3 medium sized MVs UO. (1/415. Ditched.P/O Brenner and crew rescued.) 18/19 BC. 36 Halifaxes and 15 Wellingtons mining off Frisians. Resp 30 and 14 succesful. 2 Halifaxes MIA (1 each of 158/419 Sqn.) 1 Wellington claims a Ju-88 as destroyed. 19 BC. Den Helder. 12 Venturas despatched to attack the Bock area, making rendezvous with F escort at 1400. Ten a/c attacked in good visibility from 8000 feet dropping appr 11 tons HE. Bursts seen in the area of torpedoworkshop in the NE corner of the port, where a large fire was observed. Other bursts seen across SE corner of torpedoboat establishment. Other 2 a/c made no attack. Moderate 1 and H flak, fairly accurate for height and direction, but no enemy a/c seen. All returned safely. 19 FC. At 1400 2 squadrons of Spitfires despatched to escort 12 Venturas to Den Helder. Shortly after noon 2 Typhoon Bs and 2 Typhoon Fs despatched to search for shipping off the Dutch coast. Abandoned due unsuitable weather. 1 MIA. (1/181 Sqn. F/L. Lovela ce, down in the sea.) 19 Raid assessment. IJmuiden. Photos taken during 2 attacks on 13/2 show about 8 bursts across target. Hits seen on stockyard, the unloading wharf and on the coke oven plant, while other bursts are seen near the mechanica) workshops, the water tower and foundation for the 4th biast furnace. In addition there are many bursts across the quays between the North lock and the Sluice canal, and between the Western inner basin and the Foundry basis. 20 CC. 2035 ASR. A report has now been received from the crew of the Hampden who were re - ported missing following an attack on a convoy off IJmuiden on 18th February and were subsequently rescued on 20th February. The a/c torpedoed a 3/5000 tons cargo ship in a southbound convoy 5 miles off IJmuiden. Intense flak was encountered and the a/c having been badly damaged came down in the sea appr 30 miles off Yarmouth. None of the crew was injured. It is now confirmed that the crew of three of a Hampden missing since 18th February were picked up by a Naval Walrus 65 miles E of Orfordness. 20/21 BC. 20 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 18 succesful. 1 MIA.(1/424 Sqn.) 24 FC. In the afternoon 4 Typhoons and 2 Spitfires despatched to attack targets in Holland. Typhoons abandoned owing to unsuitable weather, but both Spitfires are MIA. One (118 i eEgstcóá§laa lirigkeb-pebikalpgt.ttePal the Dutch coast, the other off February 1943 page 5. 24 FC cont.: Sqn F/Sgt Croall) crashed in sea about 12 miles off the Dutch coast, the other of the East coast of the UK. The pilot of the latter a/c saved. 25/26 BC. 31 Wellingtons and 6 Halifaxes mining Frisians. resp 17 and 2 succesful. 26 FC. At 1135 4 Typhoons to attack railway and transport targets in the IJmuiden/Alkmaar area. The a/c did not cross the coast but attacked 4 trawlers off Ameland setting one on fire. 26/27 BC. 16 Stirlings, 5 Wellingtons, 4 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes mining Frisians Resp 9, 3, 4 and 2 succesful. Main target Cologne. ATs. Single a/c attacked Eindhoven A/F. Note: Germans reported bombs on Gilze-Rijen A/F and the town of Heerlen, as well as some other places in the Dutch province of Limburg. 26/27 CC. 0425 A Hudson on patrol off the Dutch coast attacked a dredger 12 miles SW of the Hook with 4 X 250 from 300D feet but U0, due to evasive action for an enemy nightfigter. 0630. 3 Beaufighters despatched to locaate and attack E boats off the Dutch coast. All a/c returned, no shipping seen. 27 FC. Army Co-op. On a ship recce 4 Spitfires of FC operating under Army Co-op sighted one 10/12000 ton vessel escorted by 4 destroyers 10 miles W of IJmuiden proceeding north. 27/28 BC. 30 Wellingtons, 13 Lancasters, 19 Halifaxes and 8 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 28, 13, 14 and 8 succesful. 28 BC. Hengelo Engineering and Diesel Engine works. At about 1700 4 Mosquitoes despatched to attack. All a/c attacked from 100/500 feet in conditions of 10/10 cloud with tops at 1/1500 feet, dropping 16 X 500. While individual crews did not observe results of own bombing, columns of grey smoke seen to rise to 300 feet from one of the Diesel engine stores, engine erecting and machine turning shops as a/c left. Note: Bombs mainly feil in town of Hengelo, as well as some in Borne (nearby). No "military" damage reported. 13 Dutch killed (some in air-raid shelter) and 6 wounded. Severe damage to houses. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND MARCH 1943. 1/2 BC. 17 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 13 succesful 1 MIA.(115/466 Sqn??) 2 CC. 1359. A Beaufightr on recce saw a convoy of 2 tanker MVs of 5000, two 3 island type MVs of 2000 and 1 armed trawler 23 miles N of Borkum. 2/3 BC. 31 Wellingtons and 11 Halifaxes mining Frisians. Resp 18 and 10 succesful. 2 Wellingtons MIA. (427/429 Sqn.) 6 Wellingtons mining S of Texel, 5 succesful. 3 FC. 1000/1530 8 Typhoons despatched to attack transport targets in Holland. A petrol lorry was destroyed near Schiphol, and 3 locs, 13 barges and a tug damaged, and in addition enemy troops and a small coastal vessel were succesfully attacked. Note: attack was made on a train between Den Helder/Alkmaar. 3/4 FC. Intruder ops. 4 Bostons ops Holland. 1 of these a/c destroyed a Do-217 near Deelen, but remainder uneventful.(S/Ldr Bennett of 418 Sqn.) 3/4 BC. 7 Wellingtons, 4 Halifaxes and 3 Stirlings mining Frisians. Resp 5, 4 and 2 succesful. 1 Stirling MIA. (1/75 Sqn.)

4 8th AF. 0800 71 B-17s to Hamm, 14 B-24s a diversion to Wilhelmshaven. 17 B-17s attacked Hamm railway centre. 30 B-17s attacked the dock area of Rotterdam in conditions of 6/10 to 8/10 cloud with fair results. 24 a/c made no attack. No flak over Hamm, moderate flak over Rotterdam. On the return journey the B-17s were attacked by about 14 Me-109s and 15 FW-190s east of Texel, and as a result of combats 14 enemy a/c are claimed as destroyed. 5 B-17s are missing, 4 of which attacked Hamm. 4 of the missing a/c were last seen in the vicinity of the Zuidersea and one near the Frisian Islands. Note: details on damage etc available. Also bombs in Brielle (W of Rotterdam) which feil on a school with children. Many killed. 4/5 CC. 1806/2036 7 Hudsons and 3 Hampdens with bombs despatched to attack a convoy of 3 medium sized MVs of 3/5000 tons, 7 small MVs and 4 escorts first seen at 0802 off Ter- schelling by a Beaufighter and subsequently by a 2nd Beaufighter at 1609 off Den Hel-der. All a/c returned no shipping seen. 4/5 BC. 10 Wellingtons and 2 Stirlings mining Frisians. All succesful. 5 FC. At 0720 and 0740 resp 4 Spitfires and 2 Typhoons despatched on anti-ship patrol off the Dutch coast. 2 Spitfires attacked 2 E boats off IJmuiden, causing a heavy explosion on board of one E baat, which stopped with black smoke issuing from it, and scoring many strikes on the other which made off at reduced speet to IJmuiden. One E baat claimed as probably destroyed, one as damaged. The 2 Typhoons attacke 2 E boats off Egmond, leaving one sinking and the other very low in the water. Both th E boats are claimed as destroyed. One Typhoon damaged by flying debris. " st-~~~ ~~- t rt ("''t- 5 CC. PRU. 1550 Rotterdam: The port was photographed eest of the Merwe haven. Naval unit visible comprise a Dutch gun boat, 12 M class MSw, 10 E/R boats, 15 TLCs and about 6 trawler type auxiliaries, an increase of 5 M Class MSw and 8 TLCs since 28/2. 15 MVs of over 200 feet now present in the Waalhaven. 5/6 BC. 4 Wellingtons and 3 Halifaxes mining off Frisians. Resp 2 and 3 succesful. ATs. a.o. single a/c Leeuwarden A/F.

6 FC. March 1943 page 2. 6 FC. At 1035 4 Spitfires took-off to attack transport targets near ALkmaar. On stretch of canal near Petten one large boat was seriously damaged and mans strikes seen on 3 other barges. At 1255 4 Typhoons took-off and during patrol following targets succesfully attacked, near Purmerend 9 motor barges, 4 sailing barges, 2 locs, loaded raillway trucks, 2 gunposts and a hutted camp. 6 Raid assessment. Rotterdam. Photos taken during the USAAF attack on March 4 show at least 7 bursts on submarines, ships and a stick of 4 bursts across the quayside at the engineering works at Wilton Shipyard. 7/8 FC. Intruder ops. 7 Bostons France/Holland. Nothing to report. 7/8 BC. 14 Wellingtons and 6 Halifaxes mining Frisians. Resp 9 and 4 succesful. 1 Halifax and 1 Wellington MIA. (1/51 and 1/431 Sqns.) 8 FC. One Spitfire on a dawn ship recce off the Dutch Islands MIA. (91 Sq, P/0 Johnson. Not claimed by Germans.) 8/9 BC. 16 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 11 succesful. 9/10 CC. 2155/0130. 7 Hudsons despatched to attack a convoy of 11 MVs seen at 1515 N of the Frisian Islands by an a/c on photo recce. 1 Hudson located the convoy appr 40 miles N of Terschelling at 0030. A/c attacked one medium sized MV on a SW course with 4 X 250 from 4000 feet. Last bomb exploded 20 - 30 yards from port bow of vessel, but further U0. Darkness made accurate bombrun very difficult. Other 6 a/c saw no shipping. 10 FC. 2 Squadrons of Spitfires and 1 squadron of US P-47s to sweep off Walcheren. (1st P-47 op by 4th F.Gr.) 11 FC. During an evening patrol 4 Spitfires on ship recce off Texel destroyed a FW-190 and damaged another. 1 Spitfire damaged. 11/12 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Mosquitoes and3 Bostons to Holland. Bostons and 2 Mosquitoes uneventful. 1 Mosquito damaged an enemy a/c over Gilze-Rijen. (W/Cdr Denholm of 605 Sqn.) ' Nd-E¢; Qnoem ANs RcteouatEa ATTAG4 A" GANS/n.?j A/c /t Oio(' C4ocAA > A/c [tcjkrty 7>AMIAgr'b. 11/12 BC. 11 Stirlings mining Frisians. All succesful. 12 FC. 0715/0840 2 Typhoons on ship recce attacked and damaged 1 of 3 armed trawlers, entering IJmuiden harbour. 12 CC. PRU. 1030/1140. Amsterdam. Since 7/3 one M class MSw has departed while 10 TLCs all berthed in Coenhaven have arrived. Naval units present comprise 14 E/R boats, 5 "1942" class MSw fitting out and 15 TLCs 12/13 FC. Intruder ops. Between 2000/0032 4 Mosquitoes and 3 Bostons N.France and Holland. Un- eventful but 1 Mosquitoe destroyed a Do-217 near Elndhoven. (S/L Bocock of 605 Sqn.) Note: was Do-217 of 6/KG2. 12/13 BC. 9 Stirlings mining Frisians. All succesful. 3 E0, ce N No ATs mentioned in Holland but MG attacks made on targets near Hard?rwijk, alon c7the coast and a train near Arnhem. Coast at Alkmaar. Bombs at Nooráwilk and at Halten. March 1943 page 3. 13 8th AF. 16 B-24s diversionary sweep Texel/Dunkirk. 13/14 FC. Intruder ops. 4 Mosquitoes and 5 Bostons France/Holland. Nothing to report Note: At 2000 (local) a MG attack on a train between Dordrecht/Geldermalsen. No damage. 13/14 BC. 23 Wellingtons mining Frisians. 16 succesful. 1 MIA. (300/420) 14 FC. 1300/1500 12 Squadrons of Spitfires sweeps N.France/Holland. Le Havre to Walcheren. All returned uneventful. 14/15 FC. Intruder ops. 7 Mosquitoes and 2 Typhoons Franc/Holland. 1 Mosquito damaged a loc in Holland, others uneventful. 14/15 BC. 13 Wellingtons mining Frisians. All succesful. 15FC. In the morning 2 Typhoons despatched on ship recce off the Dutch coast attacked 2 armed trawlers. Hits on both vessels one if which was on fire, the other claimed as damaged. IN the afternoon 2 other Typhoons patrolled the same area and damaged a coastal steamer. One Typhoon MIA, but pilot safe. (56 Sqn.) Note: at 1150 local attack made by 2 a/c on a tug in the Schulpengat (nr Den Helder). 1 severe and 2 lightly wounded. At 1700 MG attack again by 2 a/c on German boats near the southern point of Texel. 15 CC. At 1808 a/c and surface craft co-operated in the rescueby a Walrus of the pilot of a Typhoon of FC 25 miles NE of Happisburgh. 16/17 BC. 12 Wellingtons mining Frisians. All succesful. 18 BC. Maassluis oil refinerey. 12 Venturas despatched to attack making rendezvous with F escort at 1500. All a/c attacked from 11000 feet dropping 11 tons HE and 120 x 30 inc. Weather over the target hazy but there was no cloud and good visibility. Some bombs are believed to have straddled the SE corner of the refinery, and others to have fallen to the south and east of th target. No flak, but several enemy a/c seen and engaged by fighters. All returned. 18 FC. 1445/1635 2 squadrons of Spitfires escort for 12 Venturas to Maassluis. 8 FW-190s encountered of which 2 were destroyed and 2 probably by the Spitfires without loss. Note: 6/JG1 claimed 3 Spitfires shot down, and lost one FW-190 pilot being rescued from the sea. 19 FC. 1205/1325 2 Typhoons anti-ship patrol off the Dutch coast. Attack made on an armed MV of 1500 tons escorted by 6 E boats. Strikes seen on superstructure and vessel claimed as damaged. 20 FC. At 1700 2 Typhoons on ship recce attacked and damaged 2 armed trawlers off IJmuiden. Note: Reported as 2 Spitfires at 1715. 1 crew killed, 2 severe and 4 lightly wounded. L little damage to the chips. 22 BC. Maassluis oil refinery. 12 Venturas despatched to attack rendezvous with F escort at 1312. All a/c attacked from 10500 feet dropping 11 tons HE and 120 x 30 inc. Weather conditions fine, with no cloud over target but considerable haze, and bombs were seen to fall from east to north of the target. Moderate fairly accurate flak. No enemy a/c. All returned. March 1943 page 4. 22 FC. Late morning 6 Typhoon Bs escorted by 8 Typhoon Fs despatched to attack the A/F at Alkmaar. Target succesfully bombed from 4000 feet and escort a/c saw 12 craters on west side of the A/F. No flak, no fighters. Note. IN actual -Pact attack was not at Bergen A/F but on Navy barracks at Camperduin, 3 miles north of the A/F. Same hits on barracks. 1 killed and 3 wounded. At 1312 2 squadrons of Spitfires escort for 12 Venturas to Maassluis. No enemy a/c seen and nothing to report. 22 CC. PRU. 1358 Maassluis. 8 auxiliaries of 100/150 feet have departed since 28/2 only ships now present comprise 1 MV of 200/250 f eet and usual number of small harbour craft. A boom of appr 400 feet has been placed across a new waterway west of Maassluis since 28/2. 22/23 BC. 6 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. All succesful. 23/24 CC. 2015/0200. 6 Hampdens, 4 with torpedoes, and 5 Beaufighters with torpedoes despatched to attack a convoy of 3 destroyers and 8 MVs of 2/4000 N of the Frisian Islands, previously seen by a/c of FC off IJmuiden at 1309. No shipping seen. 1 Hampden MIA (415 Sqn. P/0 McLeod.) 23/24 BC. 27 Wellingtons, 10 Stirlings and 2 Lancasters mining Frisians. Resp 24, 9 and 2 succesful. 1 Wellington MIA: (1 /16OTU off Terschelling. P/0. Ballard.) 6 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. All succesful. 24 FC. 1400/1535 16 Spitfires uneventful anti-ship patrol off Flushing. 24/25 FC. Intruder ops. 2 Mosquitoes Holland.Uneventful for claims, but S/L Bocock of 605 Sqn shot at by flak at Deelen. Mosquito damaged and Bocock wounded. 26 FC. 2 Mosquitoes despatched on offensive operations to Holland and NW Germany. Both returned early owing weather conditions. 27 BC. Hengelo. At 1750 6 Mosquitoes despatched. 5 a/c attacked dropping 20 X 500 form 50 - 120 feet in conditions of 10/10 cloud at 1000 feet with poor light and visibility. Bursts observed on boiler, machine turning and engine erecting shops and flames seen with smoke rising 500 feet as a/c were leaving target area. 1 a/c no attack. 27 FC. In the afternoon 10 Spitfires and 4 Typhoons despatched to attack transport targets in Holland. Majority of Spitfires abandoned due weather but 4 claim to have damaged a small military hut in the Zand area. The Typhoons attacked an electric goods train and 4 barges in the IJmuiden area, and also scored strikes on bridges of enemy destroyers. Note. At 1630 a MG attack reported on a passenger train between Leiden and 0 Warmond. 1 passenger killed. and 9 wounded. A/c reported as "Tomahawk".

27/28 BC. 16 Stirlings and 1 Lancaster mining Frisians. All succesful. 7 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. All succesful. 28 BC. Rotterdam shipping. 24 Venturas rendezvous 1200 with F escort. 23 a/c attacked dropping 69 X 500 MC and 92 X 250 GP from 12000-14000 feet. Bursts seen on southern part of Wilton Shipyard and 2 direct hits believed to have scored on a minesweeper. Other bursts seen on Nieuwe Waterweg Shipyard and on floating pontoons alongside. A large fire was caused in the doek area on the east side of the Balken Gat. Note: excellent attack with severy damage. Details available. March 1943 page 5.

28 FC. At 1200 4 Squadrons of Spitfires escort for 24 Venturas for attack on shipping at Rot- terdam. As a diversion 8 Typhoons despatched to patrol the A/F at Alkmaar. A large number of enemy a/c seen by the Spitfires but no combats. Heavy flak experienced. Typhoon uneventful patrol, no enemy a/c seen. 29 BC. Shipping Rotterdam. 49 Venturas with F escort despatched, 25 at 0845 and 24 at 1335. Six a/c of sthe 1st formation and 23 of the 2nd formation attacked from 14000 feet and 12/13000 feet respectively. During 1st attack there was 3/10 cloud and some haze and during 2nd attack the weather was fine with no cloudd. Bombs feil on both sides of an MV in Wilton Shipyard and among buildings which were seen to disintegrate. Further bombs feil along the southern extremity of the shipyard and among ships in the docks. Fires seen burning in the target areas as a/c left. Moderate heavy flak, accurate for height and direction, but no enemy a/c seen. About 32 tons of HE dropped. Note: Severe damage. 16 a/c unable to identify primary target owing to haze. Eleven of these a/c attacked a railway track believed about 2 miles NE of Dordrecht from 13/14000 feet dropping 12 tons HE. Hits seen on tracks. The remaining 5 a/c attacked a concentration of barges in a dock about 2 1/2 mile east of Wilton shipyards, dropping 6 tons HE from 12500 feet, bursts seen among the barges. Remainin 4 a/c no attack. Note. Details on damage available. 29 FC. At 0900 4 squadrons of Spitfires escort for 25 Venturas to Rotterdam. As a diversion 8 Typhoons patrolled the Dutch coast. No enemy a/c seen and all a/c returned. In the afternoon 5 squadrons of Spitfires escorted 24 Venturas to Rotterdam. A small number of enemy a/c seen but no combats. 29 CC. PRU. 1615 Rotterdam. Naval units in parts of port photographed comprise one Sperr- brecher, the auxiliary "Artevelde" the liner St,Denis, the Dutch gunboat which is now in dry dock, 6 M cl. Msw, 16 "1942" cl Msw active and fitting out. 8 E/R boats and 5 TLCs. Showing a decrease of 2 M cl Msw and 5 TLCs since 23/3d when port was fully photographed. MVs show departure of 3 MVs of 200/410 feet and the arrival of 2 MV of 300/400 feet and one MV of appr 210 feet. MVs in Waalhaven comprise 11 MVs of 200/230 feet, an increase of 5 MVs since 23/3. 29/30 FC. At 0520 2 Mosquitoes despatched to attack targets in the Texel/Alkmaar area. Both abandoned due to weather. 29/30 BC. 7 Stirling of 5 succesful mining Frisians. 30 BC. Eindhoven. Philips works. At 1800 10 Mosquitoes despatched to attack. Nine a/c attacked in failing light, 4 from 50/200 feet 5 in shallow dive from 12/1500 feet dropping 36 x 500 HE. A cloud of smoke from bombs of LL formation obscured the works but numerous bomb bursts seen with flames issuing from the SW corner of the target. Remainin a/c no attack. Damage. Details available. 30 FC. Mosquitoes and Typhoons despatched but abandoned due weather. Mustangs flew ship recce off the France and Dutch coast. This day a MG attack was made on Bergen A/F, one soldier wounded. 31 8th AF. 78 B-17s and 23 B-24s detailed for an attack with F escort at Wilton Shipyards Rotter-dam. At 1100 the a/c carried out a diversionary sweep off Dunkirk area before making rendezvous at 1200 with their F escort at Harwich. 33 B-17s attacked the target througk gaps in 8/10 cloud dropping appr 88 tons of HE from 24000 feet. Bombing results are considered to have been poor. Remaining a/c made no attack. Slight flak and some opposition by enemy a/c, two of which are provisionally claimed as destroyed. 1 B-24 MIA. 1 B-17 crashed at Witham crew having baled out over Bradwell Bayd. Of these 8 are safe 2 are still unlocated. Pilot who remained in the a/c is reported to be safe. Damage to shipyards etc., but also quite severy in Rotterdam town. Details available March 1943 page 6.

31 FC. Between 1035/1250 5 squadrons of Spitfires diversionary sweep over the Ostend/St Omer/Boulogne area in connection with attack on Rotterdam by the USAAFd, and between 1150/1320 a further squadron provided target cover for the bombers. Some enemy a/c seen but no combats. AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND APRIL 1943. 1 BC. At about 0429 a Lancaster despatched to carry out a dawn attack on Emmerich. A/c MIA. (1/103 Sqn. S/Ldr. Donoghue, near Harderwijk.) 1 FC. Small operations only. 5 Whirlwind Bs, 5 Mosquitoes, 4 Typhoons and 1 Spitfire despatched to attack transport targets in France, Belgium and NW Germany. 2 Whirlwinds claimed 2 locs near Bruges, Mosquitoes nothing to report, and 2 of the Typhoons damaged 5 locs in the Ghent area. 1 abandoned and 1 MIA.(1/609 near Dunkirk) At 0800 4 Whirlwind took off for ship search off the Dutch coast. Nothing seen. 3 FC. At 1425 2 Spitfires detailed to attack canal targets in the Texel area, retruned owing lack of cloud. Between 1800/1930 6 Typhoon Bs detailed to attack a trawler off Petten scored hits on ship and set it on fire. 3/4 FC. Intruder ops. Between 2040/0200 2 Bostons and 2 Mosquitoes uneventful patrols N.France and Holland. 4 BC. Rotterdam Wiltons Shipyard. At 1818 24 Venturas despatchec with F escort to attack. 23 a/c attacked in conditions of no cloud and good visibility dropping appr 25 tons of HE from 12/13000 feet. Bursts seen to straddle a Sperrbrecher. Further bursts seen across the entrance to the shipyard, across the north end of the yard and towards a built-up area to the north. 2 Venturas MIA. (each one of 464 and 486.) 4 FC. 2 Squadrons of Spitfires despatched at 1830 to escort 24 Venturas to Rotterdam. Rear support was provided by 3 further squadrons of Spitfires. All these a/c engaged in combat and as a result 3 FW-190s destroyed, 7 FW-190s damaged for the loss of 2 Spitfires. A diversion of 8 Typhoons carried out an uneventrul patrol over the A/F of Alkmaar. 4 CC. PRU. 1507 Rotterdam. Port completely photographed but cloud obscured parts of Wilton, West Waalhaven and Maashaven. Since 1/4 auxiliary "Arteveldt" departed from IJsselhaven. Other naval shipping visible comprise a Sperrbrecher, depot ship St.Denis, 8 M cl MSws 17 "1942" cl MSws active and fitting out, 5 E/R boats and 9 TLCs. 5 8th AF. Antwerp. 4 MIA. 5 FC. 5 Squadrons of Spitfires cover to Ostend. 4 further squadrons withdrawal cover from the Dutch Islands. During main attack 5 FW-190s damaged near Ghent by escort and 2 FW- 190s detroyed and 1 probably destroyed off the Dutch coast by the withdrawal co-ver. 1 Spitfire MIA:. 5 CC. 1015. 1 Beaufighter on ASR search 131 miles NE of Cromer, MIA. (1/254. F/0 Savage) 6 Raid assessment. Eindhoven. An immediate interpretation of photographs taken on 5/4 show that as a result of the RAF daylight attack on 30/3 the main building of the manufacture of lamps and the main building of the manufacture of valves (Philips works) were both hit. The medical section and the transport section also damaged. Maassluis. Photographs taken on 29/3 after the RAF daylight attack on 18/3 show that a building of the Maassluis Dil Refinery was damaged. In addition a considerable area of multibay building belonging to the Verenigde Touwfabrieken NV (Rope factory) has been destroyed. 8/9 BC. ATs. a.o. single a/c of which one dropped 1 X 4000 lb on targets near Amsterdam and Amersfoort. Also bombs on Venlo, severe damage to railways, electricity works etc.

9 FC. Anti-ship sweep off the Dutch coast. Nothing to report. April 1943 Page 2.

10 FC. 4 Spitfires set on fire and sank a large barge and damaged 4 others and a tug off Hook of Holland. 1 Spitfire MIA and 1 damaged believed due to MG fire. (1/118 F/0. Beer) In the Haarlem/Amsterdam area Typhoons damaged 2 goods trains, 9 barges, 3 tugs, a trawler and a dredger, and in couse of patrol a Bofort gun position near Egmond was attacked. Heavy flak encountered. 2 Typhoons MIA, 1 damaged. (2/56 Sqn. over sea.) 1 Mosquite on Ranger Patrol NW Germany MIA. (1/410 Sqn crashed near IJist. Hit tree during attack on train.) 10/11 BC. 7 Stirlings mining Frisians. All succesful. 11 BC. Hengelo Stork Diesel engine works. At 1910 4 Mosquitoes despatched to attack. 1 a/c attacked from 50 feet dropping 4 X 500 MC, and although results U0, bombs believed to have fallen on machine, turning shop and boiler shop. As a results of interception by 6 FW-190s, 1 a/c attacked a goods train from 50 feet ± 12 miles SE of Zwolle dropping 4 X 500 MC, results U0. One a/c abandoned, due to FW-190s and one Mosquito MIA. A/c last seen in the Bentheim area being chased by several FW-190s. Note: At Stork severe damage to buildings. Between Oldenzaal/Bentheim a German military goods train was attacked and damaged, 1 soldier killed.) 11/12 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Mosquitoes Holland. Uneventful patrols. 11/12 BC. 12 Wellingtons mining Frisians, 10 succesful. 10 Wellingtons mining S of Texel. 9 succesful, 1 MIA. (1/425 Sqn Carvejal.) 12 Raid assessment. Rotterdam. Photographs taken on 3 and 4/4 show the following RAF daylights on 28 and 29 march and the USAAF on 31/3. Damage has been done to shipping as well as to dock buildings. One MV 250/300 feet and a small vessel in the Wilton Shipyard are awash as a result of direct hits, and the auxiliary minelayer "Cobra" in the floating dock in the Wilhelminahaven is now entirely submerged. A shed of 60 feet long in Wiltton Yards has been destroyed ans 2 workshops (375 X 75 f eet) belonging to the Rotterdam Dry Dock Co have been damaged. Several factory buildings in the vicinity of the docks have been destroyed or damaged and many hits obtained on railway tracks serving the dock area are also damaged as well as rolling stock.

13 FC. 10 Whirlwind Bs to attack Bruges, abandoned. 2 Squadrons Spitfires made a diversionary sweep off Walcheren. 14 FC. Army Co-op Mustangs on ship recce sighted a convoy off Texel. 14/15 FC. 7 Bostons and 2 Mosquitoes Intruder patrols N.France/Holland. 1 Mosquito to Soester- berg damaged an enemy a/c.(S/Ldr. Tomalin of 605 Sqn.) 14/15 CC. 2115. 6 Hampdens carrying torpedoes despatched to attack the convoy seen at 1745 off Texel by Mustangs of Army Co-op. 0018. 1 Hampden attacked one MV of 6000 tons in convoy WNW of Borkum. 1 torpedo released from 150 feet which is claimed to have hit port quarters of the vessel. Both gunners report seeing smoke rising from the ship after the attack. 0046 2nd Hampden attacked a MV of 4/5000 in convoy in same position. 1 torpedo released but U0. After attack a/c took avoiding action. Rear gunner observed thick column of smoke rising from MV attacked. 2 Hampdens returned early, 2 others saw nothing. Note: the Norwegian SS Borga of 4321 tons was sunk. a/c from 415 Sqn. 15 FC. Between 0705/0825 2 Typhoons on offensive sweep off IJmuiden sighted and damaged 3 trawlers, leaving one on fire. April 1943 page 3. 15 FC.cont.: In addition to photo recce 6 Mustangs on ship recce from Borkum to Hook of Holland sighted an enemy convoy W of Ameland, also 4 Minesweepers 10 miles N of Terschelling. 15/16 CC. 2215/0345 5 Hampdens with topredoes despatched to attack a convoy sighter at 1900 N of Terschelling by Mustangs of Army Co-op. Results: 1 a/c landed early, the other 4 saw no shipping. 16 BC. Haarlem Railway Workshops. At about 1826 12 Venturas despatched with F escort to attack. 12 a/c did attack from 11/12000 feet dropping appr 11 tons HE and 2 tons of incendiaries. Weather conditions good with slight haze. The majority of bombs feil south of and parallel to the target some 2/300 yards away. Some incenndiaries are reported to have fallen in the target area. (12/487 Sqn.) 16 FC. 5 Squadrons of Spitfires escort for 12 Venturas. All fighters uneventful patrols, but heavy flak experienced from the IJmuiden area.

16/17 FC. Intruder ops. Mustangs of Army Co-op ops over France. 17 Raid assessment. Amersfoort. A reliable scource gives the following account of .the attack by 7 Mustangs of Army Co-op on barracks and camp on 12/2. The people were very pleased especially in view of the fact that there were no casualties among the civilian population. "60 were killed and 100 wounded". Many fortunately seriously. Included in the casualties were some Dutch SS stationed in the camp. Several of the wounded died later as the informant swa 8 of them being buried on 19/2.! 17 FC. 1300/1330 9 Squadrons of P-47s despatched to sweep the Blankenbergh/Walcheren area. Uneventful. Mustangs reported a convoy off the Dutch coast. 17/18 CC. 2155/0350. 8 Hampdens despatched to attack a convoy seen by Mustangs 10 miles W of Den Helder. All a/c returned having seen no shipping. 17/18 FC. Intruder ops. 16 Mosquitoes, 9 Whirlwind Bs, 7 Beaufighters and 4 Typhoons for ops over France/Holland and NW Germany. 2 Typhoons attacked trains in the Ghent area. Whirlwinds shipping off France. loosing 3 a/c. Others uneventful. 18 FC. Shipping off Texel. Between 1335/1535 2 Squadrons of Spitfires, 8 Typhoons and 8 Mus- tangs of Army Co-op, provided escort and support to 21 Beaufighters of CC in attack on a convoy. As a diversion to this operation 2 squadrons of Spitfires carried out an uneventful sweep over the Flushing area. 18 CC. 1313. 21 Beaufighters, 9 with torpedoes and 6 with bonbs despatched with F escort and cover to attack a convoy of 14 vessels seen previously off The Hague by 2 Mustangs of Army Co-op. Convoy located off Texel at 1428 hrs. 9 Torpedo Beaufighters attacked a MV of appr 8000 tons and at least 2 hits observed and vessel was left listing and on fire. Bombing attack resulted in hits on 2 M class MSws which were left on fire and on 2 vessels of 4000 and 5000 tons resp. Cannon and MG attacks carried out against the escort vessels, several of which were damaged. Heavy and light flak encountered du-ring the attack and 2 Beaufighters sustained light damaged. Note: 1st succesful attack as "Strike Wing". 19 FC. Army Co-op. Photo and ship recce. (Routine). 1 Mustang MIA on ship recce off the Dutch coast.(2 Sqn. F/0 Gordon-Crosby. Not claimed by Germans.) April 1943 page 4. 19/20 CC. 2354. One of 6 Hampdens despatched on a rover patrol off the Frisian Islands saw a convoy of 2 MVs of 3000, 2 MV of 2000 tons and 5 escort Vs, 40 miles NW Terschelling. An attack was carried out against 1 MV of 3000 tons with 1 torpedo released from 50 feet at 900 yards range, which was seen to run on track for 100 yards. No results observed due to evasive action due flak. 20 CC. PRU. 1120. Rotterdam: Rotterdam Dry Dock Co., East and West haven and part of Wilton West not photographed. Naval units present in parts covered comprise 1 Sperrbrecher, the escort vessel Artevelde, the depot ship St.Denis, 5 M cl MSws, 8 E/R boats and 3 TLCs. In part of Wilton West photographed notable change since 4/4 is departure of one Sperrbrecher and the floating doek, 3 "1942" cl MSws, 2 E/R boats and the 510 feet MV Westerdam. 20/21 FC. Intruder ops. Mosquitoes attacked 8 trains in an area West and SW of Bremen to the Dutch frontier. 1 Loc seriously damaged and striker seen on others. 21 FC. Between 1050/1113 three uneventful sweeps carried out by 8 US squadrons P-47s over Holland. In the afternoon 4 Spitfires attacked a small barge off Flushing which was left on fire. Photo and ship recce. Mustangs sighted 3 MVs of 3000 tons, one M cl MSw and 11 small MVs on s southerly course off IJmuiden. 22 FC. At 1030 2 Typhoons despatched to carry out offensive patrols of f the Dutch coast. One of two E or R boats was set on fire off IJmuiden, and an armed trawler was attacked but U0. 22/23 FC. 3 Mosquitoes despatched to attack targets in NW Germany and Holland, but owing to adverse weather conditions all returned before crossing into enemy territory. 24 BC. 5 Mosquitoes daylight. Trier Railway Workshops. At about 1846 one Mosquito was des patched to attack this target. This a/c unable to locate primary target attempted to bomb a railway junction north of Maastricht, but bombs hung up. 27 CC. PRU. 1015. Rotterdam. Northern half excluding Wilton west was only partly photographed Naval units present in ports seen comprise Artevelde, 4 M cl MSws., 11 "1942" Msws active and fitting out, 15 E/R boats, 11 TLCs and 13 trawler type auxiliaries. A notable change since 20/4 being the arrival of 4 M cl MSws. Merchant shipping show departure of one MV of 300/350 feet from the Schiehaven and the internal movement of one MV of 420 feet from the Maashaven to Wilton East, and a tanker of 560 feet to a berth further south in the Merwehaven.

27/28 BC. 58 Halifaxes, 22 Lancasters and 16 Stirlings, mining Frisians. Resp 42, 19 and 12 succesful. 9 Wellingtons mining S of Texel, 6 succesful. 28 FC. Army Co-op. 2 Mustangs despatched at 0730 to attack transport targets in NE Holland. Two locs and 3 barges were damaged in the Groningen area. In an attack on two other barges an huge explosion resulted and both barges were sunk. After the explosion one of the Mustangs was not seen again, the other a/c being hit by flying debris. Note: Was W/Cdr MacDonald CO of Nr 4 Squadron. He attacked a German ammo barge near Hasselt, which was hit and exploded when he flew over! 29 FC. At 0715 2 Mustangs sighted an enemy convoy of 16 Vs proceeding slowly on a NE course off IJmuiden. As a result this convoy was attacked by Beaufighters of CC escorted by 6 Mustangs and Spitfires. At 1618 2 Mustangs on a ship recce of the Dutch Islands intercepted and destroyed a Ju- 88. During this combat one of our a/c was slightly damaged. April 1943 page 5.

29 FC. cont.: Attack on enemy shipping off IJmuiden. At 1700 2 squadrons of Spitfires and 6 Mustangs of Army Co-op despatched to escort Beaufighters of CC to attack. Apart from 1 Ju-88 which was seen in the distance there was nothing of interest to report. In addition 2 further squadrons of Spitfires a diversionary sweep over the Flushing area withoug incident. 29 CC. 1234. A Beaufighter located a convoy of 15 Vs including 2 of 400/450 -Peet off IJmuiden, previously seen by 2 Mustangs of Army Co-op at 0715. At 1640 12 torpedo Beaufighters, 6 Beaufighters with bombs and 6 Beaufightes despatched with F escort to attack convoy. At 1804 convoy was located off Texel. 6 Beaufighters attacked the leading large MV with torpedoes, one of which was seen to hit amidships,the vessel being set on fire and left enveloped in smoke. 6 Beaufighters attacked a 2nd large MV, 1 torpedo failed to release and 1 hit was seen astern. The vessel was left listing to port and on fire. Bombing attacks carried out by 9 Beaufighters against MSws and trawlers which were also attacked with MG and cannon. No hits claimed with bombs but one MSws seen to be on fire and a 2nd MSw appeared to be on fire. The bridge of a trawler seen to collapse and vessel started to circle as if out of controy. One Beaufighter seen to be hit in the nose by flak and to spin into the sea. One Ju-88 was also attacked, hits being observed on the starboard wing. Note: Very succesful attack. Details available. 30 FC. Between 1125/1354 4 Mosquitoes offensive patrols France and NW Germany. Three abandoned due weather, 4th attacked 2 freight trains in Holland, the locs of which are claimed as seriously damaged. 30/4-1/5 BC. 300 a/c Essen. 12 a/c Bocholt. No ATs mentioned in Holland, but several bombs feil in "open country" without doing any damage and/or harm. (13 a/c MIA. One of these reco- vered by R.Neth.A.F. in South Flevoland in 1978.) AIR OPERATIONS HOLLAND MAY 1943.

1 BC. Philips Radio Works Eindhoven. At 1400 6 Mosquitoes despatched to attack. One a/c crashed shortly after take-off appro 1 1/2 miles SW of Marham, both crew killed. Re maining 5 a/c recalled. 1 FC. 8 Mosquitoes despatched to France and NW Germany. 1 a/c attacked a barge on a canal between Akersloot and Purmerend. One a/c uneventful, the others abandoned. Army Co- op. Activity consisted of photo and ship recce in the course of which 4 Mustangs sighted and attacked 2 coasters off Rottumeroog, seeing strikes on both Vs. In addition an enemy convoy and R boats seen off Texel. 2 BC. Royal Dutch blast furnaces and Steel works IJmuiden. At 1400 12 Bostons with F escort despatched to attack the Coke oven plant and benzole by-product plant. Cloudless weather conditions over the target with excellent visibility. Two formations each of 6 a/c attacked in a shallow dive, dropping appr 11 tons HE from between 10700/10400 f f eet. Bombs seen to overshoot and bursts observed in the western inner basin and on neightbouring dockside. Moderate accurate heavy flak experienced in the target area, but no reports on fighters. At 1830 12 Venturas with F escort were despatched also to attack same target. All a/c attacked in conditions of no cloud and good visibility dropping appr 13 tons HE from 12500/11500 feet. Bombs from 1st box seen to burst across the railway to the west of the works leading up to the open Hearth Steel Works, while those from the 2nd box fell across works from the south, straddling the phosphatic fertilizers building. Slight fairly accurate flakk experienced in the target area, and our a/c were attacked twice by FW-190s while crossing sea on return journey. All above a/c returned safely. 2 FC. At 1400 4 squadrons of Spitfires provided escort and cover for 12 Bostons of BC. Heavy flak over target, but no enemy a/c. All returned safely. At 1830 2nd attack by 12 Venturas with 4 squadrons of Spitfires for escort and cover. In addition a diversionary sweep was carried out by 2 squadrons of Spitfires to the Flushing area. The escort and cover squadrons encountered appr 18 - 20 enemy a/c and 2 FW-190s were destroyed and 1 damaged. The 2 squadron sweep in the Flushing area also encountered enemy a/c and destroyed 4 FW-190s, probably destroyed 2 and damaged 2 for the loss of 4 Spitfires. Note. Spitfires were 2 each from 331 and 332 Norwegian Sqns. The Germans claimed 8 Spitfires destroyed, 4 over land and 4 over sea. Of 4 over land they took the 4 pilots POW. One near Wijk aan Zee and 2 on South Beveland and 1 near Flushing. II/JG1 responsible for the opposition lost 2 FW-190s, one near Schiphol over sea, and one near Flushing over sea. Also 1 FW-190 damaged. 3 BC. Velsen (IJmuiden) Thermal Power station and Steel works. At about 1700 6 Bostons were despatched with F escort. 3 of the a/c attacked the power station with 12 X 500 MC.' Bursts observed on the transformer house and on the southern end of the switch house. The other 3 a/c attacked the Steel works with 11 X 500 MC. Bombs seen to burst on or near the coke oven. Both attacks were made at 1753 from a low level and in excellent visibility. Considerable flak was experienced, both over the Power station and the Steel works. The a/c were also attacked by many FW-190 and a Me-109 from 5 to 10 miles off the coast on the return journey. As a resultone Bf-109 claimed as damaged. One Boston which is missing was seen to crash in the sea 12 miles W of IJmuiden. (1/107 Sqn, F/Sgt. Harrap.) Amsterdam Thermal Electrical Power station. At about 1700 12 Venturas with F escort despatched. From the time of crossing the Dutch coast 10 miles S of IJmuiden both on the outward and return journeys to the target, the formation was continuously attacked by very large numbers of FW-190s. One a/c abandoned task just short of the target with both engines on fire. The pilot reports having seen 4 a/c of the 1st box continuing on their bombing run although being continuously attacked by fighters. One a/c returned early with technical trouble, 10 Venturas are missing, one of which is believed to be in the North Sea. May 1943 page 2.

3 FC. Escort and diversion to attack on Amsterdam and IJmuiden. At 1700 5 squadrons of Spitfires provided escort and support for 12 Venturas of BC for an attack on the Electrical Power station at Amsterdam. Three further squadrons of Spitfires provided rear cover. On reaching the Dutch coast near IJmuiden the formation, consisting of the bombers and 3 escort squadrons of Spitfires, was attacked from several directions by some 50-60 enemy fighters. In the course of the many scattered combats which ensued, 3 FW-190s sere destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and 2 damaged for the loss of 1 Spitfire and 1 damaged. The rear cover and supporting squadrons were not engaged in combat. (MIA W/Cdr Blackford of 167 Sqn.) As a diversion to above attack 8 Mustangs of Army Co-op provided escort for 6 Bostons of BC in an attack on a Power station at IJmuiden. Though a few Me-109s were seen and engaged at long range, no claims are made. A 2nd diversionary sweep was carried out between Walcheren/St Omer by 9 Squadrons of US P-47s and 6 Squadrons of Spitfires. The P-47s patrolled uneventful between Wal- cheren/Ostend and the Spitfires destroyed without loss 2 FW-190s out of a small number of enemy fighters encountered between Bruges/St Omer. In addition to Boston escort, Mustangs of Army Co-op carried out some ship recce's in course of which 4 attacks were made on 2 small MVs off the Dutch coast, which had opened fire on our a/c. Strikes obtained on both vessels. Details on this days operations are available. Unit engaged in combats near IJmuiden/ Amsterdam was the II/JG1. They lost 3 FW-190s in combat, 1 pilot killed, 2 wounded. The II/JG26 lost one FW-190 on landing at Boulogne due damage sustained in air combat. 4 BC. The Hague Thermal power station. At about 1140 3 Mosquitoes despatched to attack. All a/c attacked in brilliant sunshine and excellent visibility from 100/300 foet dropping about 3 tons of HE. All crews are confident that bombs feil on target. The observer of one a/c reports a cloud of steam billowing up from the boiler house after the attack Note: Damage to the electricity works as well as in the telephone exchange builiding of the Dutch PTT (Mail service) 4/5 BC. A Stirling claims to have destroyed a Me-110 over Hilversum. 4/5 FC. 3 Mosquitoes despatched to A/Fs in Holland in connection with the hostile activities over Norfolk. Results: 1 Mosquito attacked and damaged 1 Do-217 at Eindhoven, the 2nd fired at an enemy a/c which had just landed at Soesterberg, but no claim is made. 3rd a/c returned with technical trouble. Note. At Eindhoven was F/0 Williams of 605 Sqn. 5 FC. Between 0955/1115 2 Spitfires on a ship recce off the Dutch coast were fired at by 3 vessels believed to be flakships, south of IJmuiden. 1 Spitfire MIA. (1/167 Sqn. P/O Papousek.) 5/6 BC. 21 Stirling mining off Frisians. 18 succesful. 1 MIA (1/75 Sqn. Sgt. Westwood.) 6 FC. At 1207 4 Mustangs of Army Co-op detailed to attack transport targets in NW Germany. Three flakships sighted N of Texel were attacked and damaged, many strikes observed on all vessels. The patrol was not continued as the a/c encountered unsuitable weather conditions and returned. Ship and weather recce's were flown in the course of which a number of small convoys were sighted off the Dutch coast. 7 FC. At 1515, take.off, 9 squadrons of US P-47s took off to sweep the Flushing area. A number of enemy a/c were seen over Ostend, but there were no combats and all a/c returned safely. 7 CC. 0515/0730. One Beaufighter is missing from a recce off the Dutch coast. (1/143 Sqn. F/0 Worswick.) PRU. 1300 Rotterdam: Naval units comprise 18 E/R beats, 14 M cl MSws, 11 TLCs, 2 Sperrbrechers, 1 depot ship and 6 trawler type auxiliaries. 1300 IJmuiden: No shipping of any note is visible in the north half of the port and the herring harbour, which were the only parts photographed. May 1943 page 3.

7 Raid assessment. IJmuiden. Photographs taken on 4th May show damage caused by the daylight attacks of 2 and 3 May. In the works of the M.E.K.O.G ( which in pre-war days supplied gas to the Royal Dutch Steelworks) the coke-oven plant has been severely damaged at one end, an 1 shaped building, covering an area of 2500 sq. yards, engaged in ammonium sulphate production and ammonia distillation has been almost completely destroyed. The compressor house has been severely damaged, and the roof of the ammonium sul phate silo has been destroyed over an area of at least 150 X 100 feet. In addition a workshop, 160 X 40 feet, of the Velsen Generating Station has been almost completely destroyed, while a direct hit has severed the railway lino serving the steelworks.

8 FC. In addition to photo recce 4 Mustangs of Army Co-op on a ship recce sighted 2 M cl. MSws and 2 armed trawlers 4 miles S of the Hook. One of the trawlers was attacked, strikes being seen on the bridge. 11 CC. A Beaufighter on an anti-ship patrol off the Dutch coast encountered a Ju-88 20 miles W of Vlieland. In the ensuing combat the Ju-88 was destroyed. The Beaufighter was severely damaged and crashlanded at Martham (9 miles NW of Yarmouth) crew safe. 11/12 FC. Intruder ops. 3 Bostons and 3 Mosquitoes to Holland and France. All uneventful.

12 FC. Mustangs of Army Co-op flew photo and ship recce in course of which enemy shipping was sighted off the Dutch coast. 12/13 FC. Intruder ops. Bostons and Mosquitoes. All uneventful. 12/13 BC. ATs. Single a/c attacked defences at Amsterdam, and targets at Hoorn, Zutphen and Wesel. 13 FC. Mustangs photo and ship recce in course of which enemy shipping sighted off the Dutch coast. 13/14 FC. Intruder ops. 17 Mosquitoes, 6 Bostons and 2 Typhoons despatched on offensive patrols over NW Germany, Low Countries and France. 1 Mosquito damaged an unidentified a/c at Twenthe. (Others Holland uneventful.) 13/14 BC. 7 Stirlings and 1 Lancaster mining Frisians. All succesful. ATs. Single a/c incendiaries only on Schouwen Island. Also bombs at 02.30 at Huissen. 14 BC. IJmuiden Royal Dutch Blast Furnaces and Steel Works. At about 1150 6 Mitchells were despatched to attack. As the rendezvous with the F escort was not made, the bombers were recalled. 14 8th AF. IJmuiden/Velsen Thermal Power Station. At 0952 12 B-26s despatched to attack. 11 a/c attacked in good visibility with slight haze, dropping ± 9 tons HE with results described as good. Ground defences were intense in the target area. Two enemy fighters seen on route to the target and 20/30 on the way back. No claims against enemy a/c have been made. 1 B-26 crashed on return. 14 FC. Mustangs Army Co-op ship recce. In the course of one of these 2 Mustangs sighted an enemy convoy between IJmuiden/The Hook and encountered about 6 FW-190s. In the course of combat 1 FW-190 was destroyed, 1 Mustang MIA (P/0 McLeod of 268 Sqn.) As a result from another recce from Texel to the Hook 2 Mustangs are missing. (Both 613 Sqn.) May 1943 page 4.

14 CC. PRU. 1015 Rotterdam. Navel units comprise 26 M cl MSws, 16 E/R boats, 12 TLCs, 18 auxiliaries, 4 Sperrbrechers and one depot ship. Merchant shipping present show a light increase with the usual turnover. A tanker and the hospital ship "Strassbourg" are present. 15 FC. Diversionary sweep. Nine squadrons of US P-47s carried out a sweep over Amsterdam and Rotterdam in connection with the attack by US Fortresses on the naval yard at Wilhelmshaven. A small number of enemy a/c were encountered and 1 FW-190 was destroyed, 2 FW-190s probably destroyed and 7 damaged for the loss of 3 P-47s.(56 F.Gr. lost 1 a/c!!) 15/16 FC. Intruder ops. 26 Mosquitoes, 7 Typhoons, 6 Beaufighters, 2 Bostons and 6 Whirlwinds despatched for patrol over France, Holland, Belgium and NW Germany. 10 Whirlwind Bs detailed on anti-ship patrols of Zeebrugge to France. One Mosquito damaged 2 locs near Eindhoven and also a steambarge was destroyed. Note attack on train was near Heesch. Loc damaged able to proceed after 1 1/2 hours. 16 FC. At about 0600 4 Typhoons damaged a 500 ton vessel off Flushing. At about 1245 9 squadrons of P-47s detailed to sweep the Flushing/Bruges/Dunkirk areas. As a result of combats 1 FW-190 and 1 Me-109 destroyed, 2 FW-190s probably destroyed and 3 damaged for the loss of 1 P-47. 16/17 FC. Intruder ops. 27 Mosquitoes, 10 Whirlwind Bs, 9 Typhoons and 5 Beaufighters despatched on ops over enemy occupied territory. All returned safely. Results: 3 Mosquitoes attacked transport targets in France, 4 Whirlwinds attacked targets in France an destroyed an E boat off the Belgian coast. 2 Typhoons attacked targets in France and shipping off Boulogne. Beaufighters also France. 1 a/c MIA.(Mosq. 96 Sqn. France) 1 Mustang carried out an uneventful patrol over N.France. 16/17 ~C. 86 a/c despatched on following ops: 54 a/c, 39 Wellingtons, 13 Stirlings and 2 Lancasters mining; 19 on Dams in rivers Mohne, Eder and Sorpe, Lancasters; Mosquitoes: 3 on Berlin, 2 on Cologne, 2 on Dusseldorf, 2 on Munster and 4 Wellingtons propaganda leaflets in France. Results: 19 attacked primary, 1 attacked AT; 3 made no attack, 51 leid mines, 2 unsuccesful, 4 dropped leaflets. Nine casualties of which 3 attacked primary. Dams raid. 8 Lancasters MIA, of which 3 attacked primary. MOsquitoes. 2 attacked Berlin, 1 Kiel; 2 Cologne, Dusseldorf and Munster. Mining. 21 Wellingtons, 13 Stirlings and 2 lancasters Frisians. Resp 20, 13 and 2 succesful. Note: more details available. 1 Lancaster crashed on Gilze-Rijen A/F, severy damage due explosion of the bomb. 1 Lancaster lost mine in Waddensea which exploded too. 17 8th AF. At about 1050 6 B-26s despatched to attack the Power Station at Velsen and 5 B-26s to attack the Power Station at Haarlem. 1 a/c returned early and the remaining 10 B-26s are MIA. Note: details available. 17 FC. In addition to photo recce Mustangs of Army Co-op sighted an enemy convoy off Den Helder which was subsequently attacked by a/c of Coastal Command. Attack on shipping off Vlieland. At 1545 5 squadrons of Spitfires despatched to escort 27 Beaufighters of CC. No enemy a/c encountered and operation was carried out according to plan. 17 CC. 1511. 12 Beaufighters with torpedoes, 9 Beaufighters with bombs and 6 Beaufighters with cannon and MGs, escorted by 5 squadrons Spitfires of FC despatched to attack a convoy of 11 vessels up to 5000 tons previously seen on a northerly course at 1200 off Den Helder by Mustangs of Army Co-op. May 1943 page 5. 17 CC.cont.: At 1630 the convoy was located off Vlieland and hits with torpedoes scored on both the leading vessels, one of which was seen later heading for shore with a list and burning fiercely. A hit with bombs or torpedo was also seen on a vessel in the rear of the convoy and 3 of the escort vessels were hit and set on fire with cannon and MG fire.Note: SS Kyphissia and two escorts, the M414 and VP1110 were sunk. 17/18 CC. 8 Hampdens with torpedoes despatched to attack the same convoy. Between 0050/0115 3 of the a/c located and attacked the convoy off Ameland. In each case torpedoes were seen to run but results U0. At 0138 a 4th a/c unable to attack due to being hit by flak, sighted 2 medium sized MVs in the same area with decks awash and smoking heavily. Several lifeboats also in the vicinity. Of the remaining a/c 2 sighted no shipping and 2 are MIA.(2/415 Sqn.) Note: VP1106 was sunk. 17/18 FC. Intruder ops. 14 Whirlwinds Belgium. 40 army lorries in the Ghent area were attacked with 2 X 250. Four lorries destroyed and many damaged. 1 WhirlwindMIA. (1/137 Sqn.) 18 FC. Between 1555/1745 9 squadrons of P-47s flew offensive sweeps in the Noordwal/FLushing, Walcheren/Nieuport and Bruges/Graveline areas.. 18 CC. PRU. 1015 Rotterdam. The Waalhaven and eastern half of the port only photographed. Naval units present comprise 6 MSws, 5 E/R boats, 5 TLCs and 2 Sperrbrechers. 19 FC. Escort to B-17s on sweep to Amsterdam. Between 1100/1130 9 squadrons of P-47s escorted 24 B-17s. Leaving the bombers off IJmuiden the P-47s swept the IJmuiden/The Hague area. Patrols flown without incident, all a/c returned. 19 8th AF. As a diversion to operations over Germany at 1146 24 B-17s despatched with F escort on a sweep towards Amsterdam. 3 a/c returned early and the remaining completed the task without incident. 19/20 FC. Intruder ops. 8 Mosquitoes, 11 Whirlwinds, 6 Typhoons, 3 Bostons and 2 Beaufighters and 2 Mustangs, Fr/Low Countries and NW Germ. In Holland no attacks. 20 FC. At 1200 9 squadrons of P-47s a sweep in the Amsterdam/Rotterdam area. One of the squadrons saw a small number of enemy fighters and 1 P-47 attacked by Me-109s is MIA. 21 FC. Diversionary sweep. At 1350 9 squadrons of P-47s, 3 squadrons each to Flushing area, Ostend/Ghent and St.Omer/Gravelines. 6 Squadrons Holland/France uneventful. Three squadrons encountered a number of FW-190s 10 miles oost of Bruges and in resulting combats 1 FW-190 was damaged and 3 P-47s MIA. 21 8th AF. Germany but bombs feil in Holland on "carton factory" at Nieuwe Schans. 21/22 BC. 64 Wellingtons. 24 Stirlings and 3 Lancasters mining Frisians. Resp 52, 22 and 3 succesful. 3 Wellingtons MIA. (1 each of 428/431 and 466 Sqns.) 22/23 FC. 4 Typhoons uneventful anti ship patrol between Dunkirk and Flushing. 23 FC. At 0500 1 Typhoon B and 3 Typhoon Fs despatched to the Flushing area. 2 X 250 dropped on one of 3 small coasters which is claimed as damaged. Note: Germans reported MG attack on ships of the Rheinflottille. 2 of crew wounded. In conjunction with a Ventura attack on Zeebrugge, 2 squadrons of Spitfires a sweep to Walcheren. Uneventful. irhQ 3 24 FC Lt 8n~t~tolumaidte~e May 1943 page 6.

23/24 FC. 19 Mosquitoes andl Boston offensive patrols Fr/Hol/NWG. 1 Mosquito reported to have damaged an enemy a/c over Germany and another of shooting up a train near IJmuiden. Note: Germans reported that between Groningen and Nieuwe Schans a train with sol-diers going on leave was attacked. 2 killed and several wounded. 23/24 BC. ATs. 1 Stirling attacked the Zuiderland A/F on Texel starting a large fire. 23/24 CC. 0301. One Hampden on anti ship patrol attacked a MV of 4/5000 tons off Terschelling releasing 1 torpedo from 100 feet. Results UO due to evasive action. 24 FC. At 1120 5 squadrons of Spitfires made rendezvous over Coltishall with 29 Beaufighters of CC to provide escort and cover for an attack on an enemy convoy off Den Helder. No enemy a/c encountered but in the course of the attack by the Beaufighters on the target 1 Spitfire damaged. 24 CC. 11 torpedo Beaufighters, 9 Beaufighters with bombds and 9 with cannon and MGs despatched wit escort of 5 squadrons Spitfires to attack a convoy of 6 MVs up to 8000 tons and 14 escort Vs off IJmuiden. The convoy was previously seen of f Vlieland on a southerly course at 0704 by a Beaufighter on recce off the Dutch coast. 10 of the torpedo Beaufighters attacked the leading MV of 5000 tons, believed to be the "Stade Emden" from heights varying 1/200 feet, but results UD. Remaining torpedo Beaufighter damaged by flak and torpedo did not release. Five of the bomb Beaufighters made attacks on the convoy dropping 10 X 250 and scoring 2 near misses, one on a minesweeper and one on a flakship. 8 Beaufighters attacked convoy with cannon and MGs, scoring many hits. 1 a/c returned early 1 Beaufighter MIA. (1/236 Sqn.) 24 FC. Army Co-op. Activity was confined to recce patrols on one of which photographs were taken by Mustangs of the enemy convoy off the Dutch coast after the attack by a/c of Coastal Command. 24 Raid assessment. Rotterdam. Ground scources report that in the USAAF attack on 4 March the northern of the two parallel steelbridges carrying the railway over the river Schie between Vlaardingen and Schiedam received a direct hit and collapses. Restricted traffic was only possible on the southern bridge which itself suffered from damage. 25/26 FC. Intruder ops. 16 Mosquitoes on A/Fs in Holland and Belgium. 1 Mosquito on Gilze-Rijen MIA.(Sgt. Smith 605 Sqn.) 25/26 BC. ATs. 2 a/c attacked Haamstede A/F. with 5,4 tons HE and 1,9 tons of incendiaries. 1 bomb of 4000 lb. Note: Germans reported bombs on the A/F dummy at Ouddorp. 26 FC. Between 1420/1436 9 squadrons of P-47s sweeps in the Dunkirk/Blankenberghe and Haamstede area. Some enemy a/c but no combats. 27 FC. Between 1150/1250 8 Spitfires despatched to attack railways in France and Holland. All abandoned due weather. At 1654 4 Spitfires, despatched on anti ship patrol off the Dutch coast attacked and damaged a trawler near IJmuiden. 1 Spitfire damaged by flak. 27/28 FC. Intruder ops. 16 Mosquitoes A/Fs NWG and Holland. 1 Mosquito on Vechta MIA, others abandoned due to weather conditions. 27/28 BC. 18 Stirlings and 5 Wellingtons mining Frisians. Resp 15 and 3 succesful. 1 Stirling MIA. (1/218 Sqn. Sgt Mills.) Main target Essen and although no ATs mentioned in Holland, bombs fell in Enschede. May 1943 page 7.

28 FC. Support (for Ventura attack on Zeebrugge) sweep Walcheren/St.Omer by 6 squadrons of Spitfires and 9 sgns of P-47s. 28 CC. PRU. 1520 Rotterdam. Naval units comprise 16 MSws, 7 E/R boats, depot liner St.Denis and 2 Sperrbrechers still in floating dock. Six MVs of over 200 feet are present in part of the Waalhaven photographs. 28/29 BC. 11 Stirlings and 1 Lancaster mining Frisians. Resp 10 and 1 succesful. 29 FC. At dawn 9 Spitfires on a ship recce saw 5 armed trawlers and one R boat S of Den Helder. The R boat was attacked and left in flames. Note: Germans reported ship darnaged and 4 crew wounded. 29/30 FC. Intruder ops. Mosquitoes and Bostons over Holland. Uneventful. Note: on this night a Dutch pilot in 157 Sqn. Vas Nunes flew to Deelen. 29/30 BC. 1 Stirling claimed an enemy fighter destroyed NW of Maastricht. ATs. Single a/c bombed and A/F north of Turnhout, 30 FC. Anti-ship patrol. At 0456 2 Typhoon Bs escorted by 4 Typhoon Fs despatched to the Flushing area, (Dwing technical trouble the bombers abandoned but the escort Typhoons attacked with cannon fire an 800 ton vessel which was left ablaze. Note: German reported light damage to a HS boet and 2 of crew severely wounded. 31 BC. Flushing shipbuilding yards and engineering works. 12 Mitchells despatched to attack made rendezvous with the F escort at 1700. 11 a/c attacked in good visibility dropping 20 tons HE form 10000 feet. Only one crew observed any bomb bursts and these appee- red to overshoot slightly. Moderate accurate heavy flak was encountered over the t target and out to the coast on return. 1 a/c crashed into the sea some 15 miles off the Naze on return. 3 crewmembers rescued. (Venturas Zeebrugge same time.) 31 FC. At 1700 9 squadrons of Spitfires escort and cover to 12 Mitchells. A few enemy a/c se and one FW-190 damaged for the loss of 1 Spitfire.(Pilot rescued). Army Co-op. Activity confined to shipping and photographic recce. 31 CC. ASR. 1800. 3 of the crew of a Mitchell picked up by launch of Felixstowe. 1930 1 a/c co-operated with a launch in the rescue of a Spitfire pilot off North Foreland. Raid assessment (4th June) Flushing. Photographs taken during the attack on 31 May show at least 1 bomb bursting on 2 vessels berthed in the Marine dock, and 3 direct hits on the engine shop on the north side of the dock. Four bombs have fallen across the oil storage tanks on the east side of the Verbreed canal and 10 amongst shipping berthed alongside the quays. Another 4 bursts are seen across the Asphalt plant in the town and 4 more on the SW dispersal area of Vlissingen Airfield. Note. Germans reported: 1728-1745 attack of 12 Ventura(!) bombers with escort of 25 enemy fighters on the harbour of Vlissingen dropping HE and incendiary bombs. Sickbay of Vlissinge airfield fully destroyed, a doctor killed. Two ships hit and sunk. 11 Dutchmen killed, 4 missing and 6 wounded. Two VP boats had to be beached.