R Skepper’s Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book

R Skepper’s Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book

R Skepper’s Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book from 15th November 1942 until 6th September 1945. During this time trained as a navigator. Trained at No. 1 Empire Air Navigation School, No. 6 Air Observer’s School, 21 Operational Training Unit, 311 Ferry Training Unit. In May 1943, he was posted to 99 Squadron for operations in India, flying via the Middle East.

In June 1944 he was attached to 31 Squadron (Transport Command) flying freight, supply drops, stretcher cases and mail operations.
In October 1944 posted to 76 Operational Training Unit in Palestine and then Staff Navigators School between May and September 1945. He failed to qualify.

Served at RAF Eastbourne, RAF Bridgnorth, RAF Staverton, RAF Moreton Valance, RAF Aberporth, RAF Morton-in-Marsh, RAF Portreath, RAF Argatala, RAF Jessore, RAF Aqir, RAF Ein Shemer.

Aircraft flown were Anson, Wellington, Wellington X, C-47 Dakota.

With 99 Squadron he flew 42 operations (13 day, 29 night), a mix of bombing, reconnaissance and ferrying bomb operations. His targets included Burma. Arakan Coast, Taungup, Akyab, Sagaing, Heho, Myingyan, Thetkabyin, Bay of Bengal, Rangoon, Wuntho, Prome, Ywataung, Pegu, Aungban, Anisakan, Shwebo, Mingaladon, Kamaing, Maymyo, Kalemyo, Ningthoukhong, the Imphal-Tiddin Road, Imphal, Kangla. His pilots were Flight Sergeants Hampton, Hatfield, Gerrard, Chapman and Warrant Officer Smith.

On 10th November 1943 he ditched in the Bay of Bengal. Picked up by Royal Indian Navy Amritsar after 3 hours 35 minutes in a dingy. His Membership Card of the Goldfish Club is included.

When flying with 31 Squadron, he flew 14 day freight and supply operations to Palel, Imphal, Khumbhirgram and RK3464. His pilot was Warrant Officer Sankey.

Includes a photograph of his crew in April 1943 at 21 OTU showing himself, Tony May (Bomb-aimer), Jimmy Hatfield (Pilot),and Bill Gunner (Wireless Operator).

One booklet

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