Feltwell
1940
Aug. 1
Operations.
Nil.
Training
13.25 One aircraft R.3176 (P/O. Curtis) carried out a Cross Country flight.
15.50
10.15 Three aircraft carried out formation flying for one hour.
11.15
Weather.
Surface Wind: Light variable, ENE 10-15 mph in coastal areas.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft light variable mainly Easterly.
Weather: Fine, Fair in coastal districts.
Cloud: Little or no low cloud at first inland in coastal areas 6/10 – 9/10 at 1300-2500 ft above sea level increasing to 10/10 at 600-1000ft. and spreading slowly inland after dark.
Visibility: 10-15 miles deteriorating to 4-8 miles later.
Aug.2
Training.
14.45 Cross Country flight carried out in aircraft P.9212 (Capt. P/O. Best)
18.00
Air Firing carried out in Aircraft R.3159 (Capt. P/O. Curtis ) for 1 hr. 45 mins.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Northeasterly 5-10 mph 10-15 mph in coastal area.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000 ft 070-100 degrees 15-20 mph
Weather: Fine becoming cloudy later, cloudy in coastal areas.
Cloud: Little or no low cloud inland at first. In coastal areas 6/10 – 9/10 at 1500-2500ft increasing to 10/10 at 800-1200ft above sea level and spreading slowly inland after dark.
Visibility: 10-15 miles deteriorating to 2-6 miles.
Aug. 3
Operations. BOMBING ATTACK ON TARGET A.71 AT HORST.
Nine Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks on target A.71 at HORST in the RUHR. Due to heavy ground haze over target area, a number of aircraft did not locate main target, but attacks carried out on various other targets with success. On returning to base low 10/10 cloud was encountered, aircraft being directed to other aerodromes. CB.692 crashed when attempting a forced landing, due to engine failure. The Captain S/Ldr. Collet, was killed, but the five remaining members of the crew escaped with injuries. Fires started by incendiaries, usual light and heavy flak experienced over whole of target area. Weather was poor, low visibility experienced in target area.
Navigation by D/R, W/T fixes, and home bearings.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target attacked Raid Serial No.
21.15 R.3176 S/L. Collett. A.71 – CB.692 Crashed on landing
21.15 R.3159 P/O. Gow. “ WESSEL CB.693
03.00
21.20 P.9209 P/O. Hogg. “ A.71 CB.694
03.30
21.15 R.3297 F/L. Breckon. “ SCHIPOL CB.695.
03.00
21.23 R.3169 F/O. Lucas. “ A.71 CB.696.
02.16
21.15 R.3168 F/O. Williams. “ A.71 CB.697.
03.05
21.30 R.3218 F/L. Adams. “ HALTERN. CB.698
03.45
21.35 L.7784 P/O. Freeman. “ SCHIPOL CB.699
04.20
21.30 R.3156 P/O. Harkness. “ BUER CB.700
Training.
Night Cross Country flight carried out in aircraft (P/O Best and Crew) P.9212 lasting 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Light Southeasterly.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft Easterly less than 10mph.
Weather: Fine becoming cloudy after dusk.
Cloud: Nil to 3/10 at 3000ft becoming 8-10/10 at 1000-2000feet.
Visibility: 10-15 miles deteriorating after midnight to 2-4 miles but locally reduced to 1000-2000 yards.
Aug.4
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred today.
Attachments.
Pilot Officer B.P. McMamara, attached to No.5 SFTS, South Cerney w.e.f. 4/8/40, Authority: No. 3 Group Signal P.707 dated 3/8/40. Appendix F.1.
Hospital.
36241. Pilot Officer G.L. Humphries admitted to E.N.S. Hospital Newmarket (involved in crash, of CB.692) 34232 S/Ldr. Collet. W.I. died. Appendix F.2
Weather.
Surface Wind and Upper Wind: To 5000ft variable less than 15mph.
Weather: Fine, widespread fog towards dawn.
Cloud: 3-6/10 at 3000ft dispersing this evening.
Visibility: 8-12 miles at first, deteriorating after dark. Extensive fog developing towards end of period.
Aug. 5
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
15.20 Cross country flight carried out in aircraft L.7848 (Capt. P/O. Gilmour).
17.05
16.20 Two aircraft took part in bombing practice at Berners Heath (Capt’s. P/O’s Best and Curtis).
17.30
Aircraft.
One Wellington Mark 1C aircraft received (T.2464) from No.22 Maintenance Unit, Siloth. Authority 41G/5581.
Weather.
Surface Wind: SW to W 5-10mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 250-290 degree 15mph.
Weather: Fair. Risk of scattered thundery showers or thunderstorms in late aftrnoon and evening.
Cloud: 5-8/10 at 3000ft above sea level, 8-10/10 at 1000ft locally in showers.
Visibility: 3-6 miles deteriorating to 1-4 miles with some local mist patches.
Aug. 6
Operations. Bombing attacks on targets A.73 and A.28.
Eight Wellington aircraft from this Unit took part in operations against the above targets. On account of extremely poor weather conditions encountered, neither of primary targets attacked, but other enemy objectives ere subject to attack. Aerodromes subject to attack were :- SCHIPOL, YPENBURG, EINDHOVEN, WESSEL and a group of three heavy Field Batteries were attacked by CB.724 on Western side of HAMBORN. Batteries ceased firing, and many fires seen to start on aerodromes, also numbers of explosions observed across flare paths, and tarmacs etc., Heavy A.A. fire experienced over DUSSELDORF, SCHIPOL and ROTTERDAM, and searchlights intense and accurate in most areas.
Navigation was by D/R, and homing bearings.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
21.30 P.9206 S/L. Kay. A.73 A.73 CB.713
02.45
21.35 L.7784 P/O. Hogg. A.73. SCHIPOL CB.714
03.05
21.30 R.3218 P/O. Larney. A.73 Nil CB.715
02.45
21.20 T.2463 P/O. Harkness. A.28 YPENBURG CB.723
02.55
21.30 R.3159 F/O. Williams WMC. A.28 HAMBORN CB.724
21.45 R.3172 P/O. Gow. A.28 EINDHAVEN CB.725
01.50
21.35 R.3169 F/L. Lucas. A.28 WESSEL. CB.726
03.40
21/30 L.7797 F/O. Williams. N. A.28 Nil CB727
Training.
20.50 A night Cross Country flight was attempted in aircraft L.7848 (Capt. P/O. Curtis) but had to return owing to bad weather.
22.35
Awards and Decorations.
Flying Officer N. Williams, awarded Distinguished Dlying Cross. (Authority: London Gazette No.34915 and 3 Group Routine Orders 69 and 70 16/8/40) Appendix F.3.
Aircraft:
Wellington Mark IC L.7857 despatched from No.22 Maintenance Unit Silloth. (Auth: 41G/5581.)
Wellington Mark IC T.2468 “ “ “ “ “ “ (Auth: 41G/5570.)
Both aircraft for use with this Squadron.
Aug. 7
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred today.
Aug. 8
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Bomb practice was carried out at Berners Heath.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 10-15 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 260-280 degrees 25-30mph.
Weather: Light local rain at times.
Cloud: 8-10/10 falling to 1000-2000ft at times in rain. Low cloud decreasing later to 3/10 to 6/10 but medium above 8000ft persisting.
Visibility: 10-15 miles falling to 2 miles at times in rain and deteriorating after dark to 4-8 miles.
Aug. 9
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGET L.84.
Bombing Operations carried out by nine Wellington aircraft detailed from this Unit were on the whole successful, although all sorties did not bomb their primary target, bombing attacks on other military objectives were carried out. Of other targets attacked were aerodrome at GLIZEN and EINDHAVEN, bursts observed on former, and four large fires started with three bomb bursts on latter. On target L.84 numerous small explosions occurred and fierce fires started. Number of flares seen over North Sea. A.A. fire exceptionally heavy over target area and all main towns, and searchlights very active. Weather rather hazy in the RUHR area, making observations very difficult, low 10/10 cloud met on returning to base. Navigation by D/R, visual fixes and homing bearings.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
21.00 R.3171 F/L. Adams. L.84 GILZE CB.728.
03.00
21.00 P.9209 P/O. Harkness. L.84 L.84 CB.729.
01.00
21.00 R.3218 P/O. Larney. L.84 L.84 CB.730.
01.30
21.05 R.3297 S/L. Breckon. L.84 EINDHAVEN. CB.731.
01.05
21.10 R.3169 F/L. Lucas. L.84 L.84 CB.732.
01.00
21.10 R.3168 F/O. Williams W.M.C. L.84 L.84 CB.733.
01.50
21.20 L.7797 F/O. Williams. N. L.84 L.84 CB.734.
01.30
21.20 L.7784 P/O. Freeman. L.84 L.84 CB.735.
03.45
21.40 L.7857 P/O. Best. Z.53 Not Located CB.744.
Training.
10.50 Cross Country carried out by P/O. Best and crew in aircraft L.7857.
12.50
22.25 Cross Country flight carried out by P/O. Curtis and crew in aircraft L.7848.
23.30
Attachments.
75697 Pilot Officer Miller M.J. returned from R.A.F. Station WARMWELL ON COMPLETION of course. Appendix F.3
Weather.
Surface Wind: Southwest to West 10-20mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 240-270 degree 30-35mph increasing to 35-40 mph in late evening.
Weather: Fair. Chance of slight drizzle in late evening.
Cloud: Little low cloud at first but 6-9/10 developing at 1000-2000ft above MSL in late evening and perhaps becoming 10/10 at 600-1000ft in early morning.
Visibility: 6-12 miles deteriorating to 2-4 miles in drizzle.
Aug. 10
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred to-day.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 15-25 mph gusting at times to 40mph, moderating after sunset.
Upper Wind: 2000ft 270-290 degrees 35-40mph. 6000ft 250-280 dgs 40-45 mph.
Weather: Squally, local showers becoming infrequent in late evening.
Cloud: 7-9/10 2000-3000ft above MSL decreasing after sunset to nil to 4/10 with long clear periods.
Visibility: 10-20 miles falling to 2 miles at times in showers.
Aug. 11
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Air Firing practice carried out by two crews at WEYBOURNE.
Attachments.
Pilot Officer J.O. Ferris, G.D. attached to R.A.F. Station WARMWELL, for No.9 Gunnery Leaders Course. Authority:- No.3 Group Signal P.734 dated 7/8/40. Appendix F.4.
Weather.
Surface Wind: N.W.ly 10-15 mph falling to 5-10mph.
Upper Wind: Upper Winds to 6000ft about 300dgs, 25/30 mph, decreasing slowly.
Weather: Fair or Fine.
Cloud: Decreasing to Nil to 3/10 above 3000 feet.
Visibility: 10-15 miles deteriorating to 4-6 miles.
Aug.12
Operations.
Nil
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred today.
Aircraft.
Wellington Mark 1C T.2464, Despatched to No.9 Squadron, Honington, from this Unit. (Authority:- Form W/S. 69 dated 9/8/40.)
Aug.13
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGET G.82, L.82 AND D.7
Nine aircraft from this unit were detailed to carry out operations against the enemy, of the nine sorties, eight were on bombing raids, while the ninth CB.746 was to carry out Photographic Reconnaissance of STETTIN DOCKS in the Baltic.
Weather again hindered operations, this time being due to 10/10 cloud practically over the whole of North West Germany. Target G.82 reported to be obscured by 10/10 cloud, and three of four aircraft on this target failed to locate same, and brought bombs back. Bursts appeared to straddle target L.82, and a large fire seen in area. CB.746 detailed to carry out photographic reconnaissance reports photographs were spoilt either by A.A. shells bursts, or a searchlight. A.A. fire exceptionally heavy and accurate around target L.82, and a little heavy flak received at G.82, but all was fired through 10/10 cloud. Searchlights were very active in the RUHR. One ME110 attacked CB.746 South of KEIL, but was eluded by going into cloud. Navigation was by D/R, and homing bearings, while CB.746 used Astro extensively with great success.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.50 R.3171 F/L. Adams G.82 – CB.750
03.40
20.50 L.7784 F/O. Willaims.N. G.82 DORSEL. CB.751
04.30
20.50 R.3297 S/L. Breckon G.82 G.82 CB.752
04.10
21.00 R.3169 F/O Williams. W.M.C. G.82 – CB.753
02.30
21.10 R.3218 P/O. Larney L.82 VUGHT CB.759
01.45
21.10 L.7857 P/O. Best L.82 L.82 CB.760
01.30
21.20 R.3172 P/O. Harkness L.82 – CB.761
04.00
21.20 P.9209 P/O. Hogg L.82 L.82 CB.761
03.50
19.55 P.9206 P/O. Freeman D.7 D.7 CB.746
04.50
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred to-day.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 5-10 mph
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 270-300 degrees 10-15 mph.
Weather: Cloudy with chance of occasional drizzle.
Cloud: 6-9/10 base 1000-2000ft above sea level, patches at times with base between 600-1000ft. Much medium cloud.
Visibility: 4-6 miles deteriorating to 1-3 miles locally.
Aug. 14
Operations.
Nil
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred to-day.
Postings.
The undermentioned Officer posted to this Unit from Bassingbourne H.XXX, with effect from 14/8/40. Authority:- No.6 Group Postagram P.973, dated 12/8/40.
Pilot Officer Sharp. J.L. Pilot Officer Wilcox. E.T.
Weather.
Surface Wind: SW to W 10-20 mph.
Upper Wind: Up to 6000ft 250-270 degrees 20-25 mph.
Weather: Cloudy, local rain of a thundery type this afternoon.
Cloud: 6/10-10/10 mainly above 3000ft above sea level at first, falling to 1000ft locally at times in rain this afternoon.
Visibility: 2 miles in rain, but mainly 6-12 miles.
Aug. 15
Operations.
BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGET L.85
Nine out of ten aircraft detailed to carry out operations on above target against the enemy were successful in finding and bombing their primary target. Numerous explosions occurred and several fires were started by incendiaries, which were still visible after leaving the target area. Balloons observed to be flying at 12,000ft over AMSTERDAM, DORTMUND and HAMM. A.A. fire heavy and accurate in all RUHR area, and searchlights over whole of area. Visibility reported to be perfect. Navigation by D/R, and visual observation mainly, although homing bearings used in some cases.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.45 R.3169 F/L. Lucas L.85 L.85 CB.774
01.20
20.45 R.3168 F/O. Williams L.85 L.85 CB.775
02.00
20.45 P.9209 P/O. Hogg L.85 L.85 CB.776
02.15
21.21 P.9206 S/L. Kay L.85 L.85 CB.777
02.50
20.50 R.3218 P/O. Larney L.85 L.85 CB.778
01.50
20.50 L.7857 P/O. Best L.85 L.85 CB.779
02.00
21.05 L.7784 P/O. Freeman L.85 L.85 CB.780
02.45
21.05 T.2463 P/O. Harkness L.85 LUNEN CB.781
03.30
20.55 R.3171 F/L. Adams L.85 L.85 CB.782
01.45
20.50 L.7797 F/O. Williams.N. L.85 L.85 CB.783
02.40
Traning.
Two flying practices and landings carried out for 2nd Piot.
Night flying practice for 2nd Pilot by S/Ldr. Breckon, (aircraft P.9210) overshot drome and crashed.
Weather.
Surface Wind: NW to W 5-10 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 300-330 degrees 20-25 mph
Weather: Fair or fine.
Cloud: Nil to 3/10 at 2000-3000ft above sea level. Some medium cloud persisting.
Visibility: 6-10 miles improving to 10-15 miles.
Attachments.
Pilot Officer McNamara ceased to be attached to No.3 SFTS, South Cerney. Appendix F.3.
Aug. 16
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Two Cross Country flights carried out for 3 hours, and 2hrs 15miins respectively.
15.25 Local landings practiced by F/O. Williams W.M.C. in aircraft L.7848.
16.05
Aircraft.
Wellington Mark IC T.2550 received from No.23 Maintainance Unit Aldergrove, for use by this Squadron. Authority:- 41 Group Signal A.582 dated 15/8/40.
Weather.
Surface Wind: W to NW 5-10 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 300-330 degrees 15-20 mph.
Weather: Fair or cloudy much haze around dusk clearing somewhat later.
Cloud: 4/10-8/10 at 3000-4000ft.
Visibility: 2-4 miles at first improving to 4-8 miles later, but deteriorating to 2-4 miles in places in early morning.
Aug. 17
Operations.
One aircraft of the ten detailed to carry out operations, returned to base after being out for 20 minutes, due to W/T electrical trouble, as something was taken over repairing this defect, that particular sorties was cancelled altogether (CB.806. F/L. Adams).
CB.796 failed to locate primary target A.97, so set course for SOEST Marshalling Yards, and attacked in shallow dive. Bursts not observed owing to heavy accurate flak. In other target areas, bursts were observed and many fires started. Balloons again reported flying in RUHR area up to 12,000 feet. Heavy flak experienced by most aircraft on target A.97 in region of MUNSTER and UTRECHT, good for height and accuracy. Searchlights very numerous over whole of target areas. 10/10 cloud encountered over practically whole of route except in the RUHR. Navigation was by D/R, visual observations, Astro and homing bearings.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.25 L.7797 F/O. Williams.N. A.97 Nil CB.728
04.05
20.25 T.2463 P/O. Harkness A.97 A.97 CB.794
03.45
20.35 R.3169 F/L. Lucas A.97 A.97 CB.795
03.15
20.35 R.3168 F/O. Williams.W.M.C. A.97 SOEST. CB.796
03.35
20.45 R.3218 P/O. Larney K.62 K.62 CB.799
02.45
20.45 L.7857 P/O. Best K.62 K.62 CB.800
03.45
21.00 P.9209 P/O. Hogg M.434 M.434 CB.801
01.30
21.00 L.7848 P/O. Curtis M.434 M.434 CB.802
02.10
20.45 L.7784 P/O. Freeman A.97 CB.807
04.20
20.40 R.3171 F/L. Adams A.97 Returned CB.806
21.20
Training.
11.30 Cross Country flight out in aircraft L.7848 (P/O. Pownall and crew).
13.45
15.40 “ “ “ “ “ R.3159 (P/O. Peel and crew)
17.55
Local landings practice given to three Pilots by S/Ldr. Breckon, i/c “B” FLight.
Aircraft.
Wellington Mark IC, T.2474, despatched from No.24 Maintainance Unit Ternhill, for use with this Squadron. Authority:- 41 Group Signal A.625 dated 16/8/40.
Weather.
Surface Wind: West to North West 5-10 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000feet 300-330 degrees 15-20 mph increasing to 20 mph later.
Weather: Fine. Risk of local fog patches towards dawn.
Cloud: Little of no cloud.
Visibility: 6-10 miles deteriorating to 1-3 miles with fog patches.
Aug. 18
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
9.40 Two aircraft carried out Bombing and Air Firing practice
11.15
Two aircraft carried out Cross Country flight of 2hrs. 40 mins each
One aircraft carried out Cross Country flight of 1.hr. 5 mins.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 10-15 mph
Upper Wind: Upper winds to 6000ft 280-300 degrees 15-20 mph.
Weather: Fair or fine.
Cloud: Little or no cloud (low) in morning, but cloud at 2500-3500ft increasing to 5/10-8/10 this afternoon.
Visibility: Improving to 6 – 12 miles.
Aug. 19
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGETS D.4. A.17. and M.431
Ten Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out operations on the above. For the attack on target D.4 at Kiel, the weather was against the raiders with the result that the main objective was not located, so secondary targets in that area were successfully bombed. DE KOOY aerodrome in Northern Holland bombed, bursts observed, but damage not estimated, and WANGEROGE aerodrome also bombed. On primary targets, believed hits, but on the whole actual observations poor. Balloons again seen, and a number of dummy flare paths noticed in various sections. A.A. Fire very intense over target D.4 and over all the North Fresian Islands. Searchlights active in all target areas. Navigation by D/R, visual observations, and homing bearings. Astro was used by Sorties CB.812 and CB.813 with very good results.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
21.00 R.3297 S/L.Breckon D.4 KIEL CB.810
04.20
21.00 R.3169 F/L. Lucas D.4 KIEL CB.811
03.05
21.10 R.3171 F/L. Adams D.4 DE KOOY CB.812
04.30
21.20 L.7784 F/O Freeman D.4 KIEL CB.813
03.50
21.20 L.7797 F/O. Willaims.N. D.4 KIEL CB.814
21.15 R.3168 F/O. Williams.W. D.4 WANGEROOGE CB.815
05.20
21.00 T.2463 P/O. Harkness A.17 DE KOOY CB.822
03.55
21.00 R.3218 P/O. Larney A.17 WUNSTORE CB.823
02.45
21.00 P.9206 P/O. Hogg A.17 DIEPHOLZ CB.824
02.30
21.10 L.7848 P/O Curtis M.431 M.431 CB.825
02.25
Training.
10.40 Pilot Officer Peel in aircraft R.3159, practiced “ZZ” landings at Mildenhall
12.15
21.50 Pilot Officer Peel in aircraft R.3159 carried out Cross Country.
23.10
Weather.
Surface Wind: NW 10-15 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 330 degrees 25-30 mph.
Weather: Occasional rain or showers this afternoon and early evening.
Cloud: 8/10/10 at 3000-4000ft becoming, after temporary clearance, 8-10/10 at 2000-3000ft and occasionally at 800 feet inprecipitation. Cloud decreasing at end of period.
Visibility: Good except in showers
Aug. 20
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Two Cross Country flights carried out, for 2 hours, and 1 hr 40 minutes respectively.
Weather.
Surface Wind: West 5-10 mph freshening to 15-20 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 310 degrees 25 mph becoming 290 dgs 35-40 mph.
Weather: Cloudy
Cloud: Shallow broken cloud at 3000ft with patches at 1500ft late in period. Mainly 7-10/10 above 8,000 feet throughout period.
Visibility: 6-12 Miles.
Aug. 21
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred today.
Aug. 22
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
One Cross country flight of 2 hours duration, carried out in aircraft R.3171 (Capt. F/L. Adams, practice for second Pilot)
One Cross Country flight of 2hrs 10mins duration in aircraft R.3168 (Capt. P/O Pownall).
15.15 One aircraft practiced local and blind flying.
16.00
Weather.
Surface Wind: Northwesterly 30-35 mph exceeding gale force at times in gusts.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000 330-360 degrees 45-55 mph.
Weather: Cloudy with frequent showers or thundery rain, hail at times.
Cloud: 7-10/10 base 2000-3000 ft above MSL falling to 600-1000ft in showers.
Visibility: 10-20 miles deteriorating to 1-2 miles in showers.
Aug. 23
Operations.
Nil
Training.
15.00 P/O. Hogg and crew carried out Cross Country flight in aircraft T.2525.
17.00
21.00 P/O. Denton and P/O. McArthur, given Dual landing practice by F/Lt. Adams, in aircraft P.9209, of one hour each.
23.00
Weather.
Surface Wind: Northwesterly 10-15 mph with gusts of 20mph at times.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 340-360 degrees 20-30 mph.
Weather: Frequent squally showers at first diminishing in frequency and intensity towards dusk.
Cloud: 7-10/10 base 1000-2000ft above MSL, base lowering to 600ft in showers. Cloud amount diminishing towards dusk.
Visibility: 10-15 miles deteriorating to 1-3 miles in showers.
Aug. 24
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGETS A.161 AND M.434.
Eleven Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out above operations. CB.837 (F/Lt.Adams) did not complete the sortie due to engine trouble, when over enemy territory. The operations taken on the whole, were not very successful, due to extremely bad weather conditions encountered. Secondary targets and other targets bombed. A few bursts observed, and medium fires started, but majority of damage not observed due to 10/10 cloud and haze. A.A. fire was heavy at most areas attacked, and despite cloud prevailing, good accuracy attained by heavy batteries. Usual activity by searchlights. Navigation by D/R, visual observations. Homing bearings and Astro.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.45 R.3171 F/Lt. Adams A.161 Returned CB.837
23.45
20.45 R.3218 P/O. Larney A.161 KOBLENZE CB.838
02.45
0.45 P.9209 P/O. Hogg A.161 C.58 CB.839
02.20
20.50 R.3297 S/Ldr. Breckon A.161 B.57 CB.840
02.00
20.55 R.3169 F/Lt. Lucas A.161 A.161 CB.841
02.05
21.00 T.2474 F/O. Williams W.M.C. A.161 LIMBORG CB.842
03.30
21.15 L.7784 P/O. Freeman A.161 YISMUNDEN CB.843.
04.00
21.15 T.2463 P/O. Harkness A.161 HANDAU CB.844
02.55
20.45 L.7797 F/O. Williams,N. M.434 – CB.848
02.45
21.00 L.7848 P/O. Curtis. M.434 M.434 CB.849
03.00
21.00 R.3172 P/O. Gilmour M.434 – CB.850
02.30
Training.
One aircraft practiced Lorenz approaches for 30 minutes.
21.30 Local night flying practice carried out by P/O. Pownall and crew in aircraft P.9280.
Posting.
Pilot Officer M.H. McFarlane posted to this Unit from 149 Squadron, Mildenhall with effect from 24/8/40. (Authority: No. 3 Group Signal P.812 dated 23/8/40).
The undermentioned Oficers posted to this Unit from No.20 O.T.U. Lossie mouth with effect from dates state against their names. (Authority: No.6 Grp Sig.P.27 19/8/40)
78642. Pilot Officer E.A. Jelley. G.D. 24/8/40.
– Pilot Officer E.B. Lockwood. G.D. 26/8/40.
Aug. 25
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
15.00 Cross Country flight carried out in aircraft R.3168 by P/O. Pownall and crew.
16.30
14.30 Blind Flying Practice was carried out in aircraft P.9280, three crews did one hr each.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 5-10 mph.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000feet. 270-290 degrees, 10-20 mph.
Weather: Fair.
Cloud: 7/10-9/10 at about 3000ft. lowering at times after dusk to 2000 feet.
Visibility: 8-12 miles but 4-6 miles at times after dusk.
Aug. 26
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON G.82, C.38 DUISBORG, ARNHEIM, AND FLUSHING.
Ten Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against enemy objectives in enemy territory, under the above target numbers. One sortie. Cb865 failed to locate target owing to cloud, and brought bombs back, while taken over all, operations were very successful, good weather being encountered at most targets. On the return journey, CB.851 carried out an attack on a single engine aircraft in the region of NIVELLS, and shot down in flames. A large number of aerodromes noticed to be carrying out night flying in HOLLAND, BELGIUM, and FRANCE. A.A. fire very heavy and accurate in the target area, and searchlights very heavily concentrated in all main target areas. Weather perfect in FRANKFURT area, but very cloudy in the RUHR district. Navigation by D/R, homing bearings and Astro.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.30 L.7784 F/Lt. Adams. G.82 C.38 CB.851
02.30
20.30 T.2550 P/O. Hogg. G.82 G.82 CB.852
02.45
20.30 P.9206 P/O. Larney. G.82 G.82 CB.853
02.30
20.40 L.7797 F/O. Williams.N. G.82 G.82 CB.854
03.00
20.40 R.3169 F/Lt. Lucas G.82 G.82 CB.856
02.30
20.45 T.2463 P/O. Harkness G.82 C.38 CB.857
02.45
20.50 L.7857 P/O. Best. M.61 DUISBORG. CB.864
01.30
21.00 L.7848 P/O. Curtis M.61 – CB.865
02.40
20.50 T.2474 P/O. Gilmour M.61 ARNHEIM CB.866
01.35
20.45 R.3159 P/O. Peel EVERE FLUSHING CB.874
01.10
Training.
15.00 Air Firing and bombing carried out at Berners Heath by P/O. Pownall and crew. P/O. Pownall and crew carried out Cross Country flight of 2 hours 15 minutes duration.
17.00
20.24 P/O. Pownall and crew carried out practice over MARSH Marshalling yards.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Westerly 5-10 mph
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft 280-290 degrees 10-15 mph.
Weather: Cloudy.
Cloud: 8-10/10 at 5000-6000ft thinning and braking somewhat during period.
Visibility: 5-10 miles.
Aug. 27
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
Nothing of importance occurred to-day.
Aug. 28
Operations.
Nil
Training.
P/O Denton and crew carried out a Cross Country flight of 2hrs 50 minutes duration, and single engine approaches and duals practiced.
Weather.
Surface Wind: Winds up to 6000ft mainly variable less than 15 mph.
Weather: Fine or fair.
Cloud: Nil to 4/10 low cloud at 3000-4000 feet. Varying amounts of medium and high cloud.
Visibility: 6-12 miles becoming 2-4 miles towards midnight. Risk of local fog patches.
Postings.
The undermentioned Officers posted to this Unit from No.11 O.T.U. Bassingbourne, with effect from 28.8.40. (Authority:- No. 6 Group Signal. P.81 dated 26/8/40.)
Pilot Officer A.S. Anderson G.D.
Pilot Officer H.D. Newman. G.D.
Pilot Officer C.K. Saxelby G.D.
Pilot Officer A.D. Greenaway G.D.
Aug. 29
Operations. BOMBING ATTACKS ON TARGETS A.69, Z.159, M.116, EVERE AND WAALHAVEN.
Eleven Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out bombing attacks on the above targets. The three aircraft detailed to attack target Z.159 ST.NAZAIRE, FRANCE encountered practically no opposition, and a very peaceful trip was had throughout. Explosions occurred and a few fires were started, as a result of the attacks. Number of flare paths noticed in most German occupied countries. Balloons seen at target Z.159, flying at a height of 6,000 feet. A.A. fire heavy in all target areas. Searchlights very active in RUHR area, only three at target Z.159. Weather very good on the French target, a clear sky being encountered, and a little cloud in the other areas. Navigation by D/R, visual fixes, and homing bearings.
xxxx Aircraft Captain Primary Target Target Attacked Raid Serial No.
20.45 T.2463 P/O. Larney A.69 WESSEL CB.881
02.15
20.35 L.7857 P/O. Best A.69 A.69 CB.882
01.25
20.30 T.2550 P/O. Hogg A.69 A.69 CB.883
02.30
20.45 L.7848 P/O. Currie A.69 A.69 CB.884.
02.30
20.45 T.2474 P/O. Gilmour A.69 BOTTROP CB.885
01.40
20.30 R.3171 F/Lt. Adams Z.159 Z.159 CB.887
03.00
20.40 R.3169 F/Lt. Lucas Z.159 Z.159 CB.888
02.40
20.35 L.7797 F/O. Williams.N. Z.159 Z.159 CB.889
02.50
21.00 R.3297 S/L. Breckon M.116 M.116 CB.894
02.00
20.35 R.3172 P/O. Pownall Z.83 EVERE CB.896
02.25
20.40 L.7784 P/O. McArthur Z.83 WAALHAVEN CB.898
Training.
11.00 One Cross Country flight carried out by Sgt. Noden and crew in aircraft R.3168
14.55
One Cross Country flight of 2 hours 50 minutes duration carried out by P/O. Denton and crew.
Weather.
Surface Wind: W to NW 20-25 mph rather gusty and reaching gale force in exposed places.
Upper Wind: 2000-6000ft. 330 degrees 35-45 mph.
Weather: Mainly fair with occasional showers.
Cloud: 5-8/10 at 2500ft falling to 1000ft at times in showers.
Visibility: 6-12 miles but 2-4 miles in showers.
Aug. 30
Operations.
Nil
Training.
14.20 Sgt. Noden and crew practiced Air firing at WEYBOURNE, in aircraft L.7848.
Aug. 31
Operations.
Nil.
Training.
11.30 Sgt. Noden and crew carried out a Cross Country flight in aircraft R.3168.
| xxxx | Aircraft | Captain | Primary Target | Target Attacked | Raid Serial No. | |||||||
| 21.00 | R.3171 | F/L. Adams. | L.84 | GILZE | CB.728. | |||||||
| 03.00 | ||||||||||||
| 21.00 | P.9209 | P/O. Harkness. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.729. | |||||||
| 01.00 | ||||||||||||
| 21.00 | R.3218 | P/O. Larney. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.730. | |||||||
| 01.30 | ||||||||||||
| 21.05 | R.3297 | S/L. Breckon. | L.84 |
EINDHAVEN. |
CB.731. | |||||||
| 01.05 | ||||||||||||
| 21.10 | R.3169 | F/L. Lucas. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.732. | |||||||
| 01.00 | ||||||||||||
| 21.10 | R.3168 | F/O. Williams W.M.C. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.733. | |||||||
| 01.50 | ||||||||||||
| 21.20 | L.7797 | F/O. Williams. N. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.734. | |||||||
| 01.30 | ||||||||||||
| 21.20 | L.7784 | P/O. Freeman. | L.84 | L.84 | CB.735. |
75(nz)squadron 