No.137 SQUADRON

DO RIGHT, FEAR NAUGHT

strength, 6 Officers & 9 Sergeants, with a total of 18 28th OCTOBER 1941 aircraft. The remaining 7 Pilots were undergoing Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF arrived for flying intensive training & the aircraft lacking in some duties from No.56 OTU. This new Squadron was ordered to be formed at RAF essentials of Operational equipment were being put Sgt Brennan was carrying out practice single-engine Colerne on 20th September 1941 under Fighter through the preliminary gun testing on the ranges at landings when one of his engines cut. He landed at Command Signal Q109 of 12th September 1941 to be Sand Bay. Training Operations were carried out & 2 Colerne with the undercarriage retracted & the equipped with Whirlwind Mk. I aircraft. S/L John pilots carried out Air-to-Sea firing. aircraft was damaged. Sample DFC was posted to command on the date of S/L Sample with Sgt Peskett took off from Base to do formation. The site of formation was subsequently 24th a formation practice, with practice attacks to be changed from Colerne to the satellite aerodrome of 1st Operational Sorties carried out by Sgt Luing who took off 10 minutes Charmy Down, as the Squadron was to replace S/L Sample & F/O Clark flew to the Forward Base at later. All 3 aircraft carried out turns at about 1,000 No.125 Sqn, & in short time the personnel began to Predannack & landed there without incident, feet for some minutes & Sgt Luing broke away on the arrive. followed by Sgt Häggberg as reserve. Refueling & Squadron Leaders orders to carry out the 1st attack. crystal changing. The objective was railway sidings On approaching for the 2nd attack, Sgt Luing saw the F/L Joseph Grantley Hughes & Sgt Douglas St. John at Landernau near Brest, where it had been Squadron Leaders aircraft going down out of Jowitt arrived from No.263 (Whirlwind) Sqn for previously reported trains of fuel containers had control, with part of the tailplane coming off. The flying duties on 22nd September 1941. Orders were been seen. They crossed the French Coast at 500-600 machine was in a spin, & when close to the ground, sent out by Fighter Command to various feet. Both attacked, but the fuel containers had Sgt Luing saw S/L Sample leave his machine & his Maintenance Units for the delivery of 18 aircraft evidently been moved. No opposition from the parachute open, but his canopy did not open, & the Operationally equipped, & this number was held on ground or air was experienced, but 2 Bf.109s were he landed on the roof of some farm buildings near charge in the Squadron as at 30th September 1941. seen near Brest. S/L Sample attacked some coal English Coombe. The aircraft landed on the same trucks from which smoke was seen, whilst F/O Clark buildings & burst into flames. S/L John Sample was The strength of the Squadron as at 30th September attacked a large Loco & Trucks. He left it enveloped killed. Sgt Peskett reported that his aircraft was 1941 was 3 Officers; 1 Sgt Pilot; 12 Senior NCOs & in steam. The 2 aircraft returned safely to Forward bumped but remained under control & he returned 165 Other Ranks. Base, & in company with Sgt Häggberg left there & immediately to Base & landed. His aircraft was found returned safely to Base. to be damaged but repairable on the unit. He did not Owing to the lack of facilities & equipment, the see anything of the Squadron Leaders crash. After maintenance & inspection of the aircraft was carried To Forward Base - Predannack. seeing the crash, Sgt Luing returned to Base & out from RAF Filton, & this necessitated the transfer P7053 S/L John Sample DFC reported the accident. of part of the Maintenance Flight to that station, the P7050 F/O Colin Anthony Gordon Clark rest remaining at Charmy Down. Flying up to the end P7094 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg 30th of the month consisted of transport flights to & from Sgt Maurice John Peskett posted. Filton & some training flying by S/L Sample DFC, Mandolin who had not previously flown Whirlwind aircraft. Railway Sidings at Landernau, Brest. Mandolin P7053 S/L John Sample DFC Landernau Rail Yards near Brest. Left Base for 1st-19th P7050 F/O Colin Anthony Gordon Clark Predannack, which was reached 1 hour later. F/O RAF Charmy Down Clark & Sgt Jowitt crossed The Channel at 1,000 feet This record covers 1st-19th October, as 1 Flight was From Forward Base to Base. & the French Coast at Pontusval. The target was made Operational on 20th, & the record carries on P7053 S/L John Sample DFC found, & trains of Goods Wagons were seen in the from that date. Training carried out continuously P7050 F/O Colin Anthony Gordon Clark Yards. Attacks were made from 300 feet & hits were throughout the 19 days, the weather in general P7094 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg observed with resultant black smoke, but no definite being good for the time of year. The operation of results. On the return journey, Sgt Jowitt overtook flying aircraft to Sand Bay for Air Firing Tests 25th F/O Clark who was seen to be flying on 1 engine. He continued & all serviceable aircraft were so tested. A Air Firing Tests in Sand Bay. called him up on the R/T but was unable to total of 171 flying hours was reached & pilot understand the reply, so climbed to 1,500 feet & strength increased from 3 as of 30th September, to 15 26th weaved around F/O Clark. As his petrol was then on 19th October, consisting of 6 Officers & 9 Mandolin running short, he made for Forward Base & lost sight Sergeants. These new postings were transfers from Low-level attack on Goods Yards at Landiviseau. F/L of the other aircraft, but when just short of the No.263 Sqn, & subsequently enabled the Squadron to Hughes & Sgt Robertson with Sgt Peskett as reserve, English Coast he heard F/O Clark say that he would show a Flight of Operationally trained pilots. left Base for Predannack. The first 2 named pilots have to bale out. Sgt Jowitt landed safely at Personnel strength was well up to establishment & it carried out a low-level attack on the Landiviseau Predannack, but F/O Colin Anthony Gordon Clark could be said that good progress had been made by Goods Yards in north-west France. Landfall was did not report. He was picked up about 26 miles the Squadron in the month since its formation. made 4 miles west of Ile de Batz, & an attack was south of Lizard Point by a destroyer but died on made on a Train of covered trucks at 150 feet, & a 2nd board. There is no news as to the cause of his death 1st attack from 400 feet. Hits were observed & smoke at present. His body was taken to Plymouth by the P/O Alexander Torrance & F/S Joseph Laurier seen. A wireless mast 5 miles north of Landiviseau destroyer & deposited in the R.N. Hospital at DeHoux RCAF arrived for flying duties from No.56 was attacked & damaged. Landfall was made at Stonehouse. Reconnaissance attempts by Sgt OTU. Lizard Point. No air or ground opposition & no Robinson, the reserve pilot, were made from shipping observed. R/T was good, & contact was Predannack, & a Lysander dropped a dinghy close to 8th made 60 miles from Base at 200 feet. F/L Hughes F/O Clark, but he was not seen to make any attempt P/O John Clifford Lawton, P/O George William burst his tail wheel on landing at Forward Base, & to get into it. As no opposition was encountered Martin, Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg, Sgt John Sgt Peskett remained to fly the damaged machine either from the ground or air, F/O Clark could not Frederick Luing, Sgt Jack Maddocks, Sgt Hugh Leo back after repair. have been wounded, & it is supposed that he was O’Neill, Sgt Maurice John Peskett, Sgt Basil Lionel P7096 F/L Joseph Grantley Hughes injured when his aircraft hit the water & sank. Robertson, Sgt John Anthony William Sandy arrived P7107 Sgt Basil Lionel Robertson P7050 Sgt Douglas St. John Jowitt for flying duties from No.263 Sqn. P7050 Sgt Maurice John Peskett P7091 F/O Colin Anthony Gordon Clark P7107 Sgt Basil Lionel Robertson 20th 27th It has been decided that the Squadron should make Cross-country, aerobatics & air combat practice. 31st every effort to have 1 Flight Operational by this date Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF & Sgt John Robert Air Firing at Sand Bay. & this was accomplished with a total of 8 Brennan RCAF arrived for flying duties from No.263 Operational Pilots & 12 aircraft, this Record for the Sqn. Squadron commences. There were 15 Pilots on

13th 23rd NOVEMBER 1941 Patrol 1 aircraft to Swanton Morley for inspection & P7037 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson identification purposes by the Observer Corps. RAF Charmy Down P7096 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 1st Scramble After being Semi-Operational from 20th October, the 15th P7050 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Squadron was made Non-Operational under orders Sgt Douglas St. John Jowitt to P/O. P7036 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF from No.10 Group HQ. This was partly because it had P/O Martin & Sgt Brennan, after being marooned at lost S/L John Sample DFC on 28th October & F/O Charmy Down since 11th were able to return. 24th Colin Clark, on 30th. It was also due in part to the An Oxford arrived for twin-engine training. Sweep shortage of Operational pilots & aircraft. E-Boats in the North Sea. Sgt Basil Lionel Robertson to F/S. Convoy Patrol P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7050 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7105 P/O George William Martin 2nd P7037 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7007 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC arrived for flying P7050 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg duties from No.263 Sqn. P7035 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7105 P/O John Michael Bryan P7105 P/O John Clifford Lawton 7th P7106 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC arrived for flying P7107 Sgt John Frederick Luing duties as Flight Commander from No.600 Sqn. P7106 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy 25th F/S Antony Victor Albertini arrived for flyng duties P7105 P/O John Michael Bryan Sweep from No.263 Sqn. On paper only as he was in hospital P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC with gunshot wounds to his eye. P7035 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7092 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7097 Sgt Jack Maddocks 10 new Pilots arrived from No.56 OTU, 4 Officers & 6 P7035 Sgt John Frederick Luing Sergeants, but as none had any previous experience P7106 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7107 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill on twin-engine aircraft, they were more or less kept grounded, pending the arrival of a dual training Sector Patrol Patrol twin-engine aircraft, which was a necessity. 2 of P7107 Sgt John Frederick Luing P7037 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt these new Officer Pilots were transferred to No.263 P7106 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Sqn to replace 2 Sgt Pilots whom 263 had previously transferred to this Squadron. Orders were received 17th P7035 P/O George William Martin from Fighter Command HQ that the Squadron was to Convoy Patrol P7050 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF move to RAF Coltishall on 8th, & an advance party of P7050 P/O George William Martin 1 Officer & 18 NCOs & men left Charmy Down the P7036 P/O John Michael Bryan P7037 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt previous day. The main Squadron party travelled by P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF rail, arriving at Coltishall at 1800 on 8th November P7105 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson 1941, leaving behind 1 NCO & 19 Other Ranks as a P7035 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Convoy Patrol rear party. The Filton Maintenance Section joined up P7105 Sgt John Frederick Luing with the main party at Bath Station. An air transport Air Sea Rescue Search P7107 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill party of 1 NCO & 18 Other Ranks arrived on 8th Escort to ASR Lysander. Search for a Defiant. November 1941 by 2 Harrow aircraft & 13 P7092 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 26th Whirlwinds came up in 2 formations that same P7106 P/O John Clifford Lawton Patrol afternoon. On arrival at Coltishall, the Squadron was P7107 P/O John Michael Bryan again made Semi-Operational, & 12 out of a total Scramble P7092 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg strength of 27 (less F/S Albertini, left behind in Bath P7106 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC Military Hospital, with a gunshot wound in his eye) P7092 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7105 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson were made Operational. Maintenance conditions at P7062 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Coltishall are excellent, & with the arrival of spares, 18th the Squadron found itself in a satisfactory position, Convoy Patrol 27th & assumed its Operational responsibilities at 1300 P7105 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson Yarmouth Line Patrol on 9th November 1941. P7035 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7037 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7062 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF RAF Coltishall 21st 9th Convoy Patrol P7106 P/O George William Martin The morning was spent getting equipment up from P7037 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7092 Sgt Jack Maddocks the station after the move from Charmy Down, & at P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson 1300 the Squadron again became Semi-Operational P7105 Sgt John Frederick Luing P7105 F/L Joseph Grantley Hughes with 1 full Flight. 12 Pilots were Operationally P7096 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7050 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg available, & 1 section was at Readiness, & 1 at 15- minutes. P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7107 P/O John Michael Bryan P7036 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7037 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt 10th Base Patrol P7096 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7106 P/O George William Martin Patrolled Base in company with a Spitfire. P7105 Sgt John Frederick Luing P7035 Sgt Jack Maddocks P6977 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson 30th 11th P7050 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Sweep Sweep P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton Over Yarmouth. Over the Wash. P7036 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7050 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7092 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7094 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg 22nd P7062 P/O John Michael Bryan Dual instruction on the Oxford. Patrol P7062 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7050 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg

P7037 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF DECEMBER 1941 10th P7105 F/S John Frederick Luing 1st Yarmouth Line Patrol P7036 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Move to RAF Matlaske. The Maintenance Section P7055 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC with the Engineer Officer remained at Coltishall. The P7096 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Convoy Patrol Air Party came over from Coltishall individually, a P7062 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg total of 14 aircraft being based at Matlaske, the P7107 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7106 Sgt Jack Maddocks remainder being left with Maintenance. P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7035 F/S John Frederick Luing F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM & P/O Robert P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF arrived for flying P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing duties from No.59 OTU. P7062 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy 17th F/S Antony Victor Albertini posted Non-Effective. Yarmouth Line Patrol P7055 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7035 P/O George William Martin Yarmouth Line Patrol P7096 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7055 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7035 P/O John Michael Bryan P7062 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Scramble P7103 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Sgt Maddocks saw a Ju.88 but lost it in cloud. P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7107 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7106 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7107 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7035 P/O George William Martin P7055 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 12th P7105 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol Scramble P7062 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7105 F/S John Frederick Luing P7035 P/O John Michael Bryan P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7062 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 18th P7096 P/O George William Martin P7037 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg F/L Joseph Grantley Hughes posted to CFS. P7105 Sgt Jack Maddocks Several aircraft to Coltishall for Maintenance. P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing 6th P7062 P/O John Clifford Lawton Scramble Yarmouth Line Patrol P7037 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7107 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7096 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7055 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7096 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7037 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing P7092 F/S John Frederick Luing P7055 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF

P7037 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Scramble P7096 P/O George William Martin P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7048 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7055 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7050 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7037 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7096 P/O John Clifford Lawton 14th P7055 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Group Captain’s Sweep Returned with engine trouble. P7107 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing P7107 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7096 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7103 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF

P7107 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Yarmouth Line Patrol P7096 P/O George William Martin P7092 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7050 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7048 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7062 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7037 P/O John Clifford Lawton 21st P7055 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7055 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF, Sgt Joel Hilton P7106 P/O John Clifford Lawton Ashton RCAF & Sgt Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF 7th arrived for flying duties from No.57 OTU. Yarmouth Line Patrol P7107 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7062 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7096 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol P7037 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7103 P/O George William Martin P7106 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7035 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7096 F/S John Frederick Luing P7062 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7092 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Scramble Scramble P7050 F/S John Frederick Luing P7050 P/O George William Martin P7055 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7037 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7107 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7050 F/S John Frederick Luing P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson 8th 16th P7096 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Group Captain’s Sweep F/L Guy Marsland arrived for flying duties from P7062 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC No.263 Sqn. 22nd P7037 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Yarmouth Line Patrol Yarmouth Line Patrol Bad weather forced them to land at Ludham Yarmouth Line Patrol P7050 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC satellite. P7107 P/O George William Martin P7055 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7064 P/O George William Martin P7092 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7048 P/O Alexander Torrance P7050 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7050 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7105 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF 23rd P7096 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF The aircraft which landed at Ludham returned. P7035 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7062 F/S John Frederick Luing P7037 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Scramble P7055 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7109 F/L Guy Marsland P7062 F/S John Frederick Luing P7102 P/O George William Martin P7107 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7106 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7092 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Sgt O’Neill, on coming into land, had his starboard P7103 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg engine cut out. He tried to head into wind to make 9th P7105 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill the aerodrome, to avoid coming in down-wind, Armed Shipping Recce which would have landed him among dispersed Off Yarmouth. P7037 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC aircraft. He received slight injury to his head & was P7096 F/L Joseph Grantley Hughes P7055 P/O Alexander Torrance taken to Sick Quarters. P7092 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7094 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7107 P/O George William Martin P7062 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7062 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF 24th 26th Scramble Air Sea Rescue Search 28th P7103 F/L Guy Marsland Escort to ASR Lysander & 2 Tugs searching for a Search P7096 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg damaged Steamer. Airacobra that was having navigational problems. P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7092 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF 25th P7096 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search P7092 P/O George William Martin 29th Escort to ASR Lysander. P/O Jowitt’s starboard P7037 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Captain Eaton-Smith lectured on Searchlight engine failed & he force landing at Horsham St. location (“Elsie”). Faith. Escort to 2 Tugs towing the damaged Steamer back P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC to Port. Scramble P7106 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson Patrolled Yarmouth at 20,000 feet. P7096 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson XXXXX F/L Guy Marsland P7105 Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg XXXXX P/O Alexander Torrance P7092 P/O George William Martin P7050 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7035 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF

30th Sgt Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg to P/O.

Weather Test P7048 F/L Guy Marsland JANUARY 1942 P7055 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7012 P/O George William Martin

RAF Matlaske Scramble P7090 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF 1st P7096 F/S John Frederick Luing P7055 F/S Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Sgt Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF & Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron arrived for flying duties from No.59 14th P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC OTU. F/S Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF to P/O. P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC

2nd Convoy Patrol Scramble Scramble P7050 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7103 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7037 Sgt Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7035 P/O George William Martin P7106 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7036 P/O John Michael Bryan 3rd P7107 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7096 P/O John Clifford Lawton Sweep 80 miles out to sea. P7048 P/O George William Martin 22nd P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7036 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Patrol P7055 P/O George William Martin P7107 F/S John Frederick Luing P7037 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7096 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble P7050 P/O John Clifford Lawton Ju.88 sighted 30 miles east of Cromer at 7,000 feet. P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan They closed to 3 miles, but it disappeared into cloud. P7037 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7106 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7050 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7092 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7093 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC 15th P7048 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7050 Sgt Douglas St. John Jowitt F/S Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF to P/O. P7103 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg 23rd Yarmouth Line Patrol P/O Geoffrey Wallis arrived as Engineering Officer. 5th P7037 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Scramble P7107 P/O John Michael Bryan 24th P7103 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Aerodrome flooded, no flying. P7050 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Scramble P7050 P/O George William Martin 25th P7062 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7106 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Scramble P7092 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7012 F/S John Frederick Luing P7036 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7055 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7012 F/L Guy Marsland P7107 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7104 P/O John Michael Bryan Affiliation P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan With Wellington from Newmarket. P7090 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7055 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 16th P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7064 P/O George William Martin Scramble P7036 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7048 F/L Guy Marsland 26th P7090 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Dusk Patrol 6th P7096 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC Scramble 17th P7103 F/S John Frederick Luing P7050 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Patrol P7092 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7048 F/L Guy Marsland 27th P7037 P/O Alexander Torrance Convoy Patrol 7th P7106 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson Yarmouth Line Patrol P7090 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan Sgt Maddocks overshot, crashed & was badly injured. P7103 P/O John Michael Bryan Convoy Patrol P7106 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7062 Sgt Jack Maddocks P7012 P/O George William Martin P7064 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Scramble 10th P7012 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy Yarmouth Line Patrol P7090 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7096 F/S John Frederick Luing P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7090 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7037 P/O Alexander Torrance 28th 11th P7106 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Convoy Patrol Very cold with snow threatening. As P/O LaGette P7090 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt become airborne, his aircraft dropped a wing, struck 19th P7012 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy the ground & was wrecked. He was uninjured. Dawn Patrol P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan 29th 12th P7096 F/S John Frederick Luing Yarmouth Line Patrol Scramble P7048 F/S John Frederick Luing P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC Scramble P7109 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7096 P/O John Michael Bryan P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7050 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Scramble P7035 P/O George William Martin P7103 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7037 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF 21st P7037 P/O Alexander Torrance P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant (Indian) arrived for P7106 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg flying duties from No.61 OTU. P7050 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7090 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Sweep P7048 F/S John Frederick Luing Convoy Patrol P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7055 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7012 P/O George William Martin P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC 30th Convoy Patrol 3 inches of snow fell before dawn, no flying. 13th P7107 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF arrived for P7050 P/O Alexander Torrance 31st flying duties from No.61 OTU. P7090 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF Scramble P7055 F/S Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7093 P/O John Michael Bryan P7037 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson

P7109 P/O Alexander Torrance P7090 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF FEBRUARY 1942 P7035 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggber P7050 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy RAF Matlaske P7037 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7037 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 1st Yarmouth Line Patrol P7106 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF 10th P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7093 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett arrived for flying duties P7036 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF from No.59 OTU. P7107 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson P7064 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7050 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC Yarmouth Line Patrol P7109 Sgt Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7035 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 P/O George William Martin P7055 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7037 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7050 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7103 F/S John Frederick Luing P7012 P/O George William Martin P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 6th P7050 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7093 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Convoy Patrol P7090 P/O George William Martin P7055 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7037 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7109 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7036 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt 11th Dornier Do.217 seen 10 miles east of Winterton. P/O P7012 P/O Alexander Torrance F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC posted to No.263 Martin fired a burst, but no damage observed. P7093 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Sqn, Colerne. P7103 P/O George William Martin P7106 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7012 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 P/O John Clifford Lawton Yarmouth Line Patrol P7055 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Convoy Patrol P7107 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7049 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7107 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7093 P/O Alexander Torrance Scramble P7012 P/O George William Martin P7055 F/S John Frederick Luing P7096 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Scramble P7107 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7035 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7109 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7103 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7037 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7035 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7037 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7107 W/O Basil Lionel Robertson P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7093 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy 2nd P7012 P/O Alexander Torrance Scramble P7103 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7090 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7050 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7036 P/O Alexander Torrance P7106 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7012 P/O George William Martin P7093 P/O George William Martin P7093 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggber P7037 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7037 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7107 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7106 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7055 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7109 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7090 F/S Basil Lionel Robertson 12th P7106 F/S John Frederick Luing 7th P/O Haggberg, P/O DeHoux, W/O Robertson & F/S P7107 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Patrol Mercer took off to Patrol a Convoy of 5 Destroyers. Over Lowestoft. They set out on a vector of 160° from Base, & after P7050 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7035 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC flying for 35-minutes & not sighting the ships, turned P7102 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7050 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy back. They then saw a Convoy of 2 big Battleships, which turned out to be the Scharnhorst & Gneisenau, P7048 F/L Guy Marsland P7093 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC with 5-6 Destroyers & flak ships, about 20-miles off P7109 Sgt John Edward McClure RCAF P7109 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF the Belgian Coast. Believing them to be friendly, they dived down to investigate & were attacked by 20 P7093 P/O George William Martin P7107 W/O Basil Lionel Robertson Me.109s. F/S Mercer’s guns stuck when he fired at a P7037 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7049 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 109 in his sights, & in the dogfight which ensued, P/O DeHoux fired all his ammunition without result. P/O P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7012 P/O George William Martin Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg & W/O Basil Lionel P7036 P/O Alexander Torrance P7055 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF Robertson did not return & F/S Mercer had several bullet holes in his machine. P/O George William P7106 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7093 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Martin & Sgt John Anthony William Sandy set off on P7107 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7090 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy the same Patrol, but nothing further heard of them. P/O Bryan & Sgt Ashton took off & found our Convoy, P7012 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt 8th & after Patrolling it for ½-hour without incident, P7050 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg Patrol landed at Wattisham. Over Winterton. 3rd P7037 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC Convoy Patrol Weather clamp - sleet & snow. The pilots helped P7050 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy F/S Mercer landed at Ipswich. clear a runway. P7107 W/O Basil Lionel Robertson P7093 W/O Basil Lionel Robertson P7055 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 4th P7035 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Convoy Patrol P7093 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7103 F/L Robert Sinkler Woodward DFC P7109 P/O Ralph Otto Gustaf Häggberg P7012 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7093 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7055 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P/O LaGette returned with engine trouble. P7050 F/S John Frederick Luing P7093 W/O Basil Lionel Robertson P7106 P/O George William Martin P7107 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7053 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7050 Sgt John Anthony William Sandy P7049 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF 5th P7012 P/O George William Martin Scramble P7090 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 P/O John Michael Bryan Saw a Do.217 bombing a Convoy. He fired all his P7090 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF ammunition but saw no damage. Visibility not good. Scramble P7048 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF XXXXX F/S Robertson Sgt Rebbetoy crash-landed 2 miles east of Coltishall when his port engine failed. 13th P7012 P/O George William Martin P7097 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Dawn Patrol P7090 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7049 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7103 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7012 P/O George William Martin P7064 P/O John Michael Bryan P7064 ??? 21st Scramble Yarmouth Line Patrol P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7058 P/O Alexander Torrance P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7037 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P7058 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF

P7103 P/O Alexander Torrance P7082 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF 22nd P7035 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7021 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Armed Shipping Recce Wreck reported off Yarmouth. Found & location 14th 18th reported. Scramble F/L Guy Marsland posted Overseas. P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan P/O DeHoux RCAF & F/S Mercer to the Admiralty. P7103 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF 23rd Yarmouth Line Patrol Yarmouth Line Patrol Dusk Patrol P7021 P/O John Michael Bryan P7049 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt S/L Coghlan landed at Horsham St. Faith, P/O P7049 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P6983 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Torrance at Coltishall, P/O Jowitt at Oulton & F/S McClure at Base. Scramble P7048 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7048 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7049 P/O Alexander Torrance P7082 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt 24th P7064 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7064 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF to F/S. P7109 Sgt Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 15th 25th Dawn Patrol P7021 P/O John Michael Bryan Yarmouth Line Patrol P7103 P/O John Michael Bryan P7049 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7109 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF P6983 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF 19th Scramble Yarmouth Line Patrol Convoy Patrol P7064 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Off Yarmouth. P7054 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7046 Sgt Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7103 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7037 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7049 P/O John Michael Bryan P6972 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7058 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 26th No flying. P7064 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P6983 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7054 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7064 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF 27th Yarmouth Line Patrol 16th P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron Scramble P7109 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6983 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7035 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7103 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P/O Bryan’s tail wheel collapsed after landing, P7046 Sgt Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF damaging the aircraft, but with no ill effects for him. 17th P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Several pilots to Coltishall to inspect a He.111 & Ju.88 Scramble P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan on the ground & in the air. P7121 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P6982 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF P7036 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Dawn Patrol P7037 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7049 P/O John Michael Bryan P7064 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7058 Sgt James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Scramble P7036 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol P6983 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7037 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7012 P/O Alexander Torrance P7046 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7109 P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF 3 bombs seen dropping on Sherringham, & although P7082 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7121 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron they searched above & below cloud, they did not see P6982 Sgt John Robert Brennan RCAF any enemy aircraft. Scramble P7103 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7058 P/O Alexander Torrance 20th P7109 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7035 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Several aircraft to Coltishall for maintenance. P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7005 P/O John Clifford Lawton P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF MARCH 1942 P7035 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 17th RAF Matlaske 13th ‘A’ Flight to Snailwell for Army Co-Operation 1st Yarmouth Line Patrol Detachment. 6 aircraft with S/L Coghlan leading, Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF arrived for P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett carried out a low-level attack on a Convoy of Army flying duties from No.57 OTU. P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF Transport on the Holt Road, diving down to tree-top F/O John Harvey Curry RCAF arrived for flying duties level. Watched by Senior Officers of the Army & RAF. from No.58 OTU. P7005 F/S John Frederick Luing Sgt Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF to F/S. P7118 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Convoy Patrol The Magister, which had been undergoing P7058 P/O John Michael Bryan P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt modifications at St. Athan, returned. P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7082 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF No.255 Sqn Beaufighter 10 miles off Cromer. Dinghy P7064 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7054 P/O John Michael Bryan not seen but later found with the Observer of the P7119 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF aircraft dead. P7005 F/S John Frederick Luing P7103 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7118 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 18th P7049 F/S John Frederick Luing Convoy Patrol P7037 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF Scramble P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7103 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7109 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Scramble P6982 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P/O Bryan landed at Coltishall with engine trouble. P7012 P/O John Michael Bryan P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7058 P/O John Michael Bryan P7035 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7118 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 14th P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 2nd Convoy Patrol Scramble P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7049 P/O John Michael Bryan Off Yarmouth. P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7109 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7103 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7049 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7119 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7012 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7005 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 3rd 23rd P/O Frederick Michael Furber (Rhodesian) arrived P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Air-to-Air Firing with drogues towed by Spitfires. for flying duties from No.57 OTU. P7012 P/O John Michael Bryan 24th 4th-8th P6981 F/S John Frederick Luing 3 aircraft on Air-to-Air Firing at a drogue towed by Pilots to Duxford by road for an AASC lectures. P7109 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF a Spitfire, but the drogue came adrift, & the exercise was abandoned. 9th 15th P/O Charles Wilbert DeShane RCAF, whilst carrying Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton to F/S. Yarmouth Line Patrol out an Air-to-Ground Camera-Gun routine flight, P/O Jowitt returned early - R/T u/s. P/O Bryan spun in from 3,000 feet on Whitehorse Common near Convoy Patrol reported a ships buoy floating in the sea off Cromer. North Walsham. He was killed instantly. P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P6982 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7064 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Dawn Patrol P7112 P/O John Michael Bryan P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7118 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble Scramble P7119 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7054 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan P7018 ?? P7119 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6983 P/O John Clifford Lawton P6981 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7109 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7035 F/S John Frederick Luing P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7064 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7005 F/S John Frederick Luing P7058 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 25th 3 aircraft carried out a low-level attack on the 10th P7035 P/O John Michael Bryan aerodrome as a demonstration to visiting Army Scramble P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Officers. P7118 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7048 Sgt Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 28th P6983 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF 6 pilots of ‘A’ Flight arrived from the Snailwell 11th detachment & were replaced by 5 from ‘B’ Flight. Scramble P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Bandit over Ludham at 10,000 feet. P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 29th P7118 F/S Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 3 aircraft carried out a low-flying attack at Potter P7046 Sgt Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Escort Heigham for a demonstration to Home Guard Units. Minelayer escorting captured E-Boat. Left Matlaske Bandit over Ludham at 10,000 feet. to escort MTBs. Found them about 60 miles off the Convoy Patrol P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt coast, & about 40 miles further out, sighted the P7119 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF wreckage of an E-Boat which had been sunk in the P7090 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Yarmouth Line Patrol morning, also 10-15 bodies floating on the water. P7012 F/S John Frederick Luing P7064 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7118 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 12th P6982 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF 30th-31st Yarmouth Line Patrol P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Army Co-Operation Exercises flown by ‘A’ Flight from P7058 F/S John Frederick Luing P7049 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF Snailwell, & ‘B’ Flight from Base were cancelled. P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6987 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Scramble P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF ‘A’ Flight Detachment at Snailwell P6981 P/O John Michael Bryan P7005 F/S John Frederick Luing 18th-31st P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Map reading, Tac-R, Ground Attack, Low-Level flying P7035 P/O John Michael Bryan & Sector Recces. Convoy Patrol P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett APRIL 1942 P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7064 P/O John Clifford Lawton P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF RAF Matlaske P7118 F/S John Frederick Luing Scramble 1st P7012 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7064 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF arrived for P7119 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF flying duties from No.57 OTU. 9th ‘Lucifer’ Operation carried out by 6 aircraft of ‘B’ Convoy Patrol 15th Flight & 6 aircraft from the detached Flight at P7109 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Air-to-Air Firing, & 5 Army Officers visited the Snailwell. P7118 P/O John Clifford Lawton Squadron. They were shown over a Whirlwind, & it was explained how the Squadron operated. F/L Convoy Patrol 10th Bartlett borrowed a Miles Master from the Target P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Yarmouth Line Patrol Towing Flight, & took each Officer for a trip, to give P6976 P/O John Michael Bryan P7109 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett them some idea how objects appeared from the air. P6982 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF ‘B’ Flight continued Army Co-Operation flying at P7090 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Snailwell, including troop & tank strafing. Convoy Patrol 2nd P7119 F/S John Frederick Luing Convoy Patrol P/O Furber & 2nd Lt. Freeman to Snailwell for P6976 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF training. P7064 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7118 P/O John Clifford Lawton P6982 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol Scramble P6976 P/O John Michael Bryan 11th P7054 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7118 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Scramble P7112 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Several enemy aircraft approaching the coast. They Scramble turned away without making landfall. P7119 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7064 F/S John Frederick Luing P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7119 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7012 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol 3rd P6982 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7118 P/O John Clifford Lawton Yarmouth Line Patrol P7119 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7012 F/S John Frederick Luing P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6976 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7054 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7119 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Scramble 16th P6982 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Convoy Patrol Air-to-Sea & Air-to-Air Firing & Camera-Gun by ‘A’ P7119 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7012 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Flight. P/O Wright, F/S Ashton & F/S Rebbetoy flew P7076 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF to Coltishall & did some night flying. ‘B’ Flight at 4th Snailwell continued their exercises, including ground Scramble P7064 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF attacks, & 2 x 25,000 feet Battle Climbs. P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7109 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6976 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 17th Dusk Patrol Air-to-Sea Firing, Sector Recce & aerobatics. 5th P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Scramble P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF Scramble P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P6972 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7012 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7119 P/O John Clifford Lawton P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7012 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7064 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF 12th P7119 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7109 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Sweep P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Yarmouth Line Patrol 6th P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 5 pilots returned from Snailwell & 5 from ‘B’ Flight P6982 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF went down in relief. P7012 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF F/O van Schaick on a 3-day course to Rolls-Royce at P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Derby. P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 18th Yarmouth Line Patrol Scramble 3 sections of ‘A’ Flight engaged on an Army Co- P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P6976 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF Operation Exercise. P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 19th Scramble P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF Convoy Patrol P7064 F/S John Frederick Luing P7112 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7119 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7049 P/O John Clifford Lawton Yarmouth Line Patrol P7048 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7118 F/S John Frederick Luing P7118 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P6982 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF

Convoy Patrol 13th P7048 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7119 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol P6972 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6982 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7119 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7012 F/S John Frederick Luing P6976 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P6982 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6976 F/S Dattatraya Anant Samant 7th P6982 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Scramble 20th P7064 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 14th ‘B’ Flight at Snailwell continued their Army Co- P7118 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Convoy Patrol Operation Exercises. P6976 P/O John Clifford Lawton F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie arrived for flying duties P6982 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7118 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant from No.263 Sqn. P7109 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Convoy Patrol P7012 F/S John Frederick Luing P7112 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6982 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6976 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P6976 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7118 F/S John Frederick Luing P7109 P/O John Clifford Lawton P7018 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7112 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7054 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol 25th P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7048 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF Convoy Patrol P7022 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6972 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7063 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7083 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7101 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF 21st P6983 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol Yarmouth Line Patrol P7109 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7012 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7021 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7046 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7072 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7111 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7118 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF 26th P7121 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 6 machines from ‘B’ Flight carried out live firing on 22nd Tanks & M/T at Travellers Hill, Lakenheath. Scramble 5 Army Officers visited & F/L Bartlett took each up P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF in a Master to give them an idea of how targets Convoy Patrol P7119 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF appear from the air. P7121 F/S John Frederick Luing W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM arrived for flying 0600-0740 P7064 F/S John Frederick Luing duties from No.82 Sqn. P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7048 P/O Frederick Michael Furber

23rd P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7119 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF ‘B’ Flight at Snailwell practice ground strafing. P7111 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF

24th P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6972 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P/O Samant, P/O LaGette & F/S Brunet to Coltishall P7063 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF for night flying. P/O John Clifford Lawton posted to No.51 OTU, Yarmouth Line Patrol P7063 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF Ashton Down. P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7111 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7111 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Convoy Patrol P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7063 F/S John Frederick Luing P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7005 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7046 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7049 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF 27th P7103 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7046 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF ‘B’ Flight returned to Matlaske from Snailwell. P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P/O Alexander Torrance to F/O. 29th Yarmouth Line Patrol Patrol 28th P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Over Yarmouth F/O Ogilvie & P/O Furber to Coltishall for night P7055 F/S John Frederick Luing P7103 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF flying. P7049 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Scramble Convoy Patrol P7049 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Scramble P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7122 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7048 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7103 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7138 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF P7049 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 30th P7103 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant F/O John Harvey Curry RCAF posted to No.610 Sqn. P6903 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Yarmouth Line Patrol P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Yarmouth Line Patrol P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P6972 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7076 W/O Robert Leslie Smith P7112 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7048 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron

Dusk Patrol P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett MAY 1942 P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7005 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF RAF Matlaske P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 13th 1st P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Scramble Base Patrol P6942 W/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith In conjunction with an air raid on Norwich. 6th P7109 ? P7121 F/S John Frederick Luing Scramble P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 14th P7119 ? Scramble Scramble P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7046 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7119 P/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7055 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7064 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Convoy Patrol Convoy Patrol Dusk Patrol P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6983 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7121 F/S John Frederick Luing P7105 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7046 P/O John Michael Bryan 15th P7049 P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright RCAF XXXXX P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Coastal Patrol P6983 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7118 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Saw a Ju.88 3 miles away at 400 feet. It immediately P6976 F/O Alexander Torrance made a steep climb for cloud cover at 1,500 feet. F/S 2nd Brennan fired 5 bursts from 800-600 yards range & Scramble 7th saw strikes. F/S Brennan broke off the engagement P7109 F/O Alexander Torrance The funeral of P/O Wright took place in the as 1 of his engines had been hit by return fire & he P6976 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron afternoon at Scottow Cemetery, with full military landed at Coltishall on 1 engine. F/S Brunet could honours. only get in 1 burst at 1,000 yards range before the P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt enemy aircraft disappeared in cloud P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Scramble P7111 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7055 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Dusk Patrol P7012 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P6972 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Convoy Patrol P7109 F/O Frederick Michael Furber 8th P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Jim Crow P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 3rd Hook of Holland-Ijmuiden. Convoy Patrol P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7122 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Scramble P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7111 F/S John Frederick Luing P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7005 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7121 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7111 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Scramble P7048 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7119 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P6982 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P6976 W/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7064 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7118 F/O Alexander Torrance P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7018 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6982 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P6982 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7111 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P6982 ? P6972 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 9th P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Night Scramble P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Raid on Norwich. P/O Samant had a glimpse of a P7118 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble Do.217 below him, illuminated by searchlights, but P7121 F/S John Frederick Luing on diving down, he overshot & could not regain 16th P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF contact. One of S/L Coghlan’s engines went u/s. Scramble P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan Dusk Patrol P7111 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7063 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7055 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7005 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7049 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF 4th Convoy Patrol P/O Robert Elmer Douglas Wright was practising P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Yarmouth Line Patrol dogfighting not below 8,000 feet when his machine P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie F/S Brennan caught a momentary glimpse of a was seen from the ground to break up in the air. He Do.217, through a break in the clouds. was Canadian, & his quiet & unassuming manner P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7122 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF had made him very popular with everyone. P6982 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7055 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF

Convoy Patrol 10th P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7104 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie Scramble P7063 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7118 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Coastal Patrol Sweep P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7111 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF Convoy Patrol P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7005 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7121 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7055 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Dusk Patrol P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7063 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7111 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 5th 11th Yarmouth Line Patrol Convoy Patrol Scramble P7104 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7122 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF XXXXX F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant XXXXX F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P6982 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P6972 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Sweep told P/O LaGette to return to Base, he himself going P7109 F/O Alexander Torrance P7104 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM towards the east, whereupon P/O LaGette informed P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7012 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie him of this, to receive the reply, ‘everything under P7118 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt control.’ P/O LaGette returned to Base, but no 17th P7119 F/O Alexander Torrance further news has been heard & F/S John Robert Dawn Patrol Brennan RCAF is missing. The Squadron searched for P7118 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 22nd him, but without success. It appears that a Coastal P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Yarmouth Line Patrol Command Blenheim was last plotted about the same P7111 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF time at the scene of the combat, & it is presumed that 18th P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF the Ju.88 shot down the Blenheim before being dealt Scramble with by F/S Brennan. P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7046 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7049 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7122 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF

P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Scramble Jim Crow P6976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7101 P/O John Frederick Luing Off the Dutch Coast. P6972 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7049 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7109 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 23rd P6982 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie Jim Crow 28th P7118 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Hook of Holland-Ijmuiden. Jim Crow P7121 P/O John Frederick Luing Off the Dutch Coast. P6972 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7104 F/O Alexander Torrance 24th P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan Convoy Patrol Scramble P7005 F/O Alexander Torrance P7101 P/O John Michael Bryan P7104 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7046 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF XXXXX P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7118 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P6976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7111 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7122 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P6982 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie 25th P7119 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie Dawn Patrol P7118 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P6972 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6982 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 29th Scramble Convoy Patrol P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF When at 800 feet, the port engine of P7118 caught P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7119 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill fire. As the Whirlwind went into a spin, P/O Jowitt P7049 F/L Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF baled out, landing safely near the Officers Mess. The 26th aircraft crashed at Binty Farm, Itteringham. 19th 4 Army Officers visited & the method of operating the P7118 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Sweep Squadron was explained to them. F/L Bartlett P7137 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Outer Swept Channel of Convoy Lanes. showed them over & explained the Whirlwind. A P7055 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF ‘Beat Up’ by 1 section was made for their benefit. Yarmouth Line Patrol P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7064 F/O Alexander Torrance P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Scramble P6976 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7049 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7118 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 30th Scramble P7112 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Armed Shipping Recce P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Off the Dutch Coast. Saw an unidentified aircraft P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF about 20-miles away at sea-level off The Hook. P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7055 F/S John Robert Brennan RCAF P7048 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7104 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7040 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Convoy Patrol Scramble P7104 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7119 F/O Alexander Torrance P7046 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7104 P/O Frederick Michael Furber

P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 27th P7119 W/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7049 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Dawn Patrol P7137 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7012 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7005 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Scramble 31st 20th P7118 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Escort to Bombers Scramble P7048 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7046 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7049 F/O Alexander Torrance P7101 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Scramble Jim Crow P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan Ijmuiden-Hook of Holland. P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7049 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7049 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7064 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7046 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7101 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7111 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Scramble P7049 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6972 F/O Alexander Torrance P6983 F/O Alexander Torrance P7104 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Convoy Patrol P7111 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF 21st P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan Scramble P7064 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Outer Channel Patrol P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Ju.88 seen 2 miles away at 800 feet, whilst they were Jim Crow at 500 feet. F/S Brennen opened fire from 200-300 Off the Dutch Coast. Do.217 seen briefly but it yards. P/O LaGette getting in a beam attack & firing disappeared in cloud. a burst from 600 yards. It fell into the sea about 20 P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett miles off Cromer. F/S Brennan, whose R/T was weak, P7049 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 7th 12th JUNE 1942 F/O Donald Bruce Ogilvie posted to HQ Fighter Sweep Command for liaison duties with an American Outer Swept Channel. RAF Matlaske Lightning Squadron. P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 1st P7063 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Scramble Scramble P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7054 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Outer Swept Channel P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7109 ? P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Convoy Patrol P7104 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7111 P/O John Frederick Luing P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan P7049 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7055 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Convoy Patrol P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7101 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7037 P/O John Michael Bryan P7049 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF

2nd 8th 14th 2 sections flew a Co-Operation with a CHL Station. P/O Bryan & Sgt O’Neill carried out an affiliation Coastal Patrol with a Stirling. P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF 3rd P6982 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Exercise ‘Trout’ Dawn Patrol 2 sections from ‘A’ Flight beat up M/T & troops. P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7048 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7037 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P6972 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Scramble P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Scramble P7112 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7109 ? P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7109 ? P7049 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7064 F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM 15th P7048 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7101 F/O Alexander Torrance Scramble P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7037 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P6972 F/O Alexander Torrance P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7049 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Scramble/Coastal Patrol Convoy Patrol P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7111 P/O John Michael Bryan 9th P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7063 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Jim Crow 2 1,000-ton Coasters, 1 Minesweeper & 2 Fishing 16th P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Smacks seen 5 miles off the Hook of Holland. Convoy Patrol P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7101 P/O John Frederick Luing P7063 P/O John Michael Bryan P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 4th Air Sea Rescue Search Convoy Patrol Scramble Escort to ASR Walrus. P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P/O Samant landed at Docking in bad weather. P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7058 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant 10th Coastal Patrol Exercise ‘Falcon’ P7048 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7111 P/O John Michael Bryan ‘Beating up’ columns of troops & M/T. P6972 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7063 F/O Alexander Torrance Yarmouth Line Patrol 17th Escort P7112 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Scramble Escort to returning Hudsons. P7104 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P6976 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7055 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P6989 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P6983 P/O John Frederick Luing Scramble P7048 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 18th Scramble P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron Channel Patrol P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett F/S Ashton RCAF returned to Base with engine P7058 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 11th trouble. Exercise ‘Falcon’ P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7101 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 2 sections of ‘A’ Flight making sorties. P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7063 F/O Alexander Torrance Minesweeper Patrol Relief for above. 5th P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Scramble P7063 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7048 P/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Swept Channel. P7076 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Scramble P7064 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Bogey identified as friendly. P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6983 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Swept Channel. P7063 P/O John Frederick Luing 6th P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search P7063 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Escort to 2 ASR Lysanders. P7101 P/O John Michael Bryan 19th P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P6983 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF W/O Mercer flew an affiliation with a Mosquito. P7101 P/O John Frederick Luing Coastal Patrol Scramble P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7064 P/O John Edward van Schaick DFM Raid 49. P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6982 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7058 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7111 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7048 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7009 ? P6976 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Outer Swept Channel P7101 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Scramble P7112 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7037 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7064 P/O John Edward van Schaick DFM P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7055 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7063 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant

20th Scramble Scramble Channel Patrol Bogey turned out to be friendly. After Reconnaissance machine. P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7064 F/O Alexander Torrance P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P6972 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7119 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron Convoy Patrol Yarmouth Line Patrol P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7119 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron Night Fighter Box P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Fighter Boxes during the blitz on Norwich. Sgt P7109 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Waldron fired a 3-second burst at a Do.217 from 50- Scramble P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF yards whilst diving but was blinded by his cannon P6976 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM fire & lost it in cloud. P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Night Fighter Box P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7105 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7048 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7119 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7064 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron

P7058 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 24th P7119 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Exercise ‘Walton’ This took place in The Naze district. 6 Whirlwinds 27th Intercepted a Do.217, 20 miles east of Cromer &, 30- supported land forces, ‘beating up’ pill boxes etc, & 6 Sgt John McGowan Barclay & Sgt Alfred Edward 40 miles north of Yarmouth, flying at 500 feet about more fired live ammunition at trenches with Brown arrived for flying duties from No.58 OTU. 2,000 yards ahead of them. Our aircraft were at dummies in them. 1,500 feet. F/S Ashton RCAF fired a 2½-second burst Coastal Patrol from 300 yards & another from 200 yards but Air Sea Rescue Search P7101 P/O John Michael Bryan observed no results. W/O Mercer then attacked from Escort to ASR Walrus. Search for a dinghy. P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 350 yards whilst at 800 feet & diving down made 3 P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett separate attacks, firing all his ammunition & P7058 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7011 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF observing 3-4 hits. The fire of the rear gunner was P7055 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill silenced. F/S Ashton RCAF re-engaged, but again P7054 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF missed, & W/O Mercer came in with a 4 second burst, P7063 P/O John Michael Bryan P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett again seeing hits. Its speed was estimated at only 150 P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant mph after the engagement, they followed it for about Scramble/Coastal Patrol 20 miles & it was also heard calling repeatedly for P7055 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7021 P/O John Michael Bryan homings. It is claimed as damaged. P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7055 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6972 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 26th Ju.88 was chased for 20 minutes at sea-level. Fire Sgt Robert Woodhouse arrived for flying duties from opened at long-range, no results. Returned through 21st No.58 OTU. petrol shortage. F/O John Edward van Schaick DFM to F/L. P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Exercise ‘West Match’ P7111 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Channel Patrol 1 section attacked columns of M/T & Tanks. Swept Channel. P7064 F/O Alexander Torrance P6972 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Air Sea Rescue Search P7049 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Escort to ASR Walrus. P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Air Sea Rescue Search P7037 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Escort to ASR Walrus. 28th P7058 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Escort to ASR Walrus. Air Sea Rescue Search P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Convoy Patrol P7048 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Escort to ASR Walrus. 5 crew in a Dinghy rescued. P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7119 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7101 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7058 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7037 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Convoy Patrol P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Escort to ASR Walrus. P7021 P/O John Michael Bryan P7101 P/O John Frederick Luing P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Patrol P7037 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Smiths Knoll. 29th P6972 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Escort to ASR Walrus. Yarmouth Line Patrol P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7014 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7049 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7112 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 22nd To Martlesham Heath to look over the ground in Jim Crow Scramble preparation for Exercise ‘Walton’. Off the Dutch Coast. Just as they turned for home, P7119 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF they sighted a Ju.88 & chased it to the Dutch Coast. P7064 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron 23rd The nearest they got was 1,000 yards. They opened 6 pilots & the CO flew to Martlesham Heath & then fire but saw no results. 30th over the target in preparation for Exercise ‘Walton.’ P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan Scramble P7063 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7048 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF

P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF P7012 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron

4th Scramble JULY 1942 Scramble P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC X-Raid at 18,500 feet. P6976 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF RAF Matlaske P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 1st P7109 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Air Sea Rescue Search P7102 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Escort to ASR Walrus 90 miles out. 3 occupants Intercepted a Wellington 40 miles off the coast. picked up by a rescue launch. P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 8th P7048 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF F/L van Schaick, P/O Furber & W/O Smith DFM did P7068 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron night flying practice from Coltishall. P7104 F/S John Edward McClure RCAF Bandit reported. P7109 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Scramble P7012 F/O Alexander Torrance P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Escort to ASR Walrus. Bandit reported to have entered the sector. P7063 P/O John Frederick Luing P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM 9th P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber 7 aircraft from ‘A’ Flight to Swanton Morley. P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P/O Bryan, P/O Samant & F/S Brunet flew an P7111 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett affiliation with Bostons. P7055 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF F/O Torrance & P/O Jowitt carried out night flying RAF Coltishall practice from Coltishall. 2nd Convoy Patrol Scramble. P7121 P/O John Frederick Luing Scramble P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7012 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7111 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Bandit near a Convoy. P7055 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Convoy Patrol P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7048 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7037 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7112 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search 10th Escort to ASR Walrus. P7121 P/O John Frederick Luing Scramble/Coastal Patrol P7121 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7058 P/O John Michael Bryan P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7063 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7037 P/O John Frederick Luing 5th P7111 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Convoy Patrol/Sweep of Outer Swept Channel Scramble P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing Convoy Patrol P7119 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7057 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Convoy Patrol 11th P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing Convoy Patrol P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7037 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7102 F/O Alexander Torrance P7058 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF It is worthy of note, that F/L van Schaick & P/O P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Furber were airborne for 2:05 hours. P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Scramble P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Bogey which turned out to be friendly. P7104 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF RAF Matlaske P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber 3rd P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Sweep Bogey which turned out to be friendly. P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Outer Swept Channel. P7012 F/O Alexander Torrance P7012 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7109 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant 6th Scramble Scramble P7005 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7104 F/O Alexander Torr ance Intercepted a Ju.88 at sea level 40 miles off the coast. P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF It climbed very steeply & got to 6,000 feet, followed by our section. Before it disappeared into cloud at 12th Enemy aircraft reported at 20,000 feet south-west of 7,000 feet, F/L Bartlett fired all his ammunition from Air-to-Sea & Air-to-Air firing. Norwich. 400 yards & observed strikes. Sgt Roberts did not get P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM near enough to fire. It was subsequently learned that Convoy Patrol P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber it got back to Creil (near Paris), damaged. F/L van Schaick returned with engine trouble. P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7054 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7037 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7054 F/O Alexander Torrance P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7104 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing 2nd Lt. Freeman returned with engine trouble. P7109 F/O Alexander Torrance P7063 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7119 F/O Alexander Torrance P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7104 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Convoy Patrol P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7105 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Scramble P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7054 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7104 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Patrol P7112 F/O Alexander Torrance Hammonds Knoll. P7054 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF 13th P7064 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Scramble P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber 7th P7021 P/O John Michael Bryan Coastal Patrol P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7037 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7109 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7095 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Convoy Patrol P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Convoy Patrol 26th P6982 P/O John Frederick Luing P7012 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt Convoy Patrol P7021 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7119 F/O Alexander Torrance P7111 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 14th P6976 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Air Sea Rescue Search P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Air Sea Rescue Search Escort to ASR Walrus. Escort to ASR Lysander. P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7095 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7048 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF

15th P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Coastal Patrol Exercise Limpet P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P/O Luing & F/S Brunet, ‘beat up’ Tanks & M/T. P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan Convoy Patrol P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Patrol P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Off Happisburgh. P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7048 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 16th Exercise Limpet P7119 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 27th 6 ‘A’ Flight aircraft attacked a pontoon bridge. P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble Sighted a Do.217 north of Cromer at 7,500 feet. 2nd Scramble Sighted a Ju.88 at sea level. Both pilots got in short Lt. Freeman managed a 2 second burst from 700-800 P7102 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF bursts, no results seen before it was lost in cloud. yards before it disappeared in cloud. P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7095 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freema P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber 20th Scramble P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P6976 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7095 F/O Alexander Torrance P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P6976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Bandit identified as friendly. P7102 F/O Alexander Torrance P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 24th P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM to P/O. P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Bandit identified as friendly. P7053 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Air Sea Rescue Search Convoy Patrol P7037 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Escort to ASR Lysander. P7109 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7012 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 21st P7119 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron Coastal Patrol P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7055 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Escort to ASR Lysander. P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7111 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7102 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search P7005 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Escort to ASR Lysander. P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant 25th P6976 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM Coastal Patrol P7095 F/O Alexander Torrance P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7063 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 28th Formation practice. P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Convoy Patrol P7048 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM 29th P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber Convoy Patrol Scramble P6976 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7063 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7005 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Shot down a Ju.88, 6 miles east of Smiths Knoll, the P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7048 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 1st victory for the Squadron. P/O McClure was at 2,000 feet & W/O Smith at sea level. The latter fired Attacked a Ju.88 15 miles north-east of Happisburgh 22nd a 1-second burst from 500 yards with no result, & & saw it go into the sea in flames. Sgt O’Neill received Air Sea Rescue Search P/O McClure, having the speed, overshot the 1st time, a strike in the nose cowling. Squadron’s 2nd victory. P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan receiving a strike on his starboard engine. W/O P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7063 P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Smith came in again & fired all his ammunition from P7005 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill astern & to starboard from 250 yards, observing Scramble strikes on the starboard engine & pieces flying off. P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan P7005 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P/O McClure had 2 more bursts very close in, & the P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7082 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Ju.88 dived into the sea. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF 30th P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7012 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Scramble P7055 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant Usual Hun Reconnaissance machine off the Coast. P7119 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7048 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 23rd P6976 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Scramble P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan Usual Hun Reconnaissance machine off the Coast. P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7055 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7055 P/O John Michael Bryan P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P6976 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Scramble P7112 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7119 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7053 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 ? P7111 Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7095 W/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7109 ? P7012 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM 31st P/O Paul Milton LaGette RCAF Posted. Patrol P7111 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Over West Rainham. P7005 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill Stooge Patrol P7095 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7058 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7111 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7037 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7005 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF

Searchlight Box Coastal Patrol AUGUST 1942 P7021 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7046 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF 1st-11th Exercise ‘Dryshod’ 17th P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Both Flights staged through Catterick to refuel & Scramble P7046 Sgt John McGowan Barclay reached RAF Drem, on 3rd. Attacked M/T, tanks, P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM guns, troops, etc. Targets were dealt with in a P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF 20th satisfactory manner. The change of scenery was Scramble appreciated by the Squadron & the Operation turned P7104 F/O Alexander Torrance Patrolling the Outer Swept Channel, F/L Bartlett at out to be a welcome rest for everyone. P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF 2,000 feet & Sgt Barclay at sea level. 12 miles north Sgt Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF to F/S. of Smith’s Knoll, Sgt Barclay saw a Ju.88. He fired 3 Convoy Patrol bursts from 500 yards, seeing a piece fall off but lost 12th P7054 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF it in cloud. F/L Bartlett, who had retained his height, Scramble P7102 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF coming out of a rainstorm, saw the Ju.88 ½ mile P7104 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt ahead but it disappeared into cloud. No.137’s score P7095 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown 18th now 3 destroyed & 6 damaged. Convoy Patrol P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Convoy Patrol P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7046 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Coastal Patrol Scramble P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P6993 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing Scramble P7111 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7095 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7037 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7111 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF

13th Jim Crow P6993 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Scramble P7063 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P6982 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7046 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P6976 Sgt Robert Woodhouse P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Air Sea Rescue Search P6982 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search Sgt O’Neill fired a 2 second burst from 200 yards, at P7104 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF a Ju.88 seen at sea level & saw strikes. P/O Luing P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron fired 2 bursts but was blinded by the flashes of his P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF guns. Owing to bad visibility, no further contact P7093 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett made. The Ju.88 was damaged. Coastal Patrol P7063 F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7111 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant 15th Air Sea Rescue Search 19th P7119 F/O Alexander Torrance P7055 P/O John Frederick Luing Scramble P7109 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7119 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown 21st P7021 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett Coastal Patrol P7046 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Sighted a Do.217 50 miles off Happisburgh. F/O P7054 W/O Robert Leslie Smith Bryan fired a 3 second burst from 250 yards seeing P7109 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble strikes & pieces falling off. He fired the rest of his P7005 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF ammunition in 2 bursts, seeing more pieces fall off. Air Sea Rescue Search P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Sgt Roberts attacked from astern & after 3 bursts, P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM saw 4 of the crew bale out from 1,500 feet, & the P6976 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown Armed Shipping Recce aircraft, now in flames, dive straight into sea. P7055 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Scramble P7046 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7046 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Convoy Patrol P7055 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7037 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7037 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7054 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7055 F/O John Michael Bryan P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P6982 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P7064 F/S Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7104 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7054 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7064 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF P7054 F/O Alexander Torrance 22nd P7119 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P6976 F/S Donald Burton McPhail RCAF Scramble Patrol P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Scramble P7111 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill 16th P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search P6976 F/S Alfred Edward Brown Coastal Patrol P7054 F/O Alexander Torrance P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett P7064 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown Patrol P7063 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Outer Channel. F/L van Schaick at 1,000 feet & Sgt Scramble Brown at sea-level. The latter saw a Ju.88 at sea-level 24th P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF & opened fire at 500 yards. He finished his Move to RAF Snailwell. P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber ammunition in 4 bursts from 500-300 yards seeing P/O John Frederick Luing posted to H.Q. Fighter strikes & smoke coming from the starboard engine. Command for liaison with USAAF for duties. Convoy Patrol F/L van Schaick was unable to make contact. P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P6976 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown 25th P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7104 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron The Squadrons main role is to be night flying.

P7055 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search 26th P7037 P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant P6993 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett S/L Coghlan checked out night flying at Snailwell. P7063 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill

P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 13th-15th SEPTEMBER 1942 P6993 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Pilots flew with 250lb bombs for experience. P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF RAF Snailwell & RAF Manston P7109 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 16th 1st P7021 F/O John Michael Bryan F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett posted as OC No.253 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland arrived for flying P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Sqn. We were sorry to lose him, he was very popular duties from No.58 OTU. P7054 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC with all ranks, & an efficient Flight Commander. F/S Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF to W/O. P6993 P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P/O Frederick Michael Furber to F/O. P7063 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 3rd P7109 F/L Leonard Harold Bartlett 17th Rodeo P7021 F/O John Michael Bryan Move to RAF Manston. F/S Rebbetoy returned early but the remaining 11 P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF S/L Coghlan DFC was married in London to A/S/O were escorted by 24 Spitfires of Nos.485 & 411 Sqns, Marie Lacoste. Several of the pilots were present at the idea being to make a feint at Lille, hoping that P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM the ceremony. enemy aircraft would come up & be dealt with by P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber the Spitfires & 36 Typhoons of Nos.56, 266 & 609 P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF 18th Sqns. 30 miles north-west of Oostende, the Wing P7012 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF Settling down at Manston. Leader started to climb to 12,000 feet, crossed the P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF coast between Blankenberghe & Oostende, flew to 19th Diksmuide, out over Nieuwpoort & landed at 4th-11th F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes arrived for flying Manston for refuelling. Affiliation with a Wellingtons, Bostons & Mustangs. duties from No.263 Sqn as Flight Commander of ‘A’ P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick Air-to-Air firing at Matlaske. Flight. P7102 P/O Frederick Michael Furber P/O Furber & P/O McClure RCAF dropped 11lb P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF 12th practice bombs on a wreck on the Goodwin Sands. P7012 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF S/L Coghlan DFC carried out a practice with 2 P7095 W/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF dummy 500lb bombs & found very little difference 20th P7111 F/S James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF in the handling of his aircraft. S/L John Basil Wray arrived for flying duties as Supernumerary from RAF Church Fenton.

17th 27th OCTOBER 1942 Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce Cap Gris Nez-Ault. Dieppe-La Havre. Landed at Ford. RAF Manston P6998 S/L John Basil Wray P7051 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM 1st P7093 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF to F/O. F/L Philip Lewis Hogan, Adjutant, posted to 18th-20th Oostende-The Hook. Duxford. Low flying & Camera-Gun practice. P7012 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7064 F/O Frederick Michael Furber 2nd 21st P/O Norman Emery Freeman arrived as Adjutant. Armed Shipping Recce 28th Sangette-Gravelines. Scramble 3rd-8th P7092 F/O John Michael Bryan P7092 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Low level practice bombing with 250lb bombs. P6993 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P7098 F/O John Michael Bryan

9th Cap Gris Nez-Ault. Sighted a Ju.88 about 1 mile off Ramsgate. They got P/O Dattatraya Anant Samant, P/O Donald Burton P6998 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF to within 800 yards, but it disappeared into cloud. McPhail RCAF & Sgt John McGowan Barclay posted P7054 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7098 F/O John Michael Bryan to No.263 Sqn. P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Local Patrol 10th-11th P6993 F/O John Michael Bryan 29th-30th Low flying & Camera-Gun practice. P7048 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Low flying & Camera-Gun practice.

12th P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes 31st Shipping Strike P7054 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF F/S Joel Hilton Ashton to W/O. Found 40 fishing boats off Oostende. P7092 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 22nd-23rd Rhubarb P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Low flying & Camera-Gun practice. Hutted camp near Etaples. Sgt Waldron is missing P7102 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron (POW) & F/L van Schaick ditched off Boulogne & P7115 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt 24th was very fortunate to be picked up by a Walrus in a Armed Shipping Recce minefield. He was taken to Hawkinge suffering from 13th-14th P7051 F/O Alexander Torrance exposure. Low flying, formation & practice bombing. P7012 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF P7064 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P7115 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7109 Sgt Francis Gordon Waldron 15th P7104 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown Armed Shipping Recce Hutted camp 3 miles north of Etaples. Encountered Cap Gris Nez-Ault. Abandoned due to bad weather. 25th heavy flak. P/O Jowitt’s aircraft hit & white smoke P6998 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster & Sgt Gerald Oscar came from the starboard engine. P/O Furber called P7005 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Harrington Walker arrived for flying duties from ‘Mayday’ for P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt at the No.55 OTU. latter’s request, & heard him say he was baling out, Walcheren-Cap Gris Nez. Drifter near Dunkerque. nothing further heard from him. Missing P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Armed Shipping Recce P7115 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P6993 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Berck-Cap Gris Nez. On the way back, saw 4 Fw.190s P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber drop bombs on Dungeness, but could not catch them 16th P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes Scramble Armed Shipping Recce P6993 Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill P/O McClure & W/O Brunet fired at a Fw.190 at sea Oostende-Cap Gris Nez. level just off Margate, observing no results. They P6976 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Oostende-The Hook. were doing 300 mph, but it pulled away easily. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P6998 S/L John Basil Wray P7012 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7048 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF Cap Gris Nez-Ault. 2,000-ton ship in Boulogne. Scramble P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7115 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P6976 F/L John Edward van Schaick DFM P6998 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7095 F/O Frederick Michael Furber P7115 P/O Douglas St. John Jowitt P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7111 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF

11th-12th NOVEMBER 1942 Formation & ZZ landings. 22nd Armed Shipping Recce RAF Manston 13th Oostende-Haarmstede. 1st To Ford, from where a Rhubarb was planned. P7111 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF F/L van Schaick DFM returned to Manston. Before Unfortunately, weather u/s on the other side. attacking his target, he came under intense Bofors & P6998 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 23rd small arms fire. He silenced 2 Bofors sites with P7092 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Rhubarb cannon but was hit in the starboard engine before P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Bruges-Oostende. Barges & Trains. dropping both bombs in the middle of the hutted P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM camp. The last he saw of Sgt Waldron was when the P7102 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith latter followed him into attack. F/L van Schaick got From Ford to Base. strikes on a Goods Train. He then got a strike on his P6998 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC 24th other engine & crash landed on the sea 3-4 miles off P7092 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Formation & section attacks. the French Coast between Le Touquet & Boulogne. P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan After 5 hours in his dinghy, he was picked up by a P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 25th Walrus of No.277 Sqn & taken to Hawkinge. Armed Shipping Recce Sgt Hugh Leo O’Neill to F/S. 14th Blankenberghe-The Hook. Only fishing smacks seen. Armed Shipping Recce P7092 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF 3rd P6998 S/L John Basil Wray P6998 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Scramble P7058 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P6998 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 26th P7121 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Le Tréport-Gris Nez. Armed Shipping Recce P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Met thick fog at Blankenberghe & lost contact with 4th P7111 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill each other. P/O Rebbetoy flew up to The Hook & F/O Sgts Walker & Bolster 1st flights in Whirlwinds. Bryan down to Calais. No shipping seen, but intense 15th flak from Blankenberghe & Dunkerque. 6th Weather u/s, no flying. P7063 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Rhubarb P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan W/O Brunet had an engine cut just after take-off. He 16th made a successful landing, but the Op was cancelled. Air-to-Air Firing at the Southend Range. 27th P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Army Co-Operation & formation flying. P6998 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Rhubarb Rail targets on Ghent-Bruges line. No cloud off Rhubarb 7th Oostende, Op abandoned. They Patrolled Oostende- Returned from Oostende due to weather. To Ford for Rhubarb Operation. Cap Gris Nez instead. No shipping, but 2 sections of P6998 F/O John Michael Bryan P7051 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF unidentified aircraft off the French Coast. P7121 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7092 F/O John Michael Bryan P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Clothing store at Auchy-les-Hesdins. Returned from Rhubarb the French Coast due to weather. Hutted camp at Bolbec. Landfall made 4 miles south 17th P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber of Etretat. P/O McClure dropped both bombs from 20 F/O Gordon Edmund William Priest arrived as P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF feet on a viaduct at Merville. 1 burst at the base of Adjutant. the bridge & the other near by. He then flew to the To Ford for Rhubarb. Cancelled due to weather. hutted camp at Bolbec, firing a 4 second burst, seeing 19th P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF strikes on 2 huts, 1 of which burst into flames. 2nd Lt. Rhubarb P7102 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Freeman lost P/O McClure & did not locate the Railways in Northern France. Abandoned 10 miles target. He flew down the Merville-Yvetot railway off Oostende due to no cloud cover. From Ford to Base. line, dropping his bombs on a bridge over the P7121 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7102 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF railway, his bombs bursting down the embankment. P7111 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill P7104 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith 2nd Lt. Freeman landed at Ford, P/O McClure at Manston. 20th 28th P7051 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF Scramble Armed Shipping Recce P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7121 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. P7111 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF From Ford to Base. P7119 F/O Frederick Michael Furber P7051 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF 21st Intruder Patrol Rhubarb 8th-9th P/O Mercer Patrolled the Lille-Lens-Bethune-St. Hutted camp at Bolbec, north of Le Havre. Formation & Camera-Gun. Omer railway, but found no Trains. He saw an P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF unidentified aircraft 1,000 feet above & 500 yards to P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber 10th port, with navigation lights on landing down the Armed Shipping Recce funnel lights of St. Omer-Longuenesse aerodrome From Ford. Insufficient cloud cover. Gravelines-Walcheren Island. Saw 2 floating mines but it switched its lights off & he lost contact. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF 5-6 miles off Ramsgate. Attempted to bomb the hangers but was greeted by P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber P7121 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF intense flak & was obliged to break away. He P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF continued along the St. Omer-Calais railway & 29th dropped both bombs on a Transformer Station at W/O Alexander Ivan Doig arrived for flying duties Nieuwpoort-The Hook. Holque, seeing clouds of steam. from No.55 OTU. P7111 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P/O DeHoux crossed the coast at Gravelines at 5,000 P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF feet & bombed a rail yard near 2 big warehouses 30th north of Bourbourg. Results not seen. F/O Torrance & P/O Furber carried out practice P7092 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF bombing on the Goodwin Sands during the P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF afternoon.

P7104 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Bombed rail tracks from 200 feet, seeing explosions. DECEMBER 1942 P7114 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7048 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF

RAF Manston Train of 8-10 petrol wagons due to arrive at Doullens 21st 1st-2nd from Paris. Could not reach target due to low cloud Rhubarb Air-to-Ground Firing at the Leysdown Ranges. on the hill tops. P/O Smith bombed a long building Clothing factory at Auchy les Hesdin. Unable to housing railway trucks near Auxi le Chateau Railway locate target. Attacked a Goods Train near Crecy en Armed Shipping Recce Station. W/O Ashton bombed the Station. Both Ponthieu aerodrome from 50 feet. It toppled over. As Dieppe-Gris Nez. 1 ship in Boulogne Outer Harbour. aircraft returned with flak damage. they avoided intense flak from the aerodrome, they P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber P7102 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM lost each other in cloud. F/S Woodhouse returned P7061 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7011 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF but P/O McClure found the original target, firing all his ammunition at it. Oostende-Calais. Brugge-Gent Canal. Returned, insufficient cloud. P7051 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7051 F/O Alexander Torrance P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7011 F/S Robert Woodhouse P7095 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown P7063 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Shipping Attack 3rd 11th P7058 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF F/O Torrance promoted to F/L & given command of Armed Shipping Recce ‘B’ Flight in place of F/L John Edward van Schaick Boulogne-Le Havre. Sea level 3 miles off the Coast. P7046 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF DFM, who is going to No.59 OTU. P7102 F/O Alexander Torrance P7011 F/S Robert Woodhouse Trawler moored to the Mole at Zeebrugge. Bombed Air Sea Rescue Search P7061 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF from 500 feet, seeing explosions between the ship & North Foreland-Deal. Survivors from a Wellington. P7119 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown the Mole. Searchlights & intense light flak. P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes P6998 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7063 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Scramble P7058 S/L John Basil Wray P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 22nd P7095 F/O Alexander Torrance P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Rhubarb Goods Train at a Station. Sgt Sutherland was hit by 4th 12th Bofors fire from the Station. His starboard engine Armed Shipping Recce Scramble seized & he crash-landed at Lympne, where it caught Knokke-Cayeux. Nothing of interest to report. P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan fire. P/O Musgrave left the Loco enveloped in steam. P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7005 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Walker P7048 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF P7063 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Walker P6998 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P7093 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 13th-14th P7092 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Camera-gun, low-flying, Formation & dusk landings. Intruder Patrol St. Pol. Bombed a Train results not seen. Local Patrol 15th P7114 S/L John Basil Wray P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes Sgt Robert Woodhouse to F/S. Returned with his bombs, nothing of interest seen. 5th Anti-Shipping Patrol P7092 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Shipping Patrol Cap Gris Nez- Cayeux. Oostende-Blankenberghe. Turned back on being P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Gent Marshalling Yards. Bombed a large shed with 8 warned of 4 Fw.190s in the vicinity. P6998 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Locos outside from 200 feet, results not seen. Fired at P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman SAAF by about 10 Bofors guns. P7061 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster Night Flying Test P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Whilst carrying out a Night Flying Test, he sighted 4 Fécamp-Le Havre. Followed back to the English Fw.190s at 1,000 feet over Pegwell Bay. He attacked 23rd Coast by 2 unidentified single engine fighters. Our the rearmost, & saw cannon strikes, but was then Shipping Attack pilots were doing 290mph at sea level, & the enemy attacked by the other 3. Hit in the tailplane, elevators Bombed the leader of 4 Armed Trawlers from 50 feet aircraft only gained very slightly. & rudder he just managed to crawl over the coast & 3 miles off Boulogne. Results not observed but the P7102 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM land. The Coastal flak opened up on the 3 Fw.190s & ship made for Boulogne Harbour belching black P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith they turned back. smoke. Intense flak. Aircraft had an explosive shell P6976 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM through the starboard mainplane. 7th P7119 F/O Frederick Michael Furber Rhubarb 16th P7102 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Rhubarb 2 small ships off Gris Nez, but lost sight of them P7012 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Clothing factory at Hesdin. Returned from French before he could drop his bombs. Coast due to insufficient cloud. P7054 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Scramble P7102 F/O Frederick Michael Furber P7104 F/O Alexander Torrance P7119 F/S Robert Woodhouse Intruder Patrol P6976 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster Gent Marshalling Yards. 19th P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan 8th Practice Flying/Interception Air-to-Ground Firing at Leysdown Ranges. Whilst over Pegwell Bay they saw 2 Fw.190s. After a Bombed a rail bridge inland from Calais, no results. brief dogfight the Fw.190s headed home, 1 pouring P7063 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF 9th thick black smoke, & was last seen 12 miles from the Anti-Shipping Patrol French Coast in a steep dive on its side at 400 feet 24th Returned from 30 miles off Dungeness. with the other weaving behind it. Intruder Patrol P7046 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7114 F/O John Michael Bryan Bombed Trains near Ypres. P7114 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill P7005 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF

Oostende-Calais. 20th Returned owing to trouble with gyro compass. P7063 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Intruder Patrol P7051 F/O Alexander Torrance P7048 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Walker Goods Train leaving Roulers Station. 1 bomb burst beside the Loco & the train toppled over. 25th Scramble P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Owing to weather (& the Christmas feeling), no Ops. P6976 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7114 S/L John Basil Wray P7119 W/O Alexander Ivan Doig 28th Aammunition dump at Foret d’Hauthoulst. Bombed Rhubarb 10th a large hut, seeing a large cloud of grey smoke. Then P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Rhubarb attacked a Barge on the La Scarpe Canal, but his 2nd P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Train of 8-10 petrol wagons due to arrive at Doullens bomb would not release. from Paris. Section did not reach the target area due P7046 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF to cloud down to hill tops. S/L Coghlan bombed P7061 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF camouflaged aircraft & fired at gun posts on Crécy en Ponthieu aerodrome. P/O DeHoux dropped 1 29th-31st bomb (the other stuck) on 3-4 houses from which Air-to-Air Firing at Southend Range & Air-to-Ground intense flak was coming near Berck. firing at Leysdown Ranges. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF Returned before reaching the French Coas, due JANUARY 1943 to engine trouble. Blankenberghe-Oostende. Bombed a Drifter ¾ P7048 F/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF RAF Manston mile offshore seeing it obscured by a big splash. Hazebrouck. Found no trains so bombed trucks 3rd P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes south-east of Ypres. Air-to-Air Firing at the Southend Range. P7114 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan 17th DFC Armed Shipping Recce To Tangmere for a Shipping Strike Boulogne-Dieppe. Nothing seen. From Ford to Tangmere in order to search for Brugge-Gent railway. Bombed a passenger P7051 F/O Frederick Michael Furber shipping off Cherbourg. The Recce machine had train from 150 feet, causing the engine & 1st 2 P7095 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster given ‘duff gen’ & the ship was non-existent. 2nd carriages to be derailed. It was then raked from Lt. Freeman returned to Base with engine end to end with cannon. A Goods Train was then 5th trouble. seen approaching from the opposite direction & F/O Frederick Michael Furber posted to P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes the other bomb was dropped on it. It burst near No.266(Rhodesian) Sqn. P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF the loco, but too far away to derail it. He P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan finished his ammunition on the train, observing 8th P7058 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF strikes on trucks & Loco Rhubarb P7011 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan P7095 F/O John Michael Bryan Clothing store at Auchy les Hesdin. Abandoned DFC off Dungeness, insufficient cloud cover. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF 20th P7095 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM P7095 F/O Alexander Torrance Standing Patrol P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman To relieve No.609 Sqn. SAAF P7092 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Anti-Shipping Attack P7058 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Boulogne-Somme Estuary. Spitfires of No.91 P7111 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman Sqn reported 9 E-Boats leaving Boulogne. Not SAAF 21st seen Camera gun, low-flying & night flying tests. P7114 F/O John Michael Bryan Returned from Tangmere to Base P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Project cancelled. 22nd P7148 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy P7092 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes Air-to-Air Firing at the Southend Range. RCAF P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7092 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Shipping Patrol RNZAF P7058 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7111 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7011 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan 11th DFC 23rd Rhubarb P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF Rhubarb Clothing factory at Auchy les Hesdin. P7095 F/O Alexander Torrance Both bombed a Goods train ½ mile north of Insufficient cloud cover in the target area. P/O P7111 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman Neufchatel, derailing some of the trucks. It was Smith bombed a railway bridge over a river SAAF then straffed, strikes being seen on trucks & near Baie d’Authu. 1 bomb overshot, the other Loco. Another Goods train of 50 trucks attacked burst near the bridge. Sgt Smith found a Goods 18th with cannon near Serqueux, strikes observed on Train in a station near Conchil le Temple. Intruder Patrol Loco & trucks. They returned to Neufchatel, Following a short burst of cannon whilst diving, Bombed 6 Barges on a canal near Nieuwpoort where a train in the station was attacked, steam he dropped both bombs from 800 feet which from 400 feet. Results not observed. being seen issuing from its sides. burst on the Station, from which black smoke & P7092 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts P7005 F/O John Michael Bryan debris came. The Loco was enveloped in steam. RNZAF P7058 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington P7104 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM Walker P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Bombed a Train from low level which was left on its side in clouds of steam. Split up due to intense flak over Poperinghe. No Diksmuide-Roulers. Abandoned, unsuitable P7005 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave further news of W/O Alexander Ivan Doig, who weather. RAAF is missing. (POW). P/O McClure bombed 2 Locos P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan drawing 6 trucks near Ypres. A direct hit on 1, P7005 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF steam & sparks seen, & steam also emitted by RNZAF the 2nd. P7092 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF 12th RNZAF P7054 W/O Alexander Ivan Doig Armed Shipping Recce Oostende-Knokke-Calais. He was nearly airborne when a hole in the Attacked a Goods train drawing out of Aubigny P7046 F/O John Michael Bryan aerodrome surface caused his wingtip to touch station & left the Loco enveloped in steam. They P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF the ground. The aircraft caught fire, & he got bombed a Goods train of 45 trucks north of out & ‘ran like hell’ before 1 of the bombs Doullens, the Loco & 1st 5 coaches were derailed Turned back off Le Touquet, insufficient cloud exploded. & left on their sides. They lost themselves in cover. XXXXX P/O Luing cloud avoiding flak from the centre of the train P7102 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman & Sgt Brown called 2nd Lt. Freeman on the R/T SAAF Shipping Strike & told him he had been hit in the port engine. P7054 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown Shipping between Boulogne-Le Touquet. Owing No further news heard of Sgt Alfred Edward to thick cloud at 3,000 feet, he could locate the Brown, who is missing. 13th target & landed at Bradwell Bay, as the P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman Tests made with Whirlwinds carrying 2 500lb Manston aerodrome defences were busy firing SAAF bombs were satisfactory. at some enemy aircraft passing over to attack P7095 Sgt Alfred Edward Brown Sgt Bolster, whilst taxying in the dark, skidded London. into another aircraft with disastrous P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman Dropped a bomb from 100 feet on a Loco with 8 consequences. SAAF trucks at Cortmarck. Results not observed due to intense flak. His 2nd bomb was dropped on a 15th Bradwell to Base. Loco drawing 3 petrol wagons across a canal Intruder Patrol P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman bridge 4 miles south-east of Roulers. Again, Barges near Cassell. Bombs would not release. SAAF results not observed due to flak. Another Goods P7114 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan train east of Ypres was attacked with cannon. DFC 19th Strikes observed on the Loco. Intruder Patrol P7063 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave Bombed Locos & trucks near Ypres. Loco & Passenger train bringing ‘Huns’ back from RAAF several trucks blown off the rails. leave, near Calais. Both bombs were dropped on P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan the middle of the coaches, some of which were They separated on entering the French Coast at derailed. He then raked them from end to end Criel Plage. S/L Coghlan bombed a collection of 16th twice with cannon. trucks & 2 Goods trains near Neufchatel after Intruder Patrol P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy attacking with cannon. 1 truck exploded & Railway targets near St. Pol. Bombed a signal RCAF burst into flames & some trucks blown into the box. air. P/O Smith bombed a collection of M/T near 2-3 huts on the edge of a wood 1 mile north-east himself with aerobatics, but it is believed that P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith of Fallencourt. He also attacked a lorry full of the Adjutant did not have quite the same troops near Londinieves, seeing shells entering amount of pleasure. After witnessing the flight, F/O DeHoux found a Goods train pulling out of the open rear of the vehicle. the Intelligence Officer decided it was best to a station 6 miles south of Bergues. He gave the P7114 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan have one foot on the ground, changed his mind Loco a 4 second burst of cannon, observing DFC & cancelled his trip. strikes, & then dropped both bombs on it from P7048 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM 50 feet, resulting in a big cloud of steam. F/O 27th Musgrave dropped both bombs from 100 feet on Air Sea Rescue Search Shipping Strike a Goods train 1-mile south-west of Tielt, & then Dinghy in the Channel. In the Channel. Under Swingate Control. A attacked with cannon, leaving the Loco P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance 3,000-ton Merchant Vessel was found 2 miles enveloped in steam. Whilst pulling away from north-west of Dunkerque, escorted by 3 Flak the 2nd attack, 2 Fw.190s were sighted about P7058 F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes ships & 2 E-Boats. They bombed the Merchant 800 yards away. 1 fired 2 bursts at F/O P7046 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Vessel from 100 feet feet (2 from P/O McClure & Musgrave then pulled into cloud. F/O Musgrave 1 by F/L Torrance, 1 of whose bombs failed to got in a short burst from 300 yards, using 2 P7114 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave release). Results not observed owing to intense rings deflection before getting into cloud RAAF flak. himself & returning to Base. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7046 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance P7058 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Armed Shipping Recce Recce Shipping off Oostende. P7048 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster Armed Shipping Recce P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7111 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Blankenberghe-Calais. P7092 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill 24th-25th 28th P7005 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Camera-Gun practice & night flying tests. Rhubarb Walker Clothing factory at Hesdin. Returned from 26th French Coast due to insufficient cloud cover. 29th-31st The Adjutant, F/L Priest, was taken up in the P7119 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman Air-to-Air Firing at the Southend Range. ‘Maggie’ by P/O Rebbetoy. The latter enjoyed SAAF Rhubarb 18th FEBRUARY 1943 Crossed in at Nieuwpoort, then split up. F/O Record number of night sorties, 16, but this was Musgrave bombed a Goods Train from 50 feet 1-mile marred by the loss of 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman RAF Manston south-east of Delnze & Waregem. He saw Oerlikon & P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF. Owing to a 1st fire from just behind the tender & attacked with misunderstand, P/O Mercer who was taking off, Practice bombing at Leysdown Ranges. cannon seeing strikes & the gun stopped firing. He crashed into 2nd Lt. Freeman, who was taxying out then attacked the Loco, observing strikes & steam. A onto the flare-path. Both machines caught fire & 2 2nd-4th 2nd Loco drawing 20 Trucks was attacked east of bombs exploded. Camera-Gun & cloud flying. Harelbeke & 2 Army Lorries which were being carried on the trucks were destroyed. Intruder Patrol 5th P/O Rebbetoy bombed 2 Locos from 50 feet 4 miles Bombed a bridge & 2 Barges on a canal near Gent. F/O DeHoux saw an unidentified aircraft at sea- south-east of Roulers & saw clouds steam. Near P7114 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC level, 2-miles off Folkestone. He turned towards it, Ledegham aerodrome he saw 2 Fw.190s 2,000 yards but it made off in the direction of Calais. behind him. He climbed for cloud & after 5 minutes Dropped 1 bomb on a Goods Train near Isegham, came out & gave a 3 second burst at a Loco which derailing 2 trucks & then damaged the Loco with 6th was shunting on the Oostende-Roulers railway. He cannon. He then went to Roulers, dropping his other Rhubarbs saw red flashes & clouds of steam & smoke. bomb on 2 Locos, standing side-by-side. On the way Returned due to insufficient cloud cover. P7048 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF home, he fired at the Loco of a Passenger Train near P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Furnes, observing strikes & steam gushed. P7011 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan Attacked a Loco 1-mile south-east of Balgerhock, F/O Bryan bombed 2 Goods Trains from 150 feet as seeing cannon strikes & steam. They then bombed a Bombed a train between Furnes & Dunkerque but they approached each other between Amiens & Goods Train on the Torhout-Brugge line from 50 did not see results. Abbeville. 1 truck blew up & others derailed. He then feet. 7 trucks derailed. The Loco was attacked with P7058 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF attacked both Trains with cannon, leaving both cannon, strikes & steam seen issuing from the sides. enveloped in steam. He now has 12 damaged Trains. W/O Brunet then returned to Base with Exactor Attacked a train at Watten, seeing strikes on the W/O Brunet bombed a concentration of rolling stock trouble. F/O Bryan attacked a Goods Train 4 miles Loco & much steam emitted. Intense flak from near Abbeville, seeing some of them derailed. He then north-east of Roulers seeing strikes on Loco. Longuenesse & Fort Rouge aerodromes. He bombed attacked an Army Lorry with cannon but could not P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan rail tracks on the Dunkerque-Furnes railway. observe results due to intense flak from Abbeville. P7046 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7005 F/O John Michael Bryan P7092 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce Looking for F/O Musgrave’s ship. Off the French Coast. Returned due to insufficient cloud cover. P7121 P/O John Michael Bryan P7046 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7048 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Off the Belgian Coast. P7005 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland 7th Rhubarb 13th 19th-21st Abandoned at the French Coast. Armed Shipping Recce Intruder Patrol P7114 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF Boulogne-Somme Estuary. Hill tops hidden in fog near Berck. Abandoned. P7092 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7121 F/O John Michael Bryan P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance 8th-9th Bombed a Barge on a canal near Nieuwpoort. On his Air-to-Ground firing at Leysdown Ranges. 15th way home, he sighted 5 M/Vs off Dunkerque. He Rhubarb climbed & gave a ‘fix’ to the Controller. 10th Abandoned at the French Coast, due to weather. P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance Intruder Patrol P7114 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF 5,000-ton ship with escorts. Under Swingate Control. P7048 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Returned owing to Exactor trouble. He saw the wake & a dark shadow on the water 1- P7002 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM mile offshore about 6-miles south-west of Boulogne. P7104 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF He attacked from the shore, but was illuminated by P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Armed Shipping Recce 3 searchlights, & was forced to take evasive action. Saw 3 M/Vs escorted by 9 E-Boats. He bombed the He had noticed a peculiar ‘V’ shape of sand against a P7092 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF largest ship but could not observe results. dark background, which enabled him to pinpoint his P7092 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Walker target. He therefore returned to this point & made a Intruder Patrol 2nd run, but with the same result. On returning for P/O Luing bombed a Goods Train north-east of Returned owing to R/T trouble. the 3rd time, he climbed to 2,500 feet, & the Hazebrouck, seeing 4 wagons derailed. P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC searchlights exposed beneath him. He dived through F/O McClure bombed a Goods Train between Aire sur them to sea level & sighted the ship about ½-mile la Lys & Lillers & a Loco near Bruay Divion. P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC away. Greeted by intense flak he took violent evasive P7104 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF action until just prior to passing over the middle of P7002 P/O John Frederick Luing Bombed 1 of the escort vessels at the rear of the the ship & releasing his 3-second delay bombs. His Convoy from 700-150 feet. Results not seen. starboard elevator was hit by a 20mm shell & 2 16th P7011 P/O John Frederick Luing pieces of shrapnel passed through the perspex of his F/L Joseph William Ernest Holmes posted to No.263 cockpit coupe. He claimed the vessel Cat 3 as it Sqn. Ships were reported to have put into harbour. stopped for 1½ hours. It was towed to Boulogne Sgt John McGowan Barclay arrived for flying duties P7048 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Harbour, getting inside the mole next morning. from No.263 Sqn. P6976 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7114 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF Intruder Patrol F/O DeHoux attacked 2 E-Boats off Calais no results. P7092 W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Diksmuide-Roulers-Ypres-Poperinge. 3 miles from P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Douai he bombed 2 Barges. No results seen. P7046 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7005 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF 2,000-ton M/V off Calais escorted by several E-Boats. Attacked from 150 feet but bombs undershot. 11th Hazebrouck-St. Omer. No trains, so bombed the track P7011 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Camera-gun & low flying. in an embankment south of Ardres & a concrete bridge over a canal north-east of Arques. 22nd 12th P7058 P/O Charles Eldred Mercer RCAF 2nd Lt. Neville Austin Freeman & P/O Charles Eldred P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFM awarded the DFC for Mercer buried at Margate Cemetery. his work on Blenheims & his general work with 17th No.137 Squadron, which included several Rhubarbs, Army Co-Operation Exercise 24th destruction of a Ju.88 (shared with P/O McClure) & ‘Beat up’ Army gun posts at Broadstairs. Sgt Albert Witham arrived for flying duties from attacking 4 Fw.190s single handed, damaging 1 of No.55 OTU. them. This is the first decoration awarded to a pilot Armed Shipping Recce whilst with No.137 Squadron. Dunkerque-Flushing. 26th P7092 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave RAAF F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave awarded the DFC for his good work with the Squadron. 10th Weather conditions on ‘the other side’ not suitable. MARCH 1943 W/O William Malia arrived for flying duties from P6986 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF No.59 OTU. P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith RAF Manston Dive-bombing practice 13,000-7,000 feet in P7002 F/O Alexander Torrance 1st preparation for an attack on Abbeville aerodrome. P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing F/O John Maude Hadow reported for flying duties from No.55 OTU. 11th 22nd W/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF to P/O. Shipping Strike Rhubarbs Marck-Nieuwpoort. Escorted by 7 Spitfires at sea Returned owing to cloud being down to sea level. 2nd level. They found 20 fishing boats & after being P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Armed Shipping Recce waved to by the fishermen, they returned. P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7005 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7012 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Crossed the French Coast at Gravelines then split up. Rhubarbs P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay F/O DeHoux dropped his bombs from 50 feet on 3 Crossed the Coast, then separated at Bambecque. P7002 Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster Barges near Merville. Smoke was seen from 1, & the P/O Rebbetoy orbited Bergues for 10 minutes splash between the other 2 pointed to obvious waiting for a Train to leave the Station. When it did, 12th damage to both. P/O Rebbetoy bombed a Goods train it was a passenger train, so he flew alongside it, F/L Bryan awarded a well-deserved DFC for his good between Bailleul & Armentieres. The bombs overshot being waved at from the carriage windows by the work with the Squadron, which included a Do.217 & burst on the truck in front of the train, which passengers. He dropped 1 bomb on a Barge on the destroyed, a Fw.190 probably destroyed & 20 trains stopped. His 2nd bomb burst alongside the loco, which Canal de la Colone seeing it burst on the stern, & his damaged. was blown off the rails. He attacked a 2nd loco 2nd bomb on 6 Trucks in a siding 4 miles west of F/O John Tapscott Davidson & P/O Gordon Stanley between Armentieres & Lille with cannon, seeing Dunkerque. 2 were destroyed & a 3rd set on fire. Chalmers arrived for flying duties from No.59 OTU. steam from its sides & black pieces blown up to 200 F/S Roberts bombed a rail bridge near Bambecque feet (presumably coal). 2 Barges on a canal near Lille then cannoned a lock gate & bridge near Bergues. 13th were attacked next, strikes seen on both. P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Shipping Strikes P6993 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7092 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Bombed 1 of 4 Minesweepers between Cap Gris Nez P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF & Calais. He saw a flash & spray close to the ship. On Rail targets near Diksmuide. He bombed a Goods making a second run over the target, light flak came Return owing to cloud being down to sea level. Train 4 miles north of Roulers from 100 feet & saw a from the 3 other ships, but not from the 1 attacked. P7111 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF red glow & 2 trucks on fire. He then made 3 attacks P6986 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF on the Loco with cannon, observing strikes, clouds of 24th steam & dirty black smoke. Another Goods Train on Vectored by Swingate control to Gris Nez but Weather Recce the outskirts of Diksmuide was cannoned, strikes recalled as R/T contact lost with the Controller. Over the Channel. In preparation for a dive-bombing seen on the Loco which emitted steam. His score of P7104 Sgt John McGowan Barclay attack on Abbeville Marshalling Yards later. damaged locomotives is now 20. XXXX S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7005 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC 10-12 small ships reported between Cap Gris Nez & XXXX F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Calais. He attacked a 1,000-ton ship surrounded by Railway targets near Neufchatel. Abandoned as 10-15 small ones, releasing his bombs from 75 feet. Dive-Bombing Attack cloud was down to the hilltops. W/O Brunet lost Sgt He saw a big flash presumably his bombs bursting on Rendezvous below 500 feet at Hastings with Spitfires Walker in cloud, & the former was asked for a vector target but owing to no corroborative evidence could of Nos.453, 64 & 122 Sqns. Abandoned ½-way across home from the latter. W/O Brunet was told by Sgt only be claimed as Cat III. the Channel as the weather was unsuitable. Walker that he was OK, but when he was near the P7098 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7012 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC English Coast, he heard Sgt Walker give a ‘mayday’ P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing which was not picked up by the ground stations. No 14th P7002 F/O Alexander Torrance further news has been received & Sgt Gerald Oscar Dive-Bombing Attack P7104 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Harrington Walker is missing (POW). Abbeville aerodrome. Left Manston & rendezvoused P7011 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF at Hastings with Spitfire Vbs of Nos.350 & 453 Sqns P6980 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7005 Sgt Gerald Oscar Harrington Walker as Close Cover & Spitfire IXs of Nos.64 & 122 Sqns as Top Cover. They crossed The Channel at sea-level, 25th Railway targets near Neufchatel. then climbed & crossed the coast at Cayeux at 13,000 S/L Coghlan to London to dine with the King. P7098 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC feet. 12 bombs were released in a dive from 15,000- 7,000 feet. Bursts were seen in the north-east side of Dive-Bombing Attack Air Sea Rescue Search the aerodrome & the coast was recrossed at Berck at The Show cancelled yesterday was laid on again. Search for Sgt Walker, no trace found. 7,000 feet. Heavy flak in the target area. Rendezvous over Hastings below 500 feet where they P7092 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC joined up with the Spitfire Squadrons - Nos.453, 64 & P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 122. Hits observed in the Abbeville Marshalling P6998 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7092 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF Yards & the Operation was highly successful. All P7058 P/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF aircraft returned safely, the Spitfires claiming 2 3rd P7093 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Fw.190s damaged. P/O Smith’s aircraft was hit by P/O Norbury Dugdale arrived for flying duties from P7012 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC shell splinters which scratched the perspex. No.59 OTU. P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Preparations for 20-30 journalists & photographers 20th P7002 F/O Alexander Torrance who were coming to ‘write up’ the Squadron. S/L Patrick Henry Lee arrived for flying duties as a P7098 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Supernummary. P6986 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM Weather Recce P7055 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Boulogne-Dieppe. Rhubarbs P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing P7097 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Weather conditions on ‘the other side’ not suitable. P7104 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF 28th 4th P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay Church Service to commemorate the 25th The journalists duly arrived, & several ‘lines’ were Anniversary of the RAF. shot at them by the pilots. 4 aircraft from each flight Weather conditions on ‘the other side’ not suitable. Dive-Bombing tests with 500lb bombs by F/L Bryan carried out a formation flight & F/O McClure P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC & F/O Musgrave. rounded off the proceedings with a ‘beat up’. P7076 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF RAF Manston 5th Weather conditions on ‘the other side’ not suitable. 30th Pilots occupied with having photos taken by 15-20 P7058 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF F/O Davidson, whose port engine failed, piled up his newspaper photographers. A formation flight & a P7048 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF aircraft on landing. Caused by one of the numerous ‘beat up’ by F/L Bryan. Photos were taken of this. bumps in the aerodrome surface. Not his fault.

P7058 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 14th APRIL 1943 P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Armed Shipping Recce P6986 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Le Tréport-Etretat. Escorted by No.609 Sqn. RAF Manston P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF 1st P6997 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7012 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Parade on the 25th Anniversary of the RAF. P7011 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing F/O Bernard Soulsby, Sgt Douglas Harris & Sgt P7055 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF William John Evans arrived for flying duties from 5th No.58 OTU. Shipping Strike Ramrod 56 Dieppe-Berck Sur Mer. Ship reported off Le Tréport. Brugge Marshalling Yards. Escorted by 3 Squadrons Armed Shipping Recce Escorted by 4 No.609 Sqn Typhoons. of Spitfires. Crossed the coast at Blankenberghe at The Hook of Holland-Oostende. P7055 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 9,000 feet & dropped bombs in a dive from 12,000- P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P6976 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF 7,000 feet. All burst on target. P6993 F/O John Maude Hadow P7121 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF P7096 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7046 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing P7111 S/L Patrick Henry Lee 6th P7098 F/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM Armed Shipping Recce P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay Rhubarb Oostende-Boulogne. Escorted by Typhoons of No.198 P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Courtrai. Returned from Belgian Coast. Sqn. F/L Torrance turned back owing to 1 petrol P7076 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P6993 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF tank falsely reading 25 gallons short. P7058 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7111 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P7121 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF P7111 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland P6993 Sgt Albert Witham Crossed the French Coast at Gravelines then P7048 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Armed Shipping Recce separated. F/L Bryan DFC bombed a train with 4 P6976 F/O John Maude Hadow 12 E-Boats 1½ miles off Le Tréport. Under Swingate closed trucks on the Roesbrugge-Haringe line with 1 P7012 F/O John Tapscott Davidson Control. W/O Ashton RCAF dropped both bombs in 2 bomb from 100 feet, destroying the last truck. He attacks on the leading vessel from 100 feet, he saw dropped his 2nd bomb on a Train with trucks Oostende-Boulogne. Escorted by No.198 Sqn splashes very near. Sgt Smith also attacked 1 of the containing gravel near Furnes, but it was not Typhoons. leading boats from 50 feet, claiming near misses. observed to burst. As he was attacking a Goods Train P6997 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Light flak from 5 of the vessels. drawn by 2 Locos near Zarren, he was joined by F/O P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay XXXXX W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF DeHoux who had been searching for trains without P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance XXXXX Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith success. Pieces, some as much as 6 feet, were seen to fall off the engine after F/L Bryan attacked with 7th Armed Trawler off Berck sur Mer. P/O McClure cannon. F/O DeHoux dropped 1 of his bombs, seeing Armed Shipping Recce recalled. P/O Smith bombed in a dive from 1,500 to it burst just behind the rear Loco. Both Locos are Oostende-Calais. Escorted by 6 Typhoons of No.198 300 feet & observed a red flash when looking back considered as destroyed as steam & black smoke was Sqn. Heavy flak from Dunkerque. about 6 seconds after the bombs were released. billowing out of them in clouds. F/O DeHoux dropped P7111 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC XXXXX F/O John Edward McClure RCAF his 2nd bomb on a railway line near Torhout, but it P7058 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF XXXXX P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC did not explode. P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7111 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P6976 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF 15th P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF F/O John Maude Hadow was killed in an accident at 8th 1000. He was practising dive-bombing, & was seen to Turned back, unsuitable weather. No flying took place as 8 aircraft were standing by pull out at 7,000 feet, then flick over, & dive down at P7046 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF for a dive-bombing Operation which did not take terrific speed, hitting the ground 200 yards from ‘B’ place owing to too much cloud. Flight dispersal. He had only been with the Squadron 2nd a short time but had made himself very popular. Air-to-Ground firing at the Leysdown Ranges. 9th Another dive-bombing Op laid on against Brugge Shipping Strike 3rd Marshalling Yards but after being postponed 3 times E-Boats off Le Touquet. F/L Bryan saw 12 E/R-Boats Armed Shipping Recce was finally abandoned. in 2 columns line ahead. He attacked 1 column in a Furnes-Oostende. Escorted by Spitfires. Intense flak dive from 1,000 feet, releasing both bombs from 100 from Dunkerque, 4 aircraft damaged. 10th feet, glimpsing an explosion. R-Boat is claimed as P6986 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC Weather Recces over the French & Belgian Coasts destroyed. W/O Brunet had to return due to R/T P7011 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF with a view to Rhubarb Operations, but the cloud trouble. F/O Musgrave dropped his bombs from 150 P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance was too high at 4,000 feet. feet on a formation of 6 E-boats. He did not see P7012 F/O John Tapscott Davidson Sgt Bolster joined F/S O’Neill on a course on ‘Tank- results but is convinced that he did not miss. Flak was P7121 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF Busting’ Hurricanes. experienced by all pilots from the ships. P7046 Sgt Albert Witham W/O William Malia posted to No.91 Sqn. P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7058 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P7076 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland 11th P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Air-to-Ground firing at Leysdown Ranges. P7048 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF 4th Armed Shipping Recce Shipping Strike 17th Le Touquet-Boulogne. Escorted by 9 Typhoons. On Shipping off Nieuwpoort. Escorted by 6 Typhoons of Night Rhubarbs the way out, P/O Dugdale, flying with the formation No.609 Sqn & Spitfire IXs of No.122 Sqn. Patrolled Railway targets in Belgium. W/O Brunet bombed a at sea level, hit the sea with his props, unsuccessfully Thrdyak-Zeebrugge at sea level, but shipping was Train on the Oostende-Torhout line from low-level, tried to gain height, & ditched his aircraft 5 miles off conspicuous by its absence. Intense flak from blowing the Loco & 1st 2 coaches off the track. He Dungeness successfully getting clear & being picked Oostende & Dunkerque. released his other bomb on 2 Barges on a canal. It up after 5 minutes by an Air Sea Rescue Launch. P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC burst between them & must have severely damaged P7111 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC P7048 F/O John Maude Hadow both. On the way home, 2 miles off Nieuwpoort, he P7046 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF P6976 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF sighted a Do.217 in line abreast with him. He was P6993 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF P7111 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF observed by the enemy aircraft on turning to attack, P6976 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF & lost contact. Shortly afterwards he was fired at P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF 13th from behind, so he climbed from 500-3,000 feet & P7002 P/O Norbury Dugdale Dive-Bombing Attack returned to Base. F/O Rebbetoy damaged 1 Loco by P6997 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM Brugge Marshalling Yards. Escorted by 3 Squadrons bomb & another by cannon fire. He dropped his 2nd P6986 F/S Robert Woodhouse of Spitfires. Abandoned off Oostende, low cloud. bomb on rolling stock but could not observe results P7046 S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC owing to have to take evasive action from flak. Ramrod 46 P7058 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7058 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF Dive-bombing of Abbeville Marshalling Yards. P7121 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Escorted by 9 Typhoons of No.609 Sqn, & 2 P7111 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Squadrons of Hornchurch Spitfires. Successfully P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Sgt Sutherland attacked a R-Boat from 150 feet off bombed the target from 12,500-7,000 feet. Bursts P6997 P/O Edmund Alexander Bolster Berck sur Mer, no results seen. P/O Roberts returned seen in the target area. Heavy flak atthe French P6997 P/O John Frederick Luing early with ASI u/s. Coast, & over the target. The CO retrieved a piece of P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland shrapnel in his tailplane. P7047 P/O Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF P7121 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF P6993 F/S Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF Attacked the rear of 4 ships off Berck sur Mer, cannon, , observing strikes on the Loco & 1st Coach. DeHoux destroyed 2 & damaged 7, 2 of the latter dropping both bombs from 75 feet. They burst on an He crossed out near Nieuwpoort being held by being shared with Sgt Witham. Armed Trawler, which appeared to break in ½ & a searchlights & experiencing intense flak. He then saw P7046 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF red glow was seen for 1½ minutes until an explosion 6 Trawlers, attacking 1 with cannon seeing plenty of P6993 Sgt Albert Witham took place, when all fire immediately doused. strikes. Light flak from all ships but ceased from the P7048 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF 1 attacked. Gent. F/O McClure dropped his 1st bomb from 50 feet, P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF seeing it explode behind the Loco of a Goods Train on Sighted 3 of the 4 ships attacked by F/O Musgrave & P7092 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF the Roulers-Ypres line. The Loco & some trucks were dropped both bombs on an R-Boat from 150 feet. No blown off the track & are considered destroyed. His explosions seen, but there appeared to be bomb Shipping Strike 2nd bomb was dropped on a Barge near Gent. swirls immediately behind the stern & the R-Boat Scrambled to attack the shipping sighted by F/O F/S Woodhouse damaged a railway bridge near swung off course, showing that it must have been Musgrave. Sgt Smith attacked an E-Boat 3 miles Deynze with his 1st bomb, & a nearby Barge was with damaged. His aircraft was hit twice by intense flak. offshore near Blankenberghe. It took violent evasive the 2nd. The section then attacked a Goods train of 50 P7111 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC action, firing its stern gun, but his 1st bomb, dropped trucks near Gent with cannon, seeing strikes on the from 50 feet, fell beside & stopped it. Another attack Loco & trucks. As they were pulling away, they were 18th was made, & the 2nd bomb released from 50 feet. A attacked by 2 Fw.190s. F/S Woodhouse climbed into Night Rhubarb big explosion was seen, obviously signifying the end cloud, the base of which was 1,000 feet, skidding to Rail targets near Roulers. He dropped 1 bomb from of the E-Boat. The remaining 5 pilots had no success. the right, as 6 streams of tracer fired from 200 yards, 100 feet which burst on the fire box of a Loco P7096 F/O Alexander Torrance passed to his left. F/O McClure did not think he could drawing 6 Coaches. A big explosion was seen & the P6997 F/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM reach cloud in time, so he made a stall turn & got Loco & 1st coach were blown off the tracks. His other P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF head on to the enemy aircraft, although he had no bomb was released from 50 feet on a long Train near P6993 F/S Robert Woodhouse ammunition left. The Fw.190, flying at 500 feet, dived Gent. Results not observed, but the Train stopped & P7056 Sgt John McGowan Barclay towards the ground, thereby enabling him to reach he attacked the Loco with cannon, seeing strikes P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith cloud cover. which caused smoke & steam. The aircraft was P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF illuminated by searchlights on passing over the coast 25th P7098 F/S Robert Woodhouse near Nieuwpoort at 3,000 feet. Rhubarbs P7011 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF F/L Bryan DFC was about to attack a train with 5 27th coaches near Tielt, when he observed flak from each F/O Alexander Torrance to F/L. 19th coach. He broke away & told F/O Rebbetoy over the F/O Hadow was buried in Margate Cemetery. R/T not to attack, but immediately afterwards saw 29th him beating-up the train with cannon. He observed Dive-Bombing Attack 20th strikes on the Loco & 1st coach, but then saw an Eu Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous at Hastings with Night Rhubarbs explosion with smoke & flames in a field in the 9 No.609 Sqn Typhoons & 3 Spitfire Squadrons. The Abbeville aerodrome. The objective was to bomb the vicinity, obviously F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy. It is Whirlwinds orbited Hastings at 500 feet for 20 runway if any activity was taking place. They both not thought that there is any hope of him surviving. minutes but no sign of the 2 Spitfire Squadrons from passed over the target, but as no lights were seen, F/L Bryan DFC Patrolled Roulers-Cassel, but only Hornchurch, so the Operation was abandoned. they searched the area for Trains. W/O Ashton found sighted Trains in towns, which he did not attack. He P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC nothing & returned, but F/O McClure bombed a then proceeded towards Calais, where about 10 P6993 P/O Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF stationary Loco from 100 feet near Abbeville town, & miles from the town, he scored a direct hit with both P6976 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF dropped his 2nd bomb on 8-10 goods trucks in the bombs on a lock. 1 of the Gates was blown into the P7046 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland vicinity. air, & the other left hanging on its hinges. A large P7096 F/L Alexander Torrance P7011 P/O John Edward McClure RCAF stationary Loco was attacked with cannon, strikes P7098 F/O John Tapscott Davidson P7018 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF being observed. P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay Diksmuide. F/O Musgrave dropped 1 bomb from 100 P7058 F/O James Reginald Rebbetoy RCAF feet on a Barge near Courtrai, leaving it sinking. The 30th other bomb hit another Barge near Gent, which was Attacked a concentration of about 20 Barges 10 F/L John Douglas Thomas arrived as Adjutant to left stern well down in the water. He then attacked a miles south of Brugge with bombs & cannons. F/O replace F/L Gordon Edmund William Priest, who Passenger Train of 3 Coaches near Eeklo with was posted overseas.

Cap Gris Nez-Boulogne. Shipping Strikes MAY 1943 P7012 F/S Robert Woodhouse Bombed a Minesweeper from 150 feet but did not RAF Manston 15th observe results. He then cannoned another. Armed Shipping Recce P7111 Sgt Albert Witham 1st-11th Zeebrugge-Boulogne. Nothing seen. For the first 11 days of the month, there was no P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Bombed 1 of 3 Minesweepers 4 miles north-east of Operational & very little flying training owing to P7111 Sgt Albert Witham Gravelines, seeing it swing round through 90°. continuous strong winds reputed to be the worst P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC experienced in the locality for many years. P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Shipping Strikes 12th Scramble Saw 9 Minesweepers 3 miles off Dunkerque. Bombed Rhubarb P7096 F/L Alexander Torrance the leader from 100 feet without observing results. Barges on the Brugge-Gent Canal. Returned from P7056 F/O Bernard Soulsby P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay Belgian Coast as cloud base too high at 3,000 feet. P6993 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 16th Shipping off Gravelines. Plotted at 0132 by the CHL P7048 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Whilst on a practice flight, F/O Soulsby had an Station attacking ships, but his plot disappeared & uncomfortable 15-minutes with our searchlights & no further news has been received of him. F/O Armed Shipping Recce flak near Manston. Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF had been with Barges on the Brugge-Gent Canal. Returned from the Squadron 18 months & was a very keen & Belgian Coast as cloud base too high at 3,000 feet. Night Rhubarbs efficient pilot, very popular with the Squadron, he P7096 F/L Alexander Torrance Bombed 30 Barges on the outskirts of Béthune from will be hard to replace. P7098 Sgt John McGowan Barclay 100 feet & then attacked with cannon, seeing many P7063 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF strikes. He also attacked the Loco of a Goods Train 13th on the Poperinge-Hazebrouck line with cannon, Bombed 7 E/R-Boats leaving Gravelines from 100 The weather conditions improved with the new seeing strikes & flames. feet & observed a red glow. On turning saw it moon & a large amount of Flying training took place P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC stationary & listing badly to port. He then attacked during the day. with cannon, seeing strikes all over. Rail targets near Poperinge. Bombed 15 E-Boats off P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Armed Shipping Recce Nieuwpoort from 50 feet, seeing splashes alongside Bombed 1 of 12-15 Minesweepers 2-miles south-west 1 & after damaging another with cannon fire, he Bombed the leader of 4 Minesweepers from 50 feet of Gris Nez from 200 feet. Results not seen owing to passed over the position of the 1st at 100 feet, saw the ½-mile off Gravelines jetty. 2 columns of water intense flak. wake but no sign of the E-Boat, which is claimed as covered the ship which started to pitch & roll. P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland destroyed. Plenty of flak was experienced. P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Attacked the same target 1-mile off Boulogne from Recalled. 150 feet. Intense flak experienced & when making a Night Armed Shipping Recce P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland second attack he noticed that 1 of the ships had Oostende-Noucogne. dropped well behind the others. He gave it a 4-second P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland Attacked 5 Minesweepers 2 miles off Nieuwpoort burst of cannon, observing plenty of strikes. with bombs & cannon from 200 feet. Unable to P7063 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF Knokke-Calais. observe results owing to intense flak. He then gave a P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF 3-4 second burst of cannon at 1 of 3 E-Boats 3 miles Found 4-5 Minesweepers 5-miles west of Hardelot, north of Dunkerque, seeing plenty of strikes. but lost sight of them & attacked 2 others further Night Rhubarb P7055 F/O Bernard Soulsby south. Bombed from 500 feet (1 bomb failed to Unable to locate Poix aerodrome so bombed release), no results. He was greeted by plenty of flak Moyencourt aerodrome from 100 feet. Bombed a Minesweeper & 4 large loaded Barges ¼- & 2 searchlights near Boulogne. P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay mile off Nieuwpoort from 100 feet & also gave a 3 P7047 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill second burst of cannon. Results not observed. He Bombed Amiens-Glisy aerodrome from 3,000 feet, then used the rest of his ammunition on 1 of the Fired at 3-miles off Boulogne, but whilst looking for despite being troubled by searchlights at the time, 1 Barges obtaining strikes. the ship, was sent after another target by the of which illuminated him. P7012 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Controller. He flew down past Le Touquet but was P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF not saw nothing. Intruder Patrol P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Bombed Calais-Marck aerodrome from 500 feet. Rail targets near Courtrai. Found 2 Goods Trains & Bursts seen in the centre of the aerodrome. 6 destroyed the Loco of 1 with a 250lb bomb & cannon Ordered to land after orbiting Base for some time. searchlights & intense heavy flak from Gravelines. fire. On attacking the other, his 2nd bomb hung up, P6993 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith but his cannon fire damaged the Loco. On the way P7111 Sgt Albert Witham home, he found 25+ E-Boats near Dunkerque & was Bombed Poix aerodrome from 1,500 feet despite greeted by intense flak. He climbed & passed the Dieppe-Gris Nez. Nothing seen. intense flak & searchlights. He also had trouble over information over the R/T to the Controller. P7092 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Ashford with friendly searchlights & flak. P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Found a M-Class Minesweeper off Oostende & Rail targets near Gent. Saw 6 E-Boats 3-miles north- bombed from 100 feet. Bursts seen alongside, it Bombed 2 Barges near Courtrai, then attacked a east of Oostende & bombed on them from 100 feet swung round & lost speed. He then attacked with a goods truck near Torhout, leaving it a “red mass.” but unable to observe results owing to flak. 4-second burst cannon, seeing strikes all over, & P7063 F/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF P7096 F/L Alexander Torrance silencing the flak which he had been intense. P7111 P/O Edward Lancelot Musgrave DFC RAAF Ypres-Roulers-Diksmuide. Bombed a Barge from 100 Found a Convoy of large military lorries with their feet 10 miles south of Furnes & saw a flash. headlights on 10 miles north-west of Gent. He 14th P7111 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill bombed then raked the Convoy fore & aft with The moon period commenced yesterday evening & cannon fire, destroying at least 4 & damaging many. the Squadron will be concentrating on Night Diksmuide-Roulers. Bombed railway lines. P7098 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith Operations until the 23rd. The CO has an attack of P7012 Sgt John McGowan Barclay jaundice & will not be available. Armed Shipping Recce Bombed 6 Barges near Aire, damaging 2. Also Gris Nez-Oostende. At sea level 1½-miles offshore. Armed Shipping Recces attacked with cannons & saw 1 catch fire. P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Bombed a 2,000-ton Merchant Vessel escorted by 8- P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 10 Flak Ships off Le Touquet from 50 feet seeing a flash & the boats signalling to each other by Aldis 17th 19th lamp. Intense flak. Shipping Strikes F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF arrived for flying P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Attacked 2 Minesweepers with 8 loaded Barges off duties from No.55 OTU. Mardyk from 50 feet seeing a big red flash. Saw flak & a reddish-blue flash, presumably W/O P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Night Rhubarb Ashton’s bombs bursting, from 12-miles away, but Abbeville-Glisy aerodrome. Met a Ju.88 head on near was unable to locate the target. Found the same Convoy & bombed the Barges from Abbeville, pulled to starboard to avoid it, made a P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay 200 feet, obtaining a red flash. steep turn but lost it down moon. Then, whilst P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland searching for the target, he flew across it at 300 feet & was illuminated by searchlights. He returned & bombed from 600 feet, seeing bursts close to 2 large buildings on the aerodrome. Illuminated again, he Passed over Amiens-Glisy aerodrome at 200 feet, experienced intense, accurate light flak. getting intense flak & being illuminated for 3 25th P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC minutes by 6-8 searchlights. He bombed from 2,000 F/S John Gates RAAF arrived for flying duties from Poix aerodrome. Neither was able to locate it, so feet, seeing 2 explosions. No.59 OTU. bombed on rail tracks. P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7096 F/L Alexander Torrance Could not find Poix aerodrome so bombed rail lines. 26th P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF P7111 F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill F/S Clarence Neal RAAF arrived for flying duties from No.55 OTU. Arrived over Poix aerodrome to find the flare path lit Diksmuide-Roulers-Tielt. Bombed 5 Barges 10 miles & an unidentified aircraft taking off. He dived to south of Brugge, damaging & dispersing them. He 27th 2,000 feet & gave it a 3-4 second burst of cannon but then cannoned another 4, seeing strikes on 2. New pilots given dual & later flew Whirlwinds. could could not observe results. He then bombed the P7092 Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland flare path. 28th P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Rail targets near Courtrai. Did not cross the Belgian F/L John Douglas Thomas, the Adjutant, posted & Coast owing to thick fog. replaced by F/O William Frank Hayman. Poix aerodrome. Bombed from 1,000 feet, seeing P6993 P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC bursts near a building & 10-15 dispersed aircraft. 29th P6997 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith 22nd Armed Shipping Recce F/O Norbury Dugdale posted to No.611 Sqn. Le Touquet-Boulogne. Unable to locate Poix aerodrome so bombed rail P/O Robert Leslie Smith DFC DFM posted to No.52 P7047 S/L John Basil Wray lines near Gravelines. OTU. P7111 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers P7096 F/O Bernard Soulsby F/S Hugh Leo O’Neill posted Overseas. P6995 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Sgt Douglas Harris posted to No.197 Sqn. P7046 Sgt William John Evans Orbited Amiens-Glisy aerodrome without being able to locate it & then bombed Crécy-en-Ponthieu 23rd 30th aerodrome from 500 feet, seeing bursts on a group S/L Humphrey St. John Coghlan DFC who had been Called to Readiness for Anti-Shipping Op. 30 E-Boats of white buildings on the northern edge. commanding No.137 Sqn since November 1941, reported off Flushing, but 2 Typhoon Squadrons P7048 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF posted to No.11 Group, his place being taken by S/L recced & reported that the supposed E-Boats were John Basil Wray. the Oostende fishing fleet. S/L Patrick Henry Lee posted.

11th P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC JUNE 1943 Squadron to move to Southend & re-equip with P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Hurricane Mk. IVs. RAF Manston Coxyde-Furnes aerodrome. Unable to find the target 1st RAF Southend so bombed 2 Barges on the Ypres canal. 1 destroyed F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF arrived for 12th & the other heeled over on its side. flying duties from No.52 OTU. Moved to Southend & spent the day settling in. P7092 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF

Dive-Bombing Attack 13th 16th Eu Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous with 3 Spitfire RAF Manston 6 Whirlwinds to Manston but returned the following Sqns at Pevensey Bay. Abandoned 25 miles out due Intruder Patrol morning without having operated. to weather. Poix aerodrome. He failed to locate target so P7066 F/L Alexander Torrance dropped both bombs on rail tracks near Abbeville. He RAF Southend P7056 F/O Bernard Soulsby was engaged by searchlights & flak. 17th P6986 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Local flying commenced on the Hurricane IVs. P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith P7047 S/L John Basil Wray Returned from the French Coast, unfavourable Intruder Patrol P7111 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers weather. Poix aerodrome. Dropped both bombs in a dive from P7092 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7056 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF 8,000-6,000 feet. Bursts believed on the aerodrome. P7093 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF P7111 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7111 S/L John Basil Wray P7092 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 2nd Poix aerodrome. Saw the flare path lit up. He P/O Desmond Arthur Roberts RNZAF who had been 14th dropped both bombs in the middle of the runway with the Squadron for 18 months, posted to No.485 Intruder Patrol from 600 feet. Fired a 4 second burst of cannon at Sqn. Poix aerodrome. Dived from 8,000-700 feet firing a hangers, obtaining strikes. 6-second burst of cannon & releasing both bombs, P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 3rd which exploded on the south side of the runway. Recce Strikes also seen on an enemy aircraft on the runway Poix aerodrome. Saw 2 E-Boats 2-miles off Criel P7047 S/L John Basil Wray with navigation lights on. Plage. Attacked 1, dropping both bombs in a beam P7055 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF attack which hit the water 15-20 feet short, causing it to lift & turn 90° to face the shore & then stop. 4th Dropped both bombs on a Barge near Diksmuide P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC Scramble from 100 feet, claiming it destroyed. P7096 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Poix aerodrome. Landed immediately, electrical P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith equipment was u/s. Dive-bombed a train near Roulers but overshot. P7056 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7096 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Cannon strikes seen on the Loco, causing intense P7011 Sgt Aubrey Cartwright Smith steam & a brilliant 3 second flash. Poix aerodrome. Bombed the southern runway in a P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC shallow dive from 4,500-2,000 feet. P7098 F/L Alexander Torrance P6997 F/O John Frederick Luing Poperinge-Gent-Ypres. Found 2 Barges near Roulers, 5th on which he dropped both bombs, observing a big Poix aerodrome. Both bombs burst on the runway. Armed Shipping Recce red explosion with debris flying in all directions. P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF Dunkerque-Calais. Another 2 Barges destroyed for this pilot. P7055 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF P7111 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Poix aerodrome. Both bombs burst on the runway. P7012 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Amiens-Glisy aerodrome. Unable to locate the target 6th so attacked a stationary Goods Train at Flixecourt Poix aerodrome. Found a stationary Train of 20 Exercise ‘Glebe’ with a 2-second burst of cannon & a 250lb bomb, covered trucks in a siding at Rue. He released both 9 Whirlwinds beat up M/T & troops in the Dover- observing strikes on the Loco. Flak from both ends of bombs from 200 feet observing a flash & then Canterbury area. the train. On the way home, he inadvertently passed cannoned the target seeing many strikes among the over Abbeville aerodrome at 200 feet, & was greeted wagons. 3 flak positions opened up & his aircraft was Shipping Strike with intense accurate flak & searchlights, his aircraft hit in the port petrol tank. Shipping off Cap Gris Nez. Escorted by 2 No.609 Sqn receiving a hit on the fuselage. He dropped his other P7111 Sgt John McGowan Barclay Typhoons. 4 M-Class Minesweepers found ½-mile off bomb close to the runway. Amblesteuse. After 1 of the Typhoons beat up the P7092 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF Poix aerodrome. leader with cannon, S/L Wray made a beam attack, P7012 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF dropping both bombs from below mast height. Seen Abbeville aerodrome. Abandoned due to thick cloud by 1 of the Typhoon pilots to be direct hits. F/O over the French Coast. 18th DeHoux carried out the same procedure on the 2nd P7086 Sgt John McGowan Barclay 8 aircraft took off on Rhubarbs, but all returned from ship, giving a 5-second burst of cannon, before the French & Belgian Coasts, owing to insufficient releasing both bombs from below mast height. 15th cloud cover. Although they must have either hit or fallen very A few Hurricane IVs delivered. The intention is to close, results were not observed. Flak from the keep the Whirlwind until the end of the moon period, 19th remaining 2 ships hit F/O DeHoux’s aircraft beneath & then hand them over to No.263 Sqn. Intruder Patrol the cockpit. Amiens-Glisy aerodrome. Saw several leading in P7047 S/L John Basil Wray Intruder Patrol lights so dived from 6,000 feet & released both bombs P7055 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Poix aerodrome. Crossed the French Coast at Cayeux on the perimeter track. He then attacked a where a Fw.190 passed in front of him. He fired a stationary Train in a Marshalling Yard south east of 7th short burst & saw a flash on its tail but saw no Amiens, seeing strikes on the Loco. Readiness in connection with an 1,800-ton ship & further results owing to the dazzling effect of his P6993 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF escort which had been attacked during the night by guns. Dropped both bombs on the aerodrome. Naval forces but was not called upon. P7111 S/L John Basil Wray Poix aerodrome. Both bombed the runway, experiencing trouble with searchlights. Exercise ‘Glebe’ Amiens-Glisy aerodrome. Dropped both bombs on P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Beat up M/T in the Dover-Canterbury area. the centre of the target. P7011 Sgt John McGowan Barclay P7096 F/O John Edward McClure RCAF 8th Amiens-Glisy aerodrome. Dropped both bombs from Very cloudy & suitable for Rhubarb Operations. 6 Coxyde-Furnes aerodrome. Dropped their bombs on 500 feet on hangers & buildings. Illuminated by pilots worked out the details for this, but Group the aerodrome without observing results due to searchlights, but no flak. would not give permission as the cloud was down to intense flak. They then separated. F/O DeHoux P6997 F/O John Frederick Luing the deck on ‘the other side.’ cannoned a Tug & 2 Barges on the Gent-Brugge 6 pilots left for Millfield on a ‘tank-busting’ course. canal observing many strikes. After making a Amiens-Glisy aerodrome. Both bombs on the runway. Sgt Edwin Ashworth arrived for flying duties from Shipping Recce to Gravelines, he returned to Base. P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC No.52 OTU. F/L Bryan attacked 2 Barges on the same canal, seeing strikes & debris. He then made 3 attacks on a Abbeville aerodrome. Bombed but no results seen. Goods Train observing strikes all over the Loco & 1st P7046 P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF truck. Flak & searchlights over the enemy coast. 20th 22nd-30th P/O John Edward McClure RCAF posted to No.263 Poix aerodrome. Dropped both 500lb bombs from The Whirlwinds were handed over to No.263 Sqn, & Sqn. 500 feet, bursts being seen on the runway. we became Non-Operational. Several Pilots sent to 21st P7098 W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Millfield on a month’s course on Hurricane IV’s, Intruder Patrol including firing the 40mm cannons & also the R/P, of Poix aerodrome. Dropped both 500lb bombs from Poix aerodrome. Could not locate target so dropped which the Hurricane carries 8. 500 feet, bursts being seen on the runway. both 500lb 11-second delay bombs from 100 feet on P7096 S/L John Basil Wray a stationary Goods Train north of Rue. 30th When over Base, the starboard Exactor jammed in Sgt Edmund Alexander Bolster posted to No.247 Sqn. Poix aerodrome. Dropped both 500lb bombs from the fully open position, & the engine lost power. F/S Robert Woodhouse posted to RAF Millfield as an 500 feet, bursts being seen on the runway. While trying to land, the other engine failed owing to Instructor. P7047 F/L John Michael Bryan DFC lack of petrol, he could not get his undercarriage Sgt William John Evans posted to No.609 Sqn. down & force-landed in a field near Manston. He was F/O Robert Smollett Flynn, the M.O., posted overseas, Poix aerodrome. Dropped both 500lb bombs from unhurt, but the aircraft was written off. his place was taken by F/O James Lawson Morgan. 500 feet, bursts being seen on the runway. P6993 Sgt John McGowan Barclay F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin arrived for flying P7046 F/O John Frederick Luing duties from No.59 OTU.

blades. F/L Bryan, seeing all aircraft safe, JULY 1943 Rhubarb ordered them to Base whilst he himself set Crossed the Belgian Coast in cloud at 1,500 feet course for Dunkirk in & out of cloud, attacked a RAF Southend 2 miles west of Nieuwpoort. Goods train Goods train near Kruiske, observing strikes on 1st-22nd attacked near Cotemark & the Loco destroyed. the Loco & pieces flying off. As he broke away, Flying training with the Hurricane Mk. IV. 2 more Goods Trains found at Statiestrate. F/L he felt a bang on his port wing & saw a hole Bryan & F/O Chalmers attacked 1, seeing evidently caused by a Bofors shell. His ASI pipe 1st-7th strikes & leaving it covered in dirty black smoke. was also severed. Only 8 pilots available, the rest being at Milfield. F/O Brunet & F/O Davidson dealt with the other KX827 F/L John Michael Bryan resulting in the Loco knocked off its bogies. F/O KZ661 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF 1st Brunet & F/O Chalmers shot up a large lorry KZ688 F/S Albert Witham P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF & Sgt Lewis near Lightervelde & at Thielt a small train was KX620 F/S Clarence Neal RAAF Philip Boucher arrived for flying duties from left emitting smoke. 2 Barges badly damaged. No.59 OTU. The 4 returned to Manston in formation. Bruges-Roulers. Rail & Barge targets. KX827 F/L John Michael Bryan Abandoned owing to weather. 4th KZ661 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet RCAF KZ662 F/O John Tapscott Davidson Hurricanes were also flown at different times to KW918 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KW718 F/O Bernard Soulsby Friston for harmonisation of guns. KZ662 F/O John Tapscott Davidson 25th-30th 5th 24th Low-flying, cross-country, formation, camera The CO flew to Sawbridgeworth with other Sgt Hayes hit the sea with his propeller & crash- gun, R/P & 40mm cannon firing at Leysdown pilots to look at on the ground & try to recognise landed, writing off the Hurricane, but Range. from the air, a collection of dummy tanks. fortunately receiving no hurt himself. S/L Wray, F/O DeHoux, W/O Ashton RCAF & 25th F/S Sutherland left for Milfield, F/L Torrance, Rhubarb P/O Hugh Gilchrist Dickson RCAF & P/O Ralph F/O Soulsby, F/O Davidson, F/S A.C. Smith & F/S Transport targets. Bruges-Ghent. Crossed the Alexander Johnstone RCAF arrived for flying Witham returned from there. Belgian Coast 2 miles north of Nieuwpoort in duties from No.59 OTU. F/L John Edward McClure RCAF awarded the cloud at 2,000 feet & all 4 attacked a Goods DFC for his work with No.137 Squadron. Train on the Thourot-Oostende line leaving it 26th thoroughly broken up. A 2nd Train was found on F/S Ronald Wright RAAF arrived for flying 9th the outskirts of Deynze & again all 4 were duties from No.56 OTU. P/O Arthur Gaston Brunet to F/O. responsible for leaving it emitting smoke & Sgt Jack A. Hayes arrived for flying duties from Sgt Albert Witham to F/S. steam up to 400 feet. As the attack was No.59 OTU. finishing, F/O Brunet saw 3 Fw.190s 3 miles 17th away. He warned the others over the R/T & they 31st F/O Richard Osborne Curtis arrived for flying all turned into them with the intention of A most unfortunate accident occurred during duties from No.59 OTU. getting into cloud. He got in a 4 second burst of the morning, resulting in the loss of F/S John R/P & 40mm cannon firing at Leysdown Range. machine gun & 6 40mm shells from 1,000-200 McGowan Barclay. He was out as No.1 to P/O yards on 1 from head-on. Although not Johnstone & diving from 2,000 feet in order to 18th observing strikes, the Fw.190 suddenly pulled shake P/O Johnstone off his tail, could not pull F/S Charles George Points & Sgt James Albert away with a lot of bluish-grey smoke pouring out & hit the ground, his aircraft bursting into Desmond Shemeld arrived for flying duties from from it & is claimed as damaged. F/S Witham flames near Maldon, Essex. He must have been 59 OTU. was attacked whilst climbing & realising he killed instantly. could not reach cloud cover without being shot F/O Geoffrey Wallis, Engineering Officer, went 23rd down., he attempted a stall turn at 1,200 feet to a F/L post on an airfield, his place being Sgt Boucher hit a telegraph pole during Low but went into a spin only pulling out at 300 feet. taken by P/O Dennis Lionel Patrick Moore. Flying attacks but managed to land safely. Climbing again for cloud cover (the base of First Rhubarbs with the Hurricane Mk. IV with which was 1,500 feet) he was attacked again 40mm cannon. Highly successful - 4 trains, 2 just before entering it, a cannon strike barges & lorries effectively dealt with. removing 14 inches from 1 of his propeller Squadron who had mistaken him for an enemy. a searchlight from the shore & could not AUGUST 1943 He was seen to come down in flames & although observe results. He then fired the the remaining a search of the area was made (including one by R/P at an R-Boat well behind the others, RAF Southend S/L Wray) no trace of him could be found & he already well down by the stern (the 1 attacked 1st is presumed killed. by F/O Chalmers) but again could not observe F/L John Michael Bryan awarded a Bar to his KZ578 F/O John Tapscott Davidson results, due to intense flak. DFC for his consistent good work & leadership KZ655 F/O Richard Osborne Curtis with the Squadron. His score to present is 1 Blankenberghe-Cap Gris Nez. Do.217 destroyed & 1 Fw.190 probably KZ620 F/O Bernard Soulsby 20th destroyed (both shared), 35 locomotives Sgt Thomas Arthur Sutherland to F/S. destroyed or damaged, 2 Minesweepers, 1 E- 15th Boat & 5 Barges damaged, besides bombing of Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce enemy aerodromes etc. etc. The Channel. Dunkirk-Le Tréport. F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF awarded the KW918 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC KZ655 F/S Albert Witham DFC for his excellent work with No.137 KX698 F/S Albert Witham Squadron. 24th W/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF to P/O. 16th Shipping Strike Armed Shipping Recce 3 Minesweepers between Gris Nez-Berck. 8th The Channel. Escorted by 3 Typhoons of No.3 Sqn & 4 Squadron moved to RAF Manston. XXXXX F/L Alexander Torrance Typhoons of No.198 Sqn. Only a fishing fleet was KW918 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith seen off Le Touquet. 9th KZ620 F/O Bernard Soulsby KX585 S/L John Basil Wray Armed Shipping Recce KX698 F/L John Michael Bryan KX585 S/L John Basil Wray 17th KZ655 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC Armed Shipping Recce RCAF 10th F/O Unwin lost himself. He reached the English KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Rhubarb Coast after several vectors, but after flying for 2 Railway targets in Belgium. Returned due to hours, his petrol gave out. He attempted to land 26th fog. at Manston but crashlanded about 200 yards F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF arrived for KZ662 F/O John Tapscott Davidson short, ‘writing off’ the aircraft but escaping flying duties from No.1 PDC. with just a few bruises. Abandoned off Cap Gris Nez due to fog. KW918 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin 28th KZ654 F/L Alexander Torrance KZ655 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith Armed Shipping Recce Walcheren-Blankenberghe. Escort by No.198 Railway targets in Belgium. Returned due to 18th Sqn Typhoons. fog. Armed Shipping Recce XXXXX F/L John Michael Bryan KZ661 F/L John Michael Bryan Released 3 pairs of R/P at the middle of 5 E- XXXXX F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KZ608 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC Boats off Nieuwpoort & destroyed 1. Results of XXXXX F/O Richard Osborne Curtis RCAF a 2nd attack were not observed. XXXXX F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC KZ620 Sgt Lewis Philip Boucher RCAF 11th Armed Shipping Recce Fired a pair of R/P at a stationary E-Boat off Special Op Walcheren-Bray Dunes Plage. Nieuwpoort, leaving it sinking with its bow Hansweert Lock Gates on Walcheren Island. KW918 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC sticking up out of the water. Hurricanes of Nos.164 & 184 Sqns & Typhoons RCAF KX585 S/L John Basil Wray of Nos.3 & 198 Sqns also took part. Abandoned off the Belgian coast owing to insufficient cloud Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. Armed Shipping Recce cover. KX698 F/L John Michael Bryan KX698 F/L Alexander Torrance KX585 S/L John Basil Wray KX698 F/L John Michael Bryan 12th Armed Shipping Recce KZ248 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF R/P & 40mm cannon firing at Leysdown KZ654 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Ranges. KZ400 F/L Alexander Torrance 19th KZ655 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce RCAF Oostende-Cap Gris Nez. Found an M-Class minesweeper & 6 R-Boats off KZ725 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith KZ655 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Cap Gris Nez. He dealt very efficaciously with KZ829 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC the Minesweeper; firing a salvo of 8 R/P at 400 Le Tréport. Attacked 2 M-Class minesweepers & yards range when at 50 feet. Large explosion 29th 12-15 E-Boats. 1 Minesweeper left on its with white smoke up to 200 feet. Subsequent F/S John Albert Horne RAAF & F/S Ronald starboard side with its stern awash, 1 E-Boat Reconnaissance showed the boat to be burning Alfred Nickless arrived for flying duties from rolled over & sank. Intense flak. from stem to stern with intermittent explosions No.83 GSU. KZ620 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith & sinking. Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook arrived for KZ716 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC flying duties from No.164 Sqn. Cap Gris Nez-Boulogne. RCAF KZ655 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF 30th Gris Nez-Berck. Found the burning Special Op 13th Minesweeper off Sangster which had been Hansweert Lock Gates on Walcheren Island. Armed Shipping Recce attacked by F/O DeHoux. 6-8 R-Boats were in The ‘pranging’ of the lock gates in Holland was Walcheren-Nieuwpoort. disorganised formation in the vicinity. 1 R-Boat laid on again, but just as the aircraft were about KZ918 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC attacked with a pair of R/P (60lb heads) & he to take off, the Operation was cancelled by RCAF saw the bow disappearing under the water. Group owing to unsuitable weather in the KZ655 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin Another attacked with 2 pairs of R/P, hits seen target area. KZ710 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF amidships & a burst of flame rising to 50 feet which died down leaving black smoke. This is 31st 14th only claimed as probably destroyed. F/L John Michael Bryan DFC, who had been F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet awarded the DFC for KX698 F/L John Michael Bryan with No.137 Squadron since its formation, his good work with No.137 Squadron. promoted to S/L & given command of No.198 Saw the burning wreckage of this Minesweeper Sqn Typhoons. We were very sorry to lose him Armed Shipping Recce then found 5 R-Boats & 2 more Minesweepers as his keenness & efficiency had had a lot to do Le Tréport-Gris Nez. Insufficient cloud cover. between Sangette & Calais. He fired a salvo of 8 with the excellent results obtained by the KZ654 F/O John Tapscott Davidson R/P & saw an R-Boat sinking. This is claimed as Squadron. KZ620 F/O Bernard Soulsby probably destroyed. Intense flak. F/S Clarence Neal RAAF posted to a Spitfire KZ620 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Squadron via 1 SLAIS. F/O Davidson was on his way home at 2325 when he was unfortunately shot down about 10 Found 7-8 R-Boats off Calais & released a pair miles off North Foreland by a ----- of ---- of R/P but on breaking away was illuminated by 14th 20th SEPTEMBER 1943 Armed Shipping Recce Shipping Strike Last heard from at 2345, 12 miles off Oostende. Returned due to unsuitable weather off Boulogne. RAF Manston KX656 P/O Hugh Gilchrist Dickson RCAF KX585 S/L John Basil Wray 1st KZ676 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook Brought to Readiness owing to 2 Destroyers which Sighted a Minesweeper with escort of 6 E/R-Boats 2 KX399 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin were in Boulogne Harbour being expected to make a miles off Oostende. Attacked 1 of the escort with 3 KZ829 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF sortie to attack 1 of our Convoys. Nothing happened pairs of R/P. Passed over as it exploded & his aircraft however & the Squadron was released. was thrown 50 feet up. Intense flak. Rhubarb F/S John Whitfield Carter RAAF arrived for flying KX396 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Returned from Nieuwpoort due to weather. duties from No.55 OTU. KX827 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF to F/L. Knocke-Dunkirk. KX622 F/O Richard Osborne Curtis KX822 F/S Ronald Wright RAAF 2nd Railways in northern France. Cloud rather high for Special Op 15th this type of Op, but a shallow penetration made Hansweert Lock Gates on Walcheren Island. With 8 Night Attack between Gravelines & Dunkirk. A Train was Hurricanes of No.164 Sqn & escorted by Typhoons of The aircraft took off at 5-minute intervals to ‘prang’ attacked, & strikes were seen in the tender & boiler. Nos.3 & 198 Sqns. F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux RCAF Abbeville aerodrome where a concentration of KZ620 F/O Bernard Soulsby DFC was seen to fire his R/P, & pull away, but no aircraft was reported. 2 turned back at the French KZ661 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC further news has been received of him. He had been Coast owing to unsuitable weather, & 2 others could with the Squadron for nearly 2 years & the news that not locate the target. F/L Davies orbited at 6,000 feet 24th he had been promoted to F/L with command of ‘A’ & switched on his navigation lights. The flare path & S/L Wray & F/O Chalmers attacked a Churchill tank Flight was only known after he was missing. His loss lights were duly switched on & he fired 4 pairs of R/P at Leysdown Range with very good results. is deeply felt by everybody. F/S Smith fired his R/P at 4,000 feet whilst diving, seeing huge flashes. F/S from 300 yards at the front west gate but did not Smith fired his R/Ps at a hanger in the northern 25th observe results. P/O Ashton RCAF, who attacked the dispersal, as did F/O Luing. Rhubarb rear west gate, confirms that the gates attacked by KX585 S/L John Basil Wray Abandoned due to unfavourable weather. F/S Smith were destroyed. P/O Ashton RCAF also KX620 F/O Bernard Soulsby released his R/P from 300 yards range at 100 feet, KX829 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC KX661 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC did not break away & flew through the debris from the explosion. The gates were considered destroyed. KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Abandoned due to unfavourable weather. S/L Wray attacked a large rear gate but had to XXXXX P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF break away to avoid collision with other aircraft & KX576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC XXXXX P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF could not observe results. He thinks that 1-2 of his R/P hit the target, & the others, buildings. Heavy flak KZ655 F/L Alexander Torrance 27th from the coast & target. F/S Smith’s aircraft hit by Sgt Ashworth bent an oleo legs on taking off due to a machine-gun bullets, but damage not serious. KZ248 F/O John Frederick Luing bump on the aerodrome surface. Unable to raise or KX535 S/L John Basil Wray lower it, he made a successful belly landing. KX576 F/O Joseph Laurier DeHoux DFC RCAF KX396 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith KX248 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Shipping Strike KZ396 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith Armed Shipping Recce Took off to ‘finish off’ a 3,000-ton ship reported KZ399 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld disabled by the Navy 5 miles off Berck-Sur-Mer. 5th Escorted by Typhoons of Nos.609 & 1 Sqns, they F/L Idwal James Davies DFC arrived for flying duties 16th swept Boulogne-Somme Estuary but only saw the from No.609 Sqn as ‘A’ Flight Commander. Dusk landings & night sector Recces. masts of a sunken vessel south of Berck. R/P & 40mm firing on the Goodwin Sands wrecks. KX585 S/L John Basil Wray Armed Shipping Recce KX655 F/S Albert Witham 9th KX654 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF KX829 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith awarded the DFM for KZ676 Sgt Edwin Ashworth his good work with No.137 Squadron which included KX822 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF KZ399 F/S Charles George Points the sinking of 2 E-Boats & 1 M-Class Minesweeper. KZ400 F/L Alexander Torrance Incidentally, this is the first decoration awarded to KZ249 F/O Bernard Soulsby KZ396 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF an NCO whilst with the Squadron. KZ248 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF 18th 10th Armed Shipping Recce 28th 4 sections participated in an Army Exercise. Dutch Islands. Shipping Roadstead laid on for 1st light cancelled due KX400 F/O Bernard Soulsby to bad weather. 13th Armed Shipping Recce Calais-Knocke. 29th KX576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC KZ654 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless The Roadstead was laid on but was again cancelled. KZ725 F/S Ronald Wright RAAF 6 pilots visited to the Hornchurch Operations Room. KZ676 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF 19th 30th KX655 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin Dummy attacks made on a wreck off the English R/P firing on the Goodwins testing out the accuracy Coast by the Squadron in formation. of the 60lb heads with normal sight setting & the KX399 F/O Richard Osborne Curtis railings set for level flight. Results encouraging & the railings put back on all the aircraft in the Squadron.

KZ661 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF KZ655 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook OCTOBER 1943 7th 17th RAF Manston Shipping Strike Night Armed Shipping Recce 1st Walcheren-Noord Beveland Islands. Red section French-Belgian Coasts. S/L Boothby of MAP visited; he spoke to the pilots for (F/L Davies DFC, F/S Shemeld, F/O Brunet & Sgt KZ548 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF an hour on the R/P projectile & afterwards flew 1 of Ashworth) & Blue section (P/O Ashton RCAF, P/O KZ822 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF the Hurricanes fitted with 60lb heads on practice Johnstone RCAF, P/O Soulsby & F/S Nickless) flying KX248 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless attacks on a wreck with S/L Wray. at sea-level made landfall at the south-west corner of Schouwen Island where they were to rendezvous Dutch Islands. A Tug towing 2 Barges between Armed Shipping Recce with No.198 Sqn Typhoons. They did not arrive as Walcheren & Noord Beveland Islands was sunk with Only fishing vessels found. they were chasing 3 Fw.190s. With cloud base at R/P along with 1 of the Barges. The other Barge left KX400 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF 1,200 feet, F/L Davies DFC decided to continue. As partly on its side with nose well down in the water. KX822 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF the formation was turning to the right at sea-level KX585 S/L John Basil Wray KZ654 F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith F/O Soulsby was seen to straighten out & then ‘mush’ KZ570 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF into the sea, debris flying up. When F/S Nickless flew 18th back over the spot, there was no sign of anything on F/L Jack London arrived for flying duties from Rhubarb the water. Red section found a 500-ton coaster & a No.164 Sqn to Command ‘B’ Flight, Abandoned, unsuitable weather. large sailing barge which were attacked with R/P & KZ661 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers seen to disintegrate, whilst Blue section attacked 23rd KX827 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin lock-gates at Colijnsplaat. Owing to adjacent high S/L Wray & P/O Ashton RCAF awarded the DFC. KX688 F/S Albert Witham buildings, difficulty was found in making the attack KX662 F/S Charles George Points & all R/Ps were seen to overshoot & explode in the Armed Shipping Recce sea. Intense accurate flak & 2 aircraft damaged. Calais-Zeebrugge. Escorted by 8 Typhoons of No.198 2nd KZ400 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton RCAF Sqn. Shipping Strike KZ620 F/O Bernard Soulsby KZ576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC KX585 S/L John Basil Wray KZ396 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF KZ655 S/L Grenville Jeffrey Howard Chrystall KZ576 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis KZ399 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland KX829 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KZ662 F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC KX829 F/S John Gates RAAF KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland KZ570 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld KZ655 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld KZ576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC Cap Gris Nez-Cayeux. Escorted by 8 Typhoons of No.3 KZ570 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF KZ655 Sgt Edwin Ashworth Sqn. KX585 S/L John Basil Wray DFC Rhubarb 8th KZ396 F/L Jack London Abandoned, unsuitable weather. P/O John David Coupland RCAF arrived for flying KZ570 F/S Ronald Wright RAAF KX654 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis duties from No.193 Sqn. KZ725 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF KX661 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KX608 F/S Albert Witham Night Armed Shipping Recce 24th KX827 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin Cap Gris Nez. F/S Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM appointed P/O. KX676 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF 5th KZ570 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook 26th F/L Alexander Torrance posted overseas. Rhubarb F/O John Frederick Luing posted to No.24 Sqn. 12th Abandoned at French Coast, insufficient cloud cover. S/L Grenville Jeffrey Howard Chrystall arrived for KX661 F/S Albert Witham Rhubarb flying duties as Supernumerary from No.59 OTU. KX827 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook Abandoned, high cloud cover over the French Coast. KZ688 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC 13th Abandoned at French Coast, insufficient cloud cover. KZ661 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis ‘Beat up’ of gun posts for the benefit of the Army. KZ661 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC KX620 F/O Bernard Soulsby KX827 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis KZ654 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless 16th KZ662 F/S Albert Witham F/O Arthur Gaston Brunet DFC posted to RCAF ‘R’ KZ654 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook 6th Depot for repatriation. Rhubarb 31st Transport targets near Hazebrouck. Abandoned at Night Armed Shipping Recce Adjutant F/O William Frank Hayman posted to French Coast, insufficient cloud cover. Off Cap Gris Nez. No.511 Airfield & MTRU. KZ688 F/O Bernard Soulsby KZ576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC KZ676 F/S Albert Witham 16th NOVEMBER 1943 Rhubarb KZ655 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis Abandoned, insufficient cloud cover. RAF Manston KZ661 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers 7th KX829 F/S John Gates RAAF KZ688 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF Night Armed Shipping Recce KZ654 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Off the French Coast. 11th KX827 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook KX725 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Night Armed Shipping Recce KZ396 Sgt Lewis Philip Boucher 19th KZ248 P/O Joel Hilton Ashton DFC RCAF Armed Shipping Recce KZ396 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith Calais-Knocke. Escorted by No.3 Sqn Typhoons. KZ396 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF KX525 S/L John Basil Wray DFC 12th KZ829 F/S John Whitfield Carter RAAF 9th Night Armed Shipping Recce KZ576 F/S Albert Witham W/O Ronald Wright RAAF posted to No.5 PDC. KZ396 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland KZ710 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF

Armed Shipping Recce KX570 F/S Charles George Points 20th Dutch Islands. Abandoned, lack of cloud cover. 4 aircraft made a low search of the Canterbury area KZ399 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC Boulogne. Trawler destroyed off southern mole. for 2 airmen who had baled out of a Lancaster KZ576 F/L Richard Osborne Curtis KZ399 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook during the night. KX829 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF KZ655 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook 13th Armed Shipping Recce Shipping Recce cancelled due to weather. Calais-Knocke. With No.198 Sqn Typhoons. Armed 10th Trawler escorting fishing fleet sunk off Gravelines. Night Armed Shipping Recce 15th KZ400 F/L Jack London KX525 S/L John Basil Wray DFC F/L Idwal James Davies DFC posted to Command KZ396 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF No.198 Sqn. KZ370 Sgt Alfred William Emslie RAAF KX576 F/L Idwal James Davies DFC KZ396 Sgt Jack A. Hayes

KZ710 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin 30th P/O Joel Hilton Ashton DFC RCAF posted.

Coast at 11,000 feet over Quend Plage, found the KZ676 F/S Albert Witham DECEMBER 1943 target & attacked in a dive from 8,000-3,000 feet KZ655 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook firing 56 R/Ps (60lb heads HE) most of which hit the 4th target, from which a cloud of blue smoke arose. Ramrod 391 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC arrived for Excellent cover by Typhoons of No.609 Sqn. No flak. Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdin. flying duties to Command from No.164 Sqn. KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Crossed in & out Quend Plage 12,000 feet. Attacked KZ396 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM in a dive from 12,000-7,000 feet. Hits in target area Anti-Shipping Patrol KZ570 P/O John David Coupland RCAF & a column of smoke seen on road south of target. Dutch Islands. S/L Wray had a last try for shipping KZ248 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF Intense light flak formed an umbrella at 6,000 feet. before leaving the Squadron. He sank a Trawler & R- KZ725 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF 64 R/Ps released. Escort excellent by No.198 Sqn. Boat with R/P & damaged a 2nd Trawler. KX829 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC KX525 S/L John Basil Wray DFC KZ655 F/S John Gates RAAF KZ725 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF KZ576 F/S Edwin Ashworth KZ248 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF 5th KZ396 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF S/L John Basil Wray DFC posted to No.13 Group. 20th KZ399 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward F/O Dennis Francis Sheen arrived as Intelligence KZ710 F/S John Whitfield Carter RAAF Ramrod Officer from RAF Hornchurch, to replace F/O Leslie KX827 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Construction east of Berck Sur Mer. In conjunction William Barnett who was posted to No.3 Sqn, KZ655 F/S John Gates RAAF with Nos.164 & 184 R/P Squadrons. A Squadron of Manston. Spitfires gave protection over the target. No.184 25th could not locate the target & No.164 turned back 21st Dispersals & Orderly Room were visited by all owing to technical trouble but No.137 attacked F/O Dennis Francis Sheen arrived as Intelligence Officers on the Squadron & the senior NCOs were successfully firing 60 R/P (60lb Heads) in a 70° dive Officer. entertained in the Officers Mess. Officers & NCOs left from 10,000-6,000 feet observing palls of smoke for the Airmens Mess, where WAAF & Airmen were from the objective. Ramrod 379 waited on for their Christmas dinner. The remainder KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdins. of the day was spent in Christmas festivities. KX248 F/L Jack London Attacked in dive 10,000-5,000 feet. 24 R/Ps (60lb) KZ655 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF burst in target area, results unobserved. 26th KZ396 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC F/S John Gates RAAF to W/O. KZ595 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher KZ662 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher KZ576 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF KZ570 Sgt Jack A. Hayes 28th KX829 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KZ620 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF The 1st new Typhoon Ib, sliding hood, delivered by KZ399 F/S Albert Witham KZ661 F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin ATA. KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland 10th KX829 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers 29th R/P firing diving from 10,000-6,000 feet on wrecks KZ576 F/S John Whitfield Carter RAAF Group asked if we would endeavour to locate a 3- on the Goodwins. masted ship steaming north from Boulogne but 22nd cancelled the request as we were about ‘to have a go’. Anti-Shipping Patrol Ramrod 384 Off the French Coast. Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdins. 2 30th KX570 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF aircraft turned back owing to technical trouble, the Ramrod 400 KZ396 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless remainder crossed Quend Plage, attacked target in Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdins. dive 12,000-5,000 feet with 48 R/Ps (60lb heads HE) Crossed in Quend Plage 13,000 feet attacked in a dive Off the Belgian Coast. Much smoke seen on buildings in target area. 12,000-8,000 feet with 64 R/P. Smoke from several KZ725 Sgt Jack A. Hayes KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC buildings. An umbrella of intense flak, 8,000 feet, KZ248 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher KZ570 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF over target area. Escort by No.198 Sqn excellent. KZ654 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC 13th KZ662 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF KZ725 P/O John David Coupland RCAF Ramrod KZ661 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers KZ570 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Construction near Hesdins. Abandoned, 10/10 cloud. KZ399 F/S Edwin Ashworth KZ248 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland KX399 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward KZ248 F/L Jack London KZ665 F/S John Whitfield Carter RAAF KZ576 F/S Edwin Ashworth KZ725 P/O John David Coupland RCAF KX829 F/S Albert Witham KZ396 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM Ramrod 386 KZ676 F/S Charles George Points KZ654 Sgt Jack A. Hayes Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdin. KZ710 S/L Grenville Jeffrey Howard Chrystall Crossed in Quend Plage. 10/10 cloud at 7,000 feet in 31st KX829 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF target area. returned without releasing R/P. Coming S/L Grenville Jeffrey Howard Chrystall Posted. KZ399 F/S John Gates RAAF out at Le Touquet, a large explosion seen on the F/O Philip Herbert Buxton Unwin posted to No.164 northern end of the railway bridge across the Sqn. 14th estuary at Etaples. No aircraft visible at the time. F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless posted. Moved to RAF Lympne, the aircraft being flown over KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC in the afternoon & the Advance party going by road. KZ248 P/O John David Coupland RCAF Ramrod 402 3 of the aircraft returned to Manston for Night KZ654 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdins. Readiness but were not called upon to operate. KZ725 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF aircraft had R/T trouble & returned early. Attacked KZ676 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF in a dive from 12,000-8,000 feet. 56 R/P burst in 15th KZ399 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers target area, but no strikes seen. 2 enemy aircraft F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward arrived for KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Patrolling 30,000 feet between Abbeville & target flying duties from No.164 Sqn. KX827 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook area, but no action was taken by them. Squadron crossed in & out at Quand Plage at 12,000 feet. Ramrod 23rd KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Turned back off the French Coast owing to cloud. Ramrod 388 KZ396 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Noball target - XI/A/24 Campagne Les Hesdins. KZ654 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM KZ396 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM Crossed in Quend Plage above 10/10 cloud. Came in KZ248 F/S Ronald Alfred Nickless KZ725 P/O John David Coupland RCAF to target under a 2nd layer at 8,000 feet. 56 R/Ps KZ399 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward KZ620 Sgt Jack A. Hayes released in a dive 8,000-5,000 feet. Bursts seen in KX827 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook KZ655 F/S John Gates RAAF target area. Intense flakbetween 7,000-5,000 feet. KZ676 F/S Albert Witham KX828 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF Excellent escort provided by No.198 Sqn. KZ710 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland KZ710 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld KX525 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC This was the last Operation carried out by No.137 KZ662 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Squadron on R/P Hurricanes, a Signal having been 17th KZ396 F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF received that the Squadron was to re-equip with Ramrod KZ654 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF Typhoon Ib’s & arrangements were made to proceed Construction near Hesdins. F/S Ashworth returned KZ576 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward to Colerne. with engine trouble but the rest crossed the French KX827 F/S Charles George Points

3rd-22nd F/S Alfred William Emslie RAAF to W/O. JANUARY 1944 Lectures on the Typhoon aircraft & Flying training. 24th-31st 1st The Typhoons, Hurricane & Tiger Moth moved Move to RAF Colerne. 20th to No.11 Armament Practice Camp, RAF P/O Jack William Thomas Purdy arrived for F/O David William Guttridge, F/O Arthur Fairwood Common near Swansea, for Course flying duties from No.83 GSU. Hawker, F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF, F/S No.8. Lectures, Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows & F/S firing, plus skeet shooting & .303 rifle firing 2nd Howard William Ramsey arrived for flying included in the training. Fortunately, a high The Hurricanes flown to Colerne & parked in duties from No.83 GSU. standard of serviceability of aircraft the ‘graveyard’, in full view of the Officers Mess. counteracted bad weather, & when flying was 23rd possible, a full programme was maintained.

12th MM966 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland FEBRUARY 1944 Ramrod 548 MM972 W/O John Gates RAAF Noball target - XI/A/110 Ardouval. Patrolled JR553 F/L Jack London 1st target area which was being bombed by 2 JR437 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Sgt Alexander Sibbald arrived for flying duties groups of Mosquitoes from low level. JR532 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF from No.83 GSU. Rendezvous with No.56 Sqn at Dungeness, JR530 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF proceeded to target area, orbited for 17 4th minutes. Approximately 3-5 minutes after call Ramrod 588 Returned to RAF Lympne, Advance Party from heard from Red 3 ‘Engine cutting, probably Noball target - XI/A/109 St. Adrien. Fighter Colerne, Rear Party from Fairwood Common. have to put down.’ This from P/O Jack William Cover to 8 Mosquitoes. Crossed in French Coast Thomas Purdy who has not yet returned. A 2-3 miles west of Creil at 8,000 feet. Heavy flak 5th crashed aircraft seen near of Bellencombre. over St. Saens. Large fire & a pall of smoke. The CO requested permission from Group to May have been a Tempest or Spitfire. Fuselage JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward escort No.1 Sqn on their afternoon show, but twisted; wings attached. A burned area around MM972 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF this was refused. with skid marks. Aircraft thought to bear the JR497 F/S Albert Witham identity letter ‘U’ & Squadron marking ‘G’ JR516 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld 8th JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Ramrod 525 MM972 P/O Jack William Thomas Purdy JR437 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Noball target - XI/A/61, Moyenville. Escort to JR533 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM JR530 F/L Jack London No.184 Sqn R/P Hurricanes. CO unable to take JR505 Sgt Jack A. Hayes JR532 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher off due to fuel pump trouble & the 10 Typhoons JR500 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF were led by F/L Sheward. Crossed out JR516 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld 25th Dungeness & rendezvous 10 miles west of JR553 F/S Edwin Ashworth Ramrod 589 Cayeux. Crossed French Coast at 9,000 feet & JR520 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward Noball target - XI/A/38 Ailly-Le-Haut Clocher. went direct to target. 4 strikes observed on east JR504 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF Close Escort to 18 Bostons. Rendezvous made end of wood, remainder outside. MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers with 12 Bostons. Crossed in Ault & bombing JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward JR497 F/S Albert Witham carried out at 12,000 feet. Flak heavy, accurate MM972 W/O John Gates RAAF JR437 W/O John Gates RAAF for height but not direction. Bursts from bombs JR516 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland of 1 box of 6 Bostons seen west & outside of JR497 F/S Albert Witham 13th target. Remainder unobserved. MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Fighter Sweep JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC JR533 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM Hesdins-Arras-Bapaume-Amiens-Hornoy. Near JR497 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF St. Pol, Blue 2 escorted by Blue 4 returned with MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers JR530 P/O Jack William Thomas Purdy oil temperature trouble. 15 miles south of MM972 W/O John Gates RAAF JR505 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Dungeness, a dinghy was sighted containing 5- JR530 F/L Jack London JR437 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF 6 occupants. 4 aircraft orbited & fixed position. JR516 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC JR532 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Ramrod 532 JR533 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM JR437 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Noball Target XI/A/100. Escort to No.184 Sqn JR530 Sgt Jack A. Hayes R/P Hurricanes. Rendezvous 10 miles north- JR437 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF 26th west of Hardelot. Crossed in French Coast 9,000 JR500 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF Long-range tanks (45-gallon) fitted & tested. feet. Strikes seen on building in the target area. JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward Heavy flak west of St. Omer, no aircraft hit in the JR516 F/S Charles George Points 28th target area but coming away south-west of MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers F/S Howard William Ramsey Posted. target near Lumbres, 1 Hurricane received a JR532 F/S Edwin Ashworth direct hit & went down in flames. JR504 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF Ramrod 598 JR505 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC JR497 F/S Albert Witham Noball target - XI/A/121 Le Groseillier. Close JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward escort to 18 Mitchells. Rendezvous at Hastings JR504 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF 16th with No.1 Sqn & the Mitchells. ½-way across the MM969 F/S Edwin Ashworth Armed Shipping Recce Channel 1 Mitchell turned back. Crossed in 2 JR497 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld Dieppe-Boulogne. Only 30 fishing boats seen. miles west of Berck at 13,000 feet then via 7 JR516 F/S Charles George Points MM966 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland miles north-east of Hesdins to target. MM972 W/O John Gates RAAF JR516 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC JR533 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith DFM JR500 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF JR505 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher 22nd JR530 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher JR530 P/O Jack William Thomas Purdy Armed Shipping Recce JR437 Sgt Jack A. Hayes Boulogne. Ttug & 3 fishing vessels in harbour. JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward 9th MM966 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward MM972 W/O John Gates RAAF Ramrod 535 JR532 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Noball target 11/A/100. Escort to No.184 Sqn JR497 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF R/P Hurricanes. French Coast crossed south of 24th Hardelot at 8,000 feet. Many strikes seen on Ramrod 584 29th buildings & much smoke seen. Noball target - XI/A/74 Bois de la Justice. Escort Scramble JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward with No.1 Sqn to 18 Bostons. Rendezvous at Rye 3 sections of ‘B’ Flight detailed to investigate JR516 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld & French Coast crossed at 11,000 feet 5 miles Huns reported 35 miles south of Base. MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers south of Le Touquet. Bostons split up 2 boxes of JR505 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF JR497 F/S Albert Witham 6 aircraft, 10 miles between boxes. Heavy JR437 Sgt Jack A. Hayes JR504 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland accurate flak 11,000-12,000 feet over target. JR533 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MM966 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC MN134 F/L Jack London JR535 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF JR516 F/S Charles George Points JR500 P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF JR530 P/O John David Coupland RCAF JR535 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward JR438 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher JR497 P/O Ross William Clarke RCAF miles out a barrage type balloon was seen about 16th MARCH 1944 100 feet above the water, apparently not attached Armed Shipping Recce to anything. Flushing. Saw an Armed Trawler & 5-6 small vessels RAF Lympne EK270 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF in the Harbour. Concentrated flak, so formation 1st MN455 Sgt Alexander Sibbald swept in via Domberg into the Oosterschelde & up S/L Jack Brandt DFC & F/O Adrian Conway Jonas, JR505 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher to Westhoof, finding nothing except a small fishing arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. JR437 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF smack which was not attacked. P/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF to F/O. JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF 7th JR533 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Armed Shipping Recce Ramrod 633 MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Gravelines-Le Tréport. To Cap Gris Nez at zero feet, Noball target XI/A/124 Beautot. In at Le Tréport at JR504 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF swept down to Le Tréport, but saw only 3 small 12,000 feet thence via St. Victor, Pavelly, orbited & fishing vessels in Somme Estuary. attacked target in dive with 16 500lb bombs. 2 Air Sea Rescue Search JR438 F/L Jack London bombs fell near rectangular building east of the Escort to ASR Walrus. Dungeness-Beachy Head, 20 JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF target. 4-6 fell along a line joining ski 2 & 3. Wooden miles out at 500-1,000 feet. Picked up Walrus 15 hut blown up. Remainder of bombs in nearby fields. miles south of Hastings, escorted it for 15 minutes. 2nd JR438 F/L Jack London EK270 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Having organised the aircraft with 45-gallon long- MN134 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MM978 P/O John Gates RAAF range tanks & tested thoroughly in the air, Group JR505 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN455 F/S Albert Witham requested the aircraft to be bombed up by 1100. A JR437 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF JR532 F/S Edwin Ashworth suitable reply to the effect that this could probably MN126 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith JR505 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF be affected by 1500 was given, & the work put in MN429 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF hand. No Operations were carried out, but Group MM969 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF was informed that the Squadron was ‘all set’ to get MN455 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Escort to ASR Walrus off Somme Estuary. Vectored down to it! EK270 F/S Charles George Points to enemy aircraft off Hythe at 17,000 feet but could JR532 F/S Edwin Ashworth not make contact. 2 aircraft returned early, the 3rd remaining 4 vectored on to the Walrus. Ordered to Ramrod 615 9th return as weather closing in & light failing; 1 Noball target - 11/A/37 Gorenflos. This was the 1st An early call from Ops, Biggin Hill, requested an Typhoon crashed on landing, Cat E, pilot unhurt. bombing Operation carried out by No.137 Squadron increased state of 4 aircraft at Standby from 0900- JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF as Typhoon Bombers. Unfortunately, abortive. 8 1800, 1 section Readiness, remainder 15 minutes. MN455 F/S Albert Witham Bombers & 4 fighters. 2 Fighters returned to Base, MM978 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher unable to contact formation after take-off. 10th JR533 Sgt Jack A. Hayes Remainder crossed out at Dungeness at zero feet, W/O John Gates RAAF to P/O. MM994 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF crossed in between Cayeux & Ault at 9,000 feet. EK270 Sgt Alexander Sibbald Target area obscured, Squadron withdrew & 11th jettisoned bombs off French Coast. Air Sea Rescue Search 17th JR438 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC Escort to ASR Walrus searching for a dingy off Le An Anti-Shipping Recce scrubbed by weather. JR532 F/S Edwin Ashworth Touquet. Landfall 3-4 miles off Boulogne Mole at MM969 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward zero feet. Searched Cayeux-Le Touquet. Saw 18th MN455 F/S Albert Witham another Walrus & Spitfire escort conducting a Weather Recce MN429 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers search. MN134 F/L Jack London JR533 P/O Aubrey Cartwright Smith JR532 P/O John Gates RAAF MM994 F/O John David Coupland RCAF JR457 Sgt Jack A. Hayes MM978 F/O John David Coupland RCAF JR533 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF JR505 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF JR500 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher JR500 F/S John Albert Horne RAAF Air Sea Rescue Search MN134 Sgt Alexander Sibbald Vectored 190° from Base, orbited, climbed to 8,000 19th EK270 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland feet. Ordered to steer 060° orbited above cloud, then Armed Shipping Recce MN126 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF given 280° for Base, making landfall at Beachy Dutch Islands. Patrolled at deck level making Head. No aircraft or dingy sighted, just a floating landfall just north of Dunkirk. Flew up the coast to 4th mine, red & rust coloured observed. West Schouwen. Nothing seen. F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF arrived for flying JR533 F/S Edwin Ashworth MM978 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF duties from No.486 Sqn. JR437 F/O Arthur Hawker MM969 F/S Albert Witham

Ramrod 620 12th 21st-22nd Noball target - 11/A/37 Gorenflos. Crossed out 8 aircraft to Bradwell Bay for practice moonlight Shipping Recce to Dutch Islands scrubbed by Group. Dungeness zero feet, climbed for 8 minutes & flying. Weather at Bradwell & Base was u/s. crossed French Coast between Cayeux & Ault at 26th 9,000 feet. ½-way across the Channel 1 aircraft 14th Ramrod 692 returned with engine trouble. 14 500lb bombs Anti-Shipping Patrol Noball target XI/A/61 Moyenville. 8 Bombers & 2 dropped in dive. 1 seen to strike close to square Dieppe-Boulogne. Just off the coast at deck level. Fighters. Crossed in Ault at 12,000 feet, attacked in building. 1 aircraft had a bomb hang up & was EK270 F/S Albert Witham a dive 12,000-8,000 feet. Inaccurate flak. 2 near escorted to Manston to a safe landing. MN134 F/O John David Coupland RCAF misses, remainder on a square building, blast wall, MN429 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward pyramidal excavation, large rectangular buildings JR532 F/S Edwin Ashworth 15th & possibly on the Ski. MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Armed Shipping Recce MN134 F/L Jack London MN455 F/S Albert Witham Dutch Islands. Found 300-ton Coaster 5 miles west JR437 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF JR327 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF of Zierikzee, 2 miles off coast. All 4 made 3 straffing JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF JR500 S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC runs & it was left stationary & on fire with thick MN126 F/O John David Coupland RCAF JR437 Sgt Jack A. Hayes heavy black smoke billowing up to 100 feet. MN429 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward JR533 F/L Jack London MN429 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers JR532 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF JR505 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF JR504 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld MM969 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers MN455 F/S Albert Witham MN312 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld 6th MM978 P/O John Gates RAAF JR505 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Scramble MN455 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook F/S Horne, Blue 1, became airborne, but Sgt Sibbald Shipping Strike Blue 2, could not get off. Green section (F/S Boucher Attack on enemy shipping off Dutch Islands. 27th & F/O Metcalfe) took over Standby & finding Blue 2 Recalled by Control. F/O John William Allen arrived for flying duties was not off, sent Green 1, F/S Boucher, off to become JR500 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF from No.83 GSU. Blue 2. Whilst circling, original Blue 2, & Green 2, JR437 F/S Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF The 1st ex-No.56 Sqn R/P Typhoons arrived. took off, but unable to contact ground control they JR535 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF returned to Base. Meanwhile 5 miles south of Dover MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher 31st Blue 1 was told to steer 100° for 50 miles & Moving to Manston (ADGB) on 1st April & that at investigate with caution. He conducted a square dusk the Squadron to go non-operational. search for 20 minutes but saw nothing. About 25-30 but after orbiting they could only see patches of oil & Armed Shipping Recce APRIL 1944 black streaks on the surface. 4 MTBs & a Walrus MN177 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers were searching the area. On landing, as F/S Burrows MN455 S/L Jack Brandt DFC 1st commenced his taxying to dispersal point, his tail MN134 F/L Jack London Move to RAF Manston. wheel gave way completely. MN169 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Capt Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC & arrived for flying MN455 F/S Albert Witham duties as a Supernummary. JR327 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows 24th S/L John Reginald Daniel Dennehey DFC posted. Air Sea Rescue Search 11th Major Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC (Norway) is now the Fortress crew - not found. Scramble CO of the ‘Fighting 137 Squadron’ MN180 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Assist Bomber in trouble. Recalled when over JR504 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Pegwell Bay. Scramble MN978 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF F/O Kelly crashed on take-off & the aircraft SF-B MN429 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN134 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF completely burnt out. Fortunately, F/O Kelly got out EK270 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld ok. F/O Johnstone RCAF took his place. Escort friendly aircraft in distress. Recalled. MN156 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward MN134 F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN117 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN117 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly MN455 F/S Albert Witham MN980 Capt Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN156 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF

Armed Shipping Recce 12th 25th Dunkirk-Flushing. Swingate reported plot fading. No Convoy Patrol Major Piltingsrud DFC takes over the Squadron further news of W/O Carter who is missing. MN978 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF officially. MN429 W/O John Whitfield Carter RAAF MN455 F/O Arthur Hawker Air Sea Rescue Search 2nd 13th Off Walcheren Island. 2 flares reported. Air Sea Rescue Search Weather Recce MN312 F/S Albert Witham Gravelines-Oostende. Search for W/O Carter. Search Sgt Eastabrook had difficulty starting up. F/O MN180 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF in vain. Coupland orbitted waiting for him, but when he did MN169 Capt Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC become airborne, they could not join up, so on orders Air Sea Rescue Search JR504 F/S Charles George Points from North Weald Control they set course MN134 F/L Jack London independently. Control tried to vector them together MN429 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers EK289 F/S Edwin Ashworth but without luck. Flak around St. Omer & Abbeville MM978 P/O John Gates RAAF (only to be expected of course!). MN455 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward MN429 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher 3rd MN312 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook Weather Recce 29th MN117 F/S Thomas Arthur Sutherland Air Sea Rescue Search Shipping Strike MN191 F/S James Albert Desmond Shemeld Escort to Walrus. Saw a pilot picked up by 2 ASR Destroyer in the reefs 4 miles north-west of St. Pol. 8 launches 15 miles off Deal. R/P & 2 Fighters took off for Predannack ‘R/Ped up.’ JR504 F/S Charles George Points MN429 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook Here the crews fed & the aircraft were refuelled. W/O MN180 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN134 Sgt Jack A. Hayes Emslie crashed on arrival at Predannack in SF-Q. He hurt his arm & wrote off his kite. Then came briefing. 4th Saw 2 MTBs & a Walrus. Slight haze. At 1625 the Squadron was airborne & a course was Tonight, we got 4 fellows, 45-minutes, night flying MN978 F/S Charles George Points set for target. The CO led his section of 4 down 1st, practice. Local weather good then Met promised us JR305 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF followed closely by ‘A’ Flight led by F/L Sheward with ‘duff’; elsewhere a ‘clamp’ was in force. First night 3 aircraft. Both Leaders returned with their R/P - the flying in Typhoons for this bunch. All OK. 16th-17th remainder fired & the Fighter Typhoons reported Weather clamp. So much inactivity is getting us that about 24 (of the 40) were hits; the remainder 5th down. near misses. Light flak. Altogether quite a good F/S John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF to P/O. prang with no losses. The attack was a ‘wing over’ to 20th starboard from 8,000-4,500 feet. Reformed at 6,000 6th F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly arrived for flying feet & returned to Predannack as we had come out, F/L Sheward to Fighter Leaders Course, Milfield. duties from No.83 GSU. in 3 lines of line astern. All pancaked safely & after reporting to the IO we enjoyed another meal of 7th Air Sea Rescue Search bacon & egg. At 1930, the aircraft having been re- Held a Squadron quiz, followed by a lecture on the 8 miles off Calais. 2 ASR Launches picked up fuelled we took off to return to Base, Manston. East RAF life in Burma by S/L Brandt who has spent 5 survivors. Slight haze & failing light. of Southampton bad weather was encountered so years out there. MN455 F/S Albert Witham the CO took us above cloud from where Manston MN191 Sgt Jack A. Hayes vectored us home enabling the Squadron to safely 9th pancake at 2100, tired but pleased at the day’s work. Scramble 21st From Base to Predannack is 310 miles as the crow MN312 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF Weather Recce flies - and we aint no crows! MN314 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF Gravelines-St Omer-Abbeville-St. Pol-Dieppe MN117 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers 30th 10th MN191 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Weather Recce Weather Recce XXXXX F/L Jack London Lille. Large number of trains near Dieppe. XXXXX F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN312 P/O John Gates RAAF MN156 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN134 Capt Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN312 Sgt Reginald James Eastabrook Air Sea Rescue Search Escort to ASR Hudson. Hudson & Spitfire escort Scramble 22nd believed to have already turned for home when the MN455 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers Air Sea Rescue Search rendezvous off Domburg was reached. 2 sections of MN134 F/O Arthur Hawker MN455 F/S Charles George Points Thunderbolts seen & some inaccurate flak from MN134 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Haamstede & Noorderhoofd. Search for an aircraft in trouble 5 miles south of XXXXX F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Dover. North Weald vectored them to the position, XXXXX F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows No bogey contacted but sections saw a Convoy which MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MAY 1944 was Patrolled against any possible bogeys showing. MN584 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN980 F/S Edwin Ashworth RAF Manston MN468 F/S Reginald James Eastabrook Air Sea Rescue Search 1st MN584 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas 2 Tugs seen outside Oostende. F/L Harold Crosbie Knight arrived for flying duties MN469 F/O David William Guttridge MN469 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF from No.184 Sq. MN198 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF, F/O Matthew 5th MN351 F/O David William Guttridge Wood RCAF & W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF arrived for JR305 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. flying duties from No.83 GSU. F/S Albert Witham to W/O. Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. 2 miles offshore at 1,000 feet. Scramble/Weather Recce Oostende-Hook of Holland. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters. 4 MN351 W/O Albert Witham Thames Estuary at 10,000 feet. Trawlers seen 4 miles off the Hague. The CO MN455 W/O Albert Witham positioned to attack the 1st ship, but the 2nd R/P 9th MN198 F/S Reginald James Eastabrook aircraft (F/O Clarke) didn’t hear the order & lagged. Sgt Alexander Sibbald to F/S. MN468 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers The CO’s salvo fell short. The 2nd fighter aircraft (F/S MN191 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly Reginald James Eastabrook) was hit by flak during Armed Shipping Recce the attack. A splash & some oil was all that was seen Nieuport-Westerschelde. 6-8 Minesweepers heading Armed Shipping Recce of the loss. F/O Clarke released his salvo but no hits. for Flushing Harbour. Attacked from 9,000-4,000 Gravelines-Zeebugge. MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC feet, no results seen. MN156 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN584 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN468 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN134 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF MN469 F/O Arthur Hawker MN980 F/S Reginald James Eastabrook MN351 W/O Albert Witham 2nd EK270 F/S Charles George Points Shipping/Weather Recce 6th Namur. Weather Recce Oosterschelde-Westerschelde at 7,000 feet. About 20 MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Gravelines-St Omer-Abbeville-St. Pol-Dieppe. F/O vessels some barges & 2 E-Boats seen. They came out MN584 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF Allen lost F/O Coupland in the climb through cloud, over Tholen & Schouwen Islands, their intention to MN156 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF which, combined with his duff R/T caused him to reach the Hook of Holland had to be abandoned as return & pancake inside 30 minutes. F/O Coupland F/O Allen was running short of petrol. Shipping Strike continued on a course for Gravelines. He was asked MN468 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Calais-Flushing. 4,000-ton motor vessel off Dunkirk. by control if he would carry out Patrol on his own EK270 F/O John William Allen F/L London, F/S Frost, F/O Johnstone & F/O Metcalfe decided in the affirmative since the cloud below was (R/P) with F/O Clarke & F/S Burrows, (Fighters). 10/10 & at 5,000 feet thickness offered protection in Gravelines-Oostende. Off-shore at 3,000 feet. They MN584 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF the event of a ‘bounce’ by ‘bandits’. found a Trawler preceding a Tanker ½-mile off MN134 F/L Jack London MN169 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Oostende Mole. Attacked in a dive 8,000-5,000 feet. MN169 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN191 F/O John William Allen & 4 salvoes of R/P (60lb) fired, near misses on the MN180 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF Trawler. Intense flak from Oostende & Tanker. MN156 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Scramble EK289 F/S Edwin Ashworth Orbited Base for 30 minutes then landed. MN198 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly Scramble MN468 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF MN169 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Goodwin Sands at 4,000 feet. EK289 F/O David William Guttridge MN134 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN429 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN351 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN584 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN455 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas MN469 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly MN556 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF

3rd 7th Shipping Strike Shipping Strike Air Sea Reacue Patrol Dunkirk-Oostende. 6 R/P & 2 Fighters. Saw a 400-ton MN429 F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward Search for a Fortress crew in a dinghy. coaster entering Dunkirk & a Tanker 500 yards MN468 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC north-east of Oostende mole, with a Tug milling MN455 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers JR305 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF around it. As it was close to the coast, discretion was MN191 F/O Arthur Hawker the better part of valour & not attacked. MN169 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC 4th MN156 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC arrived for MN169 F/O John David Coupland RCAF flying duties from No.83 GSU. 8th JR305 F/S Alexander Sibbald F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF arrived for Armed Shipping Recce MN156 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas flying duties from No.3 Sqn. 2 ships near Gravelines. MN198 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC EK289 F/O David William Guttridge Shipping Strike MN156 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN556 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Off Oostende. 4 R/P & 4 Fighters. W/O Horne acted as reserve & returned to Base after 10 minutes. They Calais-Gravelines. Under Swingate Control. During a 10th saw a ship south of Oostende but did not think it was turn, F/O Coupland lost S/L Piltingsrud so carried Armed Shipping Recce the objective. Proceeded as far as the Dutch Islands out the Patrol independently. He saw 5 M-Class Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. Returned due to heavy haze. but not seeing any more shipping decided the ship off Minesweepers opposite Gravelines, releasing a pair MN134 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Oostende was the target, so returned. It was 400- of R/P. Not until he had fired did, he observe that MN191 F/O John David Coupland RCAF tons & lying 300 yards off Oostende pier. The CO each ship carried a balloon. He made a further 4 decided not to attack because it would have meant attacks, the 5th being with cannon only. No hits Sweep an approach over Oostende, which he considered observed. In order to attract S/L Piltingsrud’s visual Oostende-The Hook. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters. F/S Sibbald unsuitable for a proper beam attack. attention, he turned on navigation lights. Flak was (Fighter) had trouble in starting so didn’t go. 2 MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC intense from the ships & shore. Coasters seen 6 miles off Rotterdam. No attack made. MN156 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers S/L Piltingsrud found the ships & fired 6 R/Ps, 2 hung MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN198 F/O Arthur Hawker up; likewise, no hits observed. MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN469 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN191 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN169 F/O David William Guttridge JR305 F/O John David Coupland RCAF JR305 F/S Alexander Sibbald JR505 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Calais-Dutch Islands. 4 M-Class Minesweepers found. Weather Recce MN584 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Attacked in dive from 1,000 feet at 1,200 yards, then Charlerois. MN980 F/S Edwin Ashworth broke in opposite directions at 800 yards. No hits. MN556 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN584 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF JR505 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Scramble MN156 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Red section (F/S Eastabrook & F/O Guttridge) & 11th Yellow section (F/S Ashworth & F/O Jones). Red Dunkirk. 3 M-Class Minesweepers with balloons in Weather Recce section remained at zero feet whilst Yellow orbited the Inner Harbour & a couple of Barges in the Outer Gravelines-St Omer-Abbeville-St. Pol-Dieppe. Base at Angels 5. Eventually Yellow section was Harbour. Returned without having fired. MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC vectored on to Red section near the Goodwin Sands. MN455 W/O Albert Witham MN556 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN169 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search 18th JR327 F/S Alexander Sibbald Dunkirk-Ostende. Empty 20-foot-long wooden boat. Armed Shipping Recce MN169 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN134 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF Oostende-Berck. Swept 2 miles offshore at sea-level. MN584 W/O Albert Witham MN156 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Weather Recce MN596 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN569 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC 12th MN469 S/L Jack Brandt DFC JR305 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Ramrod 874A JR305 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Target 10 miles east of Abbeville. 16 500lb bombs 23rd dropped in dive from 9,000-4,000 feet. At least 8 in Nieuport-Hook. F/S Sibbald had undercarriage Armed Shipping Recce the target area. Accurate flak from Abbeville. trouble & returned with F/O Coupland as escort. Berck-Oostende. Under Swingate Control. Vectored MN134 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN156 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC to 2 miles north-west of Ostende & found a large MN180 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN126 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Coastal vessel & 2 small Trawlers. Visilility was bad MN469 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF MN469 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher but they attacked with 1 salvo & 1 pair of R/P. No JR305 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN596 F/S Alexander Sibbald hits claimed (fortunately) because Swingate stated MN198 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight the position of attack to be 8 miles east of Dover & MN351 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Air Sea Rescue Search the vessels friendly. EK270 F/O Gordon Stanley Chalmers MN586 W/O Albert Witham JR327 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly EK289 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN429 F/O David William Guttridge MN191 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas

Air Sea Rescue Search Off Oostende. Vectored on to the Anson which was escorted to a Armed Shipping Recce JR305 F/O John David Coupland RCAF position near Oostende. Dunkirk-Calais. Under Swingate Control. 2 Trawlers MN468 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN469 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF & 6-8 R-Boats 2-3 miles offshore between Dunkirk & MN169 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN468 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Calais. Heavy strikes seen on 3 R-Boats & 1 Trawler. MN586 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF In return the chaps received intense, accurate flak. 2 Vectored by Billhook onto the Anson. aircraft were damaged, F/O Kelly had a shot in his Ranger MN198 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld tail plane & another type pranged a ruddy seagull Amiens-Montdidier-Laon-St. Quentin-Cambrai-Aire- MN351 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN429 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight Cassel. Attacked a Goods Train 2 miles east of Aire. MN586 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Strikes seen, steam & smoke from Loco. Light flak 13th MN351 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly from centre of train, heavy flak from nearby. S/L Air Sea Rescue Search MN198 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas Brandt seen making circuit at 200 feet & heavy Schouwen. Under Frogspawn control. explosions followed. He has not yet returned. MN134 F/S Edwin Ashworth 19th MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN351 F/O David William Guttridge Armed Shipping Recce MN596 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Ostende-Boulogne. 1 small trawler in Calais Outer MN474 S/L Jack Brandt DFC Dinghy off Schouwen. Under Trimley control. Harbour. Flak from Dunkirk & Cap Gris Nez. MN455 W/O Albert Witham EK270 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN468 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN469 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 24th Armed Shipping Recce Dinghy off Schouwen. Under Trimley control. 20th Berck-Oostende. Under North Weald control. JR305 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF F/S Charles George Points to W/O. MN469 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN109 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Armed Shipping Recce JR305 F/O John David Coupland RCAF 14th Cap Gris Nez-Berck-Oostende. 6 Barges seen in MN468 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Scramble Dunkirk & a small Coaster in Oostende. Very hazy. Vectored on to a Fortress over Bradwell Bay. MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Weather Recce MN586 W/O Albert Witham MN584 F/O John William Allen Gravelines-St Omer-Abbeville-St. Pol-Dieppe. MN156 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN169 S/L Jack Brandt DFC MN586 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN429 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN126 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN596 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN627 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas 21st 25th 15th Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce F/O Michael James Burke Cole, F/S John Colton RCAF MN468 W/O Albert Witham Oostende-Berck. Flew at 500 feet 2-3 miles offshore. & F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF arrived for MN191 F/O David William Guttridge MN468 F/S Edwin Ashworth flying duties from No.83 GSU. MN596 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly MN469 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN586 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas Scramble JR327 F/S Edwin Ashworth Shipping Strike MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN169 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 600-ton Coaster outside Oostende. 4 R/P & 2 MN156 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Fighters. 2 salvos direct hit at the water line, 1 on the Calais-Flushing. 2-3 miles offshore at sea level. No port bow, the other on the stern. The stern Air Sea Rescue Search ships seen. A they turned for home, F/O Arthur superstructure disintegrated with dense black Calais-Ostende 6 miles offshore. Hawker (Pink 1) turned into cloud & crossed the smoke & flames. The vessel was sinking at the bows XXXXX F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly coast 3 miles west of Ostende at 1,000 feet. W/O & listing heavily. Intense flak. The R/P leader, W/O XXXXX F/O Adrian Conway Jonas Points (Pink 2) followed. Pink 1 asked Pink 2 if he Albert Witham, hit by flak & crashed in flames. knew his position to which he replied ‘Yes, lets get out MN469 W/O Albert Witham 16th of here.’ Intense flak from Ostende as they raced out MN468 F/O David William Guttridge Armed Shipping Recce to sea. Unfortunately, Pink 2 saw Pink 1 hit by the JR327 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Boulogne. 1 small ship, probably a lightship, seen. flak & crash in flames into the sea off Ostende. MN429 W/O Charles George Points MN169 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN312 F/O Arthur Hawker MN156 F/O Lorin Wilmont Metcalfe RCAF MN152 W/O Charles George Points Armed Shipping Recce Tanker off Dunkirk. It was entering the Harbour. Fishing vessels found off Ameleteuse. Ranger Swept north to Oostende where the vessel attacked MN596 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas Goods Train south of Tielt. 4 R/P & 4 Fighters. F/L earlier was still burning. Fishing fleet off Nieuport. MN351 F/O Ross William Clarke RCAF Harold Crosbie Knight was hit by flak & blew up MN169 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN156 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight attempting to force land. MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN469 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN429 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN161 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN627 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Air Sea Rescue Search MN169 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN632 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN469 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly JR327 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN455 F/O Adrian Conway Jonas MN152 F/L Harold Crosbie Knight Dunkirk. 4 R/P & 2 Fighters. Nothing seen of the MN584 W/O Charles George Points vessel attacked earlier. Fishing fleet off Nieuport. 17th MN596 F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly MN627 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Weather Recce JR305 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN632 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Nieuport-Le Touquet. 300-ton Coaster in Dunkirk & MN189 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF a Barge, Coaster & Drifter in Calais Outer Harbour. 22nd MN469 W/O Albert Witham Armed Shipping Recce MN156 F/S Edwin Ashworth Berck-Oostende. 3-4 miles off the coast. MN191 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF 26th 28th 31st Shipping Strike F/S Albert Victor Crory arrived for flying duties from F/L Jack London, F/O Adrian Conway Jonas & Sgt U-Boat leaving Boulogne. Flew 2 miles offshore at No.83 GSU. Jack A. Hayes posted. sea level from Gris Nez to Boulogne. Accurate flak F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF arrived for flying duties W/O Herbert Gladstone Turner RAAF posted to No.1 from Boulogne. F/O Holder was hit in several places. from No.55 OTU. Sqn. MN627 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher F/L Ronald Edward Goodman Sheward posted to MN156 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Scramble No.266 Sqn. MN169 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN429 F/O David William Guttridge F/O David Thomas Nares Kelly posted to No.174 Sqn. MN468 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF EK289 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Armed Shipping Recce MN169 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN627 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows

Shipping Strike MN152 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JUNE 1944 Convoy off Dieppe. 8 R/P & 2 Fighters. Returned from MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Dover owing to 'duff’ weather. MN455 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows RAF Manston MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN586 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF 1st EK289 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN584 F/S John Colton RCAF F/L Alan Charles Abbott arrived for flying duties JR327 F/O Michael James Burke Cole from No.198 Sqn. MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF 11th MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Armed Shipping Recces Armed Shipping Recces MN351 F/S Edwin Ashworth Boulogne. From 10,000 feet they saw 3 Destroyers Oostende-Berck ‘milk run’. MN429 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF entering the mole. 2 salvoes & 1 pair of R/P fired in JR305 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN156 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls dive to 3,000 feet. Fell short. MN429 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN126 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN660 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF JR327 W/O Charles George Points MN584 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN468 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN156 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN429 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Armed Shipping Recce EK289 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Oostende-Cayeux. On the deck 4-5 miles off the coast. Oostende-Cap Gris Nez ‘milk run’. Saw a balloon flying from a ship in Dunkirk Harbour. MN627 F/O David William Guttridge Cap Gris Nez-Berck. To attack the vessels reported by MN586 F/O David William Guttridge MN460 F/S John Colton RCAF the previous Recce JR327 F/S John Colton RCAF MN198 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN455 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF 8th MN152 F/O David William Guttridge MN596 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Armed Shipping Recces MN351 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Oostende-Boulogne. Patrolled 2 miles offshore to 2nd Boulogne where they passed over a Convoy at 1,500 12th Armed Shipping Recces feet. Due to bad visibility in haze they did not see it Armed Shipping Recce Landed after 20 minutes due to low cloud & haze. until almost over it. It consisted of a 2-3,000-ton ship Boulogne-Berck. F/L Brandreth had to land almost MN627 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC & 2-3 smaller ships behind, about 1½ miles south- immediately so W/O Emslie RAAF led to Dunkirk MN460 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF east of Boulogne. Intense flak caused aircraft to then Boulogne to attack shipping reported there. JR327 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF break away & lose contact in haze. They saw 1 E/R-Boat entering the canal behind JR305 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC harbour. Continued to Berck. Nothing else seen. MN351 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Oostende-Berck ‘milk run’. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters flew at MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN156 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF sea-level 2-3 miles offshore. JR327 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN460 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF JR305 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN632 F/S Alexander Sibbald JR327 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Boulogne-Gris Nez. MN156 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN596 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Gravelines-Knocke. Investigate a ship reported MN126 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN632 F/S Alexander Sibbald burning off Dunkirk. Swept at 4,000 feet 2 miles offshore but not found. 1 large Tanker & 1 Coaster 3rd 9 E/R-Boats 3-4 miles off Le Treport. Attacks were seen just inside mole at Zeebrugge. Armed Shipping Recce carried out from 3,500-1,000 feet out of sun & strikes MN460 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Oostende-Berck ‘milk run’. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters flew at seen on 1 which was left burning & sinking. The MN429 F/S Alexander Sibbald sea-level 2-3 miles offshore. remainder were attacked with cannon but results MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher JR305 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF not seen. 1 E/R-Boat Cat II; 2 E/R-Boats Cat III. MN156 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN632 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN429 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC JR327 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld EK289 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Shipping Strike MN429 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Cap Gris Nez. Vectored by Swingate to Dieppe. JR327 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Searched at 6,000 feet but saw nothing. Back to 4th Calais where 1½ miles north of harbour a long grey F/L Leo Walker RNZAF arrived for flying duties from Shipping Strike streak was seen from 6,000 feet. It appeared to No.486 Sqn. 9 E/R-Boats 3-4 miles off Le Treport. When sighted, lengthen at one end & decrease at the other. 2 of them were alongside a 3rd which was sinking. Reported over R/T to Swingate as being suspicious Armed Shipping Recce Attack made & strikes seen on the stern of 1 which but Section not allowed to attack. Oostende-Berck ‘milk run’. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters. was left smoking. MN596 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN596 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN468 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN429 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF JR305 F/S John Colton RCAF MN198 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN351 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN198 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN596 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN660 F/S John Colton RCAF MN429 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN632 F/S Alexander Sibbald 13th 5th Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce Late at night the whole Squadron was called to Cap Gris Nez-Pointe D’Ally. Oostende-Berck. Found 3 E-Boats 8 miles west north- Readiness as from 0430 on 6th June. MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC west of Le Touquet. Attacked in dive from 1,500 feet. MN460 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 2 direct hits, the remainder near misses. 1 E-Boat Armed Shipping Recce MN660 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows well on fire (Cat I). Strikes observed on 2 E-Boats Nieuwpoort-Berck. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters. Flew at deck with cannon (Cat III). Intense flak from the boats. level 3 miles offshore. Cayeux-Pointe D’Ally. Flew at 1,000 feet 3 miles MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF JR305 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF offshore. Saw 2 E/R-Boats 500 yards from shore 5 MN429 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN596 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF miles south-west of Le Treport. MN351 F/S Edwin Ashworth JR327 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN429 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF MN596 F/O David William Guttridge MN429 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN198 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN627 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Attacked 1 of 3 E-Boats going into 3 miles off 6th MN468 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Boulogne which stopped, smoking. 4 more E-Boats This morning just after 0600 the great invasion of came out of Boulogne to help it. S/L Piltingsrud DFC Europe began. British, Canadian & American Armed Scramble attacked & fired 8 R/P in pairs. He sank 1 & set Forces land by sea & air on the coast of Normandy. Cap Gris Nez. Under Swingate control. another on fire, its ammo exploding, a 3rd was ‘D’ Day has arrived! The Squadron maintained a MN468 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher damaged by cannon attack. 2 aircraft fired salvoes state of R/P Readiness of 6 aircraft as ‘Channel Stop’. MN134 F/O John William Allen which fell short. Another 10 E-Boats came out, P/O Kenneth George Brain & P/O Henry Treweeke presumably to tow the damaged boat in. Intense flak Nicholls arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. 9th from boats. Scramble MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Armed Shipping Recce MN468 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN152 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Gris Nez-Flushing ‘milk run’. 2 R/P & 2 Fighters. MN660 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN156 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Patrolled at 50 feet 1-2 miles offshore but saw no MN556 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld enemy shipping. 6 MTBs 8 miles off Cap Gris Nez. MN429 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls JR327 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN198 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Boulogne. Saw oil & debris 2 miles offshore & several MN198 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF dinghies with 5 men in 1 & 2 in another. Continued MN460 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF 10th into Le Touquet where many oil patches seen. MN429 F/S Alexander Sibbald Armed Shipping Recce JR327 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Nieuwpoort-Calais. 4 R/P Typhoon & 2 Fighters. EK289 F/S John Colton RCAF 7th MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN627 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 17th MN156 F/S John Colton RCAF 14th Air Sea Rescure Search Armed Shipping Recce Vectored to 20 miles off Domburg, they saw a Off Dover. Berck-Oostende. Wellington orbiting a sea marker. A Hudson MN586 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN556 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC replaced the Wimpy. Over R/T informed of bogey in MN556 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN596 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF the vicinity & 2-3 minutes later they saw an orange Off Dover. flash in the water 60 miles east of Bradwell Bay. MN468 W/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Cap Gris Nez-St. Valery. MN586 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN156 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN468 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN429 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN156 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher 21st Armed Shipping Recces Armed Shipping Recce Scramble Cap Gris Nez-Le Touquet. F/S Ashworth reported technical trouble. Vectored to 30 miles north-east of North Foreland at MN468 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF MN351 F/L Alan Charles Abbott 4,000 feet then to Oostende & back to mid-Channel EK289 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN429 F/S Edwin Ashworth where they saw Avengers & a Walrus. MN586 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Cap Gris Nez-Blankenberghe. 3-4 miles offshore. Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. Flew 1 mile offshore. EK270 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN627 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN596 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR305 F/O Michael James Burke Cole EK270 W/O Charles George Points MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld EK289 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Scramble Cap Gris Nez-Oostende. MN198 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN191 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF 15th MN351 W/O Charles George Points MN198 P/O John Gates RAAF Armed Shipping Recce Boulogne-Cap Gris Nez. 18th 22nd MN596 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Armed Shipping Recces Armed Shipping Recce MN632 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF St. Valery. Fire burning in Boulogne Docks. Cap Gris Nez-Le Treport. One E/R-Boat inside the MN460 W/O Charles George Points MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Boulogne mole. MN627 P/O John Gates RAAF JR305 F/S John Colton RCAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR327 F/O John David Coupland RCAF 16th Knocke. 1,000-ton Coaster inside Zeebrugge mole. Armed Shipping Recce MN660 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Cap Gris Nez-Knocke. Trawler seen at Knocke. Cap Gris Nez-Oostende. MN596 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN596 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN152 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN660 F/S John Colton RCAF JR305 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Scramble MN596 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Off North Foreland. On application to Control by F/L Brandreth the MN156 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN586 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Squadron was permitted to do Anti-Diver Patrols MN586 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF EK270 P/O Kenneth George Brain (Jerries pilotless plane bombs). MN584 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF 19th Anti-Diver Patrol Scramble Armed Shipping Recce Diver destroyed by F/O Brain. Exploded on hitting MN586 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Pancaked due to lousy weather over Base. the sea. MN584 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN152 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN627 W/O Charles George Points MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain Noball Recce Unable to locate target due to 10/10 cloud. 20th F/L Brandreth shot down 1 Diver 3 miles south-east MN468 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC P/O Kenneth George Brain to F/O. of Dungeness. It exploded on hitting the sea. MN660 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN584 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Armed Shipping Recce MN270 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN586 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Cap Gris Nez-Dieppe. 2 E-Boats moored to outer EK270 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Mole & 1 larger vessel at south end of Boulogne. Diver destroyed by W/O Horne 20 miles south-west MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC of Dungeness. Flames from port wing, spun into the EK289 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN460 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows sea & exploded. MN632 P/O John Gates RAAF MN627 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Cap Gris Nez-Oostende. 2 ships inside Oostende mole. MN191 F/S John Colton RCAF Canche Valley-Arras-Fevent-Hesdin. Under North MN596 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Weald control. Attacked a Train from 1,500 feet at MN152 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Saw a Diver 5 miles off Hastings at 2,500 feet but Fevent with no result. 6 Goods Trucks damaged could not close range at 330 IAS. north of Rue. Convoy Patrol MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC JR327 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Off North Foreland. MN468 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN660 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN584 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN429 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Weather Recce MN586 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN191 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Saw Divers 15 miles south-east of Dungeness but MN584 P/O Kenneth George Brain JR305 F/O Kenneth George Brain unable to close. F/O Brain attacked a 2nd 4 miles south-east of Eastbourne from 400 yards astern. Le Touquet. Became separated in cloud & vectored MN586 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Strikes on both wings & it dived into the sea & home separately. MN556 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF exploded. F/O Brain’s score for today 2 Divers. XXXXX W/O Shemeld MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC XXXXX ?? MN191 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR305 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Le Touquet. MN460 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN586 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Deal-Dover. JR305 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF EK270 W/O Charles George Points MN586 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN556 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN198 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Le Touquet-Nieuwpoort. MN660 F/S Alexander Sibbald JR305 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Off Dover. MN556 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN191 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN586 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF JR305 P/O John Gates RAAF MN384 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Gravelines-Abbeville. MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Dover-Dungeness. MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN468 F/S John Colton RCAF MN586 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN556 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Noball Recce 1 aircraft returned to Base with technical trouble. MN627 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN584 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN351 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher EK289 P/O Kenneth George Brain MN156 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN460 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF

Dungeness-Bexhill. MN198 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN191 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN156 F/S Alexander Sibbald yards without result, then shore batteries opened MN660 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN586 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF fire when Typhoon 800 yards from Diver. MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN584 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Convoy Patrol MN660 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Off Dungeness. Scramble MN584 F/L Alan Charles Abbott 5 unidentified aircraft (4 dark coloured & 1 white) 24th EK270 F/O David William Guttridge seen at extreme range flying south at 10,000 feet. Armed Shipping Recce Our aircraft climbed at 300mph IAS but were unable Gris Nez-Dieppe. Scramble to close & turned back after crossing the coast near MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF EK270 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Le Touquet. MN191 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN627 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN134 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Gris Nez-Knocke. 2 small craft in Nieuwpoort 25th MN468 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Estuary. Nothing further seen. Armed Shipping Recce MN596 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN153 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Cap Gris Nez-Zeebrugge. Saw a small Coaster lying MN596 F/O John David Coupland RCAF close inshore 10 miles south of Zeebrugge. Also saw 23rd 2 balloons flying direct from the water 4 miles north Armed Shipping Recce Dungeness-Beachy Head. Under Hythe control. of Oostende, both at 1,000 feet. Cap Gris Nez-Le Treport. MN632 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN556 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN596 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN584 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN551 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN660 P/O John Gates RAAF Dungeness-Beachy Head. Fired 2 short bursts from 26th Cap Gris Nez-Blankenberghe. extreme long range at a Diver. Chased it 5 miles Armed Shipping Recce MN627 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld inland but unable to close. Gravelines-Le Treport. 2 R-Boats inside Boulogne MN156 W/O Charles George Points MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC mole. A Diver flew over the Section at 1,500 feet, & a EK270 F/S John Colton RCAF 2nd was seen 10 miles north-west of Le Touquet Anti-Diver Patrol which spiralled into the sea & exploded. MN586 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN468 P/O John Gates RAAF MN429 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows

2 Divers seen but unable to close range. Vectored onto 2 Divers which were not seen. Gravelines-Oostende. No shipping. Sighted flames & MN556 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN584 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF black smoke 20 miles north-east of Oostende, unable MN468 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR305 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows to identify the debris in the water. MN351 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Dungeness-Beachy Head. Sighted splash in water 10 miles south of Dungeness MN556 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN429 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld & 3-4 minutes later another 15 miles south of Rye. EK289 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN584 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Anti-Diver Patrol MN156 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Gris Nez-Dungeness. Vectored onto 4 Divers. Dungeness-Beachy Head. MN468 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN468 W/O Charles George Points MN134 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN156 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN191 P/O John Gates RAAF EK270 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Chased Diver from Boulogne to Dungeness at 2,000 Dungeness-Beachy Head. EK270 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF feet but could not catch it. MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN632 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN134 P/O John Gates RAAF Vectored by Hythe. Sighted 1 Diver but could not Dungeness-Beachy Head. Saw 1 Diver but although MN156 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF close. A 2nd destroyed by F/O Sames DFC near Bexhill, the Typhoon clocked 395mph it drew away, flying who shot another down by the coast, it crashed inland at 3,000 feet. Dungeness. overland. MN584 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN584 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF MN134 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF MN660 F/S John Colton RCAF EK270 F/O David William Guttridge MN584 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF

Cap Gris Nez-Berck. 10 miles offshore. Dungeness. Under Hythe control. Unsuccessfully chased a Diver MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN134 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld at 2,000 feet doing 400mph. Vectored onto a 2nd west MN584 W/O Charles George Points of Dungeness at 2,000 feet 400mph so left it. South of Dungeness. F/O Brain obtained a visual but MN627 F/S Edwin Ashworth had to abandon the chase due to engine trouble. Saw Dungeness. MN556 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF 2 Divers destroyed by other aircraft. MN468 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN198 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN191 F/O David William Guttridge Boulogne-Le Touquet. Under Rightear control. MN468 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Armed Shipping Recce Obtained visual on Diver doing 250mph at 3,000 feet, Dungeness. Vectored onto three friendly vessels Under Hythe control. 2 Spitfires chased it - no results seen by our section. MN556 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN134 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF F/O Sames had engine trouble & landed at MN351 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN584 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Newchurch, F/S Flett landed at Lympne to re-fuel. MN134 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Convoy Patrol 27th EK289 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Off Dover. Anti-Diver Patrol MN351 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Boulogne. MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN660 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN468 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN584 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN632 F/L Alan Charles Abbott Off Dover. MN156 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN191 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC 1 visual seen to fall into sea & explode. MN460 F/S John Colton RCAF MN627 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN556 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN152 W/O Charles George Points MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Off Dungeness. 3 parachutists seen near Convoy. They were picked up by Convoy Leader. 2 Launches MN596 P/O John Gates RAAF 1 visual but insufficient speed to overtake. Flew to & a Walrus stood by the ship. MN191 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF within 1,000 yards & gave a 3 second burst but MN134 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF without effect. AA fire got it north-east of Rye. EK270 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows 1 visual over Lydd carried on by Tempests. MN351 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN468 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF EK289 P/O John Gates RAAF Off Dungeness. 3 parachutists seen near Convoy. MN134 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF They were picked up by Convoy Leader. 2 Launches MN632 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF & a Walrus stood by the ship. MN627 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN468 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN191 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN152 W/O Charles George Points MN460 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Chased 2 Divers, the 1st up to a balloon barrage. Obtained 2 visuals, the 1st was intercepted by Fired at it from 800 yards, no results but saw a Air Sea Rescure Search Spitfires. Closed to short range on 2nd but guns did Spitfire continue the chase. Fired at a 2nd from 800 Dinghy off Flushing. not fire owing to technical failure. Diver then shot MN351 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF down by Tempests. MN586 W/C Gordon Learmouth Raphael Gris Nez-Le Treport. 4 miles north of Le Treport, W/O Shemeld observed Beaufighters attacking 8-9 MN586 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN596 P/O John Gates RAAF E-Boats. 1 was seen to explode & clouds of white MN126 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN491 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF smoke. Section then attacked diving 3,000 feet, firing pairs of R/P no results seen due to intense flak MN468 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 1 visual but out of range. JR305 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN169 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN468 F/O David William Guttridge MN429 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN230 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Armed Shipping Recce/Anti-Diver Patrol Found 7 E/R-Boats 1 mile off Le Treport. On 1st Gris Nez-Le Touquet. Electrical storm near Le EK289 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF attack F/O Sames fired 2 pairs of R/P, 1 fell short, the Touquet so flew an Anti-Diver Patrol in mid-Channel. MN156 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF other overshot. P/O Pederson fired 4 pairs but all MN126 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF undershot. On 2nd attack, F/O Sames fired his EK270 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Saw small balloon go into the sea off Ramsgate. remaining R/P & got hits on the stern of 1. Clouds of MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF black smoke & ship swung out of formation. Attacks 30th MN596 F/O Kenneth George Brain were carried out from 7,000 to 2,000 feet. 1 Diver F/O John William Allen posted. seen to explode on sea 1 mile off Boulogne. 2 others Large explosion on the sea 10 miles south of Dover. sighted but unable to close. Intense flak from ships & Armed Shipping Recce/Anti-Diver Patrol MN134 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF shore. 1 R-Boat destroyed. Gris Nez-Dieppe. Flew 1½ miles offshore. Vectored MN556 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN556 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF onto a bogey off Boulogne which turned into a Diver. EK289 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Blue 2 fired R/P & cannon seeing it crash into sea & MN660 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF explode. A 2nd Diver was sighted by Blue 1 who made MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Found 6 E/R-Boats, all stationary except one which a beam attack. It also crashed into the sea & fired a double red Verey light. (This confirmed F/O exploded. Both pilots remarked on the slow speed of 28th Sames claim of 1 destroyed). F/L Abbott fired a salvo the Divers & that they appearred considerably larger Armed Shipping Recce which fell short, as did W/O Points. Section vectored than normal. Gris Nez-Le Treport. 2 R-Boats seen inside Boulogne onto a Diver which suddenly fell into the sea & MN152 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF mole & saw 5 Divers. Attacked 2, the 1st went out of exploded. MN596 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF range, chased 2nd to this coast, hits observed. Diver MN596 F/L Alan Charles Abbott appeared undamaged, however Hythe control MN660 W/O Charles George Points Armed Shipping Recce reported that it crashed 7 miles inland. This was Gris Nez-Knocke. confirmed by Dover ASR. F/S Burrows belly landed Anti-Diver Patrol MN156 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF at Manston owing to hydraulic failure. MN468 F/O David William Guttridge JR327 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN429 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN169 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN351 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Boulogne-Dunkirk. Under Hythe control. MN632 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Gris Nez-Knocke. MN586 W/C Gordon Learmouth Raphael MN429 F/O John David Coupland RCAF JR305 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN627 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Chased 1 Diver from 4 miles off Boulogne. Speed Anti-Diver Patrol estimated 400mph. Abandoned chase mid- Channel. Off Boulogne. Under Swingate control. Vectored onto Anti-Diver Patrol MN134 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF a Diver at 3,500 feet. F/O Brain fired from 650 yards, MN169 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF MN191 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF fuselage caught fire, it crashed & exploded. Upon MN468 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF return to Boulogne, a 2nd Diver was seen over France Air Sea Rescure Search at 4,000 feet. F/O Wood fired all his ammunition MN134 P/O John Gates RAAF MN584 F/S Edwin Ashworth without result, finally formatting on it. He was MN156 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN556 P/O John Gates RAAF contemplating tipping it with his wing when F/O Brain called up to stand clear. He fired a short burst Scramble Convoy Patrol at 400 yards, the motor stopped, the fuselage caught MN134 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN468 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF fire & it crashed into the sea. MN468 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN169 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN134 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN169 F/O Kenneth George Brain Armed Shipping Recce MN134 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF W/O Emslie returned early with technical trouble. MN126 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN468 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Remaining pilots fired a Diver doing 450mph. MN126 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN627 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF JR327 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN429 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN556 F/S Alexander Sibbald Scramble MN660 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF Bogey 40 miles north-east of Base. MN596 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN134 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN468 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN126 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN136 F/S Alexander Sibbald 29th Armed Shipping Recce MN468 F/O Arthur Norman Sames RNZAF Bogey turned out to be friendly. Gris Nez-Oostende. MN169 W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN134 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN660 F/O David William Guttridge EK270 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN596 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF JR327 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN156 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF

EK270 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Armed Shipping Recces JULY 1944 Gris Nez-Oostende. Blue 2 developed engine trouble Gris Nez-Boulogne. Under Swingate control. Several & returned. RAF Manston Divers seen but unable to intercept. Whilst returning MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF 1st to Base Blue 2 sighted Diver crossing coast near MN152 F/S John Colton RCAF F/S Lewis Philip Boucher arrived for flying duties Lympne. Chased & closed to 500 yards but only 1 gun Gris Nez-Le Treport. Flew at 5,000 feet 1½ miles from No.59 OTU. fired, & no hits were observed, immediately Blue 2 offshore in good visibility but nothing sighted on W/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF to P/O. broke a Tempest came in & shot it down (1 extremely outward journey. On return an E-Boat was seen 3-4 disgruntled pilot pancaked). miles off Berck & attacked with R/P & cannon from Anti-Diver Patrol XXXXX W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 2,000 feet. 2 hits amidships & 1 forward. No flak so a EK270 F/S Edwin Ashworth XXXXX F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF further attack carried out with cannon, strikes seen MN126 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld on bridge & superstructure. Target left in flames. MN468 F/O Michael James Burke Cole EK289 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MM468 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN384 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN556 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows XXXXX W/O Charles George Points Off Boulgne under Swingate control. Diver sighted at Oostende-Gris Nez. 2nd Angels 2, both aircraft chased & attacked. Yellow 1 MN640 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Anti-Diver Patrol overshooting, Yellow 2 fired a burst, Diver hit the sea MN429 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN270 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF & exploded. Resuming Patrol, a 2nd Diver seen. Yellow EK169 F/S Alexander Sibbald 1 fired a short burst from 100 yards, & it dived into 7th sea & exploded. A 3rd Diver seen off Boulogne by Anti-Diver Patrol JR327 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Yellow 1 who closed to 500 yards firing a 2 second MN660 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN169 F/S Alexander Sibbald burst. Its motor went out & it fell into the sea but did not explode. Saw 6 Divers but could not get in a position to attack. 3rd MN134 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Anti-Diver Patrol XXXXX F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN584 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Rye-Dungeness. Saw a Diver off Le Touquet followed EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Gris Nez-Le Touquet. by a medley of our fighters. He attacked from astern MN506 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC but could not close. Patrol changed Dungeness-Le MN126 W/O Charles George Points Touquet & saw another Diver approaching just off MN468 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN380 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF French Coast at 6,000 feet. Attacked from 400 yards MN126 P/O John Gates RAAF astern with no results, but closed 2-300 yards & fired 4th another burst, Divers engine stopped, it crashed & Armed Shipping Recce MN468 F/L Alan Charles Abbott exploded. Hythe control reported hearing the Gris Nez-Le Treport. explosion. MN198 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF 6th MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN429 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN586 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Dungeness-Beachy Head. Visual on 6 Divers. Gris Nez-Knocke. Attacked 1 at 3,500 feet from dead astern, chasing it MN191 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher On approach to land W/O Emslie’s constant speed inland where it crashed near Hailsham. Another seen MN660 F/O John David Coupland RCAF unit ‘went for a burton’ causing over speeding then approaching the Coast between Rye & Hastings. fire. He carried out a successful forced landing Fired at extreme range, no strikes seen. Convoy Patrol wheels up & was unhurt. The aircraft was burnt out. MN152 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher North Foreland-north east of Dungeness. MN268 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN134 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld EK270 F/S Alexander Sibbald Gris Nez-Le Touquet. Under North Weald control. MN468 W/O Charles George Points Diver sighted 6 miles north of Le Touquet. Opened MN660 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF fire at 300 yards but no strikes observed. Another MN632 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN584 W/O Charles George Points fighter then cut in & caused him to break off. MN156 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN134 W/C Gordon Learmouth Raphael MN126 F/O David William Guttridge MN627 F/O David William Guttridge MN198 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Dungeness-Folkestone. Under Hythe control. Chased MN662 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 4 Divers approaching the Coast at 3,000 feet but Saw 3 Divers at 2,000 feet. Closed on 1 & opened fire. unable to close. Sighted another approaching north MN586 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Abandoned chase due to gun stoppagesy. of Dungeness with 2 of our fighters in pursuit. Again, MN596 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC unable to close. JR327 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Armed Shipping Recce Diver seen 4 miles north-east of Dungeness. Gave Gris Nez/Le Treport. chase but could not close. It was finally shot down 5 Under Hythe control. Saw 2 Divers, the 1st was MN152 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC miles inland by other aircraft. destroyed by other fighters, the 2nd crossed the Coast EK289 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN584 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC north of Dungeness before he could close, ground MN429 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF defences opened fire so abandoned chase. MN660 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Gris Nez-Berck. Under Hythe control. Saw Diver MN584 F/S John Colton RCAF approaching at 2,000 feet & carried out an astern 5th attack opening fire at 300 yards. It fell into sea & Dungeness-Folkestone. Under Hythe control. Saw Scramble exploded. Attacked 2 more & but no results. Diver crossing coast at Dungeness but engaged by Bogey identified as friendly. MN126 W/C Gordon Learmouth Raphael ground defences. MN134 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN198 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN584 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Air-Sea Rescue Patrol Saw 2 collapsed Dinghies & 2 bodies 1 with opened Under North Weald Control. Saw a Diver destroyed Anti-Diver Patrol parachute, 5 miles north of Gravelines, the sea was off Le Touquet. Chased another at 3,500 feet north of MN134 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls covered in oil & florescence in their proximity. Dungeness. Unable to close, he fired 2 long bursts MN361 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Orbited until 2 Spitfires arrived. from dead astern without results. Shipping seen MN126 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF south of Boulogne that appeared to be under attack Under Swingate control. Sighted 2 Divers in line MN198 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF as considerable flak was coming up. abreast 2 miles apart. Both aircraft chased, P/O MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Gates unable to close. F/L Walker closed to 500 Anti-Diver Patrol yards, gave a short burst & was just going in to finish Gris Nez-Berck. Carried out an astern attack on a Under Hythe Control. Saw a Diver at Le Touquet on it off when a Tempest crossed his sights causing him Diver. It fell into sea & exploded. Sighted 2 further at 2,000 feet. Gave chase opening fire from astern at to cease fire. Diver shot down into a wood where it Divers but could not close. 300 yards. Divers went out & it exploded in the sea exploded. Another seen by P/O Gates to fall into the MN134 W/C Gordon Learmouth Raphael near a Convoy. sea & explode near a Convoy off Dungeness. MN134 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN468 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Shipping Strike MN126 P/O John Gates RAAF E/R-Boats off Dunkirk. Weather unsuitable. Under Hythe Control. Saw a Diver crash off EK289 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Dungeness. MN134 W/O Charles George Points MN480 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN584 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN152 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN995 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN169 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld EK270 F/S Alexander Sibbald Dungeness-Beachy Head. Under Hythe control. 8th MN152 F/O David William Guttridge Vectored on to a Diver 10 miles south of Hastings at Armed Shipping Recce 2-3,000 feet. F/O Guttridge attacked head on, Gris Nez-Oostende. Airborne from Lympne after refuelling. numerous strikes seen & it went into a steep dive MN556 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF EK270 F/O Michael James Burke Cole exploding on the sea. EK289 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN169 F/O David William Guttridge Gris Nez-Dieppe. 3 E/R-Boats in Boulogne Harbour. 10th EK270 W/O Charles George Points JR305 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN627 F/S Alexander Sibbald Dover-Dungeness then Dover-North Foreland. Under MN198 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Swingate control. Vectored onto a Diver heading up MN460 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Convoy Patrol the Estuary at 2,500 feet but was unable to close. A North Foreland-Dungeness. 2nd was sighted on similar course & height but was MN627 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF MN586 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF out of range. JR327 W/O John Colton RCAF RCAF JR327 W/O John Colton RCAF MN584 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld

MN586 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC EK270 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN134 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN134 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN198 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Thames Estuary. Saw 2 Divers at 2,500 feet. 1st MN460 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN169 F/O Kenneth George Brain destroyed by another aircraft firing from behind the MN632 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN134 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Typhoon & getting uncomfortably close. F/O Holder fired at 2nd with unobserved results. During the night MN152 F/L Alan Charles Abbott Anti-Diver Patrol our pilots had experience of aircraft attacking JR327 F/O David William Guttridge Gris Nez-Le Touquet. without navigation light on & on 2 occasions very MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC nearly collided or were shot down. MN460 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN169 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN357 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN660 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Chased 2 Divers flying up the Estuary at 2-3,000 feet. MN586 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Closed to 500 yards on the 1st gave a short burst MN134 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF 9th without result & was unable to get near the 2nd. Anti-Diver Patrol MN584 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN152 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN191 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF JR327 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Under Sandwich control. Saw 2 Divers, 1 just on take- Under Swingate control. Orbiting 10 miles off Gris off & a 2nd 15 miles north-east of Foreland. As he MN169 P/O John Gates RAAF Nez, sighted a Diver, chaseed & fired short burst from began his attack, it fell into the sea & exploded. MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 300 yards. It fell into sea & exploded. MN198 P/O John Gates RAAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Diver sighted 2 miles south of Gris Nez but lost cloud. Armed Shipping Recce Red 1 returned with engine trouble. On landing aircraft bounced & commenced to swing, Gris Nez-Le Treport. Turned back 5 miles off MN660 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF pilot corrected but aircraft came off runway & Dungeness as visibility was barely 200 yards cloud MN584 F/O David William Guttridge turned upside down. Aircraft Cat E1. W/O Emslie base 1,000 feet. P/O Pederson unknowingly burst a flown direct in a Master to Halton & admitted to the tyre on take-off which upon touch down caused the Armed Shipping Recce RAF Hospital with eye injuries. aircraft to swing violently resulting in the port Oostende. Under Swingate Control. F/S Burrows MN556 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF undercarriage leg collapsing. Aircraft Cat B. returned with engine trouble. F/L Brandreth JR327 F/L Alan Charles Abbott searched for reported E/R-Boats. Nothing seen. Sighted burning ship off Oostende. MN429 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN596 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN429 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Gris Nez-Oostende. Returned from Sangrette due to 0210 Diver sighted at 4,500 feet on course 320° at weather. EK289 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC approximately 300mph. Aircraft chased and closed JR305 W/O Charles George Points MN460 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls to 300 yards before firing a short burst. Diver fell into MN596 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF sea and exploded. Gris Nez-Le Treport. Under Swingate control. No Anti-Diver Patrol shipping but vectored onto Diver off Le Touquet. MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF EK270 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF However, it crashed of its own accord. MN152 F/O David William Guttridge MN152 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR327 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN556 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF EK270 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Armed Shipping Recce MN156 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN152 W/O John Colton RCAF RCAF Gris Nez-Berck. EK259 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC EK289 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN152 W/O John Colton RCAF MN556 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN152 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN460 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Gris Nez-Oostende. MN660 W/O John Colton RCAF MN429 W/O John Colton RCAF MN627 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN429 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN198 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Scramble MN357 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN152 W/O Alfred William Emslie RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol JR327 W/O John Colton RCAF MN191 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN152 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN152 W/O Charles George Points MN660 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN586 P/O John Gates RAAF MN134 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF F/S Egley vectored onto Diver approaching MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Dungeness at 3,000 feet. Unable to close, & it was Anti-Shipping Patrol/Anti-Diver Patrol destroyed by other aircraft. F/O Cole landed at EK270 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Gris Nez-Dieppe. No shipping seen. Saw 25-30 Divers, Lympne owing to shortage of fuel. MN156 F/S Alexander Sibbald attacked 3, the 1st 25 miles off Hastings from astern. EK270 F/O Michael James Burke Cole It exploded in the air. Made a diving attack from MN134 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN584 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF astern on 2nd. It went down & exploded in the sea. The MN357 F/O Kenneth George Brain 3rd was encountered off Berck. Attack again from Under North Weald control. Vectored onto Diver astern Diver exploded on the sea. Claims - P/O approaching Dungeness at 2,500 feet. P/O Pederson 11th Nicholls 1 destroyed; F/O Holder 2 destroyed. attacked from 5-600 yards astern using all Armed Shipping Recce MN198 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls ammunition without results, he then returned to Gris Nez-Dieppe. MN627 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Base. F/L Abbott attacked from astern. Just as he was MN191 F/O John David Coupland RCAF coming within range ground defences opened fire MN627 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Armed Shipping Recce causing him to break off attack. He chased a 2nd but Gris Nez-Oostende. was unable to close, but saw it crash into the sea. Gris Nez-Oostende. JR305 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN584 F/L Alan Charles Abbott EK289 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN556 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN198 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JR305 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF

Saw a Diver go down in flames just west of Dover. Anti-Diver Patrol MN191 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN660 W/O John Colton RCAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN627 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF JP663 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows EK270 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher JR305 F/S Alexander Sibbald 17th MN198 F/S Alexander Sibbald Weather Recce MN134 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN627 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN357 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN357 W/O Charles George Points MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain F/O Sames attacked a Diver at 2,500 feet 3 miles off Dungeness from 150 yards astern. Its fuel blew up, 18th EK289 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows the Typhoon getting badly blistered & burnt. Diver Armed Shipping Recce MN660 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF came to earth ½ mile north of Rye. Gris Nez-Oostende. MN169 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN156 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN586 P/O John Gates RAAF EK289 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN351 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN198 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN584 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Gris Nez-Le Treport. MN995 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN156 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN460 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN584 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF EK289 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN191 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Convoy Patrol MN357 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Scramble MN357 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN995 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN126 F/O David William Guttridge MN191 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JP663 P/O John Gates RAAF MN584 F/S Albert Victor Crory

MN169 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN584 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Anti-Diver Patrol MN289 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF JR327 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN169 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls EK270 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN995 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF 14th MN660 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Anti-Diver Patrol 19th Sighted Diver 10 miles south of Rye. F/O Sames Armed Shipping Recce MN169 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF attacked from 230 yards dead astern, it fell into the Gris Nez-Oostende, the usual ‘milk run’. EK289 P/O John Gates RAAF sea south of Dungeness & exploded. MN455 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN134 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain Scramble MN191 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN357 W/O Charles George Points MN156 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN191 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN584 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR327 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Gris Nez-Le Treport. Both had engine trouble & 12th returned to Base. Weather Recce MN995 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN351 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Gravelines-St. Pol-Abbeville. No excitement. JP663 P/O John Gates RAAF EK289 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN169 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN584 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN584 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Carried out the previously abandoned Recce. MN134 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN584 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Shipping Strike MN596 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Off Boulogne. MN596 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls JR327 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN357 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Convoy Patrol MN596 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN169 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN156 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN584 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF EK270 W/O John Colton RCAF MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN134 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN660 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Anti-Diver Patrols MN357 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN468 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher Anti-Diver Patrol MN596 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN134 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Sighted Diver crossing in at Hastings, but it was shot MN995 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC down by other aircraft 7-8 miles inland. Another MN584 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC sighted but they were not in a position for an attack. MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR327 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN995 F/O David William Guttridge JR327 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN169 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN169 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF 15th EK270 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN660 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Anti-Diver Patrol EK305 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN468 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN134 F/O Kenneth George Brain JP663 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN596 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN584 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF XXXXX G/C Baker-Carr Chased Diver to Dungeness but it was shot down by other aircraft 15 miles inland. MN995 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 20th MN191 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN596 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN357 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN169 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Scramble EK270 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF Scramble MN584 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN995 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN134 P/O John Gates RAAF MN169 W/O John Colton RCAF MN995 F/L Alan Charles Abbott Armed Shipping Recce MN126 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 13th Gris Nez-Oostende. MN584 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF F/S Lewis Philip Boucher & F/S Edwin Ashworth JR511 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN134 F/O Michael James Burke Cole promoted to P/O - good show!! EK289 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP663 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF Armed Shipping Recce Gris Nez-Le Treport. MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Gris Nez-Le Treport. JP663 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF EK270 W/O John Colton RCAF MN198 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF JR327 F/O David William Guttridge JR327 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN357 F/S Lewis Philip Boucher 16th JR327 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Gris Nez-Oostende. Anti-Diver Patrol MN156 F/O David William Guttridge MN584 F/S Edwin Ashworth Weather Recce MN627 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN191 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 F/O David William Guttridge MN627 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF Scramble MN995 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN586 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN596 F/O David William Guttridge 22nd MN169 W/O John Colton RCAF F/S Arthur Reginald Hack arrived for flying duties Scramble from No.83 GSU. MN584 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Anti-Diver Patrol Weather Recce Diver seen near Dymchurch. Gave chase but a Gravelines-St Omer-Abbeville-St. Pol-Dieppe. EK289 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Mosquito intercepted & shot it down. MN995 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN660 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN126 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN169 F/O Michael James Burke Cole EK289 W/O John Colton RCAF Gris Nez. Under Sandwich Control. Saw numerous F/O Holder attacked a Diver 20 miles off Hastings at Divers leaving enemy coast but was unable to Armed Shipping Recce 2,000 feet. It went down & exploded in the sea. intercept. Finally picked a Diver up in mid-Channel Calais-Le Touquet. No shipping seen. MN134 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF at 3,000 feet, closed to 5-600 yards & fired a pair of MN357 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN126 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF R/P. These exploded above it causing the light to MN152 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows disappear. It exploded on contact with the water 27th south-east of Folkestone. 23rd Armed Shipping Recce MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Armed Shipping Recce Gris Nez-Le Treport. Gris Nez-Oostende. Sighted Dredger at Knocke. MN830 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN627 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Heavy flak at Calais, Dunkerque & Knocke. MN596 F/O John David Coupland RCAF EK289 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN455 F/O John David Coupland RCAF MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Gris Nez-Knocke. MN134 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN660 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF MN584 W/O Charles George Points Gris Nez-Le Treport. Saw 5 E/R-Boats entering MN632 F/S Arthur Reginald Hack Boulogne Harbour. No attack owing to low ceiling. 29th MN357 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol Anti-Diver Patrol MN596 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN995 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF XXXXX F/O Cole JR305 F/O Kenneth George Brain XXXXX W/O Points Anti-Diver Patrol MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN126 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF 30th MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN460 F/S Alexander Sibbald Armed Shipping Recce Gris Nez/Knocke. Accurate flak from Oostende & Armed Shipping Recce At 0838 both aircraft were seen to come out of cloud, Knocke. Gris Nez-Le Treport. apparently out of control, & crash. F/S Hack had JR327 P/O John Gates RAAF MN357 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF attempted to bale out but had insufficient height. JP663 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN596 F/S Albert Victor Crory Both pilots killed. MN830 F/O Ralph Alexander Johnstone RCAF Gris Nez/Le Treport. Gris Nez-Knocke. MN596 F/S Arthur Reginald Hack MN627 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN830 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN191 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN455 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JR511 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN191 F/O John David Coupland RCAF Anti-Diver Patrol Scramble MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF JP663 F/O David William Guttridge MN660 W/O Charles George Points MN460 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF EK289 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF MN584 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Chased 2 Divers, but unable to close. 24th MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN134 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF Armed Shipping Recce MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Gris Nez-Oostende. Abandoned due to weather. MN169 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN287 F/S Edwin Ashworth JR305 F/S Albert Victor Crory Sighted 3 Divers at 2,000 feet. P/O Manfred being in MN596 F/S Albert Victor Crory position carried out an attack opening fire 400 yards MN126 W/O Charles George Points astern using all ammunition without result so broke Gris Nez-Le Treport. MN584 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF off engagenment. Foreness Control reported that MN830 W/O Charles George Points Diver went off the plot 12 miles north-west of MN191 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Under Swingate control. Attacked a Diver at 4,000 Foreness. feet at 340mph, firing special R/P from 600 yards MN126 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Anti-Diver Patrol astern. The salvo exploded 40 feet above Diver which MN169 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN995 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows then drew slowly out of range. MN126 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF 31st Anti-Diver Patrol 25th Armed Shipping Recce MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Armed Shipping Recce 10/10 cloud at 1,000 feet over French Coast & Gris Nez-Le Treport. inadvertantlt flew over Boulogne receiving heavy & MN134 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN152 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF light accurate flak. MN627 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF JR511 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN632 P/O John Gates RAAF Gris Nez-Knocke. MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN596 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Gris Nez-Knocke. MN830 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN455 F/S Edwin Ashworth MN126 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN627 F/S Albert Victor Crory 26th MN134 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Armed Shipping Recce 28th MN584 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Gris Nez-Knocke. P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF, W/O Thomas JR305 F/O David William Guttridge John Pike & Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN995 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN627 P/O John Gates RAAF arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. MN169 F/O Kenneth George Brain

Gris Nez-Le Treport. No Joy. Armed Shipping Recce MN682 W/O Charles George Points MN455 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Gris Nez-Le Treport. JP663 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN632 F/S Edwin Ashworth JR511 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR505 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN169 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN584 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF Gris Nez/Oostende. JR327 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF XXXXX F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN995 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN627 F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF XXXXX F/S Albert Victor Crory MN126 W/O John Colton RCAF Anti-Diver Patrol XXXXX P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN134 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF

attack but crashed in the sea between the ships & 14th coast, apparently having been hit by flak. Aircraft B.6, Coulombs, Normandy AUGUST 1944 returned to Base after searching for F/O Holder. P/O A few Sector Recces between Caen-Bayeaux. Nicholls also hit by debris & flak. RAF Manston MN627 P/O Edwin Ashworth 15th 1st MN995 P/O John Gates RAAF Armed Recce F/S William Arthur Flett RCAF to W/O. JP663 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Falaise. Led by W/C North-Lewis. MN126 F/O James Caulfield Holder RCAF MN995 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF 3rd MN803 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Fighter Sweep Anti-Diver Patrol JR305 F/O David William Guttridge Crossed in at Furness. Accurate flak from Lille & MP125 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Ghent. Smoke screen north-east of Mons. Uneventful JP583 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN533 P/O Edwin Ashworth as the Luftwaffe refused to take to the skies. JR327 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Diver destroyed by F/O Sames. MN169 damaged by MN660 P/O John Gates RAAF MN995 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC debris. Landed at Delting due to adverse weather. MN169 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN169 F/O Arthur Norman Sames Falaise. MN126 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN455 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN455 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN584 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN357 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN584 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN627 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher JR327 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN584 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JP583 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN533 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol MN995 P/O John Gates RAAF MN126 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher Close Army Support MN627 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN584 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Falaise. Red smoke seen & target duly pranged. EK270 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN386 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF JP583 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN803 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN455 F/S Albert Victor Crory Dover-Calais. Chased a Diver 18 miles south-east of XXXXX F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN134 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Dover. Closing to 250 yards he fired a short burst XXXXX F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF JR327 F/O Michael James Burke Cole observing strikes on the starboard wing & motor, whereupon it fell into the sea but didn’t explode. 5th 16th MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Escort Armed Recce Escort to Lancasters bombing a bridge at Etaples. Troarn-Vermoutiers-Lisieux. 4th MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN533 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Armed Shipping Recce MN627 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Gris Nez-Le Treport. 1 R-Boat sighted in Boulogne. MN455 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR305 F/O David William Guttridge JR305 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN995 P/O John Gates RAAF MN584 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN632 F/S Alexander Sibbald MN134 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MP125 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN584 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN169 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Gris Nez-Schouney. 4 Minesweepers escorted by a MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR327 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF Warship & 4 E-Boats. Results unobserved. JP583 W/O Charles George Points MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike MN191 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF JR327 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF Anti-Diver Patrol 17th MN198 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Close Army Support Schowen-Oberflake. 2 salvoes of R/P near misses on MN580 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Transport north-east of Trun. 2 1,500-ton Merchant ships. Also attacked 2 MN803 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF formations of E-Boats. F/O Hutcheson’s Typhoon 7th MN995 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF damaged by flak. W/O Charles George Points posted to No.198 Sqn. MN584 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF JR305 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN191 W/O John Colton RCAF MN632 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF 9th MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Armed Shipping Recce JR327 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Shipping Strike Gris Nez-Oostende. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Oosterscheldte. F/L Brandreth & F/S Colton MN498 F/L Alan Charles Abbott EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF returned due to technical trouble. W/O Horne MN134 W/O Thomas John Pike became separated & was vectored to Hamstade. A MET & Transport north-east of Trun. No attacks 5,000-ton M/V attacked in Oosterscheldte with Gris Nez-Le Treport. made. F/O Manfred landed short of fuel at A.12. cannon. Hits on bridge & superstructure. A 2,000-ton MN455 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN134 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher Coaster beached off Nord Beveland was also JR327 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN627 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows attacked. Near misses with R/P. MN198 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN191 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Oostende-Flushing. MP125 F/L Alan Charles Abbott JR327 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN134 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN169 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN660 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN584 W/O Thomas John Pike MN533 P/O Edwin Ashworth JP663 F/S John Colton RCAF MN455 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN455 P/O John Gates RAAF MN627 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JR327 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN455 F/S Alexander Sibbald MP125 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Tanks & MET east of Vimoutiers. 4 Tanks attacked MN169 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF with R/P. MET ‘smokers’ & 3 damaged. Westhoofd. Sighted a Tug towing a Barge. Near MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC misses with R/P. Beached 2,000-ton Coaster also 10th JR327 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF attacked. W/O Flett had direct hit with salvo with Armed Shipping Recce MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld resulting large explosion. Left well burning. 8 E/R-Boats in Dunkirk Harbour not attacked. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF EK270 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN134 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN803 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF JR511 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN627 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN995 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN660 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN584 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF JR327 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN660 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN191 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN627 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher EK289 F/S John Colton RCAF MN126 F/O Kenneth George Brain 18th 12th Close Army Support Armed Shipping Recce Armed Shipping Recce Tugs & Barges on the Seine. A pontoon bridge under MN995 P/O John Thomas Naldrett Frost RAAF MN627 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls construction & several barges attacked. JR511 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN660 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN455 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC EK270 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 2,000-ton Coaster off Colijnsplaat. P/O Ashworth & 13th MN533 F/O David William Guttridge P/O Gates (fighters), F/O Holder & P/O Nicholls Move to B.6 airfield, No.124 Wing, Normandy. All EK289 W/O John Colton RCAF (R/P). P/O Nicholls R/P salvo undershot & F/O aircraft made the trip safely with the exception of MN169 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF Holder scored near misses. P/O Ashworth & P/O F/O Guttridge who pranged at another airfield short MN995 F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Gates observed cannon strikes on both Coasters. F/O of petrol as his nose tanks did not operate. JP663 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF James Caulfield Holder turned & went in for a 2nd MN660 F/S Albert Victor Crory Armed Recce EK270 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF 26th Vimoutiers-Orbec. 16 MET flamers, 1 smoker & 10 MN803 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF Armed Recce damaged. MN455 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler Rouen. 1 Tank & 2 MET smokers. MN586 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher JP583 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN134 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN627 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN169 F/O Kenneth George Brain EK270 W/O Thomas John Pike MN803 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN455 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN995 W/O Thomas John Pike Vimoutiers-Orbec. F/L Abbott burst a tyre on the MP125 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole runway & did not take off. 2 Tanks flamers & 4 MP133 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF damaged, 6 MET damaged. MN660 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN169 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN169 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN803 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF EK270 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF JR327 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Vimoutiers-Orbec. Claims were 2 Tanks & 12 MET MN803 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF damaged. P/O Ashworth returned, technical trouble. XXXXX W/O John Colton RCAF 27th MN584 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC JP583 F/L Alan Charles Abbott Armed Shipping Recce MN455 P/O John Gates RAAF MN134 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Le Havre-Rouen. W/O Pike did not take off due to MN669 P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN455 P/O John Gates RAAF technical trouble. 2+ motorboats crossing the Seine MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN660 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF destroyed; 6 Barges & 8 MET destroyed. F/O Ian EK170 P/O Edwin Ashworth Cameron Hutcheson was hit by flak & called up MN??? P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF 22nd saying he was about to bale out. His ‘chute was not Armed Recce seen, but it is believed he got out of the aircraft safely Vimoutiers. 12 MET damaged. F/O Matthew Wood Bernay-Brionne. No transport seen but R/P fired into in the target area. (KIA). was shot down by flak, the aircraft exploding on the a wood, resulting in a large explosion. JP583 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC ground. W/O Shemeld was also badly shot up. MN134 F/L Alan Charles Abbott MN660 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN803 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN198 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN893 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN995 F/O Matthew Wood RCAF MN539 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN995 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN533 F/L Alan Charles Abbott JR327 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls EK289 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN455 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN535 W/O Thomas John Pike JP583 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN455 P/O John Gates RAAF Vimoutiers. 2 MET ‘flamers’ & 1 Tank ‘flamer’. MN803 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MP133 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN584 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN995 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain 28th MN455 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler 25th 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF arrived for flying MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF F/L Alan Charles Abbott posted. duties from No.83 GSU. MN169 P/O Edwin Ashworth EK270 F/S Albert Victor Crory Close Army Support 29th No transport seen so a 3,000-ton ship & 3 smaller Took off for B.30, Creton. Only the section led by F/L Vimoutiers. 4 MET flamers & 1 smoker. ones on the Seine attacked instead. 1 small ship was Brandreth reached it, the rest returned in bad MN803 F/L Alan Charles Abbott hit by R/Ps & left burning. weather. MN660 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN198 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN533 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN995 F/S Albert Victor Crory 30th JP533 F/O David William Guttridge MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole No.124 Wing took off from B.6 & landed at B.30, MN792 W/O Thomas John Pike Creton. 19th MN134 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher P/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls to F/O. MN455 F/O Kenneth George Brain B.30, Creton, France F/S Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF to W/O. MN191 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF 31st EK270 F/O David William Guttridge F/S Alexander Sibbald posted to No.198 Sqn. Armed Recce Orbec-Barnay-Broglie. 8 MET flamers, 1 smoker, 1 Armed Recce Armed Recce damaged & a flak post destroyed. Shipping on the Seine. 1 Barge destroyed & 2 Hornoy-Poix. 1 MET destroyed, 1 HDT ‘flamer’ & 5 MN803 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC damaged. HDT ‘smokers’. MN584 F/S Mark John Whitby RAAF MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN586 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC JP583 F/O David William Guttridge MN995 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN169 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN181 W/O John Colton RCAF MN533 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN533 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN792 P/O John Gates RAAF MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike MN660 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN803 F/O Ian Cameron Hutcheson RNZAF MN803 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MP133 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN627 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler JR305 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MP125 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Lisieux-Vimoutiers-Orbec. Tanks in a wood. JP583 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN582 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN533 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN584 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN627 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF

MN632 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Gun-positions. All R/P burst in target area. 10 SEPTEMBER 1944 MN191 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Barges damaged with cannon near Neuzen. MP125 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN198 F/O John Gates RAAF B.30 Creton MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen 1st MN627 W/O Thomas John Pike MN955 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Close Army Support MN455 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MP125 W/O Thomas John Pike MET near Abbeville. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 F/O David William Guttridge 11th EK270 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Army Close Support Giving the Hun a warm time, barges, trains & troops, MN533 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler Enemy troops crossing the River Oriv. all getting a real trimming. MP305 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MP125 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR305 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Close Army Support MN455 P/O Edwin Ashworth JP583 F/O David William Guttridge Bridge & troop concentration near Ghent. Bridge JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain EK270 P/O Kenneth George Brain destroyed as were 3 of 60 Barges nearby. MN198 F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short JP663 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Barges at Flushing-Breskens. 3 Barges filled with MN185 ??? MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls troops crossing the river attacked. MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN995 P/O John Gates RAAF MN154 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC JP583 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN154 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN455 P/O John Gates RAAF MN234 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen 2nd MN191 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN421 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF Squadron warned for move to B.48 Amiens/Glisy. MP125 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN169 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Another B-move. Our stay at Creton had been short MN632 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF & dull, mostly rain so we are not sorry to get away. MN627 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Armed Recce Eindhoven-Gorringhem-Volburg. 3 Locos & 12+ 3rd 9th trucks destroyed. No.137 on the road, up at 4am, more rain, but get off W/O Egley & W/O Whitby returned from leave. MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC to a good start at 0715. Fairly uneventful journey, MN627 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF plenty to see. Arrived at B.48 at 1615. Set about Armed Recce MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth making another new temporary home. Kites arrived River traffic on the Schelde. Led by W/C North-Lewis. JR305 P/O Kenneth George Brain at 1800 & we all called it a day. 15 barges attacked with 32 R/P. Explosions seen. MN421 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike MN632 F/S Albert Victor Crory 4th MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN234 F/O Michael James Burke Cole This drome is simply packed tight with aircraft, MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 W/O Thomas John Pike hundreds of Daks coming in & out with supplies. No MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth gen yet on next move. MN191 P/O Kenneth George Brain Ammunition train moving east from Breda. Not seen, P/O Nicholls & W/O Colton to B.14 for leave. JP583 F/O David William Guttridge but another was attacked & the Loco destroyed. 15 MN632 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows barges also attacked, 1 destroyed & many damaged. 5th MN154 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Not much likelihood of Ops from here. Jerry too far Maastricht-Venlo-Nijivegen. No movement seen. MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher away. Drome still very full of aircraft. Bags more MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN632 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Daks in today with much needed petrol supplies. 2 MN632 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Libs paid us a visit. Ground control organized a ‘mail JP583 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF JR305 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld out’ Auster. Very nice, very useful. Warned for move MN660 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN169 F/O John Gates RAAF forward to a drome near Brussels. MN234 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Wesel-Neilchmagen-Arnheim. B.58 Brussels MN154 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher 12th 6th JR305 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short arrived for flying Wing move to B.58 east of Brussels accomplished MN627 P/O Kenneth George Brain duties from No.181 Sqn as Flight Commander. with only 1 mishap. W/O Horme had to belly-land MN455 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF F/O Brain & F/O Walker on ‘Leave Dakota’. due to burst tyre. Kite Cat.B, W/O Horne ok. Ground crew moved to B.58 by road & received a tumultuous 10th Armed Recce reception en-route, crowds of excited French greeted S/L Piltingsrud DFC to UK on leave. Tilburg-Nijmegen-Venlo. 7 Barges a Loco & 4 trucks us at Valenciennes showers of fruit, wine, beer, etc to F/O Arthur Norman Sames DFC RNZAF posted to destroyed; 3 Barges damaged. all the lads, every man, woman & child turned out to Brighton for Repatriation. MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC welcome ‘Tommie’. Even more so in Bruxelles, where F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen arrived for flying duties MN627 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler we were literally given the city by the Belgians. What from No.83 GSU, Squadron now up to strength again. JP504 P/O Edwin Ashworth a change from B.6, where only a few surly Normandy P/O John Gates RAAF TO f/o. MN169 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF types were ever met. the field is about 12-miles out MN198 F/O Michael James Burke Cole of the City, but we had an escort every inch of the Armed Recce MN533 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen way. Nice work Belgium; we like you, too. A Barges. Led by W/C North-Lewis. 1 Ferry & 2 Barges EK270 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld somewhat dismal evening with heavy rain, but attacked with R/P at Neuzen, no results seen. MN421 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF nothing could dampen the fervour of the Belgian MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF welcome to No.124 Wing, ‘Les Aviators.’ MN627 W/O Thomas John Pike Eindhoven-Hertogenbosch-Nijmegan-Venlo. 2 Locos MN632 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF & 80+ trucks attacked in a railway yard. A Dredger 7th MP125 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF & 3 Barges sunk & 2 Barges damaged. Another Loco Rained all night, strong wind, some mishaps due to JR305 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows damaged with cannon. F/O Guttridge (SF-W) ran finger trouble in pegging down tents. Dull dismal & JP505 F/O David William Guttridge out of petrol & force-landed on drome. wet all day, with a high wind. Orderley Room tent MN586 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short ‘went for a burton’ (Finger Trouble). Close Army Support MN421 F/S Albert Victor Crory Sgt Butler detailed to fly to UK to obtain new aircraft Gun-positions. With 8 aircraft of No.181 Sqn. Red MN627 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF to replace U (W/O Horne’s belly land). smoke seen & all R/P burst in target area, a wood. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN835 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher 8th MN154 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN234 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Armed Recce MN586 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN632 F/O David William Guttridge Venlo-Wessel-Bocholt. Pilots saw the promised land MN632 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JR305 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF (Germany) at last. MN598 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN154 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN933 F/S Albert Victor Crory 13th JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain MP125 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF F/O Götze by Anson to collect replacement for ‘W’. JP583 F/O David William Guttridge MN995 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF F/O Nicholls & W/O Colton returned from leave. JR455 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN455 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Gun-positions. All R/P burst in target area. Large Armed Recce MN198 F/S Albert Victor Crory column of black smoke, possibly oil, seen. Tilburg-Hertogenbosch-Venlo. 2 large Barges sunk. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC & 5 loaded railway trucks destroyed. EK270 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR305 P/O Kenneth George Brain MN169 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Flushing-Wodensbroght. 6 Barges damaged. MN632 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler JP504 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JR305 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN535 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole 17th To look for tanks reported north-east of Arnhem. MN421 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF With the change to single summertime, night closed MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth on us soon after 7.30 pm & we settled down for a wet MN234 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Shipping Strike miserable evening & night. MN154 F/O David William Guttridge Ship at Dordrecht reported by No.247 Sqn. Led by JR305 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF W/C North-Lewis DFC. Ship not found, but 4 Barges Close Army Support destroyed with R/P. The wharf was also set on fire. Gun-positions near Arnhem. All R/P in target area. 22nd MN627 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short P/O Isachsen (spare), flew with No.181 Sqn who Wing moved to Eindhoven, Holland. MN586 W/O Thomas John Pike were short. Squadron landed at B.78 after both Operations. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Remainder of pilots flew to B.78 after tea. EK270 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen PD551 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler F/O Walker & F/O Brain returned from leave. MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher JP583 F/O David William Guttridge Ground crews warned for early move tomorrow. JP583 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF W/O Whitby & W/O Egley flew in kites from R & I. MN191 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short 15th MN198 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Armed Recce F/O Götze returned from GSU with new kite. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 8-10 Tanks. 2 Tanks & 20 MET destroyed. Railway MN586 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF flak wagon damaged with cannon fire. Armed Recce JP504 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JP583 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC Breda-Tilburg-Hertogenbosch-Zaltbommel- MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher Dordrecht-Bergen Op Zoom. 4 barges sunk. F/O Woods containing troops & supplies & dug in JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF Isachsen, got a few chunks of flak, but was unhurt. positions attacked with R/P & cannon. MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN995 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN134 F/O David William Guttridge MN421 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JP504 P/O Edwin Ashworth MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN421 W/O Thomas John Pike MN154 P/O Edwin Ashworth PD551 W/O John Colton RCAF JP504 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Repeat of above attack. 10 tanks attacked, 6 flamers. MN198 W/O John Colton RCAF MN535 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short JP504 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JP583 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MP125 F/O John Gates RAAF MN660 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN234 F/O John Gates RAAF JP583 F/O David William Guttridge MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Bregen Op Zoom-Breda. 2 Barges destroyed. Wood. All R/P in target area. 1 gun destroyed. MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN191 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN995 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows EK271 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls PD551 F/O David William Guttridge PD551 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN191 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN995 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN995 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole 23rd MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Remainder of Ground crews & kit to B.78. Our first EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN553 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF views of Holland & the welcome by the Dutch sadly spoiled by deluge of rain. 4 flights successfully 16th 18th achieved before night - 1 mishap - W/O Pike in SF-D Armed Recce Rained merry hell all night; everything very wet. landed in the dark, ran into an aircraft of No.182 Turnhout. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. Gun Sqn. ‘D’ became Cat.AC, the other Written Off. W/O positions attacked & strikes seen. P/O Gates came Armed Recce Pike badly shaken. Drome in pretty poor state owing back with a few flak scars on his plane. Xanten-Cleve-Forest Reichwald. 2 Locos & 30 to our bombing of it when it was in enemy hands. MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short boxcars attacked in a siding. 5 large explosions seen. MN169 W/O Thomas John Pike MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Armed Recce MN198 F/O John Gates RAAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Borkel-Oploo-Boxmeer-Overlock. 6 MET destroyed; MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN181 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher 1 Tank & 2 MET damaged & 2 AFV smokers. MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF JR305 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN995 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher PD551 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nichols JP504 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JP504 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN455 W/O John Colton RCAF Close Army Support MN533 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Gun-positions. All R/P in target area. Foret Reichwald. 2 Locos & 50+ trucks loaded with MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short 19th MET attacked with R/P & damaged. Large explosion EK270 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF W/O Horne & F/S Crory left for UK on leave. seen followed by columns of black smoke. MN533 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN955 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike 20th MN535 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher Armed Recce MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR305 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Tanks north of the River Neder Rijn near Arnhem. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 F/O David William Guttridge 10/10 cloud on the deck with thick haze, no attacks MN154 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF made. Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler did not Close Army Support return, his aircraft being seen to burst into flames & Mortars & Infantry in a wood. Led by W/C North- Armed Recces crash on the way out, through cause unknown. We Lewis. All R/P in target area, no results seen. Enemy guns near Turnhout. No attack. lost a good pilot in Sgt Butler. His aircraft blew up in MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls mid-air - we shall miss Hugh Butler. MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN586 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN995 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC MP125 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN198 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 F/O David William Guttridge MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN421 W/O Thomas John Pike Mortars & Infantry. Led by F/L Brough. With 8 Enemy guns near Turnhout. Attacked MET in a wood MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth No.182 Sqn R/P Typhoons All R/P in the target area. & fire seen. Light flak. PD551 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN535 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN421 W/O Thomas John Pike PD551 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 21st Weather again very poor. Germans are certainly 24th Close Army Support having all the luck with the weather angels. Bad night for weather, still getting more than our Infantry in a wood. All R/P in target area. share of rain. MN995 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Armed Recce F/L Brandreth & F/O Cole to UK on leave. MN198 F/S Albert Victor Crory North of Arnhem. No movement seen. F/S Burrows left for Sheffield on a 3-week course. MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN955 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short P/O Pederson & F/O Cole to UK to collect new MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF EK270 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF aircraft. MN586 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld W/O Pike still badly shaken from his collision in ‘D’. JP504 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF PD551 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF EK271 Sgt Alexander Hugh Ormonde Butler Armed Recce Led by W/C North-Lewis. 4 MET damaged. MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls Emmerich-Cleve-Goch. 2 Locos & 20 trucks destroyed MN198 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MP125 F/O David William Guttridge JP504 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF PD536 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN154 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN627 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN627 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF EK270 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Ek270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher Close Army Support MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Infantry in a wood. Led by G/C Green. All R/P in JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain target area. W/O Whitby had technical trouble. Chateau HQ. Target attacked with R/P & destroyed. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN154 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Close Army Support PD536 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF Infantry & Gun-positions. Red smoke seen & all R/P MN198 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF burst in target area. Results not observed. MN586 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MP125 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN191 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MP125 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF EK270 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN455 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN191 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN169 W/O Thomas John Pike MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN234 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN955 W/O John Colton RCAF JP504 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN627 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN998 P/O Edwin Ashworth Trains east of Goch. 3 Trains attacked with R/P & MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain damaged. In the Calcay area 30+ Fw.190s were JP583 F/O David William Guttridge encountered. S/L Piltingsrud shot down in flames. 29th W/O Shemeld caused us some anxiety, he got lost & 27th Army Close Support only just got back before his petrol gave out. I was wrong - there is more rain, & we are getting it. Infantry at Krananberg. No movement but the road MN955 S/L Gunnar Piltingsrud DFC P/O Pederson & P/O Copeman brought us 2 new & village were rippled with R/P & cannon. JP504 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF planes to replace ‘U’ (Sgt Butler) & ‘D’ (W/O Pike). MN586 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MP125 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen S/L Erle Thomas (Tim) Brough DFC arrived for JR305 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld flying duties from No.182 Sqn. MN198 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN660 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF Close Army Support MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN234 P/O Edwin Ashworth Village of Schlijndel containing infantry, MET & PD531 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JP583 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF guns. Led by W/C North-Lewis. Red smoke seen & all JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain R/P in the target area, despite intense flak. MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 25th MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher What a bloody awful country! Rain, rain & more rain, MN995 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Armed Recce everything wet through, everybody thoroughly MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF Emmerich-Goch-Cleve-Wessel. 7 MET destroyed & 1 cheesed, but we hold our heads up & say, ‘No.124 MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF damaged. During this mission 50+ Fw.190s & Wing, we’re on the job’. MN995 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Me.109s attempted to bounce the Squadron, but F/L MP125 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen Short joined with some Spitfires & probably Armed Recce MN198 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF destroyed a Fw.190. Reichwald Forest. No movement & no attack made. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MP125 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Gun pits identified & the area rippled. MN198 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN995 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN586 F/O John Gates RAAF MN995 F/O John Gates RAAF MP125 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN627 W/O Thomas John Pike MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN455 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 P/O Kenneth George Brain JP585 F/O David William Guttridge JR305 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls PD531 W/O John Colton RCAF MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF PD551 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN995 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP504 P/O Kenneth George Brain JP405 P/O Edwin Ashworth JP583 F/O David William Guttridge Radar station. Led by W/C North-Lewis. With 7 6 MET flamers. aircraft of No.182 Sqn. The lads claim to have put out MN154 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Infantry & Guns. 1 MET destroyed by cannon. of action for the rest of this war. EK270 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN191 P/O Kenneth George Brain JP405 P/O Kenneth George Brain MN627 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MN533 F/O David William Guttridge MN995 W/O John Colton RCAF MN533 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Command post at Genarp. Destroyed. JP583 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN455 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher PD551 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF JP504 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF MP125 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JR305 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth PD581 W/O John Colton RCAF MN627 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF 28th JR305 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF Day opened with more rain, no wonder they have 30th MN660 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF dykes here. Manchester isn’t a patch on it. F/O Manfred & F/O Brain returned from UK with 2 MP125 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen P/O Gates returned from the UK with a new plane - welcome additions to our Fliegeveldte. MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF B for Beer. W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF arrived for flying Close Army Support 26th duties from No.83 GSU. A welcome addition to the Red smoke seen & all R/P burst on target. W/O Another awful night. There can’t be much rain left to Squadron. Whitby in N-Nuts just made our side of the line fall anywhere else - we are having it all. before she burst into flames. He crash-landed & was P/O Gates left for the UK to collect a plane to replace Armed Recce picked up by the Army with slight head injuries. the CO’s kite lost on Sunday. 6 large storage sheds in a wood attacked with R/P. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Squadron did 3 Ops - the 3rd led by F/O Walker, did MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF great damage to a German battery of guns which MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF were giving our troops a headache. 16 guns KO, 300 MP125 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN586 W/O Thomas John Pike dead - 40 prisoners for our troops to collect. Nice MN455 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 P/O Lewis Philip Boucher work Wagga! MN181 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls MN627 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JP504 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF PD536 W/O John Colton RCAF Armed Recce PD536 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN995 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF Emmerich-Cleve-Goch. 2 Loco & 40 trucks destroyed JP583 F/O David William Guttridge in a siding; 1 Loco damaged & rail cut. Armed Recce MN154 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Emmerich-Cleve-Kranenberg-Apperden-Goch. Flak Arnhem-Zutphen-Emmerich-Goch. No movement. EK270 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF near Kessel hit F/O David William Guttridge & P/O JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MP125 F/O John Gates RAAF Henry Treweeke Nicholls. The latter baled out & was JP504 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld last seen drifting towards Germany, but nothing was MN191 F/O Leo Walker RNZAF MN169 F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls seen of the former. MN533 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF MN586 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN455 F/S Albert Victor Crory JP583 F/O David William Guttridge MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN995 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain OCTOBER 1944 EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF B.78 Eindhoven Holland DN432 W/O Thomas John Pike Venlo-Kempen-Wesel. Destroyed 5 camouflaged 1st MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short buildings in a wood at Birten. P/O Ashworth & W/O Flett on leave to UK. JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF arrived for flying MN198 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen duties from No.83 GSU. JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN455 F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF P/O Lewis Philip Boucher posted to No.181 Sqn. JP583 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN198 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR305 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Weather Recce MN234 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN905 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Base-Nijmegen. EK128 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short Artillery & infantry in an orchard. Red smoke but no PD531 P/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF movement. Bombs in target area despite intense flak. 4 large diesel barges destroyed & 6 more damaged. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN905 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JP504 F/O John Gates RAAF Close Army Support MN455 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Concentration of infantry, MET & AFVs in villages. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF W/O Colton in ‘Y’ being unable to take-off owing to MN198 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JP583 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF radio trouble. Target identified with red smoke & DN492 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JR247 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF enemy concentrations observed. Flak in target area. JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF DN492 W/O John Colton RCAF JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN191 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF 5th Ferry at Elst. Ferry not seen but direct hits scored on MN533 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF Armed Recce both banks with R/P. A factory on the north bank JP583 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Venlo-Dinslaken-Borken-Emmerich. also received 6 direct hits, & a Barge on the canal EK270 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short was destroyed. MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN234 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN586 W/O Thomas John Pike MN455 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN198 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain 2nd JR247 F/O Kenneth George Brain JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF This weather is deadly. I feel sure we shall all be PD531 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen down with ‘flu’ soon. 3 pilots off sick with bad head JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF EK128 F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF colds. MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike Armed Recce Venlo-Dinslaken-Borken-Emmerich. 1 Loco & 10 Emmerich-Borken-Halvern-Wesel-Venlo-Haldern. coaches destroyed at Zutphen; 1 Loco & 16 trucks 7th MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short destroyed in the Marshalling Yards. 6 MET also Armed Recce MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld destroyed. S/L Brough DFC had remarkable escape, Cleve-Bocholt-Wesel-Gelderen. Road & Rail traffic. MN586 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF the tail of his plane being almost shot away. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DN492 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF DN492 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JP504 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld PD531 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN198 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN905 W/O John Colton RCAF EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP583 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Close Army Support MN980 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF Gun battery. Target identified but no signs of JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike battery. Area rippled with R/P. Emmerich-Münster-Hamm-Wessel-Gelderen. JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC Arnhem-Emmerich-Wessl-Goch. Stationary railway Despite intense accurate flak 10 trucks destroyed & MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike trucks attacked in Goch Marshalling Yards. 5+ trucks damaged in Borken Marshalling Yard. MN533 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC PD536 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory EK128 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN234 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN151 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF PD531 F/O Kenneth George Brain JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN627 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN980 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JP583 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN660 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF EK270 F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF 3rd MN198 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole F/L Brandreth & F/O Cole returned from leave. MN586 W/O Thomas John Pike Deventer-Zutphen-Ede. 1 MET destroyed, 4 Armed Recce Tiel-Wageningen-Appledoorn. Attacked the jetty at damaged. Bocholt-Borken-Zutphen-Gronlo. No movement. Tiel. R/P & cannon strikes. JP504 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short JR247 W/O John Colton RCAF DN492 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN455 F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN191 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF PD531 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN660 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN533 P/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN134 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JR247 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike MN533 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN234 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen 11th 6th Armed Recce 4th W/O Whitby returned. Tanks & Strongpoints in a Wood. Yellow/white Close Army Support concrete blocks observed about 100 yards apart. Infantry concentration. No movement seen, but the Armed Recce Stationary Train attacked at Trich, Loco destroyed; area covered with R/P. 1 house left burning. Hertogenbosch-Utrecht-Amersfoort. 20 workmens Coaches damaged. Intense flak. F/O Russell Scott JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC huts by the side of the railway near Soesterberg Wilson hit by flak. His aircraft caught fire & he force- MN191 F/L Leo Walker RNZAF attacked with R/P & cannon & 10 destroyed. Red landed in enemy territory. MN234 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF explosions seen after the attack. A Loco & 20 trucks MN234 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF destroyed between Amersfoort-Appledoorn. Possible DN492 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF MET parked in a wood north of the train were MN905 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory sprayed with cannon. JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN660 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN905 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC JP663 F/O Russell Scott Wilson RCAF MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF Factory containing infantry. Target identified after JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike 2 circuits & attacked with cannon despite low cloud. MN191 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR207 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC PD536 W/O John Colton RCAF 12th 14th 16th His Majesty the King & Field Marshall Montgomery F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen Posted to No.182 Sqn as Armed Recce landed in a Dakota & left by road. Flight Commander. Gennep-Venlo-Roermond. Led by W/C North-Lewis F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF arrived for flying P/O John Ross Baldwin RCAF & F/O Donald Edward DFC*. Large landing Barge damaged. duties from No.83 GSU. George Martyn RCAF arrived for flying duties from MN455 F/O Michael James Burke Cole No.83 GSU. MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Close Army Support MN234 P/O Edwin Ashworth General Student’s HQ. Target was pinpointed & Close Army Support MN191 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF attacked, the north-west wing & centre of the Observation Post in a Church at Venray. 10/10 cloud MN533 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF building destroyed. at 1,700 feet covered the target & no attack carried MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short out. An alternative target was the Ferry at Well, but 17th MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole similar conditions prevailed there too. Army Close Support MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC Hutted camp. Target well plastered with R/P & MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF cannon. 5 huts destroyed & many others damaged. JP583 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld P/O Ashworth did not take off due to technical PD536 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF trouble. JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF JR247 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short JR505 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Armed Recce DN492 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN191 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Infantry positions in a wood. Red smoke seen & all PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JP504 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld R/P burst in target area. JR247 P/O John Ross Baldwin MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC Strongpoint in a wood. All R/P in target area. MN533 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC EK128 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN660 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF 18th MN191 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen JR247 F/O Michael James Burke Cole P/O Gates & 2nd Lt. Götze departed on 7 days leave. JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN586 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF F/O Wickes, our Adjutant left today. He is going back EK128 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF to England for health reasons. The boys were very JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain JP905 P/O Edwin Ashworth sorry to see him go. F/O Brain takes up the job until JP583 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF we get a replacement. River traffic near Venlo. 3 Barges destroyed; 5 damaged. Wharf installations & jetty destroyed. Ferries & gun-positions. Ferry attacked with Close Army Support MN980 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC unobserved results. Intense flak encountered. Strongpoints. Red smoke on time & target attacked MN586 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short with R/P & cannon. 3 large houses destroyed & 1 MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR247 F/O Graham David Kennedy badly damaged. Appalling weather conditions, 1 JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF aircraft returned with technical trouble. MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld PD536 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN586 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF Ferry damaged & 2 barges destroyed. Moderate flak. MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF River traffic near Venlo. 2 Ferries damaged & a MN191 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF factory on the canal bank damaged with cannon. 1 MN234 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR247 P/O Edwin Ashworth MET destroyed; 3 barges & 4 small boats damaged. PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DN492 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN660 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN234 W/O John Colton RCAF JP305 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 15th MN191 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen W/O Norman Francis Swift to P/O. Armed Recce JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MET. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC*. Red smoke not PD536 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Armed Recce seen at the pinpoint. Operation abortive. P/O Venlo-Kempin-Gelderen. Loco destroyed at Kempen Pederson (EK270) failed to take off - engine trouble. 13th & 55 trucks damaged. The Marshalling Yard at MN191 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF arrived for flying Gelderen attacked, 4 storage huts destroyed & a JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF duties from No.83 GSU. factory damaged. Intense heavy flak. MN455 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Armed Recce MN134 W/O John Colton RCAF MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike Arnhem-Zutphen-Neede-Bocholt-Cleve. 8 Barges PD536 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR247 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF destroyed & 6 damaged. JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF JR207 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF 20th MN523 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN586 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant arrived for MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF JR247 F/O Michael James Burke Cole flying duties by Anson from No.83 GSU. MN198 F/O Michael James Burke Cole EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 P/O Edwin Ashworth Armed Recce JP583 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Close Army Support Wesel-Emmerich-Zutphen-Borken. The old saying of PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Observation post in a large granary building. Left it ‘Those who seek shall find’ prevailed, for midway JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF smoking from R/P & cannon strikes. between Twolle & Deventer, a couple of ½-tracks MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC were attacked & annihilated with R/P & cannon. The Venlo-Kempen-Munchen. DN492 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF nearby railway then drew attention to itself; an MN455 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN905 P/O Edwin Ashworth attack being made on a Loco without steam & 12 flat EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 2nd Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF cars carrying about 20 MET. 4 MET destroyed & 12 MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld left smoking in the ensuing fire, which seemed to MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Observation post in a large white granary building. threaten the whole train. The other 4 MET damaged MN586 F/O Hans Ragmar Isachsen MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld with cannon strikes. EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN198 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DN492 F/O Kenneth George Brain JP583 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth JR247 W/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR585 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JP504 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF Rocket Launching site. Field, criss-crossed with MET Armed Recce JP583 P/O John Ross Baldwin RCAF tracks containing 8 large mounds about 20 feet x 10 Train without loco & loaded with Tanks. Target not MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld feet x 10 feet attacked, no results observed. found but another Train was attacked - the Loco & MN586 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short 40 trucks damaged. EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JP583 W/O Richard Akehurst Egle MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short MN533 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN531 P/O John Ross Baldwin Apeldoorn-Ede-Amerspoort. 1 aircraft returned with MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF engine trouble. No movement seen, so attacks made JR207 P/O Edwin Ashworth EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF on 2 rail junctions with R/P & cannon. There was a MN198 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN134 F/O Kenneth George Brain great deal of flak. JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC JR247 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN455 F/O Michael James Burke Cole DN492 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN134 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN191 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN586 W/O Thomas John Pike Squadron with marked success on many occasions. DN492 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF DN492 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF On 17th September he led his Squadron twice: in the MN234 F/O Kenneth George Brain 1st against 2 gun-positions in the Arnhem area. Both Ferry at Gorinchem. Hit by cannon & R/P & MN198 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF positions were destroyed. In the 2nd attack in support exploded. A 20mm flak post was also destroyed, of our forward troops a wood was attacked & gun- much to the pleasure of the pilots. 21st positions destroyed. These attacks were pressed MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short, ‘A’ Flight home with great determination & skill, & as a result MN533 F/S Albert Victor Crory Commander received an immediate award of the marked assistance was received by forward troops. MN455 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF DFC. The citation read - On 17th August 1944, F/L He joined his 1st Operational Squadron in January MN660 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF Short was leading a section of 4 aircraft to attack 1941, & has completed 105 sorties against the JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MET north-east of Trun. In addition to destroying 6 enemy, including dive-bombing & R/P attacks, JR305 W/O John Colton RCAF M/T & 1 Armoured Car, he led his section in to attack including the attack on Caen Power Station on 25th JR207 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF a very troublesome flak post. His aircraft was October 1943. JR247 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF repeatedly hit by intense light & heavy flak, but he The Commanding Officer & men of the Wing extend pressed home the attack with the greatest of skill & their congratulations on his well merited award. 29th determination. On landing back at Base, it was found F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell arrived for Anti-Flak that his aircraft was very badly damaged & the port flying duties by Anson from No.83 GSU. Lock gates at Bevergen. Led by W/C North-Lewis. gun-bays were on fire. On another occasion, while Together with 8 aircraft of No.247 Sqn, gave anti- attacking dug in tanks at Esquay, his aircraft was Army Close Support flak cover to No.143 Bomber Typhoon Wing. Red badly hit by flak & his engine stopped, but by very Under FCP control. No movement seen, so attack explosions from the target area. The flak areas on skilful flying he managed to glide back across our made with R/P & cannon on 50-60 MET, including 2- the canal banks were well rippled. lines & made a successful forced landing. This Officer 3 Armoured Cars near Loon-Op-Zand, 5 destroyed, 6 MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole has been engaged on Operational flying since smokers & 4 damaged. JP583 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell November 1943 & in addition to leading his Flight he MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC MN533 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF has also led the Squadron on many occasions. At all PD536 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN995 F/S Albert Victor Crory times he has shown the greatest courage and JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR305 P/O John Ross Baldwin determination to engage the enemy. MN234 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF PD536 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN660 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Armed Recce MN455 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Arnhem-Apeldoorn-Deventer-Zutphen-Emmerich. MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Armed Recce MN980 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory Venlo-Roermond. 4 Barges & 1 MET damaged. 1 flak JP583 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF post 10 miles south-west of Venlo was also put out of JP504 P/O Edwin Ashworth Pontoons near Woudrichem & Aervignen. Only the action by P/O Pederson. Very intense flak. P/O Edwin DN492 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF pontoon ends were seen at the given pinpoints. No Ashworth baled out after being badly hit by flak & set MN660 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld movement seen & no attacks made. Heavy accurate on fire. Happily, he landed in our own lines, was JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory flak from Zaltbommel. rescued by an FCP & returned to the welcoming MN234 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC bosom of the Squadron 3 hours later MN586 W/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF EK270 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN660 F/O John Gates RAAF MN531 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Army Close Support JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth HQ north of Cleve. Due to cloud & haze, no attack MN995 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN134 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF made so an alternative target of wharf installations DN492 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR207 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF was damaged. Strikes seen on approximately 50 JP583 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN191 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF barrels, assumed empty as no fires ensued. 2 moored JR305 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF barges damaged with cannon. Close Army Support JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC 26th 105mm guns north of Horst. Target area found but MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF W/O Shemeld & F/S Burrows to England on leave. no guns seen. All R/P in target area. Flak post also PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF silenced. DN492 W/O John Colton RCAF 27th MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC Weather clamp. We don’t mind an odd rest, but let’s JR247 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN455 P/O John Ross Baldwin get airborne & finish the Hun off altogether! MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN586 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN191 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike 28th F/O Gates & Lt. Götze returned from leave. Machine-gun & Observation Post east of Renkem. At 22nd least 25 R/P hits seen on the tower, knocking the Army Close Support Armed Recce south-east corner clean off. It is notable that No.137 Troop concentration in a wood south-east of Roermund-Kempen-Gelderen-Goch. Attacked 3 Squadron fired 134 R/P with no hang-ups & 4,800 Hertogenbosch. A 2 Sqaudron show led by W/C trains, the 1st got a real bashing. The Loco was rounds of cannon ammo with no stoppages. North-Lewis DFC*. Red smoke seen; all R/P & cannon destroyed & 6 trucks damaged. The 2nd, had its Loco MN660 F/O John Gates RAAF shells rippled into the wood with unobserved results. destroyed & 12 trucks (8 derailed) damaged. The 3rd MN198 P/O John Ross Baldwin JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC was attacked with unobserved results due to intense JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN586 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF flak from a wood either side of where the train DN492 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF stopped. Probably a ‘flak trap.’ PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN455 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC MN134 F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC JP583 P/O John Ross Baldwin 30th DN492 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN531 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF P/O Ashworth went on 7 days leave. JP504 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory JP583 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN134 P/O Edwin Ashworth 31st JR305 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant F/L Leo Walker RNZAF posted. 24th The ‘clamp’ was worse than ever & no flying was F/L Douglas George Brandreth awarded the DFC. Venlo-Bomb line. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC*. No possible; in fact, even the birds were walking. The citation read: - This Officer joined No.137 movement seen on roads, so an enemy HQ about 10 Well that’s another month completed & looking back Squadron on 4th May 1944 as a Flight Commander & miles north of Venlo was attacked, leaving 1 building I think it can safely be said that the Squadron has has carried out 15 Shipping Strikes & 24 Anti-Diver with a large hole in the roof & another burning. done a good job of work & helped the Army to keep Patrols at night, destroying 3. With his Squadron, he JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain the ball rolling. We hope to be right in the Huns main proceeded to Normandy on the 13th August 1944, PD536 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF street with the old jeep before long. since when he has carried out 18 sorties & has led the EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF

5th EK128 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF NOVEMBER 1944 Armed Recce MN134 F/O John Ridgeway Nixo Arnhem-Neede-Emmerich. Abortive due to weather. B.78 Eindhoven, Holland MN980 F/L Peter Edward Tickner Gun-positions in a wood 5 miles south-west of Goch. 1st MN234 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF Directed by FCP. All bombs in target area, 1 burst W/O John Colton RCAF appointed P/O. MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole landing smack on target. W/O Swift gave the quietus F/L Douglas George Brandreth DFC posted to No. 83 PD536 P/O John Ross Baldwin to 6 47mm guns that fired intensely & accurately, but GSU on Rest. JP583 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF not for long. JR247 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC 2nd MN535 P/O Edwin Ashworth The events of the day were somewhat overshadowed 7th JP583 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell by an accident to LAC G.W. Roberts, who sustained a The Squadron, being the 1st off, flew the only mission MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF fractured skull falling off the wing of an aircraft of the day. The weather deteriorated with wind to MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF being taxied to take-off point by F/O Nixon. gale force, so that no further flying possible. W/O Richard Akehurst Egley to P/O. P/O Ashworth returned to the Squadron after 7 days 12th F/L Peter Edward Tickner arrived for flying duties leave, while W/O Whitby departed to England for 7 The pilots, assisted by some of the ground crews, put from No.181 Sqn as ‘B’ Flight Commander. days. in some work building a pilot’s hut. The weather is getting too wet & cold to stay in tents all the time. Army Close Support Armed Recce W/O Swift & F/S Crory went to England in the Anson Road bridge 2 miles south of Meljel. Under FCP Roermond-Kempen-Venlo. An attack was made on a to collect 2 new aircraft. control. All R/P on target on the eastern approach Loco & 25 trucks in a Marshalling yard at Baal, effectively blocking the road & rendering the bridge through a gap in the cloud. The Loco & 3 trucks were 13th unfit for use, it is hoped permanently. destroyed & 20 trucks damaged. Another loco was The pilot’s room is nearing completion. JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC also damaged, whilst an oil storage tank was F/L Short DFC returned from England from leave. MN191 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF destroyed & 5-6 adjacent buildings left burning. Very JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF intense flak over the whole area. 14th MN134 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN980 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC Most of the aircraft moved from the grass onto JR240 W/O Thomas John Pike hardstandings as the rain has made the unpaved Army Close Support JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain ground very muddy. Under FCP control. P/O Egley returned early due to MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF S/L Brough DFC to England in the Hurricane for 7 technical trouble. No movement seen, but 7 ominous PD536 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF days leave. ‘crumps’ uncomfortably close drew attention to an MN184 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF 88mm flak battery of 7-8 guns near Maasbrec. 32 15th R/P fired & direct hits scored on 5 of the guns. 8th F/O Roland Henry Davis arrived as Adjutant. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC S/L William Alfred Howell attached to the Squadron MN586 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF as Supernumerary from No.124 Wing. 16th EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF P/O Egley to England by Anson to collect a new W/O Whitby returned from 7 days leave in England. JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike aircraft. 17th 3rd Close Army Support The pilots tried to make the roof of their new room We carried out the only Operations of the Wing. General Student’s HQ. With 12 No.182 Sqn aircraft, waterproof - there is still a steady flow in 1 part - W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld appointed P/O. but target covered with cloud & all aircraft returned. whilst F/O Copeman valiantly attempted to build a F/L Short DFC departed for England on 7 days leave. MN980 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC fireplace. He received many verbal suggestions, but W/O Shemeld & F/S Burrows returned from leave. MN198 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant little labour. MN536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Weather Recce MN231 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows 18th MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF W/O Swift & F/S Crory returned from England with MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN533 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell 2 new aircraft. MN586 W/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Despite the efforts by Squadron members, the crew Armed Recce JP583 P/O John Ross Baldwin room still has a ‘drip’ - from the roof - F/O Copeman Gelderen-Wesel-Emmerich-Goch. No movement seen is still toiling mightily with the construction of the due to weather so the alternative target, an enemy Armed Recce fireplace. He now inveigles unsuspecting watchers HQ, was attacked, resulting in 4-5 houses being Wesel-Borken-Emmerich-Gelderen. 6 R/P Typhoons into giving some help - even the Adj was roped in. destroyed & much smoke in the target area. led by F/O Gates. Abortive. Everyone very pleased with the amount of mail for JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC them today - except those who went without. F/L JP583 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant 10th Short was heard to exclaim ‘Do it some more - it MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Sir Arthur Tedder visited te Wing & met all available hurts nice.’ He was referring to the amount of mail JN492 P/O John Ross Baldwin pilots. he received. MN980 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF P/O Egley back from England with a new aircraft. JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory Armed Recce 11th Sittard-Kirkelenz-Heinsberg. Troops concentration 4th P/O Pederson to England for 7 days leave. in Randeram. 3 R/P salvoes in the main street. Armed Recce Intense accurate flak from the target. F/O Noel John Zutphen-Groenlo-Coesfeld. Abortive due to weather. Armed Recce Marsden Manfred (Australian) is missing. MN980 F/L Peter Edward Tickner Emmerich-Wesel-Gelderen-Venlo. No movement, but RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner MN154 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF an enemy HQ, a collection of farm buildings 7 miles EK128 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN455 F/O John Gates RAAF north of Weil, attacked. Main building destroyed & a JP504 F/O John Gates RAAF MN531 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF large fire started. The target gave itself away by MN191 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF carelessly parked MET on paths around the building MN234 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN586 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF & several MET tracks leading in & out. EK270 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF MN980 F/L Peter Edward Tickner Close Army Support MN191 S/L William Alfred Howell Close Army Support Concentration of Tanks in a wood 4 miles south-west MN134 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Under FCP control. Led by W/C North-Lewis. The of Meljel. Red smoke on time & attack made. All R/P MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF village of Lindern was attacked, all bursts in the in target area, but no results seen. Cannon strikes on MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF target area but no results seen. 88mm guns also some houses lining the west side of the wood. MN586 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF attacked, again all bursts in the target area but no JR207 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC results observed. JR305 W/O Thomas John Pike Close Army Support RB252 S/L William Alfred Howell MN533 F/O Noel John Marsden Manfred RAAF General Student’s HQ. With 11 aircraft of No.181 Sqn PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain & 12 of No.247 Sqn. Once again cloud covered the MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF target & aircraft were forced to return to Base MN198 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN531 F/S Albert Victor Crory without carrying out any attacks. EK128 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF MN980 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF MN198 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF 88mm guns. In failing light, target not located, but MN234 P/O Edwin Ashworth other guns attacked & silenced. Intense flak. JP585 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN531 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN531 F/O John Gates RAAF EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF DN492 P/O John Ross Baldwin JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF he managed to get down on the far side of the canal, F/L McClatchey left by ‘Dak’ for England on 19th he got a nasty cut on his forehead & was taken to temporary duty for 10 days. He remarked, ‘it will be W/O Horne to England on leave whilst F/O Ensell & hospital. Luckily, there is nothing really seriously OK if I can get home, but its no bloody good F/O Nixon left for Ehland to collect new aircraft. The wrong with him - apart from the cut, slight shock & otherwise.’ Any remedy for homesickness, Doc? pilots are warm & comfortable in their crew-room so concussion. We hope to have him with us again The fireplace in the pilot’s crew room, which long as they sit between the leaks. F/O Copeman lit a within a few days. There were also a couple of represented much loving labour & thought on the fire in his fireplace & was the recipient of much aircraft hit by flak - F/S Crory being the heaviest part of F/O Copeman, met its Waterloo today. It was moaning about the amount of smoke which failed to sufferer, receiving 2 hits in the radiator & 1 on the decided to give it a final try-out, but no smoke issued escape up the chimney. The Ground Staff are now windscreen. Altogether a rather depressing day. forth from the chimney although the room was full. settled in their billets & find it much more This annoyed various members of the ‘drivers union’ comfortable & warmer than the tents. Once again, Close Army Support so the fireplace was next seen issuing forth from the we are having a ‘spot’ of rain - everyone is ‘cheesed’ No.86 Corps Commanders HQ near Wachtendonk. door in large chunks. The ‘deceased’ is now usefully but making the best of things. Explosion seen & target destroyed. Intense flak. employed as a path across a muddy patch. It might MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC be stated that F/O Gates led the charge on the Armed Recce MN531 W/O Thomas John Pike fireplace with a pickaxe. Heinsberg-Wurm-Erkelenz-Munchen-Roermond. 2 MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Locos destroyed & 6 Box cars damaged with R/P & RB209 F/S Albert Victor Crory 26th cannon. Stationary Flak train attacked with R/P & RB198 F/O Kenneth George Brain A fairly successful day, & 1 which raised everyones cannon. Results not seen. JR305 S/L William Alfred Howell spirits. MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC PD536 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF EK128 P/O John Ross Baldwin EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Weather/Armed Recce MN531 F/O Kenneth George Brain Roermond-Wesel-Bocholt-Berken. Attacked a jetty MN533 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Village of Wurm. With 8 R/P Typhoons of No.181 containing 12 barges. MN198 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Sqn. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. Abandoned due RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows to bad weather over the target. F/O Kennedy PD536 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF (Canadian) force landed north of Base but has RB194 P/O Edwin Ashworth Close Army Support returned with slight head injuries. MN262 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Village of Wurm. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner MN980 F/O Michael James Burke Cole together with 12 No.247 Sqn R/P Typhoons. Target PD536 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike attacked but no movement seen. Several buildings JR305 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF collapsed & fires started. EK128 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Armed Recce JP583 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF RB194 F/O John Gates RAAF Venlo-Heinsberg-Erkelenz-Dinslaken-Wesel-Goch. A MN980 P/O Edwin Ashworth MN198 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Loco & 6-7 trucks probably destroyed at Birten RB252 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN980 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF junction. Low haze made observation difficult. JR207 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN531 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF RB252 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC EK270 F/S Albert Victor Crory DN492 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN531 F/O John Gates RAAF Anti-tank guns 5 miles west of Venlo. Red smoke JP504 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike seen. 16 R/P on 2 gun-pits. 2 aircraft hit by flak. PD536 F/O John Gates RAAF MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC MN980 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Village of Wurm. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows together with 8 No.247 Sqn R/P Typhoons. No RB252 F/O Michael James Burke Cole movement, but all R/P fired into the village & many PD536 F/S Albert Victor Crory 27th buildimgs demolished. F/O Michael James Burke RB198 F/O Kenneth George Brain Everyone on their toes, hoping for a little activity, but Cole did not reform with the Squadron after the JR305 S/L William Alfred Howell ‘David’ decided otherwise. The pilots spent the day attack. All on the Squadron were more than pleased EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF around the fire & a spot of censoring. The Erks were to welcome him into the fold when he returned at MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF squelching around doing their jobs under trying 2015. He was uninjured but had had to forceland a conditions, which in this part of the world seem to be ¼-mile east of Sherfensal, 2½-miles south-west of 22nd becoming normal. It is time to note in this record the Geilenkirchen, where he was picked up by Americans What a day! What weather! Instead of aircraft & magnificent spirit of the men under conditions which & driven post-haste to Base in a jeep. He claims to be motor transport we should have ruddy monitors. many of our fathers knew only too well. The fathers the first RAF type to forceland in Germany behind the There is certainly enough water around to float licked Jerry & the sons will knock hell out of him too. Allied lines. The Yanks would not come in for a drink them. About the only people or things happy about F/S Pennant arrived from England with an aircraft. as they knew some ’dames’ nearby. the weather are the ducks, & even they look It was an MN series, so he was naturally twitted JP583 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant ‘dampened’. Needless to say, there was no flying, so about it, especially as 1 of the other Squadrons got a RB194 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF the pilots went into town to see an ENSA show. And later series the day before. MN531 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows that was all the activity for the day. JR207 F/O Michael James Burke Cole 28th MN980 F/O Graham David Kennedy RCAF 23rd Armed Recce PD208 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF We are all wondering when this ruddy rain is going Rees-Coesfeld-Münster-Wesel. 1 Loco & 2 trucks EK270 P/O John Ross Baldwin to stop. Our spirits are raised by an occasional fine destroyed; 6-8 trucks damaged; Railway Station left day, only to be dampened by several wet ones. It was burning north-east of Bocholt. Very accurate flak at 20th obvious that there would be no Ops, although Calca, Cleve, Goch & Asperden. We had yet another deluge & instead of building members of the ‘early shift’ lept out of bed in time to MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC living huts, serious thought is being given to ‘Noah & go to Intelligence at 0730. A general release came MN455 F/O Michael James Burke Cole his Ark.’ through at 1130 & after lunch some of the ‘gang’ MN198 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF went to Eindhoven. Others went to one or other of MN660 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell F/L Short DFC & F/O Cole visited the scene of the the shows in town during the evening. The Erks had PD194 P/O Edwin Ashworth latter’s forced landing & came back looking as a swing session in the concert hall & others had a PD536 S/L William Alfred Howell though they had had a mud bath. game of ‘Housie’ in the Squadron dispersal hut. MN234 P/O John Colton RCAF F/S Pennant to England to collect a new aircraft. S/L Brough DFC returned from leave in England, a JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Quite a lot of letters arrived today & were received rather hectic trip - most of the way at about 500 feet. with broad smiles. The Adj has been heard to Rees-Coesfeld-Münster-Wesel. Due to untoward murmour ‘Where the hell has my mail got to?’ What 24th circumstances on take-off, 4 aircraft having to circle it is to be in love. Another day of rain. No more need be said! The boys Base whilst emergency landings were made by went off to our new cinema to see a few combat films. incoming aircraft, thus delaying Blue section, much Weather Recce ‘Paddy’ & ‘Ash’ returned from Brussels, with the petrol was wasted. 3 enemy held buildings destroyed, Sittard-Geilenkirchen. usual clapped out air, & P/O Colton, also with a explosions & fires being seen. Intense flak from RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner worn-out look, returned from leave in England. target. 20 ‘jets’ seen near Helmond. An aircraft was EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF seen spinning down & burst into flame on hitting the 25th ground. At the time it was not known if it was a jet or 21st There was almost a spot of activity today, ‘1st ships’ not, but later we heard it was, & was brought down Today was a day of accicdents. The first was when got as far as taxying out when they were recalled. by a Tempest. P/O ‘Paddy’ Shemeld on his return shot F/O Copeman’s engine cut on take-off & on pulling After that came the usual weather clamp. up a horrible line when asked if he had seen any ‘jet off the runway his undercarriage collapsed. P/O F/O Ensell ferried a new aircraft to the Unit from jobs.’ His reply was ‘10/10 at 5,000 feet over Wesel.’ Baldwin was the next to ‘bite it’, as he burst a tyre on England. F/O Nixon left with himl, but the next heard Needless to say, he was suitably dealt with. take-off. He managed to get off alright but had to of him was that he had force lobbed at B.56 Airfield. RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner belly land on his return. To complete the day, F/O He is quite safe, but the aircraft was Cat.AC. EK270 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld Kennedy’s engine cut on return to Base and although EK128 W/O Mark John Whitby RAAF DN492 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF affirmative & was shocked to hear, ‘Then put it on & Abandoned due to weather. Attacked factory instead MN262 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF bloody well walk!’ Need more be said? & a large explosion seen. Quite a lot of activity JR247 F/O John Gates RAAF around the place was rudely interrupted. Armed Recce MN822 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC Close Army Support Rees-Bocholt-Münster-Wesel. Abortive in low cloud. JR247 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Farm buildings housing guns. All R/P in target area; RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF no movement seen. Intense flak. DN455 W/O Thomas John Pike EK128 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant RB252 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN980 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN262 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN262 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF PD536 P/O John Colton RCAF MN262 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 30th MN980 F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC Everyone has been going around today with a very MN455 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Rees-Bocholt-Münster-Wesel. Attacked Iwisteden expectant air due to the fact that we are holding a RB194 P/O Edwin Ashworth village with R/P, strikes seen on roads & buildings. Squadron ‘binge’ this evening & the supply of liquid JR247 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner food is, to say the least, very good. MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld 29th MN980 F/O Kenneth George Brain Armed Recce A story going the rounds is that a certain Erk of the PD536 S/L William Alfred Howell Bocholt-Münster-Rees-Wesel. Abortive in low cloud. Squadron was ‘hoofing it’ to the local town & as a MN262 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN822 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC jeep came along, he thumbed it for a lift. The said EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF RB194 F/O Michael James Burke Cole vehicle pulled up with a screeching of brakes & a MN262 F/O John Gates RAAF Canadian voice said, ‘Got a hat, airman?’ The Close Army Support MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike airman, who had a hat in his tunic belt, replied in the Gun-positions 4 miles west of Kirkelenz. 1 aircraft JR247 P/O John Colton RCAF returned early (plus No.2) with technical trouble. JP583 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF

4th The Squadron won’t seem the same without him. DECEMBER 1944 A successful day rather spoilt by the weather. Speculation is rife as to who will be the next CO. Armed Recce F/L Walter Horace Brooke Short DFC Posted to B.78 Eindhoven, Holland Wesel-Münster-Rheine-Bocholt. Considerable rail No.181 Sqn. 1st activity, 2 Locos destroyed, 1 Loco & 20 trucks A hopeless day as far as Ops were concerned. During damaged in Issum Marshalling Yards. Considerable Close Army Support the morning the pilots were at the cinema trying to flak from Gelderen & Wesel. P/O Egley’s aircraft got 4 heavy gun-positions east of Erlelenz. Abandoned get Panther & Tiger Tanks ‘weighed up.’ In the a small ack-ack shell through the starboard wing. due to weather. afternoon they went to see a film entitled ‘See here, RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley Private Hargroves’ a glorification of the American MN586 F/O John Gates RAAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Army which was ruddy far fetched. MN262 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF RB194 F/O Kenneth George Brain Around 1500 the activity at the bar in the Mess EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant reached gigantic proportions. This was caused by MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN575 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF the news that ‘Groupie’ Green’s wife had presented JR247 W/O Thomas John Pike PD556 F/S Albert Victor Crory him with a son. Activity became further increased MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike when it became known that F/L Short DFC had been Close Army Support promoted to S/L & given Command of No.181 Sqn & 3 medium guns. Target attacked with R/P & cannon; Armed Recce that we were getting F/L John Leggo Crossley of hits being seen. Bocholt-Coesfeld-Dorsten-Wesel-Kempen-Gladbach- No.247 Sqn as ‘A’ Flight Commander. RB252 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC Roermond. Abandoned due to weather. The Squadron Party held last night, was a howling MN922 S/L William Alfred Howell RB252 P/O Edwin Ashworth success, attended by G/C Green & other Squadron PD536 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF COs of the Wing. F/L Short, now S/L, was seen JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF PD536 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld chasing the Adj, who had legitimately scrounged a MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike souvenir. It was thought at first that the Adj was 3 medium guns. Weather extremely bad & not MN922 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF indulging in a spot of looting. It was reported that located. MN198 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF the Adj indignantly stated that he only ‘borrowed’ MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld things when he could not get them any other way. DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant 9th P/O ‘Paddy’ Shemeld led the Irish in a lot of singing, MN455 W/O Thomas John Pike F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows to P/O. at least he said it was singing. P/O Pederson worked MN198 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Yet another disappointing day with another abortive rather well behind the bar & a hearty vote of thanks mission. The ‘boys’ are beginning to get quite was given to F/L Tickner, who organised the ‘do.’ 5th annoyed, so our friend the Hun had better dig a bit F/O Gilbert William Symons arrived for flying duties W/O Flett crash landed in a Typhoon he was ferrying deeper when the weather is eventually kind to us. from No.83 GSU. from England at Evere. This is the 2nd aircraft we Some of the ‘gang’ went to the local town to take in have lost in the same same circumstances & area. a Show, whilst other ‘smoothies’ honoured the 2nd Officers Club with their presence. No blacks put up. Armed Recce Armed Recce Rees-Borken-Coesfeld-Rheine-Münster-Wesel. Loco Wesel-Münster-Bocholt. A loco & 10 box cars Armed Recce & 3 coaches derailed by R/P. Also attacked a Station attacked with R/P & cannon & were damaged. A 2nd Wesel-Münster-Rheine-Base. Abandoned due to containing 4 Trains. Very intense ‘hosepiped’ flak Loco & 15 trucks attacked with unobserved results. 5 weather. encountered. During the flight S/L Howell earned 88mm guns, attacked with R/P & cannon & silenced. RB194 P/O Edwin Ashworth the name of ‘Dare Devil’ as he took the Station on all RB252 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC MN455 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell on his lonesome despite intense flak. He said he was JR247 F/O Michael James Burke Cole PD536 P/O John Colton RCAF so busy dodging flak; he could not see anything else. PD536 P/O John Colton RCAF MN234 P/O Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows MN980 S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JR247 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows JR261 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant PD536 P/O John Colton RCAF RB194 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JR247 S/L William Alfred Howell 10th RB194 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Wessel-Münster-Bocholt. A Loco & 12 trucks The evening entertainment was varied, some ‘bods’ MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld attacked & damaged. A factory north of Dinslaken going to a show, others to a dance in the local town, was also damaged with R/P & cannon. Considerable whilst others attended the ‘ladies evening’ in the 3rd flak from Dinslaken & F/O John Gates was hit by flak. Mess. Unfortunately, No.137 could not bring along The first job was very successful & an excellent start He immediately turned on his back & baled out north the usual bevy of beauty & feminine charm owing to was spoilt by the next 2 being failures due to of the town. We all hope that Johnnie got away with transport difficulties. The staider members, such as weather. ‘David’ certainly seems to be on the side of it & that we shall meet again. (POW). the Adj - ‘the oldest Officer’ - wrote letters, allegedly the enemy at present, but our time will come. MN586 F/O John Gates RAAF to their wives. MN922 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Armed Recce PD536 F/O Kenneth George Brain Close Army Support Gelderen-Krefeld-Neuss-Munchen. The Loco of a MN455 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Gun-positions 3 miles north of Heinsberg. Only 5 Goods Train destroyed & all 15 trucks damaged 2- MN198 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld aircraft got airborne. Strikes seen on 1 position. Flak miles north-west of Krefeld. 2 Locos destroyed & 1 DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant from Heinsberg & target. damaged in Krefeld Marshalling Yard. Kevelaer RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley Station also attacked, the railway line being cut, a Wesel-Dorsten-Bocholt. A Loco & 5 trucks damaged. MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld signal box destroyed & 1 MET destroyed. A factory attacked with R/P & exploded. The roof JR247 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner blew off & fires were left burning. Another factory PD536 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF attacked with cannon & strikes seen. MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF PD536 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Gun-positions 4 miles west of Erkelenz. Abortive due MN262 F/O Michael James Burke Cole PD536 P/O John Colton RCAF to weather; attacked 20mm gun-positions in the DN455 W/O Thomas John Pike JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF village of Broich instead. Intense accurate flak. EK270 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN234 F/S Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows RB194 P/O Edwin Ashworth JP504 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF RB194 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JP504 F/S Albert Victor Crory MN575 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF Close Army Support 7th MN455 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Gun-positions 10-miles south-east of Venlo. A And the skies didst burst asunder, & the earth rainstorm preventing the target from being pin became a ruddy morass. That is how we feel about it. 11th pointed. What we want to know is if this is just normal F/O Henry Treweeke Nicholls lost on 28th September RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley weather for this time of year, if so, for heavens sake when he had to bale out near Mehr in Germany is a DN455 F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell let us go somewhere else. The pilots spend their time Prisoner of War. Very welcome news! MN198 F/O John Gates RAAF dodging the leaks in the roof of the hut & the Adj has The groundstaff are putting up a tremendous show EK270 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld been heard to fire broadsides (verbal) at the people by keeping the serviceability up, & also by their who built his hut, as there is not enough slope to the cheerful demeanour under very trying vonditions. Gun-positions 16 miles south-east of Venlo. Rain roof. He is considering having a bath in his ‘out’ tray, prevented the target from being pin pointed. as it is always full of water. Armed Recce MN262 F/O Kenneth George Brain Rheine-Münster-Wesel. Attacked through break in JP504 S/L William Alfred Howell 8th clouds. Strikes on a farmhouse & nearby gun- MN922 P/O John Colton RCAF S/L Erle Thomas Brough DFC, is now off flying and is positions. Accurate flak from target area. JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF to go on a well-earned rest when his relief arrives. PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN234 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF RB252 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 23rd RB194 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF Armed Recce Hauffalize-Bullange-Clevraux. 2 MET flamers & 5 JR247 F/O John Ross Baldwin Aachen-Blatzheim. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. damaged. Very intense flak. MN660 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF With 8 R/P Typhoons of No.247 Sqn. Detailed to RB194 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough attack 15 Tanks but 10/10 haze from zero to 2,000 PD611 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Kevelake-Hengelo-Wesel. Train of 20+ flat cars feet, made it impossible to find them. 2 MET RB252 F/O Michael James Burke Cole covered with tarpaulins at Kevelaer. destroyed & 1 damaged. R/P strikes obtained on gun MN455 F/O Gilbert William Symons RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley pits & a factory near a river. It was not such a MN575 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF JP504 F/S Albert Victor Crory particularly successful effort as would have been MN822 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN455 S/L William Alfred Howell liked, but the Hun got a few headaches. Flak was MN134 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF experienced, & W/O Horne received a considerable 27th PD536 P/O Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows amount of damage to his aircraft. He managed to Armed Recce DN492 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant make Base but was happy to leave the kite in 1 piece. Hauffalize-Bullange-Clevraux. Intense flak south & MN134 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF east of St. Vith. P/O Colton & F/O Nixon returned 12th PD536 W/O John Albert Horne RAAF with engine trouble. P/O Norman Francis Swift Weather clamp. We had hopes of some Hun baiting, MN822 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF failed to return. He was last seen diving down about but nothing came off. RB194 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 10 miles east of St. Vith, but nothing is known as to MN660 F/O Gilbert William Symons the cause, as he failed to give any indication of his 13th MN306 F/S Albert Victor Crory trouble over the R/T. We hope to hear something F/O Aubone Charles Standish Ensell to F/L. MN922 F/O John Ross Baldwin definite soon. This is the 2nd casualty in 2 days. The Squadron was attacked by 20+ blue-nosed Mustangs Long Range Armed Recce 24th & Thunderbolts. Münster-Lippstadt-Osnabruck. Escorted by Spitfires Armed Recce RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner of No.414 Sqn. Attacked 3 trains between Julich-Neus-Ahrneiler. 2 MET flamers; 4 smokers & a MN198 F/S Albert Victor Crory Quackenbrock & Bramsche, 1 loaded with flat cars mobile crane damaged. Flak position also damaged. PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF carrying buses. 2 Locos destroyed, 1 damaged, 4 MET RB252 F/L John Leggo Crossley JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF destroyed, 3 damaged & Station, sidings & a factory MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole MN254 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF damaged with R/P & cannon. S/L Howell taken ill in EK128 P/O Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows RB194 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant the air & returned. This was the 1st long range Armed JR305 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Recce the Squadron has carried out from B.78. The PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF date being the 13th it has been a case of 13 being JR247 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant 29th unlucky for the Hun Long-Range Armed Recce RB194 F/L John Leggo Crossley Malmedy-Houffalize. 9 MET flamers; 7 smokers, a Meppen-Bremen. Destroyed 4 Locos between MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld large hut & heavy guns damaged. Only 2 of the Sulingen & Ankim. Also destroyed 2 Locos pushing & MN134 F/O John Ross Baldwin aircraft of the 2nd flight returned to Base. F/L pulling 15 trucks at Choppenburg & damaged a MN306 W/O Thomas John Pike Tickner & F/O Nixon landed at Maastricht & further Loco in a Station at Diepholz. F/L ‘Johnnie’ PD536 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant returned later, whilst P/O Shemeld & F/O Copeman Crossley, ‘A’ Flight Commander hit by flak. He was EK128 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF put down at St. Trond & have not yet condescended seen to make a successful landing but was not seen MN575 P/O John Colton RCAF to return to the ‘fold’. They had better have a good to leave his aircraft. ‘It’s a long walk, Johnnie, but we line to shoot when they do. hope you make it. (POW). F/O ‘Mike’ Cole had a R/P 14th RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner cut in two by flak & was otherwise shot up. He made The Squadron members dragged themselves from MN822 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Base ok but had no rudder control. However, he their enticing ‘pits’ only to find the world shrouded MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld stepped out of his kite in his usual debonair fashion. in mist. Indeed, so thick was it that we had very JP504 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF RB194 F/L John Leggo Crossley nearly to get the compasses out to find our dispersal JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory PD611 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF & crew room. Ops were definitely off. JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF It was a very lazy day for all but ‘Two-Speed’ Ensell, JR247 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant who vainly did his best to talk a Dak into the air so 25th MN822 F/O Michael James Burke Cole he could go on leave. Better luck tomorrow, Chuck! Our ‘erks’ had their Christmas Dinner - a very good MN455 F/O Gilbert William Symons one too - which in accordance with that good Service MN575 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF 15th custom was served by the Officers and SNCO’s. MN198 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Long Range Armed Recce Sulingen-Lindgen. Abandoned due to weather, R/P Armed Recce The evening was spent very quietly, as after these 3 jettisoned near Krefeld. St. Vith-Mayen. 2 Tanks damaged. A great deal of losses in 4 days no one felt exactly cheerful. MN922 F/O Gilbert William Symons damage might have been done to the Tanks had we PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain had R/P as well as cannons. Our claims would 31st PD536 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF probably have been more than just 2 damaged. The CO was taking a bunch of bods to the Mess when MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld MN575 P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF their Jeep skidded on an icy road, overturning it. S/L PD252 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF JR247 F/O Gilbert William Symons Barraclough sustained a broken collarbone & F/O MN234 F/S Albert Victor Crory DN492 F/S Albert Victor Crory Symons broken ribs & concussion. MN306 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN822 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant F/L George Clubley arrived as ‘A’ Flight Commander MN455 F/O John Ross Baldwin from No.181 Sqn. 16th JP504 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell During the evening those members of the Squadron Long-Range Armed Recce who could beg, borrow or steal tickets, went to the 26th Mappen-Shedinghausen-Menhaus. 2 Locos & 4 Officer Club, whilst others spent it in the Mess. A large amount of scattered MET but no Trucks destroyed. Shortly after the attack, P/O concentrations, such as delight a strafing pilot. (Dick) Egley saw 2 Fw.190s coming in from the 17th The Officers Mess was the scene of a great gorge, as starboard side. He broke round on 1 & shot it down. Armed Recce the Officers had their Christmas Dinner. A very fine The success of the show was marred by the loss of St. Vith-Trier-Enskirchen. MET & Armoured Cars. No meal was enjoyed by all, but the proceedings were P/O James Albert Desmond (Paddy) Shemeld, who movement except for a few vehicles on our side of the marred by the absence of G/C Green, who baled out was shot down in flames by flak. The oldest member bomb-line with Allied markings. whilst on an Air Test. of the Squadron & the life & soul of the party was RB252 F/L Peter Edward Tickner S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough took over the Paddy. We shall all miss him. PD536 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Squadron. We welcome him & hope his ‘reign’ will be MN660 P/O James Albert Desmond Shemeld PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain a long one. JR305 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN198 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF RB194 F/S Albert Victor Crory Armed Recce MN575 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN234 P/O Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows Hauffalize-Bullange-St. Vith. 3 MET flamers & 2 PD611 F/O Michael James Burke Cole damaged. W/O William Arthur Flett was hit by flak MN234 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF 18th-22nd & crashed from 200 feet. Bill Flett was a very good RB252 P/O John Colton RCAF Weather clamp. Visibility on the ‘deck’ was down to type & had bags of experience. He will be very much JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 50 yards. We pray for a couple of good days before missed on the Squadron. Christmas, but don’t care how big a clamp there is MN822 P/O John Colton RCAF The year has been very successful but was greatly over Christmas Day. MN134 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF marred by heavy losses during the last week. We JP504 W/O William Arthur Flett RCAF hope that the New Year will see a change of luck, but MN575 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF we know that the Squadron will continue to carry on PD611 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF the good work of the past year. JR247 P/O Norman Francis Swift RAAF JR247 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JR247 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant JANUARY 1945 PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN198 W/O Thomas John Pike MN198 P/O John Ross Baldwin B.78 Eindhoven, Holland & B.86 Helmond, Holland MN575 F/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF MN306 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 1st JR305 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell P/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF to F/O. Armed Recce Armed Recce Rail targets near Münster. F/O Cole DFC returned Armed Recce Burgsteinfurt. 8 R/P jettisoned, but an excellent rail early with R/T trouble. 5 Locos & 8 Trucks destroyed; Minden. Attacked 4 trains south of Stenheim - 3 cut north of Borken 22 Trucks damaged. F/S Crory’s aircraft hit by flak. Locos destroyed; 1 Loco damaged & 12 trucks JR247 F/O Michael James Burke Cole RB252 F/L George Clubley DFC damaged. Railway station between Wesel & MN575 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF EK270 F/S Albert Victor Crory Emmerich also damaged. F/L Clubley & F/O Martyn PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF shot down a He.111. MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF JR247 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF PD611 F/L George Clubley DFC MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole JR247 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF 6th MN455 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN455 F/O Michael James Burke Cole F/L John Rendall RAAF arrived for flying duties from MN575 F/S Albert Victor Crory No.181 Sqn. 15th MN198 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF A 1st class clamp wreathed the aerodrome in mist & PD252 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Long-Range Armed Recce effectively prevented all Ops. The day was spent in a Steinhuder Lake-Detmold. No sooner had our team general organisation of our dispersal, which will The Hun came over in force & really carried out a ‘leapt’ into the air than the ‘clamp’ came down. They need a lot of working on before things will be as we superb attack on the aerodrome. His attack were forced to land at B.80 Volkel. The boys were want them. commenced at 0920 & lasted until 0945. Although he made as comfortable as possible, but we like to keep P/O John William Clive Collins arrived for flying caused a fair amount of damage, we got off our family together - Met please note & give some duties from No.83 GSU. remarkably lightly. We had 2 aircraft hit by machine good forecasts. During the evening the ‘bods’ had a look around the gun & cannon fire, 1 being Cat B the other Cat AC. PD611 F/L George Clubley DFC town - that is what they said, at any rate although it Our casualties, unfortunately, were the heaviest of MN575 F/S Albert Victor Crory must have been hard work during the ‘black-out’. Nil the Wing. P/O Laurence Arthur Vyvyan Burrows was MN455 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF desperandum! killed as he was taxying towards dispersal. F/S MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Bazley, our Fitter ‘Chiefie’ was killed. He was JR305 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF 16th wounded in the first attack & was later hit by a DN492 W/O Thomas John Pike The ‘clamp’ still held & we still froze. No flying, but cannon shell in the head & stomach. 9 other Airmen we were greatly surprised about lunch time to hear were admitted to hospital, with serious injuries in 7th-13th that the GSU Anson had come in. This greatly pleased some cases. The living huts on dispersal were shot 1st class ‘clamp’. There was a lot of snow at different 2 of our noble members, Dick Egley & Johnnie Colton, up; as were the Officers & pilots crew room. Cpl times, which only stopped to allow 1 layer to freeze as they were due to leave for Blighty to collect 2 new Myers & Cpl Oakley had a very lucky escape, as they before another one came, movement on the ground kites. were in the crew room when a cannon shell & became fraught with peril & a danger of broken machine gun bullets came buzzing around the place. limbs. 20th Estimated the attack involved 100-150 aircraft. During the whole of this period repeated fruitless Most of this time has been spent censoring letters & trips were made to Volkel in an endeavour to retrieve having ‘binding’ sessions about work in general. Münster. No movement. R/P jettisoned near Uden. our kites which had to force-land there owing to Several points were cleared up & various new PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain weather on 6th. Eventualy these were brought to B.86 arrangements were put into practice which will keep EK270 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell on the 13th by the good fortune of a clear & slight things running smoothly. RB252 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF weather improvement. S/L Barraclough & P/O Symons returned to the Wing MN198 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant after their stay in hospital but are not yet fit for full 9th duties. We are very glad to see them both with us 2nd The Squadron should have moved to the Wing’s new once again. It was a shock to hear that LAC Norris, one of our abode at B.86 (Helmond) but only the Advance Party P/O’s Egley & Colton ferried a couple of aircraft over injured in yesterdays attack, died in the evening. P/O got away. We continued to prepare for the day when from England & F/O Pederson returned from leave. Burrows & F/S Bazley were buried in the Eindhoven we could get the aircraft & the rest of the ‘bods’ on cemetery this afternoon. The funeral was attended the way. Long-Range Armed Recce by the Adjutant as Squadron representative. Steinhuder-Detmold. Abandoned due to weather. 11th RB252 F/L John Rendall RAAF 3rd F/O Michael James Burke Cole was awarded the DFC MN922 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF LAC Norris buried in the Eindhoven cemetery. F/S on. Nice work Mike. He was at home in the bar to the MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Brown attended. Squadron & various other thirsty individuals. MN575 P/O John Ross Baldwin EK128 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 4th 13th JR247 F/S Albert Victor Crory Long-Range Armed Recce At long last the kites got away on the morning of the Münster-Bielefeld-Paderborn-Hamm. 2 Tugs & 2 & all the dispersal was cleared except for the 21st Barges damaged; 2 Locos, 5 Trucks & 15 Coaches Orderley Room & the Pilots Room. P/O Egley carried out a cannon test, F/O Nixon RCAF damaged, 8 trucks destroyed. did an Air Test & F/L ‘Chuck’ Ensell brought one of RB272 F/O Michael James Burke Cole B.86 Helmond our ‘kites’ to Base from Volkel. JR247 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 14th The evening was spent in several ways, ‘Pete’ PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF A very successful day and one of which we should like Peterson going the hog in a big way at the bar as he MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF lots of repeats. Our claim for the day – 8 Locos was giving some Army types a night out. He spent a MN455 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF destroyed, 1 damaged; 5 Trucks destroyed, 20 week in the line with them, so being thankful to get MN575 F/S Albert Victor Crory damaged & 1 rail-cut. This was achieved for slight back in 1 piece, showed his appreciation at the bar. flak damage to F/S Crory’s ‘kite’. 5th The remainder of the ‘bods’ were got across from Long-Range Armed Recce A successful day, during which the Hun got further B.78; also, the Orderley Room. So, we are complete Hameln-Paderborn-Dulmen. 6 ‘bods’ leapt into the transport headaches. No more need be said. once more except for a small rear party left to clear air. Considerable rail movement around Minden & a Most of the Squadron went to the Officers Club to things up. fair score was put up. 3 Locos destroyed; 2 Locos celebrate F/L Peter Edward Tickner & P/O Edwin Although the boys are rather pushed for living space damaged, 2 Trucks destroyed; 3 Trucks damaged. A Ashworth posted for well earned Rests. ‘Pete’ Tickner (liebersraum) they are making their usual effort to Station & a Signal Box were also damaged. came to us from No.181 Sqn in November & during become as cosy as possible. They have their moans, RB252 F/L George Clubley DFC his short stay has become quite a well-known but they mean very little by them, & are always ready JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF member of our ‘family’. ‘Eddie’ Ashworth was one of & willing to get on with the job. MN822 F/O Kenneth George Brain the oldest members of the Squadron & will be greatly The Officers are quite fortunate & are housed in a JR261 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF missed, as he was not only a well-liked member, but school which can be made very comfortable if we can MN575 F/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF also an excellent deputy Flight Commander, whom only get the water turned on to be able to answer MN198 P/O John Ross Baldwin the ‘boys’ willingly followed on any flight. We wish ‘nature’s call’ at the appropriate moment. However, both a jolly good rest & best wishes for the future. we are better off than we were at B78. 22nd The evening was quietly spent by some, whilst others Long-Range Armed Recce Long-Range Armed Recce had a very hectic party with some of the ‘Mons’ Steinhuder Lake-Detmold-Hamm. 5 Trains attacked; Railway targets near Steinhuder Lake. 4 Locos Officers at their Mess. 5 Locos destroyed; 9 trucks damaged. destroyed; 1 Loco & 5 trucks damaged. Although the weather has improved, it is still very MN922 F/L George Clubley DFC RB252 F/L John Rendall RAAF cold indeed. The men have been very busy adding those little extras to the huts which make for comfort 28th & are now getting very well organised. 24th Long-Range Armed Recce F/S George Reginald John Clarke arrived for flying Bielefeld-Hameln-Dulmen. Abortive due to weather. Long-Range Armed Recce duties from No.83 GSU. R/Ps jettisoned in Geldern & Wessel. Paderborn-Dulmen. Much rail activity south of RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC Münster. 3 Locos & 1 oil tanker destroyed, several Long-Range Armed Recce MN922 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant trucks damaged & 1 rail cut. Warburg-Meschede. East of Hamm the weather JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF MN822 F/L John Rendall RAAF closed in & visibility very poor. 1 Train attacked & EK128 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN922 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF the Loco destroyed along with 4 covered wagons. MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole The remainder of the R/P were jettisoned. MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin EK198 W/O Thomas John Pike MN822 F/L George Clubley DFC PD508 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN922 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF 29th MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF Rhubarb MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Dummer-Melle. Damaged a rail-bridge over the Hameln-Paderborn-Wiedenbruck. Rail activity at MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Emms-Wesser Canal with R/P & cut the rail. Cannon Bad Oeynhausen & Hameln. 2 locos destroyed; 3 PD570 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF strikes on factory & electric pylons. damaged; 10 trucks destroyed & rail cut. MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole DFC RB252 F/L George Clubley DFC Vechta-Lewforde. Abortive due to weather. R/P MN922 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF jettisoned on a large building in Goch. PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN575 F/L John Rendall RAAF Armed Recce EK128 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN922 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Bassum-Dummer Lake. Abandoned due to heavy JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF cloud. R/P jettisoned near Rhein. Whilst in the MN575 P/O John Ross Baldwin MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Osnabruck area the boys were bounced by 10+ MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole Me.109s & had a very fraught 5 minutes. ‘Jackie’ 23rd MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin Rendall went into a spin at 4,000 feet & managed to The usual job of censoring carried out & every effort pull out at tree top height. Ross Baldwin told a lurid made to keep the fire going, as otherwise we would 25th tale of a 109 turning tighter than he could, upon freeze. It has come to our notice that a very unusual P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF arrived for flying which he decided something drastic was called for. happening took place yesterday. On reliable duties from No.83 GSU. He did a few very acute slips & came back. Dick authority we hear that a certain Sgt brought a mug Egley’s kite was hit in the starboard mainplane & the of tea to 1 of our Corporals whilst the said Cpl was 26th wing requires changing. One of our new bods, P/O still in bed. We consider this worthy of record in our Long-Range Armed Recce ‘Geoff’ Sheldon, was on his 1st Op & quietly remarked history as we believe it sets a precedent in RAF Warburg-Meschede. on his return, ‘Gee, I had no time to think - I was so history. Can anyone tell us what is likely to happen XXXXX F/L John Rendall RAAF darned scared.’ He is a very good chap & we are next? Soon it will be ‘Kiss me good-night, Sergeant MN990 P/O John Colton RCAF proud to welcome him to our ‘international’ Major’. JR247 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Squadron PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF Long-Range Armed Recce MN198 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN822 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Bielefeld-Gondersheim-Dummen. ‘Jackie’ Rendall PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF had to return due to R/T trouble & W/O Pike Warburg-Meschede. 2 trains found south of Münster. MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin returned due to running out of petrol in his drop tank 1 loco destroyed, the other damaged. Remaining R/P - finger trouble - & was very lucky to get his engine jettisoned in a village near Wesel. 30th going after he lost 5,000 feet. F/O Cole took over as RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF The evening was spent in the bar, where the bods leader. They destroyed a Loco, damaged another & MN990 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant really went to town. 1 bad lad, who shall remain 35 Trucks. RB258 F/O Michael James Burke Cole nameless, was in a very bad way, but managed to MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole EK128 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF crawl as far as his bed before giving up the ghost. JR305 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN855 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN990 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 31st PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF S/L William Alfred Howell F/O Gilbert William MN822 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell 27th Symons & W/O John Albert Horne RAAF Posted. MN575 W/O Thomas John Pike Long-Range Armed Recce During the morning the pilots were called to Flying Meppen-Rhine. Rail cut made but no movement seen. Control where they were issued with spades & told to Bielefeld-Gondersheim. 3 Locos, 8 passenger coaches RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC get busy sanding our precious runway. It is & 17 trucks destroyed; 1 Loco, & 5 trucks damaged. PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF rumoured that many ‘erks’ chuckled to see the pilots RB252 F/L John Rendall RAAF PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain engaged in manual labour, especially as it relieved MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN198 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF them of the job. ‘Release’ came through at lunchtime PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF & several keen types preened their feathers & dashed MN990 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN922 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF off to see a show in Eindhoven, although several MN575 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF people think it is an effort to date a few popsies for MN822 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF tonight’s Mess ‘do’. We shall see.

JR305 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant FEBRUARY 1945 MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Armed Recce EK128 F/O John Ross Baldwin Münster ‘Milk Run’. A Loco drawing 20 trucks was B.86 Helmond, Holland RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF ‘clobbered’ - the Loco & 6 trucks being destroyed & 5 1st RB318 F/L George Clubley DFC trucks damaged. A 2nd Loco was destroyed & 4 trucks W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham & W/O Derek MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell damaged whilst a 3rd was damaged along with 3 Eastman Helmore arrived for flying duties from JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF trucks & 7 tankers (containing non-inflamable No.83 GSU. PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain liquid). A 4th train was attacked, the Loco & 4 trucks MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF being destroyed & 6 tankers damaged. Long-Range Armed Recce MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF RB318 F/L George Clubley DFC Dulmen-Warburg-Brilon. Abortive due to weather. RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR247 P/O John Addie Forrest R/P jettisoned near Geldern. Unusual flak bursts PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain seen east of Mors in the form of 6 elongated puffs, 1 Armed Recce MN863 F/O John Ross Baldwin with a straight trail, black in colour, to 10,000 feet. Münster ‘Milk Run’. Train attacked & Loco destroyed. MN445 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams They may have been R/P being used as ack-ack. It was seen to be still smoking heavily 20 minutes MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF later. German barracks at Goch also attacked & MN922 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF direct R/P hits observed. 2 aircraft jettisoned R/P on Close Army Support MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole DFC the railway at Kevelaer but with unobserved results. 6 Gun-positions. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. MN575 F/O John Ross Baldwin RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC Abortive owing to weather. MN822 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC 2nd MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN822 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell During the evening we were entertained by a Belgian JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke ENSA Party. They were very good indeed - especially MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF the can-can dancers. PD611 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN922 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN863 P/O John Colton RCAF 3rd 9th MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Armed Recce F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RNZAF, F/L Lyonel Münster ‘Milk Run’. 2 aircraft returned with Georges Rolls Hutt DFC & P/O John Addie Forrest 13th mechanical trouble. The alternative target near arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls (Leo) Hutt DFC; F/L Walter Bocholt was attacked. 1 house destroyed & 2 Edwin Frank (Frank) Adams (RNZAF) & P/O John damaged. Armed Recce Addie (Jack) Forrest, arrived for flying duties. They RB252 F/L George Clubley DFC Münster ‘Milk Run’. Owing to deteriorating weather have been here a few days, but we now have pleasure MN822 F/S George Reginald John Clarke conditions east of the Maas, the formation was in officially welcoming them to the Squadron. PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain unable to penetrate further than Wessel. A railway JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF line & sidings were ‘liberated’, direct R/P hits being Armed Recce MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF observed on tracks & nearby buildings. Münster ‘Milk Run’. 4 trains were found on the main RB318 F/L George Clubley DFC line south-west of Münster. 1) A Loco with 10 mixed Münster ‘Milk Run’. 6 closed trucks damaged by JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF trucks attacked with cannon & the Loco damaged. 2) cannon. R/P jettisoned in the Geleren. MN863 F/O John R. Nixon RCAF 16 R/P fired at a Loco & 20 mixed trucks. The Loco & RB252 F/L John Rendall RAAF JR305 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 6 trucks destroyed; 2 trucks damaged. 3) A Loco & 10 MN822 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN822 F/O John Ross Baldwin mixed trucks attacked with 13 R/P, Loco damaged, 6 MN306 F/O Michael James Burke Cole DFC MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant trucks destroyed. 4) A Loco & 30 empty trucks MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell attacked with 15 R/P. Loco damaged, 3 trucks MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF 10th destroyed & 4 damaged. A nearby lorry was also JR305 F/S Albert Victor Crory Armed Recce damaged with cannon. Münster ‘Milk Run’. Unable to penetrate beyond PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain MET near Roermond. MET found in a well spaced Dulmen due to unfavourable weather. A rail cut was MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF line but did not appear to be a military movement. 2 made with R/P at Xanten & direct hits on adjacent JR247 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF attacks made on other MET but results not seen buildings in the town, which caused a fire. MN922 F/S George Reginald John Clarke owing to a great deal of smoke & debris from a RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF MN198 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF nearby village. A tractor was destroyed & a horse- RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN374 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell drawn cart damaged. Intense flak. F/S Albert Victor PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain (Paddy) Crory missing. Nothing was seen of him MN445 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Close Army Support after the first attack & it is presumed; he must have MN822 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Gun positions. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC, 77 R/P been hit by flak. 50% of the aircraft on this show MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin fired into target area, results not seen. were hit. DN422 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams MN822 F/O John Ross Baldwin Armed Recce PD611 P/O John Colton RCAF MN455 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Münster ‘Milk Run’. The 1st Loco & 20 open trucks MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF destroyed & left in flames. Direct R/P hits made on a RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB252 F/S Albert Victor Crory 2nd train which resulted in the Loco exploding. A 3rd RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN922 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Loco, drawing 5 trucks, was damaged with cannon & RB318 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC left smoking, whilst a 4th Loco & 25 trucks was MN990 P/O John Addie Forrest 4th attacked with cannon, the Loco being damaged. 4 MN822 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Armed Recce R/P jettisoned on a large building just outside MN306 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. Abandoned due to weather. Wessel which was left on fire. The fire which was What we want is a spell of clear weather instead of started at Xanten by the 1st Flight was still burning. Armed Recce this semi-clamp. We’ll keep your home fires burning, Jerry! Münster ‘Milk Run’. A stationary train was attacked RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB318 F/L George Clubley DFC with R/P & 2 trucks destroyed. Light flak from 5 MN822 F/S George Reginald John Clarke MN198 P/O John Addie Forrest points on the train, which consisted of a Loco & 25 MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain closed trucks. A 2nd train was also attacked, the Loco MN990 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN445 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams being damaged & 2 of the 15 trucks destroyed. MN575 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF RB504 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF JR247 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN822 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN922 F/O John Ross Baldwin JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF 5th 11th MN822 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF The ‘bods’ were shown some of their combat films. Armed Recce PD611 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell Dick Egley’s, when he shot up the 190, was very good Münster ‘Milk Run’. 5 Locos pranged despite the bad MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant indeed. weather. The 1st was pulling 33 trucks, 3 of which were destroyed. The 2nd drawing 10 trucks was 14th 6th damaged along with 3 of the trucks. 2 stationary Quite a successful day, in which 26:15 hours flying During the evening several ‘bods’ saw the Army show Locos in sidings damaged with cannon, whilst a Loco was done. A total of 209 R/P fired. Lots of headache ‘Stars in Battledress’ featuring the Thomas Party. drawing 4 trucks destroyed. for someone. Tribute must be paid to the This was an excellent show & was greatly enjoyed by RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF groundstaff, who put in bags of work to get the everyone. Others propped up the bar. MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC aircraft turned around quickly & efficiently. RB193 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Close Army Support MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Armed Recce Gun-positions near Gelderen. Led by W/C North- MN922 P/O John Colton RCAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. 1 Loco destroyed south of Lewis DFC. Abandoned, bad weather over target. MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Bocholt & 1 damaged south of Münster. 4 Trucks destroyed & 5 damaged. A factory was also damaged ‘buzz bomb’ store at Zeist. A heavy concentration of again Sonsbeck received the ‘calling card’ & a large & a railway bridge was destroyed. R/P bursts in the target area, but no big explosions. fire was seen to develop. RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB504 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF RB318 P/O John Addie Forrest MN863 P/O John Colton RCAF MN198 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams MN822 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF JR247 P/O John Addie Forrest RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN374 P/O John Addie Forrest MN375 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke Close Army Support 23rd Gun-positions. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. 70 R/P Armed Recce Armed Recce burst in the target area. Münster ‘Milk Run’. Although visibility was excellent, Münster ‘Milk Run’. 4 Barges on the Münster Canal RB254 W/C North-Lewis no movement was seen except for a very large destroyed & 4 damaged. 3 MET also damaged F/L MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF number of our medium bombers, who were busily Leo Hutt damaged a Loco & destroyed 2 trucks. No RB504 F/O John Ross Baldwin knocking hell out of the Third Reich. The secondary flak over Germany but on the Flight breaking cloud PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain target was attacked, a fuel dump on the south- over Helmond the Army opened up. Some awful MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant eastern edge of Dulmen. All R/P in target area, but language was used! DN492 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF the place was so badly knocked about that it seemed RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF worthless to prang it again. JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham RB318 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell RB318 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN306 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN863 P/O John Colton RCAF MN374 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN822 P/O John Addie Forrest MN822 F/S George Reginald John Clarke MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Armed Recce MN198 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams Münster ‘Milk Run’. A hutted camp was attacked RB193 P/O John Addie Forrest Armed Recce with 16 R/P direct hits observed. 30 R/P fired at a Münster ‘Milk Run’. A Tug & 6 Barges attacked, the factory, but no results observed. 22nd Tug being damaged & the Barges liberally sprayed. PD621 F/O Kenneth George Brain We must congratulate Johnny Colton RCAF on The ‘bods’ then found a large Castle & set it on fire. DN492 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams completing his 101st sortie today & say ‘More power (They said it looked palatial enough to house a few RB318 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF to you, Johnny!’ Hun big wigs, so thought they had better move them MN374 F/S George Reginald John Clarke on. In any case, the V1s and V2s knock our places MN863 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Scramble about!). 2 MET, 1 AMC destroyed & 2 MET damaged. MN306 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF The day started with our ‘Runway Squatters’ being RB318 F/O Kenneth George Brain Scrambled to Patrol Base for enemy aircraft EK270 F/S George Reginald John Clarke Armed Recce reported in the area. Nothing happened, so after 30 MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. 1 MET damaged with cannon. A minutes that was the end of that. MN374 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams Power & Transformer station was ‘clobbered’ with MN445 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF PD570 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 48 R/P. 2 big buildings in the centre of the target EK270 F/S George Reginald John Clarke RB193 F/O John Ross Baldwin went up in flames & direct hits were scored on other MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF buildings. A small petrol installation was damaged RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF 24th with cannon. Armed Recce RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF Armed Recce Münster ‘Milk Run’. P/O Egley & F/S Pennant, Red RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. Of the valiant 6, 2 had to return section, were bounced by 3 Me109s & a Mustang PD611 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF early, Lt. Götze & F/S Clarke being the unfortunate marked with black crosses. They broke into cloud & MN198 P/O John Addie Forrest ones to have a few troubles, whilst the other lost contact. While returning from the Recce the MN585 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF intredpids pressed on regardless. P/O Johnny Colton formation was bounced by 10+ Me109s near MN863 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF RCAF led Blue section on his 100th sortie. No Haltern. A 109 was damaged by P/O Forrest (Yellow movement, so 12 R/P put into a Marshalling Yard at 2). No one in our flight received damage, & R/Ps 16th Wulfen & the other 18 into the village of Sonsbeck. were jettisoned at Borken. Armed Recce PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. 4 trucks damaged at Wurne. 16 JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant R/P jettisoned on the centre of Weeze & 15 direct hits RB318 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF scored on a factory at Kevelaer. MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF RB504 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN822 F/S George Reginald John Clarke MN445 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN306 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN198 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN198 P/O John Addie Forrest MN922 P/O John Colton RCAF MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Armed Recce Armed Recce MN575 F/O John Ross Baldwin Münster ‘Milk Run’. Once again there was a Münster ‘Milk Run’. 15 trucks attacked in a MN422 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams noticeable lack of movement, except for a battery of Marshalling Yard at Haltern resulting in 2 damaged 88mm guns plastering the air with ‘soot-bags’. F/O & 1 x signal box destroyed. MET & HDT also attacked, Armed Recce Brain & F/O Nixon RCAF put a few R/P in their 1 MET & trailer destroyed. R/P jettisoned; a factory Münster ‘Milk Run’. A Loco & 15 trucks attacked direction but, owing to haze & smoke, no results seen. being left on fire. between Haltern & Dulmen. Loco derailed & trucks The other ‘bods’ put theirs into various villages. P/O RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC concertinad, all being destroyed or damaged. Rail Forrest returned early with mechanical trouble. A EK270 F/S George Reginald John Clarke also cut. Factory installations in Gelderen received signal box was also attacked & left on fire. MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF direct R/P hits, 1 building demolished & another set RB193 F/O Kenneth George Brain MN922 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham on fire. Buildings at Straelen received direct R/P hits. PD570 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF RB318 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Several large fires were also seen at Wesel. MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR305 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF MN445 P/O John Addie Forrest RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN822 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Close Army Support PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Gun positions. Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. 6 EK128 F/S George Reginald John Clarke salvoes of R/P burst in the target area. MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Armed Recce MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Rheine. Sub-sections led by F/L Leo Hutt & Lt. Bert JR305 P/O John Colton RCAF Götze. Once again, no movement, so Sonsbeck was MN445 P/O John Addie Forrest 17th-20th given another dose of R/P. RB504 F/O Kenneth George Brain Once more there was a 1st class clamp. Out Met Office RB504 F/L John Rendall RAAF MN863 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF gave ‘gen’ (duff gen as it transpired) that it would JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham MN198 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF clear, so the ‘boys’ were briefed for the usual Münster RB318 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN575 F/O John Ross Baldwin ‘milk run’. A few stout types patronised the bar until EK270 F/S George Reginald John Clarke PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF forced to leave by the CO switching off the lights, MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF EK270 F/S George Reginald John Clarke whilst others spent the evening writing or helping EK128 F/O John Ross Baldwin MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF the bar profits. JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Armed Recce 21st Münster ‘Milk Run’. No movement, except for a Armed Recce We contributed 8 aircraft to a 2-Squadron show couple of jet jobs (Me.262s) which were seen near Train. Target not found due to adverse weather, but (with 8 R/P Typhoons of No.247 Sqn) led by W/C Haltern at 9,000 feet & doing about 350mph. Once 1 Loco pulling 20 trucks were attacked & damaged. North-Lewis DFC. Our The target was a suspected R/Ps jettisoned in Rheine area. RB504 F/O Kenneth George Brain trucks. F/S Pennant damaged a ½-track personnel PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain PD570 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF carrier. P/O Egley & P/O Collins destroyed 1 Loco & RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF damaged another, while P/O Colton & F/O Martyn, RB922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN445 P/O John Addie Forrest attacked another with no observed results. P/O MN374 P/O John Colton RCAF MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Egley also knocked a bod off a motorcycle. As he MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams remarked, ‘he rides no more.’ 27th PD611 F/O Kenneth George Brain F/L John Leggo Crossley, missing on 29th December 25th MN374 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant & P/O Norman Francis Swift, missing on 27th Armed Recce MN863 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF December are both POW. Münster ‘Milk Run’. The bods spent an hour on JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF runway readiness before getting off. A train was MN575 P/O John Colton RCAF 28th attacked near Xanten, but no results seen. Dorstend- RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF G/C Green DSO, DFC is a POW. He will be very Coesfeld-Dulmen, 5 more trains attacked. F/L ‘brassed off’ but we are glad to hear he is safe. Clubley & W/O Helmore attacked the 1st. Loco & Anti-Flak The Wing carried out an R/P demonstration against several trucks destroyed, more damaged. P/O Gun Pits North of Dortrecht. They R/Ped & cannoned 3 Tanks & several soft-skinned vehicles. All were Whitby & W/O Cunningham attacked & destroyed anything that resembled a gun-pit. This was in immobilised either by direct hits or near misses. The several more trucks & a Loco. A further 2 Locos & support of Tiffie bombers. No flak & no movement. best shots were made by S/L Barraclough & his No.2. several trucks were damaged by the whole Flight. RB193 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Flak from most of the trains hit 3 of our aircraft, but MN445 P/O John Addie Forrest Armed Recce there were no casualties. 4 more trains were sighted MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. P/O Egley failed to take off & F/L on the return, but the bods were out of ammo, so they JR247 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Barnes had to return, both due to mechanical got away. MN575 F/O John Ross Baldwin trouble. 1 Tug & 5 Barges were damaged 10 miles RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC MN922 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham south of Münster. No other movement seen. F/L MN445 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore Clubley sustained damage to port mainplane from a MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Close Army Support suspected exploding R/P motor. RB318 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams 3 Gun-positions in a wood north of Arun. Led by W/C RB504 F/L George Clubley DFC MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF North-Lewis DFC. Attacks made from low-level & the MN822 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham gun-positions were well & truly plastered. Quite a bit EK128 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams of flak but no damage was done. MN198 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Armed Recce JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Xanten-Krefeld-Gelderen. F/O Brain & F/S Pennant, MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN455 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes destroyed a Loco, damaged another & also several RB318 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore B.86 Helmond, Holland get cracking & all are hoping the good weather will MARCH 1945 19th last. After the Squadrons pleasant sojourn at Warmwell - B.86 Helmond, Holland the bods once more got down to business. Armed Recce 1st Münster ‘Milk Run’. 2 trucks destroyed & 7 damaged. Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley arrived for flying duties Long-Range Armed Recce 2 MET & 1 HDT damaged. from No.83 GSU. Burgsteinfurt-Coesfeld. 1 Loco & 2 trucks damaged RB254 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough & 1 HDT destroyed. Remaining R/P fired at RB376 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve 2nd buildings. PD576 F/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Long-Range Armed Recce SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham Osnabruck-Guttersloh-Dulmen. With 6 aircraft of PD611 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant PD611 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF No.182 Sqn. The weather made observation difficult RB596 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF & flak rendered the attack of Marshaling Yards very MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest dangerous. However, we claimed 8 trucks destroyed. MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Armed Recce Over Dulmen the formation was bounced by 3+ JP736 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore Münster ‘Milk Run’. A Loco & 8 trucks destroyed & 2 enemy aircraft at 1,400 feet. 1 Me.109 claimed trucks damaged. A second train of 30+ trucks was damaged by W/O Cunningham. He saw strikes on it Osnabruck-Minden-Bielefeld. 12 Locos & 150+ attacked, 2 trucks destroyed & 5 damaged & the rail & when last seen it was diving into cloud trailing trucks seen in the Bielefeld area. 1 Loco destroyed & cut. Then a further 50+ trucks were attacked, 4 being smoke. 3 damaged. 2 trucks also destroyed & 2 damaged. destroyed, 4 damaged & the rails cut. MN822 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough Concentrated Flak from Bielefeld, no casualties. RB376 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF MN575 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant PD611 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke PD570 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 20th MN963 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR247 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF The remainder of the Squadron returned from MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN445 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Warmwell in time to experience 1 of the local dust MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN863 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham storms. RB318 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore

3rd Top Cover 24th Armed Recce Groenlo-Burgsteinfurt-Coesfeld. Covered No.181 Sqn Everyone up bright & early & the watchword was Varendorf-Ablen-Dulmen. 1 MET & factory west of on an Armed Recce. ‘Force on’ chalked up on the buildings at dispersal. Dorsten damaged. RB252 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough MN822 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough RB376 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Close Army Support MN863 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF PD611 P/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF Led by W/C North-Lewis DFC. All R/P in the target PD570 F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams area. W/C North-Lewis was hit by flak & believed to JR247 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF have crash-landed safely. F/O Nixon RCAF returned JR305 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN198 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF due to mechanical trouble. RB376 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RB204 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough 21st RB376 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF 5th F/L John Musgrave Key arrived for flying duties from MN922 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Long-Range Armed Recce No.168 Sqn. MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Osnabruck-Menden-Bielefeld. 12 Locos & 150+ F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve & W/O Robert MN822 Sgt J. Hodgson trucks seen in the Bielefold area. 2 Locos damaged, 1 Sutherland Knight-Clarke arrived for flying duties PD590 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams Loco & 2 trucks destroyed. Flak from Bielefeld was from No.83 GSU. MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF concentrated though we suffered no casualties. F/S JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham George Clarke had a spot of trouble, as when trying Armed Recce to change from main to nose tanks the petrol cock Groenlo-Burgsteinfurt-Gronan. 47 R/P fired into a Anti-Flak Patrol came away in his hand. He unfastened his straps & village; no results seen. 2 guns destroyed & a large house left in flames. Sgt parachute, & after grovelling around in the bottom SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF Edwards was hit by flak but returned safely to Base. of the cockpit managed to turn the spindle. During JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF this time his aircraft performed some remarkable RB570 F/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF MN198 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards gyrations. MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson RB318 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD570 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough RB376 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN822 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke RB193 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF Guns attacked but no results observed. 2 MET MN922 P/O John Addie Forrest Armed Recce damaged & 6 closed trucks sprayed with cannon. MN374 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF Münster ‘Milk Run’. 3 Open Trucks, 3 Closed Trucks, Whilst the formation was attacking light flak MN445 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore 1 MET & a Signal Box destroyed; 7 Closed Trucks, 1 positions, F/O Richard Akehurst Egley was hit. He MET & 1 Loco damaged. baled out & was seen to land safely but was killed. 7th RB376 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF RB376 F/O Richard Akehurst Egley RNZAF 4 Dakotas got away with full loads, but the RB193 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF EK128 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore remainder of the personnel had to wait for more MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN575 F/L John Musgrave Key Daks. JR305 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF JR305 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke SW426 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant RAF Warmwell EK128 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards 10 light flak positions attacked, 1 destroyed. 8th-17th RB204 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF The Squadron & Echelon assembled at No.14 APC 22nd PD590 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Warmwell & the boys made every effort to create a Armed Recce MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF new record with R/Ps on the range. The first day’s Münster ‘Milk Run’. 8 flat rail cars loaded with MET MN822 P/O John Addie Forrest shoot resulted in an average Squadron error of 24.5 destroyed & 2 wagons damaged. yards, which was 5.5 yards under the record. RB376 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF A village was attacked. P/O Whitby was hit by flak Improvement on this was made each day, the lowest JR305 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards but returned safely. error being 15.2 yards. The average error for the MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF SW426 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough Squadron was 29 yards, which was 9 yards under the DN472 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams EK128 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve previous record. MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC RB173 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF RB173 P/O John Addie Forrest 18th Close Army Support Most of the personnel & all but 2 Typhoons got away Armed Recce Gun-positions. Thick haze, observation impossible. by lunchtime, but 40 members could not get back Haltern-Coesfeld. No movement but 2 rail cuts made. SW426 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough from pass in time. SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF RB454 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC P/O John Colton RCAF posted to No.3 PRC on DN472 F/L John Musgrave Key MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams expiration of his tour. MN306 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN822 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF F/L George Clubley DFC, A Flight Commander, MN922 Sgt J. Hodgson Rested. RB376 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF 25th Captain James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF arrived for RB173 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF W/C North-Lewis DFC returned to the Wing today. flying duties as Flight Commander from No.182 Sqn. He was a captive for several hours, but his captors Sgt J. Hodgson & Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards 23rd later surrendered to him. arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. What is hoped will be the final battle of the war commenced with an artillery barrage at 1700. The troops attack went in at 2100. Everyone is eager to Close Army Support Wesel-Dorsten. Vectored by Limejuice. 1 Panther RB278 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Gun positions. All R/P in the target area, but no Tank destroyed & 3 damaged. 1 MET destroyed & 5 JR305 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards results seen. Capt Watt returned early due to damaged. F/L Rendall believed there were more MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest mechanical trouble. MET in the area & further Squadrons were sent out SW473 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke SW426 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF on this target with success. RB454 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF 30th EK128 Sgt J. Hodgson SW397 F/L John Musgrave Key Armed Recce RB318 F/L John Musgrave Key SW473 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Ammeloe-Enschede. Vectored by Limejuice to a SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF EK128 Sgt J. Hodgson target at Winteswlik but were then instructed not to JR304 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham PD611 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF attack. 1 MET destroyed near Niede, & R/P jettisoned PD611 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JP736 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore on a rail line. DN472 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF Wesel-Brunen. 4 USA half-tracks with German MN306 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley Near Androp. 2 MET damaged & village set on fire. camouflage destroyed. SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF SW402 F/L John Rendall RAAF SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF PD570 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore MN575 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN575 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham JP736 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore JR305 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW426 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Münster ‘Milk Run’. Damaged a Loco & destroyed 5 Gun-positions. 4 AA guns silenced. MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams trucks in flames, 1 obviously contained petrol. SW426 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF JP736 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore Brunen. 1 Tank & 2 MET destroyed; 2 MET & 1 AA MN922 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF position damaged. P/O Collins crash-landed safely RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN822 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF near the Autobahn & F/S Pennant baled out safely JR305 Sgt J. Hodgson PD570 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF into our lines & was seen to wave. SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF RB318 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW426 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough PD570 F/L John Musgrave Key PD611 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JP736 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF DN472 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards PD570 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF MN863 F/S George Reginald John Clarke PD611 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards Armed Recce MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest Münster ‘Milk Run’. No movement, so a repeat attack Bocholt-Borum-Brunen. Vectored by ‘Limejuice’ to 6 RB454 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant made on the Train attacked by F/L Rendall’s Flight, Tanks in woods, but these were not seen. The wood destroying 5 more trucks & starting fresh fires. was attacked & a large explosion seen. 1 MET 27th SW473 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC destroyed; 2 Tanks loaded on flat cars damaged & A 1st class ‘clamp’ stopped all flying but was not PD570 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke the remainder of the R/P were jettisoned into a town. bemoaned as it gave everyone a well-earned rest. SW426 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Many fires were seen & a chateau was damaged. P/O Collins & F/S Pennant returned & gave RB318 P/O John Addie Forrest SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF interesting & highly amusing talks on their escapes. SW402 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant RB318 F/L John Musgrave Key A football game was played between No.182 Sqn & MN922 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RB454 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant us, No.182 taking the honours with a 2-0 victory. PD611 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke Unfortunately, S/L Barraclough injured his shoulder 31st MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF & must go for an X-Ray tomorrow. F/O Kenneth George Brain, F/O Michael James Burke MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest Cole, F/O Martin Peter Pederson RCAF & W/O JR305 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams 28th Thomas John Pike Posted. SW473 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF S/L Barraclough was kept in hospital & will probably be unfit for 5 weeks. Armed Recce Wessel-Dorsten. 1 AFV destroyed; a stationary Tiger S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC arrived for flying Dummer Lake-Nordhorn. 1 Barge destroyed & 3 Tank destroyed; 2 MET damaged & 1 destroyed. A duties from No.182 Sqn. damaged, 2 tugs damaged. village was attacked & all R/P burst in target area, F/L Adams & F/O Nixon RCAF left for England to MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF nothing else was seen owing to smoke & intense flak. collect new aircraft. MN575 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 26th Armed Recce PD570 F/L John Musgrave Key Armed Recce Haltern-Heiden. 9 MET carrying petrol west of Ahaus MN289 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Dorsten-Haltern. 6 MET & a Self-Propelled Gun destroyed. JR305 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards destroyed, 1 MET damaged. A building was hit, SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF followed by a large explosion. JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham Dummer Lake. 10 MET & 3 HDT destroyed, 4 MET & SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF MN922 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF 1 Tank damaged. EK128 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards MN575 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF SW397 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC PD570 F/L John Musgrave Key MP154 F/S George Reginald John Clarke JP736 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore EK128 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF JR305 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve PD611 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Heiden-Coesfeld-Ahaus. 1 Tank Transporter, 10 RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF CTRGs, 1 petrol wagon & 1 ammo wagon destroyed MN863 P/O John Addie Forrest Wesel-Brunen. Vectored by Limejuice. Red smoke in a Marshalling Yard. seen & after several hits, 3 large explosions. The SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF Enschede. 3 MET & 6 HDT destroyed, 7 MET Army confirmed excellent results & sent us a EK128 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF damaged. Capt Watt & W/O Helmore were hit by congratulatory message. (‘Do Right - Fear Naught’ SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF flak. W/O Helmore was again hit near Groenlo & was being the Squadron motto - we lived up to it). RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF wounded in the right shoulder, his aircraft being a SW426 S/L Ronald George Victor Barraclough PD570 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC ‘fly in repair’. Capt Watt’s aircraft was Cat AC. MN922 F/S George Reginald John Clarke MN575 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW402 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF PD570 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD570 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest Burgsteinfurt-Altenburg-Coesfeld. Red smoke seen. SW473 F/L John Musgrave Key RB434 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Attacked gun-positions at Dinxpelo.; all R/P in the RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF RB318 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham target area. MN289 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams SW426 F/L John Rendall RAAF MP154 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards MN927 Sgt J. Hodgson

the aircraft turned on its back & broke up. He was SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF APRIL 1945 pulled out by some Army types & was found to have SW561 F/L John Musgrave Key nothing worse than a broken right arm. SW551 F/S Frederick William Humphreys B.86 Helmond, Holland RB278 F/L John Musgrave Key MN306 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley 1st MN306 P/O David George Evans RCAF SW510 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones F/L Dennis Owen Luke, P/O David George Evans MN863 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RCAF, F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF, F/S Frederick SW510 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham William Humphreys, F/S David Kenyon, F/S James MN289 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams 10th Henry Nutter & F/S Thomas Allan Willis arrived for MN198 Sgt J. Hodgson Close Army Support flying duties from No.83 GSU. Guns. Target seen & attacked; all R/P in target area. 5th SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC Armed Recce Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley who was shot down on PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Osnabruck-Lingen-Rheine. In pairs. Despite poor the 1st April, returned to the Squadron. He ‘laid up’ in RB318 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham weather, 5 MET damaged near Lingen. Sgt Patrick a barn for 3 days before he managed to contact a JR322 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke Arthur Langley was hit by flak & came down near the British Patrol. Nice work Pat, and welcome back. SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF aerodrome at Rheine. He was not seen to leave his SW473 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF aircraft, which was on fire when last seen by his No.1, Armed Recce SW510 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC F/L Adams. Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards was also Quackenbruck. 1 MET & 1 HDT destroyed, 5 MET MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve hit by flak & force-landed to the east of Münster. His damaged. Remainder of R/P jettisoned in a wood. No.1, P/O Forrest, did not see him land, but Sgt SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 11th Edwards said over the R/T that he thought he could SW510 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF All Squadron aircraft left for B.106. The ground staff get down safely. He was unfortunately killed. MN198 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC made a grand effort & had all 20 aircraft serviceable SW473 F/L John Musgrave Key MN950 F/S Frederick William Humphreys for the change of Airfield. RB278 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN198 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke B.106, Enschede, Holland EK128 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley Close Army Support JR505 P/O John Addie Forrest Armed Recce Strong point in Rethen. Wing show led by W/C Webb, RB193 Sgt Frederick Arthur Edwards Rheine. Abandoned due to weather. 4 of our aircraft were flown with No.182 Sqn. Many SW426 F/L John Rendall DFC RAAF buildings were destroyed & a large fire started in the 2nd RB318 Sgt J. Hodgson target area. This Op were carried out after the flight Lt. Götze, P/O Forrest & P/O Sheldon returned from MN289 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones from B.86 to B.106 & goes to show how well the England with 3 aircraft. RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF ground staff operated. A party was held in the Officers Mess, which was SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC attended by most of the ‘bods’ & was quite a success. 6th SW403 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley Close Army Support MP154 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant Armed Recce Anti-tank guns. Red smoke seen & all R/P in target MN289 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones Lingen-Bersenbruck. 5 MET destroyed & 3 damaged. area, with unobserved results. SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC SW510 P/O David George Evans RCAF MN198 P/O David George Evans RCAF RB318 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF SW473 F/O John Ridgeway Nixon RCAF PD574 F/L John Musgrave Key MN575 F/S Frederick William Humphreys RB278 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham MN922 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham SW426 F/L John Musgrave Key MP154 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN289 Sgt J. Hodgson MP154 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams 3rd 7th MN198 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve F/L Rendall awarded the DFC. He has completed Armed Recce MN306 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham over 140 sorties & was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ on Steinhuder Lake. 1 MET destroyed & 1 damaged. PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF 1st January. SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke 12th Armed Recce SW510 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams Armed Recce Lingen-Oppenburg-Meppen. Turned back after MP154 P/O David George Evans RCAF Oldenberg-Zeven-Rotenburg-Rethen. A Loco, 2 MET, crossing the Rhine due to heavy rain. MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF 2 trucks & 4 Barges damaged & 2 MET destroyed. SW426 F/L John Rendall DFC RAAF MN922 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke hit by flak & MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke crashed. SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 8th SW426 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF MP154 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Squadron Party held in the Flora Hall; Helmond was MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF RB310 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF a great success. Unfortunately, only ½ the Squadron RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams MN575 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke could attend as the others had left for our new MN306 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley Airfield, which is B.106, about 3 miles north of PD574 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Armed Recce Enscheide. JR444 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke Lingen-Oppenburg-Meppen. Abandoned due to bad MP154 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant weather & heavy rain. Armed Recce SW403 Sgt J. Hodgson SW426 F/L John Rendall DFC RAAF Steinhuder Lake. 3 MET destroyed & 3 HDT damaged MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke near Gildern. A rail cut was made & a signal box Rotenberg-Rothen. R/P were jettisoned in a village. SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF damaged. SW551 F/L John Musgrave Key MP154 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF MN950 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN950 F/S Frederick William Humphreys PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN289 W/O Robert Sutherland Knight-Clarke MP154 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC RB318 F/S Frederick William Humphreys MN306 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones SW473 P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF 4th SW510 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MP154 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones arrived for flying PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF JR305 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham duties from No.83 GSU. SW510 P/O David George Evans RCAF 9th Armed Recce Armed Recce 13th Lingen-Quackenbruck. 2 MET destroyed. Cloppenburg. 1 MET destroyed & 5 damaged. A The Squadron Advance Party left for B.112 Rheine & SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF railway station was also damaged. the aircraft flew in later in the day. MP154 F/S Frederick William Humphreys PD574 F/L John Musgrave Key SW510 Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson B.112 Rheine, Germany MN575 P/O John Addie Forrest JR444 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Armed Recce PD574 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Oldenburg. Little movement. 2 rail cuts made; 1 MET MN190 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN922 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham damaged & 2 HDT destroyed. RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF SW403 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC Armed Recce MP154 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams MN950 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF Lingen-Meppen-Cloppenburg. Destroyed 2 MET & 2 JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams towed guns near Lingen & damaged several more MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson Flight bounced by 4 Me.109s near Lingen, but no Armed Recce MN306 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley contact was made. F/O Nixon was hit by flak & crash- Cloppenburg. 20+ covered trucks attacked with R/P RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF landed ½ mile south of Wardhausen. Unfortunately, & cannon; no results seen due to heavy ground haze. MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF EK129 F/S Thomas Allan Willis 21st SW551 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore F/L Philip Taylor Ward, W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF, 14th JR322 F/S Frederick William Humphreys F/S Stanley C. Webb & F/S Robert Oliver Westlake Remainder of Squadron personnel arrived at B.112. SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. JR305 F/S James Henry Nutter W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham to P/O. Close Army Support RB278 F/S George Reginald John Clarke Houses near Winden. Directed by Scallwag, 2 houses MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve 24th were left smoking & others damaged. Army Close Support PD611 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham 19th Gun positions. All R/P in target area. SW510 P/O David George Evans RCAF Close Army Support SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF JR322 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones Strongpoints in houses. Directed by Winecup. All R/P EK129 F/S David Kenyon SW403 F/S Frederick William Humphreys in target area & buildings destroyed. MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF JR510 F/S James Henry Nutter Close Army Support MN575 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley PD611 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Houses near Verden. Directed by Yalelock. Factory MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF SW403 F/S Thomas Allan Willis among the houses damaged. F/S John Arthur Hugh SW473 F/S Frederick William Humphreys RB278 P/O Jack Arthur Cunningham Gerraint Pennant, who was leading, was hit by flak & RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF EJ992 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones crashed - his aircraft exploded on the ground. MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF MP154 F/S John Arthur Hugh Gerraint Pennant PD574 P/O John Addie Forrest Armed Recce MN198 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley JR322 F/S David Kenyon Railway targets near Boblin. Destroyed a Loco & 3 MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson trucks & damaged at least 4 more. Flak from woods MN306 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Close Army Support either side of the line silenced by R/P & cannon. Target south of Delmanhorst. Corner kept aircraft SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC 15th orbiting until petrol shortages necessitated a return. MN506 F/L Philip Taylor Ward Once again, the Squadron is on the move. The SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC MN510 Sgt J. Hodgson Advance Party left for B.120 (Langenhausen). The PD574 F/S James Henry Nutter EJ972 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF convoy lagered for the night just outside Minden. RB278 F/S George Reginald John Clarke SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes MN950 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys Armed Recce PD611 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MP195 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore Zeven. F/L Luke & W/O Helmore returned early. 1 MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve MN289 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley aircraft fired 6 R/P which destroyed a Loco & JR522 F/S Thomas Allan Willis damaged 2 trucks. Rail cut also made. MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson Railway targets near Lübeck. Damaged a Loco & 1 SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC MET & destroyed another. Houses in the village of SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes Close Army Support Schwarzeneck destroyed. JR322 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC 3 Gun positions. All R/P in target area. Flak position SW426 F/L Dennis Owen Luke RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams attacked & silenced with cannon. PD611 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF SW403 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF SW426 F/L Dennis Owen Luke JR305 P/O Jack Arthur Cunningham SW510 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF PD611 F/S David Kenyon SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR322 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley MN306 F/S James Henry Nutter 16th SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF Advance Party arrived at B.120 & proceeded to settle SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes MN950 F/S David Kenyon in. F/O Copeman RAAF flew in from B.112 l to act as Liaison Officer for the Wing between the Airfields, Armed Recce 25th Railway targets near Lanenburg. Loco & 5 trucks Armed Recce Armed Recce damaged. Ludwigslust. Destroyed a Loco & 4 mixed trucks. An Vegesack. No movement seen but a Dredger was SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF airfield south of Ludwigslust attacked with R/P & attacked & left smoking. A rail cut also made & JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF cannon, 1 single-engine aircraft damaged. 1 MET railway buildings destroyed. RB278 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham destroyed between Ludwigslust & Redefin. SW426 F/L Dennis Owen Luke MN195 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF EK129 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve PD621 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF SW473 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley SW478 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN198 F/S Frederick William Humphreys SW473 P/O John Addie Forrest PD611 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF EK129 F/S Frederick William Humphreys JR505 F/S Thomas Allan Willis PD574 Sgt J. Hodgson MP195 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore PD611 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF 20th MN289 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones JR322 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones F/L John Rendall DFC RAAF posted on Rest. PD574 F/L Philip Taylor Ward

Close Army Support Close Army Support Army Close Support Village of Soltau. All R/P in target area. Many fires. Houses concealing 4 guns in Fishbeck. Damaged by Gun positions near Bremen. All R/P on target, SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF R/P & cannon. several explosions. SW510 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC RB278 F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams RB278 F/S James Henry Nutter EK129 F/S Stanley C. Webb JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN506 P/O John Addie Forrest SW561 F/L Lyonel Georges Rolls Hutt DFC PD611 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones MN950 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF MN289 F/S Thomas Allan Willis SW510 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes PD641 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham Defensive position in a village. Led by W/C Webb. JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys MN306 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF Flak from target area, but several fires left burning. JP922 Sgt J. Hodgson PD574 W/O Jack Arthur Cunningham JR305 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore 17th SW551 F/L Dennis Owen Luke Aircraft flown across from B.120. MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke Army Close Support PD611 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes Strong point south of Hamburg. All R/P in the target 18th JR322 F/S Thomas Allan Willis area. 1 MET damaged. B.120 Langenhausen, Germany SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF The remainder of the Squadron arrived at B.120. Armed Recce MP195 F/S Thomas Allan Willis Botzenberg. Reported Tanks not seen. A Loco & 30 MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF Close Army Support trucks attacked & R/P fired into a village. EK129 F/S David Kenyon Troops in woods. Directed by Winecup. All R/P in SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF SW510 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF target area. Results not observed & no flak. JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF RB278 F/S James Henry Nutter SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC MN950 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore JR322 F/L Philip Taylor Ward PD574 F/S David Kenyon PD681 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF MN950 Sgt J. Hodgson RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF PD611 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley JP922 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF 26th PD574 P/O John Addie Forrest Army Close Support Close Army Support MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Gun positions. All R/P in target area. Buildings Strongpoints in houses near Weselhovede. Many hits damaged & a large explosion. Flak from target area. by R/P & cannon. SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC SW426 F/L Dennis Owen Luke JR322 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF MP195 P/O Jack Arthur Cunningham SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC SW551 F/L Dennis Owen Luke EJ922 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones JR305 Sgt Robert Oliver Westlake SW473 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF PD611 F/L Dennis Owen Luke MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson SW510 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF PD611 F/S Thomas Allan Willis JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys MN289 F/S Thomas Allan Willis SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF MN950 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes JR322 F/S Stanley C. Webb JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF MN306 F/S Stanley C. Webb RB278 P/O John Addie Forrest PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF MN575 Sgt J. Hodgson MN950 F/S James Henry Nutter EK129 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley EK129 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley RB278 F/L Philip Taylor Ward 27th 30th Capt Watt took F/S Webb, F/S Westlake & Sgt F/L Aubone Charles Standish Ensell & F/L Lyonel Army Close Support Langley on a spot of Flying training. Georges Rolls Hutt DFC posted. Horse-shoe shaped buildings. All R/P in target area. S/L Murray headed a team of 4 in a rifle competition. F/L John Musgrave Key posted to No.247 Sqn. 1 building exploded in a sheet of flame 100 feet high They scored 142 out of 160, which was good, as the Lt. Albert Richard Götze SAAF Rested. with much smoke. Explosions & fire were caused on team (CO, P/O Forrest, LAC Risby & F/O Davis) had The Advance Party left for B.156 Luneberg, to 3 other buildings. only fired their borrowed rifles once. prepare the way for yet another of our hops in the SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF treck through Hunland. EK129 F/S David Kenyon 29th JR305 W/O Derek Eastman Helmore F/S William George Wood arrived for flying duties Armed Recce JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys from No.83 GSU. Wittenburg-Hagenow. They wound up the month’s RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF P/O Mark John Whitby RAAF Rested. activities by having a field day with MET found in the SW473 P/O David George Evans RCAF area, 7 destroyed & 14 damaged. No flak. MN306 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Close Support SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF HQ 10-miles east of Hamburg. Target found despite JR510 F/S James Henry Nutter bad weather & attacked with good effect. A large PD611 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes Army Close Support explosion followed by flames to 300 feet. Flak from MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve 4 heavy flak cars near Vegesack. Attacked 2-3 light the target area. It is worthy of note that enemy RB318 P/O John Addie Forrest coloured trucks. Results not observed due to poor aircraft were reported throughout the time the EJ972 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF visibility. Light flak from the target area. formation was in the air, but none seen.

JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF MN595 F/S Thomas Allan Willis MAY 1945 RB218 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF RB278 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF EJ972 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF MN922 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF B.156 Lüneburg SW473 F/S Stanley C. Webb SW473 P/O John Addie Forrest 1st EK129 F/S David Kenyon JR322 F/S William George Wood P/O P. Jones arrived for flying duties from No.83 GSU. SW403 F/S George Reginald John Clarke Sgt J. Hodgson to F/S. Bad Sageburg-Rendeburg. 6 MET destroyed, 6 JR305 F/S David Kenyon damaged. Armed Recce SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC 5th Locomotive moving a gun. Loco destroyed & 10 MET SW473 F/S Stanley C. Webb Ceased Operational flying as from yesterday. It is including 3 trailers destroyed, 9 damaged. MN306 F/S George Reginald John Clarke worthy of note that the last Operational flight SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC EK129 F/S David Kenyon carried out by the Squadron against the Nazis was MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF SW510 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve led by F/O Martyn of the RCAF. MN306 F/S David Kenyon JR510 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF P/O John Addie Forrest to F/O. MN289 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF SW594 F/S James Henry Nutter SW473 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF 7th SW510 P/O David George Evans RCAF Shipping Strike Proceeded to B.118, Celle to join No.125 Wing. PD611 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF North-east of Kiel. 5 ships, ranging from Launches to MP195 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones 10,000-tonners destroyed. 20-30 ships appeared to 8th be assembling. 1 aircraft damaged by flak, Cat AC. B.118, Celle Lübeck-Schwerin. 100 MET attacked. 13 destroyed, SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC At 1500 the Rt.Hon. Winston Churchill spoke to the 28 damaged. MN950 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley people of the World & announced the cessation of SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF RB318 P/O John Addie Forrest hostilities with the German Nation. VE-Day. A PD611 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones MN922 F/S James Henry Nutter celebration was held by all ranks on B.118. SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys MN595 F/S Thomas Allan Willis 9th SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF RB218 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF Left B.118 by Dakota aircraft for Copenhagen. JR322 F/S Robert Oliver Westlake MN289 F/S Robert Oliver Westlake MN306 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes 10th MP195 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys B.160, Copenhagen JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF Day spent getting settled in, most members of the Lübeck-Schwerin. 30 MET attacked, 7 destroyed, 19 EJ972 P/O P. Jones Squadron have already paid a visit to Copenhagen. damaged. SW403 F/L Dennis Owen Luke SW561 F/L Dennis Owen Luke EK129 F/S David Kenyon 12th RB278 P/O John Addie Forrest Field Marshal Montgomery arrived to pay an official MN289 P/O David George Evans RCAF Off Kiel. A Motor torpedo boat of the S.23 Class & a visit to Copenhagen. He received a great welcome MN950 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF Tank landing craft were damaged & a 1,500-ton from the Danish people. Air Marshal Coningham also MN922 F/S J. Hodgson merchantman attacked with no observed results. visited the City. The Squadron had the honour of SW561 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF providing Air Escort for him on his return journey. 2nd JR322 F/S William George Wood Armed Recce SW403 F/S Stanley C. Webb 13th Rail- junction at Elmshorn. Under Timepip control. RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF Flying training. The people of a large area of All R/P in the target area, no results observed. MN289 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF Denmark had the opportunity of seeing a formation SW561 S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC RB218 P/O Geoffrey Clifford Sheldon RAAF of Typhoons at quite close quarters. The flight was EK129 F/S David Kenyon MN922 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF led by Captain ‘Buster’ Watt. RB318 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN922 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF EJ972 F/S James Henry Nutter 14th-19th MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF MN595 F/S J. Hodgson Settling in & getting on to a peace time basis - EJ972 F/S Stanley C. Webb SW473 F/S David Kenyon strange thought.

Lübeck. 7 MET destroyed, 12 damaged. Light flak. 4th 19th SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF F/S Thomas Allan Willis to P/O. The airport was open for inspection by friends of RAF JR322 F/S William George Wood P/O John Addie Forrest to F/O. personnel. Most of the chaps had fair companions & SW510 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF all had a very good time. 12 aircraft from each RB278 F/S Thomas Allan Willis Shipping Strike Squadron on the Wing did the odd spot of formation SW473 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Eskeraforde-Begenkop-Paaborg. Cargo vessel hit flying which seemed to impress our friends. MN575 F/S Leslie James Hodges RAAF with R/P & an explosion on the water line. A 2nd vessel was hit & a 3rd damaged by R/P hits. 22nd Lübeck. 14 MET destroyed, 17 damaged. SW403 F/L Dennis Owen Luke The Squadron led the Wing in a display for the MN922 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes MN595 F/S Thomas Allan Willis Danish General Staff. 93 x SAP R/P were fired from MN289 F/S James Henry Nutter MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve 12 aircraft into the sea off the end of the east-west RB318 P/O John Addie Forrest RB278 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF runway. The box formation used afterwards was EK129 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley JR322 F/S Frederick William Humphreys considered very neat. Added to our 1,070 x 20mm JR510 F/S Frederick William Humphreys MN922 P/O John Addie Forrest cannon, Tempests & Spitfires fired further EJ972 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones RB318 F/S George Reginald John Clarke ammunition at some old trucks on the seashore. The MN950 Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley visitors were a little surprisingly impressed & so was 3rd JR305 F/S Robert Oliver Westlake a man in a boat within 300-yards of the R/P. Base Patrol SW551 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF Kiel. Small tanker damaged by R/P hits on the bows 23rd-29th MN289 F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve & the wheelhouse, also hit by cannon fire. 10-12 aircraft engaged in practice formation, SW561 Capt James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF preparing for machine-like efficiency on 17th June. Armed Recce MN595 F/S James Henry Nutter Rendeburg. 1 Loco destroyed, 3 trains damaged & a SW403 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF 27th gunpit destroyed. The ‘bag’ was further filled by the JR305 F/S Stanley C. Webb Air Chief Marshall & Lady Tedder landed. They were destruction of 8 MET, a towed gun, & 6 MET SW473 F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes met by a RAF Regiment Guard of Honour & several damaged. RB278 F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones SHAEP Senior Officers & some of the Danish Cabinet. SW403 F/L Dennis Owen Luke JR322 P/O David George Evans RCAF MN306 F/S William George Wood MN289 W/O Eric Lloyd James RAAF 31st MN950 P/O John William Clive Collins RAAF F/S George Reginald John Clarke Posted. MN595 F/S J. Hodgson 2 ships damaged, 1 a Merchantman of 7-8,000 tons. F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF posted to RB518 F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman RAAF SW561 F/O Donald Edward George Martyn RCAF No.440 Sqn RCAF. 12th JUNE 1945 F/S James Henry Nutter dived into the sea 4-500 22nd metres from Keldsnoi Lighthouse - south-west of There was a decided improvement in formation & B.160, Copenhagen Langeland - on a flight back to Husum from Vaerlose the 4 + 1 aircraft of No.182 Sqn came to Husum 1st - Satellite of B.160, Copenhagen. The Navy searched (B.172) to stay with us for the Display. F/L John Charles Stone arrived for flying duties from without recovering the body but found some No.83 GSU. wreckage still to be identified. 26th A rehersal was held & watched by the SASO No.83 9th 13th Group, who decided it was sufficiently good for 1st A ‘Full Dress Rehaersal’ took place & 95 R/P were The ‘Show Team’ had more practice. July. He commented that the timing was excellent. fired into the sea, but no cannons were fired. There are still 10-minute uninteresting periods in the 16th 30th programme. F/S Leslie James Hodges to W/O. F/L Philip Taylor Ward P/O P. Jones & F/S David Kenyon Posted. B.172, Husum On orbiting to land at Vaerlose near Kobenhavn, S/L 21st Murray’s engine cut & he force landed wheels up. Much-regretted move back to Germany.

13th JULY 1945 F/O Roland Henry Davis rejoined the Squadron from 26th detachment to No.404 A.S.P. After having to land at Courtrai owing to his aircraft B.172, Husum becoming u/s, P/O Cunningham managed to fly it to 1st-10th 15th-21st Lübeck on the 26th. On landing, his aircraft had a flat Aerial Pageant - Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup). Flying training once again was the mainstay of the tyre & was again found to be u/s. There is no The Squadron led by S/L Murray with Capt Watt, F/L week. Some Army co-operation was also carried out. competition to become the ‘driver’ of said aircraft. Luke & S/L John Douglas Derry (No.182 Sqn) leading Blue, Yellow & White sections attacked the target (2 15th 27th x Bv.138s). Yellow 2 scored the first direct hits on 1 We lost the 5 Australian members of the Squadron, Sgt Patrick Arthur Langley to F/S. flying boat which, being unable to sink (grounded) F/O Herbert Arthur Copeman, F/O Geoffrey Clifford burnt furiously for 1½ hours - much to the delight of Sheldon, F/O John William Clive Collins, W/O Eric 29th the 250,000 Danish spectators & Queen Alexandria. Lloyd James & W/O Leslie James Hodges (to No.451 F/L Luke & F/L Adams searched for a dingy & The other boat was hit repeatedly but did not burn - Sqn). We were sorry to see them go & wish them a Airman in Lübeck Bay. The sea was rough, but they being devoid of all fuels. It capsized & bits flew up speedy journey home & the best of luck for the future. covered the Bay & a considerable area outside it. The into the air. The Squadron’s attack was the most search was unsuccessful & they returned to Base. applauded of the Display. 21st F/S Frederick William Humphreys to W/O. 30th B.158, Lübeck F/L Edward Kenneth Barnes posted to No.151 11th 23rd Repair Unit. Move to Lübeck to re-join No.124 Wing. F/O Reeve ferried an aircraft from Lübeck to No.122 Wing at Copenhagen, returning the following day by Dakota.

11th 20th AUGUST 1945 Whilst on practice formation & aerobatics, F/O The Squadron left by air for Warmwell on the 20th. Peirson-Jones, had to make a forced landing near B.158, Lübeck Havoghorst. He was not injured. 25th 1st Capt. James Ian Arbuthnot Watt SAAF Posted. The Squadron disbanded. F/O James Alexander Stephen, W/O John Cuthbert F/L Osmond Randolph Kelsick posted to No.41 Sqn. Ladd, W/O Leslie A. Spencer, Sgt Jack Reginald 15th Allwood, Sgt William Mawson Andrews & Sgt Harold F/L Osmond Randolph Kelsick arrived for flying 26th George Evans arrived for flying duties from No.83 duties from No.175 Sqn. Reformed as No.174 (Mauritius) Squadron. GSU. No.137 Squadron has had a very good record & we F/L Samuel Jones McClatchey, Squadron Doc, posted. 18th-19th are all sorry to lose our identity as No.137 Squadron Aircraft being prepared for the APC at Warmwell. - ‘Rocketeers’, as the boys called themselves

On disbandment the Squadron members were: -

S/L Dougal Douglas Murray DFC F/O James Alexander Stephen F/S J. Hodgson F/L Walter Edwin Frank Adams P/O Jack Arthur Cunningham F/S Patrick Arthur Langley F/L Dennis Owen Luke P/O Thomas Allan Willis F/S Stanley C. Webb F/L John Charles Stone W/O Derek Eastman Helmore F/S Robert Oliver Westlake F/O David George Evans RCAF W/O Frederick William Humphreys F/S William George Wood F/O John Addie Forrest W/O John Cuthbert Ladd Sgt Jack Reginald Allwood F/O Christopher Peirson-Jones W/O Leslie A. Spencer Sgt William Mawson Andrews F/O Kenneth Herbert Reeve Sgt Harold George Evans

F/O Roland Henry Davis (Adjutant) Cpl T.H.W. Myers LAC H.P. Pullamy AC1 R.C. Fletcher