Monthly Archives: March 2015

Reg Smith, Rear Gunner – Adamson crew. New pictures

Reginald Arthur Smith, this portrait taken at some point in his training – Rog would join Maurice Adamson’s crew and spend the last year of the War with 759NZ) Squadron RAF at Mepal. © Kevin Smith

Many thanks to Kevin for passing on the picture above of his Father, Reg Smith, Rear Gunner with Maurice Adamson’s crew, who flew in the Squadron towards the end of the War in 1945.

Kevin donated his Father’s logbook to the blog almost exactly 2 years ago and with the arrival of these 2 new pictures, I thought it was worth re-presenting the crew with a full Op history, something, that originally with the blog, I didn’t tend to do when a logbook was added to the collection.

The Adamson crew flew a total of 21 ops before the end of the war and continued to fly a food drop on The Hague, repatriate Prisoners of War from Juvincourt and fly a number of observation trips over Germany to view the effects of the bombing campaign by the Allies.

Interestingly Reg’s logbook also covers the break-up of the Squadron – whilst his Commonwealth crew mates moved with 75(NZ) to Spilsby in preparation for Tiger Force, Reg stayed at Mepal and joined 44 Squadron.

See Reg’s logbook here.

The Adamson crew, date and location unknown. Kevin has identified his Father Reg Smith (Rear Gunner), front row center and Jack Fisher, the crew’s Wireless Operator is on the back row far right. Kevin also thinks that Monty Adamson is to the left of Reg, with Noel Unwin to his right. Interestingly, perhaps strangely, the picture seems to contain another Pilot – identity unknown. © Kevin Smith

The Adamson crew arrived at Mepal on the 19th of January 1945 from 1653 Conversion Unit. Probably, as Wing Commander, without his crew, Mac Baigent took the whole crew up for their first Op on the 9th of February to Hohenbudburg.

09/02/1945 – Attack Against Hohenbudburg
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Lutskendorf, but the target was changed during the afternoon to Hohenbudberg. This operation was carried out in 8/10th cloud with tops about 10,000. Flak was slight to moderate and S/L effective. A scattered raid was reported.

Lancaster Mk.III LM740 AA-B

W/C Cyril Henry ‘Mac’ Baigent, RNZAF NZ411973/ 70038 – Pilot.
F/O M. Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/S Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 03:51 – Landed 08:32
Flight Time 04:41

13/02/1945 – Attack Against Dresden
Twenty aircraft attacked Dresden as detailed. Very slight H/F was only opposition. The first aircraft over the target reported thin cloud which had cleared for later aircraft. Some aircraft were able to bomb visually. Crews reported the whole town was well alight and could see the glow of fires 100 miles away on return A highly successful raid.

Lancaster Mk.III LM740 AA-B

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 22:17 – Landed 07:04
Flight Time 08:47

22/02/1945 – Attack Against Osterfeld
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Osterfeld, carrying 4000 HC 500 ANM 250 GP bombs, JN”O” F/L Jones, K. returned early through engine failure. There was no cloud over the target, but some haze. Crews found it difficult to identify the target visually owing to smoke and difficult formation flying conditions in flak, but the impression is that the concentration of bombing was excellent and the target well “pranged”. Flak was moderate to intense and several aircraft were damaged.

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

Take Off 12:54 – Landed 18:02
Flight Time 05:08

23/02/1945 – Attack Against Gelsenkirchen
Sixteen aircraft attacked Gelsenkirchen as detailed. There was ten tenths thin cloud over the target with horizontal visibility between 500/ 1000 yds. Formation keeping was very difficult in these conditions, but crews reported quite a good bombing concentration on special equipment and leaders. Opposition from flak was very slight and no fighters were seen. F/S Barr, D. landed at Warboys.

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 11:56 – Landed 17:18
Flight Time 05:22

25/02/1945 – Attack Against Kamen
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack Kamen. Thin stratus cloud in layers covered the target area, but at times crews were able to make out the target and report a considerable white smoke followed by thick black smoke rising to a good height. Accurate H/F was experienced. AA”B” captained by F/S Klitscher is missing from this operation

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 09:46 – Landed 15:10
Flight Time 05:24

27/02/1945 – Attack Against Gelsenkirchen
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack Gelsenkirchen, carrying 4000 HC 500 ANM 500 MC bombs. NZ426904 F/O M.Adamson and NZ425292 F/L D.Sadgrove returned early through engine trouble. Cloud was ten tenths. Leaders met slight to moderate H/F. No results were seen.

Lancaster Mk.III PB421 dnc AA-K
A/C returned early owing to engine trouble

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 11:31 – Landed 15:52
Flight Time 04:21

01/03/1945 – Attack Against Kamen
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack Kamen, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500ANM., 500 M.C. and Munro bombs. F/O D. Barr in AA”C” jettisoned and returned early through engine trouble. Crews bombed on special equipment as the target was obscured by ten tenth cloud. Flak was negligible.

Lancaster Mk.I PB741 AA-E

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 12:02 – Landed 17:26
Flight Time 05:24

02/03/1945 – Attack Against Cologne
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack Cologne. No aircraft bombed owing to special equipment failiure. Three aircraft jettisoned due to flak damage to engines, the remainder bringing their bombs back. F/O Woodcock was wounded in the neck and his engineer F/Sgt. Gibb in the legs but landed safely at base.

Lancaster Mk.I PB741 DNC AA-E

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 13:18 – Landed 18:35
Flight Time 05:17

05/03/1945 – Attack Against Gelsenkirchen
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Gelsenkirchen. AA”E” F/S Lukins was withdrawn. AA”W” F/L Parker and JN”X” P/O Cleminson returned early through engine trouble. The remainder found the target obscured by 10/10ths cloud tops 15,000 ft. Aircraft bombed on special special equipment. Leaders had a good run in and there was a good concentration at this time. Aircraft were met by slight H/F on outward route. No fighters were seen.

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 10:36 – Landed 16:13
Flight Time 05:37

06/03/1945 – Attack Against Salzbergen
Sixteen aircraft attacked Salzbergen in 10/10ths cloud up to 11,000ft. with nil clouds below. The formation was well packed over the target and released simultaneously. A slight upheaval of the cloud a minute later was all that could be seen. Slight H/F was the only opposition.

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 08:30 – Landed 14:22
Flight Time 05:52

09/03/1945 – Attack Against Datteln
Twenty one aircraft attacked Datteln as detailed. A good concentration of aircraft and bombing reported. Cloud ten tenths. No opposition was encountered. A mushroom of smoke was seen penetrating cloud.

Lancaster Mk.I PB763 AA-A

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 10:35 – Landed 16:00
Flight Time 05:25

10/03/1945 – Attack Against Gelsenkirchen Buer
Twenty one aircraft attacked Gelsenkirchen as detailed. Aircraft bombed in light formation and all bombs were dropped together. Cloud was ten tenths. Slight H/F was encountered.

Lancaster Mk.I PB763 AA-A

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 12:35 – Landed 17:32
Flight Time 04:57

14/03/1945 – Attack Against Heinrich Hutte
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Crews found the target covered with 10/10ths cloud. Formation was good though the target and bombs fell away together. Very accurate moderate H/F was met on the run in and over the target. F/Lt. E. Parsons in AA”E” failed to return. His aircraft was seen to be hit causing it to spiral into cloud. F/S McLernon landed at Woodbridge but returned to base the following day.

Lancaster Mk.III LM544 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 13:33 – Landed 18:45
Flight Time 05:12

17/03/1945 – Attack Against Auguste Viktoria
Nineteen aircraft took off to attack the Auguste Viktoria Benzol Oil plant. Cloud and vapour trails limited visibility to 50yds over the target, but the aircraft remained in light formation and bombs were released together. No results were seen. Opposition was slight H./F.

Lancaster Mk.I RA541 AA-J

P/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 12:03 – Landed 17:13
Flight Time 05:10

20/03/1945 – Attack Against Hamm
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack the Marshalling Yards at Hamm. There were 6-7/10ths cloud over the target with tops at about 10,000ft. Some confusion was caused by the preceding squadron leading this squadron off track and scattering the formation. However a fair concentration was attained in the end. Some H/F was encountered.

Lancaster Mk.I RA541 AA-J

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 10:13 – Landed 15:36
Flight Time 05:23

23/03/1945 – Attack Against Wesel
Eight aircraft were detailed to attack Wesel carrying 1,000 M65 (RT), 1,000 M65 (B.T.) and Munro bombs. The target was attacked with the aid of special equipment. There was no cloud over the target but the visibility was poor owing to smoke. All crews reported a good concentration of bombs on the A/P. Very slight H/F was experienced.

Lancaster Mk.I RF190 AA-F

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 15:08 – Landed 19:15
Flight Time 04:07

29/03/1945 – Attack Against Salzgitter
Twenty one aircraft attacked Saltzgitter as detailed. Cloud was ten tenths, tops up to 19,000 ft and thin cloud and contrails persisting above, reducing visibility to 500yds. No results were observed and a scattered raid is reported. Flak moderate.

Lancaster Mk.I NN747 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 12:32 – Landed 19:23
Flight Time 06:51

04/04/1945 – Attack on Meresburg
21 aircraft were detailed to make a night attack on MERSEBURG.. (AA’R’ F/O C Stevens) returned early through technical trouble. (JN’D’ F/O J. Wood) was hit by flak before reaching the target, the B/ Aimer (F/S Hooper) was burned about the face and the Pilot’s hands were slightly burned, the F/Engineer (Sgt. Williamson) apparently fell through the M.U.G Turret. Crews bomber glows of fires on Master Bomber’s instructions. Fires were fairly concentrated though reports indicate a rather scattered raid. Flak moderate to light.

Lancaster Mk.I NF741 AA-D

F/O Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 18:44 – Landed 02:55
Flight Time 08:11

13/04/1945 – Minelaying at Kiel
21 aircraft were detailed to attack Keil, carrying 4,000 HCN, 1000 ANM, 500 ANM and Munro Bombs. The target was covered by 10/10 cloud and tops 4/5000. Bombing was concentrated and fires were seen on leaving target. Flak was Slight. This was also a leaflet raid.

Lancaster Mk.III NF741 AA-D

F/L Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 20:27 – Landed 02:35
Flight Time 06:08

14/04/1945 – Attack on Potsdam
25 aircraft were detailed to attack POTSDAM. There was no cloud and visibility was good. A very concentrated attack developed and the target was well alight by the time the last aircraft were on their way home. Flak was slight and bursting well below stream. AA’T’ (F/O A.R. Baynes) was attacked by two enemy aircraft believed to be JU.88’s 20 miles S.W. of Potsdam on the homeward journey. The Flight Engineer (Sgt. Sliman) was killed by canon shell.

Lancaster Mk.I NN747 AA-D

Take Off 18:22 – Landed 02:49
Flight Time 08:27

20/04/1945 – Attack on Regensburg
20 aircraft were detailed to bomb REGENSBURG. Perfect visibility and the river, dock and target areas could be made out. Bombing appears to have been fairly well concentrated round the target starting with a slight undershoot but some bombs also spread to the M/yards beyond. The crew on starboard side of formation claimed direct hits on railway bridge. Flak slight but accurate.

Lancaster Mk.III ME531 AA-K

Take Off 09:57 – Landed 17:13
Flight Time 07:16

24/04/1945 – Attack on Bad Oldesloe
21 aircraft were detailed to attack BAD OLDESLOE. JN/N (F/L Preyer) failed to take off owing to engine trouble and AA/Y (F/S Reay) made an early return owing to fire in starboard outer engine. No opposition was encountered but slight flak seen over Dutch Coast. Some of the bombs fell to the port of the A/P. Main attack considered very good.

Lancaster Mk.I NN747 AA-D

Take Off 07:09 – Landed 12:57
Flight Time 05:48

30/04/1945 – Supply Dropping – Rotterdam
21 Aircraft were detailed to Supply dropping in the Rotterdam area. Crowds of Dutch were seen waving and cheering. The Operation was carried out successfully.

Lancaster Mk.I NG448 AA-A

Take Off 16:51 – Landed 19:29
Flight Time 02:38

04/05/1945 – Supply Dropping at the Hague and Delft
6 Aircraft were detailed for Supply Dropping. Three for The Hague, and three for the Delft. The missions were successful, but fewer people were seen.

Lancaster Mk.I NN747 AA-D

F/L Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber.
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
No Mid Upper Gunner on this Op
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 12:35 – Landed 15:01
Flight Time 02:26

09/05/1945 – Repatriation of Prisoners of War
10 Aircraft were detailed for repatriation of Prisoners of War. The number of men brought back was 240. S/Ldr. B. Mckenna (AA.J) crashed when taking off at Dunsfold for Baso. There were no injuries and the crew returned with F/Lt. M. Adamson (AA.K). Complaints were made of the bad landing procedure at Dunsfold.

Lancaster Mk.III ME531 AA-K

Take Off 07:45 – Landed 19:35
Flight Time 11:50

12/05/1945 – Evacuation of Prisoners of War from Juvincourt
15 Aircraft were detailed for the evacuation of Prisoners of War from Juvincourt. The total number returned for the day was 336. F/O G. Cleminson (JN.O) developed a hydraulic leak at Juvincourt. He had to stay overnight and on the return trip next day, brought another 24 men. The total number of men brought back to date is 1320.

Lancaster Mk.III PB418 AA-C

Take Off 08:12 – Landed 12:49
Flight Time 04:37

25/05/1945 – Viewing the Effects of the Bombing Offensive
2 Aircraft were detailed for flights over the continent to see the effects of the bombing offensive.

Lancaster Mk.- NN773? AA-G

Take Off 10:00 – Landed 16:46
Flight Time 06:46

23/06/1945 – Viewing the Effects of the Bombing Offensive
5 aircraft were detailed for viewing the effect of the Bombing Offensive.

Lancaster Mk.I NN747 AA-D

Take Off 09:33 – Landed 14:27
Flight Time 04:54

05/07/1945 – Post Mortem – Checking German Radar Equipment
12 aircraft were detailed for the Post Mortem Operations for checking Gernam Radar Equipment.

LancastervMk.I NN747 AA-D

F/L Maurice James Adamson, RNZAF NZ426904 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Edwin Noel Unwin, RNZAF NZ427347 – Navigator.
F/O Kenneth William Rathbride Mitchell, RNZAF NZ425700 – Air Bomber .
F/S John William Fisher, RNZAF NZ4211617 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Palmer, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frank Rhodes, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner .
Sgt. Reginald Arthur Smith, RAFVR 1606544 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off – Landed
Flight Time 04:40

John Simpson Young and crew – 1945.

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F/S John Simpson Young at the controls of a Lancaster, 1945. – Photo copyright and courtesy of Emil Reale.

Many thanks to Chris for putting together the following post and thanks also to Emil and Jonathan for their valuable contributions.

NX665, the lovingly restored Avro Lancaster holding pride of place in Auckland’s Museum of Transport & Technology (MoTaT) Aviation Hall is not just the centrepiece of the museum’s Bomber Command display, it is a magnet for anyone with an interest in the Bomber Boys and that period of history. Many a conversation and connection has been made beneath the wings of this beautiful aircraft.

Inspired by reading some of the posts in this blog, Emil, the grandson of 75 (NZ) Sqdn Lancaster Pilot John Simpson Young, visited MoTaT and the Lancaster late last year, to seek out someone who he could share his grandfather’s photos with.

Fortunately for Emil, he met up with one of the aircraft’s dedicated guardians and caregivers, Squadron Leader Jonathan Pote. Jonathan has his own significant background in the RAF, including air time in the Lancaster’s descendant, the Avro Shackleton, and over the years has become something of an expert on the Lancaster.

After hearing about Emil’s grandfather’s service on Lancasters, Jonathan gave him a guided tour of the aircraft, which these days proudly wears 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF markings on both sides of the fuselage. With Jonathan’s help, Emil even managed his own version of the cockpit photo above, one that has always been very special to him.

Emil, himself a pilot, at the controls of the MoTaT Lancaster, 12 November 2014. – Photo copyright and courtesy of Emil Reale.

Emil generously offered copies of his grandfather’s photos to the NZ Bomber Command Assn., and Jonathan passed on his contact. After a series of emails, we have been able to provide some more detail around the photos, and of the Young crew’s time at Mepal, and later Spilsby, which he has kindly allowed us to reproduce here.

23.4.45: Administration
NZ4213650 F/Sgt J Young and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base.

No. 75 Base was RAF Swinderby, the home of 1660 Heavy Conversion Unit, a heavy bomber training establishment.

John Young and his crew arrived at 75 (NZ) Squadron on 23 April 1945, only weeks before the war ended, and missed out on taking part in any war operations.

In fact, although they didn’t realise it at the time, the Squadron took part in its last bombing Op’ of the war the very next day, on 24 April, when it sent 21 Lancasters to take part in a daylight attack on rail marshalling yards at Bad Oldesloe.

John doesn’t appear to have flown a “second dickey” op’ – the practice of taking new Pilots on a familiarisation op’ as Second Pilot seems to have been dropped around this time. The Squadron was still involved in bombing practice however, and training for supply dropping.

At Prince Bernhard’s request, the British and US militaries had negotiated a truce with German forces in occupied Holland so that food supplies could be dropped to starving civilians. This humanitarian aid effort was code named “Operation Manna” by the RAF.

75 (NZ) Squadron carried out its first Manna drop on 29 April.

So the crew’s first op’ was a supply drop to the Dutch city of Delft, on 7 May 1945:

7.5.45: Supply Dropping at Delft
26 Aircraft were detailed for Supply Dropping at Delft. The mission was uneventful. Oil patches and yellow objects were seen in the sea near the Dutch coast.

Lancaster I HK562, AA-L “Lucy”.
Take Off: 12:20 – Landed: 14:48 1/2
Flight Time: 2:28 1/2

F/Sgt John Simpson Young, RNZAF, NZ4213650, Captain and Pilot
F/Sgt Lawrence Fitzgerald, RNZAF, NZ436144, Navigator
F/Off John Edward Gammon, RAF, Bomb Aimer
F/Sgt William Alfred Wagener, RNZAF, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
Sgt C. Over, RAF, Flight Engineer
LAC Smedley, Passenger
F/Sgt P. or T. or D. Wesborn, (Westborn?), RAF, Rear Gunner

Supplies carried 3 1/2 Packs.
Saw white cross and red T.I. Very successful mission. All packs were dropped.

Note: Lancaster HK562, L for Lucy (also known by some crews as “Love”) was a Squadron veteran, having arrived in June 1944. She is mentioned in both “Luck and a Lancaster” by Harry Yates DFC, and “Bombs On Target” by Ron Mayhill, DFC. A member of the Mallon crew records that she was “retired” on 99 bombing op’s, however she re-appears in these Operation Manna supply drops, so technically could be one of only a handful of 75 (NZ) Sqdn Lancasters to reach the “ton”.

8.5.45: V.E. DAY
A Station Parade was held at 14.30 hours to mark the event, and the Prime Ministers speech was heard. The Parade was dismissed by the Station Commander, who stated that all personnel not on essential duties were free for the rest of the day.

Operation Exodus
The next job for the bombers was to help bring liberated Allied Prisoners Of War home to England from Europe – Operation Exodus. 75 (NZ) Sqdn made trips to France on the 9th and 10th of May, bringing back 24 POW’s in each Lancaster.

The Young crew flew to Juvincourt, France, to collect POW’s for repatriation on 11 May.

11.5.45: Repatriation of Prisoners Of War at Juvincourt
Two missions were made today. 15 Aircraft were detailed for the first mission, and 6 Aircraft for the second mission. F/O H. Trewheela and crew were on both missions. Repatriation of Prisoners of War at Juvincourt was the objective. F/O H. Trewheela (JN.F) starboard outer failed as he approached the landing field. He returned to Base without landing, and he reached Juvincourt on the second mission, but was refused permission to land and told to return to Base. F/O R. Wilson (AA.F) had engine trouble at Tangmere and his return was delayed. A total of 336 men returned for the first mission. Weather deteriorated during the day and only 48 men were brought back by the second mission. F/L S. Peryer (JN.N) returned from Juvincourt on three engines. F/O T. Good (AA.S) was forced to land at Upwood on return due to weather conditions.

Lancaster I NF935, AA-P
Take Off: 17:34 1/2 – Landed: 21:54 1/2
Flight Time: 2:20

F/Sgt John Simpson Young, RNZAF, Captain and Pilot
F/Sgt Lawrence Fitzgerald, RNZAF, Navigator
F/Off John Edward Gammon, RAF, Bomb Aimer
F/Sgt William Alfred Wagener, RNZAF, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
Sgt C. Over, RAF, Flight Engineer
F/Sgt P. or T. or D. Wesborn, (Westborn?), RAF, Mid Upper Gunner
F/Sgt T. Goddard, Rear Gunner

Number of men carried – NIL.
Landed at Juvincourt and was told to return to Base direct without Prisoners Of War.

Part of the second group of aircraft sent from Mepal that day, they had to return empty, due to deteriorating weather. Only two Lancasters from the second group were able to fly with passengers, ie., they could only bring 48 men back. That must have been extremely disappointing for the crews, no doubt looking forward to the highly emotional prospect of bringing their boys home.

They flew to Juvincourt again on 13 May:

13.5.45: Repatriation of Prisoners Of War at Juvincourt
20 Aircraft were detailed to evacuate Prisoners of War from Juvincourt. This was a bad day, for only 24 men were brought back, and these men were brought back by F/S R. Hamilton (AA.F).

Lancaster III PB427, AA-U
Take Off: 12:31 1/2 – Landed: 16:27
Flight Time: 3:56

F/Sgt John Simpson Young, RNZAF, Captain and Pilot
F/Sgt Lawrence Fitzgerald, RNZAF, Navigator
F/Off John Edward Gammon, RAF, Bomb Aimer
F/Sgt William Alfred Wagener, RNZAF, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
Sgt C. Over, RAF, Flight Engineer
F/Sgt P. or T. Wesborn, (Westborn?), RAF, Mid Upper Gunner
F/Sgt T. Goddard, Rear Gunner

Number of men carried – NIL.

The Young crew, with Lancaster PB427, AA-U, probably at Juvincourt, 13 May 1945. – Photo copyright and courtesy of Emil Reale.

This wonderful crew photo looks to have been taken on this trip, and photos of the Exodus op’s are quite rare. The aircraft appears to be parked on Marsden matting or some similar surface, so its quite likely that the photo was taken that day, 13th May 1945, at Juvincourt airfield in France.

The hand-written signage on the fuselage – “The Young Express. All points west, England & Wales, Scotland & London” and “Young’s Circus. Please remove your hat when we land. We would hate to spoil a (perfectly good?) hat …” – looks to have been applied by by the crew, for the benefit of the POW’s returning home.

This trip was another anti-climax however; most of the 75 (NZ) Sqdn Lancasters were not allowed to take off with passengers due to the strong cross-winds that day, and had to fly home empty.

Lancaster PB427, AA-U – the ‘G’ suffix…..
PB427 is the only Lancaster to appear in 75 (NZ) Squadron’s Operational Record Book (ORB) with the designation “/G”. The “G” apparently signified the installation of highly secret special equipment on the aircraft, and meaning that when on the ground, an armed guard was to be posted alongside her at all times.

PB427 first appears in the ORB with the “/G” suffix on 17 March 1945 – prior to that entry she was always recorded as plain PB427.

The last time she appears in the ORB’s as “/G” is on 29 March 1945.

In her next entry (9/10 April) she reverts to plain PB427, presumably meaning that by then the “special equipment” (whatever it was) had been removed, although as we can see, the /G marking survived.

We can only speculate as to what the equipment was; possibly improved versions of the “Oboe” or “Gee” radar systems that the RAF was working on. By this time, most of the aircraft on the Squadron were equipped with “G-H” blind bombing equipment, but the G-H system had several limitations.

The Young crew’s op’ on 13 May is the last mention of PB427 in the ORB’s. She was transferred out to 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit, RAF North Luffenham some time later in May.

Operation Baedecker
The crew appears in the ORB again on 18 June:

18.6.45: Viewing the effects of the bombing offensive
5 Aircraft were detailed for viewing the effects of the Bombing Offensive.

Lancaster I HK576, AA-L.
Take Off: 14:36 – Landed: 19:05
Flight Time: 4:29

As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation to those serving in non-flying supporting roles, a series of 4-6 hour observation flights were undertaken almost daily in 3 Group aircraft till the end of June 1945, observing German cities, towns, and other strategic targets engaged by the squadrons of Bomber Command almost nightly during the bombing offensive. This was known as Operation Baedecker (named after the popular German travel guide).

75 (NZ) Squadron’s contribution was 95 reconnaissance flights over the 36 day period, amounting to over 437 hrs flight time. These observation flights in Lancasters were to be the last flown by the Squadron from RAF Mepal.

Pilot Officer John S. Young was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer (acting) on 2 July 1945.

After the end of the war in Europe, 75 (NZ) Squadron underwent a major transformation, readying itself for a move to the Pacific, and long-range bombing efforts in support of the war against Japan.

It was to be part of Tiger Force, also known as the Very Long Range Bomber Force, made up of Commonwealth squadrons from RAF Bomber Command. The plan was for Tiger Force to be based on Okinawa, flying Lancasters, Lincolns and Liberators, launching long range, in-flight-refuelled bombing operations on mainland Japan.

75 (NZ) Squadron was now to be solely staffed by New Zealanders (a condition of participation in Tiger Force requested by the NZ government). All Aussies left the Sqdn on 3 July 1945, plus 23 associated RAF personnel, leaving 90 Kiwis.

Young, Fitzgerald and Wagener stayed on for Tiger Force training.

75 (NZ) Sqdn moved from Mepal to RAF Station Spilsby, No. 5 Group, on 21 July.

The Squadron was allocated 20 tired Lancasters (they left their own a/c behind at Mepal), with a view to immediately upgrading these to Avro Lincolns. However production delays meant that only 3 Lincolns were ever delivered, and then not until mid-September, after Japan had surrendered

VJ Day on 16 August meant Tiger Force was no longer required, and effectively meant the end of the Squadron.

The boys were eventually posted to No. 28 A.C.H.U. (Aircrew Holding Unit), RAF Wigsley on 28 September (Young and Fitzgerald) and 4 October (Wagener), pending repatriation, just before the Squadron was wound down.

It was finally decided that 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, RAF, would be disbanded on 15 October 1945.

After the war, John Young moved to Wellington with his wife, who he met in Europe. He started a family and set up two successful import/manufacturing businesses, John Young Flooring & John Young Furniture. John Young Furniture flourished in Auckland, where he later moved with his family, and the business still exists – Harvey Norman stores still sell the furniture. The family had a house in Remuera, and later Clevedon.

Bill Wagener returned to his family land at Houhora in the Far North of New Zealand, involved in operating a camping ground, the Wagener Holiday Park, which is still in business, and the Wagener Museum, which closed in 2003. John and Bill kept in touch after the war, and John used to enjoy visiting his old mate up North.

John Simpson Young: 18 June 1922 – 7 September 2001. – Photo copyright and courtesy of Emil Reale

Emil says:
“I wish I had taken more interest in this subject while my grandfather was still alive. I think it was mainly down to his stubborn silence on the topic. He only opened up to me about it shortly before he died. My mother and uncle’s told me he never spoke to them about the war. Even though JS Young arrived late in the war and never saw direct combat, he made comments to me about the devastation he witnessed from above (perhaps the recon flights?). I don’t think he was ever at peace with what he had seen.”

Emil and his daughter with the MoTaT Lancaster, November 2014. – Photo copyright and courtesy of Emil Reale. – Special thanks to Emil Reale for permission to reproduce these photographs.

Ron Brown, Flight Engineer – Rodgers crew

2 Replies

Kevin has informed me of the sad news earlier today, of the passing of Ron Brown.

Ron flew with Jack Rodgers, ‘B’ Flight Squadron Leader between September 1944 and January 1945. Ron had begun his tour with 218 Squadron in May 1944.

After 10 Ops, he and the majority of his crew were posted to Mepal to join 75(NZ) Squadron RAF.

He completed his 1st tour after the Saarbrucken raid on the 13th of January 1945 with a total of 30 Ops – his log book being signed off by his own Pilot and Squadron Leader, showing 129.5 operational flying hours.

View Ron’s log book, showing his tour across 218 and 75(NZ) Squadron here.

Ake Ake Kia Kaha

75nzsquadron.com – now on Pinterest……..

4 Replies

Perhaps after my post last week about the difficulties of contacting people and the problems of communicating via the comments sections of posts – I may be biting off more than I can chew with this post – but I think its worth mention it and for some people, this might allow a new interrogation of the information on the blog – so here goes…….

OK, so there is this thing on the internet called Pinterest – which essentially revolves around the idea of having a (P)interest in something and being able to Pin(terest) images of interest and keep them all together to view or add to.

Bev my wife has been avidly using Pinterest for a while now and watching her, I had a thought regarding the images on the blog.

It strikes me that through necessity of the blog, the method of approaching information is a very linear affair – either you start at the beginning (over 500 posts ago) and work up, or you start today and work backwards in time. Which ever way you choose, its a hellish task and the likelihood is, unless you know what you are looking for – you may well never find it……..

Potentially a far more rewarding approach is to simply pick a post based on a picture that takes your fancy – I know as a ‘creative’ that often, the most interesting discoveries are sometimes to be had, simply by seeing a picture and wondering what the story is behind it.

To this end, I have created a Pinterest account and started a few collection boards – one contains – or will eventually contain, all the photographs of the boys, the aircraft, the airfields etc that have been presented on the 75nzsquadron.com.

A screen grab of a small portion of my Pinterest 75nzsquadron board, showing the way the images that have been pinned are presented

I hope this collection board might let those who are willing to create another affiliation with another online service and have to remember another email and password combination ( I say another because obviously we don’t all use the same passwords for everything, because that wouldn’t be very secure now would it……), you might discover some posts and some pictures you might not have seen before, simply by something catching your attention.

Getting you to the board, is, I am sure quite straightforward – just click on this link and you should be able to start looking through the archives………

Visit my Pinterest 75(NZ) Squadron RAF board here.

I’d actually be (P)interested to hear from anybody who might give this a go, in terms of whether it was an (P)interesting way to find new things on the blog

cheers

Simon

200,000 + views – thank you all so much, an amazing achievement……

A breakdown in communications I fear……..

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I must confess, I am growing increasingly concerned about my ability to communicate back to new relatives contacting the blog. Looking for an old email in my sent folder this week, I was actually shocked to realise the number of emails that I have sent out as replies to contacts, never to hear anything back……

Now, I suppose straight off the bat, I have to accept that some people, having received the information, may simply take it and not acknowledge receipt, as they have simply used me for information – a little annoying I think, but this blog is about a bomber squadron, not about teaching manners I suppose………

In actual truth, I think the answer is for the most part, far more simple and I need to take steps to try to remedy the situation.

At the moment, there are 3 ways a new relative, or someone seeking information can make contact with me:

Make a comment on the ‘Ask an individual’ section of the blog
FIll out the contact form and send it
Make a comment on a post where perhaps the information is specific to the content or individuals named or tagged in that post.
Email me directly on info@75nzsquadron.com.

My dawning realisation is that the first 3 of these ways have potential problems:

Whilst making a comment is a good direct way of initial contact – I am unsure about the ease, or utilisation of the feature to allow the ‘commenter’ to be notified of a response by myself or others………..
Filling out the contact form, again, a very specific method of passing on initial contact information regarding an individual………..

BUT…………..

It strikes me – and this is the actual point/ request of this post – that when I reply to the majority of contacts by email (I think a formal contact is more professional, and also easier to manage from my point of view), I am sending essentially a new email address to someones mail server and I suspect because I am sending, rather than replying, I am, to put no finer point on it, getting junked by the mail client…….

My instant attempts to correct this are as follows:

I am going to remove the contact form.
Accept that people will and should be able to make comments – and I need to at the very least acknowledge these comments and ask for direct contact by email.
Request that ideally, in the first instance, people contact me on info@75nzsquadron.com

Lets see if these changes work…………..

Cheers

Simon

75(nz)squadron

About my father and the aircrews of 75(NZ) Squadron RAF – the largest online resource for 75(NZ) Squadron RAF in the world

Monthly Archives: March 2015

Reg Smith, Rear Gunner – Adamson crew. New pictures

John Simpson Young and crew – 1945.

Ron Brown, Flight Engineer – Rodgers crew

75nzsquadron.com – now on Pinterest……..

200,000 + views – thank you all so much, an amazing achievement……

A breakdown in communications I fear……..