12 Squadron - Operations Record Book

May 1943

Each RAF Squadron complied a daily diary of events known as the RAF Form 540 "Summary of Events". This normally consisted of weather reports, crews posted in and out, very basic operation details and training activities. As such they are a very important historical account of squadron day to day life.

Complementing this was RAF Form 541 "Detail of Work Carried Out", which was a detailed account of each operation. This consisted of target, crew details, bomb loads and operation information gathered from the crews.

I have literally typed in what was on the printed forms and apart from obvious spelling mistakes - this is how they were. I suspect there are many errors especially where crew names are concerned. I am not sure whether to leave the errors or to correct them.

At the head of each operation I have added some extra information regarding the total Bomber Command effort for that raid.


OPERATIONS RECORD BOOK

R.A.F. Form 540                                    of (Unit of Formation) ...........No. 12 Squadron ...................................
Place

Date

Summary of Events
Wickenby
1.5.43
 Weather cloudy with slight drizzle in afternoon becoming fine in evening visibility mainly good. S/LDR D.H. VILLIERS assumed command of the Squadron vice W/CDR R.S.C. WOOD on leave. A "Wing for Victory Week" parade was held at Market Rasen during the afternoon, personnel from the Squadron taking part. Formation flying over the town was carried out by aircraft from the Squadron in connection with this. Operations were ordered but were cancelled by midday.
 
2.5.43
 Weather mainly fine, visibility good. Aircraft recognition and gunnery lectures were given to aircrew during the day. Operations and "Bullseye" training exercises were ordered for the night, but were cancelled at 2130 hours.
 
3.5.43
 Weather, cloudy at first breaking late in morning then cloudy again in afternoon, visibility good. F/LT K.W. SWANN was posted to 30 OTU on completion of his operational tour. 2 sorties of air to air firing training were carried out at MABLETHORPE range, and 1 detail of practice bombing at Hamilton Hill during the day. Operations and a "Bullseye" training exercise were ordered but cancelled at 1830 hours.
 
4.5.43
 Weather cloudy, slight drizzle in morning, fair in afternoon & fine at night, visibility good.  SGT T.B.FORBES and crew were posted from No. 1656 C.U. 2 details of practice bombing were carried out at Hamilton Hill by day. OPERATIONS were ordered against DORTMUND, 7 aircraft taking part. Captains were F/LT YOUNG: SGT HILL: SGT McMILLAN: SGT SALTHOUSE: SGT WELLS: SGT TRIBE & F/SGT MIZON. All returned safely, 2 being diverted to Elsham. One aircraft carried out a "Bullseye" exercise also.
 
5.5.43
 Weather fine becoming cloudy in evening, visibility poor becoming good after mid-day. F/LT A.J. HEYWORTH was posted to the Squadron from No. 15 OTU for flight commander post in "B" Flight. This Officer thus returned to the Squadron for a second tour of operations having already completed his first tour with the Squadron. Squadron was stood down from Operations.
 
6.5.43
 Weather cloudy with rain becoming continuous during the morning, cloudy with rain in afternoon becoming fair at night, visibility moderate to good. F/SGT F.W. MIZON and complete crew posted to the Squadron from 1662 CU. SGT W.T. TUCKER and crew were posted to the Squadron from 1656 CU. This crew included P/O K. TRUELOVE. 2 details of practice bombing were carried out on Hamilton Hill range at night. Operations were ordered but were cancelled late at 2200 hours.
 
7.5.43
 Weather fair to cloudy, visibility good. 5 details of Fighter Affiliation sorties were carried out during the day in co-operation with No.1 Group Circus, camera guns being used. SGT H.G. YEO and P/O H. ASHBURNER with their crews were posted from 1662 CU including P/O V.C. BYE and P/O H. LAVERICK. Operations were ordered for 9 aircraft but were cancelled at 1730 hours.
 
8.5.43
 Weather cloudy with slight rain at first and frequent showers later, visibility good. W/CDR R.S.C. WOOD returned from leave and took over command of the Squadron from S/LDR D.H. VILLIERS. An Intelligence Lecture was given to crews by the Station Intelligence Officer during the morning. F/O D.G.R. WEEKS and crew were posted from 1656 CU. F/O D.E. McLAUGLIN and crew were posted from 1662 CU, including P/O N. WATSON and P/O G.E.D. GERRARD. Squadron stood down from operations.
 
9.5.43
 Weather cloudy with slight rain & drizzle in morning becoming fine by 1700 hours visibility good. A lecture accompanied by films taken by the camera guns was shown to those crews who had taken part in the Fighter Affiliation exercises on 7.5.43. Operations were ordered for 8 aircraft but had to be cancelled late at 2200 hours owing to the weather.
 
10.5.43
 Weather cloudy with continuous rain until 1300 hrs becoming intermittant, visibility good. A lecture was given to Pilots and Navigators in the morning on Meteorology by the Met Officer, and lectures given to Wireless Operators on the mid underturret. During the afternoon an Intelligence Lecture was given to crews by the Intelligence Officer, a map reading lecture to bomb aimers and a lecture on tactics to air gunners. Squadron was stood down from operations and weather was too bad for any flying all day.
 
11.5.43
 Weather fine at first becoming cloudy with slight rain at night visibility poor improving early and remaining good. 4 sorties of Fighter Affiliation were carried out during the day also 6 sorties of air firing at MABLETHORPE and 3 details of practice bombing at HAMILTON HILL. Operations were ordered but were cancelled at 2200 hours. 4 aircraft however carried out night flying training.
 
12.5.43
 Weather cloudy with slight rain early becoming cloudy in afternoon with drizzle & rain at night, visibility moderately good. P/O H.C TREHERNE was posted to the Squadron from 22 OTU. 3 details of practice bombing carried out during the day at Hamilton Hill range. OPERATIONS were ordered, for 9 aircraft, target DUISBERG. Captains were W/O GILLMAN: SGT HILL: SGT McMILLAN: F/SGT SMITHERINGALE: SGT SALTHOUSE: F/SGT LAWRENCE: F/SGT WELLS: SGT ALEXANDER & F/SGT MIZON. SGT ALEXANDER'S aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing, remainder returned safely.
 
13.5.43
 Weather generally cloudy, visibility moderate to good. F/LT J.O. LANCASTER was posted to 1481 Flight on completion of his second operational tour. OPERATIONS were ordered, 13 aircraft taking part. Target was BOCHUM. Captains were W/O GILLMAN: SGT HILL: SGT McMILLAN: F/SGT SMITHERINGALE: SGT SALTHOUSE: SGT SCOTT: SGT GARDINER: F/SGT LAWERENCE: F/SGT WELLS: F/SGT MIZON: SGT BROWN: F/SGT TUCKER: SGT MORGAN. SGT SCOTT's crew and SGT MORGAN's crew failed to return and were reported missing, the remainder were OK.
 
14.5.43
 Weather cloudy at first becoming fine in the afternoon and cloudy in late evening visibility moderate to good becoming poor at night. S/LDR F.B. SLADE was posted from 81 OTU to take over command of "A" FLIGHT. S/LDR F.S. KNIGHT was posted to the Squadron from 22 OTU to take over command of "C" FLIGHT. Squadron was stood down from operations but night flying training was carried out.
 
15.5.43
 Weather fine at first becoming fair in early evening & fine later, visibility good. A lecture on Tactics was given to new crews by the Gunnery Leader, 2 sorties of Fighter Affiliation were carried out during the day. F/O W.N. MOUNSEY and crew including P/O W.B. WHITAKER were posted to the Squadron from 1656 CU. SGT D.M. THOMPSON and crew were posted from 1656 CU. Squadron was stood down from operations but five aircraft carried out a "Bullseye" exercise at night.
 
16.5.43
 Weather fine or fair becoming cloudy around mid-day then fair, visibility moderate to good. An Intelligence Lecture was given to crews not flying by the Intelligence Officer.F/LT I.P.C. GOUDGE and crew and P/O P.R. FORD and crew were posted to the Squadron from 1662 CU. No operations were ordered, but at night a "Bullseye" exercise was carried out by 3 aircraft of five aircraft which flew sorties to the Mission bombing range to witness a demonstration of P.F.F. Markers. One of these aircraft carried out one detail of practice bombing on the range.
 
17.5.43
 Weather mainly fine, visibility poor at first soon improving to good. Three crews were posted in from 1656 CU., P/O J. BURKHARDT and crew, SGT G.R. KROEMER and crew and P/O F.J. WRIGHT and crew. These crews included P/O J.A WALKER & P/O E.V. SANDERS. Navigators were lectured in "GEE" during the afternoon and 9 aircraft carried out formation flying exercises. One detail of practice bombing was also due. No operations were ordered but three aircraft carried out "Bullseye" practice at night.
 
18.5.43
 Weather fine, becoming cloudy in afternoon and fine in evening visibility moderate becoming excellent. No operations were ordered but 5 aircraft carried out a "Bullseye" exercise at night.
 
19.5.43
 Weather fine at first, cloud for short period before dawn then fine rest of day visibility excellent. SGT SCOTT and crew who were reported missing from the operation on BOCHUM on 13/14.5.43. were picked up from the sea by a minesweeper today safe and uninjured. They had crashed into the sea after being damaged by flak on the return journey and had successfully ditched and taken to the dinghy. They were landed at Dover and admitted to hospital there returning to the Squadron three days later. Operations were ordered but were cancelled 1830 hrs. Local flying carried out at night.
 
20.5.43
 Weather fine early becoming cloudy, visibility moderate. OPERATIONS were ordered, sea mining, 5 aircraft taking part. Captains were S/LDR SLADE: S/LDR KNIGHT: P/O ASHBURNER: SGT STEELE & SGT YEO. All returned safely. One aircraft also carried out a bombing exercise at night.
 
21.5.43
 Weather cloudy becoming fine in afternoon, visibility good. SGT J.K. STANCLIFFE and crew were posted from No. 101 Squadron. Squadron stood down from operations.
 
22.5.43
 Weather cloudy, visibility moderate to good. SGT SCOTT and his crew returned to the Squadron today from hospital at Dover. F/LT R.E. FAWCETT and crew were posted from 1656 CU today. Squadron stood down from operations.
 
23.5.43
 Weather fair becoming fine, visibility good.  OPERATIONS were ordered against DORTMUND, 21 aircraft taking place. Captains were F/LT HEYWORTH: F/O BOOTH: F/O MOUNSEY: P/O WRIGHT: F/SGT LAWERENCE: F/SGT WELLS: SGT TRIBE: SGT BROWN: F/O BURKHARDT: P/O FORD: SGT McMILLAN: SGT SALTHOUSE: SGT GARDINER: W/O GILLMAN: S/LDR KNIGHT: W/CDR WOOD: P/O ASHBURNER: F/SGT STEELE: SGT YEO: SGT FORBES & SGT KROEMER. F/O MOUNSEY'S failed to return and the crew were reported missing. Remainder attacked the target and retuned safely. This was the heaviest attack so far delivered by the squadron with Lancaster aircraft.
 
24.5.43
 Weather fine at first becoming cloudy, visibility good. F.LT D.C. HAGERMAN was posted to 1662 CU on completion of his first operational tour. Squadron stood down from operations.
 
25.5.43
 Weather fine becoming fair with some light showers in evening visibility good. SGT D.A. SARGENT and crew posted from 1656 CU. OPERATIONS were ordered against DUSSELDORF, 22 aircraft taking part. Captains were F/O BURKHARDT: SGT McMILLAN: SGT SALTHOUSE: SGT GARDINER: P/O FORD: S/LDR SLADE: W/O GILLMAN: F/LT HEYWORTH: F/O BOOTH: F/O WRIGHT: F/SGT LAWRENCE: F/SGT WELLS: SGT TRIBE: SGT BROWN: SGT STANCLIFFE: F/O McLAUGHLIN: P/O ASHBURNER: F/SGT STEELE: SGT YEO: SGT FORBES: SGT KROEMER & F/O WEEKS. F/SGT STEELE'S aircraft failed to return and crew were reported missing. F/SGT T.A. ROUTLEDGE of P/O WRIGHT'S crew died on the return journey due to lack of oxygen caused by failing to plug into the oxygen supply. The remaining aircraft returned without incident.
 
26.5.43
 Weather fine becoming cloudy in afternoon with slight rain & drizzle in late evening visibility moderate. Operations were ordered for 22 aircraft but were cancelled at 2200 hours.
 
27.5.43
 Weather cloudy in morning, becoming fair in afternoon, visibility moderate to good. F/O V. WOOD and crew including P/O L.H. KIRKBY were posted from 1662 CU. OPERATIONS were ordered against ESSEN, 19 aircraft taking place. Captains were F/O BURKHARDT: SGT SALTHOUSE: SGT GARDINER: P/O FORD: S/LDR SLADE: W/O GILLMAN: F/O BOOTH: F/SGT LAWRENCE: F/SGT WELLS: SGT TRIBE: SGT BROWN: SGT THOMPSON: F/LT HEYWORTH: F/O McLAUGHLIN: F/O WEEKS: P/O ASHBURNER: SGT YEO: SGT FORBES: SGT KROEMER. All returned safely.
 
28.5.43
 Weather cloudy becoming fine in afternoon, visibility poor becoming moderate. F/SGT SHEPHERD and crew were posted from 1662 CU. Squadron stood down from operations.
 
29.5.43
 Weather fair to cloudy, visibility poor at first improving to very good. OPERATIONS were ordered against WUPPERTHAL, 15 aircraft taking place. Captains were F/O BOOTH: F/O WRIGHT: SGT BROWN: SGT THOMPSON: SGT STANCLIFFE: S/LDR KNIGHT: F/LT GOUDGE: W/CDR WOOD: F/O WEEKS: SGT FORBES: F/LT FAWCETT: SGT SMITHERINGALE: P/O FORD: SGT HILL: W/O GILLMAN. F/LT GOUDGE'S aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing. The remaining aircraft returned safely.
 
30.5.43
 Weather cloudy becoming fine, then cloudy and drizzle by midday clearing in evening, visibility very good at first deteriorating in rain. P/O G.R. CARPENTER was posted to the Squadron from 11 O.T.U. Squadron was stood down from operations.
 
31.5.43
 Weather fair becoming cloudy, visibility poor becoming good and moderate in evening. Authority was received for the appointment of F/LT A.J. HEYWORTH to the acting rank of Squadron Leader whilst filling establishment vacancy in "B" Flight. 3 details of practice bombing were carried out on Hamilton Hill range during the day. Squadron stood down from operations.


4/5 May 1943

DORTMUND

596 aircraft - 255 Lancasters, 141 Halifaxes, 110 Wellingtons, 80 Stirlings, 10 Mosquitoes - on the largest 'non-1,000' raid of the war to date and the first major attack on Dortmund. 31 aircraft - 12 Halifaxes, 7 Stirlings, 6 Lancasters, 6 Wellingtons - lost, 5.2% of the force. A further 7 aircraft crashed in bad weather at the bases.

12 Squadron losses - 0


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
4/5.5.43
"U" ED522
 SGT. WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT. BROWN, M.G. (2ND PILOT)
SGT. GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)		 Bombing Dortmund
2200
0254
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0114 hrs. 20,000 ft. 160 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS
No cloud, clear good visibility. Yellow tracking markers 0058 hrs. Green and Red T.I. markers 0104 hrs. Green T.I. markers. Large explosions - exceptionally large, with great numbers of red fires catching hold as we left - fairly concentrated nickels dropped. Very successful attack.
"
 "S" ED357

SGT. TRIBE, D.F. (CAPT)
F/O BOOTH, A (2ND PILOT)
F/O FURNELL, H.L (NAV)
SGT THOMPSON, J.E. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, G.D. (B/A)
SGT COLLIER, G.T. (F/E)
SGT. HILDERBRAND, H.W. (M/U)
SGT HILL, H.J. (R/G)
"
2201
0300
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0116 hrs. 16,000 ft. 210 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS
No cloud - Good visibility. Yellow tracking markers 0055 hrs. Gren & Red T.I. markers 0102 hrs. Large explosion seen 0113 hrs. just before bombing, with orange flame lasted 2/3 seconds, fairly large fires seen concentrated around T.I. markers. Nickels dropped. Considered it a very successful attack.
"
 "M" W4861

F/S MIZON, W.F. (CAPT)
SGT STENBORG, H.O. (NAV)
F/S SMITH, R.S. (W/T)
SGT SMALE, T.J. (B/A)
SGT PECKHAM, J.E. (F/E)
F/S STRAKER, R.T. (M/U)
F/S CURRAN, W (R/G)
"
2226

0356
ELSHAM

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C, 6x S.B.C. 30x4 - 6x S.B.C. 8x30 incends 0135 hrs. 18,500 ft. 215 Deg. Mag. 160 m.p.h. 140 IAS Dark nil. Hazy canal seen, markers N.A. 4000 lb. seen to explode & fires started by indendiaries, nickels dropped unable to raise IAS above 140 m.p.h. unable to make target in time we failed to bomb primary objective.
"
 "O" ED820

F/L YOUNG, R.E. (CAPT)
P/O BURGER, T (NAV)
SGT HODGES, E (W/T)
SGT EVANS, T.H. (B/A)
SGT CALTON, J.K. (F/E)
SGT GOODMAN, J.G. (M/U)
SGT BOYNTON, J.W. (R/G)
"
2212

0405
ELSHAM

Load 1x4000 lb. 6x90 lb. 6.80x30 lb
Good visibility - No cloud 0132 hrs. 10000 173 N.M. 160 IAS. Yellow T.I. navigational aid red T.I. markers, in target area. Target burning well over a large area 0139 hrs. very large explosion seen in middle of target area with considerable debris flung up. Nickels dropped. Satisfactory trip.
"
 "P" W4958

SGT HILL, N.E. (CAPT)
SGT GARDINER, N (2ND PILOT)
SGT CAPP, L.S. (NAV)
SGT BARHAM, S (W/T)
SGT WHITELOCK, S (B/A)
SGT FOY, J.E. (F/E)
SGT EVERTON, L.H. (M/U)
SGT EVERSFIELD, S.E. (R/G)
"
2203
0309
 Load 1x4000. HC 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. & 48x30 lbs. 0111 hrs. 17,500 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 180 m.p.h. IAS
No cloud - very clear visibility. Large explosion 0112 hrs. with big sheet of flame coming from it. Small flak holes in S/BD inner and S/BD outer. Type punctured and oxygen system U/S by light flak and heavy. Good attack.
"
 "C" W4881

SGT MCMILLIAN, D.J. (CAPT)
F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV)
SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T)
SGT HALL (112), G.G. (B/A)
SGT RANDALL, J.L. (F/E)
SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U)
SGT MYERS, L (R/G)
"
2231
0341
ELSHAM
Load 1x4000. 6x90. 4lb 6x8x30 lb. 0139 hrs. 19000 ft. 120 m.p.h. 178 IAS. Clear, bombed on centre of pattern of red T/I's own seen to explode - Fires began to spread as target left. Glow seen from coast, one very large explosion about 0137 hrs. Yellowish column of smoke rose from it. Nickels dropped. Pretty good effort.
"
 "K" ED629

SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEES, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT REES (020) E.T. (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
2229
0100
 Load 1x4000 lbs. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs & 48x30 incends. Abandoned 2240 hrs. 20,000 ft. 5325 N 0032 E. Nickels dropped. Elevation trimmer jammed - believed iced up coolant leak in all engines found on return.


12/13 May 1943

DUISBURG

572 aircraft - 238 Lancasters, 142 Halifaxes, 112 Wellingtons, 70 Stirlings, 10 Mosquitoes. 34 aircraft - 10 Lancasters, 10 Wellingtons, 9 Halifaxes, 5 Stirlings - lost, 5.9% of the force.

12 Squadron losses - 1; Sgt Alexander and crew


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
12/13.5.43
"K" ED629

W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT SMITH, L.W. (F/E)
F/S HICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)

 Bombing Duisberg
2357
0446
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0232 hrs. 21,000 ft. 180 Deg. Mag. 165 IAS - 3/10 clouds. Good visibility; Red and Green TI markers. - Green T.I. markers in sights - nickels dropped - many fires in target area. Good show.
"
 "B" W4958

SGT HILL, N.E. (CAPT)
SGT CAPP, L.S. (NAV)
SGT BARHAM, S (W/T)
SGT WHITELOCK, S (B/A)
SGT FOY, J.E. (F/E)
SGT EVERTON, L.H. (M/U)
SGT EVERSFIELD, S.E. (R/G)
"
2347
0410
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. & 50x4 lbs. incends. 0212 hrs. 16,500 ft. 240 Deg. Mag. 175 M.P.H. I.A.S. Yellow tracking markers seen at 0203 - small fires seen at North of target with a number of small explosions reflection seen when at Dutch coast on way out - nickels dropped - successful - defence did not appear strong.
"
 "C" W4881

SGT MCMILLIAN, D.J. (CAPT)
F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV)
SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A)
SGT RANDALL, J.L. (F/E)
SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U)
SGT MYERS, L (R/G)
"
2345

0437

 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0215 hrs. 20,000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 200 m.p.h. IAS - Clear but slight ground haze - visibility good. Saw yellow markers at 0204 hrs. saw the Rhine on our starboard - 4000 lb. dropped amongst green ground markers and fires burning round them. Many fires starting in target area - nickels dropped. A very concentrated attack - seemed to be going well.
"
 "A" ED820

F/S SMITHERINGALE, H.B. (CAPT)
F/O KINGMAN, L (NAV)
SGT MUGE, H.E. (W/T)
SGT HALL, W (B/A)
SGT BREWER, R.J. (F/E)
SGT MILTON, P.R. (M/U)
F/S LANCASTER, R (R/G)
"
0007

0439

 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0231 hrs. 19,000 ft. 210 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS - No cloud, but hazy yellow tracking markers 0221 hrs. -Fires seen concentrated round markers with explosion from 4000 lb. bombs - nickels dropped. Fairly successful.
"
 "D" W4374

SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEES, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT WOOLFORD, R (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
0003
0426
 Load 1x4000 lbs. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0239 hrs. 18,000 ft. 297 Deg. Mag. 160 IAS - Clear target. Visibility excellent. Yellow ground markers seen 0220 approx on track - Many fires in the target area visible as far as the Dutch coast - nickels dropped - very good effort indeed. PFF were excellent.
"
 "N" ED522

F/S LAWRENCE, C.O.A (CAPT)
P/O KETTLES, W.N. (NAV)
SGT JACKSON, A (W/T)
F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A)
SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E)
SGT EVANS, M (M/U)
F/O EDWARDS, J (R/G)
"
2355
0419
 Load 1x4000 lbs. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'X' 510x4 lbs. 48x30 lbs. incends. 0217 hrs. 18,000 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 150 mph IAS - No Cloud. Visibility good but slight ground haze. Yellow tracking marks at 0153 - 3/5 N of red and green markers as starboard engine cut - One very large explosion seen with large orange flame NW of target - S/Bd. outer engine cutting whilst over target - fires appeared south of dock area - very successful.
"
 "S" ED357 F/S WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)
"
2334
0401
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0204 hrs. 18,500 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 160 mph IAS - No Cloud - very clear - yellow markers at 0155 hrs. 4 large explosions observed - small fires seen to be catching hold in oblong shape running north and south - nickels dropped. Consider successful attack. PFF flares well placed.
"
 "N" ED476 SGT ALEXANDER, I.H. (CAPT)
SGT FRASER, B.D. (NAV)
SGT STEPHENS, J.A. (W/T)
SGT HARRISON, E.D. (B/A)
SGT ROME, E (F/E)
SGT BELL, R (M/U)
F/S WILLIAMS, D.H. (R/G)
"
2340
   Failed to Return.
"
 "M" W4861 F/S MIZON, W.F. (CAPT)
SGT STENBORG, H.O. (NAV)
F/S SMITH, R.S. (W/T)
SGT SMALE, I.J. (B/A)
SGT PECKHAM, J.E. (F/E)
F/S STRAKER, R.J. (M/U)
F/S CURRAN, W (R/G)
"
2359
0452
 Load 1x4000 lbs. 30x4 lbs. 'X' inc. 48x30 lbs. inc. 510x4 lbs. inc. 0234 hrs. 19,000 ft. 165 Deg. Mag. 150 mph IAS - no cloud considerable amount of smoke from fires - Yellow tracking markers seen - large number of concentrated fire with column of smoke, 1 large explosion with orange flames - and much debris - nickels dropped. Very successful.


13/14 May 1943

BOCHUM

442 aircraft - 135 Halifaxes, 104 Wellingtons, 98 Lancasters, 95 Stirlings, 10 Mosquitoes; 5 Group did not take part in this raid. 24 aircraft - 13 Halifaxes, 6 Wellingtons, 4 Stirlings, 1 Lancaster - lost, 5.4% of the force.

12 Squadron losses - 2; Sgt Morgan and crew; Sgt Scott and crew (later picked up in the Channel unhurt)


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
13/14.5.43
"B" W4958

SGT HILL, N.E. (CAPT)
SGT CAPP, L.S. (NAV)
SGT BARHAM, S (W/T)
SGT WHITELOCK, S (B/A)
SGT FOY, J.E. (F/E)
SGT EVERTON, L.H. (M/U)
SGT EVERSFIELD, S.E. (R/G)

 Bombing Bochum
2126
0500
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0213 hrs. 16500 ft. 240 Deg. Mag. 160 mph IAS - No Cloud. Good visibility above smoke - yellow tracking marker 0201. No fires seen burning - 2 small explosions seen but columns of smoke, glow of fires seen subsequently when crossing Dutch coast - nickels dropped. Difficult to say owing to considerable amount of smoke.
"
 "K" ED629

W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT SMITH, L.W. (F/E)
F/S HICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)
"
2326
0520
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 48x30 lb. inc. 510x4 lbs. 30x4 lb. 'x' Inc. 0219 hrs. 19000 ft. 001 Deg. Mag. 160 IAS.
No cloud but some smoke and haze. Red & Green TI markers - numerous fires well concentrated with smoke up to 5000 ft. one very large one sending much smoke - nickels dropped. PFF although a bit late did well. An excellent sortie.
"
 "C" W4881

SGT MCMILLIAN, D.J. (CAPT)
F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV)
SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T)
SGT NOBLE, W.F. (B/A)
SGT RANDALL, J.L. (F/E)
SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U)
SGT MYERS, L (R/G)
"
2311

0502

 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0228 hrs. 21,000 ft. 010 Degs. M 190 IAS - 2/10 cirrus cloud. 20000 ft. & some industrial haze. Red & Green TI markers. Several fires and one large deep red fire emitting much black smoke nickels dropped. PFF were late seemed well concentrated and successful.
"
 "A" ED820

F/S SMITHERINGALE, H.B. (CAPT)
F/O KINGMAN, L (NAV)
SGT MUGE, H.E. (W/T)
SGT HALL, W (B/A)
SGT BREWER, R.J. (F/E)
SGT MILTON, P.R. (M/U)
F/S LANCASTER, R (R/G)
"
2320

0514

 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0212 hrs. 19,000 ft. 349 Degs. M. 160 mph IAS - No Cloud, but some ground haze - moderate visibility - yellow tracking seen 0147 hrs.- After leaving target concentrated fires seemed to be starting well. Jettisoned Antwerp 1MN 0128 hrs. 17000 ft. 1x2000 lb. & 1x1000 lb. live. Nickels dropped - A fairly good trip - Attack not very concentrated when we were over the target but seemed to improve late.
"
 "D" W4374

SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEES, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT WOOLFORD, R (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
2321
0514
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0224 hrs. 8,000 ft. 056 Deg. M. 240 Degs. MPH IAS. No Cloud. Good visibility. Yellow tracking markers 0156 hrs. Red TI markers 0204 hrs. 1 mass of fires seen - many buildings - smoke up to about 4000 ft. nickels dropped, heavy flak tore gash in top of fuselage, hole in fabric at side of fuselage behind rear gunner in target area. Very successful attack. PFF very accurate. Bombed low coned and hit by flak 16000 ft. first run, second run.
"
 "G" R5688

SGT SCOTT, G.V. (CAPT)
SGT RUSSELL, G.H. (NAV)
SGT MITCHELL, G.D. (W/T)
SGT REES, (625) R.F. (B/A)
SGT BEDFORD, H.T. (F/E)
P/O PHILLIPS, P.H. (M/U)
SGT RANGE, L.F. (R/G)
"
2324
 
Failed to Return.
"
 "E" W4380 SGT GARDINER, N. (CAPT)
P/O ORR, J (NAV)
SGT LAMBOURNE, H.V. (W/T)
SGT GREALY, P.G.R. (B/A)
SGT DAVEY, J (F/E)
P/O POLGREAN, W.H. (M/U)
SGT BRITNELL, J.E. (R/G)
"
2331
0427
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 48x30 lb. inc. 510x4 lbs. 30x4 lb. 'x' Inc. 0218 hrs. 20000 ft. 013 Degs. M. 180 MPH IAS.
No cloud, slight ground haze - visibility good - yellow tracking marker at 0205 hrs. Green T.I. markers seen at 0209. One green T.I. marker in bomb sights - Oblong concentration of fires around green T.I. marker above mentioned, a particularly large explosion at 0214 hrs. A good show.
"
 "U" ED522 F/S LAWRENCE, C.O.A (CAPT)
P/O KETTLES, W.N. (NAV)
SGT JACKSON, A (W/T)
F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A)
SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E)
SGT EVANS, M (M/U)
F/O EDWARDS, J (R/G)
"
2314
0440
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6X1000 lbs. G.P. 0218 hrs. 17,000 ft. 030 Deg. M. 180 MPH IAS. No cloud - considerable ground haze - visibility quite good. Yellow tracking marker at 0512 ahead on track. Middle of stick of green TI markers. One very big explosion (white) at 0216 in target area. Many fires in target area and smoke up to 15,000 ft. Very successful raid but about 10 minutes late in starting.
"

"V" W4990

 SGT WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT ROTHWELL, (2ND PILOT)
SGT. GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)
"
2313
0451
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 5x1000 lbs. G.P. 0211 hrs. 17,500 ft. 100 Deg. M. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud - good visibility - saw first yellow tracking marker 0152 hrs. on track green and red T.I. markers at 0202 hrs. - two green TI markers in bomb sights. Few inc. burning on ground starting up after we left - Raid had not started properly until after we had left - seemed to be going well as we looked back.
"
 "M" W4861 F/S MIZON, W.F. (CAPT)
SGT STENBORG, H.O. (NAV)
F/S SMITH, R.S. (W/T)
SGT SMALE, I.J. (B/A)
SGT PECKHAM, J.E. (F/E)
F/S STRAKER, R.J. (M/U)
F/S CURRAN, W (R/G)
"
2307
0446
 Load 3x2000 lbs. H.C. 6x1000 lbs. G.P. 0217 hrs. 18000 ft. 355 Deg. M. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud - slight haze - yellow tracking markers 0203. Green and Red T.I. markers 0200 - 1 large explosion seen 0216 hrs. small amount fires concentrated but large amount of smoke. 1x1000 lb. G.P. hung up. PFF not so good as usual red T.I. markers went out too quickly.
"
 "W" W4791 SGT BROWN, M.S. (CAPT)
SGT PRITCHET, M (NAV)
SGT BROOKS, E (W/T)
SGT KAUTER, F.G. (B/A)
SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E)
SGT GAWN, H (M/U)
SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)
"
2318
0327
 Load 1x4000 lbs. 48x30 lbs. Inc. 510x3 lb. 30x4 lb. "X" Incends. Abandoned 0129 hrs. 19,000 ft. 5142 N 0337 E. Bombs jettisoned 1x4000 lbs. fused 0135 hrs. 17,000 ft. S5148 0323 E. 48x30 lb. inc. 510x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" Inc 0144. 12,000 ft. 5215 0325 as unable to maintain height. Port engine (outer) caught fire.
"
 "S" ED357 F/S TUCKER, W.J. (CAPT)
P/O TRUELOVE, K (NAV)
SGT SIMPSON, J.J. (W/T)
SGT DAVIES, B.D. (B/A)
SGT MCKAY, F.G (F/E)
SGT FLETCHER, R (M/U)
SGT CARTER, T (R/G)
"
2328
0539
 Load 1x4000 lbs. 48x30 lbs. Inc. 510x4 lb. 30x4 lb. "X" Incends. 0220 hrs. 20,000 ft. 012 Deg. Mag. 200 mph IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Yellow tracking markers 0208 hrs. Green & Red T.I. markers 0218 hrs. Large number concentrated fires. Glow seen. 80 miles away. Successful attack.
"
 "R" W4366 SGT MORGAN, F.W. (CAPT)
SGT FOUNTAIN, G.L. (NAV)
SGT MACGINNIS, R (W/T)
SGT WALKER, K.J. (B/A)
SGT FOSTER, K (F/E)
SGT RICHMOND, J.R. (M/U)
SGT SPIECE, G.T. (R/G)
"
2329
 
 Failed to Return.

20/21 May 1943

MINELAYING

23 aircraft minelaying in southern Biscay - No losses.


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
20/21.5.43

PH - K
ED629

S/LDR SLADE, F.B. (CAPT)
F/L GARDINER, R.E. (NAV)
F/S MCINTYRE, J.F. (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, G.D. (B/A)
SGT BAXTER, P.O. (F/E)
P/O SAUNDERS, I.W. (M/U)
SGT PROUSE, N.F. (R/G)
Gardening Bordeaux Area
2154
0339
 Load:- Mines carried. 5xG708. 1xD400. 0103 hrs. 5500 ft. 175 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. 10/10 over dropping area - Clear above - visibility good above cloud - 4543N 0127W "G" Fix on dropping. Successful trip.
"
 GZ - A
W4992

P/O ASHBURNER, N (CAPT)
P/O BYE, V.C. (NAV)
SGT GLEESON, I.J. (W/T)
P/O LAVERICK, H (B/A)
SGT BARRAS, R (F/E)
SGT FRASER, G.W. (M/U)
SGT PEACE, W.T. (R/G)
"
2146
0438
 Load:- Mines carried. 6xA108. 0108 hrs. 5500 ft. 175 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud from 4000 ft. down to below 1000 ft. 1 mine brought back. Unable to identify dropping area and "G" was U/S. In dropping area from 0057 to 0140 from 4000 ft. to 800ft.
"
 GZ - G
ED968

SGT STEELE, R.J. (CAPT)
P/O HOOPER, C.B. (NAV)
SGT POWELL, E.T. (W/T)
SGT CREEVY, D.W. (B/A)
SGT PROUSE, A.A. (F/E)
SGT BAILEY, S.A.J. (M/U)
SGT SWAN, J.W. (R/G)
"
2155

0428

 Load:- Mines carried. 5xG708. 1xA104. 0122 hrs. 2000 ft. 130 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. 7/10th cloud bottom 2000 ft. top 4000 ft. visibility fairly good. Identified point where considerable flak was experienced and an unidentified A/C approaching caused veg. to be laid, about 1 mile short of exact aiming point. A successful show.
"
 GZ - H
LM321

S/LDR KNIGHT, F.J. (CAPT)
F/O TREHERNE, H.C. (NAV)
SGT AYERST, F.O. (W/T)
F/S NOBLE, M.P. (B/A)
SGT LAWRENCE, E (F/E)
SGT BIRKIN, F (M/U)
SGT BOXALL, J.R. (R/G)
Gardening
St Jean De Luz Area
2200

0554

 Load:- Mines carried. 6xB200 Mk V. 0223 hrs. 2000 ft. 100 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. 7/10 cloud, at 2000 ft. Very good show.
"
 GZ - F
ED967

SGT YEO, H.G. (CAPT)
SGT ASHTON, N.R. (NAV)
SGT VINCENT, L.R. (W/T)
SGT WARD, W.M. (B/A)
SGT ROBINSON, C.W. (F/E)
SGT RENNICK, J.S. (M/U)
SGT SOLUK, P.A. (R/G)
"
2218
0539
 Load:- Mines carried. 6xB200 Mk V. 0204 hrs. 2000 ft. 090 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. About 7/10 cloud - 4000 ft. base - visibility good. Point Fuenterabia identified Veg. dropped on rerun from same. Good Trip.


23/24 May 1943

DORTMUND

After a 9-day break in major operations, Bomber Command dispatched 826 aircraft on this raid, the greatest number in a 'non-1,000' raid so far in the war and the largest raid of the Battle of the Ruhr. The force comprised: 343 Lancasters, 199 Halifaxes, 151 Wellingtons, 120 Stirlings and 13 Mosquitoes. 38 aircraft - 18 Halifaxes, 8 Lancasters, 6 Stirlings, 6 Wellingtons - were lost, 4.6% of the force.

Incidentally 7 days previously the much celebrated Dams Raid was carried out by 617 Squadron, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, for which he was to receive a Victoria Cross.

12 Squadron losses - 1; F/O Mounsey and crew


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
23/24.5.43
"Q" W4991

F/L HEYWORTH, J (CAPT)
F/O GRIFFITH, D.H. (NAV)
P/O FISHER, G.W. (W/T)
SGT RAMSEY, J.E. (B/A)
SGT PEARN, H (F/E)
SGT WILDE, P (M/U)
F/O HILL, W.J. (R/G)

 Bombing Dortmund
2210
0304
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0111 hrs. 21000 ft. 198 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. No cloud, good visibility - Ref TI markers - big orange explosion, many concentrated fires - nickels dropped - PFF did excellent job of work, and should prove very successful raid.
"
 "R" ED972

F/O BOOTH, A (CAPT)
SGT BROWN, S.V. (NAV)
SGT BISH, A.R. (W/T)
SGT SHORT, A.R. (B/A)
SGT STACEY, M (F/E)
SGT WILDBORE, R (M/U)
SGT FRASER, N.R. (R/G)
"
2247
0355
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0137 hrs. 18000 ft. 160 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. Clear good visibility - Yellow tracking markers 0120 - concentration of green T.I. in sights between two Rad T.I. markers - nickels dropped - extensive concentrated fires in target area - very well - defences practically nil.
"
 "M" W4861

F/O MOUNSEY, W.N. (CAPT)
P/O WHITAKER, W.R. (NAV)
SGT MILLER, R.S. (W/T)
SGT DEWS, A (B/A)
SGT JOWETT, W.B. (F/E)
SGT LEGG, K.C. (M/U)
SGT PIERPOINT, H (R/G)
"
2255

 

Failed to Return.
"
 "X" ED995

P/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT)
P/O SAUNDERS, E.V. (NAV)
F/S ROUTLEDGE, T.A. (W/T)
SGT TATTERSALL, D.R. (B/A)
SGT SMITH, W (F/E)
SGT HEATH, R.S. (M/U)
SGT SHRIMPTON, G.W. (R/G)
"
2251

0438

 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0141 hrs. 22000 ft. 180 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. No cloud, good visibility; red and green TI first seen ahead at 0215 hrs. concentration of fires immediately north of the red TI markers - nickels dropped. A very good show.
"
 "U" ED522

F/S LAWRENCE, C.O.A (CAPT)
P/O KETTLES, W.N. (NAV)
SGT JACKSON, A (W/T)
F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A)
SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E)
SGT EVANS, M (M/U)
SGT SPARLING, C.W. (R/G)
"
2211
0347
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0113 hrs. 17000 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud, good visibility, red and green markers TI. Several orange explosions and many fires - 4000 lb. failed to release altough all switches selected & 4000 lb. heating switch was on. We did not discover that 4000 lb. had hung up till after bomb check - Raid successful.
"
 "V" W4990

F/S WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT. GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)
"
2213
0320
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0111 hrs. 19000 ft. 280 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud - good visibility - Ref TI markers - Several big orange explosions. Many concentrated fires - very concentrated attack round the RED TI markers - PFF were on time.
"
 "S" ED357 SGT TRIBE, D.F. (CAPT)
F/O FURNELL, H.L. (NAV)
SGT THOMPSON, J.E. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT COLLIER, G.T. (F/E)
SGT HILDERBRAND, H.W.J. (M/U)
SGT HILL, J (R/G)
"
2211
0347
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0111 hrs. 18000 ft. 210 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. Clear. Good visibility - Yellow tracking markers 0058 on track - one read TI in bomb sights:- Glow of fires visible from coast on return journey. Fires well concentrated round TI markers. - Heavy flak - hit port main plane at Dortmund - Good show.
"
 "W" W4791 SGT BROWN, M.S. (CAPT)
SGT PRITCHET, M (NAV)
SGT BROOKS, E (W/T)
SGT KAUTER, F.G. (B/A)
SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E)
SGT GAWN, H (M/U)
SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)
"
2212
0338
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0108 hrs. 19000 ft. 184 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud good visibility - Red T.I. markers - One red explosion and several concentrated fires round markers - very good trip.
"

PH "A"
ED820

F/O BURKHARDT, K (CAPT)
SGT HOEY, H.H. (NAV)
SGT MORLEY, P.J. (W/T)
SGT WASHBROOK, A (B/A)
SGT SMITH, (358) R (F/E)
P/O WALKER, J.A. (M/U)
SGT REES, E.T.M. (R/G)
"
2253
0441
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0137 hrs. 18000 ft. 194 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. Clear of cloud but haze - moderate visibility - red and green T.I. seen 0215. Many fires particulary round the red T.I. markers. Smoke up to 10000 ft. - A very successful attack.
"
 PH "B"
W4958 		P/O FORD, P.R. (CAPT)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.A. (NAV)
SGT HARRIS, M (W/T)
SGT TWITTY, C.W. (B/A)
SGT AVERY, R (F/E)
SGT JOLLY, A (M/U)
SGT STONE, R.W. (R/G)
"
2257
0427
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0137 hrs. 17,500 ft. 180 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility Red and Green markers - nickels dropped. Whole area appeared to be one big concentrated fire. The whole town appeared to be on fire and should be a very successful raid.
"
 PH "C"
W4881 		SGT MCMILLAN, D.J. (CAPT)
F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV)
SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T)
SGT MANNING, C.W. (B/A)
SGT RANDALL, J.L. (F/E)
SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U)
SGT MYERS, L (R/G)
"
2209
0329
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0107 hrs. 20000 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 190 MPH IAS. No cloud, hazy, fairly good visibility. Yellow tracking markers seen ahead at 0051 about 2 miles to starboard. Fires starting up as target was left behind. One very big explosion on NE outskirts of town - Hit by heavy flak at Dortmund through rear turret and tail plane. Too early to say much, but seemed to be developing into a good show.
"
 PH "D"
W4374 		SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEE, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT WOOLFORD, R (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
2214
0315
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0104 hrs. 20000 ft. 180 Deg. Mag. 190 MPH IAS. Very good visibility, Red & Green T.I. markers seen. - 4000 lb. seen to explode. Three deep red fires observed. Big fire round markers PFF did good job - Very good show.
"
 PH "E"
W4380		 SGT GARDINER, N. (CAPT)
P/O ORR, J (NAV)
SGT LAMBOURNE, H.V. (W/T)
SGT GREALY, P.G.R. (B/A)
SGT DAVEY, J (F/E)
P/O POLGREAN, W.H. (M/U)
SGT BRITNELL, J.E. (R/G)
"
2242
0430
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0139 hrs. 18,500 ft. 240 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud below, slight ground mist visibility good. One red & several green TI markers seen at 0134 hrs. Good concentration of fires in target area particularly on the southside. A good show.
"
 PH "K"
ED629 		W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT SMITH, L.W. (F/E)
F/S HICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)
"
2207
0325
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0107 hrs. 22000 ft. 250 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red & Green markers - one very big fire with much smoke & several smaller ones. First bomb bursts appeared NW of TI markers, but attack soon became concentrated around markers.
"
 GZ "H"
LM321 		S/LDR KNIGHT, F.J. (CAPT)
F/O TREHERNE, H.C. (NAV)
SGT AYERST, J (W/T)
F/S NOBLE, M.P. (B/A)
SGT LAWRENCE, R (F/E)
SGT BIRKEN, F (M/U)
SGT BOXALL, J.R. (R/G)
"
2345
0555
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0142 hrs. 20000 ft. 240 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility - red & green markers T.I. many scattered fires and much smoke. Seemed a fairly concentrated raid.
"
 GZ "E"
ED424 		W/CDR WOOD, R.S.C. (CAPT)
F/O MCLAUGHLIN, E (2nd Pilot)
P/O WATSON, B (NAV)
SGT CLARKE, R (W/T)
SGT COX, H.F. (B/A)
SGT ANDERSON, R (F/E)
P/O GERRAD, G.E.D. (M/U)
SGT STINSON, G.E.S. (R/G)
"
2256
0406
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0142 hrs. 20000 ft. 240 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red TI markers. Many concentrated fires, whole town appeared to be on fire. A very successful raid, the town should be obliterated.
"
 GZ "B"
W4790 		P/O ASHBURNER, N (CAPT)
P/O BYE, V.C. (NAV)
SGT GLEESON, T.J. (W/T)
P/O LAVERICK, H (B/A)
SGT BARRAS, R (F/E)
SGT FRASER, G.W. (M/U)
SGT PEACE, W.T. (R/G)
"
2246
0400
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0137 hrs. 20000 ft. 170 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red & Green T.I. markers. The whole area seemed one big fire. Very concentrated attack.
"
 GZ "F"
ED967 		F/S STEELE, R.J. (CAPT)
P/O HOOPER, C.B. (NAV)
SGT POWELL, E.T. (W/T)
SGT CREAVY, D.W. (B/A)
SGT PROUSE, D.A. (F/E)
SGT BAILEY, G.A.J. (M/U)
SGT SWAN, J.W. (R/G)
"
2300
0343
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0136 hrs. 18000 ft. 160 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. Slight industrial haze - good visibility - red & green flames seen - bombs seen to explode - whole mass of fires. Some south of T.I. flares. Very good show.
"
 GZ "G"
ED960 		SGT YEO, H.G. (CAPT)
SGT ASHTON, N.R. (NAV)
SGT VINCENT, L.R. (W/T)
SGT WARD, W.M. (B/A)
SGT ROBINSON, C.W. (F/E)
SGT RENNICK, J.W. (M/U)
SGT SOLUK, P.A. (R/G)
"
2258
0425
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0141 hrs. 20000 ft. 170 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Yellow tracking markers seen at 0135 hrs on track - 3 green TI markers in bomb sights in centre of fires - Fires concentrating particularly in the centre of south of target. A nice quiet trip.
"
 GZ "D"
W4794 		SGT FORBES, T.B. (CAPT)
SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV)
SGT SNEESBY, R (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A)
SGT HALES, A (F/E)
SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U)
SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)
"
2254
0403
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0140 hrs. 17,500 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red T.I. markers. Whole area seemed on fire. South west area of town appeared to be one mass of flames.
"
 GZ "A"
W4892 		SGT KROMER, C.R. (CAPT)
SGT BISHOP, T.P. (NAV)
SGT TIBBS, D (W/T)
SGT O'BRIEN, J (B/A)
SGT CLARKE, T (F/E)
SGT CLOUTMAN, W.M. (M/U)
SGT CLEMENTS, A (R/G)
"
2249
0404
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 30x4 lbs. 'x' 48x30 lb. 570x4 lb. inc.
0135 hrs. 17500 ft. 220 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. Good visibility. Slight ground haze believed industrial. Identified by yellow, red & green T.I. markers - red markers in sights. Whole mass of fires surrounding markers - One huge blaze - very successful raid.


25/26 May 1943

DUSSELDORF

759 aircraft - 323 Lancasters, 169 Halifaxes, 142 Wellingtons, 113 Stirlings, 12 Mosquitoes. 27 aircraft - 9 Lancasters, 8 Stirlings, 6 Wellingtons, 4 Halifaxes - lost, 3.6% of the force.

12 Squadron losses - 1; F/S Steele and crew. Also F/Sgt Routledge, Wireless Operator of P/O Wright's crew


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
25/26.5.43
PH "A"
ED820

F/O BURKHARDT, J (CAPT)
SGT HOOEY, H.H. (NAV)
SGT MORLEY, P.J. (W/T)
SGT WASHBROOK, A (B/A)
SGT SMITH, (358) R (F/E)
P/O WALKER, J.R. (M/U)
SGT REES, (020) E.T.H. (R/G)

 Bombing Dusseldorf
0017
0300
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" 30lb inc.
Mission abandoned - Southwold - 0110 hrs. 1900 ft. Run away guns due to excessive oil pressure. 1x4000 lb. 0200 hrs. 5358N - 17000 ft. All incendaries brought back.
"
PH "C"
W4881

SGT MACMILLAN, D.J. (CAPT)
F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV)
SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T)
SGT HALL, G.W. (B/A)
SGT RANDALL, J.L. (F/E)
SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U)
SGT MYERS, L (R/G)
"
2345
0334
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0143 hrs. 20000 ft. 057 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. 7/10 Thin cloud visibility good through gaps - Yellow marker first seen ahead at 0131 hrs. - Fires just beginning to start. One good concentration round the green markers but mary scattered fires. One very large explosion at 0201 hrs. Arrived rather early but seemed to be developing well though scattered somewhat.
"
PH "D"
W4374

SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEES, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT WOOLFORD, R (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
2345
0335
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0139 hrs. 19000 ft. 052 Deg. Mag. 210 MPH IAS. 9/10ths thin cloud about 17000 ft. Yellow tracking markers first seen at 0131 hrs. ahead on track. Bursts seen of both HC & incends near one green TI - TI believed in centre of target area. Many scattered fires joining up as target was left behind. Attack seemed to be developing well PFF were very good.
"
PH "E"
W4373

P/O FORD, P.R. (CAPT)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.A. (NAV)
SGT HARRIS, M (W/T)
SGT TWITTY, C.W. (B/A)
SGT AVERY, R (F/E)
SGT HATCH, N.M. (M/U)
SGT STONE, R.W. (R/G)
"
0013
0405
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0214 hrs. 17500 ft. 025 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. Clear over target but 10/10 cloud in vicinity - Red and green markers - many scattered fires. It was not a concentrated attack and PFF were very scattered.
"
PH "E"
W4380

SGT GARDINER, N. (CAPT)
P/O ORR, J (NAV)
SGT LAMBOURNE, H.V. (W/T)
SGT GREALY, P.G.R. (B/A)
SGT DAVEY, J (F/E)
P/O POLGREAN, W.H. (M/U)
SGT BRITNELL, J.E. (R/G)
"
0010
0420
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0213 hrs. 19000 ft. 060 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. 5/10ths thin cloud up to 20,000 ft. Green T.I. markers. Several scattered fires over target area. Not as good as Dortmund and attack seemed scattered.
"
PH "J"
ED993

S/LDR SLADE, F.B. (CAPT)
F/O ALLISON, W.A. (NAV)
F/S MCINTYRE, J.F. (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, G.P. (B/A)
SGT BAXTER, P.D. (F/E)
P/O SAUNDERS, I.W. (M/U)
SGT PROWSE, N.F. (R/G)
"
0015
0411
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0213 hrs. 18500 ft. 090 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. 4/10 to 5/10 cloud tops 18000 ft. Poor visibility. T.I. markers. Many scattered fires - Raid appeared to be scattered. The best fires seemed NW of town. PFF were very scattered over large area.
"
PH "K"
ED629

W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT CHAPMAN, S (F/E)
F/S HICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)
"
2351
0438
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0142 hrs. 22000 ft. 335 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. Thin cloud up to 19000 ft. No markers seen at bombing. Bombed on fires and approx position of Red T.I. markers seen just before. Few small scattered fires - Disappointing after Dortmund. Attack seemed very scattered.
"
PH "Q"
W4991

F/L HEYWORTH, J (CAPT)
F/O GRIFFITH, D.H. (NAV)
P/O FISHER, G.W. (W/T)
SGT RAMSEY, J.E. (B/A)
SGT PEARN, H (F/E)
SGT WILDE, P (M/U)
F/O HILL, W.J. (R/G)
"
2346
0328
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0141 hrs. 20000 ft. 029 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. 8/10ths cirrus very thin - good visibility - concentration green T.I. markers - Many scattered fires five minutes after leaving target one red T.I. markers dropped north. Green T.I. in middle and red T.I. in the south - most fires were concentrated round the green T.I.
"
PH "R"
ED972

F/O BOOTH, A (CAPT)
SGT BROWN, S.V. (NAV)
SGT BISH, A.R. (W/T)
SGT SHORT, A.R. (B/A)
SGT STACEY, M (F/E)
SGT WILDBORE, R (M/U)
SGT FRASER, N.R. (R/G)
"
0008
0400
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0208 hrs. 20000 ft. 026 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. Thin layers of cloud up to 20000 ft. Red and Green T.I. markers - Scattered fires - TI markers scattered and hence attack will probably not be very successful.
"
PH "X"
ED995

P/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT)
P/O SAUNDERS, E.V. (NAV)
F/S ROUTLEDGE, T.A. (W/T)
SGT TATTERSALL, D.R. (B/A)
SGT SMITH, W (F/E)
SGT HEATH, R.S. (M/U)
SGT SHRIMPTON, G.W. (R/G)
"
0029
0415
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0219 hrs. 23000 ft. 030 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. 4/10 Thin cloud up to 19,000 ft. green and red T.I. markers also pinpoint on river. Many scattered fires and one big explosion at 0200 hrs. W/OP found dead on landing. Oxygen insufficiency suspected - Appeared a scattered attack. PFF TI markers were not concentrated.
"
PH "U"
ED522

F/S LAWRENCE, C.O.A (CAPT)
P/O KETTLES, W.N. (NAV)
SGT JACKSON, A (W/T)
F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A)
SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E)
SGT EVANS, M (M/U)
SGT SPARLING, C.W. (R/G)
"
0044
0251
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned. 0142 hrs. 17000 ft. 5209N 0300 E. The E.T.A. on the Dutch coast was 11 minutes behind and we could not maintain the required airspeed, and also keep at a sufficient height. It was a late take off due to changing over aircraft. At last moment rear gunners oxygen tube became detached from ecomonisers. F/Eng. went back to inspect it but oxygen bottle ran out and he became unconsious. 4000 lb. safe 0144 hrs. 5209N 0245E 17000 ft.
"
PH "V"
W4990

F/S WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT. GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)
"
2347
0336
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0147 hrs. 21000 ft. 030 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. 8/10th cloud and haze - green T.I. markers. Many scattered fires PFF late No Red T.I. markers seen. Attack appeared very scattered, mostly south of the target.
"
GZ "G"
ED968

SGT YEO, H.G. (CAPT)
SGT ASHTON, N.R. (NAV)
SGT VINCENT, L.R. (W/T)
SGT WARD, W.M. (B/A)
SGT ROBINSON, C.W. (F/E)
SGT RENNICK, J.W. (M/U)
SGT SOLUK, P.A. (R/G)
"
0035
0451
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0222 hrs. 19000 ft. 120 Deg. Mag. 200 MPH IAS. 6/10 cloud - good visibility - green T.I. markers. Many scattered fires - appeared a scattered attack.
"
GZ "J"
ED996

SGT FORBES, T.B. (CAPT)
SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV)
SGT SNEESBY, R (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A)
SGT HALES, A (F/E)
SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U)
SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)
"
0031
0425
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0219 hrs. 18000 ft. 029 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. Yellow red and green TI markers seen first seemed to be falling in SW part of town, but fires started nearer the centre as target was left behind. Seemed a very good show. Reflection of fires visible from Dutch coast.
"
GZ "A"
W4992

SGT KROMER, C.R. (CAPT)
SGT BISHOP, T.P. (NAV)
SGT TIBBS, D (W/T)
SGT O'BRIEN, J (B/A)
SGT CLARKE, T (F/E)
SGT CLOUTMAN, W.M. (M/U)
SGT CLEMENTS, A (R/G)
"
0034
0257
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned Southwold 012 hrs. 17000 ft. Relector sight in the rear turret U/S. 4000 lb. HC. safe 0144 hrs. 5330 N 0310 E. 17000. All incendaries brought back.
"
GZ "D"
W4794

F/O WEEKS, D.G.R. (CAPT)
SGT MITCHELL, W.R. (NAV)
SGT DREW, H (W/T)
SGT BAINES, A.H. (B/A)
SGT RIGLEY, F (F/E)
SGT VICKERS, G.W. (M/U)
SGT SWAN, J.W. (R/G)
"
0028
0418
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0220 hrs. 19000 ft. 158 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud - much smoke. Raid seemed very scattered. Most of the fires appeared to be in SW of the town. The yellow turning point were very widely apart.
"
PH "T"
W4994

SGT TRIBE, D.F. (CAPT)
F/O FURNELL, H.L. (NAV)
SGT THOMPSON, J.E. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT COLLIER, G.T. (F/E)
SGT HILDERBRAND, H.W.J. (M/U)
SGT HILL, J (R/G)
"
0001
0448
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0141 hrs. 20000 ft. 300 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. 8/10 cloud. Poor visibility 1 Red and 1 Green T.I. markers. A few scattered fires, and one big orange explosion. Appeared to be a scattered attack - T.I. markers were not concentrated.
"
PH "W"
W4791

SGT BROWN, M.S. (CAPT)
SGT PRITCHET, M (NAV)
SGT BROOKS, E (W/T)
SGT KAUTER, F.G. (B/A)
SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E)
SGT GAWN, H (M/U)
SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)
"
0001
0448
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0216 hrs. 19000 ft. 092 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud over target. Visibility good. Red & Green T.I. markers (very scattered) before arrival. Fires very scattered. Biggest concentration in NE of town. A good trip. Extensive damage to target area but somewhat scattered.
"
 62-B

SGT STANCLIFFE, J.K. (CAPT)
SGT MARBAIX, G.E. (NAV)
F/S NEALE, C.L (W/T)
SGT NICHOLLS, E.M. (B/A)
SGT HOWELLS, L (F/E)
SGT TURVILL, E.F. (M/U)
SGT MORGAN, F.H. (R/G)
"
0043
0354
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Abandoned owing to attack by an ME110 about 5 miles W. of Turhout at 0208 hrs. 19000 ft. Turhout area 0208 hrs. 6,000 ft. jettisoned live 4000 lb. HC. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. & 48x30 lb. inc. Regret unable to reach target but gunners put up a first class show.
"

GZ "E"
ED424

F/O MCLAUGHLIN, E (CAPT)
P/O WATSON, B NAV)
SGT CLARKE, R (W/T)
SGT COX, H.F. (B/A)
SGT HENDERSON, R (F/E)
P/O GERRARD, G.E.D. (M/U)
SGT STINSON, G.E.S. (R/G)
"
0047
0432
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0223 hrs. 20,000 ft. 040 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. Target area clear, but clouds all over surrounding area, visibility in T.A. good. Yellow markers Red & Green T.I. markers seen. Some big fires but scattered over a wide area. One particulary big explosion at 0208 hrs. A very comfortable and successful trip.
"

GZ "H"
LM321

P/O ASHBURNER, N (CAPT)
P/O BYE, V.C. (NAV)
SGT GLEESON, T.J. (W/T)
P/O LAVERICK, H (B/A)
SGT BARRAS, R (F/E)
SGT FRASER, G.W. (M/U)
SGT PEACE, W.T. (R/G)
"
0041
0500
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0239 hrs. 20,000 ft. 275 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. 7/10 cloud. Visibility obsured by smoke. Red T.I. marker seen at 0229 hrs. but no T.I. markers seen when A/C reached presumed target area. 0227 hrs. 20,000 ft. holes in port main plane, starboard bomb door and starboard inner engine. Disappointing. Effort seemed very scattered.
"

GZ "F"
ED967

F/S STEELE, R.J. (CAPT)
P/O HOOPER, C.B. (NAV)
SGT POWELL, E.T. (W/T)
SGT CREAVY, D.W. (B/A)
SGT PROUSE, D.A. (F/E)
SGT BAILEY, G.A.J. (M/U)
F/S SCHROEDER, L.C. (R/G)
"
0037
 
 MISSING.


27/28 May 1943

ESSEN

518 aircraft - 274 Lancasters, 151 Halifaxes, 81 Wellingtons, 12 Mosquitoes. 23 aircraft - 11 Halifaxes, 6 Lancasters, 5 Wellingtons, 1 Mosquito - lost, 4.4% of the force. Oboe sky-marking was employed over a cloud covered target.

12 Squadron losses - 0


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
27/28.5.43
PH "A"
ED820

F/O BURKHARDT, J (CAPT)
SGT HOEY, H.H. (NAV)
SGT MORLEY, P.J. (W/T)
SGT WASHBROOK, A (B/A)
SGT SMITH, (358) R (F/E)
P/O WALKER, J.R. (M/U)
SGT REES, (020) E.T.H. (R/G)

 Bombing Essen
2259
0346
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0129 hrs. 18000 ft. 195 Deg. Mag. 168 MPH IAS. 9/10th Cloud tops 15000 ft. Red & Green R.P. Flares - Glow of widespread fires reflected on cloud - Port No. 2 petrol holed, several holes in main plane and underside of fuselage, perspex in M/U turret and rear exit - door off its hinges and splintered all due to flak. PFF were on time. Attack seemed concentrated.
"
PH "D"
W4374

SGT SALTHOUSE, W (CAPT)
P/O LYNCH, P (NAV)
SGT LEE, J.P. (W/T)
SGT DARWISH, H (B/A)
SGT HAMILL, E (F/E)
SGT WOOLFORD, R (M/U)
SGT BARTLETT, P (R/G)
"
2235
0106
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned 5315 N 0003 W 2350 hrs. 18000 ft. as CS4 Unit, started fluctuating W. 15000 ft. & got steadily worse to 18000 ft. and put A/C into diving turn so we feathered engine & decided to return to base after jettisoning 4000 lbs. safe 5408 N 0232 E 2555 hrs. - 13000 ft.
"
PH "E"
W4380

SGT GARDINER, N. (CAPT)
P/O ORR, J (NAV)
SGT LAMBOURNE, H.V. (W/T)
SGT GREALY, P.G.R. (B/A)
SGT DAVEY, J (F/E)
P/O POLGREAN, W.H. (M/U)
SGT BRITNELL, J.E. (R/G)
"
2231
0325
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0052 hrs. 17500 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 155 MPH IAS. 9/10th cloud - Red R.P Flares. Many big fires - should be a successful attack.
"
PH "E"
W4373

P/O FORD, P.R. (CAPT)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.A. (NAV)
SGT HARRIS, M (W/T)
SGT TWITTY, C.W. (B/A)
SGT AVERY, R (F/E)
SGT HATCH, N.M. (M/U)
SGT STONE, R.W. (R/G)
"
2257
0355
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0132 hrs. 18,500 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. 8/10th strata cu. tops 10000 ft. visibility fair. Red R.P. Flares - Many concentrated fires. A very concentrated attack. PFF did a good job.
"
PH "E"
W4380

S/LDR SLADE, F.B. (CAPT)
F/O ALLINSON, W.A. (NAV)
F/S MCINTYRE, J.F. (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, G.P. (B/A)
SGT BAXTER, P.D. (F/E)
P/O SAUNDERS, I.W. (M/U)
SGT PROWSE, N.F. (R/G)
"
2230
0313
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0058 hrs. 20000 ft. 165 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 5/10 cloud. Poor visibility due to smoke - red & green RP flares. Many concentrated fires and one very large explosion. A very successful trip appeared a very concentrated raid.
"
PH "K"
ED629

W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT SMITH, (181) (F/E)
F/S HICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)
"
2332
0320
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0058 hrs. 22000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 8/10 cloud to 15000 ft. red and green R.P. flares in sight. Glow of several fires seen after leaving target area. Appeared concentrated. PFF flares seemed well placed and there were many fires.
"
PH "Q"
W4991

F/L HEYWORTH, J (CAPT)
F/O GRIFFITH, D.H. (NAV)
P/O FISHER, G.W. (W/T)
SGT RAMSEY, J.E. (B/A)
SGT PEARN, H (F/E)
SGT WILDE, P (M/U)
F/O HILL, W.J. (R/G)
"
2229
0258
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0055 hrs. 21000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud (thin) visibility good. Red Green and white flares - many fires that appeared concentrated and one very large green explosion. A concentrated attack PFF did a very good job., the flak defences negligible above 20000 ft.
"
PH "R"
ED972

F/O BOOTH, A (CAPT)
SGT BROWN, S.V. (NAV)
SGT BISH, A.R. (W/T)
SGT SHORT, A.R. (B/A)
SGT STACEY, M (F/E)
SGT WILDBORE, R (M/U)
SGT FRASER, N.R. (R/G)
"
2300
0400
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0130 hrs. 20000 ft. 202 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. 9/10 over target thin cloud - hazy visibility, moderate. Red tracking flares 0116 ahead - Burst seen near a fire thought to be in the northern part of target area. Many big fires fairly concentrated in centre of target area, seemed more concentrated than Dusseldorf.
"
PH "U"
ED522

F/S LAWRENCE, C.O.A (CAPT)
P/O KETTLES, W.N. (NAV)
SGT JACKSON, A (W/T)
F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A)
SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E)
SGT EVANS, M (M/U)
SGT HARDMAN, (R/G)
"
2236
0306
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0054 hrs. 19000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. 9/10th thin cloud. Red tracking flare at 0041 ahead. Large explosion 0045 in SE end of target area another at 0136. Astrodome damaged by H/F at Essen. PFF technique seemed very good.
"
PH "V"
W4990

F/S WELLS, M.J. (CAPT)
SGT. GALLOWAY, J (NAV)
P/O GIRDLESTONE, T.W. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT MORETON, H (F/E)
SGT EADES, D (M/U)
SGT TERRY, R.D. (R/G)
"
2234
0316
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0100 hrs. 21500 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 8/10th thin cloud - visibility poor - red R/P Flares. Several fairly concentrated fires also a large orange explosion. Should prove a successful attack and the PFF did a good job and were dead on time.
"
GZ "G"
ED968

SGT YEO, H.G. (CAPT)
SGT ASHTON, N.R. (NAV)
SGT VINCENT, L.R. (W/T)
SGT WARD, W.M. (B/A)
SGT ROBINSON, C.W. (F/E)
SGT RENNICK, J.W. (M/U)
SGT SOLUK, P.A. (R/G)
"
2256
0404
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0133 hrs. 20000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. Red & Green R/P flares. Large glow on clouds apparently from extensive fires - Appeared satisfactory in view of conditions.
"
GZ "J"
ED996

SGT FORBES, T.B. (CAPT)
SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV)
SGT SNEESBY, R (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A)
SGT HALES, A (F/E)
SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U)
SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)
"
2304
0330
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0124 hrs. 19000 ft. 188 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 8 to 9/10th thick cloud - target area visible - red flares etc. 0100 ahead. Fires appeared to be very concentrated well in a small area - seemed to be a good show and fires appeared to be more concentrated than Dusseldorf.
"
GZ "A"
W4992

SGT KROEMER, C.R. (CAPT)
SGT BISHOP, T.P. (NAV)
SGT TIBBS, D (W/T)
SGT O'BRIEN, J (B/A)
SGT CLARKE, T (F/E)
SGT CLOUTMAN, W.M. (M/U)
SGT CLEMENTS, A (R/G)
"
2254
0415
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0125 hrs. 20000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 9/10th cloud up to 15000 ft. red & green R.P. flares. Reflection on cloud of extensive fires PFF satisfactory and attack seemed concentrated.
"
GZ "D"
W4794

F/O WEEKS, D.G.R. (CAPT)
SGT MITCHELL, W.R. (NAV)
SGT DREW, H (W/T)
SGT BAINES, A.H. (B/A)
SGT RIGLEY, F (F/E)
SGT VICKERS, G.W. (M/U)
SGT SWAN, J.W. (R/G)
"
2302
0427
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0130 hrs. 18,500 ft. 176 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud up to 18000 ft. Visibility good above cloud. Bursts of 4000 lbs. seen in middle of a stick of incends. slightly north of main concentration of fires. Heavy concentration of fires in target area - raid seemed successful.
"
PH "T"
W4994

SGT TRIBE, D.F. (CAPT)
F/O FURNELL, H.L. (NAV)
SGT THOMPSON, J.E. (W/T)
SGT MOORE, T (B/A)
SGT COLLIER, G.T. (F/E)
SGT HILDERBRAND, H.W.J. (M/U)
SGT HILL, J (R/G)
"
2228
0242
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0049 hrs. 20000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. 8/10 cloud - moderate visibility incends seen to catch fire. We ran past the red steady marker flare and steered to starboard to get a target E.T.A. check from the green flares, we were running up on the green flares when the two port engines cut. So we bombed approx 1 mile east of green flares.
"
PH "W"
W4791

SGT BROWN, M.S. (CAPT)
SGT PRITCHET, M (NAV)
SGT BROOKS, E (W/T)
SGT KAUTER, F.G. (B/A)
SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E)
SGT GAWN, H (M/U)
SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)
"
2233
0341
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0059 hrs. 18000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. 7/10 cloud - good visibility red R.P. flares. A number of fires seen through clouds. One big orange explosion. Should be a successful attack. PFF did a good job, but H/F concentrated on R.P. flares and track indicators and shot them out.
"
GZ "E"
ED424

F/O MCLAUGHLIN, E (CAPT)
P/O WATSON, B NAV)
SGT CLARKE, R (W/T)
SGT COX, H.F. (B/A)
SGT HENDERSON, R (F/E)
P/O GERRARD, G.E.D. (M/U)
SGT STINSON, G.E.S. (R/G)
"
2305
0421
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0134 hrs. 20000 ft. 200 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 9/10 cloud to 20000 ft. Red & Green R.P. flares. Reflection of extensive fires on cloud - PFF markings and R.P. flares excellent and attack seemed successful.
"
 GZ "B"
W4970

P/O ASHBURNER, N (CAPT)
P/O BYE, V.C. (NAV)
SGT GLEESON, T.J. (W/T)
P/O LAVERICK, H (B/A)
SGT BARRAS, R (F/E)
SGT FRASER, G.W. (M/U)
SGT PEACE, W.T. (R/G)
"
2303
0435
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0128 hrs. 20000 ft. 220 Deg. Mag. 120 MPH IAS. 8/10th broken cloud - good visibility - red R/P flares many concentrated fires - providing PFF were accurate it should be a very good show.
"

GZ "C"
W4370

SGT THOMPSON, D.M. (CAPT)
SGT BOWES, K (NAV)
SGT CAMPBELL, P.N. (W/T)
SGT TURNER, H.T. (B/A)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.L. (F/E)
SGT PINGLE, W.T. (M/U)
SGT SPARLING, C.W. (R/G)
"
2823
0409
 Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0130 hrs. 18000 ft. 190 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 7/10 broken cir. cloud - good visibility. Red R.P. Flares and E.T.A. Many concentrated fires should be a successful attack


29/30 May 1943

WUPPERTAL

719 aircraft - 292 Lancasters, 185 Halifaxes, 118 Stirlings, 113 Wellingtons, 11 Mosquitoes. 33 aircraft - 10 Halifaxes, 8 Stirlings, 8 Wellingtons, 7 Lancasters - lost, 4.6% of the force.

12 Squadron losses - 1; F/LT Goudge and crew


DATE
AIRCRAFT
CREW
DUTY
TIME - UP / DOWN
DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
29/30.5.43
PH "R"
ED972

F/O BOOTH, A (CAPT)
SGT BROWN, S.V. (NAV)
SGT BISH, A.R. (W/T)
SGT SHORT, A.R. (B/A)
SGT STACEY, M (F/E)
SGT WILDBORE, R (M/U)
SGT FRASER, N.R. (R/G)
Bombing
Wuppertal
2212
0329

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0053 hrs. 15000 ft. 060 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. No cloud - hazy. Red T.I. markers. Several concentrated fires. Should prove a very concentrated attack. The defences were much heavier than expected.
"
PH "X"
ED995

P/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT)
P/O SAUNDERS, E.V. (NAV)
SGT MORLEY, P.S. (W/T)
SGT TATTERSALL, D.R. (B/A)
SGT SMITH, W (F/E)
SGT HEATH, R.S. (M/U)
SGT SHRIMPTON, G.W. (R/G)
"
2247
0403

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0125 hrs. 22000 ft. 045 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. Red T.I. markers in sights seen to cascade at 0112 hrs. Wuppertal definately had it if markers placed correctly.

"
PH "Q"
W4991

SGT BROWN, M.S. (CAPT)
SGT PRITCHET, M (NAV)
SGT BROOKS, E (W/T)
SGT KAUTER, F.G. (B/A)
SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E)
SGT GAWN, H (M/U)
SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)
"
2250
0419

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0138 hrs. 20000 ft. 064 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud but smoke covered target up to 15000 ft. Many fires concentrated in the target area. A very large explosion at 0140 hrs. A very concentrated attack.
"
PH "V"
W4990

SGT THOMPSON, D.M. (CAPT)
SGT BOWES, K (NAV)
SGT CAMPBELL, P.N. (W/T)
SGT TURNER, H.T. (B/A)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.L. (F/E)
SGT PINGLE, W.T. (M/U)
SGT SPARLING, C.W. (R/G)
"
2245
0414

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0132 hrs. 20000 ft. 030 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud PFF TI markers. Many concentrated fires and two big explosions. A very good trip.
"
PH "U"
ED522

SGT STANCLIFFE, J.K. (CAPT)
SGT MORBAIX, G.E. (NAV)
F/S HALE, H.B. (W/T)
SGT NICHOLLS, E.M. (B/A)
SGT HOWELLS, L (F/E)
SGT TURVILL, E.F. (M/U)
SGT MORGAN, F.H. (R/G)
"
2208
0148

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned. 5138 N 0320, 0100 hrs. 18000 ft. due to glycol leak in port inner engine and overheated starboard outer which proved to be a leak (oil) also artificial horizon U/S 4000 lb. safe 5138 N 0320 E 0010 hrs. 18000 ft.
"
PH "D"
W4374

F/L FAWCETT, R.E. (CAPT)
SGT LYDFORD, P.R. (NAV)
SGT VICKERS, G (W/T)
SGT BELL, J (B/A)
SGT HADLEY, G.H. (F/E)
SGT BOWEN, R.T. (M/U)
SGT HINKS, B.C. (R/G)
"
2257
0552
Bardney

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0130 hrs. 19000 ft. 056 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red T.I. markers. Existing conflagration prevented observation of bursts. Pilot reports Wuppertal seething with flame. If markers placed correctly target definately had it.
"
PH "J"
ED993

SGT HILL, N.E. (CAPT)
SGT CAPP, L.S. (NAV)
SGT BARHAM, S (W/T)
SGT WHITELOCK, S (B/A)
SGT FOY, S.E. (F/E)
SGT EVERTON, L.H. (M/U)
SGT EVERSFIELD, S.E. (R/G)
"
2210
0321

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0054 hrs. 18500 ft. 010 Deg. Mag. 168 MPH IAS. No cloud. Red T.I. markers. Two good fires - several explosions and a great amount of smoke. A concentrated attack.

"
PH "K"
ED629

W/O GILLMAN, M.D. (CAPT)
SGT PEARSON, H.W. (NAV)
SGT ANDERSON, J.G. (W/T)
SGT BELL, R.W (B/A)
SGT SMITH, (181) (F/E)
F/S WICKS, W.R. (M/U)
SGT MILLER, A.S. (R/G)
"
2209
0311

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0051 hrs. 22000 ft. 330 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. Clear - good visibility. Red T.I. markers in sight. Own bursts seen in middle of T.I. markers. Very concentrated started up very quickly in target area. Hit in tail and port main plane by H/F between Cologne and Bonn. Most excellent show.
"
GZ "H"
W4992

SGT FORBES, T.B. (CAPT)
SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV)
SGT SNEESBY, R (W/T)
SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A)
SGT HALES, A (F/E)
SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U)
SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)
"
2300
0409

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0125 hrs. 19000 ft. 057 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud over target. Visibility good except for smoke. Red T.I. markers in bomb sights somewhat obscured by smoke. Immediately after bombs gone a very big explosion was seen where they had fallen too big for a 4000 lb. fires very concentrated in target area. On par with the last Dortmund raid for concentration of fires.
"
GZ "M"
LM321

S/LDR KNIGHT, F.J. (CAPT)
F/O TREHERNE, H.C. (NAV)
SGT AYERST, J (W/T)
F/S NOBLE, M.P. (B/A)
SGT LAWRENCE, R (F/E)
SGT BIRKEN, F (M/U)
SGT BOXALL, J.R. (R/G)
"
2211
0113

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned. 5134 N 0330 E. 0005 hrs. 19000 ft. Lack of oxygen to whole crew particularly navigation, bomb aimer, W/OP, pilot. The oxygen was coming through at all points and was increased to full strength, but no benefit was derived. 4000 lb. safe. 5143N 0309E. 0007 hrs. 17000 ft.
"
GZ "J"
ED996

F/L GOUDGE, I.P.C. (CAPT)
SGT GORTON, J (NAV)
SGT WELLS, V (W/T)
SGT RICHMOND, R.S. (B/A)
SGT GRAHAM, A.E. (F/E)
SGT HATCH, N.M. (M/U)
SGT HARDMAN, J (R/G)
"
2256
 

Missing.
"
GZ "E"
ED424

W/CDR WOOD, R.S.C. (CAPT)
F/O WOOD, V (2nd Pilot)
P/O KIRKBY, L.H. (NAV)
SGT CRUICKSHANK, W (W/T)
SGT WOOD, G.H. (B/A)
SGT DAVIS (481), C.G. (F/E)
SGT WILKINSON, J.R. (M/U)
SGT COLL, R.B. (R/G)
"
2254
0425

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0141 hrs. 21000 ft. 053 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. P.T.I. markers - Many concentrated fires. If PFF were accurate should have been a very successful attack. Black smoke rising to 10000 ft.
"
GZ "D"
W497

F/O WEEKS, D.G.R. (CAPT)
SGT MITCHELL, W.R. (NAV)
SGT DREW, H (W/T)
SGT BAINES, A.H. (B/A)
SGT RIGLEY, F (F/E)
SGT VICKERS, G.W. (M/U)
SGT SWAN, J.W. (R/G)
"
2253
0439

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0137 hrs. 14800 ft. 035 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. Visibility excellent. No cloud. Red T.I.s. Red T.I.s in sights, seen to cascade between 0136 hrs. and 0139 hrs. 4000 pounder burst in centre of markers. Well concentrated, conflagration with smoke up to 16000 ft. - A very good show.
"
PH "E"
W4380

F/S SMITHERINGALE, K.B. (CAPT)
F/O KINGMAN, L (NAV)
SGT MUGE, H.E. (W/T)
SGT HALL (377), W (B/A)
SGT BREWER, R.J. (F/E)
SGT MILTON, P.R. (M/U)
F/S LANCASTER, R (R/G)
"
2255
0140

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned 5243N 0050E 0010 hrs. 12000 ft. Due to pilot's oxygen failure and pilot was found asleep and until we got to 4000 pilot used emergency bottle 4000 lb bomb safe. 5232N 0310E 0034 hrs. 14000 ft.
"
PH "F"
W4373

P/O FORD, P.R. (CAPT)
SGT OSBOURNE, J.A. (NAV)
SGT HARRIS, M (W/T)
SGT TWITTY, C.W. (B/A)
SGT AVERY, R (F/E)
P/O WALKER, J.A. (M/U)
SGT STONE, R.W. (R/G)
"
2240
0355

Load 1x4000 lb. H.C. 570x4 lb. inc. 30x4 lb. "X" inc. 48x30 lb. inc. 0135 hrs. 17,500 ft. 080 Deg. Mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. Red and Green T.I. markers. One very big fire giving off much smoke rising to about 5000 ft. Appeared to be quite a successful attack.