MEPAL
1.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight intermittent rain in evening. Visibility 8 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests, Fighter affiliation was carried out. G.H. Bombing was practised.
Administration. NZ427453 P/O B. Baynes & crew arrived from 73 Base.
2.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight continuous rain at first. Visibility 8 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and Fighter affiliation was carried out. G.H. Bombing was practised.
Administration. NZ416124 F/O. C. Lumsden and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base.
3.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy in afternoon then fine in the night. Visibility 10 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Fighter affiliation exercises and air tests were carried out. H2S and Cross Country exercises also G.H. Bombing was practised.
4/5.4.45
Operational Flying. Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Meresburg, carrying 8,000 H.C., 4,000 H.C., 500 A.N.M. and Munro bombs. (AA”R” F/O C Stevens) returned early through technical trouble. (JN”D” F/O ? Wood) was hit by flak before reaching target the Bomb Aimer (F/S N Hooper) was burned about the face and the Pilot’s hands were slightly burned, the Flight Engineer (Sgt Williamson) apparently fell through M.U.G. turret. Fires were fairly concentrated though reports indicate a rather scattered raid. Flak was moderate to light.
4.4.45
Weather. Cloudy becoming fair. Visibility 8 – 12 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out. G.H. Bombing was practised.
5.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with rain early morning and showers during day, becoming fine at end. Visibility 8 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
6.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy with continuous light rain throughout the afternoon and evening. Visibility 5 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
7.4.45
Weather. Fog at first slowly lifting and remaining cloudy. Visibility 100 – 800 yards at first improving 3 – 5 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out. G.H. Bombing was practised.
8.4.45
Weather. Cloudy, becoming fine in mid-afternoon. Visibility 2 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Fighter Affiliation exercises were carried out, also H2S and Cross Country. G.H. Bombing was practised.
9.4.45
Weather. Foggy clearing after midday with small amounts of cloud. Visibility 100 yards but improving afternoon to 3 – 6 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
9/10.4.45
Operational Flying. Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack Kiel, carrying 8,000 H.C., 4,000 H.C.N. AND 500 A.N.M. A good concentration of bombing was carried out which appeared to have been a good prang. Many fires and explosions were seen. There was no fighter opposition. Flak was moderate.
7 aircraft were detailed for Mining at Keil. AA/U (F/O E Ohlsen) returned early through loss of petrol. Leakage in No.1 port tank suspected. There was no cloud and visibility good. Crews satisfied with the operation.
10.4.45
Weather. Fog at first becoming cloudy then fine.
Operational Flying. Nil
Non-Operational Flying. Air Tests were carried out.
11.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with light intermittent rain towards end of evening. Visibility 3 – 8 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil
Non-Operational Flying. H2S and X Country exercises were carried out. Air tests, Practice Supply Dropping and G.H. Bombing exercises were practised.
12.4.45
Weather. Cloudy. Visibility 3 – 10 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests, Supply Dropping and Special Bombing exercises were carried out.
Administration. NZ.4212604 F/S T. Reddish and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base. NZ.4211949 F/O R. Elliott and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base.
13.4.45
Weather. Fair. Visibility 3 – 6 miles, falling to 1 – 2 miles around dawn, improving to 5 – 10 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
13/14.4.45
Operational Flying. 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.
14.4.45
Weather. Fair becoming cloudy with slight intermittent rain before midday and later in the afternoon a period of continuous rain.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ429127 F/S. Anderson, B. and crew arrived on posting from 73 Base. NZ4212653 F/S. Drummond, R. and crew arrived on posting from 73 Base.
14/15.4.45
Operational Flying. 25 aircraft were detailed to attack Potsdam, carrying 8000 HC, 4000 HC, 500 ANM and Munro bombs. A very concentrated attack developed and the target was alight by the time the last aircraft were on their way home. Flak was slight and bursting well below the stream. AA”T” (F/O Baynes A) was attacked by two enemy aircraft believed JU. 88s. 20 miles S.W. of Potsdam on the homeward journey. The Flight Engineer (Sgt. A Sliman) was killed by a canon shell.
15.4.45
Weather. Cloudy becoming fair. Visibility 3 – 6 miles improving to 15 – 20 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ427573 F/O W Brinsden and crew arrived on posting from 73 Base.
16.4.45
Weather. Fair. Visibility 4 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil
Non-Operational Flying. H2S and X Country exercises were carried out. Air tests, Practice Supply Dropping and G.H. Bombing was practised.
Administration. NZ4211840 F/S. E. Munt and crew arrived on posting from 73 Base.
17.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming fair.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
18.4.45
Weather. Fine. Visibility 6 – 12 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Operational Flying. 21 aircraft were detailed to attack Heligoland carrying 1000 ANM, 500ANM and munro bombs. Weather was good with good visibility. Crews were able to identify northern top of Island and also western edge. The rest of the Island was obliterated by smoke. Bomb bursts on fires. The crews bombed as ordered by Master Bomber and bombing was thought to be well concentrated, but there was some overshooting as well as undershooting.
19.4.45
Weather. Fine. Visibility 3 – 5 miles at first becoming 2-3000 yards around dawn, improving to 6 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S and X Country exercises were carried out. Air Tests, G.H. Bombing practises were carried out.
20.4.45
Weather. Fine at first becoming cloudy with heavy thunderstorms at end of period. Visibility 6 – 10 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S exercises were carried out.
Visit. Viscount Trenchard G.C.B, G.C.V.O., D.S.O., D.C.L., L.L.D., Marshall of the Royal Air Force, visited the Squadron and congratulated all concerned on the splendid part they had played in paving the way towards the invasion of Germany.
Operational Flying. 20 aircraft were detailed to bomb Regensburg carrying 1000 ANM. 500 ANM. munro and smoke puff blue bombs. Perfect visibility and the river, dock and target areas could be made out. Bombing appears to have been fairly well concentrated round target starting with slight undershoot but some bombs also spread to the M/yards beyond. The crew on starboard side of formation claimed direct hit on railway bridge. Flak slight but accurate.
Administration. NZ4212601 F/O E. Plowman and crew arrived on posting from 72 Base.
21.4.45
Weather. Cloudy for the whole day. Visibility 6 – 10 miles. Generally falling to 3- 4000 yards at dawn.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S and X Country exercises were carried out. Practice Supply dropping and fighter affiliation. Circuits and landings were practised and Air Tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ4210995 P/O Turnbull W and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base.
22.4.45
Weather. Cloudy becoming fair around dawn and clear skies by midnight. Visibility 5 – 15 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air Tests were carried out. H2S and X Country exercises were carried out.
Operational Flying. 21 aircraft were detailed to attack Bremen carrying 12000 HC, 4000 HC, 500 ANM. 500 MC and munro bombs. 2 – 5/10 cloud over target and many crews made out river bend and factory area. Bombing results were satisfactory though slight overshooting but not outside built-up area. Flak from Wilhemshaven and Bremen was at intervals moderate and very accurate. Flight Engineer (Sgt R Clarke) of AA/P was killed. No fighters seen.
23.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy during afternoon. Fine again late in period. Visibility 5 – 20 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air Tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ4213650 F/S J Young and crew arrived on posting from 75 Base.
24.4.45
Weather. Fine, becoming cloudy later fine. Visibility 8 – 20 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
Operational Flying. 21 aircraft were detailed to attack Bad Oldesloe, carrying 1000ANM, 500 ANM, and munro bombs. JN/N (F/L S Peryer) failed to take off owing to engine trouble and AA/Y (F/S M 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 A/P. Main attack considered very good.
25.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy. Visibility 4 – 8 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S and cross country exercises were carried out. Practice Supply dropping and G.H. Bombing was practised. Fighter Affiliation exercises were carried out. Air Tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ4212581 F/Sgt Iles R. and crew arrived on posting from No.73 Base. NZ4212596 F/Sgt Parry G, and crew arrived on posting from 73 Base.
26.4.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy with slight continuous rain around 1800 hours. Visibility 2 -3 miles, improving 4 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air Tests were carried out. Supply dropping was practised.
27.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with intermittent slight rain during morning and later in evening a period of continuous slight rain. Visibility 4 – 8 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Supply dropping was practised.
28.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with continuous rain in early morning, with snow and rain showers during day. Visibility 3 – 10 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
29.4.45
Weather. Cloudy with fine intervals during early morning with rain and snow showers late in morning and evening.
Visibility 5 – 10 miles increasing 10 – 15 miles.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S Cross country exercises were carried out. Air Tests, Practice Supply dropping and G.H. Bombing was practised.
Operational Flying. 9 Aircraft were detailed for Supply Dropping in the Delft area. The operation was uneventful and crowds were seen waving and cheering. Quite a number of packs hung up.
30.4.45
Weather. Continuous slight snow early in period remaining cloudy for rest of day. Visibility 6 – 10 miles but 2-3000 yards in snow.
Non-Operational Flying. H2S Cross country exercises were carried out. Supply dropping and G.H. Bombing was practised.
Operational Flying. 21 Aircraft were detailed for Supply Dropping in the Rotterdam area. Crowds of Dutch were seen waving and cheering. The operation was carried out successfully.
MONTHLY SUMMARY OF EVENTS
Operational Flying. During this month the Squadron continued to carry out heavy attacks Targets in Merseburg, Potsdam, Heligoland, Regensburg, Bremen and Bad Oldesloe. Minelaying was also carried out in Kiel Bay and Supply Dropping over Holland. In all 208 sorties were flown. From these operations two Flight Engineers were killed and one Flight Engineer reported missing, now returned to this Country.
Non-Operational Flying. Whenever possible training has been carried out which included H2S X Country, Air Tests, Supply Dropping, G.H. Bombing exercises and Fighter Affiliation.
Awards. The following awards have been granted during this month:- (Immediate Awards)
Distinguished Flying Cross:- NZ426235 F/O. Wood J.H.
Distinguished Flying Medal:- NZ422976 F/S Pauling, J.A.
Appointments to Commissions:- The undermentioned were commissioned during the month w.e.f. dates stated against their names.
NZ.4212604 F/S. Reddish, J.E. – 18.1.45.
NZ.429379 W/O Trewheela, H.J. – 16.3.45.
NZ.416529 W/O. Ohlson, E.M. – 10.3.45.
NZ.416076 W/O. Bader, F.R. – 17.3.45.
1654272 SGT. Lane, R.E. – 17.2.45.
NZ.4211608 W/O. Bone, A.G. – 17.3.45.
624014 SGT. Barton, B.C. – 22.2.45.
NZ.421372 F/S. Clarkson, R.T. – 19.3.45.
1330401 F/S. Good, T.W. – 3.3.45.
NZ.4213254 F/S.Carroll, I.S. – 19.3.45.
1817811 F/S. Davenport, W. – 4.3.45.
517881 W/O Coote, J.S. – 21.3.45.
AUS.429990 W/O. Opie, C.V. – 5.3.45.
NZ.4213953 F/S. Thompson, A.F. – 22.3.45
NZ.4212768 F/S McLernon, J.S. – 14.3.45.
NZ.422906 F/S. Wagstaff, C.R. – 24.3.45.
1124508 F/S. Watson, S.G.- 14.3.45.
NZ.427521 F/S. Mallon, W. – 25.3.45.
1337365 F/S. Evenden, W. – 15.3.45.
1445361 F/S. Mills, G.A. – 6.4.45.
NZ.4210512 W/O. Shearer, D.B. – 15.3.45.
1896562 F/S Sizeland, S.G. – 9.4.45.
Flying Hours Operational – 1264.25 hours
Non-Operational – 249.45 hours
Sorties – 208
Monthly total of bombs dropped – 783.4 tons
Cumulative Total of bombs dropped – 28,782.4 tons
Monthly total of food dropped – 61.7 tons
Strength as at 30th April –
Officers – 146
W.O’s & N.C.O’s – 401
Appendices : –
Form 541 – A.151 – A190
Combat Report – B.4 only
P.O.Rs Officers – C.40 – C.48
P.O.Rs Airmen – D.43 – D.53
Officers Airmen
R.A.F. C.40 – 43 D.43 – 48
RA.A.F. Nil Nil
R.C.A.F Nil Nil
R.N.Z.A.F. C.44 – 48 D.50 – 53
Signed
Wing Commander, Commanding
No.75(NZ) Squadron R.A.F.
Continue these records – May 1945
75(nz)squadron 