18/04/1944 – Attack Against Rouen
Ten Lancasters were also detailed to bomb the marshalling yards at Rouen, one was withdrawn, but the remaining nine attacked in clear weather with ground haze.
Lancaster Mk.III ND796 AA-J
Sgt. Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Thomas Edward Rowe, RNZAF NZ40437 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:05 – Landed 03:05
Flight Time 04:00
01/05/1944 – Attack Against Chambly
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the marshalling yards at Chambly. Fifteen of these successfully attacked in clear weather, bombing being accurate. Two brief encounters with enemy aircraft took place and resulted in one being possibly damaged. One of our aircraft (Captain NZ41362 F/L. A/S/L. E.W. Sachtler) failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:55 – Landed 02:30
Flight Time 03:35
07/05/1944 – Attack Against Chateau Bolgon Aerodrome
Ten aircraft were detailed to attack Chateau Bougon aerodrome near Nantes. All aircraft successfully attacked in clear weather and bombing was concentrated.
Lancaster Mk.III ND911 JN-V
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:35 – Landed 06:00
Flight Time 05:25
09/05/1944 – Attack Against Cap Gris Nez
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Cap Gris Nez and all successfully completed their mission. Only slight opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND917 JN-O
Sgt. Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 03:05 – Landed 05:10
Flight Time 02:05
11/05/1944 – Attack Against Louvain
Twenty-four aircraft, representing the largest number of Lancaster aircraft so far detailed by this Squadron, were despatched to attack the marshalling yards at Louvain. Twenty-three aircraft successfully attacked in good weather. One aircraft (Captain NZ414591 A/F/L. S. Clark) claimed a JU 88 destroyed in combat over the North Sea. Another aircraft (Captain 151118 A/F/L. D. Warren) failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.I R5692 JN-P “Donald Duck”
DB entry as ND904 but ORB contradicts this
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 01:35
Flight Time 02:45
19/05/1944 – Attack Against Le Mans
Twenty for aircraft successfully bombed the marshalling yards at Le Mans. Good results being reported.
Lancaster Mk.I R5692 JN-P
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:30 – Landed 03:05
Flight Time 04:35
21/05/1944 – Attack Against Duisberg
Twenty five aircraft took off to attack Duisburg, of which twenty one attacked the primary target. Three returned early with various technical failures and one failed to return (Captain NZ421803 P/O. W. Willis). Another aircraft (Captain AUS413157 P/O. A. Humphreys) was attacked by an enemy fighter and the navigator 1438903 F/Sgt. Hill, A. was injured, the aircraft also being damaged.
Lancaster Mk.I R5692 JN-P “Donald Duck”
DB entry as ND904 but ORB contradicts this
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:00 – Landed 03:00
Flight Time 04:00
28/05/1944 – Attack Against Angers
Twenty two aircraft were detailed to attack the marshalling yards at Angers. Six of these were withdrawn, two returned early with engine trouble, but the remaining fourteen aircraft successfully bombed the target in good weather. A good concentrated attack was reported, and opposition was only slight.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
Sgt. Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. F. Crome, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:55 – Landed 01:55
Flight Time 07:00
31/05/1944 – Attack Against Trappes
Twenty four aircraft were despatched to attack the marshalling yards at Trappes. One was withdrawn and another returned early through technical trouble. The remainder, however, bombed in good visibility, reporting an accurate attack. One aircraft (Captain NZ422098 P/O. L. Bonisch) had a combat with an enemy aircraft which was seen to be shot down by another of our aircraft.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. F. Crome, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:10 – Landed 04:55
Flight Time 04:45
02/06/1944 – Attack Against Wissant
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack a target at Wissant, N. France. Owing to thick cloud over the target, twelve aircraft were unable to identify the markers and brought their bombs back. No opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 01:15 – Landed 03:15
Flight Time 02:00
05/06/1944 – Attack Against Ouistreham
The target for No.3 Group was the coastal battery at Ouistreham in N. France. This target, and others in the same area were attacked by strong forces of Bomber Command aircraft immediately prior to the Anglo-American Invasion of the Continent. Twenty six aircraft from this Squadron participated and all were successful in bombing their target with the aid of markers. Opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 03:30 – Landed 07:15
Flight Time 03:45
06/06/1944 – Attack Against Lisieux
Twenty four aircraft took off, as detailed, to attack a target at Lisieux, in support of the invading forces which were establishing a bridge head in Normandy. All aircraft successfully bombed the target and an accurate attack was reported. Only slight opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:50 – Landed 03:15
Flight Time 03:25
08/06/1944 – Attack Against Fougeres
Twenty aircraft took off as detailed to attack Fougeres in N. France. Nineteen aircraft bombed successfully, one bringing its bombs back owing to the Bomb sight being unserviceable when over the target area. Two aircraft had inconclusive combats with enemy aircraft, but the remainder carried out their mission without incident, there being no opposition in the target area.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:05 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 04:20
17/06/1944 – Attack Against Montdidier
Fourteen aircraft were detailed to attack a military target at Montdidier. All aircraft reached the target area where it was found that cloud conditions prevented accurate bombing. The master bomber accordingly gave instructions for crews to abandon their mission, all aircraft except one bringing their bombs back to Base. The exception was the aircraft captained by NZ42488 F/S. Whittington, H. who jettisoned his bombs “safe” in the Channel owing to having a combat with a F.W.190. Our pilot claimed the enemy aircraft to be possibly destroyed.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 dnc JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 01:30 – Landed 04:40
Flight Time 03:10
21/06/1944 – Attack Against Domleger
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack the constructional works at Domleger during daylight. Two aircraft failed to take off and the remainder were unable [to] locate the target, the markers not being visible owing to 10/10th cloud. they were instructed by the master bomber to abandon their mission, and apart from some aircraft which jettisoned their load, bombs were brought back. Opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:10 – Landed 21:00
Flight Time 02:50
23/06/1944 – Attack Against L’Hey
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the constructional works at L’Hey. All crews bombed on instructions from the Master bomber, and the glow of fires seen through clouds indicated a concentrated raid. Opposition was very slight, although one aircraft had an inconclusive combat with two enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:05 – Landed 01:45
Flight Time 02:40
24/06/1944 – Attack Against Rimeux
Twenty five aircraft took off as detailed to attack the constructional works at Rimeux. Twenty four crews bombed successfully with the aid of markers, and an accurate raid was reported. There were numerous searchlights in action, but the A.A. opposition was not serious. The aircraft captained by NZ424788 F/S. Bateson, B. failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:30 – Landed 02:05
Flight Time 02:35
30/06/1944 – Attack Against Villers Bocage
Twenty four aircraft in daylight were detailed to attack enemy concentrations at Villers Bocage, in support of the British and Canadian Armies advance in Northern France. Two aircraft were withdrawn, owing to technical faults, but the remaining twenty two aircraft all bombed their target successfully, and reported a very concentrated raid. Moderate, but heavy A.A. Fire was encountered over the target, but there was no fighter opposition. On return one aircraft landed at Woodbridge and another put down on one of our landing strips in Normandy (the Flight Engineer 1586862 Sgt. McDevitt, P.W. being slightly injured). A unique incident for the Squadron. Another aircraft was damaged by A.A. Fire, but reached Base and made a successful landing.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:15 – Landed 21:15
Flight Time 03:00
07/07/1944 – Attack Against Vaires
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack the Vaires marshalling yard, but the operation was cancelled owing to weather conditions.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:59 – Landed 03:29
Flight Time 04:30
10/07/1944 – Attack Against Nucourt
Twenty seven aircraft took off at dawn to attack Nucourt constructional works site, all aircraft bombing through 10/10th cloud, using navigational aids, but the raid appeared to be scattered. Slight opposition from A.A. fire was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.I HK558 AA-D
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 04:25 – Landed 07:33
Flight Time 03:08
12/07/1944 – Attack Against Vaires
The same twenty five aircraft detailed earlier took off to attack the Vaires marshalling yard in daylight. All aircraft reached the target area, but only two identified the marshalling yard and bombed as ordered. The remaining crews abandoned their mission as instructed by the Master Bomber, and brought their bombs back to base, owing to 10/10ths cloud obscuring the target. Considerable heavy A.A. fire was encountered, but all aircraft returned safely.
Lancaster Mk.III ND917 JN-O
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:13 – Landed 21:45
Flight Time 03:32
15/07/1944 – Attack Against Bois Des Jardine
Ten aircraft took off to attack the constructional works site at Bois Des Jardins. All aircraft bombed the target, but a scattered raid was reported owing to eight to ten tenths cloud. No opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND917 JN-O
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
P/O Terence Cecil May, RNZAF NZ426041 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:35 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 02:45
23/07/1944 – Attack Against Kiel
Twenty aircraft took off as detailed to attack Kiel, and all successfully bombed the target. A concentrated raid was reported and the glow of fires could be seen from the Danish west coast on return. A moderate A.A. barrage was met and two aircraft had combats with enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:43 – Landed 03:46
Flight Time 05:03
24/07/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty one aircraft took off as detailed to attack Stuttgart. Eighteen aircraft bombed the target with the aid of markers, but the raid appeared to be scattered. One aircraft returned early with engine trouble. Intense A.A. fire was encountered over the target, and fighters were fairly active, two aircraft having combats. Two aircraft failed to return, these were captained by NZ415216 P/O. J. McRae & NZ428800 P/O. K. Whitehouse.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O J. ‘Ginge’ Wright, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:50 – Landed 05:31
Flight Time 07:41
28/07/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty two aircraft set out as detailed to attack Stuttgart. Twenty aircraft successfully bombed the target with the aid of markers, but it is thought that several aircraft undershot, as they appeared to be two concentration of fires 2-3 miles apart. Fighters were very active in the target area and also en route, several aircraft having combats. The aircraft captained by NZ413043 A/S/L. L. Drummond, was attacked five times by a JU88, all of which were indecisive, followed by an attack by an unidentified enemy aircraft which is claimed as destroyed, being seen to go down in flames. At the same time as this our aircraft was also being attacked by two JU88s, one of which was damaged by fire from our aircraft. Two aircraft failed to return, they were captained by NZ421403 A/F/L. N. Stokes & NZ421469 F/O. I. Blance.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. R. Hasler, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:56 – Landed 05:42
Flight Time 07:46
30/07/1944 – Attack Against Amaye Sur Seulles
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to take part in an early morning attack on enemy troops and armoured concentrations near Amaye-Sur-Seulles. All crews successfully attacked from a low level and reports indicate that the bombing was well concentrated and ably controlled with a gradual advance southwards as ordered. No results other than clouds of smoke were seen. One aircraft (Captain NZ42117 F/S. Nairne, C.) failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.I LM104 JN-K “Jock’s Box”
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. R. Hasler, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 06:12 – Landed 09:40
Flight Time 03:28
From Andrew MacKenzies logbook notes;
The objective was to drop 500lb bombs from an altitude of 1,000 feet but the flak was so dense at that altitude the attacking force bombed from 500 feet above ground level. LM104 was badly damaged by bomb fragments and flak and Andrew lost the use of the starboard aileron control meaning he had to return to Woodford with the aircraft only able to turn right, and on only two engines. He was awarded the D.F.C. for getting his crew and aircraft home.
01/08/1944 – Attack Against Le Nieppe
Sixteen aircraft took off to attack the Constructional Works Site at Le Nieppe. All aircraft reached the target area and the ten which were at the head of the bomber stream, bombed with the aim of markers, but later aircraft were instructed not to bomb, and these brought their bombs back. There was slight A.A. opposition but no fighter activity. There was 10/10ths cloud at the target.
Lancaster Mk.I HK554 JN-F
F/S Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
F/S L. Edgerton, RAFVR 1463367 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:11 – Landed 21:53
Flight Time 02:42
03/08/1944 – Attack Against L’Isle Adam
Twenty out of the twenty one aircraft detailed took off to attack the Supply Dumps at L’Isle Adam, near Paris. They all attacked in clear weather and a very successful and concentrated raid was reported. There was no fighter opposition and only slight A.A. fire was met in the target area.
Lancaster Mk.I HK554 JN-F
P/O Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O Sinclair Archibald Bain, RNZAF NZ415983 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 11:55 – Landed 15:37
Flight Time 03:42
04/08/1944 – Attack Against Bec D’Ambes
Twenty aircraft were required to attack the Supply Depot at Foret De Nieppe, but this operation was cancelled, and the same aircraft were detailed to attack the Oil Storage and Refinery at Bec D’Ambes near Bordeaux. All took off and nineteen attacked the primary target in clear weather. A good concentrated raid developed and many fires and explosions were seen with smoke rising to 10,000 ft. There was no opposition. One aircraft attacked Pauillic owing to flying in the wrong bomber stream.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
P/O Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O Sinclair Archibald Bain, RNZAF NZ415983 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:38 – Landed 21:13
Flight Time 07:35
05/08/1944 – Attack Against Bassens
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the Oil Storage at Bordeaux, Bassens. All aircraft successfully identified and bombed the target visually and a very concentrated raid was reported. Several good explosions and much smoke was seen on leaving the target. A.A. opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
P/O Andrew David MacKenzie, RAFVR 1564491/ 178802 – Pilot.
F/S William ‘Bill’ Stoneham, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Gregory Bunce, RAAF AUS.418339 – Air Bomber.
W/O Sinclair Archibald Bain, RNZAF NZ415983 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George ‘Geordie’ Robertson, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert ‘Mac’ McKellow, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William ‘Bill’ Barker, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 14:29 – Landed 22:07
Flight Time 07:38
75(nz)squadron 