Wellington Ic L7818 AA-R. The illustration carries the serial number and Squadron codes of the aircraft in which James Allan Ward won his Victoria Cross on the 7th of July 1941 whilst returning from the Munster raid.
artwork produced by Clavework Graphics © Bill Dady.
| Wellingtons – 4 April 1940 to 26 October 1942 | |||||
| Wellington Notes: 75 flew Wellingtons from 4.4.40 to 26.10.42, Stirlings from15.10.42 to 5.44 and Lancasters from10.4.44 to 6.45. Sqn split into A and B flights by 25.1.40. From http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Brian%20Mcnamara.htm, “I (Brian McNamara) and others in the squadron have got brand new machines and we have called them after the names of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We picked Dopey and have a painting of him on both sides of the nose.” The Best crew flew Dopey (probably L7857). Photo exists of Sneezy. |
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| Early War Codes and Serials: white to grey Then until May42: Codes and serials Light or Med Grey eg Wellington III X3667 AA-D (grey serials and codes) 7 April 1942. Early May 1942: Codes and serials Dull Red eg Wellington AA-R codes now in red 20 May 1942. (AA-R flew J.Ward’s VC mission on 7 July 1941.) |
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| Serial | Flight | Code | Type | Mark | Notes |
| J3586 | Wellington | III | Mis-type of X3586 | ||
| L4256 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Remove this entry? Not 75 (NZ) Squadron, nor New Zealand Squadron. From website http://www.gpswalker.co.uk/wellington2.htm. DATE OF CRASH 19th SEPTEMBER 1939 PARENT UNIT 75 SQUADRON,HARWELL THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT BUT BECAME LOST IN BAD WEATHER BY DAWN THEY WERE ALMOST OUT OF FUEL THE CREW BAILED OUT AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A COPSE ABOVE PONTNEDDFECHAN SOUTH WALES GRID REFERENCE SN 894074 |
| NZ 300 > L4311 | No AA | none | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 300, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not flown on op’s. Dual control conversion set fitted. Photo of cockpit clearly shows data plate. Gone from Squadron by late August. Later re-serialed as L4311 and saw service with Central Gunnery School, Sutton Bridge. |
| NZ 301 > L4330 | AA? | ? | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 301, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not flown on op’s. Dual control conversion set fitted. At the outbreak of war, listed as fitted with “full flotation gear and jettison gear, overload tanks, front and rear turrets and oxygen attachments. No wireless or guns.” Re-serialed as L4330 mid-November 1939. |
| NZ 302 > L4340 | AA? | ? | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 302, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not flown on op’s. Dual control conversion set fitted. At the outbreak of war, listed as fitted with “full flotation gear and jettison gear, overload tanks, front and rear turrets and oxygen attachments. No wireless or guns.” Re-serialed as L4340 mid-November 1939. Desp. to No. 22 M.U., Silloth 3.5.40 by air. |
| NZ 303 > L4350 | No AA | none | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 303, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not flown on op’s. Dual control conversion set fitted. At the outbreak of war, listed as fitted with “full flotation gear and jettison gear, overload tanks, front and rear turrets and oxygen attachments. No wireless or guns.” Re-serialed as L4350 in mid-November 1939. Delivered to Silloth 6.3.40, before 75 (NZ) Sqdn was formed. |
| NZ 304 > L4355 | AA? | ? | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 304, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not flown on op’s. Dual control conversion set fitted. At the outbreak of war, listed as fitted with “full flotation gear and jettison gear, overload tanks, front and rear turrets and oxygen attachments. No wireless or guns.” Re-serialed as L4355 in mid-November 1939. Desp. to No. 11 O.T.U. Bassingbourne, 17.6.40. |
| NZ 305 > L4360 | No AA | none | Wellington | I | Received by the New Zealand Squadron as Serial No. NZ 305, one of the original 6 Wellingtons, intended first as a trainer, then as part of a later Mobile (ferry) Flight to New Zealand. Not fitted with dual control. At the outbreak of war, listed as fitted with “full flotation gear and jettison gear, overload tanks, front and rear turrets and oxygen attachments. No wireless or guns.” Re-serialed as L4360 in mid-November 1939. Not flown on op’s. Delivered to Silloth 6.3.40, before 75 (NZ) Sqdn formed. |
| L4371 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| L4387 | LG | L | Wellington | ? | Flown on long distance reconnaisance to Narvik Norway by F/L AAN Breckon and crew 12 April 1940. N.B. No “AA” code – this was a 215 Sqn/11 OTU Wellington with long range tanks on loan to 75 Sqn for 1 sortie. (215 Sqdn was in the process of being merged into 11 OTU when the loan took place). |
| L7480 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| L7781 | AA | ? | Wellington | IA | Wellington L7781 was being bombed-up and August 3 1940 when a fuse ignited in a photo flash in an aircraft with 600 gallons of fuel aboard plus six 500 lb bombs. Four of the latter exploded and splinters rain on N2937 which burst into flames. |
| L7784 | AA | D | Wellington | IA | Rec’d 24.4.40 from 37 Sqdn Feltwell. “D” from airborne photo. Mk 1A modified June 1940 according to alteration 526, to increase azimuth travel of bow turret. Probable ME109 target Nivelles 27.8.40. (Despatch: one Wellington Mark 1A desp’ 11.10.40 to 311 Sqdn., Honington? OR, one Wellington Mark 1A desp’ 28.10.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd?) |
| L7797 | AA | F | Wellington | IC | Rec’d from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Chester, 4.5.40. Mark IC from Form 540. 2 probable and 1 damaged ME109 target Wessel 20.7.40. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 07:55 10/11.11.40. Desp’ 28.11.40 to Vickers, Weybridge. |
| L7806 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Desp’ 28.11.40 to Vickers, Weybridge. |
| L7818 | AA | R | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.10.40 from 48 M.U., Hawarden.“R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, take off 19:00 6/7.12.40. “R” from Alec Rowe logbook. “R” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 op’s board photo. FG wounded target Essen 3.7.41. Widdowson crew (Ward’s VC) returned badly damaged 7.7.41 after night fighter attack, and damaged ME110, target Munster. Desp’ 27.10.41 to No. 15 O.T.U. |
| L7848 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 27.7.40 from 24 M.U. Ternhill. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), take off 23:05, 6/7.12.40; landed 23:14, 22/23.12.40. V-Victor, “Cuthbert” nose art. Crash-landed Methwold 10/11.2.41 Morton crew after flak damaged hydraulics, crew OK. “V” from Mick Strickland logbook, May-June 41. “V” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. Desp. 13.9.41 to No. 21 O.T.U.. The aircraft in the foreground is Wellington V-Victor, tail number L7848, which carries the emblem “Cuthbert” with which the crew diced. On 10th September 1940 it carried out a raid on the docks at Ostende , captained by Pilot Officer R M Curtis, RAF. This successful attack, which included dropping parachute flares for a naval bombardment, merited a message of appreciation from the Admiralty, followed later by the award of the DFC. Some nights later, on a sortie to Berlin, this aircraft suffered hydraulic failure rendering the undercarriage and flaps unserviceable; this resulted in a belly landing back at Feltwell. Records show, however, that V-Victor was repaired, and still on active service on 17 June 1941. In September 1942 it was transferred to 21 OTU, and from July 1943 was used as a Synthetic Trainer.Yes I do have access to my father’s (Pilot Officer R M Curtis) log books, and I’ll go through them for you. He was the Captain of V-Victor in the painting, and I know that he started of in 75 Sqn flying as 2P with ‘Popeye’ Lucas. Later he flew as Captain with PO Sandy Sanderson as 2P; it was Sanderson’s girlfriend who did the nose-art of Cuthbert for V-Victor. |
| L7850 | AA | ? | Weelington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Desp’ w.e.f. 17.11.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell. |
| L7857 | AA | C | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.8.40 from 22 M.U., Silloth. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 0400 on 17.10.40 C.75 abandoned near Penrith on way back from target Kiel – crew baled out, all safe. One of the Seven Dwarves (nose art)? |
| L7948 | AA | B | Wellington | IC | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| N2741 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 07:00 23/24.10.40. |
| N2747 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.9.40 from 48 M.U. Hawarden. Not used on op’s. Desp. 21.9.40 to 214 Sqdn, Stradishall. |
| N2777 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 3.9.40 from No. 9 M.U. Cosford. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| N2837 | AA | L? | Wellington | IC | “L” from photo. |
| N2854 | AA | U | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 7.11.40 from 18 M.U. Dumfries. “U” from Mick Strickland logbook, 2-4.5.41. “U” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. “U” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, “U.75 presumed lost”, FTR 24.7.41 Streeter crew, shot down target Gneisenau at Brest, crew killed. |
| N2869 | No AA | none | Wellington | IA | Collected 3.9.39 from Weybridge by Popeye Lucas and Aubrey Breckon. One of the original Wellingtons allocated to the RNZAF but probably not taken on strength, due to suspension of the Wellington order on 4.9.39. A/c doesn’t appear in any other log books. |
| N2894 | FJ | ? | Wellington | IA | Attached from CGS Sutton for Thousand Bomber max effort. Shot down target Cologne 30.5.42; Johnson crew 5 killed (including two crew members “borrowed” from 75 NZ Sqdn) and 1 POW. Mis-typed in ORB as “T2894”. |
| N2895 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | Details from KitsAtWar decals. Small ‘L’ on fuselage; see drawing. |
| N2937 | AA | ? | Wellington | IA | One of the original Wellingtons allocated to the RNZAF but not delivered due to suspension of the Wellington order on 4.9.39. Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Wellington L7781 was being bombed-up and August 3 1940 when a fuse ignited in a photo flash in an aircraft with 600 gallons of fuel aboard plus six 500 lb bombs. Four of the latter exploded and splinters rain on N2937 which burst into flames. Desp’ 13.11.40 to No. 218 Sqdn, Oakington. |
| N7784 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Mis-type of L7784? |
| P3165 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Mis-type of R3165? |
| P4355 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Mis-type of L4355? |
| P9205 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Rec’d Feb 1940? Desp. to 9 Sqdn Honington 3.6.40. |
| P9206 | AA | A | Wellington | IA | Rec’d Feb 1940? S/L Cyril Kay’s a/c, March-June 1940. Photo in ‘Bombers of the RAF’. Usually flown by the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader C E Kay, May 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices, IWM photo). Mk 1A modified June 1940 according to alteration 526, to increase azimuth travel of bow turret. Desp. 21.9.40 to 20 O.T.U., Lossiemouth. |
| P9207 | AA | ? | Wellington | IA | Rec’d Feb 1940? Breckon, Collins’ a/c, March 1940. Desp. to 38 Sqdn., Marham 20.6.40. |
| P9209 | AA | B | Wellington | IA | Rec’d Feb 1940? Breckon, Collins’ a/c, March 1940. ‘B’ from ORBs. Regular a/c of F/L AAN Breckon May 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices). Mk 1A modified June 1940 according to alteration 526, to increase azimuth travel of bow turret. Desp. 19.10.40 to 311 Sqdn. |
| P9210 | AA | Y | Wellington | IA | Rec’d Feb 1940? Coleman’s a/c March 1940. “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c crashed 21:35, 15.8.40. Overshot drome and crashed – night flying practice for 2nd Pilot, captain Breckon. Mk 1A modified June 1940 according to alteration 526, to increase azimuth travel of bow turret. Desp. 1.9.40 to R.A.E. Farnborough. |
| P9212 | AA | C | Wellington | IA | Rec’d Feb 1940? Adams’ a/c March 1940. F/O N. Williams a/c April-May 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices). (“F” from F/O W.H. Coleman Captain’s Report 21/22.4.40??) Mk 1A modified June 1940 according to alteration 526, to increase azimuth travel of bow turret. Photo in “Early Operations With Bomber Command” by B.G. Clare. Despatch: one Wellington Mark 1A desp’ 11.10.40 to 311 Sqdn., Honington? OR, one Wellington Mark 1A desp’ 28.10.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd? |
| P9219 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | 9219′ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| P9280 | AA | Z | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 22.7.40 from 99 Sqdn., Mildenhall. ‘Z’ obtained ‘9280’ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 . Desp’ 14.12.40 to No. 40 Squadron, Wyton. |
| P9292 | AA | C | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.9.40 from 115 Sqdn. Marham. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c missing 23/24.10.40, all a/c down except C.75. Shot down target Industry and Comms Germany 23/24.10.40; crew killed. |
| R1020 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 12.11.40 from No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| R1038 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 10.12.40 from 2 R.F.U. Yeadon. Parker crew a/c Mar-Aug 1940. Probably coded “H” from 1st op’ on 22/23.12.40. “H” from Alex Rowe photos. “H” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3); landed 22:54, 22/23.12.40; last a/c down 21/22.3.41; considered overdue & lost 11/12.9.41. 42nd op’? FTR Roe crew shot down target Kiel 11/12.9.41; crew killed. |
| R1095 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 1.11.40 from No. 9 M.U. Cosford. Not used on op’s. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| R1161 | AA | W | Wellington | IC | “W” from Alec Rowe logbook. “W” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, mid-air collision with Blenheim, 3/4.4.41 Prichard crew on return from Brest, emergency landing at Boscombe Down. Destroyed ME110 target Brest 4.4.41. |
| R1162 | AA | Y | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.12.40 from No.9 M.U., Cosford. “Y-Yorker”, Matheson crew (photos, soda syphon spitting bombs nose art) “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 22:35 Debden, 4.2.41. Desp’ 16.8.41 to No. 27 O.T.U. |
| R1163 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 7.4.41 from No. 15 Squadron, Wyton. “L” from Mick Strickland logbook, 21.6.41. |
| R1177 | AA | F > C > K | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 17.11.40 from No. 9 M.U. Cosford. Delivered to 75 (NZ) Sqn 29/30.11.40 – Taking off at 1100, Norman Edwards piloted Wellington R1177 from Methwold to Feltwell, Colin (Gilbert) and crew carried out a 30 minute night flying test in Wellington R1177 which had been flown in from Methwold by 2nd Pilot P.O. Edwards. They took off at 11.20. It seems likely that this was to deliver and clear the aircraft for operations, the first of which R1177 embarked on, captained by Pilot Officer Newman, on December 6th. From Colin Gilbert at: http://www.users.greenbee.net/~noelbaker/colin75continued.htm. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), take off 17:20, 6/7.12.40; 1st a/c landed 20:24, 22/23.12.40. Re-coded “C”. “C” from Mick Strickland logbook, 19.6.41. Re-coded “K”. “K” from both Feltwell Flying Control Logbook and Form 541 last a/c took off, and Isherwood crew baled out, crashed Sible Hedingham 28/29.9.41, Frankfurt.
R1177 – Re-coding and final destination? AA-K on 29.9.41: In addition, five aircraft either crash-landed or were abandoned in fog-bound England on their return. One of them was 75 Sqn Wellington, R1177, captained by Sgt Isherwood. He and his crew safely abandoned their aircraft at Sible Hedingham, Essex, at 03.30hrs. Halstead Repoprt centre state that 5 crew of a/c “K” Feltwell which crashed at Sible Hedingham are safe but Captain missing. From Operation’s Officer Log 29.9.41, 0521hrs http://www.rafcommands.com/Images/Logs/AIR14_2528/DSCF6428.JPG and http://www.rafcommands.com/Images/Logs/AIR14_2528/DSCF6429.JPG, The National Archives AIR 14/2528. |
| R1237 | AA | G > X | Wellington | IC | “G” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), landed with R/T and engine trouble, 05:02, 27.1.41; last 16th a/c down 04:26, 9/10.4.41. “G” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. “G” from Mick Strickland logbook, 20.7.41. “G” from WM. “G” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 6/7.8.41, first a/c returned 02:10; 8/9.8.41, first a/c took off 22:14. Re-coded “X”. “X” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 14/15.8.41. Desp. 13.9.41 to No. 21 O.T.U.. |
| R1409 | AA | N | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 5.2.41 from Harwell. “N” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), last a/c landed 22:56 23.2.41, Boulogne; last a/c off 00:19 10/11.10.41. “N” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 op’s board photo. “N” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 26/27.8.41. Desp’ 1.11.41 to B.A.T. Flight Mildenhall. |
| R1457 | AA | P > Y | Wellington | ? | Rec’d 26.2.41 from 22 M.U. Silloth. “P” from Alex Rowe logbook, NFT 20.4.41. “P” from Mick Strickland logbook, 21.6.41. “P” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 24.7.41, belly-landed Boscombe Down, Saunders crew. Probable ME109 target Brest 24.7.41. Re-coded “Y”. “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 3/4.10.41, 1st a/c off 18:48; 23/24.12.41 landed 23:56. “Y” from Mick Strickland logbook, 25.11.41. Combat Report 17/18.12.41 – Giddens crew attacked by e/a over target Le Havre. Desp’ 17.1.42 to 40 Sqdn., Wyton. |
| R1458 | AA | E | Wellington | ? | Rec’d 28.2.41 from 37 M.U.. “E” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 17/18.4.41 overshot landing 05:35 at Ternhill slightly damaged, Simich crew, Berlin. Desp’ 16.6.41 to 311 Squadron, Honington. Rec’d 18.11.41 from No. 311 Squadron. (“W1458” probably R1458, desp’ 26.11.41 to 101 Sqdn.). |
| R1466 | AA | E | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.8.41 from 45 M.U..“U” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 26/27.8.41 |
| R1518 | AA | X | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 15.3.41 from 24 M.U. “X” from ‘Popeye’s War’ photo of Op’s Room Flight Board 16/17.6.41. “X” from Feltwell Operations/Watch Log (x2) time up; time down 14/15.8.41; Matetich/X 20/21.9.41 target Berlin, a/c abandoned in fog, crew baled out Newton St Faith, pilot crash landed ok, all safe. |
| R1589 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.3.41 from No. 22 M.U. Attacked by night-fighter on way to target Hamburg; RG mortally wounded, aircraft returned to Feltwell. From ‘For Your Tomorrow 1’. Desp’ 9.6.41 to No. 57 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| R1648 | AA | K | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 9.3.41 from 48 M.U. “K” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. “K” from photos at http://www.feltwell.net. “K” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 6/7.8.41, considered lost & missing, FTR 6/7.8.41 Millett crew, Mannheim. Shot down target Mannheim 6/7.8.41; crew 4 POW and 2 killed. ditched in North Sea 6 August 1941 Sgt Millet RAFVR POW Sgt Morgan R G RNZAF POW NAV Sgt Polly D RAFVR POW W/AG Sgt Simpson C RAFVR POW (original owner of the photos) F/Gnr Sgt Bottomley J W RAFVR Killed R/Gnr Mellon W N K RAFVR Killed |
| R1771 | AA | R > T | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 16.5.41 from 45 M.U.. Dual control. “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 11/12.6.41, last a/c off 23:46. “T” from John Breckell logbook, N/F Dual, 26.8.41. Desp. 23.9.41 to No. 311 Sqdn., Honington. |
| R1792 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 16.5.41 from 48 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 22.5.41 to 57 Squadron. |
| R2504 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of T2504? |
| R2854 | AA | U | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of T2854? |
| R3156 | AA | G | Wellington | IC | Rec’d from 115 Squadron, Marham, 24.4.40. “G” from Operational Report, ORB Appendices, F/O FJ Lucas, Turnhout, 15/16.5.40. |
| R3157 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | Rec’d from 115 Squadron, Marham, 19.4.40. Shot down target Dinant 21.5.40; Collins crew, 3 POW and 2 killed (including Pilot F/O John Collins). “H” from ‘For Your Tomorrow 1’. First 75 NZ Sqn loss. Regular a/c of F/O JN Collins May 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices). |
| R3158 | AA | J | Wellington | IC | Rec’d from 115 Squadron, Marham, 19.4.40. Regular a/c of P/O TO Freeman May 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices). “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 23:45 21/22.10.40 – “J” 75 crashed in flames at Manston after hitting balloon cable near Dover, target Channel Ports, Elliot crew, all safe. |
| R3159 | AA | K | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 20.4.40 from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. Regular a/c of F/O WH Coleman May-June 1940 (Operational Reports, ORB Appendices). “K” from F/O W.H. Coleman’s Captain’s Report, Stavanger, 8 May 1940. Crashed in bad vis and exploded 1/2.9.40 at East Wretham, Honington, on return from Hanover, Peel crew injured and a/c totally destroyed. |
| R3164 | AA | V? | Wellington | IC | Code ‘3164’ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 . Could be X3164? |
| R3165 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 30.4.40 from 140 Sqdn, Mildenhall. “L” from Operational Report, ORB Appendices, F/O WH Coleman, Menin, 28/29.5.40. FTR 20.7.40 Watson crew, Horst, shot down target Gelsenkirchen, crew killed. |
| R3166 | AA | M | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 26.4.40 from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. |
| R3167 | AA | N | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 26.4.40 from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. “N” from Operational Report, ORB Appendices, F/O FJ Lucas, Trelon, 25/26.5.40. Desp.13.7.40 to Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge for repairs. |
| R3168 | AA | O? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.4.40 from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. “O” possibly, with serials before and after being in alphabetical order? Crashed 29.9.40, aircraft abandoned over Devon, ran out of petrol on return from Leipzig / Osnabruck, Capt injured and RG killed. |
| R3169 | AA | P > O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.4.40 from Messrs Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. Regular a/c F/O Lucas May-June 40. First aircraft with ‘Popeye’ nose art. Re-coded “O”. “O” from Alex Rowe logbook, 21 & 26 March 1941. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 6/7.5.41, crashed River Humber Nola crew – hit balloon cable at mouth of River Humber, target was Hamburg; crew killed except RG. |
| R3170 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | After a raid on Horst, A71, encountered bad weather on return to base, diverted to Mildenhall. Suffered an engine failure and made a wheels-up landing at Barton Mills. Captain killed, crew injured. |
| R3171 | AA | Q > E | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.5.40 from 148 Sqdn, Stradishall. “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 1/2.3.41 landed 03:37. Re-coded “E”. “E” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c missing 15/16.7.41. FTR 15/16.7.41 Fotheringham crew, target Duisburg, crew killed. |
| R3172 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 30.4.40 from 214 Sqdn, Stradishall. Desp’ 27.11.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell. |
| R3176 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Returned to this Unit 22.7.40 from 115 Sqn, Marham. Possibly Donald Duck nose art. Crashed 3.8.40 on force-landing a few miles short of Mildenhall, killing Pilot S/L Collett, crew injured. |
| R3194 | AA | S | Wellington | IC | “S” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. |
| R3195 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Desp’ 14.12.40 to No. 37 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| R3211 | AA | J | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), landed 22:28, 11/12.12.40; missing 29/30.12.40. FTR Newman crew, shot down target Hamm, crew POW. |
| R3212 | AA | G | Wellington | IC | Codes from photo in ‘Aircraft of the RNZAF’. Photo. |
| R3216 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code ‘3216’ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| R3218 | AA | T | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 4.6.40 from No. 24 M.U. Ternhill. Dual control. “T” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, “T.75 doing duals for 3 hours” – matches entry in Form 540. “T” from Alex Rowe logbook. Used mostly for training June 40-Sept 41. Desp’ 11.11.41 to R.A.F. Station Honington. |
| R3224 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 20:00, 11/12.12.40. |
| R3231 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Desp’ 16.12.40 to No. 57 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| R3235 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 22.6.40 from No. 24 M.U., Ternhill. FTR Coleman crew, 25/26.7.40, target marshalling yards Kassel, crew killed. |
| R3239 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.10.40 from 24 M.U. Ternhill. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| R3255 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code from Bomber Command database. |
| R3275 | AA | K | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “K” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, take off 20:05, 6/7.12.40. Desp’ 16.12.40 to No. 57 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| R3277 | AA | Y | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 3.9.40 from 311 Sqdn. “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 01:20 21/22.10.40. Desp’ 23.11.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell. |
| R3284 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), take off 20:00, 6/7.12.40; last a/c landed 00:18, 11/12.12.40. Desp’ 26.12.40 to Messrs. Brooklands Ltd, Sywell. |
| R3297 | AA | S | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 30.6.40 from No. 10 M.U. Hullavington. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), landed 03:52 23/24.10.40; landed 06:35 10/11.11.40; landed 22:16, 22/23.12.40. Desp’ 24.3.41 to No. 57 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| R3871 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Operational Report, ORB Appendices, F/O J Adams, Yvoir, 23/24 May 1940. Mis-type of R3171? |
| R5618 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| R7818 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of L7818? |
| R9250 | AA | ? | Wellington | ? | Damaged 1 and probable 1 ME109 target Fallersleben 18.12.42. Possibly R3250? Unable to find any R9XXX series Wellingtons. |
| T2136 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| T2463 | AA | T/E | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.7.40 from 22 M.U., Silloth. “E” from WONZ. FTR 20.9.40, Braun crew, shot down target Ostend, crew killed. |
| T2464 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 5.8.40 from 22 M.U., Silloth. Not used on op’s. Desp. 12.8.40 to No. 9 Sqdn. Honington. |
| T2468 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.8.40 from 22 M.U., Silloth. |
| T2471 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ w.e.f. 14.11.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell. |
| T2474 | AA | W | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 17.8.40 from 24 M.U. Ternhill. “W” from film clip (Feltwell, 1940 it says) http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675068888_Vickers-Wellington_factory-workers_pilot-shakes-hand_crew-members-enter-the-aircraft. “W” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), landed 03:40 10/11.11.40; missing 22/23.12.40. FTR Chuter crew, shot down target Mannheim, crew POW and 1 killed. |
| T2503 | AA | P | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), last a/c landed 07:14, 11/12.1.41; landed 22:00 22/23.1.41, “considered lost“ FTR 21/22.2.41 Falconer crew, shot down target Wilhelmshaven, crew killed. |
| T2504 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Desp’ 16.12.40 to No. 57 Squadron, Feltwell. |
| T2508 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. Not used on op’s. Desp. 12.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| T2525 | AA | M | Wellington | IC | Code ‘2525’ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| T2547 | AA | F | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 6.11.40 from 37 Sqdn., Feltwell. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 08:37 27.1.41. From RAF Form AM110, accident 22 February 1941, P/O R Hewitt, Cat. W, Wellington Air Accidents 1941 – crash-landed on return to base at 00.30hrs after colliding with the approach path perimeter fence, during landing. The crew was uninjured. |
| T2549 | AA | D | Wellington | IC | “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, take off 21:09, 6/7.12.40. |
| T2550 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 16.8.40 from No. 23 M.U. Aldergrove. “L” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), take off 23:15, last a/c landed 05:10 6/7.12.40; cross country Kilsby crew 5.1.41. “L” from Form 540, loss of McNamara crew on cross country, 10.1.41, crashed near Duxford, crew killed except RG. |
| T2575 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 20.10.40 from 10 M.U. Hullavington. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| T2736 | AA | A | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.9.40 from 9 M.U. Cosford. Replaced P9206 as “A”. Destroyed fighter target Eindhoven 10.10.40. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), landed 06:05 23/24.10.40; 1st a/c off 17:06 11/12.12.40; returned early due to frosting up 21:01, 4/5.1.41.. “A 75” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 18/19.3.41, ran out of petrol , crew abandoned a/c and baled out near Doncaster, Collins crew, Rotterdam, W/Op killed. |
| T2741 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ 17.11.40 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd., Sywell. |
| T2747 | AA | D > J | Wellington | IC | “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 00:26 21/22.2.41, crash-landed (undercart), Hewitt crew, all uninjured. Re-coded “J”. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 16/17.6.41, first a/c off 23:09. “J” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. Popeye’s aircraft. “J” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “J” from Feltwell Operations Log (x3) time up; time down 14/15.8.41; Ramsey/J 20/21.9.41; Nunn/J 26/27.9.41. |
| T2777 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| T2805 | AA | E > D | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 29.11.40 from No. 44 M.U., Edzell. “E” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), landed 23:29, 22/23.12.40; landed 22:30 22/23.1.41. Re-coded “D”. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 23/24.3.41 first a/c off 19:33. “D” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. . “D” from Feltwell Operations Log, 20/21.9.41 target Berlin, a/c abandoned in fog, crew baled out near Coltishall, pilot crash landed with injured Nav Sgt. Craig on board, who later died of injuries. |
| T2808 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| T2820 | AA | B | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 27.9.40 from 8 M.U. Little Rissington. “Wimpy” nose art (from http://www.Feltwell.net). “B” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 21/22.10.40, crash-landed in fog with Colin Gilbert crew. Photos. Full story here: http://www.users.greenbee.net/~noelbaker/colinnearthing.htm (This serial number probably incorrectly identified previously as AA-A with nose art of J. Wellington Wimpy – from Noel Baker, It’s Squadron markings have been erroneously said to have been AA-A, but as the images indicate it was AA-B.The only source for the AA-A idea that I have found was in the Feltwell community website where the link is also made with the ‘Wimpy’ nose art. That the ‘Wimpy’ nose art is entirely ‘kosher’ is not in question, the linking of AA-A or AA-B or serial T2820 is open to question; I am convinced, however, that T2820 was AA-B and may or may not have born the ‘Wimpy’ nose art. The basic data I have about the aircraft, beyond the Flying Log Book and the Squadron’s Operational Record Book, are two photographs passed down through our family, and the 5 photographs (2 duplicates of those I have) that have emerged from the Harris family.) Desp’ 18.11.40 to Vickers Armstrong Ltd., Weybridge. |
| T2821 | AA | A | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 27.9.40 from 8 M.U. Little Rissington. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 23:25, 21/22.10.40. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| T2822 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 8.10.40 from 8 M.U. Little Rissington. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| T2835 | AA | C | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 10.12.40 from 8 M.U., Little Rissington. Pg 223 Wellington at War. Photos. “C” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), landed 00:56 12/13.10.41; landed 21:45 22/23.1.41. Probably “C” from Colin Gilbert photos, 23.12.40. Desp’ 1.11.41 to B.A.T. Flight Mildenhall. |
| T2837 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 23.9.40 from 10 M.U. Hullavington. Desp’d 7.11.40 to No. 37 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| T2844 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code ‘2844’ only from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| T2854 | AA | U | Wellington | IC | “U” from Alex Rowe logbook, NFT 11.4.41. “U” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. |
| T2881 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Accident 16 January 1941, PO McFarlane Cat. R – serial from RAF Form AM110, Wellington Air Accidents 1941 |
| T2894 | Wellington | IA | Mis-type of N2894. | ||
| T3231 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| V1091 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Parnham crew 1.11.41. Probably a mis-type of Z1091 |
| W1458 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of R1458? Desp’ 26.11.41 to 101 Sqdn.. |
| W5618 | AA | F | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.7.41 from No. 9 M.U. “F” from Feltwell Operations Log & Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (time up; time down) 14/15.8.41. “F” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 26/27.8.41. |
| W5621 | AA | D > E | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.2.41 from 48 M.U. Hawarden. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 12/13.3.41, damaged by flak crash-landed 04:40 u/s undercarriage, Hewitt crew all OK, Hamburg/Bremen. Re-coded “E”. “E” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight board photo. “E” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 3/4.7.41, “missing”, FTR 3/4.7.41 Reid crew, shot down target Essen, crew killed. |
| W5663 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.5.41 from 51 M.U.. “O” from Alex Rowe logbook, 15.5.41. “O” from ‘Popeye’s War’ 16/17.6.41 flight op’s board photo. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 15/16/7.41. Attacked by night fighter target Duisberg 15/16.7.41; Nav fell out POW and 2 Pilot killed. |
| W5718 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.11.41 from 149 Squadron. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 26.11.41 to 99 Sqdn.. |
| X1108 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.11.41 from No. 45 M.U.. |
| X1570 | Mis-type of Z1570 | ||||
| X1573 | Mis-type of Z1573 | ||||
| X3164 | Probably R3164 | ||||
| X3176 | AA | E | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.11.41 from 149 Squadron. “E” from Eric Jones logbook, 21-23.11.41. Desp’ 28.11.41 to 1504 BATF. |
| X3194 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 16.5.41 from 48 M.U.. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 16/17.6.41, first a/c landed at base, 03:04. |
| X3205 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 17.7.41 from No. 22 M.U. “L” from Mick Strickland logbook, 24.7.41. “L” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 14/15.8.41. “L” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 26/27.8.41. “L” or “R”, Feltwell Flying Control Logbook FTR 15/16.9.41 Ward crew shot down target Hamburg, crew 2 POW and 4 killed, including Captain Sgt James Ward VC. |
| X3282 | AA | F/V | Wellington | III | Rec’d 14.2.42 from 12 M.U.. “F” or “V” FTR 12.3.42 Parnham crew shot down target Kiel, crew killed. |
| X3285 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 4.6.42 from No. 57 Sqdn.. Desp’ 15.6.42 to No. 57 Squadron. |
| X3339 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 17.1.42 from 9 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp. 22.1.42 to 9 Sqdn. Honington. |
| X3355 | AA | Y | Wellington | III | Rec’d 17.1.42 from 48 M.U.. “Y” from Mick Strickland logbook, 11.2.42. “Y” from Henry John Price logbook, 26.2.42. “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, early return from “Crackers 2” exercise 19.2.42; also confirmed crashed 28.2.42, Colville air test, both engines cut, crashed at Lakenheath, two killed, three badly injured and 2nd Pilot died of injuries. Desp. 6.3.42 to M.P.R.U. Cowley. Possibly coded ‘W’ too? |
| X3359 | AA | H | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.1.42 from No. 9 M.U. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 10.2.42 took off 18:35, landed 18:55; 13.3.42 landed 22:02. Desp. 13.5.42 to 419 Sqdn. |
| X3389 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.8.42 from No. 9 Sqdn. FTR 28/29.8.42 Perks crew, shot down target Nuremberg, crew killed. |
| X3390 | AA | W > S | Wellington | III | Rec’d 27.1.42 from 9 Sqdn.. “W” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 12.2.42 airborne 15:08. “W” from Combat Report 12.2.42 Climie crew, search for Battle Cruisers, attacked by two Me. 110s. Desp. 23.2.42 to 419 Sqdn. Rec’d 11.6.42 from 419 Squadron. Desp’ 18.6.42 to 419 Squadron. Re-coded “S”. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 10.7.42 4th a/c off 15:29. |
| X3396 | AA | S | Wellington | III | Rec’d 27.6.42 from 51 M.U.. NFT 2.7.42 Kearns crew, and their ‘kite’ for most of her time at 75. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, last a/c off 15:29, 10.7.42 (incorrectly entered in Form 541 as X3390). Kearns crew crash landed with full bomb load 10.7.42, no explosion! Despatched 11.7.42 to 43 Group Deposit. Rec’d 27.7.42 from 43 Grp Deposit.“S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), first a/c off 00:21 31.7.42, and 22:26, 12/13.8.42. 26.7.42 Hamburg: Wellington III X3396 AA-S Up 22.35/ Down 05.35 From the ORB: Fifteen a/c/ were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lb, 1000lb, 500lb and incendiaries was dropped in target area. Numerous fires were seen in target area and bomb bursts were observed. Seven searchlights destroyed and others damaged and one machine gun post was silenced by Well. III, X3396, captain Sgt. Kearns. A.A. fire was accurate but searchlights were ineffective owing to moon. One JU.88 was seen 30 miles from enemy coast. No attack made. Weather was clear over target but cloudy on route. Navigation was very good by TR and DR. After having logged 49 flights (operational and non-operational) in “their” Wellington X3396 AA-S over a period of two months, this aircraft was shot down over Emden only two days later, with all crew lost. The Kearns crew had volunteered for the brand new Path Finder Force and were immediately posted to 156 (Path Finder Force) Squadron, Warboys. The crew completed a full ‘tour’ on 156 Sdqn, graduating from Wellingtons to Lancasters in January 1943. “S” from Jack Moller logbook 17.8.42 (Kearns crew). “S” from Combat Report 24/25.8.42 Kearns crew, attacked by and claim damaged Fw.190, target Frankfurt. “S” from Combat Report 27/28.8.42 Kearns crew, attacked by t/e e/a, target Kassel. The Kearns crew flew their 17th and final op’ in X3396 on 1.9.42, to Saarbrucken. FTR 3.9.42 Law crew shot down target Emden, crew killed. |
| X3397 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 14.4.42 from 48 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 15.4.42 to 115 Sqdn.. |
| X3402 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | NFT 11.2.42. Rec’d 24.4.42 from 57 Sqdn.. Desp. 3.5.42 to No. 57 Sqdn, Feltwell. Rec’d 4.6.42 from No. 57 Sqdn.. Desp’ 15.6.42 to No. 57 Squadron. |
| X3403 | AA | S | Wellington | III | Rec’d 28.1.42 from 48 M.U.. Form 541, various, including 25.3.42, W/C Cookson & crew; also Form 540, various training flights. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, last a/c airborne 21:13, 25.3.42. “O” from ADF Serials. Desp’ 16.4.42 to 1418 Flight. |
| X3408 | AA | Q | Wellington | III | Rec’d 6.4.42 from 9 M.U.. “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 22.4.42 last a/c off 22:33; 25/26.4.42 1st a/c off 22:16 and first a/c main effort landed 05:19. FTR 2.6.42 Carter crew shot down target Essen, crew POW. |
| X3416 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 14.4.42 from 48 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 15.4.42 to 115 Sqdn.. |
| X3420 | AA | O | Wellington | III | Rec’d 28.4.42 from 12 M.U.. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 18.5.42 crashed on landing at Feltwell in rain, Summers crew, 01:42. Cat. “B” damage. Desp. 21.5.42 to Brooklands, Sywell. |
| X3451 | AA | G | Wellington | III | Rec’d 27.1.42 from 9 Sqdn.. Dual control. Used frequently for training flights Feb 42. “G” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), sole a/c on op’ 3.3.42; 8/9.3.42 airborne 04:11. Desp. 14.3.42 to No. 9 M.U. Rec’d 8.4.42 from 419 Sqdn.. “G” from C. Croall logbook 21.5.42. |
| X3452 | AA | A | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.6.42 from No. 48 M.U.. “A” from C. Croall logbook 19/20 & 20/21.6.42 Emden op’s, and 22-29.6.42. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 1st a/c main effort off 23:26 and 1st a/c from main effort landed 02:21. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 14/15.7.42 last a/c landed 01:48, and 20.7.42 21:41. “A” from Combat Report 20.7.42 Croall crew, four separate attacks by Me.110s, damaged one, target Bremen. Rec’d 27.7.42 from 43 Grp Deposit. FTR 28/29.7.42 Croall crew, Hamburg. Ditched after being damaged by flak, crew 4 POW and 1 killed. |
| X3459 | AA | T | Wellington | III | “T” from Mick Strickland logbook, 5.1.42. Desp’ 5.1.42 to Cosford for modifications. |
| X3461 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Desp’ 5.1.42 to Cosford for modifications. |
| X3462 | AA | D | Wellington | III | Rec’d 16.1.42 from 51 M.U. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, searchlight co-op 24.2.42. FTR 28.3.42 Bell crew, shot down target Lubeck, crew killed. “N” from ADF Serials. |
| X3468 | AA | H > Q? > H | Wellington | III | Rec’d 10.4.42 from 48 M.U.. “H” from C. Croall logbook 2/3.6.42 Essen op’. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 23/24.6.42 returned early starboard engine overheating, 20.7.42 returned on account of weather 18:50. Re-coded “Q”? “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 25/26.7.42 crash landed at Mildenhall between 04:01 and 05:09 (X3540 coded “H” for this op’). “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3) 31.7/1.8.42 13th a/c landed 04:45; 4/5.8.42 last a/c landed; 9/10.8.42 7th a/c off 00:31. Despatched 9.8.42 to 23 O.T.U. Information (Serial and Code letter) being lifted from a small photo & document grouping from the estate of 552462 Sgt Leonard Roy GOULD DFM, via Kerry Foster 15-Oct 2013. |
| X3475 | AA | L | Wellington | III | “L” from Mick Strickland logbook, 26.1.42. “L” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, Sandys NFT 8.2.42; W/Cdr. Cookson N/F 19:05 18.2.42. |
| X3478 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 17.1.42 from 48 M.U.. |
| X3479 | AA | B | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.1.42 from No. 18 M.U. “B” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, last a/c landed 20:45 8.2.42. Desp. 7.3.42 to No. 156 Sqdn. |
| X3480 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 26.4.42 from 51 SM.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 28.4.42 to 419 Sqdn.. |
| X3482 | AA | J | Wellington | III | Flown in from Lichfield 6.1.42, W/C Cookson (Mick Strickland logbook). “J” from Combat Report 28/29.3.42 Evans crew attacked by e/a, target Lubeck. “J” from A. Osborne logbook 1/2.4.42, Leggett crew. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, burst tyre landing on flare path, 1/2.4.42. British Pathé film survives of X3482 AA-J taxying, taking off and in flight, probably taken at Feltwell: “Wellington Bombers – 1942” http://www.britishpathe.com/video/wellington-bombers-1942 . 8/9.4.42 landed 23:59 engines overheating. FTR 13/14.5.42 M.F.G. Fraser crew, shot down mining Kiel Bay, crew killed. |
| X3487 | AA | O | Wellington | III | “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 1/2.4.42 last a/c off 23:31; 6/7.4.42 last a/c landed 06:28. Jarman crew crash-landed 04:42 22/23.4.42; attacked by JU88 target Cologne, 2 wounded, RG killed, crash-landed at base, 2nd Pilot Nicol died later that day. Probably desp’ 27.4.42 to Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge. |
| X3488 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 12.6.42 from 115 Sqdn. Desp’ 18.6.42 to 419 Squadron. |
| X3489 | AA | P | Wellington | III | Rec’d 28.3.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c missing, 5/6.4.42. FTR 5/6.4.42 W/C Sawrey-Cookson crew shot down target Cologne, crew killed. |
| X3528 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| X3538 | AA | N | Wellington | III | Rec’d 28.3.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “N-Nuts” – Leggett and Osborne crews; “Pruno” nose art. “N” from A. Osborne logbook 5/6.4.42, Leggett crew (P/O Leggett = “P/O Prune”). “N” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x4), 5/6.4.42 last a/c off 01:25; 2/3.6.42 first a/c landed 03:14; 13/14.7.42 landed 05:11; 6/7.8.42 first a/c landed 01:50. Escape hatch over pilots head blew off just after take-off on op’s 8/9.4.42 (Leggett) but the Station Commander ordered the pilot to continue on his journey; landed 23:40 – could not contact on R/T. “N” from Combat Report 27/28.4.42 Leggett crew attacked by and damaged Me.110, target Cologne. Rec’d 25.6.42 from 57 Sqdn. |
| X3539 | AA | T > V? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 29.3.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Desp’ 1.4.42 to 115 Sqdn. Rec’d 12.6.42 from 115 Sqdn. “T” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 19/20.6.42 1st a/c off 23:25; 29/30.6.42 presumed lost. FTR 29/30.6.42 Monk crew shot down target Bremen, crew killed. !! Re-appears in ORB from 28.8.42??! “V” from Combat Report 28.9.42 McCullough crew attacked by Me.109, target Lingen. |
| X3540 | AA | H | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.4.42 from Vickers Armstrong, B’pool. Desp’ 2.4.42 to 115 Sqdn. Rec’d 12.6.42 from 115 Sqdn. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 25/26.7.42 first a/c back 03:41. Despatched 27.7.42 to 43 Group Deposit. Desp’ 18.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| X3541 | AA | H/G | Wellington | III | “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 17.4.42 freshman a/c off 21:27, back 01:20. “G” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 4/5.5.42 last a/c airborne 22:41 and returned engine trouble 00:26. Despatched 9.7.42 to No. 101 Sqdn. |
| X3557 | AA | X | Wellington | III | Rec’d 20.6.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “X” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 29/30.6.42 last a/c off 23:49; presumed missing 8/9.7.42. “X” from G. Young logbook . FTR 8/9.7.42 Smith crew shot down target Wilhelmshaven, crew killed. |
| X3558 | AA | Z | Wellington | III | “Z” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 12.7.42 Sgt. Parkes carried out Bullseye exercise; 25/26.7.42 called in Z/75 04:01. FTR 28/29.7.42 Sutherland crew, shot down target Hamburg, crew killed. |
| X3582 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 6.1.42 from Lichfield. |
| X3584 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 24.4.42 from 57 Sqdn.. Desp. 3.5.42 to No. 57 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| X3585 | AA | V | Wellington | III | Rec’d 6.1.42 from Dumfries. “V” from Mick Strickland logbook, 10-22.1.42. FTR 12/113.3.42 Sandys crew, shot down target Kiel, crew killed. |
| X3586 | AA | A > J | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.1.42 from No. 18 M.U. “A” from Combat Report 12.3.42 S/L Newton crew attacked by unid twin-engined e/a, Kiel. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 28/29.3.42 last a/c landed 04:36; 10/11.4.42 1st a/c off (main target) – Newton; 25/26.4.42 last a/c landed 06:02 – Newton;sole a/c on op’, 31.5.42. “A” from Combat Report 25/26.4.42 S/L Newton crew attacked by Ju.88, target Bremen. “A” from various group photos taken April 1942. Re-coded “J”. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 10.7.42 search for missing Wilmshurst crew, S/L Newton crew; 4/5.8.42 1st a/c landed 01:00. Despatched 9.8.42 to 23 O.T.U. Crashed after collision on 23 OTU training flight killing all crew 29.1.43. |
| X3587 | AA | P > S | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.1.42 from No. 18 M.U. “P” from Mick Strickland logbook, 12.2.42. “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, first a/c airborne 00:21, 8/9.3.42, lost engine on X-Country, landed Edgehill 18.2.42. Re-coded S. “S” from from Feltwell Station Log (x2), 19/20.5.42 19th a/c off 23:24 and 19th a/c landed Abingdon 05:40; 6/7.6.42 last (21st) a/c down, 04:44. FTR 9/10.6.42 Smith crew, shot down target Essen, crew killed. |
| X3588 | AA | U | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.1.42 from No. 18 M.U. “U” from Henry John Price logbook. FTR 12/13.3.42 S/L Kitchin & crew shot down target Kiel, crew killed. |
| X3595 | AA | K | Wellington | III | On sqn. 1-3.42 and later converted to a Mk.X. Desp. 7.3.42 to Vickers Weybridge. “K” from photo at ADF Serials. Photo in Bomber Sqns of RAF. |
| X3597 | AA | C > Y > C | Wellington | III | Rec’d 25.1.42 from 38 M.U. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c bogged at dispersal then freed, airborne 02:09, 8/9.3.42. “C” from Arthur Osborne logbook, March 42. Photos on http://www.feltwell.net of AA-C with damage from fire over the target area, Leggett / Osborne crew, Lubeck op’, 28.3.42. Photo from Arthur Osborne. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) ; 1/2.5.42 C/75 N/F S/L Hill, 16/17.5.42 circuits & bumps 23:18 R/T u/s landed with tail wheel up. Information (code letter) being lifted from a small photo & document grouping from the estate of 552462 Sgt Leonard Roy GOULD DFM, via Kerry Foster 15-Oct 2013. Re-coded “Y”? “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 28/29.6.42 landed Feltwell 06:00 all other a/c diverted to Wyton (Kearns crew). Rec’d 1.8.42 from 43 Group Deposit. Re-coded “C”? “C” from Combat Report 26/27.9.42 Curr crew attacked by Ju.88, target gardening Baltic. Flew Squadron’s final Wellington op’ to Brest (mining) 25/26.10.42. Desp’ 28.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| X3636 | AA | R | Wellington | III | “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x5), 25.3.42 landed 01:23; 26.3.42 1st a/c off 19:52; 1/2.4.42 G/C Powell & crew flew in from Manston; 4/5.6.42 1st a/c off 23:19; 6/7.8.42 last a/c off 01:50 and AA fire Duisberg damaged hydraulics crash landed on return 06:01 (Jackson crew). “R” from C. Croall logbook 20.5.42. 24.6.42 undercarriage collapsed landing from circuits & bumps. Desp’ 8.11.42 to 1483 Flight, Marham. |
| X3637 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 17.1.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Not used on op’s. Desp. 22.1.42 to 9 Sqdn. Honington. |
| X3646 | AA | M | Wellington | III | Rec’d 25.1.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “M” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 1/2.4.42 DNCO landed 21:38 one engine u/s; 6.6.42 first a/c off 23:17; 6/7.8.42 1st a/c off 01:03. “M” from Combat Report 20/21.6.42 A.A. Wright crew damaged in attack by Ju.88, target Emden. Hit by falling 4lb incendiary bomb target Dusseldorf 31.7.42; RG injured. FTR 11/12.8.42 Bradey crew shot down target Mainz, crew 5 killed and 1 POW. |
| X3652 | AA | O | Wellington | III | Rec’d 11.2.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Ferried in from Blackpool by F/O Sandys 11.2.42. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 24.2.42 TR cross country take off 18:46. FTR 25.3.42 Slater crew, shot down target Essen, 1 killed and rest POW. |
| X3661 | AA | A > Q | Wellington | III | Rec’d 12.2.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “A” from Henry John Price logbook 24.2.42. “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, a/c missing, 5/6.4.42. FTR 5/6.4.42 Thomas crew shot down target Cologne, crew POW. |
| X3664 | AA | X > Q > V > Y | Wellington | III | Rec’d 11.2.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Ferried in from Blackpool by W/C Cookson 11.2.42 (Mick Strickland logbook). “X” from Mick Strickland logbook, 11.2.42. “Q” from Mick Strickland logbook, 23.2.42. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x5), 25.3.42 a/c returned 22:02 oxygen trouble; 21/22.5.42 last a/c off 23:19; 22/23.6.42 1st a/c off 23:12; 20.7.42 returned early 15:07; 27.7.42 first a/c off 14:05, landed 19:55. From Feltwell Flying Control Logbook must be “Y” when lost 28/29.7.42. FTR 28/29.7.42 Wilson crew, shot down target Hamburg, crew killed. |
| X3667 | AA | D? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 10.2.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “D” from Grey serials and codes 7 April 1942 (Bombing Colours). FTR 22.4.42 Mahood crew, shot down target Cologne, crew killed. |
| X3705 | AA | F | Wellington | III | Rec’d 13.3.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “F” from Combat Report 5/6.4.42 McLachlan crew attacked by Me. 109 target Cologne. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 14.4.42 early return engine u/s 00:02, 17/18.4.42 1st a/c off 23:40; 22/23.4.42 McLachlan crew crash-landed 03:30. “F” from Combat Report 22/23.4.42 McLachlan crew attacked by unid e/a target Cologne. Desp’ 26.4.42 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd. |
| X3714 | AA | W | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.3.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Replaced X3390 as “W”? “W” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 28/29.3.42 1st a/c landed 23:20 i/com trouble; 1/2.4.42 returned early 02:46 rear turret u/s; last a/c off 22:50 25.4.42; 2/3.5.42 last 17th a/c off 21:07. “W” from Jack Moller logbook. “W” from Combat Report 6/7.5.42 Denton crew attacked by several Me.109s, target Stuttgart. FTR 26/27.7.42 McPherson crew shot down target Hamburg, crew killed. |
| X3720 | AA | U | Wellington | III | “U” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 5/6.4.42 returned engine trouble 00:37; 14.4.42 first a/c off and first back 23:56 engine u/s; 23.4.42 last a/c off 23:07. “U” from Combat Report 2/3.6.42 Wilmshurst crew attacked by and claimed shot down a Ju.88, target Essen, R/G Sgt R.J. Hirst – the Squadron’s first “kill” of 1942. FTR 10.7.42 Wilmshurst crew shot down target Dusseldorf, crew killed. “U” from Sgt. Robert Brisco’s FTR letter to James Gould’s mother. |
| X3747 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.9.42 from No. 57 Sqdn. 7/8.9.42 Raharuhi crew gardening Frisian Is.. Desp’ 15.11.42 to No. 12 O.T.U.. |
| X3751 | AA | P | Wellington | II/III | Rec’d 3.4.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. Mark 2 from “Popeye’s War”, modified to carry new version 4000 lb bomb and flown by ‘Popeye’ Lucas 27.11.41 to Emden. Mark 3 from Forms 540 and 541. “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x4), 12/13.4.42 last 19th a/c off 22:55; burst tyre on landing 03:46, 14/15.4.42; 10.7.42 1st a/c off 14:47; 26.7.42 last a/c off 23:05. “P” from photo in “Forever Strong” p.64. Badly damaged by flak 30.5.42, Jarman crew, both fuel tanks holed, port & stbd ASI’s u/s. Despatched 9.8.42 to 23 O.T.U. |
| X3756 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 24.4.42 from 57 Sqdn.. Desp. 1.5.42 to No. 57 Sqdn, Feltwell. |
| X3760 | AA | L | Wellington | III | Rec’d 10.4.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool. “L-London”, Allan A. Fraser crew. “L” from C. Croall logbook 30.5/1.6.42. “L” from Combat Report 19/20.6.42 A.A. Fraser crew attacked by Me.109, target Emden. “L” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 4/5.5.42 1st a/c to land 04:31; 8.6.42 first a/c off 23:29; 20/21.6.42 presumed lost. FTR 20/21.6.42 A.A. Fraser crew shot down target Emden, crew killed. |
| X3794 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | FTR 3/4.9.42 Hunting crew shot down target Emden, crew killed. |
| X3867 | AA | P | Wellington | III | Received 15.8.42 from 48 M.U. “P” from WM. “P” from Combat Report 2/3.9.42 Parkes crew attacked by e/a, target Karlsruhe. FTR 6/7.9.42 Parkes crew shot down target Duisburg, crew killed. |
| X3936 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Damaged ME109 target Nurnberg 29.8.42. |
| X3914 | Mis-type of X3714. | ||||
| X3931 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 19.9.42 from No. 12 M.U. Desp’ 8.11.42 to 1483 Flight, Marham. |
| X3936 | AA | T | Wellington | III | Received 16.8.42 from 12 M.U. “T” from WM. “T” from Combat Report 28/29.8.42 Trott crew attacked by Me.110, claimed as damaged, target Nuremburg. |
| X3946 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Received 2.9.42 from No. 57 Sqdn. Raharuhi logbook 6/7.9.41 Duisburg op’, Raharuhi crew Sep-Oct 42.. Desp’ 14.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| X3954 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Received 16.8.42 from 12 M.U. FTR 13.10.42 Watters crew shot down target Kiel, crew killed. |
| X3959 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Received 16.8.42 from 44 M.U. 6/7.9.42 McCullough crew Duisburg op’. Desp’ 14.10.42 to No. 156 Squadron. |
| X4720 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Ferried in 24.3.42 by P/O Fisher from Squires Gate. Mis-type of X3720? |
| X7825 | Mis-type of ?? | ||||
| X8834 | AA | P | Wellington | III | Mis-type of ?? |
| X9628 | AA | A | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 22.6.41 from No. 46 M.U.. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, landed 05:20 11/12.9.41; “A” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “A” from Feltwell Operations Log (x3), A/75 landed Marston 6/7.8.41 05:30 Capt Sgt Breckon; (time up; time down) 26/27.8.41, Allen/A 20/21.9.41 returned early with stbd engine fire. ‘A’ from code only ‘9628’ from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 . FTR 8/9.11.41 Smith crew, shot down target Essen, crew 1 killed and rest POW. |
| X9634 | AA | F/V? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 14.6.41 from 51 M.U.. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, force-landed 13/14.7.41 near beach off Corton, near Lowestoft , Miniken crew, target Bremen, 4 crew killed. Coded V from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| X9648 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| X9742 | AA | Q | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.11.41 from No. 311 Squadron. “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 23.11.41 last a/c landed 21:46. Desp’ 28.11.41 to 115 Sqdn.. |
| X9757 | AA | U? > S | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 25.7.41 from 46 M.U.. Re-coded S after loss of X9767? Hit by flak target Berlin 20.9.41; FG wounded. “S” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “S” from Feltwell Operations Log (x2), Cookson/S 20/21.9.41; Chamberlain/S 26/27.9.41.. Desp’ 8.1.42 to Newmarket. |
| X9759 | AA | R | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 27.7.41 from No.46 M.U. “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 6/7.8.41, last a/c took off 23:48; 17/18.8.41 last a/c up 00:51. “R” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 14/15.8.41. FTR 15/16.9.41 Hawkins crew shot down target Hamburg, crew 2 POW and 4 killed. |
| X9760 | AA | P | Wellington | IC | “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 3/4.8.41, returned early with hydraulics u/s landed 03:03 Newmarket, Matetich crew, Hanover, R/G wounded. Desp’ 11.11.41 to No. 57 Squadron . |
| X9764 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.7.41 from 12 M.U..“V” from Mick Strickland logbook, 1&3.8.41. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 6/7.8.41, first a/c took off 22:30; 12/13.8.41 V/75 Capt P/O Roberts, damaged out of fuel, crew baled out except for Roberts who crash-landed in plantation short of Feltwell and survived unhurt, 2 crew injured. Damaged fighter target Hanover 12/13.8.41. Had ‘scalloped’ black/camo demarcation from photo in ‘Forever Strong’. |
| X9767 | AA | S | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.7.41 from 12 M.U.. “S” from Feltwell Operations Log (time up; time down) 14/15.8.41. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, presumed lost 03:40 6/7.9.41. FTR 6/7.9.41 Johnson crew shot down target Huls, crew killed. |
| X9776 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | “O Orange” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, . FTR Black crew, Berlin 7/8.11.41. |
| X9782 | AA | A | Wellington | IC | “A” from Mick Strickland logbook, 8.7.41 (Official Sqdn History says X9628?). |
| X9806 | AA | R | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.9.41 from No. 101 Sqdn, Honington. “R” from Feltwell Operations Log, Nunn/R 20/21.9.41.Desp. 23.9.41 to No. 311 Sqdn., Honington. |
| X9825 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | “V” from Alex Rowe logbook, 31.8.41. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 1st a/c airborne 20:15 2/3.9.41. “V” from Feltwell Operations Log, Roberts/V, 20/21.9.41. Desp. 11.2.42 to 1505 B.A.T.F. |
| X9834 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | “O”from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 1st a/c landed 00:20 6/7.9.41; “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, presumed lost 17/18.9.41. FTR 17/18.9.41 Smyth crew shot down target Karlsruhe, crew 3 POW and 3 killed. |
| X9835 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | “V” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. |
| X9914 | AA | M | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 16.10.41 from No. 23 M.U. “M” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, presumed lost 22/23.10.41. FTR 22/23.10.41 Taylor crew shot down target Mannheim, crew killed. |
| X9915 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| X9916 | AA | X? or S? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 8.10.41 from No. 23 M.U. Either “X” or “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, missing – FTR 15/16.10.41 Matetich crew shot down target Cologne, crew killed? Form 540 says Wellington “R65416”??! From ‘For Yor Tomorrow, V1. |
| X9918 | AA | U | Wellington | IC | “U” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 17/18.9.41, returned early 22:15, overshot & crashed on top of fusing shed near Bofors Gun near No. 1 hangar, Talbot crew OK. |
| X9928 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| X9941 | AA | W | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.10.41 from No. 51 M.U. (Form 541, Ramsey crew Oct-Nov 41). “W” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 14/15.10.41, landed Pocklington 01:00; 22/23.10.41 first a/c airborne 17:59. Desp. 28.1.42 to BAT Flt, Mildenhall. |
| X9951 | AA | L/Q | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 17.9.41 from No. 48 M.U.. “L” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “Q” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 12/13.10.41, Q/75 Barker crew attacked by night fighter target Bremen, crash-landed at RAF Stradishall, RG killed, 00:15. “L” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, “L London 75”. FTR 7/8.11.41 Methven crew, shot down target Berlin, crew 1 killed and rest POW. |
| X9957 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of X9975? |
| X9961 | AA | L | Wellington | IC | “L” from Feltwell Operations Log, Curlewis/L, 20/21.9.41. |
| X9975 | AA | U | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 17.9.41 from No. 18 M.U.. “U” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “U” from Feltwell Operations Log (x2), Fisher/U 20/21.9.41; Fisher/U 26/27.9.41.“U” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, returned early with engine problem 21:30 12/13.10.41. “I have a picture of my Dad’s Cousin (Sgt ‘Tony” Saunders) with his crew posed in front of ‘U’ for Uncle 75 Sqn Wellington. Location not known, but the nose art is what looks like a chap wearing a British steel helmet holding a bomb by the tail. This is enclosed by a circle. The image is not that clear. If anyone has any more details I would be pleased to hear from them since I am trying to add detail to Anthony’s service history.” – Saunders crew flew X9975, AA-U on 30.9/1.10.41 to Stettin/Hamburg. Desp. 22.1.42 to 40 Sqdn. |
| X9976 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.9.41 from No. 18 M.U.. Replaced X9834 as “O”. “O” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), last a/c landed 00:52 24/25.10.41; crash landed Coltishall 26/27.10.41; (x-country) O/75 landed from Hawarden 18:31. FTR 7/8.11.41 Black crew shot down target Berlin, crew killed. |
| X9977 | AA | D | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 29.9.41 from No. 18 M.U.. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 15/16.10.41 landed Manston 00:35; last a/c airborne 18:18 22/23.10.41. FTR 8/9.11.41 Nunn crew, shot down target Essen, crew 5 killed and 1 POW. |
| X9981 | AA | X? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 10.10.41 from No. 44 M.U. “X” possibly from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook “X/57 presumed lost”? FTR 12/13.10.41 S/L Chamberlain crew shot down target Nuremberg / Bremen, crew killed. |
| Z1030 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Mis-type of ?? |
| Z1053 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 2.11.41 from No. 45 M.U.. “H” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 8/9.11.41 landed with Chance light 22:01; 23.11.41 1st a/c landed 19:55. “H” from Eric Jones logbook, 18.11.41. Desp’ 29.11.41 to 57 Sqdn.. |
| Z1068 | AA | R | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 13.10.41 from No. 48 M.U. “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 15/16.10.41 last (18th) a/c 18:57, “R” from Mick Strickland logbook, 19-29.10.41. “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 7/8.11.41 returned early sick Nav; 7/8.12.41 returned from x-country 01:29. Desp’ 17.1.42 to 40 Sqdn., Wyton. |
| Z1077 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | “H” from Combat Report 27/28.12.41 – W/C Cookson crew damaged ME110 target Dusseldorf. Desp’ 8.1.42 to Newmarket. |
| Z1083 | AA | K | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 23.10.41 from No. 40 Squadron. “K” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2) 8/9.11.41 1st a/c airborne 17:28; 15/16.12.41 1st a/c airborne 14:45.. Hit by flak target Brest 17.12.41; 2P wounded. “K” from Eric Jones logbook, 2-3.1.42. |
| Z1087 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ 23.11.41 to No. 57 Squadron. |
| Z1091 | AA | V | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.10.41 from No. 12 M.U. “V” from Mick Strickland logbook, 3-26.11.41. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 7/8.11.41 returned early w/engine trouble. Desp’ 29.11.41 to 57 Sqdn.. |
| Z1093 | AA | M | Wellington | IC | “M” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 28.10.41 overdue (x-country) from Hawarden. “M” from Mick Strickland logbook, 1.11.41. Desp’ 11.11.41 to No. 57 Squadron . |
| Z1095 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | |
| Z1096 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ 23.11.41 to No. 57 Squadron. |
| Z1099 | AA | M > S | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 26.10.41 from No. 44 M.U. “M” from Mick Strickland logbook, 1.11.41. “S” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 30.11/1.12.41 “S.75 presumed lost” – FTR 30.11/1.12.41 Harrison-Smith crew, shot down target Emden and Hamburg, crew killed. |
| Z1108 | AA | X | Wellington | IC | “X” from Eric Jones logbook, 26.11.41. Desp’ 17.1.42 to 40 Sqdn., Wyton. |
| Z1114 | AA | C | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 30.10.41 from No. 46 M.U.. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 23.11.41 first a/c off 17:10; sole a/c on op’ 15.1.42. “C” from Eric Jones logbook, 17.11.41. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 10/11.1.42 x-country landed 01:56. Desp’ 17.1.42 to 40 Sqdn., Wyton. |
| Z1144 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.11.41 from No. 46 M.U. Abandoned and crashed, misfiring engines 26/27.11.41 near Wrangle, Giddens crew, all safe. |
| Z1145 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ 23.11.41 to No. 57 Squadron. |
| Z1149 | AA | B | Wellington | IC | “B” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 10/11.1.42 x-country landed 02:41. Crashed 21:05 15.1.42 and went through “E” dispersal, 4th attempt at landing. Desp’ 6.3.42 to No. 18 O.T.U. |
| Z1153 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 24.11.41 from No. 23 M.U. |
| Z1168 | AA | H | Wellington | IC | “H” from Form 541 and Feltwell Station Log 26/27.10.41. FTR 26/27.10.41 Isherwood crew shot down target Hamburg, crew 1 killed and rest POW. |
| Z1177 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Desp’ 8.1.42 to Newmarket. |
| Z1566 | AA | K | Wellington | III | Ferried in 24.3.42 by P/O Doel from Hawarden. “K” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), last a/c off 28.3.42; 1/2.4.42 last a/c landed 06:23; 6/7.5.42 last a/c landed 05:17. Crashed on X-Country, Smith crew, Leeks, Staffs, 22.5.42. After being caught above cloud, flew into a hill in bad vis, during x-country training; crew killed except RG. Desp’ 22.5.42 to Messrs. Vickers Armstrong, Willesden. |
| Z1570 | AA | B | Wellington | III | Rec’d 29.3.42 from No. 48 M.U. Ferried in 24.3.42 by P/O Fraser from Squires Gate. Ball crew a/c, “B” from Ball crew and photos (Nav, Bill Bridget). “B” from C. Croall logbook 23-26.5.42. Lead 75 a/c on the first 1000 Bomber Raid, 30.5.42, Ball crew, Cologne. Rec’d 21.7.42 from 43 Group Deposit. FTR 28/29.7.42 Johns crew, shot down target Hamburg, crew killed. |
| Z1572 | AA | M | Wellington | Rec’d 2.4.42 from 48 M.U. “M” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 8/9.4.42 landed 00:56 prop trouble; 10/11.4.42 1st a/c off (freshman) – P/O A.A. Fraser – 21:11; 13.4.42 2nd a/c off 21:31; 1st back 00:40. On an op’ to Dortmund 14/15.4.42, a 5″ shell took away most of the starboard tailplane but S/L Ray Newton somehow managed to fly the plane back to Base. Desp. 13.5.42 to No. 419 Squadron. | |
| Z1573 | AA | T | Wellington | III | Rec’d 10.4.42 from 48 M.U.. “T” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, “S” & “T” presumed lost, 9.6.42. FTR 9.6.42 Murdoch crew,shot down target Essen, crew killed. |
| Z1592 | AA | O | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.6.42 from No. 48 M.U.. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 18th & last a/c landed, 04:46 19/20.6.42. “O” from Combat Report 19/20.6.42 A.A. Smith crew attacked by t/e e/a, target Emden.11.8.42 overshot into bomb dump 15:14, none injured. Desp. 20.8.42 to Vickers Armstrong, Castle Bromwich. |
| Z1596 | AA | K | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.7.42 from No. 48 M.U. “K” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 13/14.7.42 1st a/c off 00:27; 14/15.7.42 1st a/c off 22:53; 21/22.7.42 first a/c off, 23:52. FTR 26/27.7.42 Shepherd crew, shot down target Hamburg, crew 1 POW and 4 killed. |
| Z1616 | AA | D | Wellington | III | Rec’d 25.5.42 from No. 51 M.U.. “D” from C. Croall logbook 17/18.6.42 St Nazaire op’. “D” from Combat Report 25/26.6.42 Bertram crew attacked by and damaged Me.109, target Bremen. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3), 17/18.6.42 1st a/c freshman off 23:00; 20/21.6.42 1st a/c off 23:29; 29/30.6.42 Bertram crew crashed shortly after takeoff 23:35, all killed. “Z” from ‘For Your Tomorrow 1). Coded D from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| Z1618 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 25.5.42 from No. 51 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 25.5.42 to No. 57 Sqdn. |
| Z1652 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 12.9.42 from 57 Sqdn. FTR 24/25.10.42 Hugill crew, shot down target Milan, crew 2 evaded, 1 POW and 2 killed. Possibly: In October 1942, Leutnant Meister and Hannes are again transferred, this time to 1./ NJG 4 based at Laon-Athies in France. Meister has been given the post of Adjutant to Hauptmann Wilhelm Herget, newly appointed Gruppenkommandeur. October 25, 1942 a Wellington of 75 Squadron at Jenlain which was returning from an operation to Milan. |
| Z1738 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 21.9.42 from 48 M.U. Desp. 18.10.42 to 115 Sqdn. Lost 29.10.42 Essen, with 115 Sqdn as KO-M. |
| Z1742 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| Z1747 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| Z8429 | AA | V | Wellington | II | “V” and “Mk II” from Mick Strickland logbook 13.12.41. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 23/24.12.41 1st a/c off 16:26. Desp’ 25,12.41 to Driffield. A third Mk. II (Z8429) arrived on a date unknown and departed the sqn on 25/12/41 for Driffield. They were only used on a few operations. Final op by the Merlin Wellingtons was on 23-24/12/41, when Z8429 (P/O Sandys and crew) went on a raid to Brest. |
| Z8441 | AA | T | Wellington | II | Rec’d 19.11.41 from No. 12 M.U.. “T” and Mk II from Mick Strickland logbook 5.12.41. Desp’ 25,12.41 to Driffield. The first two Mk. IIs (serial numbers Z8441 and Z8495) arrived on 75 Sqn 17/11/41 from 12 MU. Z8441 departed the sqn on 25/12/41. They were only used on a few operations, the first on 26/11/41, with S/L F J (“Popeye”) Lucas & crew aboard Z8495, and the other flight commander (S/L Kitchen & crew) aboard Z8441. On night of 30/11-1/12/41, Z8441 (S/L Kitchen and crew again) on ops to Emden and Hamburg. |
| Z8492 | AA | J | Wellington | II | Assume Mk II from serial no.. “J” from Mick Strickland logbook 13.10.41. |
| Z8495 | AA | ? | Wellington | II | Rec’d 19.11.41 from No. 12 M.U.. Desp’ 9.1.42 to Lindholme. The first two Mk. IIs (serial numbers Z8441 and Z8495) arrived on 75 Sqn 17/11/41 from 12 MU, departed 8/1/42 for station Lindholme. They were only used on a few operations, the first on 26/11/41, with S/L F J (“Popeye”) Lucas & crew aboard Z8495 |
| Z8834 | AA | P | Wellington | IC | “P” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 2/3.9.41 landed 04:20; took off 20:17 20/21.9.41. “P” from Form 541 28/29.9.41. “P” from Feltwell Operations Log (x2) time up; time down 26/27.8.41; Brooks/P 20/21.9.41. “P” from from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 23/24.12.41 crashed Berners Heath, Norfolk, Bentley crew, Captain killed, rest of crew injured, returning from target Brest. Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| Z8848 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 26.8.41 from 33 M.U.. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 26.8.41 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| Z8854 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 18.11.41 from No. 101 Squadron. |
| Z8858 | AA | G | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.9.41 from No. 9 Sqdn, Honington. “G” from Feltwell Operations Log, Wilson/G, 20/21.9.41. Desp. 20.2.42 to 214 Sqdn. |
| Z8868 | AA | C | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 4.9.41 from No. 8 M.U.. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 1st off 19:15 20/21.9.41. “C” from Feltwell Operations Log, Williams/C, 20/21.9.41. Desp. 29.9.41 to No. 57 Sqdn. |
| Z8904 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.11.41 from No. 57 Squadron. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 30.11/1.12.41, Sykes crew jettisoned bombs landed Mildenhall 20:34. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 10/11.1.42 x-country landed 03:43. Desp. 22.1.42 to 40 Sqdn. |
| Z8909 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 25.9.41 from No. 51 M.U. |
| Z8942 | AA | J | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.10.41 from No. 10 M.U. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 20/21.10.41, first a/c up 18:22. “J” from Mick Strickland logbook, 31.10.41. FTR 8/9.11.41 Wilson crew, shot down target Essen, crew 5 killed and 1 POW. Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| Z8945 | AA | O | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 27.9.41 from No. 51 M.U.. “O” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, last a/c landed base 06:40 10/11.10.41 – damaged and written off? FTR 15/16.10.41 Barker crew shot down target Cologne ; crew 2 POW and 4 killed. |
| Z8961 | AA | F | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 28.10.41 from No. 57 Squadron. “F” from Eric Jones logbook, 31.10.41. Desp’ 1.3.42 to No. 25 O.T.U. |
| Z8968 | AA | D | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 11.11.41 from No. 57 Squadron. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 12.12.41, last a/c airborne 14:50. “D” from Eric Jones logbook, 4.1.42. Desp. 22.1.42 to 40 Sqdn. |
| Z8969 | AA | R | Wellington | “R” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, not heard from, 08:00 10/11.10.41. FTR 10/11.10.41 Curlewis crew shot down target Cologne, crew killed. | |
| Z8971 | AA | A | Wellington | III | Crashed 27/28.12.41 Dartmoor, following a raid on Brest/Dusseldorf, suffered engine failure while returning to base and the captain, Sgt Machin, RAF, ordered the crew to bale out. He then followed: all were uninjured, landing safely near Dartmoor, where the aircraft crashed. Form 540: it was the Port engine and that the targets for that nights raid was Brest and Dusseldorf. “A” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 29.12.41, G/C Powell landed 10:08 in D/75 with 4 of crew from A/75. |
| Z8977 | AA | N | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.11.41 from No. 57 Sqdn.. “N” from Eric Jones logbook, 25.11.41. Desp. 28.1.42 to 40 Sqdn., Wyton. |
| Z8978 | AA | G | Wellington | IC | Rec’d 19.11.41 from No. 57 Sqdn.. “G” from WM. “G” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook 15/16.12.41 last a/c to take off 16:09, and last to land 22:22. “G” from Mick Strickland logbook, 29.12.41. Desp. 22.1.42 to 40 Sqdn. |
| Z9914 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Serial from Bomber Command database. |
| BJ584 | AA | C | Wellington | III | Rec’d 18.6.42 from No. 57 Squadron. “C” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x3); 23/24.6.42 returned early landed Methwold 01:57; 25/26.7.42 1st operational a/c off 00:14; 4/5.8.42 first a/c off 22:41. “C” from Combat Report 27/28.8.42 Burrill crew, attacked and damaged by Ju.88, Navigator wounded, e/a probably destroyed, target Kassel. Belly-landed 27/28.8.42 RAF Wattisham, Burrill crew, Kassel, crew safe. Desp’ 28.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. Caught fire in hangar Edgehill 12OTU 44. |
| BJ596 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.9.42 from No. 57 Sqdn. FTR 8.9.42 Johnson crew shot down target Schweinfurt, crew POW. |
| BJ599 | AA | U | Wellington | III | Rec’d 13.7.42 from No. 57 Sqdn. “U” from C. Croall logbook and Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, early return rear turret u/s 01:55 21/22.7.42. Despatched 27.7.42 to 43 Group Deposit. Rec’d 30.7.42 from 43 Grp Deposit. FTR 28/29.7.42 Hutt crew, shot down target Hamburg, crew killed. |
| BJ625 | AA | T | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.7.42 from No. 48 M.U. “T” from C. Croall logbook 26/27.7.42 Hamburg op’. “T” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 29/30.7.42 19th a/c landed 06:09; 31.7/1.8.42 early return 02:00. FTR 11/12.8.42 Barclay crew shot down target Mainz, crew 4 killed and 1 POW. |
| BJ661 | AA | X | Wellington | III | Rec’d 12.7.42 from No. 48 M.U. FTR 28.7.42 Gilbertson crew shot down target Hamburg, crew 2 POW and 3 killed. Code from ‘For Your Tomorrow 1’. |
| BJ673 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Mis-type of BJ773? BJ673 lost with 57 Sqdn? FTR 28/29.8.42 Davis crew Nuremberg (the only time this serial no.appears in the Forms 541 and 540). |
| BJ679 | AA | N | Wellington | III | Red codes/C1 roundels |
| BJ707 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Received 2.9.42 from No. 57 Sqdn. Desp’ 14.10.42 to No. 156 Squadron. |
| BJ708 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.8.42 from 33 M.U. Lyneham. FTR 27/28.8.42 Osborn crew shot down target Kassel, crew killed. |
| BJ721 | AA | A | Wellington | III | Received 16.8.42 from 45 M.U. “A” from Ken Crankshaw logbook, Sept. 42. Probably “Achtung Anzac” with sickle and bomb nose art. Photo with Curr crew in ‘Forever Strong’. “A” from Combat Report 8/9.9.42 Curr crew, attacked by Me.110, target Frankfurt. Desp. 14.9.42 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd. Syewell, Northants. |
| BJ725 | AA | H | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.8.42 from No. 9 Sqdn. “H” from Combat Report 11/12.8.42 Gunning crew, attacked by Ju.88, target Mainz. “H” from WM. 20.8.42 to Gloucester, Kearns. “H” from Combat Report 6/7.9.42 Jacobsen crew, attacked by e/a, target Duisburg. FTR 24/25.10.42 McConnell crew, shot down target Milan, crew killed. |
| BJ756 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Desp’ 24.11.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| BJ758 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Desp’ 8.11.42 to 1483 Flight, Marham. |
| BJ765 | AA | L | Wellington | III | Rec’d 30.7.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. “L” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 6/7.8.42 off without flare path 01:05; 12/13.8.42 last a/c off 22:38. FTR 6/7.9.42 Sharman crew, shot down target Duisburg, crew killed. |
| BJ766 | AA | Wellington | III | 8.8.42 G/C Powell & F/O Dobbin flew to East Fortune and return. Desp’ 28.10.42 to No. 156 Squadron. Desp’ 28.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. (??) | |
| BJ767 | AA | V | Wellington | III | Rec’d 30.7.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. “V” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, presumed lost 11/12.8.42. FTR 11/12.8.42 Dobbin crew shot down target Mainz, crew 2 killed and 3 POW. |
| BJ770 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.8.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. |
| BJ771 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.8.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. |
| BJ772 | AA | D | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.8.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. “D-Donald”, Wright crew, Donald Duck nose art. “D” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, “pilot F/S Wright shooting up drome”, 27.8.42. “D” from Combat Report 6/7.9.42 Womersley crew attacked by e/a, target Duisburg. “D” from Combat Report 16/17.9.42 Wright crew attacked by Ju.88, claimed as destroyed, target Essen. Bomb doors removed at some point to carry 4000lb bomb. Had a picture of Donald Duck on her side. Originally Duck was on Nicks Wellington in 75 Sqn. AA-D BJ772 based at Mildenhall skippered by Jack Wright. Nick had drawn up the design on paper first. Duck was burnt out on the ground around 27/28 September 1942 when a loaded Boston crash landed and the fragments set AA-D alight. After a stint instructing, most of the Wright crew ended up at 156 pff Squadron, this time on Lancasters, being allocated GT-T (JA 909). This caused a problem with the Duck design, which the crew wanted to reproduce on their new a/c. But new crew member and fellow 75 veteran Alf Drew (ex the Curr crew and AA-F “Freddie”) suggested a combination to produce Thomas Frederick Duck. At the end of their tour Nick peeled the canvas art off and brought it home where it sat in a cupboard for years. In the 1970’s Nick had a pub inland from Gisborne. He and a visiting W/C got talking about the Museum at Wigram and Nick gave the art plus jackets etc to the visitor. |
| BJ773 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.8.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. FTR 28/29.8.42 Davis crew Nuremberg? (recorded as BJ673 in the Forms 541 and 540). |
| BJ774 | AA | X | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.8.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. “X” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 12/13.8.42 last a/c landed 05:21. FTR 20/21.8.42 Anderson crew, shot down target mining St Nazaire, crew killed. |
| BJ790 | AA | J | Wellington | III | Rec’d 30.8.42 from 33 M.U. / Rec’d 1.9.42 from 48 M.U.. “J” from Combat Report 16/17.9.42 Blincoe crew, attacked by e/a, target Essen, W/OP wounded, belly-landed at Mildenhall. Desp. 20.9.42 to Brooklands Aviation Ltd. Weybridge Surrey. |
| BJ828 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 30.7.42 from 115 Sqdn. Rec’d 1.9.42 from No. 48 M.U. FTR 10/11.9.42 Lees crew, shot down target Dusseldorf, crew killed. |
| BJ832 | AA | Z | Wellington | III | Rec’d 30.7.42 from 115 Sqdn. “Z” from Raharuhi logbook 10.9.42. “Z” from WM. Red codes/C1 roundels |
| BJ837 | AA | F | Wellington | III | Rec’d 15.6.42 from No. 48 M.U. “F-Freddie” Hockaday crew’s a/c from Form 541, 29/30.6.42 R/Gnr Bruce Philip destroyed a JU88, target Bremen. “F” from Hockaday crew photo with F, Freddie nose art and and swastika kill marking. “Freddie” little green man nose art – mascot survives with Drew family. Origin of the “Frederick” in the famous Thomas Frederick Duck crew, 156 PFF Sqdn. Code from Forever Strong, pg58. “F” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, 31.7/1.8.42 last a/c off 00:48. Davey crew crashed on landing at Lakenheath 13.10.42, short of petrol, target Kiel; 4 injured, RG later died. Desp’ 18.10.42 to Humbers Ltd., Coventry. |
| BJ854 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Code from http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=13372&page=1 |
| BJ898 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 3.9.42 from 18 M.U.. Desp’ 14.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| BJ968 | AA | W | Wellington | III | Rec’d 1.9.42 from 48 M.U.. FTR 10/11.9.42 Burrill crew, shot down target Dusseldorf, crew killed. |
| BJ974 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.9.42 from 48 M.U.. FTR 10/11.9.42 Metcalf crew, shot down target Dusseldorf, crew killed. |
| BJ988 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| BK206 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 21.9.42 from 38 M.U. |
| BK207 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 21.9.42 from 38 M.U. Crashed Mildenhall 26.9.42 Dunmall crew due to bad visibility on return from Gardening, Baltic. |
| BK274 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 21.9.42 from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Flew Squadron’s final Wellington op’ to Brest (mining) 25/26.10.42. |
| BK275 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 18.9.42 from Vickers Armstrong, Chester. |
| BK302 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| BK341 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.10.42 from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. FTR 11.10.42 Shalfoon crew shot down mining Aalbsoly / Kattegat, crew killed. |
| BK362 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 6.10.42 from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Desp’ 28.10.42 to No. 115 Squadron. |
| BK386 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 8.10.42 from Armstrong Vickers, Chester. Not used on op’s. Desp’ 9.10.42 to No. 156 Squadron. |
| BK724 | AA | Y | Wellington | III | |
| BK725 | Mis-type of BJ725 | ||||
| DF362 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | |
| DF639 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Rec’d 2.9.42 from 44 M.U.. FTR 6.10.42 Rhodes crew shot down target Osnabruck, crew killed. |
| DF673 | AA | ? | Wellington | III | Shot down target Nuremberg 28.8.42; crew killed. |
| DV845 | AA | Y | Wellington | IC | (aka. DU845 in Forms 540 and 541) “Y” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook, last a/c landed 05:07, 30/31.5.42 |
| DV865 | AA | J | Wellington | IC | (aka. DU865 in Forms 540 and 541) “J” from C. Croall logbook 29/30.5.42. “J” from Feltwell Flying Control Logbook (x2), 30/31.5.42 landed 00:37; 2.6.42 1st a/c off 23:51. |
| DV883 | AA | F | Wellington | IC | (aka. DU883 in Forms 540 and 541). “Mk1C DV883 F” from C. Croall logbook 27-29.5.42. |
| DV884 | AA | ? | Wellington | IC | (aka. DU884 in Forms 540 and 541). |
75(nz)squadron 
Hi, thanks for the site – great resource. I was interested to see this page because I am researching a picture of James Ward’s VC exploit for http://www.flightartworks.com I wanted to check how you know that L7818 was AA-R, and not AA-V which some sources have – for example, the Imperial War Museum’s photos of Ward and of the damaged wing. Also, your caption on the aircraft profile says this happened on 15 September 1941 – but isn’t that the date he was killed? His wing-walking exploit was in July wasn’t it?
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Hi Gary
Firstly, let me thank you for discovering the glaring error I made in the titling of the Wellington Illustration at the head of the page – you are quite correct the date there is the date of Jimmy’s fateful raid to Hamburg – I have corrected it.
Regarding the aircraft – it is well documented in various books and also ADF serials (website) that the aircraft flown on the 7th July by Ben Widdowson, was L7818 AA-R.
I suspect the IWM image is basically wrong – for one thing, the caption describes Jimmy Ward standing in the cockpit of his aircraft – it wasn’t his, technically it was Ben Widdowson’s and I also understand that the Munster Op was the one and only Op this a/c flew, being so badly damaged that it was repaired and ended up at 15 O.T.U. Whatever error identified the a/c as ‘V’ I suspect has simply been extrapolated into the notes with the other photograph showing the damage.
THere was another a/c on Squadron, which was L7848, which was AA-V – this might be the cause of the mis-lettering ( 4, rather than 1)
The a/c that James Ward was killed in on the later Hamburg Op was X3205 – there appears to be no record whatsoever of what the serial number for this a/c was.
I hope this is of use to your research and thanks again for catching me up on the titling of the illustration
cheers
Simon
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Thanks for the quick reply. On balance I think AA-R is more likely – although one would like to see a photo of it!
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The radio letter of Wellington X9976 was the O for Orange. If you want to know more about the plane and the crew you may contact me.
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I sent you an email with an Op history for the crew Douwe – I hope its not been junked!
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Hi Wellington X9951 was AA-L as taken from my grand fathers logbook.
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D – Donald T2805 1c, was flown by the following crew for 27 operational sorties: F/O Hill, pilot, Thompson, 2nd pilot, Bill Elliott and Paddy Chambers, front and rear gunners, Dennis Sharp, wireless op. Deryck Polley navigator/bomb aimer. Crew were stood down due to pilot injury. Immediately volunteered to make up crews. Deryck Polley joined in a scratch crew in K-Katie which ditched on return with Mellon, Simpson, pilot Ian Millett.
Hope this helps…
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Wellington Z1652. Claimed by Maj Kurt Holler Stab III./NJG4 – Rethel (8A): 2,700m at 00:33. Nachtjagd War Diaries Volume 1 – Dr Theo Boiten.
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Pingback: No. 75 Squadron’s ‘Soda Siphon’ Wellington bomber – a little about Pilot Officer Ted Wilcox and photographer P H F ‘Bill’ Tovey. – volunteer london blog
Hi there. According to my father’s (Athol James) log book, T2508 flew on a raid to Munich on 8/11/40 as LF-O of 37 Squadron – . The pilot was P/O Charles Aylmer Pownall, 2nd Pilot Sgt. White, Observer Sgt. Andy Orrock, Wireless Operator Sgt. Jimmy Farquhar, Front Gunner Sgt. Leonard Hayter and Rear Gunner my father.
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