Sergeant E M Jones's diary
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Sergeant E M Jones's diary
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Diary describing his bombing and minelaying operations, covering the period 20/10/1941-01/06/1942.
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One booklet with 71 handwritten pages
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
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PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF SGT. E M JONES WOP/AC
WHILE OPERATING ON 101 SQUADRON
IT MAY CONSIST OF SEVERAL WINES BUT EVEN SO THEY ARE TRUE
Signed SGT.
ANTWERP 20/10/1941
My captain was Johnny Page and second pilot Brian Wrampling. We took off at 18.00 hrs. on the 20/10/41 in Wellington a/c 'C for Charlie' and as it was a daylight take-off there were no outstanding thrills attached to it.
The weather was good and there was a full moon. Everyone seemed rather excited as we left the English coast as only the skipper had crossed it before and he as a second pilot. It was a grand sight and caused one to feel rather proud of it.
All the way across I was busy with one thing and another so for me at least the time went very quickly.
As we approached the Dutch coast Johnny yelled over the i/c something about turning back. Hearing this I made my way forward to see what was wrong. Noticing me he pointed to the starboard engine which I noticed was burning very fiercely. Curiously enough I wasn’t the least bit scared but when I think of it now I had every reason to be.
Well I got through to base and gave them all the gen telling them we would try and get back if it was at all possible. From that moment until we landed, the crew spoke only when they had to. They were probably busy with their own thoughts.
Well, we got down safely and were complimented by the Wing Commander on a good job of work. With all due modesty I agree with him as we were only fresh-men.
AIRCRAFT = "C- CHARLIE"
CAPTAIN = JOHNNY PAGE
2nd PILOT = BRIAN WRAMPLING OBSERVER = GEORGE DOWNER WIRELESS = SELF
FRONT A/C = RAY FINUCANE REAR
A/C JOCK FERGUSON
FLYING HOURS = 3-10
BOULOGNE 30/10/41
On the 30/10/41 we set off at 20.35 hrs. for Boulogne. Our skipper this time was Colin Diemer as Johnny had been reported missing from a previous operation.
Well everything went well until we were leaving the target. There I discovered that the wireless was u/s and that George our navigator was completely lost. Anyway it was a grand night so we thought we'd chance it and try our hand at map reading.
We were doing very well until we were about 20 miles off the English coast. Then for the first time in my life I had a taste of what Jerry was to go through when he attacks our convoys. Boy it was hell! We were only 2,000 ft.up and their three supporting flak ships gave us everything they had. It was a man in the moon's eye view of Guy Fawkes night.
We did some pretty hectic evasion or evasive tactics and ended up about 500ft from the drink (sea). We were so low I began to feel sea sick!
Well we cleared the sea- weed away and soon we were in view of Orfordness. Was happy.
Soon we were in sight of our base so I prepared myself for the landing. This usually consists of strapping myself in grasping the fire extinguisher in one hand and a parachute in the other. In my spare time I pray like hell. Well, we landed and that was that.
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN 2nd. PILOT WIRELESS OBSERVER FRONT A/G REAR A/G = "B - BEER"
= COLIN DIEMER
= BRIAN WRAIVIPLING = SELF
= GEORGE DOWNER = RAY FINUCANE
= JOCK FERGUSON
FLYING HOURS = 4.30
DUNKIRK 9/11/41
This trip was destined to be a very quiet and successful one but unfortunately we are not to know these things. In some cases it's just as well!
We reached the target without mishap and took our time over the run up. There was very little opposition and what there was pretty weak. Besides when one is at 19,000 ft. one does feel rather brave.
We bombed and oh boy, what a mess we made of the docks. it was too good a sight to fly away from so we circled around and gloated over the sight of fires and explosions. Believe it it did our hearts good!
We arrived back at base and shot a horrible line to the intelligence officer. He believed us (I hope!)
Our second pilot was Davies as Brian was missing from a raid on. Bed in. Here's hoping he'll come back some day!
AIRCRAFT = "R - ROBERT"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = BILL DAVIES
REMAINDER OF CREW THE SAME
FLYING HOURS =2.55
HAMBURGH 30/11/41
Unlike our previous trip this was destined to be our last but not quite. On our way out, that is to say 50 miles from the English coast we sighted a ME 109E.(Note. I said WE sighted it!). If it had been the other way around I shouldn’t be writing this epistle.
Shaken but not perturbed, yet too scared to turn back we went on and once again ran into trouble. This time three of 'em! Three mind you. Half of them were Ju's 88( the other half were Ju's 88 too!)
This is where the crew spirit came in, the one time when English, Welsh, Irish and Scots pulled together. Jock with what must have been a super- human effort from his part refrained from spitting (sorry, I mean firing).
The Jerries opened up and did their darndest to get us between themselves and the moon. Thanks to the skill and courage of our skipper (line) we turned the tables on them. We turned towards the dark part of the sky, jettisoned the bombs and beat it back for home.
We hadn’t gone very far when we encountered another Ju 88 but fortunately he didn’t see us.
To any of you who may read this you might decide that I'm the greatest shooter of lines under the sun but I can prove otherwise by stating that when I returned to base I reported sick and was detained in hospital for a month. No, I was' nt shot up, it was just boils. Ten for every fighter!
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DTFMER
2nd. PILOT = JOHNNY HUNT
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING HOURS = 5.45
BREST 9/01/42
On being released from hospital I returned to find George our navigator had been replaced by Peter Baker. Heaven's what a man! He's the only fellow in the aircraft who doesn’t know where he is. Mind you there’s no half measures with Peter, when he's lost he's lost good and proper. If he ever took part in a game of hide and seek he'd never be found. Still he's a grand guy!
We got to the target, bombed it good and hard, then for some unknown reason we got lost again. Wonders never cease do they? Still, that was just a sprat to catch a Mackerel. You will hear "lost" and "Peter" so often in my future communiques you'll think they're relations.
AIRCRAFT = “Z- ZEBRA"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = ED. EARLY
OBSERVER = PETER BAKER
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.20
WILHELMSHAVEN 10/01/42
I hate to say I told you so but I did! Peter is in the limelight again!
We took off at 16.30 hrs. for Wilhelmshaven and sailed into the night feeling as pleased as a dog with two tails. Unfortunately, our happiness was short- lived.
It was 40 below zero that night and the trouble started with Jock's guns being iced up. We were at 14,000 ft. at the time and he cleared his faults with no protection against frost- bite. He used to be a steeple- jack heaven's, he needed to be.
Now it's my turn to collect a few DFM's. My wireless went for a burton about Mrs. before reaching the target. This was fatal because it was Peter's sole support. I worked on it for what seemed years and got it going again.
In the meantime Peter had been up to his tricks again. His oxygen plug had become disconnected and he was really drunk through the want of it. He had us going around in circles over the target and gave Colin a course on which he was to fly for three years. I was worried because I knew our rations wouldn’t last that long, it was two years old already! Anyway, he brought it down to three days. This didn’t seem to satisfy the skipper though for the life of me I couldn’t see why. Look at the flying hours we would have got in.
Well Peter had lost his calendar so he glanced at his watch and going from the sublime to the ridiculous said 3 minutes. Then looking for the world like a sick dog he resumed his seat at the navigator's table.
Now it was Paddy's turn to scare us. He's our front gunner and every time he opens his mouth we prepare ourselves for the worst. it came, he was frost bitten it seems in both hands. They say where there's no sense there's no feeling so heaven alone knows how he discovered he had it.
What a crew, half of them u/s and the other half useless.
Strangely enough, despite his condition Peter's navigation was even better than usual
so with a little wireless aid we finally arrived at the drome. There we were met by Wing cs. Biggs, Doc Ross, the fire tender, ambulance and NAAFI wagon. The Wingco wept on our shoulders while Doc did his best to thaw Paddy out. Or did I thawed it all (hm). Funny aren’t I
AIRCRAFT = "N - NUTS"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = ED. EARLY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.15
HAMBURGH 14/01/42
Well this trip was very quiet indeed, at least as far as navigation is concerned. We arrived at Hamburgh and had a very warm reception. Searchlights and flak seemed to be everywhere, they certainly do things in a big way out there. Even so there wasn’t a mark on the kite which says a lot for the skipper's evasive action. We bombed the target and Peter took a wizard photograph. Usually it was one of a field, cloud or sea but this one was different. We took our hats off to him.
As I said before this trip was a piece of cake and I have no line to tell (unfortunately), Still, I probably will have before I finish my tour of operations.
AIRCRAFT = “S- SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = SGT. NORRIS
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.45
MUNSTER 22/01/42
This was a new target for me so I didn’t know what to expect. I'd heard rumours of it's defences and night fighters so I thought and expected the worst.
It would have been a nice trip if my wireless had behaved itself Every now and again it would just go off and each time it did I had visions of the signals officer's face and tried all the harder to put it right. He was my inspiration (hmm)
Well I did it and was I pleased! We bombed the target and made a good job of it. The defences were not so hot but I wasn’t at all disappointed. No sir, targets can't be too quiet for me.
Well we arrived back safely at base and enjoyed our cup of rum and coffee. I must try some coffee with my next lot!
AIRCRAFT = "N - NUTS"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = SGT. LAWRENCE
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.45
DAYLIGHT SEARCH FOR SCHARNHORST AND GNEISENAU
12/02/42
Now for the greatest war story ever written.
I was enjoying a glass of beer in the mess one dinner time when the squadron leader barged in and informed me and the remainder of the crew that we were wanted right away to do some flying. That was rather unusual so I made further enquiries and was
calmly told that we were to find and sink the Scharnhorst or Gneisenau he said either because we didn’t want to take all the credit.
It seems we had to formate on three other aircraft from a nearby drome so we felt a lot braver. Well we went over to Oakington and got ready to take off. Just as we were about to do so we had a chat with the "GC" and heard we wouldn’t have any fighter protection. I wasn’t in the least bit worried because it only meant getting them out of tight corners (much!)
It wasn’t much of a day for flying because the cloud base was about 500ft. Anyway we got cracking and hung about until the other three aircraft made their appearance. They did eventually so we tagged on behind.
We followed them until we were well out to sea then they went through a cloud and we lost them altogether. This wasn’t so good because it meant us fighting the German Navy on our own. Still, we had one hope left, we had to find them and with Peter navigating there was a good chance of us not.
We stooged around for what seemed years at 500ft. but saw no trace of anything that looked like a ship. I kept my fingers crossed and hoped we never would. We didn’t!
It was pretty hopeless going on as we were because 500ft. is no place to be when two cruisers are opening up on you. So we came home.
This may not sound very thrilling but believe me, I wouldn’t like to go through it again.
AIRCRAFT = "U - UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = DICK CHAUNDY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE FLYING TIME = 3.40
ESSEN 8/03/ 42
This as everyone knows is rather a hot spot but when a crew gives them something to shoot at it's certainly laughing at death. It was really a wizard trip for reasons which I can't mention here. We got to the target on time and found things going nicely. We took our run up and Cohn opened the bomb doors. As he did so every searchlight for miles picked us up and held us for at least 10 mins. It was really a shaky do but we got away with it.
Well we did our job and made for home. About half an hour after leaving the target the front gunner thought he saw a light which seemed to be coming from our aircraft. Colin checked up and found that the landing lights were on. It's little wonder we were the centre of attraction.
Naturally we got back safely, thank heavens.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = DICK CHAUNDY
FRONT GUNNER = SGT. SUMMERS
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.40
ESSEN 25/03/42
Once again this trip was rather tame except for a small incident which however may be worth mentioning.
We were trying out a new oxygen mask, a rubber one, which proved in time to be a complete failure. We were about 21,000 ft. and nearing the target when Paddy yelled that his oxygen lead had frozen up and that he felt ill.
Well, the wireless operator carries a spare mask so I went forward to help him. I had to more or less lift lam out of the turret and 1 might add he's no lightweight. Well, managed that but by doing so I caught my oxygen lead in some obstruction and tore the mask off my face. Hell was I in a stew. Moving around normally without oxygen is no easy matter but when you have to carry a large but dim front gunner it's beyond a joke.
I managed it somehow and planted him in my seat until he revived. In the meantime I. did a spot of reviving myself
After bombing we made for home and on nearing the Dutch coast we saw what we thought to be one of our boys being shot down. We learnt afterwards that it was a Jerry fighter.
AIRCRAFT = "S- SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = JACK MAHONEY
FRONT A/G = RAY FINUCANE REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.40
COLOGNE 05/04/42
This was realty the worst trip I've ever been on up to the present. If I do experience any worse then I shall have to finish writing this series. Dead we don't talk, they don't write either.
Before taking off I lent Paddy my silk gloves because he had lost his and would feel cold without them. This left me with just one pair of acid burnt gloves. Still I didn’t think I'd need it because I'm usually quite warm. I was wrong.
Well we took off in good spirits and sailed into the night_ It was a good night and we looked forward to a good trip.
All went well until we were at 20,000 ft. then the heating packed up. That did it!
I went down to open the camera hatch doors and my hands very nearly froze to the handle. Boy it was cold! I tried several times but I had to give it up. we were nearing the target then so I laid down on my tummy ready to drop the flares and that didn’t help matters. I began to shiver like a jelly.
When all the fun was over I made my way back to the W 0 P's position and did my best to thaw myself out. I banged my hands against the steel plating behind my seat but I couldn’t feel a thing
Peter suggested that I drank some hot coffee which was rather a good idea. This however wasn’t so easy as the top of the flask was iced up. Peter came to my rescue and I enjoyed my first taste of iced coffee.
This helped a little but I still couldn’t feel my hands. I made an effort to send Morse but my sending was so bad I could not read it myself
It was about 40 below zero at the time and I was so cold I could barely speak. My teeth chattered so I took them out but still made funny noises with my gums. You'd never see a more miserable object in all your life. Al least that is what the crew seem to think.
Colin came to me and started to give my hands a rub. That helped a lot and soon I felt the circulation come back. That was about half an hour before landing, just in time to get a QDM.
It was a real nightmare and I never wish to experience such a thing again.
AIRCRAFT = S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DEEMER 2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 525
ESSEN 10/04/42
The same old spot again! The aircrews paradise.
I've nothing very much to say about this trip because we did'nt reach the target. We were at 7,000 ft. when the heating packed up. It was decided that we'd carry on for a little while and if it did'nt come back we'd return
Well, we got up to 21,000 ft. but nothing happened. With the last trips' experiences in mind we decided to turn back. I was'nt sorry.
We landed safely and that's that.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DEIMER
2ND. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 2.45
ESSEN 12/04/42
Yes you're quite right, it's the same again. If there's anything left to bomb there 1 wouldn’t mind but honestly, there can't be.
Well we took of at 22.30 hrs. and climbed to 10,000 ft. by the time we reached the coast. Not bad going and what's more the heating was working. Phew! I should say it was.
We crossed the Channel and as we reached. Dunkirk we were 22,000 ft. A safe height you might say, huh, I thought so too but I was wrong! The defences were pretty hot and even though we did everything to avoid it we were hit in the starboard wing the results of which put the rear turret U/S. It was useless going any further in that condition so we circled the town took a wizard photograph and made for base.
When we arrived there we were told to circle the beacon until given permission to land. If we had waited for that we would be up there still. We kept going around for nearly two hours and by this time we were pretty sick of it. It was just like going around in a run-away Noah's Ark.
Eventually we were told to go over to Water Beach and land there. Boy it was a pleasure, We did this and were given transport back to this place.
A funny thing happened over at this drome. Just as Dick Chaundy and his crew stepped out of their aircraft it went up in smoke. Did I say funny? Sorry, I take that back!
AIRCRAFT = M- MOTHER"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 3.55
GARDENING 13/04/42
This trip was really a "piece of cake" because it needed no oxygen masks and there was little chance of opposition. It was just like a night cross- country.
We found the spot dropped the -eggs" and slowly made for our base. We took it quietly because we wanted to bring our flying times up.
Cunning aren’t we!!
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.40
DORTMUND 15/04/42
During this trip we reached a height which has not yet been beaten on this Squadron 23,000 ft. That's a awful depth to be up isn’t it!
It was my first visit to this place so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I wasn’t long finding out. From the moment we hit the French coast until we left the target we were fired at. Oh boy, what a reception!
Once again we were hit by flak and once again it was Jock's turret that had it. Poor chap I did feel sorry for him. He was oil from head to foot and it was 6 inches deep on the floor of his turret. It was bitter cold and it had ruined his oxygen supply, this wasn’t so good but Jock can take it.
Ever tried paddling in oil? Ask Jock what he thinks of it! In fact I dare you to.
Well, we did our duty and made for home. Everything went well and we were given permission to land. It was really then that the thrills started!
Colin made a beautiful approach and knowing him I prepared myself for what was to come. It did!
We went sailing along the runway and it was just on the last part of it that he realised he wasn’t on the deck yet. He put her down eventually but he hadn’t a lot of spare ground left so he swung off to the left, bounced across a grass verge and stopped right on a dispersal point.
The strange thing is he was meant to be dispersed there! Queer isn’t it?
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.05
HAMBURGH 17/04/42
N.B.- Only persons who don't have nightmares should read this. No not you Mamma!
We set off for Hamburgh and little did we know what was in front of us. The Wing Co was going on this trip so we thought it might be a easy one. It was but not for us!
It was a cake walk until we reached the mouth of the Elbe then the fun started. The ground defences gave us everything they had and then some more. We did our usual evasive action and threw the kite all over the sky. It's a large sky!
Johnny, our 2nd. Pilot dropped out some screaming incendiary bombs and that gave them something to think about. The trouble is they don't think long enough.
Well, we got out of that and made for our main target which we could see in the distance. See it, I should say you could. There were about 60 searchlights coned over the town and we had to fly through them. This is where I close my eyes!
We were shot at no matter where we went and at one time we nearly had it. Colin trying to avoid the flak and searchlights did such a steep turn to port that the engine cut. I opened me eyes again and saw the sight of my life. The whole town was ablaze.
Peter got ready for bombing and soon we had dropped our little load. We took two photographs and flew North. Unfortunately, we kept flying North. I checked the petrol and found it was rather low. Peter admitted he was lost, not that he had to, knew it. I got him a wireless fix and do you know we weren’t even on his map. We were somewhere over Denmark!! That's a pleasant thought when one has only a few gallons of petrol left.
Well, we set course and I went through to Hull (not Hell) and warned them about our danger. They took it very nicely (huh!)
We stooged on until our engines cut and we had to pull our reserve tanks. That meant we had a 100 galls and about 150 miles to go. Some race this was going to be!
I got through and sent a "SOS" and was I hot under the collar. At the same time we were diverted to the nearest drome which was Driffield, Yorks. I got cracking on an ODM and I must say the attention I had was really splendid.
The Skipper told Paddy to come out of his turret and to stand near the asrta dome. We were all to don our parachutes. We did!
I went up to the front and gazed out of the window. All I could see was sea and mist. Ugh! the sea looked cold!
We kept going and lo and behold the coast grew larger in front of us. We had made it! If the worst came to the worst we'd only have to jump.
Suddenly, our skipper saw a beacon and that meant a drome. We called over the R.T and we were given permission to land. I was busy cancelling my S.O.S so I didn’t know much about it.
We landed safe and sound and were given such a welcome that I could have cried. This story may not impress you but I've never been nearer to death yet!
I frankly admit that I'd never prayed so hard. The rest of the crew did some praying too. It helps you know!
* We lost two crew that night Eddie House and Ron Cowley. Both good guys!
* It might interest you to know that I was proud of our crew that night. Nobody lost his head and that's half the battle.
*{ This was written at a different time because in different colour ink!}
AIRCRAFT = K - KITTY" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER 2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.45
COLOGNE 22/04/42
Peter did marvels on this trip, he took us to the target and brought us back without a hitch or wireless assistance. It was really a joy- ride and the only hot time we had was over the target.
We bombed and dropped a photo- flash. That did it! They gave us hell for the next five minutes and Colin did wonders with the aircraft. On one occasion he stall- turned it and I thought we'd had it. Every thing in the kite turned upside down, the crew with it.
Yes it was a trip in a million and quite a pleasant change. May they all be the same.
We landed at base and took a liberal helping of rum. Then went off to bed to sleep it off.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.20
ROSTOCK 23/04/42
I wasn’t very keen on this trip because it was so far away. It was a seven hour stooge and our kites have a duration of seven and a half hours at only 100 gals per hour. It was going to be a tight squeeze. It wasn’t.
We took off at 22.55 pm and sailed into the night. Everything went like clockwork so every one was happy. We flew at 8,000 ft. until we reached the enemy coast then climbed to 15,000 ft. We met with little or no opposition and was soon within sight of the target.
Oh, boy what a sight. I felt really sorry for them. The only defence they had was about six heavy guns and a few light ones. I saw no searchlights but I was told they had two. God it was slaughter!
We flew over the centre of the town and dropped our eggs. The sight as we left made me feel sick. Whole streets were going up in flames and our rear gunner counted eleven big and about seven small tires.
Lots of flares and photo- flashes were dropped and Peter had the presence of mind to keep the camera turning over. The result was that although we only dropped two flashes ourselves we had four photographs. Good old Peter!
Well we got back home without mishap and I must say it was my best rip yet.
We lost one aircraft. - Xray" whose skipper was Dick Chaundey an ex- 2nd. pilot
of ours.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd, PILOT = I. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 7.15
PARIS 29/04/42
This actually is the place where a certain Wing Commander went to and called a "piece of cake". Strangely enough he spoke the truth!
My skipper was on leave when I went on this stooge so in many ways it wasn’t as pleasant as it might have been, not by a long way. Not that Archie Callender isn’t good but there was something lacking. For instance he never before taking off asked over the inter/com if we were "all set". It's only a small point but it showed lack of interest. I felt rather lonely.
Well to a bad start we went into the night,
I thought I'd create a good impression by giving the navigator assistance which would be more than necessary but once again I was foiled. The whole loop system was u/s and even though I changed all the valves it was of no avail,
It was a lovely night, a full moon was shining and just as we crossed the French coast I counted four Wellingtons going into the fray. It was like daylight and could be seen quite plainly. Too plainly.
We reached the target ten minutes before zero hour so we circled the city and did a spot of sight seeing. Paris is a wonderful sight in the moonlight especially from the air.
Zero was drawing near so we set off to do our job of work.
Oh yes, our second pilot was old Pilkie the navigational officer. He didn’t know the first thing about anything so I had to do all the dirty work.
I pushed out the photo- flash, threw out the leaflets and it was only by the skin of my teeth that I saved myself going out with them.
Well, we found and bombed the target despite the efforts of at least half a dozen heavy guns and some light flak. They even had a searchlight or two. Lucky people, they were better off than Rostock!
It was soon over and soon we went to base. We circled for a long time because of under- cart trouble and then landed.
As the Wing Commander would say, it's a piece of cake"!
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN 2nd. PILOT OBSERVER F/GUNNER R/GUNNER "H - HARRY"
P/O CALLENDER DOIG
F/Lt. PILKINGTON SGT. YOUNG
SGT. WIGHAM
FLYING TIME = 5.00
GARDENING 22/05/42
This was really a stooge, only a few flak ships scattered about and although one was pretty close it was nothing to speak about.
We couldn’t lay our eggs because the weather was so bad so we came back. As I said before it was a stooge!
* I must add that on this trip the pilot of the aircraft was ill so I flew the kite for 15 minutes over the French defences. I quite enjoyed it too! I doubt if the crew did. *{This was in different colour ink, blue as before. An afterthought?)
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN OBSERVER F/GUNNER R/GUNNER = "Z - ZEBRA"
= BERNARD EARLY = GEORGE DONNER = JIM JUSTICE
= WALTER FERGUSON
FLYING TIME = 6.35
COLOGNE 30/05/42
Over 1,300 aircraft took part in this raid so it was a pleasure. As usual we were the first on the scene and a little early so we circled the target for 10 minutes. Heroes all!
Well, it was soon our bombing time so we went in and did our best. It was good!
Our one danger that night was our own aircraft. Gosh, they were everywhere. We even went in bombing in formation. A Stirling to our port and two Wellingtons on our starboard.
We left the target in a hell of a mess. It was on fire from end to end. That's one place we won't have to visit again, I hope!
AIRCRAFT = "U - UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = BERNARD EARLY REMAINDER OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.10
ESSEN 01/06/42
This is our second night of the 1,000 aircraft effort and once again I have a story to tell. Boy, what a story!
It was Essen again, the home of every German searchlight and. ack- ack gun. Thousands of 'em.
Well, we got there quite safely and had a hell of a reception, There were aircraft everywhere but not all ours. We were chased by a JU88 which opened fire on us. Jock returned the fire and the Jerry did a strategic withdrawal. It reminded me of the British Army.(Puss!)
We got caught in the searchlights and were hit by gunfire. Poor old Bernard he worked like a trojan. He had to!
On being hit Jock's turret doors were blown open so I had to go back and close them. Believe me I didn’t like it!
Well, we got out of that and made a dart for home. Unfortunately we had to cross a fighter belt. About 10 miles from the Dutch coast I noticed a vapour trail above us and asked Jock to keep his eye on it.
Perhaps it's just as well he did because 10 miles after crossing the coast the fighter who was causing the vapour trail came in to attack. Old Jock yelled "tally- ho" and even though the Jerry was firing he waited until it was 150 ft. off his tail before he gave three short bursts.
I was standing in the Astro- dome and was fascinated by the sight of Jock's tracer disappearing into the Jerry's belly. It seemed to hang in mid-air for a while then plunge into the sea in flames. I went through to group with the news and they replied with-"Good Work"!
That bit of fun over we soon reached the English coast and missed Jerry returning by a few inches. They had been bombing Ipswich and were making for home as fast as they could go. I don't blame them, we were doing the same thing.
Well that's my story and I now add that Jock got his DFM for his night's work. He deserved it too!
* { This is in red ink--obviously done sometime later!}
NB. The attached cutting may convince you that my story is more or less true.
AIRCRAFT = U- UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = BERNARD EARLY REMAINDER OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 3.50
Yes, Essen again but this time I have nothing to write about. It was really a quite trip except of course over the target.
There we experienced the usual heavy gunfire and searchlights We were untouched After the previous trip it was a pleasure.
Once again to the aircrew's delight! This is my seventh visit so I feel quite at home there. We had rather a scare this time because the flares in the bomb racks caught fire. They were jettisoned at once so they hardly had time to set the aircraft on fire. Even so it was a horrible feeling and it scared me.
In future I shall carry my parachute!
WHILE OPERATING ON 101 SQUADRON
IT MAY CONSIST OF SEVERAL WINES BUT EVEN SO THEY ARE TRUE
Signed SGT.
ANTWERP 20/10/1941
My captain was Johnny Page and second pilot Brian Wrampling. We took off at 18.00 hrs. on the 20/10/41 in Wellington a/c 'C for Charlie' and as it was a daylight take-off there were no outstanding thrills attached to it.
The weather was good and there was a full moon. Everyone seemed rather excited as we left the English coast as only the skipper had crossed it before and he as a second pilot. It was a grand sight and caused one to feel rather proud of it.
All the way across I was busy with one thing and another so for me at least the time went very quickly.
As we approached the Dutch coast Johnny yelled over the i/c something about turning back. Hearing this I made my way forward to see what was wrong. Noticing me he pointed to the starboard engine which I noticed was burning very fiercely. Curiously enough I wasn’t the least bit scared but when I think of it now I had every reason to be.
Well I got through to base and gave them all the gen telling them we would try and get back if it was at all possible. From that moment until we landed, the crew spoke only when they had to. They were probably busy with their own thoughts.
Well, we got down safely and were complimented by the Wing Commander on a good job of work. With all due modesty I agree with him as we were only fresh-men.
AIRCRAFT = "C- CHARLIE"
CAPTAIN = JOHNNY PAGE
2nd PILOT = BRIAN WRAMPLING OBSERVER = GEORGE DOWNER WIRELESS = SELF
FRONT A/C = RAY FINUCANE REAR
A/C JOCK FERGUSON
FLYING HOURS = 3-10
BOULOGNE 30/10/41
On the 30/10/41 we set off at 20.35 hrs. for Boulogne. Our skipper this time was Colin Diemer as Johnny had been reported missing from a previous operation.
Well everything went well until we were leaving the target. There I discovered that the wireless was u/s and that George our navigator was completely lost. Anyway it was a grand night so we thought we'd chance it and try our hand at map reading.
We were doing very well until we were about 20 miles off the English coast. Then for the first time in my life I had a taste of what Jerry was to go through when he attacks our convoys. Boy it was hell! We were only 2,000 ft.up and their three supporting flak ships gave us everything they had. It was a man in the moon's eye view of Guy Fawkes night.
We did some pretty hectic evasion or evasive tactics and ended up about 500ft from the drink (sea). We were so low I began to feel sea sick!
Well we cleared the sea- weed away and soon we were in view of Orfordness. Was happy.
Soon we were in sight of our base so I prepared myself for the landing. This usually consists of strapping myself in grasping the fire extinguisher in one hand and a parachute in the other. In my spare time I pray like hell. Well, we landed and that was that.
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN 2nd. PILOT WIRELESS OBSERVER FRONT A/G REAR A/G = "B - BEER"
= COLIN DIEMER
= BRIAN WRAIVIPLING = SELF
= GEORGE DOWNER = RAY FINUCANE
= JOCK FERGUSON
FLYING HOURS = 4.30
DUNKIRK 9/11/41
This trip was destined to be a very quiet and successful one but unfortunately we are not to know these things. In some cases it's just as well!
We reached the target without mishap and took our time over the run up. There was very little opposition and what there was pretty weak. Besides when one is at 19,000 ft. one does feel rather brave.
We bombed and oh boy, what a mess we made of the docks. it was too good a sight to fly away from so we circled around and gloated over the sight of fires and explosions. Believe it it did our hearts good!
We arrived back at base and shot a horrible line to the intelligence officer. He believed us (I hope!)
Our second pilot was Davies as Brian was missing from a raid on. Bed in. Here's hoping he'll come back some day!
AIRCRAFT = "R - ROBERT"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = BILL DAVIES
REMAINDER OF CREW THE SAME
FLYING HOURS =2.55
HAMBURGH 30/11/41
Unlike our previous trip this was destined to be our last but not quite. On our way out, that is to say 50 miles from the English coast we sighted a ME 109E.(Note. I said WE sighted it!). If it had been the other way around I shouldn’t be writing this epistle.
Shaken but not perturbed, yet too scared to turn back we went on and once again ran into trouble. This time three of 'em! Three mind you. Half of them were Ju's 88( the other half were Ju's 88 too!)
This is where the crew spirit came in, the one time when English, Welsh, Irish and Scots pulled together. Jock with what must have been a super- human effort from his part refrained from spitting (sorry, I mean firing).
The Jerries opened up and did their darndest to get us between themselves and the moon. Thanks to the skill and courage of our skipper (line) we turned the tables on them. We turned towards the dark part of the sky, jettisoned the bombs and beat it back for home.
We hadn’t gone very far when we encountered another Ju 88 but fortunately he didn’t see us.
To any of you who may read this you might decide that I'm the greatest shooter of lines under the sun but I can prove otherwise by stating that when I returned to base I reported sick and was detained in hospital for a month. No, I was' nt shot up, it was just boils. Ten for every fighter!
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DTFMER
2nd. PILOT = JOHNNY HUNT
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING HOURS = 5.45
BREST 9/01/42
On being released from hospital I returned to find George our navigator had been replaced by Peter Baker. Heaven's what a man! He's the only fellow in the aircraft who doesn’t know where he is. Mind you there’s no half measures with Peter, when he's lost he's lost good and proper. If he ever took part in a game of hide and seek he'd never be found. Still he's a grand guy!
We got to the target, bombed it good and hard, then for some unknown reason we got lost again. Wonders never cease do they? Still, that was just a sprat to catch a Mackerel. You will hear "lost" and "Peter" so often in my future communiques you'll think they're relations.
AIRCRAFT = “Z- ZEBRA"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = ED. EARLY
OBSERVER = PETER BAKER
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.20
WILHELMSHAVEN 10/01/42
I hate to say I told you so but I did! Peter is in the limelight again!
We took off at 16.30 hrs. for Wilhelmshaven and sailed into the night feeling as pleased as a dog with two tails. Unfortunately, our happiness was short- lived.
It was 40 below zero that night and the trouble started with Jock's guns being iced up. We were at 14,000 ft. at the time and he cleared his faults with no protection against frost- bite. He used to be a steeple- jack heaven's, he needed to be.
Now it's my turn to collect a few DFM's. My wireless went for a burton about Mrs. before reaching the target. This was fatal because it was Peter's sole support. I worked on it for what seemed years and got it going again.
In the meantime Peter had been up to his tricks again. His oxygen plug had become disconnected and he was really drunk through the want of it. He had us going around in circles over the target and gave Colin a course on which he was to fly for three years. I was worried because I knew our rations wouldn’t last that long, it was two years old already! Anyway, he brought it down to three days. This didn’t seem to satisfy the skipper though for the life of me I couldn’t see why. Look at the flying hours we would have got in.
Well Peter had lost his calendar so he glanced at his watch and going from the sublime to the ridiculous said 3 minutes. Then looking for the world like a sick dog he resumed his seat at the navigator's table.
Now it was Paddy's turn to scare us. He's our front gunner and every time he opens his mouth we prepare ourselves for the worst. it came, he was frost bitten it seems in both hands. They say where there's no sense there's no feeling so heaven alone knows how he discovered he had it.
What a crew, half of them u/s and the other half useless.
Strangely enough, despite his condition Peter's navigation was even better than usual
so with a little wireless aid we finally arrived at the drome. There we were met by Wing cs. Biggs, Doc Ross, the fire tender, ambulance and NAAFI wagon. The Wingco wept on our shoulders while Doc did his best to thaw Paddy out. Or did I thawed it all (hm). Funny aren’t I
AIRCRAFT = "N - NUTS"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = ED. EARLY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.15
HAMBURGH 14/01/42
Well this trip was very quiet indeed, at least as far as navigation is concerned. We arrived at Hamburgh and had a very warm reception. Searchlights and flak seemed to be everywhere, they certainly do things in a big way out there. Even so there wasn’t a mark on the kite which says a lot for the skipper's evasive action. We bombed the target and Peter took a wizard photograph. Usually it was one of a field, cloud or sea but this one was different. We took our hats off to him.
As I said before this trip was a piece of cake and I have no line to tell (unfortunately), Still, I probably will have before I finish my tour of operations.
AIRCRAFT = “S- SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = SGT. NORRIS
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.45
MUNSTER 22/01/42
This was a new target for me so I didn’t know what to expect. I'd heard rumours of it's defences and night fighters so I thought and expected the worst.
It would have been a nice trip if my wireless had behaved itself Every now and again it would just go off and each time it did I had visions of the signals officer's face and tried all the harder to put it right. He was my inspiration (hmm)
Well I did it and was I pleased! We bombed the target and made a good job of it. The defences were not so hot but I wasn’t at all disappointed. No sir, targets can't be too quiet for me.
Well we arrived back safely at base and enjoyed our cup of rum and coffee. I must try some coffee with my next lot!
AIRCRAFT = "N - NUTS"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = SGT. LAWRENCE
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.45
DAYLIGHT SEARCH FOR SCHARNHORST AND GNEISENAU
12/02/42
Now for the greatest war story ever written.
I was enjoying a glass of beer in the mess one dinner time when the squadron leader barged in and informed me and the remainder of the crew that we were wanted right away to do some flying. That was rather unusual so I made further enquiries and was
calmly told that we were to find and sink the Scharnhorst or Gneisenau he said either because we didn’t want to take all the credit.
It seems we had to formate on three other aircraft from a nearby drome so we felt a lot braver. Well we went over to Oakington and got ready to take off. Just as we were about to do so we had a chat with the "GC" and heard we wouldn’t have any fighter protection. I wasn’t in the least bit worried because it only meant getting them out of tight corners (much!)
It wasn’t much of a day for flying because the cloud base was about 500ft. Anyway we got cracking and hung about until the other three aircraft made their appearance. They did eventually so we tagged on behind.
We followed them until we were well out to sea then they went through a cloud and we lost them altogether. This wasn’t so good because it meant us fighting the German Navy on our own. Still, we had one hope left, we had to find them and with Peter navigating there was a good chance of us not.
We stooged around for what seemed years at 500ft. but saw no trace of anything that looked like a ship. I kept my fingers crossed and hoped we never would. We didn’t!
It was pretty hopeless going on as we were because 500ft. is no place to be when two cruisers are opening up on you. So we came home.
This may not sound very thrilling but believe me, I wouldn’t like to go through it again.
AIRCRAFT = "U - UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = DICK CHAUNDY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE FLYING TIME = 3.40
ESSEN 8/03/ 42
This as everyone knows is rather a hot spot but when a crew gives them something to shoot at it's certainly laughing at death. It was really a wizard trip for reasons which I can't mention here. We got to the target on time and found things going nicely. We took our run up and Cohn opened the bomb doors. As he did so every searchlight for miles picked us up and held us for at least 10 mins. It was really a shaky do but we got away with it.
Well we did our job and made for home. About half an hour after leaving the target the front gunner thought he saw a light which seemed to be coming from our aircraft. Colin checked up and found that the landing lights were on. It's little wonder we were the centre of attraction.
Naturally we got back safely, thank heavens.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = DICK CHAUNDY
FRONT GUNNER = SGT. SUMMERS
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.40
ESSEN 25/03/42
Once again this trip was rather tame except for a small incident which however may be worth mentioning.
We were trying out a new oxygen mask, a rubber one, which proved in time to be a complete failure. We were about 21,000 ft. and nearing the target when Paddy yelled that his oxygen lead had frozen up and that he felt ill.
Well, the wireless operator carries a spare mask so I went forward to help him. I had to more or less lift lam out of the turret and 1 might add he's no lightweight. Well, managed that but by doing so I caught my oxygen lead in some obstruction and tore the mask off my face. Hell was I in a stew. Moving around normally without oxygen is no easy matter but when you have to carry a large but dim front gunner it's beyond a joke.
I managed it somehow and planted him in my seat until he revived. In the meantime I. did a spot of reviving myself
After bombing we made for home and on nearing the Dutch coast we saw what we thought to be one of our boys being shot down. We learnt afterwards that it was a Jerry fighter.
AIRCRAFT = "S- SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = JACK MAHONEY
FRONT A/G = RAY FINUCANE REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.40
COLOGNE 05/04/42
This was realty the worst trip I've ever been on up to the present. If I do experience any worse then I shall have to finish writing this series. Dead we don't talk, they don't write either.
Before taking off I lent Paddy my silk gloves because he had lost his and would feel cold without them. This left me with just one pair of acid burnt gloves. Still I didn’t think I'd need it because I'm usually quite warm. I was wrong.
Well we took off in good spirits and sailed into the night_ It was a good night and we looked forward to a good trip.
All went well until we were at 20,000 ft. then the heating packed up. That did it!
I went down to open the camera hatch doors and my hands very nearly froze to the handle. Boy it was cold! I tried several times but I had to give it up. we were nearing the target then so I laid down on my tummy ready to drop the flares and that didn’t help matters. I began to shiver like a jelly.
When all the fun was over I made my way back to the W 0 P's position and did my best to thaw myself out. I banged my hands against the steel plating behind my seat but I couldn’t feel a thing
Peter suggested that I drank some hot coffee which was rather a good idea. This however wasn’t so easy as the top of the flask was iced up. Peter came to my rescue and I enjoyed my first taste of iced coffee.
This helped a little but I still couldn’t feel my hands. I made an effort to send Morse but my sending was so bad I could not read it myself
It was about 40 below zero at the time and I was so cold I could barely speak. My teeth chattered so I took them out but still made funny noises with my gums. You'd never see a more miserable object in all your life. Al least that is what the crew seem to think.
Colin came to me and started to give my hands a rub. That helped a lot and soon I felt the circulation come back. That was about half an hour before landing, just in time to get a QDM.
It was a real nightmare and I never wish to experience such a thing again.
AIRCRAFT = S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DEEMER 2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 525
ESSEN 10/04/42
The same old spot again! The aircrews paradise.
I've nothing very much to say about this trip because we did'nt reach the target. We were at 7,000 ft. when the heating packed up. It was decided that we'd carry on for a little while and if it did'nt come back we'd return
Well, we got up to 21,000 ft. but nothing happened. With the last trips' experiences in mind we decided to turn back. I was'nt sorry.
We landed safely and that's that.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DEIMER
2ND. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 2.45
ESSEN 12/04/42
Yes you're quite right, it's the same again. If there's anything left to bomb there 1 wouldn’t mind but honestly, there can't be.
Well we took of at 22.30 hrs. and climbed to 10,000 ft. by the time we reached the coast. Not bad going and what's more the heating was working. Phew! I should say it was.
We crossed the Channel and as we reached. Dunkirk we were 22,000 ft. A safe height you might say, huh, I thought so too but I was wrong! The defences were pretty hot and even though we did everything to avoid it we were hit in the starboard wing the results of which put the rear turret U/S. It was useless going any further in that condition so we circled the town took a wizard photograph and made for base.
When we arrived there we were told to circle the beacon until given permission to land. If we had waited for that we would be up there still. We kept going around for nearly two hours and by this time we were pretty sick of it. It was just like going around in a run-away Noah's Ark.
Eventually we were told to go over to Water Beach and land there. Boy it was a pleasure, We did this and were given transport back to this place.
A funny thing happened over at this drome. Just as Dick Chaundy and his crew stepped out of their aircraft it went up in smoke. Did I say funny? Sorry, I take that back!
AIRCRAFT = M- MOTHER"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 3.55
GARDENING 13/04/42
This trip was really a "piece of cake" because it needed no oxygen masks and there was little chance of opposition. It was just like a night cross- country.
We found the spot dropped the -eggs" and slowly made for our base. We took it quietly because we wanted to bring our flying times up.
Cunning aren’t we!!
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR"
CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.40
DORTMUND 15/04/42
During this trip we reached a height which has not yet been beaten on this Squadron 23,000 ft. That's a awful depth to be up isn’t it!
It was my first visit to this place so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I wasn’t long finding out. From the moment we hit the French coast until we left the target we were fired at. Oh boy, what a reception!
Once again we were hit by flak and once again it was Jock's turret that had it. Poor chap I did feel sorry for him. He was oil from head to foot and it was 6 inches deep on the floor of his turret. It was bitter cold and it had ruined his oxygen supply, this wasn’t so good but Jock can take it.
Ever tried paddling in oil? Ask Jock what he thinks of it! In fact I dare you to.
Well, we did our duty and made for home. Everything went well and we were given permission to land. It was really then that the thrills started!
Colin made a beautiful approach and knowing him I prepared myself for what was to come. It did!
We went sailing along the runway and it was just on the last part of it that he realised he wasn’t on the deck yet. He put her down eventually but he hadn’t a lot of spare ground left so he swung off to the left, bounced across a grass verge and stopped right on a dispersal point.
The strange thing is he was meant to be dispersed there! Queer isn’t it?
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMAR
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY
REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.05
HAMBURGH 17/04/42
N.B.- Only persons who don't have nightmares should read this. No not you Mamma!
We set off for Hamburgh and little did we know what was in front of us. The Wing Co was going on this trip so we thought it might be a easy one. It was but not for us!
It was a cake walk until we reached the mouth of the Elbe then the fun started. The ground defences gave us everything they had and then some more. We did our usual evasive action and threw the kite all over the sky. It's a large sky!
Johnny, our 2nd. Pilot dropped out some screaming incendiary bombs and that gave them something to think about. The trouble is they don't think long enough.
Well, we got out of that and made for our main target which we could see in the distance. See it, I should say you could. There were about 60 searchlights coned over the town and we had to fly through them. This is where I close my eyes!
We were shot at no matter where we went and at one time we nearly had it. Colin trying to avoid the flak and searchlights did such a steep turn to port that the engine cut. I opened me eyes again and saw the sight of my life. The whole town was ablaze.
Peter got ready for bombing and soon we had dropped our little load. We took two photographs and flew North. Unfortunately, we kept flying North. I checked the petrol and found it was rather low. Peter admitted he was lost, not that he had to, knew it. I got him a wireless fix and do you know we weren’t even on his map. We were somewhere over Denmark!! That's a pleasant thought when one has only a few gallons of petrol left.
Well, we set course and I went through to Hull (not Hell) and warned them about our danger. They took it very nicely (huh!)
We stooged on until our engines cut and we had to pull our reserve tanks. That meant we had a 100 galls and about 150 miles to go. Some race this was going to be!
I got through and sent a "SOS" and was I hot under the collar. At the same time we were diverted to the nearest drome which was Driffield, Yorks. I got cracking on an ODM and I must say the attention I had was really splendid.
The Skipper told Paddy to come out of his turret and to stand near the asrta dome. We were all to don our parachutes. We did!
I went up to the front and gazed out of the window. All I could see was sea and mist. Ugh! the sea looked cold!
We kept going and lo and behold the coast grew larger in front of us. We had made it! If the worst came to the worst we'd only have to jump.
Suddenly, our skipper saw a beacon and that meant a drome. We called over the R.T and we were given permission to land. I was busy cancelling my S.O.S so I didn’t know much about it.
We landed safe and sound and were given such a welcome that I could have cried. This story may not impress you but I've never been nearer to death yet!
I frankly admit that I'd never prayed so hard. The rest of the crew did some praying too. It helps you know!
* We lost two crew that night Eddie House and Ron Cowley. Both good guys!
* It might interest you to know that I was proud of our crew that night. Nobody lost his head and that's half the battle.
*{ This was written at a different time because in different colour ink!}
AIRCRAFT = K - KITTY" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER 2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 6.45
COLOGNE 22/04/42
Peter did marvels on this trip, he took us to the target and brought us back without a hitch or wireless assistance. It was really a joy- ride and the only hot time we had was over the target.
We bombed and dropped a photo- flash. That did it! They gave us hell for the next five minutes and Colin did wonders with the aircraft. On one occasion he stall- turned it and I thought we'd had it. Every thing in the kite turned upside down, the crew with it.
Yes it was a trip in a million and quite a pleasant change. May they all be the same.
We landed at base and took a liberal helping of rum. Then went off to bed to sleep it off.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd. PILOT = J. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 5.20
ROSTOCK 23/04/42
I wasn’t very keen on this trip because it was so far away. It was a seven hour stooge and our kites have a duration of seven and a half hours at only 100 gals per hour. It was going to be a tight squeeze. It wasn’t.
We took off at 22.55 pm and sailed into the night. Everything went like clockwork so every one was happy. We flew at 8,000 ft. until we reached the enemy coast then climbed to 15,000 ft. We met with little or no opposition and was soon within sight of the target.
Oh, boy what a sight. I felt really sorry for them. The only defence they had was about six heavy guns and a few light ones. I saw no searchlights but I was told they had two. God it was slaughter!
We flew over the centre of the town and dropped our eggs. The sight as we left made me feel sick. Whole streets were going up in flames and our rear gunner counted eleven big and about seven small tires.
Lots of flares and photo- flashes were dropped and Peter had the presence of mind to keep the camera turning over. The result was that although we only dropped two flashes ourselves we had four photographs. Good old Peter!
Well we got back home without mishap and I must say it was my best rip yet.
We lost one aircraft. - Xray" whose skipper was Dick Chaundey an ex- 2nd. pilot
of ours.
AIRCRAFT = "S - SUGAR" CAPTAIN = COLIN DIEMER
2nd, PILOT = I. MAHONEY REST OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 7.15
PARIS 29/04/42
This actually is the place where a certain Wing Commander went to and called a "piece of cake". Strangely enough he spoke the truth!
My skipper was on leave when I went on this stooge so in many ways it wasn’t as pleasant as it might have been, not by a long way. Not that Archie Callender isn’t good but there was something lacking. For instance he never before taking off asked over the inter/com if we were "all set". It's only a small point but it showed lack of interest. I felt rather lonely.
Well to a bad start we went into the night,
I thought I'd create a good impression by giving the navigator assistance which would be more than necessary but once again I was foiled. The whole loop system was u/s and even though I changed all the valves it was of no avail,
It was a lovely night, a full moon was shining and just as we crossed the French coast I counted four Wellingtons going into the fray. It was like daylight and could be seen quite plainly. Too plainly.
We reached the target ten minutes before zero hour so we circled the city and did a spot of sight seeing. Paris is a wonderful sight in the moonlight especially from the air.
Zero was drawing near so we set off to do our job of work.
Oh yes, our second pilot was old Pilkie the navigational officer. He didn’t know the first thing about anything so I had to do all the dirty work.
I pushed out the photo- flash, threw out the leaflets and it was only by the skin of my teeth that I saved myself going out with them.
Well, we found and bombed the target despite the efforts of at least half a dozen heavy guns and some light flak. They even had a searchlight or two. Lucky people, they were better off than Rostock!
It was soon over and soon we went to base. We circled for a long time because of under- cart trouble and then landed.
As the Wing Commander would say, it's a piece of cake"!
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN 2nd. PILOT OBSERVER F/GUNNER R/GUNNER "H - HARRY"
P/O CALLENDER DOIG
F/Lt. PILKINGTON SGT. YOUNG
SGT. WIGHAM
FLYING TIME = 5.00
GARDENING 22/05/42
This was really a stooge, only a few flak ships scattered about and although one was pretty close it was nothing to speak about.
We couldn’t lay our eggs because the weather was so bad so we came back. As I said before it was a stooge!
* I must add that on this trip the pilot of the aircraft was ill so I flew the kite for 15 minutes over the French defences. I quite enjoyed it too! I doubt if the crew did. *{This was in different colour ink, blue as before. An afterthought?)
AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN OBSERVER F/GUNNER R/GUNNER = "Z - ZEBRA"
= BERNARD EARLY = GEORGE DONNER = JIM JUSTICE
= WALTER FERGUSON
FLYING TIME = 6.35
COLOGNE 30/05/42
Over 1,300 aircraft took part in this raid so it was a pleasure. As usual we were the first on the scene and a little early so we circled the target for 10 minutes. Heroes all!
Well, it was soon our bombing time so we went in and did our best. It was good!
Our one danger that night was our own aircraft. Gosh, they were everywhere. We even went in bombing in formation. A Stirling to our port and two Wellingtons on our starboard.
We left the target in a hell of a mess. It was on fire from end to end. That's one place we won't have to visit again, I hope!
AIRCRAFT = "U - UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = BERNARD EARLY REMAINDER OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 4.10
ESSEN 01/06/42
This is our second night of the 1,000 aircraft effort and once again I have a story to tell. Boy, what a story!
It was Essen again, the home of every German searchlight and. ack- ack gun. Thousands of 'em.
Well, we got there quite safely and had a hell of a reception, There were aircraft everywhere but not all ours. We were chased by a JU88 which opened fire on us. Jock returned the fire and the Jerry did a strategic withdrawal. It reminded me of the British Army.(Puss!)
We got caught in the searchlights and were hit by gunfire. Poor old Bernard he worked like a trojan. He had to!
On being hit Jock's turret doors were blown open so I had to go back and close them. Believe me I didn’t like it!
Well, we got out of that and made a dart for home. Unfortunately we had to cross a fighter belt. About 10 miles from the Dutch coast I noticed a vapour trail above us and asked Jock to keep his eye on it.
Perhaps it's just as well he did because 10 miles after crossing the coast the fighter who was causing the vapour trail came in to attack. Old Jock yelled "tally- ho" and even though the Jerry was firing he waited until it was 150 ft. off his tail before he gave three short bursts.
I was standing in the Astro- dome and was fascinated by the sight of Jock's tracer disappearing into the Jerry's belly. It seemed to hang in mid-air for a while then plunge into the sea in flames. I went through to group with the news and they replied with-"Good Work"!
That bit of fun over we soon reached the English coast and missed Jerry returning by a few inches. They had been bombing Ipswich and were making for home as fast as they could go. I don't blame them, we were doing the same thing.
Well that's my story and I now add that Jock got his DFM for his night's work. He deserved it too!
* { This is in red ink--obviously done sometime later!}
NB. The attached cutting may convince you that my story is more or less true.
AIRCRAFT = U- UNCLE"
CAPTAIN = BERNARD EARLY REMAINDER OF CREW AS BEFORE
FLYING TIME = 3.50
Yes, Essen again but this time I have nothing to write about. It was really a quite trip except of course over the target.
There we experienced the usual heavy gunfire and searchlights We were untouched After the previous trip it was a pleasure.
Once again to the aircrew's delight! This is my seventh visit so I feel quite at home there. We had rather a scare this time because the flares in the bomb racks caught fire. They were jettisoned at once so they hardly had time to set the aircraft on fire. Even so it was a horrible feeling and it scared me.
In future I shall carry my parachute!
Collection
Citation
E M Jones, “Sergeant E M Jones's diary,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed June 13, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/45444.