01 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
Postings:
P/O H.A. Roberts and P/O P.F. Wilson posted to this Unit from 11 OTU, Bassingbourn w.e.f. 1/5/41. Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/1706/26/P.2. dated 25.4.41 Appendix F.1
02 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HAMBURG AND EMDEN.
Thirteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. The bomb load was mixed and consisted of 1000 lbs. G.P.; 500 lbs. G.P. ; 250 lbs. G.P. and containers of incendiaries. Bombs were dropped and hits scored. Many fires were started. Accurate heavy AA fire was experienced in target area. There were intense stationary cones of searchlights over Hamburg. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks made. The weather was fine and visibility was good. Navigation was by D/R, W/T map reading and astro.
Training: Nil
Postings:
P/O O.R. Matheson posted from this Unit to the non-effective strength of R.A.F. Station Feltwell w.e.f. 24.4.41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’gram 3G/6601/3/P.4 dated 23.4.41. Appendix F.1
P/O C.W. Scott and F/O Gill, T.F. posted from this Unit to the non-effective strength of R.A.F. Station Feltwell w.e.f. 30.4.41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.P’gram 3G/6601/3/P.4 dated 29.4.41. Appendix F.1
F/O D. Mackay posted from this Unit to No.7 Squadron , Oakington, w.e.f. 2.5.41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.569 dated 1.5.41. Appendix F.2
Attachments:
P/O W.J. Rees attached from this Unit to No.5 B.A.T.F. Honing ton w.e.f. 27.4.41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.539 dated 26.4.41. Appendix F.1
03 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
15.55 – 18.05 Cross country flight carried out by SGT. Miniken and crew in Wellington 1C. T.2805
04 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT BREST.
Thirteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. The bomb load which was mixed, consisted of 2000 lbs. S.A.P. 500 S.A.P. 250 lbs. S.A.P. while flash bombs were also carried by two aircraft. All bombs were dropped and bursts were observed. Many fires were started. Intense have and light flak was experienced on route and in target areas, while searchlights were intense but not very accurate. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks made. The weather was fine and clear. Navigation was by astro, D/R, W/T and map reading.
Training: Nil
Attachments:
P/O W.J. Rees ceased to be attached to No.5 B.A.T.F. Honing ton w.e.f. 4.5.41 Appendix F.2
05 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
21.45 – 22.45 Circuits and landings carried out by Sgt. Miniken and crew in Wellington R.3218.
06 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HAMBURG.
Ten Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, R.3169, after having bombed the target, and while on the return journey, crashed into a barrage balloon cable at the mouth of the River Humber and dived into the water. The Rear Gunner, Sgt. Craven, was the sole survivor of the crew of six. The bomb load carried by the ten machines consisted of 1000 lbs. 500 lbs. 250 lbs. Bombs were dropped by all aircraft, but owing to heavy cloud no results were observed. Some light and heavy AA fire was experienced on route and in target areas, but searchlights were few and very ineffective. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, astro.
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
07 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
Missing:
P/O C.F. Page missing on 7.5.41.
08 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HAMBURG.
Twelve Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, TBO.404 returned to base with bombs on account of rear turret and guns being out of order. The remaining aircraft all dropped their bombs and bursts were seen in target areas, as a result of which many fires were started. A.A. fire was intense and fairly accurate and searchlights were active. Enemy aircraft were numerous but no attacks were made. The weather was good, but a little too clear. Navigation was by D/R, astro, W/T and map reading.
Training: Nil
Postings:
S/L Southwell, J.M. posted from this Unit to 57 Squadron, Feltwell w.e.f. 8.5.41 Auth’y: 3Gp.P’Gram. 3G/8918/P.2. dated 17.5.41. Appendix F.2
09 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT MANNHEIM.
Twelve Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. All bombs were dropped and bursts and fires were seen in target area. Moderate A.A. fire was encountered in target area but this was not very accurate. Searchlights were not active. A number of enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks made. The weather was fine and visibility good. Navigation was by D/R, astro, W/T, and map reading.
Training: Nil
10 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
11 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT HAMBURG.
Eleven Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, captained by S/L Widdowson, was attacked by an unseen aircraft at 4,000 feet near Cromer. The machine was badly damaged and the Rear Gunner Sgt. Gannaway, was fatally wounded. Bombs were jettisoned in the sea and aircraft returned to base. The remaining aircraft dropped all bombs and bursts were seen and fires started. Intense light and heavy A.A. fire was experienced in target areas, and searchlights were active and working in cones. Several fighters were seen in target areas. The weather was good, but there was haze over target. Navigation was by D/R, astro, W/T, map reading.
Training: Nil
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C W.5663 received from No.51 M.U. Auth’y: 41G/4949.
12 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
13 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
14 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
15 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
14.20 – 16.00 Cross country flight carried out by Sgt. Joll and crew in Wellington 1C. T.2835.
Circuits and landings carried out in Wellington R.3218 by F/O Hill and crew.
16 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
S.C.I. Training carried out by P/O Simich and crew.
11.55 – 14.25 Cross country flight carried out by Sgt. Joll and crew in Wellington 1C.
23.15 – 23.50 F/Lt. Fletcher and crew carried out circuits and landings in Wellington 1C R.3218.
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C R.1771 received from No.45 M.U. Auth’y: 41G/5086.
Two Wellington 1C X.3194, R.1792 received from No.48 M.U. Auth’y: 41G/5130.
17 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT COLOGNE AND BOULOGNE.
Fourteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, CNY.170, returned to base with bombs owing to turret trouble. The remainder all dropped their bombs, bursts being seen and fires started. It was observed that the blackout in Brussels was not good. Intense A.A. fire and searchlights working in cones were experienced and although a number of enemy aircraft were seen no attacks were made. The weather was fair but there was haze over the target areas. Navigation was by D/R, loop, astro, W/T, map reading.
Training:
S.C.I. Training carried out by P/O Simich and crew in R.3218.
19 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
Attachments:
P/O H.A. Roberts attached from this Unit to 5 B.A.T.F. Honing ton w.e.f. 19.5.41 Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.867 dated 18.5.41. Appendix F.2
20 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
Postings:
P/O G.R. Smirch posted from this Unit to 18 OTU, Bramcote w.e.f. 20.5.41. Auth’y: 3 Gp.Sig.P.661 dated 13.5.41. Appendix F.2
Appointments and Promotions:
F/O J.C. Hill promoted to the war substantive rank of Flight Lieutenant w.e.f. 27.2.41. Auth’y: Ext. 3 Gp. Routine Orders Serial No. 79/71 dated 11.5.41.
Decorations:
F/O M.H. Macfarlane awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 18.2.41. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35079 dated 18.2.41 and 3 Gp.Routine Orders Ser.No.33 dated 19.2.41.
P/O D.M. Macarthur awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 1.11.40. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.34984 dated 1.11.40 and 3 Gp.Routine Orders Ser.No.116 dated 18.12.40.
P/O F.H. Denton awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 1.10.40. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.34958 dated 1.10.40 and 3 Gp.Routine Orders Ser.No.89 dated 4.10.40.
S/L N.M. Boffee awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 26.11.40. Auth’y: Ext.London Gazette Serial No.35001 dated 26.11.40 and 3 Gp.Routine Orders Ser.No.109 dated 2.12.40.
21 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
11.15 – 14.00 Cross country flight carried out by P/O Thomson and crew in R.3218.
22 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
S.C.I. Training carried out by two crews (Captains – F/O Parker and Sgt. Coney).
Aircraft:
One Wellington 1C R.1792 despatched to 57 Squadron, Feltwell. Auth’y: Form “W” S/507 dated 20.5.41.
23 May 1941
Operations:
BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT COLOGNE.
Ten Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. The bomb load carried was mixed and consisted of 1000 lbs. G.P.; 500 lbs. G.P.; 250 lbs. G.P. and containers of incendiaries while one flash bomb was carried. Bombs were dropped by all aircraft and a number of large explosions, followed by fires, were observed. Heavy A.A. fire was experienced over target areas. Searchlights were intense and fairly accurate. No enemy aircraft were encountered. The weather was fair, but visibility was bad. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, astro, map reading.
Training: Nil
24 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
25 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: No training was carried out today.
26 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training:
Formation flying was carried out by 12 crews.
Postings:
S/L F.J. Lucas posted to this Unit from 15 OTU, Harwell, w.e.f. 26.5.41. Auth’y: 6 Gp.P’Gram. 6G/S.584/P.2. dated 21.5.41.
27 May 1941
Operations:
DAYLIGHT SEARCH FOR HIPPER CLASS CRUISER.
Twelve Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out the above search. The bomb load was mixed and consisted of “B” bombs, and 500 lbs. S.A.P. The target was not located and all bombs were brought back. A large number of enemy aircraft were encountered and attacks were made on our aircraft. No serious damage was sustained. Good weather was experienced. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, map reading.
Training: Nil
28 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance took place today.
29 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
30 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nothing of importance was carried out today.
31 May 1941
Operations: Nil
Training: Nil
Continue these records – June 1941
75(nz)squadron 