MEPAL
1.1.45
Weather. Fine and frosty, with slight intermittent drizzle in early evening. Visibility 3 miles at first, but generally 15 – 2,500 yards.
Operational Flying. Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Vehwinkel, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM, 500 G.P. and 500 M.C. and Munro bombs. Nineteen aircraft took off, seventeen of which attacked primary target. NZ403980 P/O McMillan attacked a last resort target. NZ40984 W/Cdr. R.J. Newten and P/O R. Aitchison (NZ429286) as second pilot failed to return. There was very little opposition in the target area.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
2.1.45
Weather. Fog at first, then cloudy. Visability 1 – 2,000 yds at first, then 3 – 5 miles.
Operational Flying. Eight out of nine aircraft attacked Nurnburg as detailed, carrying 4,000 H.C., 2,000 H.C., 500 M.C., 500G.P., 500Cluster No. 15 and Munro bombs. NZ403980 F/L K. McMillan in ‘U’, returned early owing to engine trouble. A good attack was reported and visibility was good. Crews reported a large explosion, Fires were seen 100 miles away.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. exercises were carried out.
Administration. NZ4210535 F/S Stevens, C.M. and NZ413138 F/L S.L. Spilman. and crews arrived from No. 31 and No. 73 Bases respectively.
3.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, with slight intermittent rain in evening. Visibility 5 – 10 miles generally.
Operational Flying. Fourteen aircraft were detailed to attack Dortmund Oil Refineries in daylight. Crews bombed by instruments in ten tenths cloud. Results were unobserved. The aircraft carried 4,000 H.C., 500 M.C. 500 G.P. 500 ANM and Munro bombs. NZ42397 F/L L. Hannan landed at Mendalsham on return, but reached base later the same evening.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and a radar test were carried out.
4.1.45
Weather. Fine and frosty, with snow showers between 17.00 and 22.00 hrs. Visibility 4 – 7 miles.
Operational Flying. Eighteen crews were briefed to attach Ludwigshafen. The operation was cancelled, however, owing to bad weather.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
5.1.45
Weather. Fair becoming fine. Visibility generally 4 – 5 miles.
Operational Flying. Twenty one aircraft attacked Ludwigshafen, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM., 500 G.P. 500 M.C., and Munro bombs. Visibility was clear. H/F was met, but all aircraft returned safely. A scattered raid was reported.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. exercises were carried out.
6.1.45
Weather. Fair, becoming cloudy, then fair again. Visibility 2 -3 miles at first and improving later to 3 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Neuss but the operation was cancelled just prior to ‘take-off’. However, one hour after this cancellation, the operation was put on again. The fifteen crews were briefed a second time and eleven aircraft made an accurate attack on Neuss. Four aircraft captained by F/O Cumberpatch, F/S Russell, F/O Crawford and F/lt. Hannan had technical trouble and returned early. On this attack the aircraft carried 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM., and Munro bombs. Cloud was nine to ten tenths. Crews bombed with the aid of instruments and sky markers.
Administration. NZ 411973 A/W/C. C.H. Baigent, D.F.C. & Bar, arrived on posting from No.3 group to assume command of the Squadron.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
6/7.1.45
Operational Flying. Four aircraft successfully laid mines in the Danzig area. Crews reported a good trip. One enemy aircraft was sighted, but made no attempt to approach.
7.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, becoming fine. Visibility 5 – 7 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. exercises were carried out.
7/8.1.45
Operational Flying. Seven of eight aircraft detailed attacked Munich in ten tenths cloud carrying 4,000 H.C. , 1,000 M.C., 500 MC., 500 cluster 41b., 750 cluster No.17 and No. 15. Bombs. Crews bombed on flares. A mushroom explosion and red glow were observed through cloud. F/O Flamank in ‘P’ returned early through a technical failure.
8.1.45
Weather. Fine with snow showers at noon and during afternoon. Visibility 4 – 6 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. exercises were carried out.
9.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with moderate snow showers during the whole period. Visibility 2,200 yds – 3 miles, falling in heavier showers to 4 – 600yds.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration. 176130 F/O M. Watson and 1394583 F/S Barr, D.S. and crews arrived on posting from No. 31 Base.
10.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight falls of snow. Visibility 2 – 3,000yds, improving to 3 – 4 miles and then falling to 1 -2 miles after dark.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests, G.H. and Fighter Affiliation exercises were carried out.
11.1.45
Weather. Cloudy . Visibility over 2 miles.
Operational Flying. Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack Krefeld, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500AMN., 500G.P., 500 M.C., 250 G.P., and Munro bombs. Seventeen aircraft bombed the target in tenths cloud with special equipment and two aircraft bombed last resort. Slight H/F was met over the target, but no fighters were seen.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. Exercises were carried out.
12.1.45
Weather. Overcast with much rain and drizzle. Visibility 3 – 4 miles.
Operational Flying. Nineteen aircraft were prepared for an attack on Grevenbroich. At 02.00 hours the operation was postponed for 31/2 hours. At 08.45 hours the operation was cancelled.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
12/13.1.45
Operational Flying. Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Wisburg, but the operation was cancelled owing to bad weather conditions.
13.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, with continuous slight drizzle for the greater part of period. Visibility 2,500 yds to 3 miles.
Operational Flying. Eighteen of nineteen aircraft detailed carried out a successful daylight attack on Saarbrucken Marshalling Yard, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500AMN., 500G.P., 500 M.C., 250 G.P., and Munro bombs. W/Cdr Baigent in ‘A’ had to return with his full load after reaching the target owing to technical trouble which prevented release of bombs. Crews bombed on special equipment. The Marshalling Yard was visible and many bursts were seen on the target. No opposition reported. All aircraft were diverted owing to bad visibility at Base.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. Exercises were carried out.
14.1.45
Weather. Cloudy , with visibility 3 – 4 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. Exercises were carried out.
15.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight intermittent drizzle early in period, becoming fair after dusk. Visibility generally 15 – 3,000 yards, but improving around midday to 3 – 5 miles.
Operational Flying. Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack Langendreer, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500AMN., 500 M.C., 250 G.P., and Munro bombs. One aircraft ‘D’ captained by F/O Leadley failed to reach the target owing to starboard inner engine failing. No results were observed owing to ten tenths cloud. Flak was slight over the target. No fighter opposition was encountered.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. Photo and bombing exercises were carried out. The Squadron Commander carried out a formation check.
Administration. 1504777 F/S Pratt, C., 1126909 F/S Brown, B.J., and J19701 F.H. Brown, Wireless Operators arrived on attachment from No. 514 Squadron.
16.1.45
Cloudy with drizzle, becoming fair to fine during the night. Visibility less than 1,000 yards at first, becoming 2 -3,000 yards in evening and then 3 – 5 miles during the night.
Operational Flying. Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack Gelsenkirchen, but the operation was cancelled.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
Administration. AUS424429 F/O W.R. Martin and AUS427837 F/S Rothwell, K.J. and crews arrived on posting from No. 31 Base. 1673010 Sgt Campin, W.W.O.P. arrived on posting from No.33 Base. !79240 P/O G. Duglan and 178730P/O C.F. Green arrived on posting from Feltwell.
15.1.45
Administration. 1504777 F/S Pratt, C., 1126909 F/S Brown, B.J., and J19701 F.H. Brown, Wireless Operators arrived on attachment from No. 514 Squadron.
Weather. Cloudy with drizzle, becoming fair to fine during the night. Visibility less than 1,000 yards at first, becoming 2 -3,000 yards in evening and then 3 – 5 miles during the night.
16.1.45
Operational Flying. Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack Gelsenkirchen, but the operation was cancelled.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
Administration. AUS424429 F/O W.R. Martin and AUS427837 F/S Rothwell, K.J. and crews arrived on posting from No. 31 Base. 1673010 Sgt Campin, W.W.O.P. arrived on posting from No.33 Base. !79240 P/O G. Duglan and 178730P/OC.F. Green arrived on posting from Feltwell.
16/17.1.45
Operational Flying. Seventeen aircraft attacked Wanne Hickel in ten tenths cloud, tops 6/7000 feet, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 G.P. 500 ANM, 500 M.C. 250 G.P. and Munro bombs. Crews bombed with the aid of instruments and sky markers. Flak was moderate. The general impression was that bombing was concentrated on markers and red glow seen through cloud. The aircraft captained by NZ426235 F/S Wood, J, was attacked by a F.W. 190. The rear gunner opened fire, but no hits were observed and our aircraft suffered no damage. The aircraft captained by NZ414376 F/L T. Blewett unfortunately crashed in this country. The captain and Mr Bomber NZ426234 F/O J. Wilson were killed. The Navigator 1398282 F/S Cornell, B.T. died later as a result of severe injuries.
17.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, becoming fairto fine, but clouding over again later. Visibility 3 – 4 miles, becoming 5 – 7 miles and deteriorating to 3 – 4 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests and G.H. Bombing exercises were carried out.
Administration. 176130 F/O M. Watson and 1394583 F/S Barr, D.S. and crews arrived on posting from No. 31 Base.
18.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight rain, Visibility over six miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air test were carried out.
Administration. NZ427319 F/S Pangiuaia, W. and crew arrived on posting from No. 31 Base.
18/19.1.45
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed for an early night attack on Sterkrade. Weather conditions, however, forced, a cancellation.
19.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, becoming fair with moderate snow showers early afternoon. Visibility 10 -20 miles at first, deteriorating to 4 -6 miles during afternoon.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests, G.H. Photo and Fighter Affiliation exercises were carried out.
Administration. NZ426904 F/O M.J. Adamson and NZ426016 F/O D.M. Stevenson and crews arrived on posting from No. 1653 C.U. NZ428302 F/S Scott L.G. and crew arrived on posting from No.31 Base.
19/20.1.45
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Stuttgart, but again weather conditions interfered.
20.1.45
Weather. Fine, becoming cloudy with slight snow. Visibility 4 miles, but 1,500 yds in snow.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
20/21.1.45
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Stuttgart, but once more weather conditions prevented the operation.
21.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, becoming fine in afternoon. Visibility over 2 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration.
21/22.1.45
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Stuttgart, but this operation was again cancelled.
22.1.45
Weather. Fine becoming cloudy with intermittent slight snow, becoming moderate at times, clearing and becoming fair or cloudy. Visibility 3,000 yds at first, improving later, then deteriorating.
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Sterkrade in daylight. Weather again stopped the operation.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. exercises were carried out.
Administration. 1626025 F/S Winn, H and 1533969 F/S Dewsburg, T. Air Gunners arrived on posting from Feltwell. 656360 W/O Kennedy, Air Bomber arrived on posting from No. 12 O.T.U.
22/23.1.45
Operational Flying. Fifteen aircraft attacked Duisburg carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM., 500 G.P. (I.D) 250 G.P. and Munro bombs.Visibility was good. Crews saw the Rhine. Fires and explosions were seen coming from a concentrated area. A successful attack was reported. No opposition encountered.
23.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with slight snow at times. Visibility over 2 miles.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration. 1652875 F/S Griffiths, A. A/B arrived on posting from 514 Sqdn. NZ413093 F/O Leech, A.G. (A/G) arrived on posting from Feltwell.
24.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with frozen snow on ground, foggy in evening. Visibility 1 – 2,000 yds, decreasing in evening.
Operational Flying. Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack Castrop Rausel. The operation was cancelled owing to bad weather.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
25.1.45
Weather. Thick fog for whole of period. Visibility 70 – 200 yards.
Operational Flying. Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack Krefeld in daylight, but bad weather again intervened.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
Administration. 161049 P/O R. Sommerville A/B arrived on posting from No. 3 L.F.S.
26.1.45
Weather. Thick fog, becoming fine after midday. Visibility less than 100 yds, improving to 1,200 – 2,000 yds.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. Photo exercises were carried out.
27.1.45
Weather. Thick fog, improving in afternoon. Visibility 70 – 200 yds, improving later.
Operational Flying. Twenty crews were detailed to attack Krefeld, but the operation was first postponed then cancelled before briefing had taken place.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
28.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with snow at times. Vis, over 4 miles, except in snow showers.
Operational Flying. Twenty aircraft attacked Cologne (Gremberg) as ordered, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM., 500 M.C. “50 G.P. and Munro bombs. Cloud broke to nil just before the target and crews were able to identify the marshalling yard. Accurate slight to moderate H/F was met over the target. No fighters were seen. Bursts were seen on the marshalling yard. All returned to base.
Non-Operational Flying. Air tests were carried out.
Administration. 1175876 W/O Williams, J. A/B arrived on posting from No. 17 O.T.U.
29.1.45
Weather. Cloudy, snow towards midnight. Visibility over two miles.
Operational Flying. Nineteen aircraft attacked Krefeld marshalling yard in ten tenths cloud, carrying 4,000 H.C., 500 ANM., 500 M.C., and 250 G.P. Bombs. Aircraft bombed in formation with the aid of instruments. A good concentration was reported. Slight H/F over the target was the only opposition encountered.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. Bombing exercises and air tests were carried out.
Administration. 1523080 Sgt Ford, G. W/OP., arrived on posting from No. 31 Base.
30.1.45
Weather. Cloudy with heavy snow at first, becoming foggy after dusk. Visibility 15 – 3000 yds at first, then 3 – 5 miles. Later decreasing to 100 yds in fog.
Operational Flying. Nil.
Non-Operational Flying. G.H. exercises and air tests were carried out.
Administration. NZ415262 F/S Klitadher L.E.R. and crew arrived on posting from No. 3L F.S.
31.1.45
Weather. Fog in morning. Continuous rain or drizzle in afternoon and evening. Vis. Under 500 yds in day, then 3 miles in evening.
Operational Flying. Eighteen aircraft were bombed up to attack Munchen-Gladbach in daylight. The operation was cancelled just as briefing started. After the above operation was cancelled a further operation was laid on for tonight, but this was cancelled during the afternoon.
Non-Operational Flying. Nil.
Administration. NZ424486 W/O Ware, E.E.D. and crew arrived on posting from No. 31 Base.
MONTHLY SUMMARY OF EVENTS
Operational Flying. During this month the Squadron continued its attacks against German communication centres and oil refineries. In all 217 sorties were carried out, Krefeld and Duisburg, in particular, receiving concentrated raids. Mines were also laid in the Danzig area.
From these operations one aircraft captained by the Squadron Commander NZ40984 W/Cdr. R. Newton, D.F.C. failed to return. Another aircraft crashed on returning from operations. The captain NZ414376 F/Lt. J. Blewett and Air Gunner NZ426234 F/O J. Wilson were killed.
Non-Operational Flying. A much training as possible has been carried out this month, special attention being paid to G.H. exercises. The Squadron Commander NZ411973 W/Cdr. C.H. Baigent carried out a formation check on 15.1.45.
Awards. The following awards have been granted during this month:-
Distinguished Flying Cross:- NZ411388 A/S/L. R.C. Karl.
NZ421343 A/F/L. V.J. Andrew.
NZ427062 A/P/O. D. P. Leadley.
Appointments to Commisions:-
The undermentioned were commissioned during the month with effect from the date stated against their names:-
989260 F/S Pickup, R.-– 25.11.44
2221192 Sgt. Westell, D.G. – 9.12.44
2219346 Sgt. Moore, L.J.- 18.11.44
NZ424489 F/S McCarthy, P.J.- 18.12.44
NZ421055 F/S Stevens, C.M.- 23.11.44
NZ4211049 F/S Holt, P.A. – 13.12.44
971941 F/S Hemingway, J. – 1.12.44
NZ425850 F/S Mason, D. – 13.12.44
NZ428276 F/S O’Malley, J. – 13.12.44
AUS427837 F/S Rothwell, K. – 8.9.44
AUS418404 F/S Harris,L.R. – 30.10.44
NZ426235 F/S Wood, J.H.T. – 19.12.44
Flying Hours. Operational:- 1,220.30
Non-operational:- 118.40
Operational Sorties:- 217
Monthly total of bombs dropped:- 933 tons.
Cumulative total of bombs dropped:- 25,294 tons.
Strength as at 31st January, 1945 :-
Officers:- 91
W/Os & N.C.Os:- 259
Appendices:-
Forms 541 – A1 – A38
Combat Report – B.1 only
P.O.Rs Officers – C.1 – 17
Airmen – B1 – 16
Officers. Airmen.
R.A.F. C1 – 5 D1 – 7
R.A.A.F. C6 – 8 D8 – 10
R.C.A.F. C9 only D11 only
R.N.Z.A.F. C10 – 17 D12- 16
(Sgd.)
Wing Commander,
Commanding,
No. 75 (NZ) Squadron. R.A.F.
Continue these records – February 1945
75(nz)squadron 