MILDENHALL
1942 Sept.1
TRAINING
1.25 Sergts. Metcalf and Jonson and P/O Haydon carried out local Dual flying in Wellington B.J.725.
1.00 Sergts. Metcalf and Johnson carried out solo flying in Wellington B.J.725.
OPERATIONS ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT SAARBRUCKEN.
Eleven aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,00lb. 1,000lb. 500lb. 250lb. and incendiaries were dropped in target area. Large fires were seen in the target area. Light and heavy predicted A.A. fire was accurate but not intense, few searchlights were seen. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was good and extra clear over target, navigation was good. Fires were seen by Sgt. Hunting, Captain of Wellington X3794 20 minutes before E.T.A.
Sept. 2
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT KARLSRUHE.
6 aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 1.000 lb. 500 lb. 250lb. and incendiaries were dropped in target area. Large fires were seen on the target, concentrated mainly in center of target area. A/A fire was moderate, searchlights were few. Wellington B.J.790 captained by Sgt. Blincoe was attacked by a J.U.88, the front gun fired a burst at very short range, E/A then broke off attack, no other E/A were seen. The weather was clear over the target, navigation was very good by T.R. and D.R. A large fire suspected to be a dummy was seen 30 to 40 miles West of target.
Sept. 3
TRAINING.
.30 Dual flying was carried out by P/O Haydon and F/S Dunmall in Wellington B.J.725.
.30 F/S Dunmal carried out solo flying in Wellington BJ725.
1.10 P/O Trott carried out T.R. exercise in Wellington X3936.
3.45 Sgt. Law carried out t.R. exercise in Wellington X3396.
4.0 Sgt. Bettles “ “ “ “ “ “ X3794.
OPERATIONS ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT EMDEN
6 aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500lb. were dropped in target area by two aircraft, two failing to reach the target. A.A. fire was slight – searchlights were few. The weather was bad, being heavy cloud all the way to the target and 10/10th cloud over target. Navigation was good. Wellington X3396 captained by Sergt. Law and Wellington X3794 captained by Sgt. Hunting, failed to return.
Sept.4
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT BREMEN.
12 aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area by nine aircraft. Three aircraft were forced to return to base owing to a/c failures. Large fires were seen with smoke rising up to about 8,000 feet. Intense light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered on the way to target and in target area, searchlights were concentrated and accurate over a large area. A few E/A were seen, but no attacks were made. The weather was fine over the target area, visibility was good. Navigation was by T.R. and D.R.
Sept.5
TRAINING.
3.15 Sergt. Metcalf carried out T.R. exercise in Wellington B.J.974.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 6
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT DUISBERG.
15 aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Bomb load of 4,000lb. 1,000lb. 500lb. 250lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen to be growing in intensity. A.A. fire was heavy and intense but was bursting high above the aircraft, searchlights were intense, particularly at target area. Wellington B.J. 772 captained by F/Lt. Wormersley was attacked from rear on return by an e/a, one burst was fired by the rear gunner and the e/a was driven off, no other e/a were seen. The weather was good, clear over target with slight ground haze. Navigation was very good. Wellington B.J. 765 captained by Sgt. Sharman G.W. and Wellington X3867 captained by F/S Parkes W.R. failed to return.
Sept.7
TRAINING.
.40 Turret test carried out by Sgt. Bettles in Wellington BJ707.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF FRISIAN ISLANDS.
4 aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, Wellington BJ772 captained by F/Lt. Wormersley was recalled from another mission. The remaining aircraft planted 1500lb. vegetables in target area. A.A. fire was light, no searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. The sea was covered with cloud and haze. Navigation was good.
Sept.8
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. ATTACK AGAINST TARGETS AT FRANKFURT.
9 aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Bomb load of 4,000lb. 500lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target. Large fires were seen. A.A. fire was moderate, searchlights were numerous particularly in target area, a few enemy aircraft were seen, but no attacks were made. The weather was good, with slight ground haze. Navigation was accurate by D.R. and T.R. Wellington BJ596 captained by Sgt. Johnson, failed to return.
Sept. 9
TRAINING.
2.15 T.R. exercise carried out by Sgt. Metcalf in Wellington BJ832.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 10
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT DUSSELDORF.
13 aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets, bombs of 4000lb. and incendiaries were dropped in target area, two aircraft, Wellington X3747 captained by Sgt. Rousseau and Wellington BJ837 captained by P/O Jacobsen were forced to return to base before reaching target area, owing to aircraft failures. Large fires were seen, a few dummy fires were also seen near target. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, particularly in Searchlight cones, which covered a large area. The weather was good, slight haze and some ground haze at target area. Navigation was good by D.R. and T.R.
Wellington BJ828 captained by Sgt. Lees, Wellington BJ968 captained by Sgt. Burrill and Wellington BJ974 captained by Sgt. Metcalf failed to return.
Sept. 11
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 12
TRAINING.
1.15 Sgt. Raharuhi carried out T.R. exercise in Wellington X3946.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 13
TRAINING.
1.15 F/O Morant, Sgt, Pascoe and Serg. Franklin carried out local dual in Wellington X3747.
.45 Sgts. Franklin, Harvey and Pascoe carried out local solo in Wellington X3747.
1.10 P/O Harcourt and F/Lt. Parish carried out dual in Wellington X3747.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT BREMEN.
8 aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Large concentrations of fire were seen, numerous dummy fires were also seen, mainly South of target. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered mainly in co-operation with searchlights cones, which were very numerous. Sgt. Rousseau captain of Wellington BJ898 reported one enemy aircraft was seen over enemy coast but no attack was made, no other enemy aircraft was seen. The weather was good with slight haze over target, navigation was good.
Sept. 14
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT WILMELMSHAVEN.
Six aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Bomb load of 4000lb. and incendiairies were dropped in target area. A few fires were seen. Light and heavy predicted and accurate A.A. fire was encountered, searchlights were in small groups widely dispersed. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was clear over target with moderate ground haze. Navigation was by D.R. and T.R.
Sept. 15
TRAINING.
1.45 Night Dual flying carried out by P/O Haydon F/Lt. Parish and Sgt. Bailey in Wellington X3747.
OPERATIONS GARDENING.
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted. No. A.A. fire searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. Electrical storms and cloud were over the sea, Navigation was good by D.R. T.R. end fixes.
Sept.16
TRAINING.
Sergeant Hughill carried out T.R. exercise in Wellington B.J.832.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT ESSEN.
Eight aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lb. and incendiairies were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen. A.A. fire was intense, heavy and accurate, searchlights were in heavy concentrations. Wellington B.J.790 captained by Sgt. Blincoe K. was hit by A.a. fire in starboard mainplane two minutes prior to bombing, which made a large hole between starboard motor and fuselage, making it impossible to turn to port. Near Dutch coast on return the aircraft was attacked from underneath by an unseen enemy aircraft, being hit several times and the WOP, being wounded in the back. The enemy aircraft was not seen by any of the crew. On return the aircraft belly landed on aerodrome with hydraulics unserviceable. Wellington B.J.772 captained by F/Sgt. Wright was attacked by a JU88 on return after bombing, the enemy aircraft was fired at by the front gunner, after several bursts it was seen by the Captain, WOP and front gunner to explode in the air. A few enemy aircraft were seen by other aircraft, but no attacks made. The target area was covered 8/10-9/10 cloud. Navigation was good by T.R. and D.R.
Sept.17
TRAINING.
2.00 Sgt. Bailey carried out Air Firing in Wellington BJ832.
1.35 P/O Haydon, Sgt Bailey and Sgt. Hughill carried out local dual in Wellington X3597.
.30 P/O Haydon carried out searchlight co-operation in Wellington X3597.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 18
TRAINING.
NIL.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF ST.NAZAIRE.
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operations, 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted. Light tracer was encountered over St.Nazaire, which appeared to come from town, a few searchlights were seen, operating independently. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was very clear at target area. Navigation was by D.R. and T.R.
Sept. 19
TRAINING.
1.20 F/Lt. Parish carried out cross country in Wellington BJ832.
OPERATIONS. ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT SAARBRUCKEN.
Eight aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Bomb load of 4000lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, results could not be entirely observed owing to considerable ground haze. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, which was ineffective, no searchlights were seen at target area. A few enemy aircraft were seen, but no attacks made. The weather was good on way to target, visibility was poor at target. Navigation was by T.R. and D.R.
Sept. 20
TRAINING.
NIL.
4.10 Sgt. Bettles carried out cross country in Wellington BJ707.
2.05 F/L Parish carried out cross country in Wellington BJ832.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 21
TRAINING.
2.50 F/Lt. Parish carried out cross country in Wellington BJ707.
1.45 Sgt. Raharuhi carried out Instruments test in Wellington X3946.
2.30 Sgt. Hughill “ “ cross country in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 22
TRAINING.
2.15 Sgt. Scott carried out cross country in Wellington BJ707.
2.30 P/O Haydon, F/Lt. Parish and Sergt, Scott carried out night dual and night solo flying in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONAL SEA SEARCH BY THE FOLLOWING AIRCRAFT.
2.40 Sgt. Jackson in Wellington BJ758.
“ F/Lt. Parish in Wellington BJ832.
2.35 Sgt. Hockaday in Wellington X3959.
Sept. 23
TRAINING.
3.15 Sgt. Franklin carried out cross country in Wellington X3931.
1.40 Sgt. Buck carried out cross country in Wellington Z1747.
1.30 F/O Gunning carried out day duel in Wellington Z1747.
2.00 Sgt. Bailey carried out cross country in Wellington X3959.
1.40 Sgt. Hughill carried out cross country in Wellington BJ832.
1.15 P/O Haydon , Sgt. McConnell, Sgt. Devine and Sgt. Rhodes carried out night dual in Wellington Z1747.
1.40 Sergts Mc.Connell, Rhodes, Davey and Shalfoon carried out night solo in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 24
TRAINING.
2.45 F/Sgt. Dunmall carried out cross country in Wellington B.K.898.
1.00 Sgt. Rhodes “ “ “ “ “ “ B.J.837.
1.00 P/O Horne carried out Fighter Affiliation in Wellington BJ832.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF TEXEL.
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, 1500lb. mines were successfully planted. No A.A. fire, searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. Heavy thunderstorms and low cloud was encountered. Navigation was good.
Sept. 25
TRAINING.
Parachute and dinghy drill practiced by all crews.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 26
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS GARDENING IN BALTIC.
Seven aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation. 1500lb. vegetables and 500 lb. bombs were successfully dropped by two aircraft, who failed to hear a recall signal which was broadcast to all aircraft at approximately 2300 hours. No A.A. fire searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was very cloudy with ground haze at base. Navigation was accurate by D.R. and T.R.
F/S Dunmell in Wellington B.K.207 crashed at base on return, due to bad visibility.
OPERATIONS CARDENING OFF FRISIAN ISLANDS.
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operations. 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted. A small amount of A.A. fire was encountered from A.A. ships. No searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. Considerable cloud was encountered, with ground haze at base. Navigation was good.
Sept. 27
TRAINING.
1.45 Sergeant Shalfoon carried out photograph test in Wellington Z1738.
4.55 P/O Haydon instructed P/O Vincent and Sergeant Watters in day and night dual in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 28
TRAINING.
Nil.
OPERATIONS. DAYLIGHT ATTACKS AGAINST TARGETS AT LINGEN.
Three aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500lb was carried. All aircraft were forced to return to base, owing to lack of cloud cover. A.A. fire was nil. Two aircraft had short combats with M.E.109’s but results could not be observed. The weather was very cloudy to enemy coast, but then cloud broke and was clear. Navigation was good by D.R. and T.R.
Sept. 29
TRAINING.
P/O Haydon instructed P/O Vincent and Sergeant Watters in dual and solo flying in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS.
NIL.
Sept. 30
TRAINING.
1.40 P/O Haydon and Sgt. Ford carried out Circuits and solo flying in Wellington Z1747.
1.15 P/O Haydon, Sgt. Ford and Sgt. Ford carried dual flying in Wellington Z1747.
OPERATIONS. GARDENING OFF TERSCHELLING.
four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, 1500lb. vegetables were successfully planted. A convoy was seen at the garden which was machine gunned. Light A.A> fire was encountered, no enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was fine with patches of thick haze. Navigation was good.
ACTING RANKS
F/L Lockwood E.B.R (89584) GD. Appointed to rank of Acting Squadron Leader w.e.f. 22.8.42. authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/8937/3/8/42 dated 21/9/42/
F/O Baker E.S. (J5090) GD. Relinquishes the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant (paid) w.e.f. 13.9.42. authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/6607/4/P4 dated 8.9.42.
“A” POSTINGS
F/L Parish C.W. (81927) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 6.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P937 dated 5.9..42.
P/O Mills G.W.A. (NZ411769) GD. Posted (missing) to No.1 R.A.F. Depot Uxbridge w.e.f. 7.9.42 authority Air Ministry letter S67142/1/DPT dated 18.8.41.
P/O Smart R.C. (NZ411006) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 8.9.42 authority pending,
P/O Ormerod C.F. (NZ413340) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 9.9.42 authority 91 Group postagram 91G/1706/26/11/P4 dated 4.9.42.
P/O Devlin K.J. (NZ413334) GD. Posted (missing) to R.A.F. depot Uxbridge w.e.f. 11.9.42 authority Air Ministry letter S67142/1/DP1 dated 18.8.42.
P/O Smart R.C. (NZ411006) GD.
P/O King-Scott R.D. (AUS406043) GD. Posted to No.101 Squadron w.e.f.11.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P501 dated 11.9.42.
P/O Vincent N.F. (AUS411832) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 9.9.42 authority pending.
F/O Williams E.P. (NZ38235) GD. Posted to No.1 Signals School w.e.f. 9.9.42 authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/8918/29/21/P2. Dated 2.9.42.
P/O Taylor W.H. (122053) GD. Posted to Headquarters No.93 Group w.e.f. 3.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P903 dated 1.9.42.
P/O Westerman C.F. (J6650) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 11.9.42 authority 3 Group postagram 3G/6601/P4 dated 4.9.42.
P/O Minnis A.F. (126499) GD. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 18.9.42. authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/6601/P4 dated 16.9.42.
F/O (A/F/L) Myers C.J. (82193) G.D. Posted to Headquarters No.3 Group (supernumary) w.e.f. 18.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P714 dated 19.9.42.
P/O Hull R.A. (J15403) G.D. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 19.9.42 authority 92 Group Signal P357 dated 18.9.42.
S/Ldr. Crawford R.S. (39717) G.D. Posted to this Unit w.e.f. 25.9.42 authority 91 Group Signal P378 dated 20.9.42.
P/O King-Scott R.D (AUS406043) G.D. Posted to No.149 Squadron w.e.f. 22.9.42 authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/6601/P4 dated 24.9.42.
F/L Womersley G.H. (43696) G.D. Posted to No.156 Squadron w.e.f. 26.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P764 dated 26.9.42.
P/O Lowe H. (115129) G.D. Posted to non-effective strength of R.A.F. Station Mildenhall w.e.f. 19.9.42. authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/S6601/3/P4 dated 22.9.42.
F/O Gunning S.H. (NZ402470) G.D. Posted to Mo.22 O.T.U. w.e.f. 30.9.42 authority 3 Group Signal P786 dated 25.9.42.
F/O Baker E.S. (J5090) G.D. Ceased to be attached to P.D.C. Padgate on posting to No.31 A.N.S. Canada w.e.f. 13.9.42. authority 3 Group postagra, 3G/6607/4/P4 dated 28.9.42.
“B” ATTACHMENTS
P/O Chunn F.J. (NZ40733) G.D. Attached to C.G.S. w.e.f. 19.8.42 authority 3 Group postagram 3G/6607/7/P4 dated 30.8.42.
A/F/O Baker E.S. (J5090) G.D. Attached to P.D.C. Padgate W.e.f. 9.9.42. authority 3 Group Postagram 3G/6607/4/34 dated 4.9.42
P/O Osborne A.G. (NZ41353) G.D. Attached to R.A.F. station Weeton w.e.f. 16.9.42 authority Air Ministry Signal P1065 dated 11.9.42.
P/O Chunn F.J. (NZ40733) G.D. Ceased to be attached to C.G.S. w.e.f. 16.9.42.
“G” APPOINTMENTS & PROMOTIONS.
P/O Osborne A.G. (NZ41353) G.D. Appointed to a commission as p.O on probation, on 2.7.42 authority Ait Ministry letter A428775/42/S7 (F) 1 (B) dated 29.8.42.
P/O Westerman C.F. (J6650) G.D. Promoted to the rank od temporary Flying Officer w.e.f. 5.8.42 authority 3 Group letter 3G/8937/1/P2 dated 11.9.42.
P/O Chunn F.J. (NZ40733) G.D. Promotion to the rank of Officer w.e.f. 9.8.42 authority 3 Group letter 3G/8937/1/p2 dated 17.9.42.
P/O Chambers L. (NZ403758) G.D. Appointed to a commission as Pilot Officer on probation on 3.8.42 authority Air Ministry Letter A429058/42/S7 (f) 1 (b) dated 19.9.42.
P/O Letchford E.A. (89584) G.D Appointed to a commission aas Pilot Officer on probation on 8.8.42 authority Air Ministry Letter A432519/42/S7 (f) 1 (b) dated 17.9.42.
P/O Brady G.E.F. (NZ401954) G.D. Appointed to a commission as pilot Officer on probation on 24.7.42 authority Air Ministry letter A428074/42/S7 (f) 1 (b) dated 9.9.42.
ARRIVALS AND DESPATCHES OF AIRCRAFT
1.9.42 Well. III BJ.828, Well.BJ968, received from No.48 M.U. authority 41G/6546 and 41G/6490.
2.9.42 Well. III BJ.974, received from 48 M.U. authority 41G/6568
” Well. III DF.639, received from 44 M.U. authority 41G/6491.
” Well. III X3747, Well. III BJ596, Well.III X3946, Well.III BJ707 received from No.57 Squadron authority 3G/W/421.
3.9.42 Well.III BJ898, received from 18 M.U. authority 41G/6587.
12.9.42 Well.III Z1652, received from 57 Squadron, authority F.W/5430
14.9.42 Well.III BJ721, despatched to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell, Northants. Authority 54 M.U./1000001/186.
18.9.42 Well.III BK275, received from Vickers Armstrong Chester, authority 41G/6926.
19.9.42 Well.III X3931, received from No.12 M.U. authority 91G/6954
20.9.42 Well.III BJ790, despatched to Brooklands Aviation Ltd. Weybridge Surrey authority 54M.U/100001/91
21.9.42 Well.III BK207, Well.III BK206, received from 38 M.U. authority 41G/6979.
” Well.III Z1738, received from 48 M.U. authority 31G/6980.
” Well.III BK274, received from Armstrong Vickers Chester, authority 41G/6926.
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75(nz)squadron 