P/O Thomas Forbes

12 Squadron - Operations Record Book

July 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	1.7.43	Weather: Cloudy becoming fine by midday, visibility very good. Two aircraft carried out formation flying during the day and two details of practice bombing were carried out on the Hamilton Hill range. P/O T.W. GIRDLESTONE was posted to 82 O.T.U. on completion of his Operational Tour. Squadron stood down.
	2.7.43	Weather: Cloudy in morning. Fair to fine in afternoon and evening. Visibility moderate to good. 10 sorties of formation flying carried out during the day. F/O E.G. HADDINGHAM was posted to Squadron from R.A.F. Station Elsham Wolds. F/L R.E. FAWCETT and crew were posted to 156 Squadron. Squadron stood down from operations.
	3.7.43	Weather: Cloudy at first becoming fair in morning and cloudy late in afternoon. Visibility good. OPERATIONS ordered. Target: COLOGNE. 17 aircraft taking part. Captains were: F/O HERRON: SGT HILL: SGT ASPDEN: P/O GILLMAN: SGT SALTHOUSE: F/L ROWLAND: F/O WRIGHT: F/S BROWN: F/O SNELL: P/O LAWRENCE: F/O McLAUGHLIN: F/O WEEKS: F/O ASHBURNER: SGT FORBES: SGT SARGENT: SGT HOPTON & SGT BORLAND. F/O HERRON and SGT HILL's aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing. The remaining aircraft returned safely.
	4.7.43	Weather: Cloudy. Hazy during the day. Visibility 2 - 4 miles. S/LDR R.G. BAXTER was posted from 1656 CU to command "C" Flight, bringing complete crew with him which included P/O F.M. SMITH. P/O J.M. SAMUEL returned from CNS CRANAGE on completion of a Specialist Navigation Course. 1 sortie of air firing was carried out at Mablethorpe Range. Operations were ordered for 8 aircraft but were cancelled at 18.00 hrs.
	5.7.43	Weather: Cloudy. Visibility good. SGT. R.P. RABETT and crew were posted from 1656 CU. Operations were ordered for 16 aircraft but were cancelled at 18.00 hrs.
	6.7.43	Weather: Mainly cloudy, slight rain in morning and again with thunder in afternoon. Visibility poor at first, improving to very good. SGT. J.A. DAWSON visited the Station to give a talk to Aircrews on his experiences during his recent successful evasion of capture. OPERATIONS were ordered for 3 aircraft, Sea Mining, LA PALLICE area. Captains: SGT. CURRIE. SGT JEFFRIES: W/O SMITH. All returned safely. Also 2 cross country sorties were carried out. One of these aircraft captained by S/LDR R.G. BAXTER, crashed into the Firth of Forth, all the crew being killed and the aircraft wrecked.
	7.7.43	Weather: Mainly cloudy,with a few fair periods in the morning. Visibility good. SGT F.R. JOY and crew were posted from 1662 CU., P/O W.J. LAKE was included in this crew. During the day 5 Fighter affiliation sorties, 10 formation sorties and 1 Air - Sea Firing sortie were carried out. Squadron stood down from operations.
	8.7.43	Weather: Fine at first becoming mainly cloudy with slight showers in late afternoon and evening. Visibility: Poor at first becoming good by afternoon. OPERATIONS were ordered. Target: COLOGNE. 20 aircraft taking part. Captains were: F/LT BURKHARDT: SGT McMILLAN: S/LDR SLADE: F/S GARDINER: SGT ASPDEN: P/O GILLMAN: F/L ROWLAND: F/O WRIGHT: F/O SNELL: P/O LAWRENCE: F/S MIZON: F/S BROWN: F/L McLAUGHLIN: F/L WEEKS: F/O ASHBURNER: F/O WOOD: SGT BORLAND: SGT FORDYCE: W/O SMITH: SGT CURRIE. All these aircraft returned safely.
	9.7.43	Weather: Mainly cloudy, rain and drizzle late in morning and until evening. Visibility: Moderate. The awards of the D.F.M. to F/SGT T.M. POULTON and the D.F.C. to F/LT K.W. SWANN were announced in the London Gazette. OPERATIONS ordered. Target: GELSENKIRCHEN. 16 aircraft taking part. Captains were: F/L ROWLAND: F/O WRIGHT: P/O LAWRENCE: F/O SNELL: SGT JEFFRIES: F/S MIZON: SGT PATTERSON: F/L BURKHARDT: F/S GARDINER: SGT GREEN: SGT ASPDEN: W/O SMITH: F/S KROEMER: SGT BORLAND: SGT FORDYCE: SGT CURRIE. SGT JEFFRIES' aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing.
	10.7.43	Weather: Mainly cloudy, rain and drizzle after midday. Visibility good. W/O W.R. SHARP and crew, and SGT H.H. ADAMS and crew, including P/O F.L. LAKE were posted from 1662 CU. The Squadron was stood down from operations.
	11.7.43	Weather: Mainly cloudy with slight rain or drizzle early in morning and late at night. Visibility very good. 1 detail of air firing was carried out during the day. Operations were ordered, but were cancelled at 1730 hrs. 3 Night Cross Country Sorties were arranged instead.
	12.7.43	Weather: Cloudy becoming fair, visibility very good. OPERATIONS were ordered. Target TURIN. 20 aircraft taking part. Captains were: F/L MCLAUGHLIN, F/L WEEKS, F/L WOOD, F/L ASHBURNER, F/S FORBES, F/S KROEMER, SGT. BORLAND, F/LT. BOOTH, F/O WRIGHT, F/O SNELL, P/O LAWERENCE, F/S MIZON, F/S BROWN, S/LDR. SLADE, F/LT. BURKHARDT, P/O GILMAN, F/S GARDINER, SGT. MCMILLAN, SGT. GREEN, W/CDR. WOOD. F/S FORBES aircraft failed to return and crew were reported missing. F/L MCLAUGHLIN'S aircraft was shot up by flak and returned early. The remainder returned safely.
	13.7.43	Weather: Fine becoming cloudy with slight rain in afternoon. Fair to fine later in evening. Visibility: Very good. 2 sorties of Fighter Affiliation were carried out during the day, and a map reading lecture was given to Air Bombers by the Squadron Bombing Leader. The Awards of the D.F.C. to P/O J.F. SAMUEL, and W/O J.W. LUKE, were announced in the London Gazette. The Squadron stood down from operations.
	14.7.43	Weather: Cloudy, light rain in afternoon. Visibility: Moderate to good. 1 detail of practice bombing was carried out during the day on the Hamilton Hill range. Squadron stood down from operations.
	15.7.43	Weather: Cloudy with intermittant rain. Visibility: Good. F/O M. LLOYD and crew and SGT. E.J. NORTON and crew were posted from 1656 CU. 2 details of air firing were carried out at Mablethorpe during the day, and bombing panel drill was carried out by Air Bombers. Squadron stood down from operations, and a Bulls Eye exercise for 3 aircraft was ordered, but was cancelled at 1500 hrs.
	16.7.43	Weather, fine, fair in afternoon, visibility good. During the day, 4 sorties of formation flying were carried out, 3 sorties of air firing Mablethorpe range, and three sorties of practice bombing at Hamilton Hill range. P/O D.A. HICKMAN was posted to the Squadron for second tour of operations; this officer had already completed his first tour with the Squadron. Squadron was stood down from operations, but 3 aircraft carried out a Bullseye exercise at night.
	17.7.43	Weather mainly fine, visibility moderate becoming good. A lecture was given to Bomb Aimers on the FN 5 front turrets by the Gunnery Leader. During the day 2 details of practice bombing were carried out at HAMILTON HILL, 3 details of air to air firing at MABLETHORPE, and 1 detail of air to sea firing also at MABLETHORPE. S/LDR G.A. RODEN was posted to the Squadron from 28 O.T.U. to command "C" Flight and was attached to 1656 CU for conversion and crewing up the same day. P/O J.F. SAMUEL was posted to 1667 CU on completion of his first operational tour, and was re-attached to this Squadron for Navigation duties until 1st August. Squadron was stood down from operations.
	18.7.43	Weather cloudy, visibility very good. A lecture was given to Air Bombers on the Mk XIV bombsight by the Bombing Leader. In addition two details of practice bombing were carried out on the MISSION range during the day. During the afternoon a visit was paid to the Squadron by 50 local special constables. Squadron was stood down from operations.
	19.7.43	Weather cloudy, visibility very good. SGT J.P. HUTCHINSON and crew and SGT R.S. YELL and crew were posted from 1662 CU. 2 sorties of air to sea firing were carried out during the day, and in the afternoon there was organised P.T. for aircrews, as operations which had been ordered earlier in the day were cancelled at 1330 hours.
	20.7.43	Weather cloudy with slight drizzle in morning and evening, visibility good. A lecture was given to aircrews in the morning on Mines by a visiting Naval Officer. P/O D.G. LEADER-WILLIAMS and his crew were posted to the Squadron from 1662 CU. Operations were ordered but were cancelled at 1545 hours.
	21.7.43	Weather cloudy, visibility good. F/O S. NORRIS and his crew were posted to the Squadron from 1656 Conversion Unit. Dinghy drills were carried out by all available aircrews during the day; a demonstration of the Mk XIV bombsight was also given. The Squadron was stood down from operations.
	22.7.43	Weather cloudy with intermittant drizzle till early afternoon, visibility good. SGT F.W. PINKERTON, a former pilot of the Squadron who successfully escaped after being shot down in enemy territory revisited his old Squadron. P/O I.W. SAUNDERS was posted to 28 O.T.U. on completion of his first operational tour. Operations were ordered but were cancelled at 1900 hours.
	23.7.43	Weather cloudy becoming mainly fine after midday, visibility good. P/O R.D. SPENCE was posted to 1667 CU for re-crewing. During the day 2 details of practice bombing were carried out on HAMILTON HILL range. Operations were ordered for 21 aircraft but were cancelled at 1830 hours. A night cross country sortie was then arranged but was abandoned after 40 minutes.
	24.7.43	Weather fine, visibility good. OPERATIONS were ordered for 22 aircraft, target being HAMBURG. Captains were S/LDR HEYWORTH: F/L BOOTH: F/O LIGHTON: F/O WRIGHT: P/O LAWRENCE: F/S MIZON: SGT TRIBE: F/O SNELL: F/L BURKHARDT: W/O GREEN: SGT McMILLAN: F/S SMITHERINGALE: F/S GARDINER: W/O SALTHOUSE: SGT RABETT: F/L McLAUGHLIN: F/L WOOD: W/O SMITH: F/S KROEMER: F/S SARGENT: F/S BORLAND & SGT ASPDEN. All these aircraft returned safely.
	25.7.43	Weather mainly fine, visibility moderate. OPERATIONS were ordered against ESSEN, 19 aircraft taking part. Captains were F/S JOY: F/S ASPDEN: F/S GARDINER: SGT McMILLAN: SGT RABETT: F/S SMITHERINGALE: S/LDR HEYWORTH: F/L ROWLAND: F/L BOOTH: F/O SNELL: SGT TRIBE: P/O LAWRENCE: F/S MIZON: F/O ASHBURNER: W/O SMITH: F/S SARGENT: F/S BORLAND: SGT HOPTON & SGT FORDYCE. All aircraft returned safely.
	26.7.43	Weather fine at first becoming cloudy in morning for short period, cloudy in afternoon visibility moderate to good. 4 cross country sorties were carried out during the day, but Squadron was stood down from operations.
	27.7.43	Weather cloudy becoming fair or fine in evening visibility moderate. OPERATIONS were ordered target HAMBURG 20 aircraft taking part. Captains were F/L BOOTH: F/L WRIGHT: F/L ROWLAND: F/O SNELL: P/O LAWRENCE: F/S MIZON: SGT TRIBE: SGT NORTON: W/CDR WOOD: W/O GREEN: F/O LLOYD: F/S JOY: F/L BURKHARDT: W/O SALTHOUSE: F/S ADAMS: F/L McLAUGHLIN: F/LT WOOD: F/O ASHBURNER: F/O LEADER-WILLIAMS AND SGT HOPTON. W/O SALTHOUSE's aircraft failed to return and the crew were reported missing, the remainder returned safely.
	28.7.43	Weather mainly fair, cloudy in afternoon, visibility moderate to good. 2 details of air firing were carried out in the afternoon, and Squadron was stood down from operations.
	29.7.43	Weather cloudy at first fine in afternoon and fair in evening, visibility moderate. OPERATIONS were ordered for 25 aircraft, target HAMBURG. Captains were S/LDR HEYWORTH: F/L ROWLAND: F/O WRIGHT: P/O LIGHTON: F/O SNELL: P/O LAWRENCE: SGT YELL: SGT TRIBE: SGT NORTON: F/L McLAUGHLIN: F/L WOOD: F/O LEADER-WILLIAMS: W/O SMITH: SGT SARGENT: F/S BORLAND: F/S FORDYCE: F/S SMITHERINGALE: W/O GREEN: F/O LLOYD: F/S GARDINER: SGT McMILLAN: F/O NORRIS: F/S ASPDEN: F/S ADAMS: SGT HUTCHINSON. All these aircraft returned safely from this operation.
	30.7.43	Weather fine, fair in the afternoon, visibility poor around dawn, otherwise good. OPERATIONS were ordered for 24 aircraft, but this was later reduced to 6 aircraft which operated against a new German target REMSCHEID. Captains were F/L BURKHARDT: SGT RABETT: W/O SMITH: SGT HOPTON: F/L ROWLAND & F/O SNELL. All returned safely to base.
	31.7.43	Weather fine becoming thundery at night, visibility moderate to good. F/L H.W. GOULE and crew including P/O F.H. FOX were posted to the Squadron from 1662 CU. Operations were ordered for 25 aircraft, but had to be cancelled at the last moment owing to the advent of a severe electric storm.

3/4 July 1943

COLOGNE

653 aircraft - 293 Lancasters, 182 Halifaxes, 89 Wellingtons, 76 Stirlings, 13 Mosquitoes. 30 aircraft - 9 Halifaxes, 8 Lancasters, 8 Wellingtons, 5 Stirlings - lost, 4.6% of the force. Pathfinder ground marking was accurate and Cologne was hit by another heavy attack. This night saw the first use of Wilde Sau (Wild Boar) tactics by the German unit. Instead of relying on radar ground stations the technique involved using any form of illumination over a city to pick out a bomber for attack; searchlights, the glow of fires on the ground and target indicators were all used.

12 Squadron losses - 2; Sgt Hill and F/O Herron and crews

DATE	AIRCRAFT	CREW	DUTY	TIME - UP / DOWN		DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
3/4.7.43	W4958 PH "B"	SGT HILL, N.E. (CAPT) SGT YOUNG, C.W. (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)	Bombing Cologne	2254	-	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. MISSING.
"	DV171 PH "K"	P/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), L.W. (F/E) F/S WICKS, W.R. (M/U) F/S MILLER, A.S. (R/G)	"	2300	0357	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0118 hrs. 17000 ft. 034 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Vis:- Fair. Green track indicator flares and Red T.I. markers. Many large fires well concentrated and one large explosion - nickels dropped. Attack was developing into a very good show.
"	EE202 PH "L"	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)	"	2256	0339	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0117 hrs. 19000 ft. 032 Deg. Mag. 180 MPH IAS. VIS:- very good 2/10 cloud top 9000 ft. Green tracking flares and red T.I's and R/G flares. Rhine also seen. Avery big concentration of fires in target. Nickels dropped. A very successful attack indeed. PFF were "Bang on".
"	DV164 PH "W"	F/S BROWN, M.G. (CAPT) F/S PRITCHET, M (NAV) SGT BROOKS, E (W/T) F/S KAUTER, F.G. (B/A) SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E) SGT ADDISALL, G.W. (M/U) SGT DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)	"	2258	0405	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0124 hrs. 19000 ft. 030 Deg. Mag. 155 MPH IAS. No cloud - good vis. Green track indicators and red and green T.I. Markers. A few good fires and a lot of smoke - nickels dropped. Should be a very successful raid.
"	ED972 PH "R"	P/O LAWRENCE, C.O. (CAPT) P/O KETTLES, W.M. (NAV) SGT JACKSON, N. (W/T) F/S CRUSE, V.C. (B/A) SGT HILL, W.G. (F/E) SGT EVANS, M. (M/U) P/O EDWARDS, J.T. (R/G)	"	2257	0402	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. No cloud, slight haze. Good visibility. Very concentrated rather to the S. of the T.I. markers particularly big explosions S.W. of the target at 0132 hrs. A second big explosion centre of target at 0151 hrs. A third at 0153 - nickels dropped. A very good effort. PFF technique very good and a good route.
"	W4994 PH "T"	SGT BORLAND, J. (CAPT) SGT PURMAL, V.R. (NAV) SGT MCKENZIE, D. (W/T) SGT SNELLING, D.C.G. (B/A) SGT PHILLIPS, D. (F/E) SGT WALKER, A. (M/U) SGT ADAIR, L.J. (R/G)	"	2333	0500	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0155 hrs. 21000 ft. 029 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good vis. Green track indicators flares and red/green T.I's. Whole area one big fire, nickels dropped. A very successful attack.
"	DV177 PH "K2"	F/O MCLAUGHLIN, B.F. (CAPT) SGT CURRIE, (2nd PILOT) 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)	"	2301	0352	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0124 hrs. 18000 ft. 031 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Green track indicating flare and red/green T.I. markers. Fires appeared to be spreading into one sheet of flame - nickels dropped. In spite of the fact we bombed early the target was already blazing well.
"	ED392 PH "D2"	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)	"	2305	0407	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0126 hrs. 20000 ft. 005 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Green track indicator and red/green T.I. markers also red/green R/P flares. Many very big fires well concentrated. Nickels dropped "A very good show".
"	EE133 PH "P"	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)	"	2359	0415	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0129 hrs. 19500 ft. 033 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Vis. moderate. Green tracking R/G R.P. flares Red/Green T.I's. A good concentration of fires in target area. Small hole in mid upper turret - caused by heavy flak over target one minute before bombing - nickels dropped.
"	ED820 PH "A"	F/O HERRON, A.R. (CAPT) SGT BAIRD, D.R. (NAV) SGT EDMONDSON, T.E. (W/T) SGT WILLIAMS, H. (B/A) SGT GREEN, M.L. (F/E) SGT BASELY, A.L. (M/U) SGT COMBRES, M.E. (R/G)	"	2337	-	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc MISSING.
"	ED995 PH "X"	F/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT) F/O SAUNDERS, E.V. (NAV) SGT HONE, (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)	"	2255	0349	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0127 hrs. 20000 ft. 010 Deg. Mag. 170 MPH IAS. Visibility good. No cloud. Green tracking flares Red T.I. markers. Green T.I. markers & R/G R.P flares. Rhine visable. Fire was starting up very concentrated - slightly S.E. of Red T.I. markers. Nickels dropped. "Very good effort" and very good route.
"	W4991 PH "Q"	F/O SNELL, (CAPT) SGT RUSSELL, D.H. (NAV) SGT COPPING, I.J. (W/T) P/O BRAYBROOK, D.E. (B/A) SGT HEATH, L.W. (F/E) SGT BENNETT, R.J. (M/U) SGT MATTHEWS, T. (R/G)	"	2340	0419	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0154 hrs. 22000 ft. 040 Deg. Mag. 140 MPH IAS. Clear - no cloud - visibility obscured by smoke. Green tracking flares and Red/Green T.I. markers. Very concentrated fires round the T.I. markers. Particularly big explosion at 0155 hrs. Nickels dropped. Fires very concentrated. A very successful trip.
"	ED548 PH "J2"	SGT FORBES, T.B. (CAPT) SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV) SGT MITCHELL, L.D. (W/T) SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A) SGT HALES, A (F/E) SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U) SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)	"	2334	0215	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. Mission abandoned over base 2356 hrs. 9000 ft. Rear turret U/S. Pipes which joins the green ram broken and all the oil drained away (1x4000 lb. HC 1x1000 lb. 2x500 lb.) all safe 5354N 0158E (all incendiaries brought back)
"	LM328 PH "F2"	SGT SARGENT, DA.G. (CAPT) SGT OLIVER, D.R. (NAV) SGT HAMES, D.C. (W/T) SGT RILEY, C.G. (B/A) SGT WRIGHT, K.R. (F/E) SGT BASSANT, C.A. (M/U) SGT MCCAULEY, G.J. (R/G)	"	2335	0437	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0154 hrs. 18000 ft. 359 Deg. Mag. 250 MPH IAS. No cloud. Vis: good. Green track indicators and red T.I. markers. Target area appeared to be one mass of flame. Nickels dropped. A very good show.
"	LM301 PH "O"	SGT HOPTON, C.G. (CAPT) SGT GILLIS, H.O. (NAV) SGT MOYES, P.T. (W/T) SGT LEIGH, R.B. (B/A) SGT GROSS, C.T. (F/E) SGT DUNN, A (M/U) SGT LAMBERT, P.A. (R/G)	"	2344	0202	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0154 hrs. 18000 ft. 359 Deg. Mag. 250 MPH IAS. No cloud. Vis: good. Green track indicators and red T.I. markers. Target area appeared to be one mass of flame. Nickels dropped. A very good show.
"	EE142 PH "G"	SGT ASPDEN, L.W. (CAPT) SGT KELLOWAY, E (NAV) SGT DUBBINS, R.W. (W/T) P/O KING, I (B/A) SGT BEVIS, K.J. (F/E) SGT CLAYTON, W.E. (M/U) SGT BUTLER, D.W.J. (R/G)	"	2352	0432	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0157 hrs. 19500 ft. 008 Deg. Mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Green track indicator and red/green T.I. markers. Hundreds of big concentrated fires - nickels dropped. A very good trip.
"	W4990 PH "V"	F/L ROWLAND, J.N. (CAPT) SGT PARRY, D.J. (NAV) SGT STAINER, E.F. (W/T) SGT KENNEDY, N.J. (B/A) F/S EDWARDS, C.A. (F/E) SGT ROBINSON, K.V. (M/U) SGT SHORT, S.G. (R/G)	"	2339	0452	Load 1x4000 lb. HC. 2x500 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. GPLD 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. 510x4 lb. inc. 0158 hrs. 21500 ft. 034 Deg. Mag. 165 MPH IAS. 2/10 cloud about 30,000 ft. Visibility good. Red T.I. markers. One huge fire in target area but about 50 sticks of incendiaries fell short. Uneventful trip. Very successful attack apart from the undershoots.

6/7 July 1943

MINELAYING

36 aircraft minelaying off Biscay ports - 1 Lancaster minelayer lost

12 Squadron losses - 0

DATE	AIRCRAFT	CREW	DUTY	TIME - UP / DOWN		DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
6/7.7.43	W4994	SGT JEFFRIES, L.F. (CAPT) SGT ROY, C. (NAV) SGT VINCENT, L.R. (W/T) P/O OLDHAM, I.J. (B/A) SGT IRWIN, J. (F/E) SGT ADDISALL, G.W. (M/U) SGT FARMER, A.C. (R/G)	Gardening Cinnamon	2249	0420	Load 3 x ASS. F616/3C: 3xASS. F616/3B. 014 hrs. 6000 ft. 005 mag. 183 GS. 5/10 cloud base 2000 ft. Good visibility. Pinpoint on NW tip of the De Re and timed run of 2 mins. 18 secs. Mines dropped on northerly heading A/C turned 180 degs. to starboard on E.T.A. for purpose of dropping mines on northerly heading. Straightforward trip just like cross country.
"	ED424 "E2"	SGT CURRIE, J.A. (CAPT) P/O CASSIDY, J. (NAV) SGT FAIRBAIRN, C. (W/T) F/S MYRING, H.E. (B/A) SGT WALKER, G. (F/E) SGT PROTHEROE, V.G. (M/U) SGT LANHAM, C.W. (R/G)	"	2235	0429	Load 3 x ASS. F616/3C. 3 x ASS F616/3B. 0206 hrs. 2,500 ft. 000 mag. 200 GS. 7/10 to 8/10 cloud base below 1500 ft. Mines dropped on FE (46.07.30N 01.38.24W) on northerly heading. "Uneventful trip".
"	LM382 "F2"	W/O SMITH, E.W. (CAPT) SGT STREET, L.C.J. (NAV) SGT COLLES, J.W.L. (W/T) P/O NEWMAN, W.H. (B/A) SGT VAN-HAL, K. (F/E) SGT PARKER, G. (M/U) SGT LUKE, A.G. (R/G)	"	2247	0512	Load 3 x ASS. F616/3C: 3 x ASS F616/3B. 0155 hrs. 3500 ft. 000 mag. 170 GS. 9/10 cloud base well below 3500 ft. Mines dropped on northerly heading on Gee Fix. (46.08N 01.40W) "Uneventful Trip".

8/9 July 1943

COLOGNE

282 Lancasters and 6 Mosquitoes of 1, 5 and 8 Groups. 7 Lancasters lost, 2.5% of the force. Oboe sky-marking was accurate and another heavy blow for Cologne followed. A total of 350,000 people were bombed out during this series of 3 raids in 1 week.

12 Squadron losses - 0

DATE	AIRCRAFT	CREW	DUTY	TIME - UP / DOWN		DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
8/9.7.43	DV185 "D"	SGT MCMILLAN, 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)	Bombing Cologne	2229	0355	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0118 hrs. 22000 ft. 025 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS 10/10 cloud. Green track indicators and red/green flares. 2 big reddish explosions; nickels dropped. Owing to 10/10 cloud impossible to tell results of raid but there were two very big explosions and the PFF were late.
"	DV168 "F"	S/LDR SLADE, F.B. (CAPT) SGT FOY, (2nd PILOT) P/O CARPENTER, G.R. (NAV) F/S MACINTYRE, J.F. (W/T) SGT THOMAS, G.P. (B/A) SGT BAXTER, P.D. (F/E) F/O SAUNDERS, I.W. (M/U) SGT PROUSE, N.F. (R/G)	"	2221	0358	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0120 hrs. 20000 ft. 023 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. Green track indicator and red/green R/P flares (9/10 cloud). One terrific explosion. Nickels dropped. Owing to 9/10 cloud impossible to estimate result of attack.
"	EE142 "G"	F/S 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) SGT MILTON, R.R. (M/U) SGT BRITNELL, J.E. (R/G)	"	2225	0033	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned over base 2255 hrs. 10000 ft. rear turret u/s. 1x4000 lb MC 1x1000 lb. MCLD. safe 5401N 0148E 2352 hrs. 16000 ft.
"	EE202 "L"	P/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) F/S MILLER, A.S. (R/G)	"	2232	0452	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0118 hrs. 22000 ft. 023 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud. Green tracking flares and red/green R/P flares. Nickels dropped. Owing to 10/10 cloud impossible to tell result of raid.
"	ED995 "X"	F/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT) F/O SAUNDERS, E.V. (NAV) SGT HONE, (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)	"	2219	2355	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned 10 miles SE of Scunthorpe 2235 hrs. 3000 ft. Port outer engine u/s (1x4000 lb. HCNI 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD safe) 5358N 0124E 2305 hrs. 4000 ft.
"	EE133 "P"	P/O LAWRENCE, G.O.R. (CAPT) F/O KETTLES, W.M. (NAV) SGT JACKSON, A. (W/T) F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A) SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E) SGT EVANS, P.H.J. (M/U) P/O EDWARDS, J.I. (R/G)	"	2220	0147	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. Petrol system failed all four engines being run of starboard tank therefore insufficent petrol in starboard tank to complete mission. (1x4000 lb. HCNI 2x1000 lb. MC 1x1000 lb. MCLD. safe) 5125N 0301E 0040 hrs. 19000 ft.
"	W4994 "T"	F/S MIZON, W.F. (CAPT) SGT STENBORG, H.O. (NAV) F/S PURSLOW, G.W. (W/T) SGT TURNER, H.T. (B/A) SGT PECKHAM, J.E. (F/E) P/O STRAKER, R.T. (M/U) F/S CURRAN, W (R/G)	"	2223	0400	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0119 hrs. 21000 ft. 035 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud tops 15/15000 ft. Good visibility red/green R/P flares. Large fire glow beneath cloud, as A/C with enormous explosion at 0122 hrs. Nickels dropped. A/C holed by H/F over target (5 holes) 2 in tail plane (1 in bomb door and 1 each on port and starboard wings discovered on landing). PFF technique good. Target heavily flak defended.
"	DV164 "W"	F/S BROWN, M.G. (CAPT) F/S PRITCHET, M (NAV) SGT BROOKS, E (W/T) F/S KAUTER, F.G. (B/A) SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E) SGT BINDER, H.F. (M/U) F/S DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)	"	2228	0415	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0120 hrs. 21000 ft. 023 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud. Green tracking flares and red/green R/P flares. A terrific explosion at 0124 hrs. Nickels dropped. PFF were late, should be a good show.
"	ED424 "E2"	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)	"	2233	0405	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0117 hrs. 22000 ft. 037 deg. mag. 155 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud over target tops 17/18000 ft. Vis horizontal - good. Red/Green R/P's. Glow of fires under cloud. Nickels dropped. "Looked Promising".
"	ED392 "D2"	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)	"	2234	0441	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0122 hrs. 22000 ft. 020 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud. Green tracking flares. Glow of fires seen through clouds. Nickels dropped. PFF 'VERY LATE'. Unable to tell if raid was successful.
"	DV187 "A"	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.A. (M/U) SGT JONES, (606) W.E. (R/G)	"	2241	0255	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. Last resort Aachen, 0058 hrs. 15000 ft. 030 deg. mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud (1x4000 lb. MC 2 can 4 lb. incens. safe.) 5203N 0217E. 0018 hrs. 19000 ft. Reason to reduce weight to maintain air speed. Nickels dropped. Rod through the oil sump in starboard outer and it caught fire. We feathered until extinguished fire and could not maintain height so bombed nearest town.
"	DV171 "K"	SGT ASPDEN, L.W. (CAPT) SGT KELLOWAY, E (NAV) SGT DOBBINS, R.W. (W/T) P/O KING, I (B/A) SGT BEVIS, K.J. (F/E) SGT CLAYTON, W.E. (M/U) SGT BUTLER, D.W.J. (R/G)	"	2230	0417	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0124 hrs. 18500 ft. 025 deg. mag. 160 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud tops. 14,000 ft. Good vis. above cloud. Red/Green R/P flares. Fire glow beneath cloud very large explosion covering big area at 0122 hrs. with flames orange colour seen ahead of A/C. Nickels dropped. PFF technique O.K. "Good trip".
"	W4990 "V"	F/L ROWLAND, J.N. (CAPT) SGT PARRY, D.J. (NAV) SGT STAINER, E.F. (W/T) SGT KENNEDY, N.J. (B/A) F/S EDWARDS, C.A. (F/E) SGT ROBINSON, K.V. (M/U) SGT SHORT, S.G. (R/G)	"	2231	0448	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0122 hrs. 21500 ft. 025 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 8/10 cloud tops 15000 ft. vis. above cloud good. Red/Green R/P flares. Fire glow below clouds. (3) Terrific explosions at 0118 hrs. 0122 hrs & 0123 hrs. Flashes covered immense area. PFF seemed well organized. Good trip.
"	W4991 "Q"	F/O SNELL, (CAPT) SGT ALDRITT, J. (NAV) SGT COPPING, I.J. (W/T) P/O BRAYBROOK, D.E. (B/A) SGT HEATH, L.W. (F/E) SGT BENNETT, R.J. (M/U) SGT MATTHEWS, I (R/G)	"	2315	0419	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 10/10 cloud. Green tracking flares Red/Green R.P. flares. (2) Big explosions and reflection of many fires, nickels dropped. "A very good trip".
"	LM328 "F2"	F/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)	"	2235	0445	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0123 hrs. 22500 ft. 036 deg. mag. 160 MPH IAS. Green tracking flares and R/P flares. Clouds lit up by S/L and by fires at 0121. A tremendous explosion in target area lit up the whole sky. Nickels dropped. PFF appeared to be late - resulting in some scattered bombing.
"	LM321 "H2"	F/O WOOD, V (CAPT) P/O KIRKBY, L.H. (NAV) SGT CRUICKSHANK, W (W/T) SGT WOOD, G.H. (B/A) SGT DAVIES, C.G. (F/E) SGT WILKINSON, J.R. (M/U) SGT COLL, R.B. (R/G)	"	2249	0431	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 10/10 cloud tops. 12/14000 ft. Good visibility above cloud. Red/Green R/P flares - green tracking flares seen on run up. Fires below cloud. Very large explosion at 0122 hrs. with orange - red glow. Nickels dropped. PFF appeared late over target. Large fires started by A/C bombing on E.T.A. before flares appeared.
"	DV190 "B2"	SGT BORLAND, J (CAPT) SGT PURMAL, (NAV) SGT MCKENZIE, D (W/T) SGT SNELLING, D.C.G. (B/A) SGT PHILLIPS, D (F/E) SGT WALKER, (M/U) SGT ADAIR, L.J. (R/G)	"	2239	0424	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0122 hrs. 23000 ft. 023 deg. mag. 167 MPH IAS. 10/10 cloud S.L. tops 10/12000 ft. Green tracking flares and R/G flares. At 0117 hrs. a very large explosion also at 0122 hrs. both lit up clouds sufficiently to silhouette A/C. Nickels dropped. Steady glow on clouds suggested a successful concentration.
"	DV177 "K2"	SGT FORDYCE, G.W. (CAPT) SGT COLLINS, L.J. (NAV) SGT EGAN, A.E. (W/T) SGT HARRIS, R (B/A) SGT JOHNSON, C (F/E) SGT HODGES, R.H. (M/U) SGT MINOGUE, J (R/G)	"	2238	0447	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0126 hrs. 22000 ft. 023 deg. mag. 145 MPH IAS. 10/10 tops about 15000 ft. Horizontal - viz. good. Green steady tracking flare - red/green R/P flares. Fires and explosion under cloud - nickels dropped - 0123 hrs enormous explosion in centre of target. Attack appeared scattered.
"	LM301 "O"	W/O SMITH, E.W. (CAPT) SGT STREET, L.C.J. (NAV) SGT COLLES, J.W.L. (W/T) P/O NEWMAN, W.H. (B/A) SGT VAN-HAL, K. (F/E) SGT PARKES, G. (M/U) SGT LUKE, A.G. (R/G)	"	2237	0050	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned 5300N 0044E 2315 hrs. 15000 ft. Startboard outer engine over heating coolant temp. 125 deg. and A/C would not climb over 15800 ft. rudder trim iced up. 1x4000 lb. safe 5330N 0240E 2357 hrs. 16000 ft.
"	ED972 "R"	SGT CURRIE, J.A. (CAPT) P/O CASSIDY, J. (NAV) SGT FAIRBAIRN, C. (W/T) F/S MYRING, H.E. (B/A) SGT WALKER, G. (F/E) SGT PROTHEROE, V.G. (M/U) SGT LANHAM, C.W. (R/G)	"	2242	0437	Load 1x4000 lb. HCNI. 2x1000 lb. MC. 1x1000 lb. MCLD. 570x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 48x30 lb. inc. 0117 hrs. 21000 ft. 037 deg. mag. 170 MPH IAS. 10/10 tops about 10000 ft. Green steady tracking flare red/green R/P flares. Concentrated glow of fires under cloud - nickels dropped. Good concentration of fires and many heavy explosions.

9/10 July 1943

GELSENKIRCHEN (details to follow)

418 aircraft - 218 Lancasters, 190 Halifaxes, 10 Mosquitoes. 12 aircraft - 7 Halifaxes and 5 Lancasters lost, 2.9% of the force.

12 Squadron losses - 1; Sgt Jerries and crew

12/13 July 1943

TURIN

295 Lancasters of 1, 5 and 8 Groups. 13 Lancasters lost, 4.4% of the force. The main weight of this raid fell just north of Turin's centre in clear weather conditions. This raid was to be the heaviest by Bomber Command during the 10 raids made on the city during the war. There were many electrical storms to and from the target and many aircraft were airborne for over 10 hours. My grandfather F/S Tom Forbes, Sgt Alfred Hales, Sgt William Thomas and Sgt George Deasley were tragically killed on the return trip when they crashed into the Bay of Biscay. I suspect we will never know what happened but they were possibly intercepted by night fighters known to have been patrolling off the Brest penisular.

12 Squadron losses - 1; F/S Forbes and crew

DATE	AIRCRAFT	CREW	DUTY	TIME - UP / DOWN		DETAILS OF SORTIE OR FLIGHT
12/13.7.43	ED672 "B"	F/O BOOTH, A (CAPT) F/S BROWN, S.V. (NAV) SGT BISH, A.R. (W/T) F/S SHORT, A.R. (B/A) SGT STACEY, M (F/E) SGT WILDBORE, R (M/U) F/S FRASER, N.R. (R/G)	Bombing Turin	2216	0944 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0151 hrs. 16000 ft. 195 deg. mag. 180 MPH IAS. No cloud V.G. Vertical vis. Red/Green T.I's visual identification also. When target left a good concentrated fire area visible. Our bomb appeared to fall within 50 yds of red T.I. Easy trip with no snag. Details of town easily discernible.
"	JA865 "U"	P/O LAWRENCE, G.O.R. (CAPT) F/O KETTLES, W.M. (NAV) SGT JACKSON, A. (W/T) F/S CRUSE, B.C. (B/A) SGT HILL, W.C. (F/E) SGT EVANS, P.H.J. (M/U) P/O EDWARDS, J.I. (R/G)	"	2213	1010 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0202 hrs. 18000 ft. 200 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Red/Green T.I. markers. A terrific explosion on West bank of river at 0157 hrs. and many concentrated fires. There were many static storms en route to and from target, but over the target it was clear, and the target was burning well.
"	W4991 "Q"	F/S BROWN, M.G. (CAPT) F/S PRITCHET, M (NAV) SGT BROOKS, E (W/T) F/S KAUTER, F.G. (B/A) SGT EVANS, J.H. (F/E) SGT BINDER, R.F. (M/U) F/S DUNSHEA, S.M. (R/G)	"	2226	1150 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0201 hrs. 19500 ft. 135 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS.No cloud. Vis. quite good except for smoke base. Green tracking flares. Good concentration of fires over a small area, with some scattered incendaries on run up. "Seemed a very good show". PFF did a good job of work. Yellow T.I's seen on track on return route.
"	DV185 "D"	SGT MCMILLAN, D.J. (CAPT) F/S HESKETH, K.G. (NAV) SGT ORR, G.A. (W/T) F/S HALL (112), C.W. (B/A) SGT REES, C.E. (F/E) SGT GERSHAW, J (M/U) SGT MYERS, L (R/G)	"	2219	0834	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0204 hrs. 17000 ft. 250 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Red T.I. markers. Fires appeared concentrated. Nickels dropped. "Quite a good attack".
"	ED995 "X"	F/O WRIGHT, F.J (CAPT) F/O SANDERS, E.V. (NAV) SGT HONE, (W/T) P/O YOUNG, P.H.W. (B/A) SGT SMITH, W (F/E) SGT HEATH, R.S. (M/U) SGT SHRIMPTON, G.W. (R/G)	"	2214	0802 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0158 hrs. 16000 ft. 120 deg. mag. 170 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Red/Green T.I's tracking flares en route. Good concentrated fire area. "Good trip".
"	EE133 "P"	F/S MIZON, W.F. (CAPT) SGT STENBORG, H.O. (NAV) F/S PURSLOW, G.W. (W/T) SGT TURNER, H.T. (B/A) SGT PECKHAM, J.E. (F/E) F/O HADDINGHAM, (M/U) F/S CURRAN, W (R/G)	"	2225	0821	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. No cloud. Good visibility. Red T.I. markers. A red T.I. marker in bomb sights seen to cascade. A good concentration of fires. "Should prove a good attack".
"	DV168 "F"	S/LDR SLADE, F.B. (CAPT) P/O CARPENTER, G.R. (NAV) F/S MACINTYRE, J.F. (W/T) F/S MANNING, C.W. (B/A) SGT BAXTER, P.D. (F/E) SGT MILTON, P.R. (M/U) SGT PROUSE, N.F. (R/G)	"	2217	1025 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0155 hrs. 16000 ft. 168 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Green flames over lake. Red/Green T.I. markers. Many big fires in target area PFF 2 or 3 mins. late and green flares over late "bang on" should be a very concentrated attack. Nickels dropped.
"	DV171 "K"	P/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) F/S MILLER, A.S. (R/G)	"	2218	0940 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0154 hrs. 15000 ft. 165 deg. mag. 190 MPH IAS. No cloud. Green flares over lake and red T.I. markers. Red T.I. markers in bombsights seen to cascade at 0153 hrs. Many well concentrated fires - nickels dropped.
"	EE142 "G"	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) P/O BRITNELL, J.B. (R/G)	"	2216	0752 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0202 hrs. 18500 ft. 140 deg. mag. 180 MPH IAS. No cloud. V.G. visibility. Red/Green T.I's illumination made visual identification possible. Good concentration of fire in town particularly large explosion in centre of fire area at 0158 hrs. with orange flames and bellowing. "A first class prang".
"	ED424 "E2"	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)	"	2231	0350	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. Mission abandoned. 4755 0408 near Dijon 0050 hrs. 10000 ft. The port engine (inner) U/S due to being hit flak and the temperatues of starboard outer were up to 130 degs. making impossible to maintain height 1x4000 HC 40x40 lb. inc. 5 SBC all jettisoned safe (4755N 0408E West of Dijon). 0052 hrs, 10000 ft. The 4000 lb. HC did not go off. Nickels dropped.
"	ED392 "D2"	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)	"	2230	0757 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0212hrs. 15500 ft. 180 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. V.G. visibility red/green T.I's. Concentration of fire in the town. But many bomb loads seen to have been placed on outskirts "Quite a successful trip outward, starboard inner engine packed up approx. 50 miles west of St. Nazaire. C.S.V. stuck in fully coure - TH 1420.
"	LM321 "H2"	F/O WOOD, V (CAPT) P/O KIRKBY, L.H. (NAV) SGT CRUICKSHANK, W (W/T) SGT WOOD, G.H. (B/A) SGT DAVIES, C.G. (F/E) SGT WILKINSON, J.R. (M/U) SGT COLL, R.B. (R/G)	"	2234	0920 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0208 hrs. 17000 ft. 165 deg. mag. 160 MPH IAS. No cloud. Visibility very good. Red/green T.I's. River identified. Good area of fire seemed to be gaining hold. Nickels dropped. "A very successful trip".
"	DV166 "K2"	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)	"	2223	0825	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0157 hrs. 18000 ft. 135 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. 2/10 thin cloud tops 8/10000 ft. V.C. vis. Fiat works in sight. Good area of fire in town - glow seen 40 miles away after leaving target. Nickels dropped. Attack would appear to be developing into a good show. Novel experience of identifying features of town, clearly.
"	LM328 "F2"	F/S FORBES, T.B. (CAPT) SGT MATTHEWS, L.A. (NAV) SGT MITCHELL, L.D. (W/T) SGT THOMAS, W.F. (B/A) SGT HALES, A (F/E) SGT SOUTHON, E (M/U) SGT DEASLEY, G.A. (R/G)	"	2235	-	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. MISSING.
"	LM301 "O"	F/S KROEMER, L.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 REES, E.T.M. (R/G)	"	2232	0729	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0223 hrs. 18000 ft. 170 deg. mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. Good visibility. Green markers T.I's and river. One area appeared a mass of flames and many other fires scattered around this area. Nickels dropped. We bombed late and there was one very big area on fire and other fires scattered in target area. "Should be a very good show".
"	DV190 "B2"	SGT BORLAND, J (CAPT) SGT PURMAL, (NAV) SGT MCKENZIE, D (W/T) SGT SNELLING, D.C.G. (B/A) SGT PHILLIPS, D (F/E) SGT WALKER, (M/U) SGT ADAIR, L.J. (R/G)	"	2236	1030 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0201 hrs. 15000 ft. 140 deg. mag. 165 MPH IAS. No cloud. Much smoke haze green tracking flares and red/green T.I's. A good concentration of fires around area marked T.I's with several big red glows. "Proved a highly successful raid".
"	W4990 "V"	F/O SNELL, (CAPT) SGT RUSSELL, D.H. (NAV) SGT COPPING, I.J. (W/T) P/O BRAYBROOK, D.E. (B/A) SGT HEATH, L.W. (F/E) SGT BENNETT, R.J. (M/U) SGT MATTHEWS, I (R/G)	"	2229	0845 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0202 hrs. 18000 ft. 145 deg. mag. 155 MPH IAS. No cloud. Green flares over lake and red/green T.I's. Fires appeared very concentrated and burning well. PFF were on time "Should be a very good show".
"	DV187 "A"	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.A. (M/U) SGT JONES (506) W.E. (R/G)	"	2224	0807	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0211 hrs. 16000 ft. 210 deg. mag. 150 MPH IAS. No cloud. Vis impaired by smoke - red/green T.I's. Own bomb bursts in centre of fire area - considerable concentrated fire area. "Uneventful outward and homeward trip". Looked like a well concentrated attack.
"	JA864 "B"	SGT GREEN, L.E.F. (CAPT) SGT TURNER, W (NAV) SGT DODDS, A.W. (W/T) SGT HUMPHRIES, G.J. (B/A) SGT MOORE, V.C. (F/E) SGT PYLE, T (M/U) SGT DOWNS, R (R/G)	"	2228	0925 Wymeswold	Load 1x4000 lb. 6 S.B.C x 30 lb. 4 x X.B.C's x 4 lb. 40x30 lb. inc. Weather clear over target. Vis. very good T.I. markers seen. Bombing generally concentrated. Large fire in the southern part of concentration. "A very good and successful trip".
"	EE202 "L"	W/CDR WOOD, R.S.C. (CAPT) SGT RABETT, R.P. (2nd Pilot) SGT O'REILLY, J. (NAV) SGT DAVIES, R. (W/T) SGT GRATWICK, R.E. (B/A) SGT ROBERTS, T. (F/E) SGT CROXON, E.W. (M/U) SGT DAVIDSON, L.D. (R/G)	"	2227	1018 Chiv.	Load 1x4000 lb. HC 420x4 lb. 30x4 lb. 'x' 40x30 lb. inc. 0157 hrs. 17000 ft. 185 deg. mag. 185 MPH IAS. Vertical visibility good. Green tracking flares and red/green T.I's. A good concentration of fires and much smoke. Nickels dropped. "A pretty good show". Weather difficult en route in cloud practically all the way there and back.