MILDENHALL
1.10.42
TRAINING.
1.00 Sergt. Davey and Sergt. Tolley carried out local flying in Wellington Z1742.
4.00 Sergt. Davey carried out night cross country in Wellington Z1747.
4.00 Sergt. Watters “ “ “ “ “ in Wellington BJ832.
4.45 Sergt. Rhodes “ “ “ “ “ in Wellington DF639.
1.40 P/O Haydon, Sergt, Broaday and Sergt. Lord, flew to Wattisham, Bassingbourn and returned in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
2.10.42
Training.
Nil
OPERATIONS ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT KREFELD.
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,000lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Fires were seen which appeared to be mainly in open country. Heavy and Light A.A. fire was encountered, mainly on enemy coast, Searchlights were considerable, operating in cones, over target area. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks were made. The weather was fine at target, with considerable ground haze. Navigation was good.
3.10.42
TRAINING
NIL
OPERATIONS
NIL
4.10.42
TRAINING
NIL
OPERATIONS
NIL
5.10.42
TRAINING.
2.40 Sergt. Watters carried out cross country in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT AACHEN.
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 30lb. and 4lb. incendiairies were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen in built up area, which appeared to spread between MAASTRICH and AACHEN. Heavy and light A.A. fire was moderate, but scattered searchlights were few. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks were made. The weather obver target was good with slight ground haze. Navigation was by D.R. and T.R. and visual.
6.10.42
TRAINING.
4.55 Sergt. Davey carried out day and night T.R. exercise in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT OSNABRUCK.
Fourteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target, bomb load of 4,000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, scattered fires were seen, flares were lighting up the whole area. Considerable light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered Searchlights were numerous and operating mainly in cones. The weather was good with low cloud and slight haze at target area. Navigation was good by D.R. and T.R. visual, pinpoints, loop and fixes. Wellington DF639 captained by Sergt. Rhodes G.W. failed to return.
7.10.42
TRAINING
NIL
OPERATIONS
NIL
8.10.42
TRAINING
NIL
OPERATIONS GARDENING OFF ILE DE GROIX
Two aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. Mines were successfully planted in the allotted area by one of our aircraft, the other aircraft returned to base owing to failure of electrical equipment. No A.A. fire, searchlight or enemy aircraft was seen. The weather was fine, Navigation was good.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF OSTEND.
Three aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. Mines were successfully planted by two aircraft and the parachutes seen to open, the other aircraft returned early owing to receivers signal thought to be a recall. No A.A. fire, searchlight or enemy aircraft was seen. The weather was good, but misty. Navigation was by pin points and fixes.
9.10.42
TRAINING.
1.50 F/Sgt. Wright carried out dual flying in Wellington Z1747.
VISIT TO SQUADRON.
The Right Hon. Mr. W.J. Jordan High Commissioner for New Zealand visited the Squadron.
Photographs of air crew personnel were taken.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF EAST FRISIAN ISLANDS.
Seven aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. mines were successful planted in the allotted area. No A.A. fire was encountered, one searchlight was seen sweeping the sea. 10/10 cloud was over the area and visibility was poor. Navigation was by D.R., T.R., loops and map reading.
10.10.42
TRAINING.
1.50 F/Sgt. Wright carried out dual flying in Wellington Z1747.
2.00 S/Ldr. Crawford carried out dual and solo in Wellington Z1747.
1.15 P/O Jacobson carried out “Bullseye” exercise in Wellington B.K.275.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
11.10.42
TRAINING.
1.10 Sergt. Watters carried out T.R. exercise in Wellington X3954.
2.00 Sergt. Davey carried out Fighter Affiliation and T.R. Exercise.
2.40 Sergt. Bettles carried out Fighter Affliliation and T.R. Exercise.
4.30 Sergt. Broady carried out Cross Country in Wellington BJ837.
.30 P/O Haydon and Sergt. Dalzell carried out dual and solo flying.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING IN THE KATTEGAT AND LITTLE BELT.
Nine aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted in the allotted area. Wellington X3597 captained by F/Sgt Curr bombed a bridge near Middlefort, with three 500lb. G.P. bombs, the first bomb was just short, others very close and might have hit the edge of the bridge. Light A.A. fire was encountered at Middlefort Bridge. No searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen, there was no cloud, visibility was good. Navigation was good by D.R. T.R. visual and pin point. Wellington B.K.341 captained by Sergt. Shalfoon failed to return.
12.10.42
TRAINING.
.30 P/O Haydon and Sergt Dalzell carried out circuit and landings in Wellington X3747.
1.10 Serg. Scott carried out Lorenz and George practice.
Operations.
Nil.
13.10.42
TRAINING.
1.00 Sergt. Buck carried out air firing.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT KIEL.
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen particularly on the West side of FIORD. Light, medium and heavy A.A. fire was encountered over a large area, searchlights were few and scattered in target area. A few searchlights were also seen on the way to the target. No enemy aircraft was seen. The weather was clear, with no cloud over the target, visibility was good by the light of flares. Navigation was D.R., T.R., visual and pin points.
Wellington X3954 captained by Sergt. Watters failed to return. Wellington BJ837 captained by Sergt. Davey crashed at R.A.F. Station Lakenheath on return owing to shortage of petrol, four memebers of the crew were injured. All taking art considered this to be a very successful raid.
14.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
15.10.42
Movement of Air Crew and Ground Personnel of “B” Flight to R.A.F. Station, Oakington.
The above movement was carried out in two main parties, all personnel travelling by road, under the direction of F/Lt. Parish and W/O Cooper.
The purpose of the movement being to enable aircrew of “B” flight to convert to Stirling aircraft at Conversion Unit R.A.F. Station Oakington, commanded by S/Ldr. Crompton.
Activities of “A” Flight.
15.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT COLOGNE.
Seven aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb loads of 4lb. incendiaries were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen which clearly lit up the town on north sides of the river. Several dummy fires were also seen. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, searchlights were numerous but poorly predicted. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. There was no cloud and visibility was good, except for slight ground haze. Navigation was good.
16.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
17.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
18.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
19.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
20.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
21.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS.
Nil.
22.10.42
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS. DAYLIGHT ATTACKS ON TARGETS AT LINGEN
Two aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 500lb. and 30lb. incendiaries. The bombs were successfully dropped in the target area from a low altitude, one of the aircraft claimed successful hits on a railroad Station. No, A.A. fire was encountered and no enemy aircraft were seen. The cloud cover was good having a ceiling of 700 feet. Navigation was good.
OPERATIONS. DAYLIGHT ATTACKS ON TARGETS AT ESSEN.
Three aircraft were detailed to attack the above target, bomb load of 500lb., 250lb. and 30lb incendiaries were dropped on built up areas. The cloud cover gave out before the aircraft reached the target area making it impossible to bomb the primary target. No. A.A. fire was encountered and no enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was good except for lack of cloud cover. Navigation was good.
23.10.42
VISIT OF AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 3 GROUP.
Air Vice Marshall the Hon. R.A. Cochrane, C.B.E., A.F.C., the Air Officer Commanding , No. 3 Group, visited the Squadron to congratulate them on the successful daylight raid carried out yesterday. He interviewed some of the members of the crews who took part and personally commended them on their splendid display.
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT GENOA.
Eight aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 1000lb, 500lb, 250lb and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, aome aircraft CLAIMED to have also bombed Savona. A few light A.A. guns and one or two searchlights were encountered. No combats with enemy aircraft took place. The cloud base at target was down to 3/4000 feet, the aircraft came down below this to bomb. Navigation was good by D.R. , T.R., loops and fixes.
24.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT MILAN.
five aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 1000lb. 500lb, 250 lb and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Some slight A.A. fire was encountered, cloud stopping searchlight activity. No combats with enemy aircraft took lace. 10/10ths cloud from the French coast to the target area made identification of the target difficult. Navigation was difficult owing to cloud preventing the use of Astro. Wellington Z1652 captained by Sgt. Hughill and Wellington BK.725 captained by Sgt. McConnell failed to return.
25.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF FRISIAN ISLANDS.
Two aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb vegetables were successfully planted by one of the aircraft, the other aircraft returned early owing to the wireless being unserviceable. No A.A. fire, searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. It was cloudy over the Gardening area, although visibility was fairly good. Navigation was good by D.R. and T.R.
OPERATIONS GARDENING OFF BREST.
Two aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted by both aircraft in the allotted area, some light A.A fire and a few searchlights were encountered. No enemy aircraft were sen. The weather was clear, and navigation was good.
26.10.42
TRAINING.
3.15 Sergeant Cousins carried out “Bullseye” exercise in Wellington BK362.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
27.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
28.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
29.10.42
Movement of Air Crew and Grounf Personnel of “A” Flight to R.A.F. Station, Oakington.
The above movement was carried out in two main parties, all personnel travelling by road under the direction of S/Ldr. Crawford and F/Sergt. Weeks. The purpose of the movement being to enable aircrew of “A” Flight to convert to Stirling aircraft, at Conversion Unit, R.A.F. Station, Oakington commanded by S/L Crompton.
30.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
31.10.42
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
OAKINGTON
ACTIVITIES OF AIR CREWS DESPATCHED TO CONVERSION UNIT AT R.A.F. STATION OAKINGTON.
The following training has been carried out:-
18/10/42 .45 Stirling V3704 P/O Bishop and P/O Trott – Air Test Circuits and Bumps.
21/10/42 1.15 Stirling BK609 F/O Gwilliam and F/S Blinc – Air Test.
“ 1.00 Stirling BK609 P/O Bishop and f/Lt Parish – R.F.I.,
22/10/42 1.15 Stirling BK609 P/O Bishop and F/Lt. Parish – Check landing and solo.
“ 1.30 Stirling BK615 F/O Gwilliam and P.O Trott – Air test, circuits and landings.
“ .50 Stirling W9247 S/L Crompton and Sgt. Bettles – Air test, circuits and landings.
“ .30 Stirling 9243 F/O Gwilliam and F/Sgt. McCullough – Air Test.
23/10/42 1.15 Stirling BK609 P/O Bishop and Sgt. Rousseau – L.F.T. Dual.
“ 1.15 Stirling Y9243 F/O Gwilliam and F/Sgt Blincoe – L.F.T. Dual.
“ 1.35 Stirling 9247 S/L Compton and F/Sgt. McCullough – Dual.
“ .45 Stirling BK609 P/O Bishop and F/Lt Parish – Dual and Solo.
“ 2.00 Stirling U615 S/L Crompton and Sgt Bettles – Dual.
24/10/42 1.15 Stirling Y9247 F/O Gwilliam and P/O Trot – Dual, Solo and Air Test.
“ 1.45 Stirling R609 P/O Bishop, Sgt Rousseau and Sgt Boyle – Dual.
“ 1.50 Stirling U615 S/L Crompton and F/Sgt McCullough – Dual and Solo.
“ 1.00 Stirling T608 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt Bailey – Air Test.
“ 1.30 Stirling R609 F/Lt. Parish – L.F.P.
“ .50 Stirling R9247 S/L Crompton and Sgt Bettles – dual and Solo.
“ 1.30 Stirling Y9243 P/O Bishop F/Sgt Dunmall – Initial Dual.
25/10/42 1.00 Stirling Y9243 F/Sgt Watson and P/O Trott – Check landing and Solo.
“ .45 Stirling U615 F/O Gwilliams and F/Sgt Bailey – Dual.
“ 2.00 Stirling T608 P/O Bishop and Sgt Rousseau – Dual and Solo.
“ .45 Stirling R9247 S/L Crompton and Sgt Rousseau – Dual and Solo.
“ 1.20 Stirling R609 Sgt Bettles – L.F.P.
“ 2.00 Stirling Y9243 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt McCullough – L.F.P. Check and Solo.
“ .15 Stirling Z697 P/O Bishop and Sgt Scott – Air Test.
“ .15 Stirling R609 P/O Bishop and F/Sgt Blincoe – Dual.
26/10/42 .30 Stirling W7247 F/O Gwilliam and F/Sgt Bailey – Dual.
“ 2.30 Stirling R609 P/O Bishop and F/Sgt Blincoe – L.F.P. Dual.
27/10/42 1.50 Stirling Y9243 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt McCulloch – L.F.P. Check and Solo.
“ Stirling T608 P/O Trott – L.F.P.
“ .30 Stirling W7247 F/O Gwilliam and F/Sgt Bailey – Dual and Solo.
“ 1.40 Stirling Z397 S/L Crompton and Sgt Rousseau – Air Test, Dual and Solo.
“ .45 Stirling U625 P/O Bishop and F/Sgt Blincoe – Check landing.
“ 1.45 Stirling Z397 F/O Gwillaims and F/Sgt Dunmall – Dual
“ 1.30 Stirling Y9243 Sgt Bettles – Solo.
“ 1.30 Stirling R609 F/Lt. Parish – L.F.P.
“ 2.00 Stirling Z397 P/O Bishop and F/Lt Parish – Dual and Solo.
“ .15 Stirling W9247 S/L Crompton and F/Sgt Bettles – Dual.
“ 1.20 Stirling T608 S/L Crompton and Sgt Bettles – Dual.
29/10/42 .45 Stirling T608 P/O Bishop and F/Sgt Blincoe – L.F.P.
“ 2.15 Stirling Y9243 P/O Trott – L.F.P.
“ .40 Stirling R609 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt Dunmall – Dual and Solo.
“ 2.15 Stirling W7247 F/O Gwillian and F/Sgt Bailey – Dual and Solo.
“ .45 Stirling R609 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt Dunmall – L.F.P.
“ 2.10 Stirling R9243 F/Sgt Dunmall – L.F.P.
“ .45 Stirling U615 P/O Bishop and Sgt Scott – Dual.
“ .45 Stirling T608 Sgt Bettles – Air Test.
“ 1.25 Stirling X1042 S/L Crompton and Sgt Franklin – Air Test.
31/10/42 2.30 Stirling BK608 F/Sgt Blincoe – L.F.P.
“ 2.00 Stirling U615 F/Sgt Watson and F/Sgt Dunmall – Dual and Solo.
“ 1.45 Stirling Z392 P/O Bishop and Sgt Scott – Dual.
“ 2.05 Stirling W9247 P/O Trott – To Midenhall and Air Firing.
“ 2.30 Stirling R609 F/Lt Parish – Air Firing.
“ 1.30 Stirling Z396 Sgt Bettles – Air Firing.
“ .30 Stirling D628 F/Sgt Watson – Check landing and Solo.
“ .45 Stirling P398 F/O Gwillaims – Air Test.
OUTSTANDING EVENTS
Conversion of Squadron from Wellington to Stirling Aircraft and transfer of Squadron to R.A.F. Satellite Rowley Mile, Newmarket.
On the 15th. October 1942 “B” Flight proceeded to Oakington to a conversion Unit formed under the Command of Squadron Leader Crompton.
On the 29th. October “A” FLight proceeded to the Conversion Unit R.A.F. Station Oakington.
It is proposed to move Squadron Headquarters to R.A.F. Satellite Rowley Mile, New Market on the 1st of November 1942. On completion of converting to Stirling aircraft :A: and “B” Flights will proceed to Rowley Mile and operate from there with Stirling aircraft.
9th October 1942 Mr. W.J. Jordon High Commissioner for New Zealand visited the Squadron.
23rd October 1942 visit of A.O.C. No. 3 Group to congratulate Squadron on successful daylight raids carried out on LINGEN and ESSEN on 22nd October 1942.
The Squadron took part in the long distance raids on Genoa and Milan on the 23rd of October 1942 and 24th of October 1942 respectively.
Five aircraft were missing from Operations during the month.
AWARDS
Award of D.F.C. to F/O (A/F/Lt.) F.J. Chunn A.G on 27.10.42
Award of D.F.M to AUS/404005 Sergt. F.L. Curr, Pilot vide The London Gazette dated 2.10.42.
This N.C.O. has completed 56 operational sorties, many of which were in the mIddle East. At this Squadron he has carried out four sorties against heavily defended targets in Germany and in each case has pressed home his attacks at low level in spite of strong opposition, with a courage and strength of purpose which ensure a high degree of success. His energetic devotion proving an inspiration to all aircrews, and deserving of the highest praises .
ACTING RANKS
F/O Chunn F.J. NZ40733 G.D. appointed to the rank of Acting Flight Lietenant w.e.f. 20.9.42 authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/8937/5/8/P2 dated 18.10.42.
F/O Westerman C.F. J6650 G.D. Appointed to the rank of Actng Flight Lietenat w.e.f. 12.9.42 authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/8937/5/8/P2 dated 18.10.42.
“A” POSTINGS
F/O Harcourt L.V. 45807 G.D. posted to the non-effective strength of R.A.F. Station Mildenhall w.e.f. 25.9.42.
P/O Rayner R.R. NZ41399 G.D. posted to No. 11 O.T.U. w.e.f. 6.10..42 authority 91 Group Postagram 91G/1706/26/11/P4 dated 27.9.42.
P/O Redman E.G. G.D.
P/O Donnelly J.C. 112425 G.D. posted to No.21 O.T.U. w.e.f. 6.10.42 authority 91 Group Postagram 91G/1706/26/21/34 dated 27.9.42.
P/O Downes E.F. NZ412871 G.D. posted to No. 1 R.A.F. Depot Uxbridge w.e.f. 16.10.42 authority 3 Group Signal P950 dated 14.10.42.
A/F/Lt. Sandeman F.A. 86686 G.D. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 17.10.42 authority 91 Group Signal P552 dated 11.10.42.
A/S/Ldr. Lockwood E.B.R. 89485 G.D. Posted to No.81 O.T.U. w.e.f. 20.10.42 authority 3 Group Signal P6 dated 18.10.42.
P/O Holding E.N. NZ402185 G.D Posted to this unit w.e.f. 21.10.42 authority pending.
P/O Letchford E.A. NZ404074 G.D. Posted to No.16 O.T.U. w.e.f. 20.10.42. authority 3 Group Signal P963 dated 16.10.42.
P/O Wright J.L. NZ405781 G.D. Posted to No.30 O.T.U. w.e.f. 20.10.42 authority 3 Group Posyagram 3G/6601/7AP4 dated 11.10.42.
P/O Kelly C.W.B. NZ403562 G.D.
P/O Osborne A.G. NZ41353 G.D. Ceased to be attached from this Unit to R.A.F. Station Weeton on posting to West Africa w.e.f. 29.9.42 authority Records letter ZG3E/1271/10 dated 23.10.42.
“B” ATTACHMENTS
F/Lt. Walker R.B. 63736 Med. Attached to R.A. Station Stradishall w.e.f. 3.10.42 authority 3 Group Signal P442 dated 3.10..42. Ceased to be attached w.e.f. 13.10.42. Authority 3 Group Signal P485 dated 12.10.42.
A/S/Ldr. Crompton J.A. 74668 G.D. Attached to this Unit w.e.f. 20.10.42 authority 8AGS/S22/6/AIRdated 15.10.42
P/O Thistle L.E. J10874 G.D. Attached to R.A.F. Station Oakington w.e.f. 17.10.42 authority 3G/S8004/10/SOA dated 12.10.42
F/Lt Walker R.B. 63736 Med. Attached to R.A.F. Station Halton w.e.f. 25.10.42 authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/891829/40/P2 dated 13.10.42.
F/Lt. Parish C.W. 81927 G.D. Attached to R.A.F. Station Oakington w.e.f. 15.10.42 authority 3 Group letter 3G/S8004/10/S.O.A dated 12.10.42.
P/O Trott L.G. NZ412743 G.D.
P/O Scollay W.J.R. NZ41497 G.D.
P/O Poppelwell D.L. NZ41357 G.D.
P/O Williams E.E.
P/O Ormerod C.F. NZ413340 G.D.
P/O Stuart-White D.A. 105152 G.D.
P/O Wright J.L. NZ405781 G.D. Appointed to a commission as P/O on probation on 31.8.42 authority Air Ministry letters A4440484/42/S7 (F) 1 (B) and A440486/42/S7 (F) 1 (B) dated 5.10.42.
P/O Kelly C.W.B. NZ403562 G.D.
P/O Horne W.G. NZ411983 G.D. Promoted to the War Substantive Rank of F/O w.e.f. 6.9.42 authority 3 Group letter 3G/8967/1/P2 dated 9.10.42.
ARRIVALS AND DESPATCHES OF AIRCRAFT.
1.10.42. Wellington III BK341 received from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Auth. 41G/7228.
6.10.42. Wellington III BK362 received from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Auth. 41G/7298.
8.10.42. Wellington III BK386 received from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Auth. 41G/7348.
9.10.42. Wellington III BK386 despatched to No. 156 Squadron. Auth. Form :W” S.455.
14.10.42. Wellington III X3946 and Wellington III BJ898 despatched to No. 115 Squadron. Auth. W/S.463.
“ Wellington III X3959 and Wellington BJ707 despatched to No. 156 Squadron. Auth W/S.462.
18.10.42. Wellington III X3540 and Wellington III Z1738 despatched to No.115 Squadron. Auth.W/S.464.
“ Wellington III BJ837 despatched to Humbers Ltd. Coventry. Auth. 54MU/10001/17.
28.10.42. Wellington III BJ766 despatched to No. 156 Squadron, Auth. Form W. 472.
“ Wellington III BJ766, Wellington III X3597, Wellington III BJ584, Wellington III BK362 despatched to No.115 Squadron. Auth. Form “W”. 471.
Allotments of Stirling aircraft are not available, owing to the Conversion of the Squadron to Stirling aircraft. They will be included in next months record.
Continue these records – November
75(nz)squadron 