Many thanks to Robert McAdam, son-in-law of Colin Woonton, for allowing access to Colin’s logbook. Interestingly, a very clean and legible record provides a record of 26 Ops completed with Tom Waugh (each Op numbered and a ‘Grand Total’ summary on completion of 30 Ops) Colin flew 2 Ops initially with Dick Barkers crew, after his first Pilot, Ron Clark was shot down whilst on his second, 2nd Dickie Op. After being posted out to No. 1651 CU and then No.3 L.F.S, he returned as part of Tom Waugh’s crew. In addition to the 26 Ops with the Waugh crew, Colin also flew 2 Ops, on return to the Squadron, with S/L Williamson and S/L Leslie.
It is obviously difficult to tell if Colins tally reflects the actually tally of the Waugh crew – sitting as it would at 26 Ops completed. Compounding this, 2 Ops extracted from the Form 541 that involve the Waugh crew are not part of Colin’s logged record of Ops completed – we must wait perhaps until another member’s logbook comes to light…..
By way of noting the difference without expunging existing records, the 2 Ops that Colin Woonton did not fly on are marked accordingly.
04/08/1944 – Attack Against Bec D’Ambes
Twenty aircraft were required to attack the Supply Depot at Foret De Nieppe, but this operation was cancelled, and the same aircraft were detailed to attack the Oil Storage and Refinery at Bec D’Ambes near Bordeaux. All took off and nineteen attacked the primary target in clear weather. A good concentrated raid developed and many fires and explosions were seen with smoke rising to 10,000 ft. There was no opposition. One aircraft attacked Pauillic owing to flying in the wrong bomber stream.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
damaged by hailstones – Air 14:3463
F/S John Devon Lethbridge, RNZAF NZ424482 – Pilot.
P/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O P. Crane, RAFVR – Navigator.
F/O J. Dickinson, – Air Bomber.
W/O Cyril Aubrey Newark, RAFVR 743086 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. A. Barnes, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S Albert Charles Markham, RNZAF NZ428011 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S John Robert Snodgrass, RNZAF NZ425773 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:35 – Landed 21:36
Flight Time 08:01
05/08/1944 – Attack Against Bassens
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the Oil Storage at Bordeaux, Bassens. All aircraft successfully identified and bombed the target visually and a very concentrated raid was reported. Several good explosions and much smoke was seen on leaving the target. A.A. opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND911 JN-V
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 14:27 – Landed 22:23
Flight Time 07:56
08/08/1944 – Attack Against Lucheux
Twenty aircraft took off as detailed to attack Petrol Dumps at Lucheux, behind the enemy lines. All aircraft were successful in their mission, in good visibility. A good concentration of fires with smoke rising to 9,000 ft., was left burning. There was only slight A.A. opposition, but enemy fighters were active, and three of our aircraft had inconclusive combats, two suffering damage but no casualties.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
ORB Form 541 ‘There was only slight opposition from A.A. fire, but enemy fighters were active and three of our aircraft had inconclusive combats, two suffering damage but no casualties’. In collision with a German nightfighter which damaged the STB, fin and rudder. They managed to return to base and land safely although it was touch and go – from Robert McAdam, son in law of Colin Wooton
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:02 – Landed 01:24
Flight Time 03:22
09/08/1944 – Attack Against Fort D’Anglos
Seventeen aircraft took off as detailed to attack the Army Fuel Depot at Fort D’Anglos. All were successful in bombing with the aid of markers. The raid appeared to be scattered but there was indication of a large conflagration. Opposition from A.A. fire was very slight and no enemy fighters were seen.
Lancaster Mk.I HK563 JN-W “The Paper Doll”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:07 – Landed 00:22
Flight Time 02:15
11/08/1944 – Attack Against Lens
Twenty two aircraft set out as detailed to attack the Marshalling Yard at Lens. All aircraft attacked in good weather and an accurate and concentrated raid resulted. No opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 14:27 – Landed 17:52
Flight Time 03:25
12/08/1944 – Attack Against Russelsheim
Ten aircraft set out to attack Factories at Russelsheim which are engaged in Flying Bomb production. Nine aircraft bombed the target with the aid of markers and good results were reported. A.A. defences were light, but enemy fighters were active on the homeward route, one aircraft having an inconclusive combat with a JU 88. The aircraft captained by NZ428793 .F/S. Mulcahy, C., failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.I HK597 JN-P “Bad Penny IV”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:46 – Landed 02:37
Flight Time 04:51
14/08/1944 – Attack Against Hamel
Twenty two aircraft took off as detailed to attack enemy troop concentrations near Hamel, in support of the advancing British and Canadian Armies. Nineteen were successful in bombing the target with the aid of markers and in accordance with the Master Bomber’s instructions. Three aircraft were unable to bomb owing to being too late over the target. A.A. opposition was very slight and no enemy fighters were seen.
Lancaster Mk.I HK563 JN-W “The Paper Doll”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:57 – Landed 17:40
Flight Time 03:43
16/08/1944 – Attack Against Stettin
Twenty three aircraft took off as detailed to attack Stettin. Twenty two were successful in attacking the target with the aid of markers, but the raid appeared scattered and no great concentration of fires was achieved. Slight A.A. fire was encountered in the target area and a few fighters were met en route, two aircraft having inconclusive combats. One aircraft returned early with icing trouble.
Lancaster Mk.I HK601 JN-D
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:05 – Landed 05:02
Flight Time 07:57
18/08/1944 – Attack Against Bremen
Twenty five aircraft took off as detailed to attack Bremen, twenty four of these contributed to a very successful raid, good concentrated fires being left burning. A moderate A.A. barrage, with numerous searchlights, was encountered between the enemy coast and the target, and three of our aircraft sustained damage. Fighter opposition was weak but one aircraft had an inconclusive combat over the target. One aircraft returned early.
Lancaster Mk.I HK601 JN-D
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:34 – Landed 03:33
Flight Time 05:59
25/08/1944 – Attack Against Russelsheim
Twenty eight aircraft took off as detailed to attack Russelsheim. Of these twenty five attacked the primary target and reported a good concentrated raid. A.A. opposition was slight, but enemy aircraft were active and one of our aircraft had two inconclusive combats. Another was unable to identify the target and jettisoned its load. A further one was caught in searchlights over the target and during evasive action lost both ailerons. This aircraft was captained by NZ424504 .F/S. O’Callaghan, E. The navigator 958564 .F/S. Hartley, R., kept the aircraft on track on the return journey even though his instruments were unserviceable and his chart lost. Two aircraft failed to return, they were captained by NZ422382 .F/O. J. Fleming and NZ421345 .F/S. Barker, R.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:33 – Landed 05:04
Flight Time 08:31
26/08/1944 – Attack Against Kiel
Twenty out of the twenty one aircraft detailed, took off and participated in a very concentrated raid against Kiel. Several crews were able to identify the target visually and confirm the accuracy of the bombing. Heavy A.A. fire was moderate and a few of our aircraft suffered slight damage. The aircraft captained by NZ421343 .A/F/L. V. Andrew, was hit by A.A. fire over the target causing serious leg injuries to the MU/Gnr. 1862898 .Sgt. Molony, M. and damage to the Mid upper turret and fuselage.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
Sgt. Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:04 – Landed 01:29
Flight Time 05:25
05/09/1944 – Attack Against Le Havre*
Eighteen aircraft were standing by to attack Dortmund, but this operation was postponed and twenty five aircraft took off to attack Le Havre in favourable weather. Opposition was negligible and a very successful raid was carried out, without loss. Most of the bombing was done visually. Reports indicate that the target was well saturated.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:36 – Landed 20:58
Flight Time 03:22
* – not listed in Colin Woontons logbook
06/09/1944 – Attack Against Harqueboc Le Havre
Twenty four aircraft were detailed to attack the German Army Headquarters at Harqueboc, near Le Havre. All aircraft bombed the target according to the Master Bomber’s instructions and a very accurate raid was reported. Fires were seen to be still burning from the previous day’s attack on Le Havre. Once again no opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 15:39 – Landed 19:43
Flight Time 04:04
10/09/1944 – Attack Against Montivilliers
Twenty seven aircraft attacked Montivilliers in the Le Havre area, as detailed. All crews dropped their bombs on the target and a very concentrated raid developed. No fighters were encountered and only slight opposition was met from ground defences.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 15:36 – Landed 19:21
Flight Time 03:45
11/09/1944 – Mining in the Baltic Sea
Eight aircraft were detailed to lay mines in the Baltic area, and they all dropped their mines as ordered. No opposition was met on the mining area, but fighters were thought to be active on the homeward route, and one aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU.88. Another aircraft (Captain NZ426041 F/O. W. Hadley) failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/O Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:34 – Landed 02:52
Flight Time 07:18
12/09/1944 – Attack Against Frankfurt
Twenty two aircraft were detailed to attack Stuttgart, but during the day the target was changed to Frankfurt. Two aircraft failed to take off for this operation and of the twenty that took off the majority were able to identify the target, by the river and several made out the railway yards. Fighters were fairly active and one aircraft claimed to have destroyed an enemy aircraft, the captain was AUS421308 .F/O. J. Bateman. Another aircraft had an inconclusive encounter. All aircraft returned to base and reported a good and accurate raid.
Lancaster Mk.III ND197 JN-O
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:40 – Landed 01:47
Flight Time 07:07
17/09/1944 – Attack Against Boulogne
In the morning fourteen aircraft took off to attack Boulogne. Crews were able to identify landmarks and bombing was accurate, although much smoke hid results. The aircraft captained by NZ411397 A/S/L. G. Gunn was severely damaged by light flak, but he managed to fly back across the Channel even though both starboard engines were feathered. On landing at Hawkinge, however, the aircraft overshot the small runway and crashed. The Captain received injuries and was placed on the Dangerously Ill List, the Navigator 153453 F/O F. Smith was slightly injured, the Air Bomber NZ428249 F/O A Millar was placed on the Seriously Ill List, the Flight Engineer 1566967 Sgt Bruce, J was killed, but the remainder of the crew were uninjured, they were WO/AIR 47714 F/L W Naismith, MU/Gnr NZ411708 F/O C. Robertson and R/Gnr NZ402519 F/O S. Haynes. All of those injured were admitted to Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury and the body of Sgt Bruce was sent to his next of kin for burial.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 10:06 – Landed 13:01
Flight Time 02:55
20/09/1944 – Attack Against Calais
Twenty seven aircraft set out as detailed to attack enemy strong points at Calais. They all successfully bombed the target from a low level and an accurate and concentrated raid was reported. Opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 14:35 – Landed 18:14
Flight Time 03:39
27/09/1944 – Attack Against Calais
Fourteen aircraft attacked Calais as detailed, taking off in the morning during doubtful weather. Crews bombed visually under instructions from the Master Bomber and a good concentrated raid was carried out. Some accurate heavy and light A.A. fire was met over the target.
Lancaster Mk.I NF980 JN-X
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 07:21 – Landed 10:28
Flight Time 03:07
14/10/1944 – Attack Against Duisburg
Twenty nine aircraft were detailed to make a further attack on Duisburg, unfortunately, however, three aircraft had to be withdrawn. One aircraft returned early owing to the rear turret being unserviceable. The remaining twenty five aircraft took part in a very successful attack in excellent visibility and large fires were seen to break out and add to those already burning from the morning attack. AA opposition was negligible and searchlight did not operate until late in the raid. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with an enemy fighter.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 AA-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
W/O Richard Hilary Woodhouse, RNZAF NZ413925 – Navigator.
Sgt John Hemmingway , RAFVR 971941/ 189261 – Air Bomber.
Sgt A Dibbs, RAFVR – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John Johnstone, RAFVR 1825953, 190653 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Esmond Pareta Montgomery Thomas, RNZAF NZ425753 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. C. Chippendale, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 06:47 – Landed 11:09
Flight Time 04:22
14/10/1944 – Attack Against Duisburg(2)
Twenty nine aircraft were detailed to make a further attack on Duisburg, unfortunately, however, three aircraft had to be withdrawn. One aircraft returned early owing to the rear turret being unserviceable. The remaining twenty five aircraft took part in a very successful attack in excellent visibility and large fires were seen to break out and add to those already burning from the morning attack. AA opposition was negligible and searchlight did not operate until late in the raid. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with an enemy fighter.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:38 – Landed 03:30
Flight Time 04:52
19/10/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty eight aircraft were detailed to attack Stuttgart. The attack was in two waves. Thirteen aircraft took part in the first wave and successfully dropped their bombs with the aid of markers and flares, in weather conditions of 9/10ths cloud. A.A. opposition was moderate and a few enemy aircraft were active. Fifteen aircraft took part in the second wave five hours later and they all dropped their bombs with the aid of flares through ten tenths cloud. The glow of fires seen, indicated that the fires were concentrated around the aiming point. A A opposition was less than that encountered during the first wave, but more enemy fighters were active. Four of our aircraft had inconclusive combats.
Lancaster Mk.I NF980 JN-F
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:35 – Landed 23:20
Flight Time 05:45
21/10/1944 – Attack Against Flushing
Twenty five aircraft took off to attack Flushing. All crews were able to identify the target visually and bombing was reported as being very accurate. A.A. opposition was moderate. One aircraft (Captain 176437 F/O J. Johnson) failed to return, but was seen to be shot down over the target by heavy A A fire.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 11:17 – Landed 14:10
Flight Time 02:53
22/10/1944 – Attack Against Neuss
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack Neuss. Eight attacked the target through ten tenths cloud, but results were unsatisfactory. One aircraft attacked Munchen Gladbach being unable to reach the primary target on time.
Lancaster Mk.III NE181 JN-M “The Captains Fancy”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:27 – Landed 17:33
Flight Time 04:06
23/10/1944 – Attack Against Essen
Twenty seven aircraft took off as detailed to attack Essen. Ten tenths cloud prevailed over the target but all aircraft were successful in attacking with the aid of marker flares. A A opposition was moderate but no enemy fighters were seen.
Lancaster Mk.I HK561 JN-Y
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/O John Murray Watts, RNZAF NZ427239 – Navigator
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 16:51 – Landed 21:27
Flight Time 04:36
25/10/1944 – Attack Against Essen*
Twenty six aircraft took off as detailed to attack Essen. Twenty three of these attacked the target and bombing was good, built up areas and factories being identified visually. One aircraft brought its bombs back owing to the failure of the bombing equipment when over the target and two other aircraft returned early owing to technical failures.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:20 – Landed 17:19
Flight Time 03:59
* – Not listed in Colin Woonton’s logbook
29/10/1944 – Attack Against West Kapelle
Fourteen aircraft took off to attack a target at West Kappelle. They all bombed as instructed by the Master Bomber and bombing was reported as concentrated, although it was thought to be slightly away from the correct aiming point. No opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 10:00 – Landed 12:32
Flight Time 02:32
31/10/1944 – Attack Against Bottrop
Six aircraft took off as detailed to attack a target at Bottrop. they all attacked the target in formation and a fairly concentrated raid was achieved. A.A. fire over the target was intense but all of our aircraft returned safely.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 11:49 – Landed 16:35
Flight Time 04:46
02/11/1944 – Attack Against Homberg
Twenty aircraft took off to attack the Oil Refinery at Homberg, carrying 7 x 8,000 lb, 13 x 4,000, 99 x 1,000 and 132 x 500 lb Bombs. All aircraft were successful in bombing the target in clear weather, and a concentrated raid developed. A large pall of black smoke was soon burning in the target area, and many crews saw their bombs burst in the smoke, through which parts of the factory were observed. Flak opposition was moderate to intense and eight aircraft suffered minor damage, but one aircraft captained by NZ421343 F/L V.J. Andrew, was hit by heavy flak when over the target and the starboard engine caught fire which the crew only managed to extinguish with great difficulty.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
Hit by flak twice
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 11:38 – Landed 15:46
Flight Time 04:08
04/11/1944 – Attack Against Solingen
Twenty one aircraft took off to attack Solingen in daylight, carrying 8,000 lb, 4,000 lb, 1,000lb, 500lb, 4lb incendiaries and No.17 Clusters. All crews dropped their bombs in the target area, but the raid appeared to be scattered. Flak opposition was moderate. One aircraft captained by NZ428797 F/O J. Scott, failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF NZ424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 11:31 – Landed 16:24
Flight Time 04:53
06/12/1944 – Attack Against Mersburg Leuna Oil Refinery
Twelve aircraft took off as detailed to participate in a night attack o the Merseburg Leuna Oil Refinery, carrying 8,000 lb, 4,000 H.C., 500 G.P., 500 G.P.(LD) bombs. The target was covered with 10/10 cloud, tops about 14,000 ft and all aircraft were successful in bombing the target with navigational aids. The attack was considered to be concentrated, though bombing results could not be seen, apart from the glow of fires seen beneath the cloud. Flak was intense in the target area and a few enemy fighters were seen en route but no attacks were reported. One aircraft, AA “R” captained by 1585981 F/O D. Atkin, had engine trouble after leaving the target, the starboard inner catching fire, and it was with great difficulty that the crew managed to keep the fire under control. When approaching this country the starboard inner engine went u/s and after jettisoning all equipment and with the aircraft losing height at 100 feet per minute, the Captain made a very good ditching in the River Orwell. None of the crew were hurt.
Lancaster Mk.III ND801 JN-X “Get Sum Inn”/ “Astra”
F/L Thomas Christie Waugh, RAFVR 159174 – Pilot.
F/S John Henry Thomas Wood , RNZAF NZ426235 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Colin William Hannam Woonton, RNZAF NZ429055 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Irwin Swetland, RAFVR 1098818/ 186577 – Air Bomber.
F/S Peter Kidd, RAFVR 1601965 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. N. Southgate, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S James Baird Nickels, RNZAF NZ425852 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S David Frank Sage, RNZAF 424824 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:04 – Landed 00:36
Flight Time 07:32
75(nz)squadron 