01 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.3218. (Captain: S/Ldr. Lucas)
02 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
03 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HANOVER.
Ten Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft YAM.189 captained by Sgt. Matetich was intercepted by fighters and bombs were jettisoned. The aircraft was damaged and a landing was made at Newmarket. The remaining aircraft all dropped bombs and fires were started. The aircraft met heavy and light A.A. fire which was fairly accurate but searchlights were ineffective owing to cloud. Three aircraft were seen but no attacks were made. Heavy cloud was experienced over most of the target area.
Training:
Nothing of importance took place today.
04 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
05 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
15.35 – 18.30 Sgt. Ramsey and crew carried out cross-country flight in Wellington 1C R.1518.
06 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST MANNHEIM AND CALAIS.
Thirteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, R.1648 captained by Sgt. Millett, failed to return to base. The other aircraft all dropped bombs in target areas but results were not observed owing to heavy cloud.A.A. fire was slight but accurate.
Training: Nil
07 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
Nothing of importance occurred today.
08 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HAMBURG.
Eight Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, WAX.319 captained by Sgt. Suanders jettisoned bombs in Westerhaven area while taking evasive action to escape an enemy fighter. The weather was poor, there being heavy cloud in target area and on route and results were not observed. There was heavy and light A.A. fire but this was not accurate. Searchlights were few and ineffective owing to cloud.
Training: Nil
09 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
Cross country flight carried out by P/O Rees and crew in Wellington 1C X.9767.
10 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
11 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
2115 – 0015 Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.3218 (Captain, S/Ldr. Lucas)
12 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HANOVER AND LE HAVRE.
Nine Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. Of these aircraft SXA.893 captained by P/O Roberts was attacked over the Zuyder Zee by an enemy fighter. Our aircraft was damaged but a hit was scored on the enemy which turned away in a steep dive. When nearing base our aircraft ran out of petrol and the Captain succeeded in bailing out five of his crew but he himself had no time to jump. By the aid of his landing light he picked out a fire break in a forestry plantation and landed safely with little additional damage. All bombs were dropped and fires were started. A.A. fire was heavy and cooperating with searchlights. Searchlights were numerous but not troublesome. Thunderstorms were encountered on route and there was slight cloud and haze in target areas.
13 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
14 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HANOVER.
Eight Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. All bombs were dropped and large fires were observed. A.A. fire was fairly intense and cooperating with searchlights which were active. ROB.214 was attacked by enemy aircraft, probably Ju.88 at about 12,000 feet over base. One head-on attack was made with cannon and machine guns but no hits were scored. The weather was fine in target area but there was heavy cloud on route.
Training:
Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.3218.
15 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
16 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
Three cross country flights were carried out.
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C R.1162 despatched to No.27 O.T.U., Lichfield. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.Q.738 dated 13/8/41.
17 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT DUISBERG.
Five Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. All bombs were dropped but owing to heavy cloud results were not observed. A.A. fire was a moderate and there was little searchlight activity.
Training: Nil
18 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST DOCKS AT DUNKIRK.
Two Wellington aircraft carried out the above attacks and bombs were dropped in target area. No A.A. fire was encountered although searchlights were active. The weather was very good.
19 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
20 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
21 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
22 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
1525 – 1640 Dual flying carried out in Wellington 1C R.1771 (Captain F/O Parker).
2135 – 0025 Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.1771. (Captain F/O Parker)
23 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
24 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C R.1466 received from No.45 M.U. Auth’y: 41G/7657.
25 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
26 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST COLOGNE AND BOULOGNE.
Fourteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. SWU.567 failed to identify target and bombs were jettisoned over sea when petrol gauges had been showing zero for approximately one hour. Another aircraft, captained by Sgt. Curlewis, failed to identify target owing to 10/10 cloud and bombs were returned. All other aircraft dropped bombs but heavy cloud in target area prevented observation of results. A.A. fire was moderate and predicted. Searchlights were ineffective owing to cloud. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks made.
Training:
2050 – 2315 Dual flying carried out in R.1771.
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C Z.8848 received from No.33 M.U. Auth’y:41G/7816.
One Wellington 1C Z.8848 despatched to No.115 Squadron. Auth’y: Form “W” 320 dated 25/8/41.
27 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
28 August 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT OSTEND.
Three Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. All bombs were dropped and bursts were observed. A.A. fire was heavy and accurate and cooperating with searchlights which were accurate and working in cones. There was thin layer of cloud over route but the weather in target area was fine.
Training:
2155 – 2355 Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.1771 (Captain F/Lt. Fletcher)
29 August 1941
Operations: BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT MANNHEIM.
Nine Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above attacks. One of these aircraft, BRO.345 failed to identify target owing to 10/10 cloud and bombs were brought back. All bombs were dropped by the remaining aircraft but heavy cloud made observation of results difficult. A.A. fire was heavy and accurate. No enemy aircraft were seen.
Training:
2245 – 0005 Dual flying carried out in Wellington 1C R.1771 (Captain F/O Parker)
30 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
31 August 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
ACTING RANKS.
P/O J. Healey appointed to the Acting Rank of Flying Officer (unpaid) w.e.f. 13/6/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/5/1/P.2 dated 21/7/41.
P/O J. Healey appointed to the Acting Rank of Flying Officer (Paid) w.e.f. 3/7/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/5/1/P.2 dated 21/7/41.
F/O W.D. Brown appointed to the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant w.e.f. 2/7/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/6/2/P.2 dated 13/8/41.
F/O W.D. Brown appointed to the acting Rank of Flight Lieutenant (paid) w.e.f. 2/7/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/6/2/P.2 dated 13/8/41.
P/O D.C. Barnett appointed to the acting rank of Flying Officer (Unpaid) on 3/8/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/5/1//P.2 dated 13/8/41.
P/O D.C. Barnett appointed to the acting rank of Flying Officer (Paid) on 24/8/41 w.e.f. 3/8/41Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8937/5/1//P.2 dated 13/8/41.
POSTINGS.
P/O C. Stokes posted from this Unit to No. 20 O.T.U. Lossiemouth w.e.f. 31/7/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.616 dated 28/7/41.
F/O G.E. Fowler posted from this Unit to R.A.F. Station, Feltwell w.e.f. 11/8/41.Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.702 dated 11/8/41.
P/O N.Greenaway posted to this Unit from No. 214 Squadron, Stradishall w.e.f. 9/8/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.669 dated 6/8/41.
P/O R.H. Palmer posted to this Unit from No.12 O.T.U. Benson w.e.f. 9/8/41 Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/1706/26/23/P.2. dated 26/7/41.
P/O W.R. Methven posted to this Unit from 23 O.T.U. Pershore w.e.f. 2/8/41 Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/1706/23/P.2. dated 26/7/41.
P/O J.W. Thomson posted from this Unit to No. 20 O.T.U. Lossiemouth w.e.f. 27/7/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.582 dated 23/7/41.
P/O A. Ashworth posted from this Unit to R.A.F. Station, Harwell w.e.f. 13/8/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.676 dated 8/8/41.
P/O C.W. Street posted to this Unit from 101 Squadron, Oakington w.e.f. 27/8/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.806 dated 23/8/41.
P/O J.F.K. Sandy posted to this Unit from 10 O.T.U. Abingdon w.e.f. 26/8/41. Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/1706/26/10/P.4. dated 21/8/41.
P/O W.J. Smith and P/O K.E.A. Savage posted to this Unit from 9 Squadron, Honington w.e.f. 22/8/41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.771 dated 20/8/41.
P/O A.C. Douglas posted to this Unit from 11 OTU, Bassingbourn w.e.f. 20/8/41. Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/1706/26/11/P.2. dated 17/8/41.
A/F/L. W.D. Brown posted to this Unit from 22 O.T.U. Wellesbourn w.e.f. 21/8/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’Gram. 3G/6601/7/P.4 dated 30/7/41.
ATTACHMENTS.
F/O E.F. Mason attached from this Unit to R.A.F. Farnborough w.e.f. 28/7/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.372 dated 23/7/41.
F/O E.F. Mason ceased to be attached from this Unit to R.A.F. Farnborough w.e.f. 30/8/41.
P/O H.A. Roberts ceased to be attached from this Unit to No.5 B.A.T.F. w.e.f. 26/5/41.
F/O E.F. Mason attached from this Unit to P.M.R.A.F. Hospital, Halton w.e.f. 3/8/41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.391 dated 31/7/41.
F/O E.F. Mason ceased to be attached from this Unit to P.M.R.A.F. Hospital, Halton w.e.f. 9/8/41.
APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS.
P/O A. Ashworth promoted to the war substantive rank of Flying Officer w.e.f. 8/5/41. Auth’y: Ext. London Gazette No.35228 & Group Routine Orders No.132 dated 13/8/41.
DECORATIONS.
P/O W.J. Rees awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 5/8/41. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35241 dated 5/8/41 and Group Routine Orders Serial No. 131 dated 11/8/41.
P/O A. Ashworth awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 15/8/41. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35219 dated 15/7/41 and Group Routine Orders Serial No. 117 dated 18/7/41.
F/O D.L. Pritchard awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 25/7/41. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35228 dated 25/7/41 and Group Routine Orders Serial No. 124/125 dated 28/7/41.
S/Ldr. Widdowson awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 29/7/41. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35232 dated 19/7/41 and Group Routine Orders Serial No. 126 dated 30/7/41.
SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING EVENTS.
Four decorations were won by this Squadron during the month. They were one Distinguished Flting Cross and three Distinguished Flying Medals and were awarded to Flying Officer C. Stokes, Sgt. E. Callender, Sgt. H.R. Corbin and Sgt. G. Martin for the part they played in the extensive daylight raid in July on German warships at Brest and La Pallice (including the Gneisenau, Scharnhorst and Prinz Eugen).
An excellent example of devotion to duty was shown by Pilot Officer H.A. Roberts. On the night of 12/13 August, 1941, this officer was captain of Wellington 1C X.9764 which was detailed to attack a target in Hannover. The target was successfully attacked and on the return journey, when over the Zuyder Zee at a height of 16,000 feet, an enemy fighter succeeded in hitting him with a long burst. His rear gunner in turn hit the enemy which disappeared in a steep dive.
The damage sustained was quite extensive and resulted in the airspeed indicator and main hydraulic pressure pipelines being shot through. The bomb doors dropped open and the wheels down; the dinghy was half released and the aileron controls on the starboard side were completely severed. His wireless receiver was also put out of action by a bullet. At one stage his controls jammed and he fell into a dive from which he did not recover until he had dropped to 2,000 feet. With the petrol left in the nacelle tanks he was attempting to reach the long runway at Newmarket, but these tanks must also have been holed as, without warning, both engines cut out and it was subsequently found that both tanks were dry.
Five members of the crew bailed out but P/O Roberts had no time to jump. By the aid of his landing light he picked out a firebreak in a forestry plantation and landed safely with little additional damage.
A total number of 321 bombs was dropped by our aircraft during the month. This total was made up as follows:
1000 lbs. – 18; 500 lbs.. 258; 250 lbs. – 45. A total of 10,980 4 lbs. incendiaries was also dropped.
Continue these records – September 1941
75(nz)squadron 