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Auckland Star item, 8 June 1942.
Auckland Star, 8 June 1942
N.Z. BOMB SQUADRON
Thrilling Episodes On Raids Over Germany
Special Correspondent. Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, June 7.
The distinction of shooting down the first Nazi night fighter for the New Zealand Bomber Squadron this year was achieved by Sergeant R. J. F. Hirst, of Te Aroha. He is a freshman to the squadron and had carried out four raids in recent nights in which he accounted for a Junkers 88 on his fourth trip. He is rear gunner of the crew, which comprised Flight-Sergeant J. C. Wilmshurst, of Stratford, who was captain and has carried out 15 raids; Sergeants D. J. Gould, of Otautau, R. E. Sharp, of Matamata, and P. D. Lowther, of Auckland.
Sergeant Hirst said: “We were returning from a big 1000-plane raid against Essen, stooging along at 4500 feet, 30 miles from the English coast, feeling happy and singing the captain’s theme song. ‘Why Can’t We Do This More Often?’
While watching the moon rising over the sea behind us, Sharp, who was standing in the astrodome, reported aircraft to the starboard 1000 yards away at 1000 ft over us. I picked him out and watched him turning for an attack, so told Wilmshurst to turn to starboard. He and I both opened fire at a range of 600 yards. The Hun over-shot and went to port.
Hun 800 Yards Away
“The Hun then turned to reattack again. I told Wilmshurst to go to the port side. The Hun opened up but I held my fire, being still dazzled with the glare from tracer bullets. The first bursts from the Hun swept over us. Sharp and I recognised him as a Junkers 88. He disappeared for a minute, then I saw him 500 ft under us to starboard 800 yards away. He turned on his searchlight and again attacked. He opened fire when 600 yards from us. I held him in my sights until he was 200 yards away, then I gave him a three-second burst. He began to glow, banked steeply and silhouetted against the moon for a second. I put a burst in his belly. He became immediately aflame, seemed to hover for a moment, and then plunged to the sea. He hit the water in a white sheet of flame. We returned to find four holes through the tail and two in my turret.” Wing-Commander E. G. Olson complimented Sergeant Hirst and the crew during the briefing which Mr. Jordan attended.
Previous Narrow Escape
The crew captained by Flight- Sergeant I. J. McLachlan, D.F.M., of Wairarapa, was previously attacked by a night fighter which is thought to be the one Sergeant Hirst shot down. Flight-Sergeant McLachlan is regarded as one of the best pilots of the squadron. His crew comprises Sergeants G. E. Lewis, of Hamilton, A. G. E. Pugh, of Auckland, J. Walters, of Gisborne, and also an Englishman. They were flying at 11,000 ft over the Channel when a night fighter attacked. Sergeant McLachlan dived to 20ft above the sea, taking violent evasive action. Sergeant Pugh said: “The Hun gave up after a while. We were at about the same place as Wilmshurst was when he was attacked earlier.”
Sgt Raymond John Finlay Hirst (born Te Aroha, 5th of April 1920), arrived at Feltwell on 13th of May, together with his Operational Training Unit crew (possibly 12 O.T.U., Pilot P/O G.W. Horne?).
Their Pilot would have been given a 2nd Pilot role in an experienced crew, and the rest of the crew were assigned to an experienced Pilot, John Wilmshurst.
F/Sgt John Charles Wilmshurst had been at Feltwell since 24th of March, and had already flown 10 Op’s over a concentrated period of 3 weeks, as a 2nd Pilot with P/O J.F. Fisher and crew.
He is first mentioned in the ORB’s as skipper of his own crew on 11th of May, carrying out a test flight in Wellington Mark III, X3720, AA-U, Fisher’s old aircraft.
The Wilmshurst crew flew their first op’ together on 29th of May 1942, to Dieppe, and were immediately in the thick of it:
01/04/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Hanau and Le Havre
Eleven Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out an attack against the above targets. Bomb load consisting of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 25 lbs was dropped in the target area but results were not seen except for bomb bursts on the docks at Le Havre and in the marshalling yards at Hanau. Wellington III X3714 returned with it’s bomb load. There was very little flak and only a few searchlights were active. Wellington III Z1566 was chased from Brussels for about 30 miles by a night fighter which was successfully evaded in the clouds. Weather was poor and there were severe icing conditions which handicapped the whole operation. TR1335 and D.R. were used as aids to navigation.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
P/O Hill, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RAFVR NZ402982 – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:30 – Landed 04:30
Flight Time 06:00
05/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Cologne
Nine Wellington Aircraft from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 250lbs and 4lb incendiaries was dropped but results were not observed. There was intense heavy flak and many searchlights were active but ineffective owing to the bright moonlight. One Ju.88 aircraft was seen near the target and Wellington III X3705 was attacked by a Me.110 near Liege without result. Weather was good and navigation by TR1335 and D.R was also good. One aircraft did not carry out it’s mission and two are missing. Wellington III X3489, captained by W/Cdr Sawrey Cookson the C.O. of the squadron, and Wellington III X3661 captained by F/S Thomas.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
P/O Hill, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RAFVR NZ402982 – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:30 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 01:10
06/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Essen
Wellington aircraft were detailed from this unit to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, and 250lbs was dropped in the target area and fires were observed. There was intense heavy flak over the target but only a few searchlights were active. One single engined fighter attempted to attack Wellington II X3636 but was driven off by flak. There was 9/10th cloud on the route and 3/10th to 5/10th cloud over the target at 11,000 feet. Navigation was good TR and DR being used.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
P/O Hill, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:30 – Landed 05:35
Flight Time 05:05
08/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Hamburg
Nine Well.III aircraft from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 30lbs L.C. and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area but no results seen owing to cloud. Intense predicted flak S.W. of Hamburg but searchlight ineffective owing to cloud. One enemy a/c seen off Heligoland and believed JU88. Weather was very poor with 10/10 cloud over target and electric storms off East coast of England. Navigation was by DR and TR.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:45 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 02:55
09/04/1942 – Operations – Daylight Attack on Essen
Three Well.III aircraft were detailed from this unit to attack the above target but mission was not carried out. Two a/c returned to base with bombs and Well.III, X3270, captained by P/O. Fisher dropped its bomb on Geldern. Reason for return of a/c was a break in cloud cover which necessitated turning back. No enemy a/c were seen and there were only isolated bursts of A.A. fire. Navigation was very good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Hill, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, British Army – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:05 – Landed 16:05
Flight Time 03:00
12/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at LeHavre and Essen
Ten Well.III, aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, was dropped in the target area, bomb bursts being observed. Fairly accurate heavy and medium flak was encountered. There were a great number of searchlights active in cones. Many fighters flares and red and green lights were seen on route. One fighter a/c was seen over North Sea about 250 miles from the Dutch Coast. Weather was very clear with visibility up to 100 miles. Navigation was by TR, DR and loops.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, RNZAF – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:20 – Landed 03:40
Flight Time 05:20
14/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Dortmund and Le Havre
Seven Well.III a/c from this unit were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 250lbs was dropped in the target area but no results were observed. There was very little flak and searchlights were few although there were some cones over the target. Two fighters were seen but they did not attack. Weather was fine with slight ground haze. Navigation by DR, TR and loops was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, British Army – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:17 – Landed 23:57
Flight Time 01:40
15/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Le Havre and Dortmund
Eight Well.III aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs was dropped in the target area and bomb bursts were seen. There was some heavy predicted flak and tracer over target and searchlights were ineffective owing to cloud. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather at Dortmund was cloudy with slight ground haze. Navigation was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:52 – Landed 05:07
Flight Time 05:15
17/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Eight Well.III a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area and bomb bursts were seen. Well.III, X.3636 jettisoned its bombs when in searchlight beams. There was intense heavy flak co-operating with searchlights which were numerous. Weather was clear and there was a slight ground haze. Navigation was good by TR, loops and DR.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, RNZAF – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:50 – Landed 05:25
Flight Time 05:35
22/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets at Cologne
Ten Well.III a\c were detailed attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 100lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area but no results seen owing to cloud. There were only a few searchlights active and A.A. fire was slight. Well.III, X3487 captained by P/O Jarman was attacked by a JU.88 which attacked once and broke away to port. The results of this short attack were however serious the second pilot, P/O Nicol being mortally wounded, the rear gunner Sgt. Harris being killed and the Navigator Sgt. Taylor and W/Op. Sgt. Fernie were wounded. The bomb load was not dropped on the target but was dropped in the sea. The a/c was brought back to base and crash landed. Well.III, X3705, captained by F/S. McLachlan, was also attacked and the second pilot killed (P/O. Fountain) and Sgt. Tutty was wounded. F/Sgt. McLachlan managed to reach base and crash land.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
P/O John Frederick Fisher, RAFVR 67067 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Anderson Fraser, RNZAF NZ403597 – Observer.
Sgt. Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. J.E. Ford, RNZAF – Front Gunner.
F/S Buckley, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:10 – Landed 03:20
Flight Time 05:10
29/05/1942 – Bombing Attacks Against Dieppe
Four Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. The target area was bombed, but owing to cloud and poor visibility results were not observed. A.A. fire was light and searchlights were not numerous. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Navigation was by D/R, TR, Loop.
Wellington Mk.III X.3636 AA-R
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:25 – Landed 03:00
Flight Time 04:35
30/05/1942 – Bombing Attacks Against Cologne
Twenty-three Wellington aircraft, including IA, IC,III, were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, Wellington IA T.2894, captained by P/O Johnson (attached to this Unit from C.G.S. Suton Bridge) failed to return to base. Another aircraft X.3751 captained by P/O Jarman, was badly damaged by flak, both fuel tanks being holed and both port and starboard airspeed indicators rendered unserviceable. The bomb load consisted of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and 30lbs. and 4lbs incendiaries. The weather conditions were excellent, and the target was bombed successfully many fires being started in all parts of the town. A.A. fire was very erratic and searchlights were working in cones. A large number of enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks resulted. Navigation was by D/R, TR, Q.D.M., Loop.
Wellington Mk.III X.3636 AA-R
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 02:55
Flight Time 03:40
01/06/1942 – Attacks Against Targets at Essen
Twenty Well. a/c were detailed to carry out the above attack. Bomb loads of $000lbs, 500lbs, 250, 30lb inc and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area but results were not observed owing to cloud over target. Large fires were, however, seen to be burning in the target area. A.A. fire was not particularly intense and searchlights were scattered. One ME.109 followed Well.IC DV884 for about 5 minutes but was eluded. Weather was fairly good until target was reached where there was low cloud and haze. Navigation was good by all aids.
Wellington Mk.III X.3636 AA-R
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:50 – Landed 04:10
Flight Time 04:20
02/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area but no results were observed. A few small fires were seen near target. A.A. fire was fairly heavy and searchlights operating in cones were numerous. No enemy a/c were seen*. Weather marred the operation, there being a heavy ground have. Navigation was excellent. Well, X3408, captained by P/O Carter, failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:55 – Landed 03:35
Flight Time 03:40
*N.B. This was in fact the night that the newspaper item describes above, not the 1000 Bomber Raid of the previous night. Hirst claimed the first “kill” of the year for the Squadron, and the McLachlan crew fought off a night fighter, yet ironically, all the squadron Operations Record Book Form 541 says is “No enemy a/c were seen”!
05/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. No results were observed. A.A. fire was intense and searchlights active in cones. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was clear except for ground haze. Nav was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:25 – Landed 03:10
Flight Time 03:45
06/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Twelve aircraft were detailed to carry out an attack on the above target and a bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped on the target. Large buildings were seen to be ablaze and there were a number of small fires. Flak was fairly intense but searchlights few. No enemy a/c were encountered. Weather was good. Navigation was very good. One a/c sighted enemy flak ships and dived down to 200ft and attacked them. Results were not observed.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 04:10
Flight Time 04:55
08/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4 lb inc was dropped in the target area. Owing to haze results were not observed. There was a heavy concentration of flak and searchlights in target area. Two unidentified a/c were observed near Dutch Coast by Well.III, X3720 and were eluded. Weather was good no cloud over target but hazy. Navigation was very good. Well.III, X3587, captained by P/O. Smith and Well.III, Z1573, captained by P/O Murdoch failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:35 – Landed 03:50
Flight Time 04:15
20/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Twelve a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results were not observed. There was intense flak and searchlights were few. A JU88 attacked Well.III, X3539 without result. Weather was hazy with 5/10 cloud. Visibility very bad. Nav was good. Well.III, X3760 P/O Fraser failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. Richard Stansfield Derek Kearns, RNZAF NZ405572 – 2nd Pilot.*
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
*R.S.D. Kearns, later DSO, DFC and DFM, 156 (PFF) Sqdn, and 617 Dambusters Squadron.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 04:20
Flight Time 04:35
22/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Thirteen a/c were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results were not observed. Flak was moderate and searchlights were scarce. One JU88 and one ME109 sighted by one of our a/c but no attack made. Weather good 5/10 cloud at 15,000’, clear over target. Slight haze. Nav was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 03:25
Flight Time 04:10
22/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Thirteen a/c were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results were not observed. Flak was moderate and searchlights were scarce. One JU88 and one ME109 sighted by one of our a/c but no attack made. Weather good 5/10 cloud at 15,000’, clear over target. Slight haze. Nav was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot. – .
Take Off m – Landed m
Flight Time –
23/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at St. Nazaire and (Gardening)
Eight a/c were detailed to carry out the above sortie. Bomb load was 500lbs and vegetables. The task was carried out as ordered. Small concentration of flak and searchlights at Cherbourg. No enemy a/c seen. Weather was fine with slight ground have over France. Nav was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:00 – Landed 05:10
Flight Time 06:10
25/06/1942 – Attack on Targets at Bremen
Twenty a/c were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target. Results not observed. There was alarge amount of A.A. fire searchlights were ineffective. A JU88 followed Well.III X3664 but did not attack. Weather was moderate with 10/10 cloud. Nav was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:20 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 04:45
29/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Bremen
Sixteen a/c were detailed to carry out the above attack. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results not observed. A.A. fire was heavy in target area. Searchlights were ineffective through cloud. A JU88 was attacked and claimed as shot down by Well.BJ837, captained by Sgt. Hockaday. Weather was cloudy. Nav was excellent. Well.III (P/O Monk) failed to return and Well.III Z1616 (Sgt. Bertram) crashed after take-off and caught fire. All crew killed.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:59 – Landed 04:55
Flight Time 04:56
02/07/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Bremen
Twelve aircraft left base to carry out an attack on targets at Bremen. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendaries was dropped in the target area, bomb bursts and fires were seen in target area. A.A. fire was poor and searchlights were scattered but numerous. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was very clear over target. Navigation was very good by TR and DR.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Edward Gilbertson, RNZAF NZ41894 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:20 – Landed 03:55
Flight Time 04:35
08/07/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Wilhemshaven
Thirteen a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area and hit were believed to be scored. There was heavy predicted flak and searchlights were scattered. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was good clear over target. Navigation was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Edward Gilbertson, RNZAF NZ41894 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RAFVR NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:10 – Landed 06:10
Flight Time 06:00
10/07/1942 – Daylight Sortie Against Dusseldorf
Four a/c set out to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500lbs was bought back as m/c returned owing to lack of cloud cover. Well.III, X3720(Sgt. Wilmhurst) failed to return. There was no A.A. fire or fighters. Weather was cloudy and navigation was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U
F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off – 14.30 Landed –
Flight Time missing
X3720, AA-U was the first of the four 75 (NZ) Sqdn aircraft detailed to carry out the attack to take off from Feltwell. They left at around 2.30 in the afternoon, followed by the Jarman, McLachlan and Kearns crews. The four were recalled on the way to the target, near the Dutch coast, due to lack of cloud cover over the target. All but X3720 were safely back on the ground at Feltwell by 5.37pm.
The Wilmshurst Wellington came down into the sea off the German-Netherlands coast, well north of their expected route back to base. Three of the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The bodies of the wireless operator and front gunner washed ashore a few days later onto the German island of Borkum. They were buried there in the Lutheran Cemetery on the 15th, but later re-interred at Sage, 24km south of Oldenburg.
Sgt. John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 25.
Son of Herbert Edward and Mary Wilmshurst, of Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 118.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Lost without trace age 21.
Son of Alfred and Mary Isobella Gould, of Otautau, Southland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.
F/S Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22.
Son of George and Anna Maria Lowther, of Auckland City, New Zealand; Husband of Jean Lowther, of Devonport, Auckland.
Buried Sage War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 7. C. 13.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23.
Son of W. and Annie Sharp, of Matakana, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Sage War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 7. D. 1.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22.
Son of Albert and Isabel Hirst, of Clevedon, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.
![Wilmshurst-crew-missing[3]](https://75nzsquadron.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/wilmshurst-crew-missing3.jpg?w=960)
”Missing” notices for three of the crew, as published at the time in the Auckland Weekly News.
– Auckland War Memorial Museum Online Cenotaph.
Chris wrote:
Just recently, a post popped up on the 75 Squadron Assn Facebook page, from another Chris, a historian from Feltwell in the UK., who mentioned that he had in his possession an autograph book that contained the signatures of airmen who had visited Feltwell’s Blue Cafe during the war. A Mrs Steward, the owner of the cafe had kept the book, and it had been passed down to Chris.
He posted a photo of a page from the small leather-bound book to see if anyone recognised a name.
![BlueCafe-autographs-6-7-42[3]](https://75nzsquadron.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/bluecafe-autographs-6-7-423.jpg?w=960)
Page from the autograph book kept by Mrs Steward in the Blue Cafe, Feltwell, signed 7 July 1942.
– Chris Cook.
Then it dawned that the other signatures on the page were his crewmates, Lowther, Gould and Sharp, and that the boys’ best wishes and thanks to Mrs Steward had been written in the book only 4 days before they were lost!
It was another one of those moments that brings home the horrible waste, and the sadness that the whole community must have lived with back then.
However it was nice to be able to make the connection with Chris, and send through a few details about the crew, and the above newspaper article.
Then another twist in the story.
Checking the listings for the crew members on the Auckland War Memorial Museum Online Cenotaph, included in James Douglas Gould’s entry (http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C24655) was a transcript of a letter that someone had uploaded. It had been written a few days after Douglas failed to return, by a good friend of his, Robert Brisco, a fellow Navigator with the P.J. Wilson crew – it was addressed to Gould’s mother:
N.Z.411204 SGT OFC Brisco, R.H.
Agar St,
The Strand
London
16/7/42
Dear Mrs. Gould
By now you will (know) that Douglas has been posted missing since July 10th. I put off the writing before this in the hope that something would have been heard of them by now. Nothing has turned up, however, there is still a chance as there was a convoy in the vicinity of where they went down, and the old saying that “truth is stranger than fiction” is truer even in time of war than at any other time. I will tell you all I know as to be left in doubt and wondering is not pleasant. Unfortunately I had been on a weeks leave and returned on the July 10th about 8.30pm. What a welcome!
Doug’s crew with three or four others were sent out from here on a daylight raid to the Ruhr as it was thought it was a 10/10 cloud. However they were recalled just as they got to the Dutch coast, at least the others were. Their plane “U” was the first off by 10 or 15 minutes and perhaps they were a bit further in. Two of the other crew reported being chased by fighters but lost them in the cloud which was fast breaking up, and the chances that “U” being further away had even less cloud covering and the fighters who were chasing the first lot home, turned back to Holland and found “U” streaking from cloud to cloud. There is no doubt whatever it was the fighters that got them and there was two or more. They were top-notcher’s at fighter affiliation as they proved when they got the JU88.
However it seems that they sent out a wireless message saying that they were going down into the sea 10 or 12 miles from the English Coast. Planes were sent out from here that evening and launches from Yarmouth, but they found nothing. Still there was a convoy in the vicinity and it would have to maintain a wireless silence until it reached its destination.
Well that’s all I can tell you and if its been any help in clearing matters up I’ll be glad. He was one of my best friends and we have been together ever since our first day in Levin. The crew was the finest bunch of boys one could wish to meet and except for the pilot we have all been together for seven months and living as we do one can soon find the good and bad in a man and there was nothing bad in any of them. Hoping for good news soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Robert H. Brisco
Tragically, Robert Brisco was himself shot down and killed on 29 July, only two weeks after writing this. It seems that the letter was never posted. But it did make it to New Zealand.
Robert Davey, the person who uploaded the letter, explained that it had been found only a year ago, in frail condition, folded in a pocket inside one of his great grandfather’s World War I diaries!!
I emailed Robert to offer the extra background on Douglas’s crew, to see if that could help solve the mystery of how the letter ended up in his family’s possession, and he passed me on to his grandmother, Athalie.
She was able to make the connection – ‘Browny’ Hirst had lived on a nearby farm and been a friend of the Davey family in Te Aroha. Somehow the letter addressed to Mrs Gould must have been passed to the Hirst family, and then found it’s way to neighbours, the Davey family, and somehow into one of Albert Davey’s diaries!
The next step is to try and find out if Douglas Gould’s mother ever received the information laid out in Robert Brisco’s letter, and if the Gould family knows of the letter’s existence?
Douglas came from Otautau, a farming area in Southland, not far from Invercargill, so we are trying to interest the Southland Times. If anyone else has contacts for any of the crew members’ families, please let us know.
It would be wonderful if the letter could finally be delivered after all these years …
– Thanks to Chris Cook, Robert Davey and Athalie Davey for sharing their information, and for permission to reproduce the above photograph and letter.
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