2 25 73 https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1908/36271/LPerryWRP1317696v3.pdf 07554cff9c29e584702881af14734014 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Perry, Pete W R P Perry Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-19 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Perry, WRP Description An account of the resource Sixty-nine items and an album sub collection with twenty-four pages of photographs. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant WR Pete Perry DFC (1923 - 2006, 1317696, 146323 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs, correspondence, memoirs and documents. He flew operations as a pilot with 106 Squadron. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Helen Verity and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource W R P Perry pilot's flying log book. Three Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LPerryWRP1317696v3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-04-27 1943-04-28 1943-06-21 1943-06-22 1943-06-24 1943-06-25 1943-06-26 1943-06-28 1943-06-29 1943-07-03 1943-07-04 1943-07-12 1943-07-13 1943-08-07 1943-08-08 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-15 1943-08-16 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-09-30 1943-10-19 1943-10-20 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-10 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-12-16 1943-12-17 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-05 1944-01-06 1944-01-14 1944-01-15 1944-01-27 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 1944-02-15 1944-02-16 1945-04-04 1945-04-08 1945-04-09 1945-04-16 1945-04-17 1946 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Czech Republic France Germany Great Britain Italy Poland Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea Czech Republic--Plzeň England--Cambridgeshire England--Hampshire England--Lincolnshire England--Nottinghamshire England--Somerset England--Yorkshire France--Limoges France--Modane Germany--Aachen Germany--Berlin Germany--Braunschweig Germany--Cologne Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Krefeld Germany--Leipzig Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Merseburg Region Germany--Mönchengladbach Germany--Nordhausen (Thuringia) Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Wuppertal Italy--Milan Italy--Turin Poland--Szczecin Germany--Ruhr (Region) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Description An account of the resource Pilots flying log book three, for W R Perry. Covering the period from 21 June 1943 to 30 May 1946. Detailing his operations flown, instructor duties and post war flying with 242 squadron. He was stationed at RAF Syerston, RAF Balderton, RAF Metheringham, RAF Stoney Cross, RAF Merryfield and RAF Oakington. Aircraft flown in were Lancaster, Oxford, Dakota, Anson, Stirling and York. He flew 32 operations, one with 29 Operational Training Unit and 31 with 106 Squadron, 30 Night and one daylight. Targets were Limoges, Krefeld, Wuppertal, Gelsenkirchen, Cologne, Turin, Milan, Nuremberg, Leverkusen, Mönchengladbach, Berlin, Hannover, Aachen, Leipzig, Kassel, Düsseldorf, Modane, Frankfurt, Stettin, Brunswick, Nordhausen, Lützkendorf and Pilsen. Post-war Cook's Tour and Operation Dodge flights are recorded. His pilot on his first ‘second dickie’ operation was Flying Officer Rosner. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 106 Squadron 1654 HCU 227 Squadron 242 Squadron 29 OTU Advanced Flying Unit aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) C-47 Cook’s tour Flying Training School Heavy Conversion Unit Initial Training Wing Ju 88 Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School Lancaster Mk 1 Lancaster Mk 3 Operation Dodge (1945) Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot RAF Balderton RAF Merryfield RAF Metheringham RAF North Luffenham RAF Oakington RAF Ossington RAF Syerston RAF Wigsley Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Stirling training York https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1908/36270/LPerryWRP1317696v2.pdf 9604690923d02c4524cfb2508421ca0c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Perry, Pete W R P Perry Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-19 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Perry, WRP Description An account of the resource Sixty-nine items and an album sub collection with twenty-four pages of photographs. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant WR Pete Perry DFC (1923 - 2006, 1317696, 146323 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs, correspondence, memoirs and documents. He flew operations as a pilot with 106 Squadron. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Helen Verity and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource W R P Perry pilot's flying log book. Two Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal Air Force. Transport Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LPerryWRP1317696v2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-04-27 1943-04-28 1943-06-21 1943-06-22 1943-06-24 1943-06-25 1943-06-26 1943-06-28 1943-06-29 1943-07-03 1943-07-04 1943-07-12 1943-07-13 1943-08-07 1943-08-08 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-15 1943-08-16 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-09-30 1943-10-19 1943-10-20 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-10 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-12-16 1943-12-17 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-05 1944-01-06 1944-01-14 1944-01-15 1944-01-27 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 1944-02-15 1944-02-16 1945-04-04 1945-04-08 1945-04-09 1945-04-16 1945-04-17 1946 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Czech Republic France Germany Great Britain Italy Poland Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea Czech Republic--Plzeň England--Cambridgeshire England--Hampshire England--Lincolnshire England--Nottinghamshire England--Rutland England--Somerset England--Yorkshire France--Limoges France--Modane Germany--Aachen Germany--Berlin Germany--Braunschweig Germany--Cologne Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Krefeld Germany--Leipzig Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Merseburg Region Germany--Mönchengladbach Germany--Nordhausen (Thuringia) Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Wuppertal Italy--Milan Italy--Turin Poland--Szczecin Germany--Ruhr (Region) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Description An account of the resource Pilots flying log book two, for W R P Perry, covering the period from 27 April 1943 to 26 September 1946. Detailing his flying training, operations flown, instructor duties and post war flying with 242 Squadron. He was stationed at RAF North Luffenham, RAF Wigsley, RAF Syerston, RAF Metheringham, RAF Balderton, RAF Snaith, RAF Stoney Cross, RAF Merryfield, RAF Oakington and RAF Full Sutton. Aircraft flown in were Wellington, Manchester, Lancaster, Oxford, Dakota, Anson, Stirling, and York. He flew a total of 32 operations, one with 29 Operational Training Unit, 31 with 106 Squadron, 30 Night and one daylight. Targets were Limoges, Krefeld, Wuppertal, Gelsenkirchen, Cologne, Turin, Milan, Nuremberg, Leverkusen, Mönchengladbach, Berlin, Hannover, Aachen, Leipzig, Kassel, Düsseldorf, Modane, Frankfurt, Stettin, Brunswick, Nordhausen, Lützkendorf and Pilsen. Post-war Cook's Tour and Operation Dodge flights are recorded. His pilot for his first ‘second dickie’ operation was Flying Officer Rosner. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 106 Squadron 1654 HCU 227 Squadron 242 Squadron 29 OTU Advanced Flying Unit aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) C-47 Cook’s tour Flying Training School Heavy Conversion Unit Initial Training Wing Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School Lancaster Mk 1 Lancaster Mk 3 Manchester Operation Dodge (1945) Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot RAF Balderton RAF Full Sutton RAF Merryfield RAF Metheringham RAF North Luffenham RAF Oakington RAF Ossington RAF Scampton RAF Snaith RAF Stoney Cross RAF Syerston RAF Wigsley RAF Woolfox Lodge Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Stirling training Wellington York https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1895/35931/SGillK1438901v40007.pdf 23a7b10d190492c9547f73b0dfb1562c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Gill, Kenneth K Gill Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-09 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Gill, K Description An account of the resource One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums.&nbsp;<br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document FLYING OFFICER KENNETH GILL D.F.C. C.d.G JOINED THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AS A VOLUNTEER RESERVE ON 18 JUNE 1941. HE WAS SHIPPED OUT TO CANADA, AFTER BASIC TRAINING, AS A PILOT OBSERVER AND QUALIFIED AS AIR NAVIGATOR WITH EFFECT FROM 11 SEPT 42, HAVING COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 104hrs 40mins FLYING TIME (65-30 DAY & 39-10 NIGHT) ON RETURNING TO THE U.K HE WAS POSTED TO No 29 OPERATIONAL TRAINING UNIT AT R.A.F STATION N. LUFFENHAM, FLYING WITH F/LT DERBYSHIRE (PILOT) ON WELLINGTONS. ON THE 25 FEB 1943 HE TOOK PART IN HIS FIRST OPERATIONAL RAID [AFTER 51hrs 40mins TRAINING (33hrs 15min DAY AND 18hrs 25mins NIGHT)]. THIS WAS TO CLERMONT FERRAND (FRANCE), TAKING OFF AT 19-34 AND RETURNING 7hrs LATER. (PILOT F/LT DERBYSHIRE). DURING MARCH 1943 HE WAS POSTED TO 1660 CONVERSION UNIT AT R.A.F SWINDERBY WHERE HE FLEW HALIFAX ‘V’ AND THEN CONVERTED TO LANCASTERS. ON THE 18 APRIL 43 HIS SECOND OPERATIONAL RAID TOOK PLACE, FLYING TO SPEZIA IN ITALY (MINE LAYING 9hrs 30mins, PILOT F/LT EVANS). [page break] ON 20 APRIL 1943 F/O GILL WAS POSTED TO No 9 SQUADRON AT R.A.F. STATION BARDNEY ALONG WITH F/LT DERBYSHIRE WHERE HE TOOK PART IN THE FOLLOWING RAIDS :- [a] DATE [b] PILOT [c] TARGET [d] TIME [a] 04/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] DORTMUND [d] 5-55 [a] 11/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] DUISBERG [d] 4-45 [a] 23/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] DORTMUND [d] 5-10 [a] 25/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] DUSSELDORF [d] 5-20 [a] 27/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] ESSEN [d] 5-30 [a] 29/05/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] WUPPERTAL [d] 5-45 [a] 11/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] DUSSELDORF [d] 4-35 [a] 12/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] BOCHUM [d] 5-25 [a] 14/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] OBERHAUSEN [d] 4-40 [a] 21/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] KREFELD [d] 4-25 [a] 25/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] GELSENKIRCHEN [d] 5-20 [a] 28/06/43 [b] F/LT DERBYSHIRE [c] COLOGNE [d] 4-25 [a] 07/07/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] COLOGNE [d] 6-00 [a] 25/07/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] ESSEN [d] 4-45 [a] 07/08/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] MILAN [d] 8-20 [a] 10/08/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] NURNBERG [d] 7-25 [a] 27/08/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] NURNBERG [d] 7-30 [a] 30/08/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] RHEYDT [d] 4-55 [a] 03/09/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] BERLIN [d] 8-05 [a] 06/09/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] MUNICH [d] 8-05 [a] 03/10/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] KASSEL [d] 6-05 [a] 04/10/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] FRANKFURT [d] 6-35 [a] 20/10/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] LEIPZIG [d] 7-10 [page break] [a] DATE [b] PILOT [c] TARGET [d] TIME [a] 03/11/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] DUSSELDORF [d] 4-25 [a] 18/11/43 [b] S/LDR DERBYSHIRE [c] BERLIN [d] 7-35 F/O GILL TRANSFERRED TO 5 L.F.S R.A.F STATION SYERSTON AS A NAVIGATION INSTRUCTOR ON 14 DECEMBER 1943 UNTIL 27 SEPTEMBER 1944. ON 28 SEPTEMBER 1944 F/O GILL AND F/LT GUMBLEY (PILOT) JOINED No 617 SQUADRON R.A.F STATION WOODHALL SPA. [a] 29/10/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] TIRPITZ [d] 12-00 ATTACK ABORTED TALLBOY RETURNED, LEFT WOODHALL ON 28/10/44 09-33 TO LOSSIEMOUTH, LEFT LOSSIEMOUTH 29/10/44 AT 02-10 TO TROMSO AND THEN SKATSKA [deleted word], RE-FUELLING AND RETURNING TO LOSSIEMOUTH AND THEN WOODHALL 30/10/44 14-29hrs. [a] 04/11/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] LOSSIEMOUTH, TIRPITZ ATTACK ABORTED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. [a] 11/11/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] LOSSIEMOUTH [d] 1-55 [a]12/11/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] TROMSO FIORD [d] 12-15 TIRPITZ SUNK [a] 13/11/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] WOODHALL [d] 1-40 [a] 08/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] URFT DAM [d] 3-35 TALLBOY FROM 7500FT [a] 11/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] URFT DAM [d] 5-30 TALLBOY 6000FT DAM TOP REDUCED BY 13 FT [a] 15/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] IJMUIDEN [d] 2-35 E & R BOAT PENS TALLBOY 10000FT [a] 21/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] POLITZ [d] 9-45 OIL REFINERIES TALLBOY 16900FT [page break] [a] DATE [b] PILOT [c] TARGET [d] TIME [a] 29/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] ROTTERDAM [d] 2-50 E & R BOAT PENS TALLBOY 15300FT [a] 30/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] IJMUIDEN [d] 2-20 E & R BOAT PENS TALLBOY 14200FT [a] 31/12/44 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] HORTEN [d] 7-45 OSLO FIORD GERMAN CRUISERS “KOLN” AND “EMDEN” TALLBOY 10200FT [a] 02/01/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] DUMMY RUNS, HLB WAINFLEET GAGGLE PRACTICE ETC TO 30/01/45 [a] 03/02/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] POOTERSHAVEN [d] 2-50 HOLLAND E & R BOAT PENS TALLBOY 13200FT AIRCRAFT HIT BY FLAK [a] 06/02/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BIELEFELD [d] 5-45 VIELESIBLE VIADUCT ABORTED CLOUD [a] 14/02/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BIELEFELD [d] 4-50 VIELESIBLE VIADUCT ABORTED CLOUD [a] 22/02/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BIELEFELD [d] 4-30 VIELESIBLE VIADUCT ABORTED CLOUD [a] 24/02/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] DORTMUND-EMS CANAL [d] 4-40 LADBERGEN ABORTED 10/10 CLOUD [a] 13/03/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BIELEFELD [d] 4-20 VIELESIBLE VIADUCT ABORTED CLOUD [a] 14/03/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BIELEFELD [d] 5-00 VIELESIBLE VIADUCT DESTROYED [a] 19/03/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] ARNSBERG [d] 5-20 GRAND SLAM DROPPED ON VIADUCT [a] 21/03/45 [b] F/LT GUMBLEY [c] BREMEN [d] 2-10 ARBERGEN RAILWAY BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER WESER, NEAR NIENBURG. LANCASTER HIT BY FLAK IN THE TARGET AREA AND WENT DOWN [page break] A FARMER AND THE BURGERMEISTER OF OKEL, SAW THE AIRCRAFT CRASH AT ABOUT 11-00hrs APPROXIMATELY 300 METRES FROM HAUSLENGSHAUS ONE KILOMETRE FROM OKEL. THE BURGERMEISTER DESCRIBED THE EXPLOSION AS UNBELIEVABLE, CAUSING A CRATER 10 METRES DEEP. ALL THE CREW WERE KILLED INSTANTLY. TOTAL FLYING TIME FOR F/O KENNETH GILL WAS 400-45 DAY TIME AND 279-15 NIGHT TIME GIVING A GRAND TOTAL OF 680 HOURS. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kenneth Gill - service history Description An account of the resource Joined 18 June 1941. Trained as navigator in Canada. After operational and conversions training in England during which he flew two operations. He was posted to 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney where he flew 25 operations which are listed. After a tour as a navigator instructor, he went to 617 Squadron and flew 19 further operations and was killed along with his crew on the last. Operations on 617 listed. Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1941-06-18 1943-02-25 1943-03 1943-04-18 1943-04-20 1943-05-04 1943-05-11 1943-05-23 1943-05-25 1943-05-29 1943-06-11 1943-06-12 1943-06-14 1943-06-21 1943-06-25 1943-06-28 1943-07-07 1943-07-25 1943-08-07 1943-08-10 1943-08-27 1943-08-30 1943-09-03 1943-09-06 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-20 1943-11-03 1943-11-18 1943-12-14 1944-09-27 1944-09-29 1944-10-29 1944-10-30 1944-11-04 1944-11-11 1944-11-12 1944-11-13 1944-12-08 1944-12-11 1944-12-15 1944-12-21 1944-12-29 1944-12-30 1944-12-31 1945-01-02 1945-01-30 1945-02-03 1945-02-06 1945-02-14 1945-02-22 1945-02-24 1945-03-13 1945-03-14 1945-03-19 1945-03-21 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Canada Great Britain England--Rutland England--Nottinghamshire England--Lincolnshire Scotland--Moray France France--Clermont-Ferrand Italy Italy--La Spezia Germany--Dortmund Germany--Duisburg Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Bochum Germany--Essen Germany--Wuppertal Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf) Germany--Krefeld Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Cologne Italy--Milan Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Rheydt Germany--Berlin Germany--Munich Germany--Kassel Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Leipzig Norway Norway--Tromsø Germany--Euskirchen (Kreis) Netherlands Netherlands--IJmuiden Poland Poland--Police (Województwo Zachodniopomorskie) Netherlands--Rotterdam Atlantic Ocean--Oslofjorden Norway--Horten Netherlands--Hoek van Holland Germany--Bielefeld Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany--Arnsberg Germany--Bremen Germany Germany--Ruhr (Region) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Personal research Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Five page printed document Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SGillK1438901v40007 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Paul Ross 617 Squadron 9 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) crash Grand Slam Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit killed in action Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School mine laying navigator Operation Catechism (12 November 1944) Operational Training Unit RAF Bardney RAF Lossiemouth RAF North Luffenham RAF Swinderby RAF Syerston RAF Woodhall Spa Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Tallboy Tirpitz training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35819/BWilsonRCWilsonRCv1.pdf 46537616119db7e3fe539c2255ec6eb9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilson, Reginald Charles R C Wilson Description An account of the resource 166 items. The collection concerns Reginald Charles Wilson (b. 1923, 1389401 Royal Air Force) and contains his wartime log, photographs, documents and correspondence. He few operations as a navigator with 102 Squadron. He was shot down on 20 January 1944 and became a prisoner of war. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Janet Hughes and catalogued by Barry Hunter. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-01-13 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Wilson, RC Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document October 2001 [underlined] BOMBER COMMAND & NOTES OF SOME OF MY EXPERIENCES DURING 1941 – 1945 [/underlined] [underlined] Churchill's Minute of 8 July 1940 about Bomber Command to Beaverbrook (Minister for Aircraft Production) [/underlined] – made [italics] after the fall of France and the retreat of the British Forces from Dunkirk, when Britain stood alone against the might of Germany under the control of Hitler. [/italics] "But when I look round to see how we can win the war I see that there is only one sure path. We have no Continental army which can defeat the German military power. The blockade is broken and Hitler has Asia and probably Africa to draw from. Should he be repulsed here or not try invasion he will recoil eastward, and we have nothing to stop him. But there is one thing that will bring him back and bring him down, and that is an absolutely devasting, exterminating attack by very heavy bombers from this country upon the Nazi homeland. We must be able to overwhelm them by this means, without which I do not see a way through." A sustained air bombardment of Germany was therefore a major instrument of military policy, all the more appealing to the Nation as a whole because of the Blitz – As Churchill himself said, the almost universal cry was "Give it to them back!" (Extract from Most Secret War – R.V. Jones) With regard to the Blitz, I personally experienced before I joined Aircrew in August 1941, seventy-eight consecutive nights when the German Bombers flew up the Thames and bombed London (East London had extensive damage and suffered many thousands of civilian casualties). One of the last of these raids, and also the worst, occurred on 29 December 1940 when 300 tons of bombs (mostly incendiary bombs) were dropped on the City and surrounding area. The whole area was a mass of flames. (There is a famous photograph of St. Paul's in sharp relief against a skyline of fire). I walked through the devastated area the next morning on my way to Unilever House (my place of work before I joined the RAFVR). On 29 December 1943 [underlined] exactly three years later to the night [/underlined], I 'gave it to them back!' I flew as navigator, in a Halifax Bomber as one of a force of over 700 Bombers to Berlin. It was the fifth heaviest raid ever made against Berlin and over 2300 tons of incendiaries and bombs were dropped in about twenty minutes! [underlined] When Britain stood alone [/underlined] After Dunkirk in 1940 there was no hope of bringing the war [underlined] to Germany [/underlined] on land until the success of the Second Front in 1944 and the Invasion of Germany in 1945. For the first three and a half years only one force, [underlined] Bomber Command [/underlined] was able to do so from the Air, and keep the torch of freedom burning for Britain and occupied Europe. [page break] 2 For the rest of the war Bomber Command was joined by the American Airforce who supported the air war with a substantial heavy bomber force operating in daytime from East Anglia. [underlined] 1943 – The growth point for Bomber Command [/underlined] By 1943 Bomber Command, now under the direction of Air Chief Marshall Arthur Harris, had grown into a powerful heavy bomber force. A famous biblical quotation used by Arthur Harris about Germany's earlier bombing of British cities, summed up the future for Germany's industrial heartland – "they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind". Bomber Command was able to sustain some 700 to 1000 aircraft, which could deliver in excess of 2000 tons of bombs on a target in one bombing raid. It flew at night throughout the year at relatively high altitudes; and in all weathers. It also used the long winter nights to penetrate deep into Germany to reach their industrial cities. Flying at over 10000ft required crew to wear oxygen masks and at 20000ft., temperatures could be minus 40 degrees centigrade! The sole heating for the crews would be from movable flexible pipes from the engines, or for the air gunners, electrically heated suits. Only fog, snow and ice around their base airfields and perhaps a full moon, would hold the squadrons back from operational flying. Bomber Command flew in a concentrated stream and bombed targets in a matter of 20 minutes or so. Techniques were developed to smother the ground-to-air radar defences by all aircraft dropping metalised strips ('window') en route and over the target. The mass of strips obliterated the German radar responses from the bombers, so that the ground defences were unable to direct nightfighters or ack-ack to their quarry. Ground control of the nightfighters was also broken by jamming their intercom frequencies. Bomber wireless operators would tune to the nightfighters' frequencies and transmit engine noise to drown out communication. Specially equipped squadrons flying in or near the bomber stream would carry out operations known as ABC (Airborne Cigar), which interfered with radar responses from nightfighters, causing confusion in ground control operations. These squadrons would also tune to the ground control frequencies and with the aid of German speaking specialists gave false directions to the German pilots. When the German defences resorted to broadcasting coded music over national broadcasting channels, to indicate to the nightfighters where the targets were, these were jammed by over-playing the broadcasts, very loudly, with previously recorded Hitler speeches! The development of the Pathfinder Force and the introduction of more sophisticated radar aids, especially H2S, enabled Bomber Command to keep closely to prescribed routes and to locate targets more accurately. This was achieved by the Pathfinders dropping coloured sky or ground markers near turning points and directly on the target, the whole operation being directed by Master Bomber crews flying at the forefront of the main force. In addition, other radar techniques for guiding bombers and indicating the release point for bombs, known as Oboe and G – H, were very accurate methods for pinpointing targets, especially in areas like the Ruhr Valley. All these techniques helped to produce highly concentrated bombing results. These successes however were not without heavy losses to Bomber Command * as the German ground control revised their procedures and the German nightfighter force expanded. The nightfighter force (especially squadrons equipped with twin [page break] 3 engined aircraft) became more freelance and extremely skilled due to the re-equipment of their aircraft with cannon firepower and radar air interception and homing techniques. Bomber Command took a major part in destroying much of German's industrial base. It also caused the German ground defence forces to divert, in 1943-45, a huge number of men (almost 900,000) and all types of artillery (56,500) from the Western and Eastern Fronts to defend the skies over German cities, especially Berlin and cities in the Ruhr Valley. Additionally 1,200,000 civilians were employed in civil defence and in repair work. Bomber Command delayed the use of the V weapons in 1944 by many months, and saved thousands of lives and possible destruction of much of London, especially the eastern areas of Greater London. It was responsible, along with the American Airforce, for destroying in 1944-45 much of the armament, transport, radar and communications infrastructure in occupied Europe and Germany. Additionally the German oil refining industry was destroyed. These successes eventually grounded the German Airforce, paralysed the German Army, and advanced their surrender. [underlined] *Bomber Command suffered very heavy losses [/underlined] From 1939 – 1945 Bomber Command suffered some 60% casualties; a number greater than any other British and Commonwealth Force during the Second World War (only exceeded by the German U-Boat Force who suffered some 70% casualties). Out of a force of 125000 Aircrew: * 56000 were killed (equivalent to almost one fifth of all the deaths sustained by the British and Commonwealth forces for World War 2, and equal to all the Officer deaths on the Western Front – Vimy Ridge, the Somme, Passchendaele, Ypres etc during World War 1). * 9000 were injured or wounded. * 11000 were POWs or were missing. In the peak times of 1943 and 1944 less than 10 crews in a 100 crews would survive their first tour of 30 operations. The Halifax and Lancaster Bomber would have an average life of 40 operational hours – about 5 or 6 missions. The worst month of the war for aircraft losses was January 1944 when 633 aircraft were lost out of 6278 sorties – just over 10%. This was also the month I was shot down over Berlin on my tenth operation, when my Squadron (102) lost 7 out of 15 aircraft – a loss of 47% (a loss of aircraft in percentage terms greater than that suffered by 617 Squadron on the Dam Busters Raid). The following night my Squadron lost a further 4 aircraft out of 16 on a mission to Magdeburg, Germany. Shortly after these disastrous losses, the Squadron was withdrawn from operations over Germany until they were re-equipped with the improved aircraft, the Halifax MK 3. The worst single operation of the war was in March 1944, when 94 aircraft were lost on the Nurnberg raid with 14 more aircraft crashing on return to UK. On this raid more aircrew in Bomber Command were killed, than were killed in Fighter Command for the whole of the Battle of Britain. [page break] 4 [underlined] Battle of Berlin [/underlined] There were 16 raids during the Battle of Berlin from the end of 1943 to early 1944. In this time some 500 aircraft were lost on the Berlin raids. Over 3500 aircrew were lost, of which some 80% were killed! More than 2000 of them lie buried in the British War Graves Cemetery in West Berlin – two of my crew are buried there, two others who have no known graves are remembered on the RAF War Memorial at Runnymede. [underlined] Bomber Command was heavily criticised for the destruction of Dresden and Chemnitz in February 1945 [/underlined] Dresden and Chemnitz were regarded as non-military targets. Dresden in particular was a cultural and arts centre since medieval times. They were also great fire risks because of their wooden architecture. As the Russian Forces on the Eastern Front entered East Germany in 1945, Stalin requested to Allied Command that Leipzig, Chemnitz and Dresden be bombed [underlined] as these cities were strategic railheads for moving German troops to the Eastern Front. [/underlined] At that time I was a POW at Stalag IVB (Muhlberg on Elbe) and I was being moved to Oflag VIIB (Eichstat, Bavaria) with four other POW's. The route took us through Chemnitz station and we spent the best part of a day waiting with our German guards on the station for a connection to go south to Bavaria. [underlined] During this time we witnessed several German Panzer troop trains en route for the Eastern Front pass through the station. [/underlined] The date was 2 February 1945 just 10 days before Chemnitz and Dresden were bombed. I understand since, that the information about the date of these troop movements was not known at the time; otherwise the Allied Command might have taken action earlier. Nevertheless Stalin was right, they were strategic railheads, and we (POW's) were [underlined] in the unique position of being the only Allied witnesses to see it. [/underlined] (I have a reference to this event in my wartime log entered whilst I was still a POW in Oflag VIIB). The bombing was shared by Bomber Command and the American Airforce. The towns were burnt out and the casualties were very high indeed. Personally I refute the charge, having seen the Panzer troop trains passing through Chemnitz, that these were open cities, wilfully destroyed. The Allied Airforces carried out what they were ordered to do – to aid the Russian Forces in what was total war in those days. These charges of wanton destruction were, after the war, levelled at Air Chief Marshall Arthur Harris (who was denied a Peerage), and Bomber Command by the post war Labour Government. The accusations have been made ever since by all and sundry. They choose to forget that some 60,000 British civilians were killed as a result of German Airforce bombing and use of V weapons, on London and other Cities. As a result campaign medals were not awarded to Bomber Command. Arthur Harris said "Every butcher, baker, and candlestick maker, within two hundred miles of the Front got a campaign medal, but not Bomber Command". When one reflects on the contribution that Bomber Command (a front line force without doubt) made to the success of World War 2; and the casualties and the [page break] 5 stress the aircrew (mostly in their early 20's) suffered in achieving it, it is a travesty of justice to level the accusation of wanton destruction. Fortunately, with more thorough research, especially involving veterans of Bomber Command, the books of recent years have put the records straight. [underlined] Summary of my aircrew training days [/underlined] I joined the RAFVR in August 1941, wore a white flash in my forage cap to indicate aircrew; and after a long wait at St John's Wood, London, I was posted to Initial Training Wing Torquay, Devon. Here I learnt the rudiments of subjects such as meteorology, air navigation, aircraft recognition, wireless telegraphy etc, alongside some square bashing and clay pigeon shooting. I was promoted from AC2 to LAC and posted to Marshalls Airfield, Cambridge for a flying test. I flew with an instructor in a Tiger Moth for about eight hours and passed the initial experience requirement necessary to join the Arnold Training Scheme in the USA. After some Christmas leave and a short stay at Heaton Park, Manchester, I joined the troopship 'Montcalm' at Gourock, on the Clyde, bound for Halifax, Canada. We were accompanied by another troopship the 'Vollendam' and we were supposed to have had a destroyer as escort for the crossing. Unfortunately the destroyer had to return to base. (It was a World War 1 American destroyer, one of fifty given to Britain in exchange for the use of Bermuda I believe, and it could not cope with the bad weather we were experiencing). Luckily our two weeks crossing in January 1942 was uneventful although half a dozen ships were sunk in the same area of the Atlantic as ourselves. At this time in the war as many as 60 ships a week were sunk by German U boats in the North Atlantic. From Halifax we were the first RAF aircrew trainees to travel to the USA in uniform. America had become our Ally just a few weeks before, (after the infamy of the Japanese who had bombed Pearl Harbour, on 7 December 1941, without formal declaration of war, sinking much of the Pacific fleet). After suffering the privations in Britain – bombing, blackout, blockade, rationing of virtually everything, and the military setbacks such as experienced in Norway, France and the Middle East, America was no doubt the land of milk and honey. We travelled to 'Turner Field' in Albany, Georgia for a month's acclimatisation, during which time I celebrated my 19th birthday. It was a base for the American Army Aircorps cadets. Here we were given Army Aircorps clothing and were to be treated like the cadets to all their style of intake training such as:- – drilling and physical training (callisthenics at 6 o'clock in the morning) – being given literature on expected behaviour and etiquette! – marching behind a brass band, playing Army Aircorps music, to all meals and to Retreat (lowering of the American Flag in the evening). [page break] 6 Having endured basic rations in Britain for a considerable time, every meal at 'Turner Field' was a feast, and as cadets, we were waited on hand and foot by coloured waiters (at this time in the South, coloured people were not considered equal to whites; they were required to sit in the back of buses and in separate parts of the cinema etc and were treated generally as second class citizens). Back in Britain you had to queue up for your meals, get all your meal on one plate, take your own cutlery (in your gas mask case) and wash it up afterwards in a tank of tepid greasy water. After a month I was posted to Lakeland, Florida (in March 1942) to a Civilian Flying School for Primary Flying Training. Here I had a very pleasant time indeed. I went solo in a 'Stearman' biplane after the Instructor had 'buzzed off' a herd of cows from the auxillary [sic] landing field by diving at them! I had 40 hours solo, much of which was aerobatics – stalls, spins, loops etc. The flying was over lakes and orange groves in the Florida sunshine. As English Cadets we had much hospitality with local American families and their daughters! After completion of the Course, we had a few days leave, and a colleague and I hitched a lift to West Palm Beach. We booked into an hotel, but within a short while we were invited to stay with an American lady (Mrs Hubbard), who turned out to be the daughter of Rockefeller (a multi-millionaire and philanthropist). She had an English lady staying with her (who had a son in the RAF) and between them they looked after us for the next two days, like two long lost sons. Her home could have been in Hollywood; it had a beautiful swimming pool within a magnificant [sic] Italian styled garden, with an arcaded drinks bar at one end. My greatest memory of this occasion, was to meet – and be photographed with – one of the few surviving Fleet Air Arm pilots, who in the previous year had torpedoed the pocket battleship 'Bismark', damaged its rudder, and enabled the British Fleet to sink it in the English Channel. He was touring America as a hero and had been invited to Mrs Hubbard's home. (The sinking of the Bismark was a great British victory, it having sunk the battleship 'Hood', with the loss of nearly 1500 lives.) After this short break (at the end of April 1942) we were posted to an Army Aircorps Flying School in Georgia for Intermediate Training. Here I started a course of flying on a basic trainer with an Army Instructor. After a number of flying lessons I was unable to convince my Instructor I was safe to go solo on this plane and that was the end of my pilot training. (The US Army Aircorps had a policy of failing a high proportion of cadets and I was one of them; had I been trained in an RAF Flying School in the States the story might have been different). I was disheartened at the time but took the view that I could have killed myself, as one of my friends did shortly afterwards! I took the train back to Canada (in June 1942) to the RCAF Camp at Trenton, Ontario, and after some interviews and an exam I remustered to U/T Navigator. This transfer did at least give me a chance to see some more of Canada, and I was able to visit Lake Ontario, Toronto and Niagara Falls before I moved on. A party of us were moved westward for a day or so by train, through impressive Canadian countryside with pine forests and rivers solid with floating logs. The train was pulled by an enormous steam engine, snorting its way through this majestic [page break] 7 scenery with hardly a sign of civilisation anywhere. We stopped eventually at Brandon, Manitoba, where we stayed awaiting a posting to an Air Navigation School. Whilst at Brandon I managed to spend a weekend at Clear Lake about 60 miles north. It was a beautiful lake surrounded by pine forests (with log cabins, a restaurant, a central hall), where swimming, fishing, and rowing facilities were available. In the evening dances were held in the hall and a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman was in attendance – it was just like a picture post card! At the dance I met a girl who lived in Winnipeg, who I was able to see again on a number of occasions, as I was posted to the Winnipeg Air Navigation School about a week later (August 1942). Winnipeg Air Navigation School services were run by civilians, with the teaching of all the subjects by the RCAF. Winnipeg was situated in the vast grain growing area of Manitoba which was as flat as a pancake – when flying at a few thousand feet you had an unrestricted view to the horizon. The towns, marked by grain elevators and water towers (with the town's name painted on the side), were spaced along the railway line, with other towns scattered in the countryside. All were visible on any cross country route, thus it was impossible to get lost during navigational exercises, even at night, as there was no blackout in Canada! It was a pleasant, comfortable three months training, spending about half our time in the class room and half on air exercises. We flew in ancient Anson aircraft with civilian pilots, and apart from our air exercises we had to wind up the wheels on take off and down on landing! The main things I can remember were: the crash of a light aircraft only a few yards away, and the raging fire that ensued that made it impossible to rescue the pilot; the freezing nights practising astro sextant shots. And the more pleasant activitity [sic] of eating Christmas-like turkey dinners every Sunday, and going to dances in Winnipeg, with my friend whom I had met at Clear Lake, Brandon, at weekends. I was awarded my Navigator's Wing on 20 November 1942 and was promoted to Sergeant (I was just a few marks short of getting a Commission). A few days later we were all on the long train journey back to Moncton, Halifax, breaking our journey for a memorable stopover in Montreal. We returned to England on the luxury liner the Queen Elizabeth, which had been converted into a troopship. We had two meals a day, there were 17 bunks to a state cabin, and we travelled without escort taking only four days to cross the North Atlantic. We were home on leave for Christmas – just one year had elapsed since I was on embarkation leave for my training in North America. The beginning of 1943 brought about a glut of trained aircrew from the North American and Commonwealth Training Schools. As a result many hundreds of us were held in holding centres in Harrogate and Bournemouth to await postings. To fill in the time I was posted with others to an RAF Regiment Training Course at Whitley Bay on the coast near Newcastle in the freezing weather of February 1943. It was not until late April 1943 that we took up flying again, when a party of us were posted to the RAF Air Navigation School at Jurby, at the northern end of the Isle of Man. [page break] 8 For the next three weeks, still flying in Ansons, I brushed up my navigation (not having flown for five months) with day and night cross country exercises around the Irish Sea, the east coast of Northern Ireland and the west coast of Britain. The weather was quite cool and we even experienced snow in the first two weeks of May. On free days we would take the small 'toast rack' railway from Jurby to Douglas (capital of the Isle of Man) for a day out – it was very quiet in wartime. The only feature I can remember was that all the hotels along the sea front were wired off, as they housed many of the aliens that had been interned for the duration of the war. On the completion of the course we had some leave and I was posted to the RAF Operational Training Unit at Kinloss, Scotland, on the Moray Firth. I was now set for 'crewing up' in Bomber Command and getting nearer to operational flying. I arrived at Kinloss in the first week in June. The weather was marvellous and stayed like it for the six weeks we were there. For part of the time a party of us were housed in a large mansion-like property (just for sleeping purposes) and each of us was given a bike to get to and from the airfield. The countryside was beautiful and with the consistent fine weather and the birds singing in the trees and hedgerows, cycling was an added pleasure. It was so peaceful the war seemed very far away indeed. RAF Kinloss was equipped with Whitley Bombers (withdrawn from operational flying in 1942) and were known as 'flying coffins' as they were very sluggish responding to the flying controls – a major defect we were to discover when flying in formation over Elgin (to celebrate a special occasion). After a few days we were crewed up and our crew consisted of:- F/O S.R. Vivian – Pilot – 'Viv' F/Sgt R.C. Wilson – Navigator – 'Reg' F/O L.A. Underwood – Bombaimer – 'Laurie' Sgt W. Ross – W/OP AG – 'Bill' Sgt J. Bushell – Rear AG – 'John' During the ensuing six weeks we had day and night flying fairly frequently, carrying out exercises such as cross country and formation flying, airfiring, fighter affiliation and bombing practice. We had some ground work also. I can remember being introduced to the Distant Reading Compass, located near the tail of the aircraft away from magnetic influences. It was a giro-controlled compass, very stable (which could be adjusted by the navigator for the earth's magnetic variation to give true north readings), with electric repeaters for the pilot, navigator and bomb aimer. I can also remember flying at night, trying to practise astro-navigation, with the sky being barely dark. In the north of Scotland in mid-summer at a height of 10000 ft the sun's glow was present on the horizon most of the night. In this light the Grampian mountains and the Highlands below looked very gaunt and awesome indeed. At the end of our training our crew had become great friends. We spent time together at Findhorn Bay (on the Moray Firth) on some afternoons, and in the pub in Forres town on some Saturdays. And once in the Mess all one weekend, when we were confined to the Station by the C.O. because we landed in error at RAF Lossiemouth (an adjacent airfield on the Moray Firth) instead of Kinloss! But we drank a lot of beer that weekend! We left Kinloss for some leave towards the end of July, never to see 'Viv' our pilot again. Little did we know that 'Viv' would be killed in three weeks (just a few days [page break] 9 after getting married on leave). This was before we even reached RAF Rufforth in Yorkshire, our Conversion Unit for Halifax Heavy Bombers. We arrived at RAF Rufforth in the middle of August to find that 'Viv' had been reported missing on 10 August 1941 flying as second pilot on a raid to Nurnburg. (I have learned since that the aircraft crashed near Ramsen/Bollanden, Germany. Six were killed including 'Viv' and two became POWs). All pilots, as captains of their aircraft, had to have two operational flights – 'second dickey trips' – before they could fly their own crews on operations. 'Viv' was on the second of his flights. We were now a headless crew, awaiting the appointment of another pilot. From now on it would be apparent that our lives in Bomber Command were becoming a lottery. There was no way we could tell, even at a Conversion Unit before Operations, whether from day to day we would live or die. During our short stay at Rufforth, about 60 aircrew were killed due to mechanical failure or accidents. Among other accidents, I can remember that two aircraft collided in mid-air, another crashed when a propellor flew off into the fuselage, and a further aircraft crashed at night on a practice bombing raid exercise. After a few days F/L PGA Harvey was appointed as our pilot, Sgt A McCarroll as our mid/upper gunner (formerly the drummer in Maurice Winnick's dance band – well known on BBC radio pre-war) and Sgt J McArdle as our flight engineer. This completed the crew for our 4 engined bomber, i.e. the Halifax. F/L Harvey was an experienced pilot having two operational tours in the Middle East in 1941 on Wellington Bombers. It was a mystery to us why he was taking on another tour. Flying on operations deep inside Germany in 1943 was another dimension for him, (with cities heavily defended by ack-ack and night fighters armed with cannon and equipped with radar homing devices), to what he had experienced in the Middle East in 1941. Especially as many of his sorties (whilst being in a war zone) had not been bombing missions. As F/L Harvey was an experienced pilot, the minimum time was taken to crew up, get familiar with the Halifax, and take on the new disciplines of a flight engineer and a mid/upper gunner. For my part I had to learn how to use 'Gee', a radar device for measuring pulses from two transmitting stations displayed on a cathode ray tube, which were then plotted on a special gridded map, to give pinpoint accuracy of your ground position. There were air exercises for bombing, airfiring and fighter affiliation. The latter was an exercise to remember (the date was 2 September 1943). For this exercise we flew at 10000ft and a fighter would 'attack' from behind. The two gunners would then cooperate with the pilot so that he could take evasive action. F/L Harvey in taking evasive action managed [underlined] to turn the aircraft on its back, [/underlined] and it was several thousand feet later before the aircraft was righted again. I had spun round in the nose of the 'plane, broken rivits [sic] were rattling around inside the fuselage, and the chemical Elsan toilet at the back of the aircraft had emptied its contents all over the rear of the plane. We were all shaken up by the experience, especially as F/L Harvey had [underlined] 390 operational flying hours to his credit [/underlined] and we did not expect him to lose control. However some good came out of it, in that John the rear gunner decided that from then on he would store his parachute in his gun turret, rather than in the fuselage as required by regulations – this action would later save his life! [page break] 10 I also decided I would be prepared and have a routine to cover baling out and I learnt the following procedure:- 'Helmet off' – You could break your neck with the helmet still attached to the oxygen supply and intercom! 'Parachute on' – You could jump out without it! 'Handle on the left hand side' – I was left handed (aircrew have been killed with an un-opened parachute with the handle – D ring – on the 'wrong' side!). In addition (as navigator) I decided that over the target I had a minute or so to spare, so I could fold back my seat, lift up the navigation table clear of the escape hatch and be ready to bale out immediately if necessary. I believe these plans gave me and Laurie (bomb aimer) additional vital seconds, and with the action John took, the three of us saved our lives nearly five months later. In a week or so we were posted to 102 Squadron to commence our operational service. [underlined] 102 Squadron 4 Group Bomber Command – Pocklington Yorkshire [/underlined] Pocklington airfield was situated 12 miles south-east of York, with 800ft hills 3.5 miles NE of the airfield. (Whilst I was there two Halifaxes with heavy bomb loads crashed into these hills after takeoff – that particular runway was not used after that.) It was a wartime airfield with only temporary accommodation, thus all our billets were in Nissen Huts. They had semi-circular corrugated iron roofs and walls, with concrete ends and were dispersed in fields nearby. They were dreary inhospitable places in winter, each heated only by a small central coal burning stove. Where possible, when not on duty, we sought refuge and relaxation in the 'comfort' of the Sergeants' Mess or in the pubs (i.e. Betty's Bar) or dance halls (i.e. DeGrey Rooms) in the city of York. Pocklington had three affiliated aifields [sic] – Elvington, Full Sutton and Melbourne. All the airfields were commanded by Air Commodore 'Gus' Walker, at that time the youngest Air Commodore at age 31 in the RAF. He had lost his right arm when a Lancaster exploded on the ground at the airfield he commanded, Syerston, in 1942. We arrived at Pocklington in mid-September 1943. F/L Harvey was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader in charge of 'A' Flight and we became his crew, which meant we would not fly as frequently on operations as other crews. (This was considered to be a mixed blessing as a tour – 30 operations – would take longer.) Over the next two weeks we completed a number of cross country exercises, mostly for me to practise my navigation with new equipment. At Rufforth I had 'Gee' radar which enabled me to plot accurate ground positions essential for calculating wind velocities – the basis of all air navigation. Unfortunately the Germans were able to jam this equipment, so that as an aircraft approached the coastline of Continental Europe, the radar pulses were obliterated. Thus the navigator had a race against time to get as much data as possible before we reached the 'Enemy Coast'. [page break] 11 At Pocklington we had a very new piece of radar equipment called 'H2S' (height to surface). Located in the aircraft it sent out pulses to the ground around the aircraft for 15/20 miles. Reflections were received back as bright specks on a cathode ray tube. The density of the reflections depended on whether the aircraft was flying over sea, land, hills, rivers, cities, lakes etc thus a rough topographical map of the ground (the quality of the picture varied) was displayed on the cathode ray screen. Best map results were between land and sea, but provided the navigator was reasonably aware of his ground position, he could recognise coastlines, large rivers and lakes, and sizable towns, to and from the target. Thus he could plot accurately the bearing and distance from these land marks, and be able to recalculate wind/velocities maintain required tracks, ground speeds and times to the target. For some more experienced navigators, they would have the ability to blind bomb, without the need to use the markers dropped by Pathfinders (who incidentally also used H2S equipment). H2S could not be jammed, but nightfighters could 'home on' to the H2S frequency if it was continuously switched on (a hazard not known to aircrews for some time after the system was in operation!). Some aircraft were shot down this way. Another new piece of equipment called the 'airplot indicator' was available to the navigator. This linked the giro compass and airspeed indicator to provide a continuous read out of the air position in latitude and longitude. It was a useful guide to have available, but no navigator would rely on it entirely and give up his own airplot drawn on his own navigational chart. We also had a hand held 'I.C.A.N. computer', a manually operated vectoring device on which we could plot a course and calculate the airspeed (to make good our desired track and ground speed), before we added this information to our main chart. Two other navigational aids we had used in training were radio bearings taken by the wireless operator and our own astro sight shots. The astro shots were converted to position lines by use of air almanacs. Both these methods were not practical when operating over 'enemy territory'. Even more so when considering that operational aircraft were faster, and the need at any moment to take evasive action (because of flak or nightfighters) would make these methods inoperable. There were times when navigational aids were not available to us and map-reading over cloud or at night, especially at high altitude, was not possible. Then fall back on 'dead reckoning' methods was necessary. This required accurate plotting of the air position and the use of wind velocities supplied by the Meterology [sic] Officer, or use of those already calculated by the navigator en route. In both these cases they would need to be modified to cater for forecast weather and wind velocity changes and any alterations in altitude during the flight. Preparing for a bombing mission on an operational squadron was quite a lengthy procedure, occupying a good a [sic] part of the day prior to the night's operation. About mid-morning 'Ops On' would be announced if there was to be a raid that night. Soon the ground crew were busy checking each aircraft's radar, guns, engines etc and filling the wing tanks with over 2000 gallons of fuel. Armourers would load the guns with ammunition and bring up and mount a mix of high explosive and incendiary bombs in the bomb bays for that night's target. (The bombs were stored in a remote part of the airfield for safety, behind blast walls. They would be fused for the target and towed on long low trolleys, by tractor, to the aircraft dispersal points.) Although the target was not disclosed at this stage because of the strict security rules, ground [page break] 12 crews would have a good idea from the amount of fuel loaded and the type of bomb load, as to where the target would be. About the same time as the ground crew activities, aircrew would be briefed by their respective leaders. There would be a leader for each discipline e.g. pilots, navigators, bomb aimers etc. The navigator would be one of the busiest; the navigation leader would issue them with flight plans and meteorological information (they would be the first to know the target). They would then plot the route on their chart and smaller topographical maps highlighting towns, lakes and rivers near to their track. Initial courses and airspeeds would be calculated from the wind velocities supplied (these would be modified as more information was gained from 'Gee' and 'H2S' during the flight). It was essential that they kept to their prescribed altitudes, tracks and time table, to maintain concentration of the bomber stream and their time slot over the target (no more than three minutes long). The aircrew would then go to the Mess, have their operational meal of eggs and bacon (civilians were lucky to get one egg a month!), and fill their thermos flasks with coffee. They would also draw their flying rations of chocolate and orange juice to sustain them during the long night. They would also have available caffeine tablets to keep them alert. The squadron briefing would follow when all aircrew operational that night (about 150 personnel) were assembled in front of a large wall map of Europe, showing the route and the target. If it was the 'Big City' (Berlin) a gasp would go round the hut, as it was considered to be the most dangerous target of them all. The briefing was carried out by the Squadron Commander, the Intelligence officer, the Meteorology officer and any other specialist whose views were pertinent to that night's raid. The briefing would cover overall details of the operation such as: – size of the bombing force and the objective of any diversionary raids taking place. – the weather en route and when returning to base; the forecast wind changes; the extent of cloud on route and over the target; icing risks at various altitudes. – how the pathfinders would be marking the route and target. – danger spots for flak and nightfighters. Finally, all personnel, especially navigators, were asked to synchronise their watches (to the second) to GMT After this the aircrew drew their Parachutes and Mae Wests, left any personal items in a bag to be picked up when they returned(!), and departed by truck to their dispersal points around the airfield. At the dispersal point they had time to smoke a cigarette outside the aircraft (not frowned upon in those days), and then to check their equipment thoroughly before they took off. The airgunners checked their guns over the North Sea! (At times they would get to this point of preparation and have to wait for clearance of fog. The 'Met' officer had guaranteed it would clear but mostly it did not, and the operation had to be abandoned!) At last it was take-off time and they were directed by the Airfield Controller to the runway, where many of the groundcrew would wave them off into the gathering darkness. Then commenced the long ordeal (5-8 hours) of freezing cold and the heavy vibration and incessant roar of four Rolls Royce Merlin engines, in an unpressurised aircraft, until they returned (with luck unscathed) in the early hours the following morning. On return they went to the de-briefing hut where they were given hot coffee and a tot of rum dispensed by the Padre(!) Then followed by a debriefing [page break] 13 by the Intelligence officer, who took notes about their bombing run and any details of flak and nightfighters they had experienced during the night. After an egg and bacon breakfast, they trekked back to their respective Nissen huts, crawled into bed and attempted to get some sleep if that was at all possible, and await the next call. After ten days of cross country flights at Pocklington as S/L Harvey's crew and practising with 'Gee' and 'H2S' equipment, we were considered ready for our first operation. This was a mine-laying trip (described as 'Gardening and planting vegetables') to the coastal waters on the east side of Denmark. Mine-laying was regarded as a reasonably safe and easy task and ideally suited to be a first mission – this turned out not to be so! On 2 October 1943 we took off, carrying in the bomb bay two mines and their parachutes. 117 aircraft took part mining various places from Lorient to Heligoland. We climbed on track across the North Sea to a height of 10000ft. About halfway across the North Sea, S/L Harvey asked Laurie to take over the controls whilst he visited the toilet at rear of the aircraft. Laurie as bomb aimer would have had some training to assist the pilot on take off but not to fly the 'plane. In fact Laurie had never sat in the pilot's seat of a Halifax before. [underlined] Now Laurie was asked to fly the 'plane on his first operation and, even worse, as we approached the 'enemy coast'! [/underlined] S/L Harvey really must have had an urgent call of nature! If the rest of us had known at the time what a predicament he was putting Laurie in, then I think we would all have needed 'to go', as well! Luckily for everyone S/L Harvey was back in his place before we crossed the Danish coast. On crossing the coast there was a loud bang which lifted the aircraft alarmingly, afterwards restoring to level flight. At this point both 'Gee' and 'H2S' went out of action, but we continued across Denmark to our dropping zone described as the 'Samso Belt', which we identified visually through broken cloud. The bomb doors were opened and we made our dropping run at 8000ft. We then attempted to release the mines but they would not drop. Several attempts were made to release them manually but without success. S/L Harvey then decided to return to base with the mines and tried to close the bomb doors. These would not close. It was now evident that the hydraulic system had been damaged as well as the radar equipment, probably caused by a flak ship as we crossed the Danish coast earlier. We reduced our height to 2000ft to get under the cloud base and some nasty electric storms across the North Sea; also to pick out a landfall as soon as possible, as I had only 'dead reckoning' means by which to navigate! As we did not need oxygen at this height I decided to visit the Elsan toilet at the rear of the aircraft. Taking a torch I groped my way to the back in the darkness. I was just stepping over the main spar when by torchlight I noticed a gaping hole beneath me; had I completed the step I would have fallen 2000 ft. into the North Sea! I relieved myself through the hole! I returned to the nose section immediately to confirm to S/L Harvey that there was no doubt that we had been hit by flak. I then had a drink of coffee from my thermos flask to restore my shattered nerves. It was now obvious the damage was more serious than we first thought. Loss of hydraulic power meant that not only were the bomb doors down, but when the flaps and wheels were lowered for landing, the bomb doors, flaps and wheels could not be [page break] 14 raised again. If we were to overshoot the runway on landing, we would have crashed – with two mines still on board! These thoughts kept us silent, with all eyes skinned for our landfall 'Flamborough Head' on the Yorkshire coast, and the sight of of [sic] the flashing pundit that would indicate the close proximity of our airfield. Luckily my dead reckoning navigation brought us back home on course and we landed safely (otherwise these notes would not have been written). On landing one of the mines fell out onto the runway. At our dispersal point the ground staff were amazed that we had survived as a crew without a scratch. Both mines, their release mechanism, the bomb doors and the fuselage had been damaged by shrapnel, and the parachutes badly torn. The hydraulics were severed, the 'Gee' and 'H2S' also damaged. Above the flak hole we discovered the fuselage was peppered with shrapnel holes within inches of the mid-upper gunner's turret. We were told originally that the aircraft would be written off, but I learned since that the aircraft was repaired. It carried out a number of missions, including targets such as Kassel and Berlin, but sadly was shot down by a nightfighter off Denmark in April 1944, again on a minelaying operation. All the crew died when the aircraft crashed into the sea. (This crew had saved their lives three months before, coincidentally on the night we were shot down, having baled out of a Halifax, short of petrol. Such was the fragility of life in Bomber Command at that time). Reading the [underlined] Squadron's [/underlined] Operational Record after the war, I found S/L Harvey's statement on our minelaying mission to be totally inaccurate. There was no mention of flak damage and having to bring the mines back, though the [underlined] Pocklington Station [/underlined] Operations Record did report it accurately. I believe S/L Harvey wanted to have a successful tour of operations and a possible DFC award later on. Having had a near miss with shrapnel close to his turret, Alec McCarroll the mid-upper gunner, decided to report sick before the next operation. In fact he never flew again, and sadly he was labelled LMF (Lack of Moral Fibre), reduced from Sergeant to AC2 and posted to Elvington (one or our affiliated airfields) to general duties. Such arbitrary action was taken by Commanding Officers as a deterrent to all aircrew. At this time losses in aircrew were extremely high, so much so that one crew hardly knew another before one of them went missing (often becoming obvious by a number of empty beds in your Nissen Hut). Every operation to Germany, especially to places such as Berlin, was almost like 'going over the top'. A succession of such raids could bring on exhaustion and a fit of nerves to anyone. The threat of being branded LMF was made to prevent the possibility of some aircrew refusing to fly. In point of fact only about 0.4% of all aircrew in Bomber Command were branded like this during the war. Nevertheless some, who had as many as 20 operations before they came off flying, were cashiered or demoted with ignominy. For these, it was a great injustice, especially as there were many civilians of military age (in reserved occupations) who would never be exposed [to] such risks. And a large proportion of servicemen, in all Services, who fortunately would not have to face the high risk of death on [underlined] every [/underlined] operational mission. As the minelaying mission was my first operation and because of the experiences I had on that flight, the Squadron Navigation Officer decided to check through my log [page break] 15 and chart. He found both completely accurate and commended me on the results which he knew were made under testing conditions. Later he informed me that he was recommending me for a Commission. (Actually this was long overdue and should have been made at the time I qualified as a navigator). Our next operation was on 4 October 1943 to Frankfurt. This was not a success as firstly S/L Harvey decided to weave all the way to Germany (not normally done unless there is some predicted flak or there are nightfighters about, as it doesn't aid good navigation!). Then without explanation he turned back to base, dropping our bombs into the North Sea on the way. (We had flown five hours out of about seven to complete the bombing operation and had been less than a 100 miles from the target.) S/L Harvey reported in the Squadron Operations Record "Overload petrol pump U/S. Returned early". I had a feeling that S/L Harvey wasn't very happy that night after our minelaying experiences just two days before. It was frustrating for us, having got near the target, as this raid turned out to be the first serious blow on Frankfurt so far in the war. Later the flight engineer went sick and as far as I can recall he did not fly again. Our third operation was on 8 October 1943 to Hanover, when 504 aircraft took part. This mission went without mishap. No trouble on route, it was clear over the target, we bombed on red target indicators (Pathfinder markers) from 17200 ft, and fires were see [sic] to start. This raid was reported as the most successful attack on Hanover of the war. We began to think we were at last OK as a crew but this proved not so. Apart from a cross country flight and an air test we did not fly any more operations in October. In fact we did not fly any more missions again with S/L Harvey(!) although 'officially' he remained the 'A' Flight Commander until the end of November 1943. Shortly after our third operation I was interviewed by Air Commodore 'Gus' Walker for my Commission. During that meeting he informed me that S/L Harvey was being withdrawn from operational flying, indicating that he had had enough. It did not really surprise me though, especially as Bomber Command had entered a phase when life was becoming very fragile indeed. What did surprise me however was to learn (only recently) that at the end of November 1943 when he relinquished command of 'A' Flight, S/L Harvey was recommended for a DFC. The award was described as "long overdue" for his tours in the Middle East in 1941 and his operations over Germany (one in June 1942 and two with us in October 1943, which included the 'returned early' operation). He was awarded the DFC on 28 December 1943. Now we were a headless crew all over again, awaiting the posting of another pilot. In the meantime destined to fly as spares, replacing crew members in other crews who were sick or otherwise unable to fly. This was a very demoralising position to be in. As a crew you develop a team spirit and a trust in each other; without a crew you are just a floating part. You have little or no faith in the crew you are joining for that night, or for that matter neither are they likely to have any faith in you. Your life is in their hands and their lives are in yours! I complained on one occasion to the Acting 'A' Flight Commander about flying as a spare. His reply was "You will probably just carry on like it, until one day you don't come back". Later I checked his career and luckily he survived his first tour and got a [page break] 16 DFC at the end of May 1944. I have often wondered whether [underlined] he [/underlined] survived the rest of the war! Laurie Underwood, John Bushell and I (the wireless operator seemed to have disappeared), then flew as spares for the next five or so operations, which was one of the most potentially unnerving periods I can remember. More than a month had elapsed since I flew on the Hanover operation, before my next mission on 11 November '43 minelaying off the Frisian Islands (near the Dutch coast). I flew with F/O Eddy and 45 aircraft took part. We dropped our mines from 6000ft and we lost one aircraft from our Squadron, shot down by a flak ship. The aircraft ditched in the North Sea. All the crew were missing presumed killed. This was the same aircraft that I flew with S/L Harvey when we went to Frankfurt and returned early on 4 October '43! My fifth operation was on 18 November '43 to Mannheim/Ludwigshafen flying as a spare with P/O Jackson (Australian pilot) when 395 aircraft took part. It was a raid to divert German nightfighters away from the main force of bombers who were bombing Berlin. We bombed from 17000ft on the green target indicators – bombing was well concentrated. The diversion was successful in that the main force only suffered 2% losses, whereas our losses were high at 5.8%. 102 Squadron did not lose any aircraft that night. I flew again as spare with F/O Jackson on 22 November '43 to the 'Big City' – Berlin – the most heavily defended city in Germany. 764 aircraft took part, dropping 2501 tons of incendiaries and high explosive in about 20 minutes. This was the second out of 16 raids described as the Battle of Berlin. For all raids the target was the centre of Berlin (Hitler's Chancery) and for each raid the City was approached from a different point of the compass. Unless Pathfinders directed otherwise, bombing on each raid would 'creep back' like a wedge from the target point; thus the whole city over the period of 16 raids would be covered by bombing. This night our bombing run was from the west and we bombed at 18000ft on the centre of the flares (checked by H2S). A glow of fires were seen through 9/10 clouds. This raid was the third heaviest of the war on Berlin and it was also the most successful. Much damage was done to industrial areas and munitions factories, the Ministry of Weapons and Munitions and many political and administrative buildings. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was also badly damaged, and post war was part restored and became a Berlin tourist attraction. (I suppose it can be compared with Coventry Cathedral, which back in 1940 was ruined by the German Airforce when they devasted the City. And after the War, a new Cathedral was built alongside the ruins of the old.) The equivalent of nearly three German Army Divisions were drafted in, to tackle the fires and clear the damage which extended from the centre to the western limits of the City. Luckily we experienced no nightfighter attacks or flak damage, and we narrowly missed an accident on return to Pocklington; Whilst we were still on the outer circuit waiting to land, another Halifax from our Squadron flying on the same outer circuit as ourselves, had met head-on with a Halifax from 77 Squadron. It had been returning to our affiliate airfield at Full Sutton and was also on its outer circuit preparing to land. The two outer circuits unfortunately overlapped and as a result of the mid-air collision both crews were killed outright – [page break] 17 we had missed that fate by a small margin! John Bushell (rear gunner in our crew also now flying as a spare) had the unenviable task of representing 102 Squadron at the funeral of one of those killed. I continued my time as spare, flying with F/O Jackson (his navigator must have had a long time off for sickness or, for some other reason, was not flying). This time, 25 November '43, our target was Frankfurt and only 262 aircraft took part. The flight was uneventful, although the gunners had heated discussions about seeing nightfighters, until F/O Jackson, in his casual Australian voice, settled the argument by saying "If they've only got two engines, shoot the bastards down!". We bombed on the red target indicators from 17500ft. Some fires were seen, but it was cloudy over target and the bombing appeared to be scattered. Despite the small force of aircraft, 102 Squadron managed to lose 2 aircraft over Germany, keeping up its record for high losses. We had hardly got to bed after debriefing from the Frankfurt raid in the early hours of 26 November, when the tannoys blared out for all aircrew to report to their sections to be briefed for another raid that night. We were supplied with caffeine tablets and given 'pink gins' to drink in the hopes that it would keep us 'on our toes' that night. I flew again with F/O Jackson with a small force of 178 aircraft to Stuttgart. This was a diversionary raid to draw off German nightfighters from the main force of bombers whose target was yet again Berlin. We bombed on the red target indicators from 17500ft. Large fires were seen and bombing was scattered but, as planned, a part of the German nightfighter force was drawn off from the main bomber force sucessfully [sic]. We lost one aircraft which crashed near Pocklington and one returned badly damaged by nightfighter (airgunner killed). We were diverted to Hartford Bridge airfield in the south, so that the main force of Lancasters could use 4 Group airfields, as some of their airfields were fog bound. They were also short of petrol after an exceptionally long flight. Nevertheless 14 Lancasters crashed in England that night. We returned to Pocklington after a weekend in Hartford Bridge, on three engines after one engine failed on take off. This was my last flight with F/O Jackson, who incidently [sic] was previously awarded the DFM. He finished his tour and was awarded the DFC in June 1944 – perhaps I should have stayed with him rather than return to my original crew! Before Laurie Underwood and John Bushell and I came together again as a crew, I had just one other experience when I was due to fly as a spare. Fortunately the pilot, prior to take off, taxied off the concrete dispersal point into the mud of the outfield and the flight had to be abandoned. Just as well, as I had premonitions about flying that night with this particular crew. The month of December 1943 proved to be a month of non activity first there was a full moor, then the weather was poor. I was also waiting for a week's leave to get my officer's uniform (my promotion, although it had been approved had not yet been promulgated) and we were awaiting the names to complete our crew. Eventually, besides Laurie, John and myself, we learned the additional names to the crew. They were: Pilot – F/O G.A. Griffiths DFM 'Griff' – On his second tour [page break] 18 Flight Engineer – Sgt J. Bremner ) all had previous ops. as spare crew Wireless Op. – F/S E.A. Church ) all had previous ops. as spare crew Mid/Upper Gr. – F/S C.G. Dupuies (French Canadian) ) all had previous ops. as spare crew It seemed beyond belief that our new Flight Commander did not authorise any cross country 'runs' for us to gain crew experience, or to practise H2S, bombing and gunnery procedures, before we flew on operations together. However it was not to be, and on 29 December '43 we were scheduled on a main force operation to Berlin. This was the eighth raid on Berlin and the fifth heaviest. 712 aircraft took part, and 2314 tons of incendiaries and high explosives were dropped in 20 minutes. It was an uneventful flight. I remember clearly seeing the outline of the Zuider Zee on the radar screen (H2S always at its best on coastal outlines) as we flew over Northern Holland. Bad weather restricted the German nighfighters [sic] to 66, but these were the more experienced crews with air interception and H2S homing radar and upward firng [sic] cannon. Fortunately, due to two spoof raids by RAF Mosquitos the nightfighters reached Berlin too late to be effective. We flew into Berlin from the southeast and dropped our bombs from 17500ft on the target indicators but no results were seen owing to 10/10ths cloud. Aircraft losses that night were down to 2.8%, but 102 Squadron yet again managed to beat the average with two aircraft missing! In one of these aircraft Harold Paar, a Chigwell neighbour of mine, was shot down on his first operation. He became a POW in the same camp – Stalag IVB – indeed the same hut, as myself. (I discovered he was a neighbour when my son met Harold's son in the same class at the same grammar school some 20 years later.) January 1944 began as another month of inactivity, again as a mixture of bad weather. Also a full moon period prevailed, and there was a reluctance to send Halifax 2's out to Berlin because of their increasing vulnerability. However another maximum effort to Berlin was ordered, so our second operation, as full crew again, was scheduled for Berlin on 20 January '44. In addition a second pilot Sgt K F Stanbridge (flying as a 2nd dickey pilot for operational experience) was also included in the crew. For this operation I was responsible as one of four navigators operating H2S equipment in 4 Group (4 Group comprised of 15 squadrons totalling 250/300 aircraft), to radio at intervals my calculated wind velocities back to 4 Group. These wind velocities from the four navigators were to be averaged and rebroadcast to the whole of 4 Group for their use in maintaining concentration in the bomber stream. In addition I was to do my own blind bombing that night (not bombing on Pathfinder markers), using H2S to identify the homing point for a timed run into Berlin. This bombing raid on 20 January '44 was to be the ninth raid and the fourth heaviest on Berlin; 769 aircraft took part and 2400 tons of incendiary and high explosive bombs were dropped in 20 minutes. This riad was considered to have been successful although less concentrated than planned. Due to bad weather again over Germany, the German nightfighters were limited to 98 experienced crews equipped with 'schrage musik' upward firing cannon, and radar interception and H2S homing devices. The nightfighters (all twin engined) were also operating a new procedure called 'tame boar', where they were directed by ground control into the bomber stream at intervals and over the target. From this point they could fly freelance and [page break] 19 use their own equipment to locate bombers, fly beneath them out of sight of the bomber's gunners and fire cannon shells into their petrol laden wings. Additionally on this night, thin cloud covering Berlin with tops about 12000ft was illuminated from below by many searchlights, allowing the nightfighters flying above the bomber stream to locate them, silhouetted against this bright backcloth. Thus, despite the limitation of nightfighters, it was a highly successful night for them, as they claimed 33 victories (nine of them over Berlin) out of the 35 bombers lost. We took off at 1630hrs GMT on 20 January 1944 in a Halifax nicknamed 'Old Flo' by the ground crew and were soon flying above 10/10ths cloud. Using Gee radar initially and then H2S to 'map read', we flew uninterrupted over a northerly route into Germany, turning southeast about 60 miles from Berlin. Berlin was a large city and there were too many stray reflections on the H2S screen to identify the target position. I was instructed personally at the navigators' briefing in Pocklington to identify a turning point, by taking a precise bearing and distance on my H2S screen, of a small town about 10 miles north of Berlin. This was the commencement of a timed bombing run to the target – Hitler's Chancery. We flew in straight and level at 18000ft, maintaining a pre-calculated track and groundspeed, and at the time set by stop watch we dropped our bombs (2000hrs GMT). This bombing procedure made us a sitting target for the nightfighter expertise available that night, for we had hardly closed our bomb doors when we were hit by a nightfighter. He had trailed behind and below our aircraft, waiting for our bombs to be released, then fired cannon shells upwards into our starboard wing. With more than 1000 gallons of petrol still aboard it was only seconds before the whole wing was aflame. I heard 'Griff' our pilot call out; "graveners, Engineer!". (These were switches to activate the engine fire extinguishers.) This was to no avail, and the blaze was so fierce 'Griff' realised the aircraft was stricken and immediately called out; "parachute, parachute, bale out!". I already had my parachute on, and my seat and navigator's table folded back clear of the escape hatch (a discipline I always carried out over a target). I lifted the escape hatch door and dropped it diagonally through the escape hatch, but it caught the slipstream and jammed half in and half out of the aircraft. With the combined efforts of myself, the wireless operator and Laurie, we managed to kick the hatch door clear. I sat on the edge of the escape hatch and dropped through immediately, followed closely by Laurie. The wireless operator had no time to follow us and was killed. I believe after Laurie dropped out, the blazing aircraft went out of control and into a spiral dive. After baling out at 17000ft, I spun over a few times, then pulled the rip cord. The canopy opened and my harness tightened with a jerk around my crutch, which brought me to my senses in double quick time! Below me and to my left I could see another parachute; it might have been Laurie but I couldn't be sure (I didn't see him again until his wedding after the war!). I was over a layer of light cloud and could see the glow of fires beneath it, and coming up was plenty of heavy flak and tracer shells hosepiping around the sky – I prayed it wouldn't come too near! I floated down for 10/15 minutes; somehow I didn't feel too cold although it would have been minus 34 centigrade when I jumped out! With a 60 mph northerly wind prevailing I soon drifted away from being near to the centre of the City. The deafening noise from the aircraft's engines, present during flight, had gone and now the sound [page break] 20 of bursting flak had died away. Instead there was an uncanny silence and the blackness of the night, as I decended [sic]through cloud which covered the area. Nearing the ground I thought I was going to land in marshes and my hand was on the lever to inflate my 'Mae West' (lifejacket), but it turned out to be the tops of trees of a small wood in a southern suburb of Berlin. I crashed through these, falling the last 15 feet and finishing up with a grazed face and a sprained ankle. I think it was remarkable that this was the only injury I sustained throughout this ordeal. In less than 20 minutes my life had gone through a dramatic change. I had survived death by a hair's breadth. I was elated at being alive, but what of my crew, were they alive or dead? What traumas will my family suffer when they are informed by telegram that I am missing tomorrow morning? A few hours before I was eating my eggs and bacon (only available before operational flights) in the mess at Pocklington, my aircrew colleagues were around me, the friendly town of York was only 12 miles away and home leave to get my officer's kit was imminent. I was now in hostile Germany, probably in the south-east suburbs of Berlin. What would happen if I were caught by civilians, having just bombed their City? There was nobody here who would care if I lived or died. Germany was now in the depth of winter. I was in enemy territory 600 miles from home, with only some french francs, a handkerchief with a map of France printed on it, and a magnetic trouser button (with a white spot on it which, when cut off my flies and balanced on a pencil point, would point north!). And a tin of Horlicks tablets. Only these to sustain me, whilst I evaded capture and got back to England! I was a still in my F/Sgt's uniform although Commissioned on 1 December 1943 and I was five days off my 21st. birthday. About eight hours, later having disturbed a dog whilst trying to hide up in a barn, I was captured by the civilian police. From here to the end of the war will have to be another story. Laurie 'blacked out' I believe during part of his parachute drop, but landed uninjured and was captured by the Military early the next day. Out of our crew of eight, only four survived. The other two survivors, 'Griff' (pilot) and John Bushell (rear gunner), had most remarkable escapes from death! After Laurie and I baled out and the aircraft had gone into a spiral dive, 'Griff' was thrown forward towards the controls. He was held in his seat by the 'G' of the spiral dive. He saw the altimeter unwind past 7000ft and wondered when his end would come, before going unconscious. I believe the petrol tanks of the blazing aircraft exploded and 'Griff' was blown out, regaining consciousness just in time to pull his ripcord a few hundred feet from the ground. His parachute was still on the swing when he thumped down amongst the debris of the aircraft on waste ground in Berlin! He was uninjured but in shock. He wrapped himself in his parachute and went to sleep under a bush nearby, where he was discovered the next morning by a party of civilians led by a soldier. John was thrown over his guns when the aircraft went into the spiral dive and he lost consciousness. He also 'came to' in the air in similar circumstances to 'Griff' and opened his parachute near the ground, but landed close to a searchlight battery and was captured immediately. John had a bad cut over his right eye and bruised face but otherwise was OK. [page break] 21 The four crew who were killed, strangely, were all those fairly new to us. The wireless operator and co-pilot were buried in the British War Cemetery in Berlin. When he was captured 'Griff' our pilot was asked by the German Military "Tell us the name of your wireless operator so that we can bury him with a name". The flight engineer and mid upper gunner were not found nor identified, and having no known graves are remembered only on the War Memorial at Runneymede. It was very sad that the mid upper gunner, F/S C G Dupuies, had avoided flying to Berlin on his 13th operation by flying on a comparatively 'safe' mission instead; only to be killed on this raid to Berlin, his 14th operation. The lucky rabbit's foot he always carried with him was to no avail. I also regret that I had said to the wireless operator, F/S E.A. Church, before this operation, he shouldn't take milk from the Sergeant's Mess for his own use. I had not known that it was for his young wife living near Pocklington who had just had a baby. After the war we survivors came to realise that 20 January 1944 was a night to remember. We learned through a German archivist that we had been shot down by an ace nightfighter pilot, Hptm L Fellerer, in a twin engined Messerschmitt Bf 110 G 4 nightfighter. He had 41 victories to his credit, had been awarded the Knights Cross and had shot down five aircraft including ourselves on the night of 20 January 1944! He became Gruppenkommandeur of the Nightfighter Group 11/NJG5 at Parchim near Berlin. After the war he became a high ranking officer in the Austrian Airforce but was killed in a Cessna flying accident in the 1970's. The archivist also gave us a map of Berlin showing where our aircraft crashed, which was about seven miles southeast of Hitler's Chancery at Oberspree. This confirms that we were on target that night, as the crash point was on our track less than two minutes flying time from the release of our bombs. 20 January 1944 was also a significant date for 102 Squadron, as the following extract from the Squadron Operation Record summary on that date shows (microfilm held at the Public Records Office Kew): "Weather foggy clearing later, Vis: mod to good. Wind s'ly 20 - 25 mph. [underlined] 16 Aircraft detailed to attack Berlin on what proved to be probably the most disastrous operation embarked by the Squadron [/underlined] which suffered the loss of 5 crews missing (F/O Griffiths DFM, PO Dean, F/S Render, W/O Wilding, & F/S Compton) Moreover two aircraft were lost in this country, F/O Hall short of petrol had to abandon his aircraft near Driffield, the whole crew baling out successfully. F/S Proctor crash landed near Norwich, the Airbomber F/O Turnbull unfortunately dying from his injuries. The rest of the crew suffered minor injuries as a result. [underlined] Thus no less than 7 of the 16 aircraft which took off were lost including 5 crews – fortunately, an exceptional night of misfortune & unlikely to be repeated. There was also one early return, [/underlined] F/O W.B. Dean, 'W'." So this was the end of our time in Bomber Command. After re-forming as a crew again, we had done only two more operations making for me only 10 in all. 2 October 1943 – Minelaying (Denmark) 4 October 1943 – Frankfurt 8 October 1943 – Hanover 11 November 1943 – Minelaying (Frisian Islands) [page break] 22 18 November 1943 – Ludwigshaven 22 November 1943 – Berlin 25 November 1943 – Frankfurt 26 November 1943 – Stuttgart 29 December 1943 – Berlin 20 January 1944 – Berlin Nevertheless we will go down in the annals of 102 Squadron as being shot down on the night when the Squadron suffered the loss of 7 out of 15 operational aircraft, a 47% loss, [underlined] which was a loss greater than in any other operation in the Squadron's history in both world wars. [/underlined] 102 Squadron was not a lucky squadron; after the disastrous night of 20 January 1944, another 4 aircraft were lost on the following night's raid to Magdeburg. Shortly after this, as the losses continued, the Squadron was ordered not to operate over Germany. Subsequently the Halifax 2's were withdrawn to be replaced by the Halifax 3's, which were equal to the Lancasters of that time in their operational efficiency. (Unfortunately for our crew the new aircraft arrived too late for us, otherwise we might have had a better chance of survival and been able to complete at least one tour – 30 operations – and perhaps been able to enjoy freedom for the rest of the war). [underlined] In World War 2, 102 Squadron suffered the highest losses in 4 Group Bomber Command (15 Squadrons), and the 3rd highest losses in the whole of Bomber Command (93 Squadrons). [/underlined] January 2000 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reg Wilson - Bomber Command and Notes of Some of My Experiences During 1941-1945 Description An account of the resource Reg summarises Bomber Command's role in the war then details his personal experiences from training days. He covers, in detail, the navigational techniques he used, and describes the operation he was on when he was shot down. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Reg Wilson Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2000-01 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany--Berlin Great Britain France--Dunkerque Germany--Magdeburg England--Runnymede Germany--Dresden Germany--Chemnitz Germany--Leipzig Germany--Mühlberg (Bad Liebenwerda) Germany--Eichstätt England--Torquay England--Cambridge England--Manchester Scotland--Gourock Canada Nova Scotia--Halifax United States Georgia--Albany Florida--Lakeland Florida--West Palm Beach Ontario--Trenton Lake Ontario Ontario--Toronto Manitoba--Brandon Manitoba--Winnipeg New Brunswick--Moncton England--Harrogate England--Bournemouth England--Whitley Bay Great Britain Miscellaneous Island Dependencies--Douglas (Isle of Man) Scotland--Elgin Scotland--Findhorn Germany--Ramsen England--York France--Lorient Germany--Helgoland England--Flamborough Head Germany--Kassel Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hannover Germany--Mannheim Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Stuttgart Netherlands--IJssel Lake England--London England--Norwich Europe--Frisian Islands Florida France Georgia Ontario New Brunswick Germany Nova Scotia Netherlands North America--Niagara Falls Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Ruhr (Region) England--Devon England--Essex England--Hampshire England--Norfolk England--Northumberland England--Surrey England--Yorkshire England--Lancashire England--Surrey Manitoba Denmark--Samsø Denmark Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command United States Army Air Force Wehrmacht. Kriegsmarine Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Memoir Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 22 printed sheets Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context BWilsonRCWilsonRCv1 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1941 1942 1943 1944 1943-10-02 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-11-11 1943-11-12 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-25 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-20 1944-01-21 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Sue Smith Maureen Clarke 102 Squadron 4 Group 617 Squadron 77 Squadron air gunner Air Observers School aircrew Anson anti-aircraft fire bale out Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) Bismarck bomb aimer bomb trolley bombing bombing of Dresden (13 - 15 February 1945) Churchill, Winston (1874-1965) crewing up Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Medal entertainment Flying Training School Gee ground personnel H2S Halifax Halifax Mk 2 Halifax Mk 3 Harris, Arthur Travers (1892-1984) Heavy Conversion Unit Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945) Initial Training Wing intelligence officer killed in action lack of moral fibre Lancaster Me 110 memorial mid-air collision military living conditions military service conditions mine laying missing in action navigator Nissen hut Oboe Operational Training Unit Pathfinders perception of bombing war pilot prisoner of war RAF Chigwell RAF Driffield RAF Elvington RAF Forres RAF Full Sutton RAF Hartford Bridge RAF Jurby RAF Kinloss RAF Lossiemouth RAF Melbourne RAF Pocklington RAF Rufforth RAF Syerston RAF Torquay Schräge Musik service vehicle Stalag 4B Stalin, Joseph (1878-1953) Stearman target indicator Tiger Moth training V-1 V-2 V-weapon Wellington Whitley Window wireless operator https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1895/35680/LGillK1438901v1.pdf 1fcaf9a0c545538c4700852b3da1bf4c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Gill, Kenneth K Gill Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-09 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Gill, K Description An account of the resource One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums.&nbsp;<br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kenneth Gill’s observer’s and air gunner’s flying log book Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1942 1943-02-25 1943-02-26 1943-04-18 1943-04-19 1943-05-04 1943-05-05 1943-05-11 1943-05-12 1943-05-23 1943-05-24 1943-05-25 1943-05-26 1943-05-27 1943-05-28 1943-05-29 1943-05-30 1943-06-11 1943-06-12 1943-06-13 1943-06-14 1943-06-15 1943-06-21 1943-06-22 1943-06-25 1943-06-26 1943-06-28 1943-06-29 1943-07-08 1943-07-09 1943-07-25 1943-07-26 1943-08-07 1943-08-08 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-06 1943-09-07 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-20 1943-10-21 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1944-10-29 1944-11-11 1944-12-11 1944-12-15 1944-12-21 1944-12-22 1944-12-29 1944-12-30 1944-12-31 1945-01-01 1945-02-03 1945-02-06 1945-02-14 1945-02-22 1945-02-24 1945-03-13 1945-03-14 1945-03-19 1945-03-21 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Canada France Germany Great Britain Italy Netherlands Poland Atlantic Ocean--North Sea England--Lincolnshire England--Nottinghamshire England--Rutland New Brunswick--Chatham France--Clermont-Ferrand Germany--Bremen Germany--Arnsberg Germany--Berlin Germany--Bielefeld Germany--Bochum Germany--Cologne Germany--Dortmund Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany--Duisburg Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Euskirchen Region Germany--Essen Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Kassel Germany--Krefeld Germany--Leipzig Germany--Munich Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf) Germany--Rheydt Germany--Wuppertal Italy--La Spezia Italy--Milan Netherlands--Hoek van Holland Netherlands--IJmuiden Netherlands--Rotterdam Norway--Horten Norway--Tromsø Poland--Police (Województwo Zachodniopomorskie) Germany--Bielefeld Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany--Arnsberg Germany--Bremen New Brunswick Norway Germany--Ruhr (Region) Germany--Urft Dam Germany--Ladbergen Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Cara Walmsley Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LGillK1438901v1 Description An account of the resource Observer’s and air gunner’s flying log book for K Gill, navigator, covering the period from 17 May 1942 to 21 March 1945 when he was missing on operations. Detailing his flying training, operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RCAF Chatham, RAF North Luffenham, RAF Swinderby, RAF Bardney, RAF Syerston and RAF Woodhall Spa. Aircraft flown in were Anson, Wellington, Halifax, Lancaster, Hudson, Tiger Moth and Stearman. He flew a total of 46 operations, one with 29 operational training unit, one with 1660 conversion unit, 26 with 9 squadron and 18 with 617 squadron. His pilots on operations were Flight Lieutenant Evans, Flight Lieutenant Derbyshire, and Flight Lieutenant Gumbley. Targets were Clermont Ferrand, Spezia, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Wuppertal, Bochum, Oberhausen, Krefeld, Gelsenkirchen, Cologne, Milan, Nurnberg, Rheydt, Berlin, Munich, Kassel, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Tromso - Tirpitz, Urft Dam, IJmuiden, Politz, Rotterdam, Horten, Poortershaven, Bielefeld, Ladbergen, Arnsberg and Arbergen. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 1660 HCU 29 OTU 617 Squadron 9 Squadron Air Observers School aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit Hudson Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School mine laying missing in action navigator Operation Catechism (12 November 1944) Operational Training Unit RAF Bardney RAF North Luffenham RAF Swinderby RAF Syerston RAF Woodhall Spa Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Stearman Tallboy Tiger Moth Tirpitz training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10001.jpg f940dfcf9f1032d294af2e2e1fb28c1c https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10002.jpg 99303cd0e7e641b140dfb128874c8b4e https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10003.jpg 8dae4f0f33a0f147699a5a423dd1963e https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10004.jpg 13a9a49076738b6cb2be74413be30472 https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10005.jpg 024e25d06e006a53470af5e077e429d7 https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1794/35665/LWilsonRC1389401v10006.jpg 87c98d3ae006209742068e2dbdf6c7c6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilson, Reginald Charles R C Wilson Description An account of the resource 166 items. The collection concerns Reginald Charles Wilson (b. 1923, 1389401 Royal Air Force) and contains his wartime log, photographs, documents and correspondence. He few operations as a navigator with 102 Squadron. He was shot down on 20 January 1944 and became a prisoner of war. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Janet Hughes and catalogued by Barry Hunter. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-01-13 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Wilson, RC Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Extract from Reg Wilson's Log Book Description An account of the resource 12 pages from Reg Wilson's navigator's logbook covering the period 24 August 1943 to 20 January 1944. Details his heavy conversion training and operations with 102 Squadron flying Halifaxes. He flew 10 operations, all at night. Targets were minerlaying, Hannover, Ludwigshaven, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Berlin. His pilot on operations were Flying Officer Griffiths, Squadron Leader Harvey, Pilot Officer Jackson and Flying Officer Eddy. He was posted missing after his third operation to Berlin. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Reg Wilson Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany--Hannover Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Berlin Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Stuttgart Germany Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 12 handwritten pages Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LWilsonRC1389401v10001, LWilsonRC1389401v10002, LWilsonRC1389401v10003, LWilsonRC1389401v10004, LWilsonRC1389401v10005, LWilsonRC1389401v10006 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-10-02 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-11-11 1943-11-12 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-25 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-20 1944-01-21 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 102 Squadron 1663 HCU aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit mine laying missing in action navigator RAF Pocklington RAF Rufforth training https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1895/35651/SGillK1438901v20029.pdf b7acc641e719523b97652706b46bcb25 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Gill, Kenneth K Gill Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-09 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Gill, K Description An account of the resource One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums.&nbsp;<br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document [Underlined] WORLD WAR II : RECORD OF FLYING OFFICER KENNETH GILL D.F.C. (155097) [/underlined] [Underlined] RAFVR JOINED JUNE 1941 [/underlined] The following information has been provided by:- The Flying Log Book of F/O Kenneth Gill D.F.C. (155097) No 9 Squadron History Officer Flt Lt Mark Bullivant BSc RAF. No 617 Squadron Aircrew Association Official Historian Robert Owen. Training in Canada May 1942 to Sept 1942 Qualified as Air Navigator 11 Sept 1942 [g] 65.30. [h] 39.10. 29. Operational Training Unit R.A.F. Station North Luffenham [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 25. Dec. 42 [b] 10.40. [c] Wellington MkIII Y [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross Country Simulation Bombing/Bombing at Stert Flats [g] 3.20. [a] 30. Dec. 42 [b] 10.35 [c] Wellington H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross Country As Briefed simulation Bombing. Bombing at Whittlesey [g] 3.25 [a] 31. Dec. 42 [b] 10.40. [c] Wellington D [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross Country Simulation Bombing/Bombing at Stert Flats [g] 4.20. Total for December 1942 [g] 11.05. Total Time [g] 76.35. [h] 39.10. [a] 2. Jan. 43 [b] 12.35. [c] Wellington H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Night Flying Test (NFT) [g] 0.25. [a] 15. Jan. 43 [b] 10.25. [c] Wellington O [d] P/O Lang [e] 2nd Nav [f] Check-Dual Circuits [g] 0.40. [a]15. Jan. 43 [b] 11.15. [c] Wellington O [d] Sgt Gill [e] 2nd Nav [f] Cross Country Firing at Sea Bombing at Sea (Alum Sea Markers) [g] 4.25. [a] 21. Jan. 43 [b] 10.20. [c] Wellington D [d] Sgt Rosignol [e] Navigator [f] Drogue Towing [g] 6.05. [a] 26. Jan. 43 [b] 10.30. [c] Wellington H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High Level Bombing at Whittlesey, NFT [g] 2.15. Page 1 of [deleted] 90 [/deleted] 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 29. Jan. 43 [b] 10.40. [c] Wellington C [d] F/Lt Dunn [e] Navigator [f] Air-Firing at Range No 1 [g] 1.15. Total for January 1943 [g] 15.05. Total Time [g] 91.40. [h] 39.10. [a] 11. Feb. 43 [b] 18.40. [c] Wellington P [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [h] 3.00. [a] 12. Feb. 43 [b] 21.50. [c] Wellington Y [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [h] 3.05. [a] 13. Feb. 43 [b] 20.20. [c] Wellington C [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [h] 5.45. [a] 18. Feb. 43 [b] 19.00. [c] Wellington P [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country & Bullseye Exercise [h] 4.45. [a] 19. Feb. 43 [b] 20.25. [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High-Level Bombing at Whittlesey [h] 1.50. [a] 20. Feb. 43 [b] 15.05 [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High-Level Bombing at Whittlesey, NFT [g] 1.15. [a] 21. Feb. 43 [b] 14;00 [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Formation Flying [g] 1.10. [a] 23. Feb. 43 [b] 14.50. [c] Wellington Z [d] F/Lt Kennedy [e] Navigator [f] Formation Flying [g] 1.15. [a] 24. Feb. 43 [b] 11.40. [c] Wellington H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High-Level Bombing at Grimston Warren [g] 2.00. [a] 25. Feb. 43 [b] 10.10. [c] Wellington H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High-Level Bombing at Whittlesey [g] 2.10. [a] 25. Feb. 43 [b] 14.3 [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Night Flying Test [g] 0.30. [Underlined] [a] 25. Feb. 43 [b] 19.34 [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Nickel Clermont Ferrand [h] 7.00. [/underlined] [a] 26. Feb. 43 [b] 12.10. [c] Wellington B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Return Journey from Tangmere [g] 1.05. [a] 27. Feb. 43 [b] 10.45. [c] Wellington P [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country (W/T U/S Returned) [g] 2.25. Page 2 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 27. Feb. 43 [b] 20.35. [c] Wellington X [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High Level Bombing at Whittlesey [h] 2.20. [a] 28. Feb. 43 [b] 10.30. [c] Wellington C [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [g] 5.30 Total For February 1943 [g] 17.20. [h] 27.45. [a] 02. Mar. 43 [b] 10.37. [c] Wellington X [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low-Level Bombing at Whittlesey [g] 1.15. [a] 02. Mar. 43 [b] 14.45. [c] Wellington U [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High-Level Bombing at Whittlesey [g] 1.30 Total for March 1943 [g] 2.45. Total Time [g] 111.45. [h] 66.55. 1660 Conversion Unit R.A.F. Swinderby [a] 20. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax V [d] S/Ldr Abercromby [e] Navigator [f] Circuits and Landings [g] 2.10. [a] 20. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax V [d] S/Ldr Abercromby [e] Navigator [f] Circuits and Landings [g] 0.50. [a] 22. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax N [d] P/O Cooper [e] Navigator [f] Circuits and Landings George Instruction [g] 1.00. [a] 22. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax L [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Solo Circuits and Landings [g] 2.05. [a] 22. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax N [d] P/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Check Dual [g] 0.30. [a] 22. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax N [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Solo Circuits and Landings [g] 1.05. [a] 24. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax L [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low Level Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 1.20. [a] 26. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax H [d] S/Ldr Abercromby [e] Navigator [f] Check Dual [g] 0.40. [a] 26. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax H [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] S.B.A. [g] 1.45. [a] 28. Mar. 43 [c] Halifax G [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross Country and High Level Bombing [g] 4.15. Page 3 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 3. Apr. 43 [c] Halifax IV [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Local Flying [g] 1.05. [a] 4 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Familiarisation [g] 0.40. [a] 9. Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Stalling Feathering Landings & Circuits [g] 2.45. [a] 9 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Solo Local Flying [g] 1.45 [a] 11 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing and Cross-Country [g] 2.25 [a] 13 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Check Dual [g] 0.30. [a] 13 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Night Dual [h] 1.15. [a] 13 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 1 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Circuits IRB and Cross-Country [h] 2.20. [a] 15 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country and Bombing [g] 4.00. [a] 15 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/O Berridge [e] Navigator [f] Night Dual [h] 2.15. [a] 15 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country and IRB [h] 2.05. [a] 16 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Fighter Affiliation [g] 1.10. [a] 16 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bullseye [h] 5.35. [a] 17 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/O Doxury [e] Navigator [f] Check Dual [g] 1.20. [Underlined] [a] 18 Apr. 43 [c] Lancaster 3 [d] F/Lt Evans [e] 2nd Nav [f] Spezia Italy (Mine Laying) [h] 9.30. [/underlined] Total for 1660 Conversion Unit [g] 32.20. [h] 22.00. Total Time [g] 144.05 [h] 88.55. Page 4 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night No 9 Squadron R.A.F. Station Bardney [a] 22 Apr. 43 [b] 16.10. [c] Lancaster 3 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low-Level Bombing [g] 0.50. [a] 22 Apr. 43 [b] 21.35. [c] Lancaster 3 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Circuits and Landings [h] 0.20. [a] 25 Apr. 43 [b] 19.20. [c] Lancaster 3 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [g] 2.35. [h] 3.00. [a] 28 Apr. 43 [b] 11.30. [c] Lancaster 3 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low-Level Bombing and N.F.T. [g] 1.10. [a] 28 Apr. 43 [b] 20.15. [c] Lancaster 3 S [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [g] 2.00. [h] 3.25. Total for April [g] 6.35. [h] 6.45. Total Time [g] 150.40. [h] 95.40. [a] 2. May. 43 [b] 10.50. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and Local Flying [g] 0.15. [a] 2 May. 43 [b] 11.39. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 1.10. [a] 4 May. 43 [b] 14.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and Local Flying [g] 0.55. [Underlined] [a] 4 May. 43 [b] 21.50. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operations Dortmund (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 5.55. [/underlined] CREW: F/Lt J Derbyshire Pilot Sgt E Sullivan Flt Engineer Sgt K Gill Navigator Sgt F Overend Wireless Operator Sgt E Oakes Bomb Aimer Sgt E G Cole Mid-Upper Gunner Sgt T Parsons Rear-Gunner Form 540 14 Aircraft despatched reached the target and bombed, weather good, sever [sic] damage caused to the Target. Form 541 Primary attacked 0133hrs, 20,000ft Yellow T.I. seen also red & green T.I. Bombed green T.I. Some scattered bombing but mainly well concentrated. Considerable black oil smoke believed 2 miles west of A.P. Crew: Sgts Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole and Parsons. Page 5 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 6 May. 43 [b] 15.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.35. [a] 7 May. 43 [b] 11.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Base to Waddington [g] 1.00. [a] 7 May. 43 [b] 14.10. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.45. [a] 9 May. 43 [b] 14.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.45. [a] 11 May. 43 [b] 10.40. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Base-Syerston-Base [g] 0.55. [Underlined] [a] 11 May. 43 [b] 23.40. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operations Duisburg (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 4.45. [/underlined] Form 540 12 Aircraft Despatched. Good weather conditions, attack concentrated and considered by all crews to be very successful. Form 541 Primary attacked 0230hrs, 20,000ft Identified by Yellow T.I. on track and Red and Green T.I. on target. Concentration of green T.I. in bombsight. No red T.I. at time of bombing. Bombs concentrated around T.I’s. Very big fire seen 2 miles north of target. Height did not affect accuracy of bombing. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole and Parsons. [a] 21 May. 43 [b] 11.40. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air Test (Engines) & Bombing Wainfleet [g] 2.00. [a] 23 May. 43 [b] 14.00 [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and Air Firing [g] 2.00. Page 6 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 23 May. 43 [b] 22.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operations Dortmund (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 5.10. [/underlined] Form 540 17 Aircraft Despatched. All aircraft attacked the Target, many fires started mainly concentrated although others were scattered over the area. Form 541 Primary attacked 0139hrs, 20000ft. Yellow T.I. seen too late to make timed run. Red T.I. and cluster of Green seen. Bombed Red T.I. surrounded by cluster of Green Fairly large fires seen. Much smoke, main fires very concentrated, several subsidiary fires in wider arc. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole and Parsons. [a] 25 May. 43 [b] 14.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.40. [Underlined] [a] 25 May. 43 [b] 23.15. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operations Dusseldorf (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 5.20. [/underlined] Form 540 17 Aircraft Despatched. (1 returned Engine trouble, 1 failed to return F/O Woodhouse) All other aircraft reached the Target, some cloud was encountered which rendered observation of results difficult. Fires were started but these scattered over a wide area Form 541 Primary attacked 0214hrs, 21000ft. Red and Green T.I. seen, Yellow T.I. not seen Centre of cluster of Green T.I. in bomb sight. Scattered fires in 2 main groups. Crew, Sgt Dodds, Overend, Oakes, Cole and Parsons. Page 7 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 27 May. 43 [b] 23.15. [c] Lanc FD700 O [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operations Essen (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 5.30. [/underlined] Form 540 14 Aircraft Despatched (1 returned early) All other aircraft reached the target area, although 6-10/10 cloud prevailed. Bombing was heavily concentrated and the glow of fires could br [sic] seen below cloud. Form 541 Primart [sic] attacked 0124hrs, 21000ft. Red and Green track indicators seen Bombed centre of flares, good red glow seen below cloud. Rear Turret, fuselage and starboard wing holed by heavy Flak. Crew, Sgt Owen, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons [a] 29 May. 43 [b] 11.35. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and Air Firing [g] 0.35. [Underlined] [a] 29 May. 43 [b] 22.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Operation Wuppertal (4000 + 12 x 305) [h] 5.45. [/underlined] Form 540 16 Aircraft Despatched. (1 returned early and 1 received damage from Flak and jettisoned its bombs outside the target area. All other aircraft bombed the target and many fires were started. These were well concentrated and burning fiercely when the aircraft left. Form 541 Primary attacked 0126hrs, 20500ft Yellow markers seen at position A, and Red and Green markers seen ahead 1 Red T.I. insights, seen to cascade a few seconds before release of Bombs Large circle of concentrated fires seen Red T.I. seen to drop into fire. Crew, Sgt Hodson, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons. Page 8 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 31 May. 43 [b] 14.05. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air to Sea Firing (Aluminium Sea Marker) [g] 0.45. Total for May [g] 12.20. [h] 32.25. Total Time [g] 163.00. [h] 128.05. [a] 2 Jun. 43 [b] 11.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 0.40. [a] 4 Jun. 43 [b] 10.50. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.35. [a] 6 Jun. 43 [b] 14.55. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. & Time and Distance Runs [g] 0.45. [a] 9 Jun. 43 [b] 11.25. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] High Level Bombing/Authorised Low Fly [g] 1.00. [Underlined] [a] 11 Jun. 43 [b] 23.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Dusseldorf (4000 x 12 x 4&4 x 500) [h] 4.35. [/underlined] Form 540 19 Aircraft Despatched. (1 returned early) all other aircraft reached their objective which was bombed successfully. The attack was concentrated and many large fires were left burning. Form 541 Primary attacked 0201hrs 19000ft. Yellow T.I. seen on track from which timed run was made. Red and Green T.I. and sky markers seen on approaching target 1 P/pFlare in bombsights. As bombs release a Red TI was seen to cascade immediately to right of bomb sights. Fires well concentrated and a great deal of smoke seen. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons, Boyd. Page 9 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 12 Jun. 43. [b] 22.35. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Bochum (4000 x 12 x 4&4 x 500) [h] 5.25. [/underlined] Form 540 17 Aircraft Despatched. (1 returned early) Remainig [sic] aircraft made a successful job of their attack. Many fires were started and it was assumed that a conciderable [sic] ammount [sic] of damage was inflicted on Bochum. 1 Aircraft failed to return “N” W/O Wood. Form 541 Primary attacked 0128hrs 19500ft. Yellow T.I burning out on ground as Aircraft passed over Green T.I.s seen ahead followed at 0127hrs by 1 Red T.I which was seen to cascade from about 10000ft Red TI insights, this had not quite reached ground. There were a fair number of fires concentrated around the TI’s but tended to spread to the east of these. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons. [a] 14 Jun 43. [b] 12.00. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. and High Level Bombing [g] 0.45. [Underlined] [a] 14. Jun. 43. [b] 22.35. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Op Oberhausen (4000 x 9 x 4.4 x 30.4 x 500 [h] 4.40. [/underlined] Form 540 13 Aircraft Despatched (2 returned early) Oberhausen was chosen as the recipient of our bombs tonight. “Q” Sgt Evans failed to return and the others reached the target and dropped their loads. The attack was only beginning when they went in, but on the return journey many large fires were seen to be burning in the target area. Page 10 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Form 541 Primary attacked 0122hrs 18000ft. Timed run made from Red tracking Flares, checked on Green Flares 100ft below and 50yds to left, aircraft on correct heading and airspeed, fires had already got going on arrival. Huge Orange explosion seen at 0123hrs followed by some expansion of fires. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons. [a] 19. Jun. 43. [b] 11.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low Level Bombing Wainfleet [g] 5.55. [a] 21. Jun.43. [b] 14.20. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.45. [Underlined] [a] 21 Jun. 43. [b] 22.50. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Krefeld (4000 x 9 x 4 4 x 30 4 x 500) [h] 4.25. [/underlined] Form 540 10 Aircraft Despatched. All took off and reached the Target which was bombed with success, the attack being a concentrated one. Form 541 Primary attacked 0138hrs 19000ft. 2 Red T.I’s seen ahead to cascade at 0137hrs 1 Red T.I insights which had been seen to cascade as above. Fires that were burning at this time were close to the T.I’s. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons. Page 11 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 22. Jun. 43. [b] 22.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Mulheim (Boomerang Port outer) U/S [h] 1.50. [/underlined] Form 540 10 Aircraft Despatched. 2 Returned early “M” and “T” (F/Lt Derbyshire) with Technical trouble “L” Failed to return (F/Lt Bunker). The remainder dropped their loads on Mulheim where good fires were seen to be burning after they left. Form 541 No report as returned early. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole, Parsons [a] 25 Jun. 43. [b] 11.5 [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.35. [Underlined] [a] 25. Jun. 43. [b] 22.45. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Op Gelsenkirchen (4000 x 9.4 x 30.4 x 500) [h] 5.20. [/underlined] Form 540 11 Aircraft Despatched. 2 Returned early “H” Failed to return (S/L Hobbs). The remaining Aircraft attacked the target but with 10/10 cloud in the area it was not possible to observe results, however the glow of fires could be seen reflected through the cloud and every indication was given of a successful attack. Form 541 Primary attacked 0118hrs 19000ft. Red and Green steady flares but appeared to be reversed positioned Bombed on E.T.A. Scattered fires seen. Crew: F/O Wells, Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Parsons. [Underlined] 27. Jun. 43 Commissioned from F/SGT (11438901) to become P/O (155097) [/underlined] [a] 28 Jun. 43 [c] Lanc EB188 B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T. [g] 0.40. Page 12 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 28 Jun. 43. [b] 22.40. [c] Lanc EB188 B [d] F/Lt Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Cologne (4000 x 9 x 4. 4 x 30.4 x 500) Rear Turret U/S Boomerang [h] 4.25. [/underlined] Form 540 The A.O.C. No 5 Group visited the Station during the day and inspected sections and personnel, Air Vice Marshall Hon R.A. Cochrane, C.B, C.B.E, A.F.C. Expressed his satisfaction with what he saw and sent a message of appreciation to all ranks for the efficiency displayed. 13 Aircraft despatched, 2 returned early with technical trouble “B” (F/Lt Derbyshire) and “M” (Sgt Hall). The remainder bombed Cologne, 10/10 cloud conditions were encountered over the target, rendering observation of results difficult. The glow of fires could be seen and gave every indication that the attack was successful. There was considerable enemy fighter activity and 1 enemy aircraft is claimed to have been destroyed by “A” (F/O Wells), all our aircraft returned. Form 541 No target attacked. Bomb load jettisoned as rear turret was u/s. At position 21 miles N/E Tuire – t? whilst a test was being made of the rear turret, which was found to be jerky and sluggish in operation, a twin engined enemy aircraft made three attacks. During engagement the turret packed up completely. As there was still another 25 mins to go the Captain decided to turn back. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Coles, Parsons, F/L Thompson. Page 13 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Total for June [g] 6.40. [h] 30.40. Total Time [g] 169.40. [h] 158.45. [a] 7 Jul. 43. [b] 12.15. [c] Lanc 3 ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 0.50. [a] 7 Jul. 43. [b] 15.35. [c] Lanc 3 ED493 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 1.00. [a] 8 Jul. 43. [b] 11.45. [c] Lanc 3 ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Local Flying and N.F.T. [g] 0.45. [underlined] [a] 8 Jul. 43 [b] 22.30. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Cologne (4000 x 4 x 500 + 48 x 30 660 x 4) [h] 6.00. [/underlined] Form 540 The target was again Cologne. 15 Aircraft despatched. 1 returned early 9-10/10ths. cloud encountered over the target area, which made observation difficulty. Crews reported that P.F.F. were late, but fires were started, the glow of which could be seen below the cloud. Several large explosions lit up the area at intervals. Form 541 Primary attacked 0116hrs, 21000ft. Green steady tracking flares identified from which timed run was made. Centre of flares red with green stars in bomb sight Results not seen, PP flares not seen to drop before 0111hrs, bombing before this time appeared to be slightly south. Crew: P/O Ervine, Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Coles Parsons. Page 14 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 25 Jul 43. [b] 22.35. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Essen (4000 + 1260 x 4 + 48 x 30) [h] 4.45. [/underlined] Form 540 Essen was the target tonight. 11 Aircraft despatched (2 returned early) The remainder bombed the target, where good fires were started. The attack was a heavy one. Form 541 Primary attacked 0033hrs, 19500ft. Identified by Red T.I. route markers, T.I Yellow not seen, Green T.I. seen on leaving target. 1 red T.I. in bomb sight seen to cascade at 0032hrs, 1 x 4000lb seen to explode in centre of 3 red T.I. burning on ground. Some early bombing before first T.I. markers were dropped appeared to be short. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole Parsons. Total for July [g] 2.35. [h] 10.45. Total Time [g] 172.15. [h] 169.30. [a] 3. Aug. 43 [b] 12.10. [c] Lanc 3 ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air to Sea Firing [g] 0.50. [a] 4. Aug. 43. [b] 15.15. [c] Lanc 3 ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Low Level Bombing [g] 0.35. Page 15 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 7 Aug. 43. [b] 21.10. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Milan (4000 + 450 x 4 + 32 x 30) [h] 8.20. [/underlined] Form 540 10 Aircraft despatched. A concentrated attack was made by all Aircraft. Many good fires were left burning in the area. Form 541 Primary attacked 0114hrs, 17000ft Track markers seen. Red T.I. seen to cascade at 0114hrs and town simultaneously clearly identified by aid of flares. Captain realised aircraft was one minute early but decided not to bomb on recipricol [sic] after another run as target was clearly seen. Immediately after bombs went down (during camera run) Green T.I seen to cascade around Red T.I bombs seen to burst immediately adjacent to Red T.I. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, Cole Parsons. [Underlined] [a] 10 Aug. 43. [b] 21.45. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Nuremburg (4000 + 900 x 4 + 80 x 30) [h] 7.25. [/underlined] Form 540 Further operations were ordered for the night when Nuremburg was chosen as the objective. 13 Aircraft despatched. When the Aircraft reached the target they found considerable cloud. This interferred [sic] with the attack, but many good fires were seen to be burning. These appeared to be taking hold. One Aircraft attacked over the target by a fighter, the Mid-upper Gunner was killed and the Rear-Gunner wounded It was claimed that the Fighter was damaged in the encounter. “M” attacked a secondary target, possibly Frankfurt. Page 16 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Form 541 Primary attacked at 0110hrs, 18000ft First Red T.I seen to cascade at 0109hrs No Green T.I seen cascading through cloud but were seen on ground through gaps. Unable to judge centres as only occasional glimprs [sic] seen. Immediately after bombing mor [sic] greens seen by Rear-Gunner some distance astern and further by Bomb-Aimer. Fires appeared very scattered. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. [Underlined] [a] 27 Aug 43. [b] 21.15. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Nuremburg (4000 + 900 x 4 + 80 x 30) 54 Flak Holes Categorised [h] 7.30. [/underlined] Form 540 15 Aircraft despatched, 1 returned early. Remaining Aircraft attacked in favorable [sic] weather conditions. PFF markers were well placed and bombing was concentrated around these. On leaving the areas were a mass of flames and there was no doubt the raid was very effective. Form 541 Primary attacked at 0107hrs, 19500ft. Route markers seen. No Red T.I’s seen. Succession of Green T.I’s seen, appeared rather dispersed but within area covered there was an enormous fire. Bombed centre of 3 definite concentrations of Green T.I’s in sights. One enormous fire and a little wide bombing observed. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. Page 17 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 30 Aug 43. [b] 21.3 [c] Lanc 3 ED700 E [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Rheydt (4000 + 1620 x 4 + 96 x 30) [h] 4.55. [/underlined] Form540 15 Aircraft despatched, “M” F/Sgt Hall failed to return. Considerable cloud covered the Town. The results were disappointing and the fires that were left were not impressive. Form 541 Primary attacked at 0236hrs, 19700ft. Red and Green T.I’s seen. 1 Red T.I burning on ground (seen to cascade at 0232hrs) backed up by 2 Green’s, Red had almost gone out. Bombed between Red and 2 Green’s adjacent. too much cloud to assess results. Some concentration but considerable scattered fires. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons, Ord. Total for August [g] 1.25. [h] 28.10. Total Time [g] 173.40. [h] 197.40. [Underlined] [a] 3. Sep 43. [b] 19.50. [c] Lanc ED 666 G [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Berlin (4000 + 600 x 4 + 80 x 30) Diverted to Leeming [h] 8.05. [/underlined] Form 540 13 Aircraft despatched. Target was located in favourable weather conditions. Many fires already burning on arrival, where the PFF had done a good Job. Bombing was concentrated around these areas and the results gave the impression of a highly successful attack. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2329hrs, 21000ft. Identified by Red and Green T.I markers Bombed north of Green T.I’s which were cascading NW of the Red T.I’s. Fires were Page 18 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night just springing up in a line between the Red and Green T.I’s, including one or two big fires already burning. A big explosion observed at 2329hrs. Glow of fires still visible in sky on approaching swedish coast. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. [a] 4 Sep 43. [b] 8.25. [c] Lanc ED 666 G [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Leeming to Bardney [g] 0.50. [Underlined] [a] 6 Sep 43. [b] 19.45 [c] Lanc 3 ED700 E [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Munich (4000 + 600 x 4 + 48 x 30) [h] 8.05. [/underlined] Form 540 10 Aircraft despatched. All aircraft reached the target where observation was hampered by cloud. PFF had marked the target efficiently and bombing was concentrated in these areas. Many fires were burning, the glow of which could be seen below cloud. It was not possible to see any other results. On return “Y” (P/O Siddel and crew, ran short of petrol and crashed near the airfield. All the occupants, except the Wireless operator, sustained injuries which necessitated their removal to Hospital. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2339hrs, 21000ft. Identified by route markers, by red and yellow (believed) seen ahead and by Green T.I’s. Bombed centre of a cluster of Green T.I’s, but owing to cloud impossible to say whether these were the only T.I’s available at the time. To [sic] much cloud to assess. Page 19 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night some fires seen in built up area illuminated by photo flash. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, Overend, Oakes, F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. [a] 21 Sep 43. [b] 12.05. [c] Lanc ED836 T [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 0.55. Total for September [g] 1.45. [h] 16.10. Total Time [g] 175.25. [h] 213.50. [Underlined] [a] 3 Oct 43. [b] 18.30. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Kassel (4000 + 1440 x 4 + 24 x 30) [h] 6.05. [/underlined] Form 540 12 Aircraft despatched. Proceeded to the target in good weather conditions, which was identified and heavily bombed. A very large explosion was seen and many fires started. Whilst over the target “W” (P/O Walkup) was attacked by an enemy fighter which damaged the Lancaster and killed Sgt Leslie, mid-upper gunner. However, the enemy fighter was claimed as destroyed as a result of the encounter. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2118hrs, 20000ft One Red T.I seen at 2114hrs but no other red seen. One Green T.I in sights, bombing appeared fairly well concentrated although B/A saw ground from light of flares showing odd buildings but no congested built up areas in immediate vicinity of T.I. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, F/Sgt Overend, Sgt Oakes, F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Owen. Page 20 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 4 Oct 43. [b] 18.05. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Frankfurt (4000 + 810 x 4 + 96 x 30) [h] 6.35. [/underlined] Form 540 9 Aircraft despatched. Proceeded to the target in good weather conditions. They found PFF Markers well placed and bombing was concentrated. Good fires were left burning and a large explosion was seen. The trip was considered by all crews to be very successful. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2135hrs, 20500ft. Identified by PFF flares and T.I Yellow and by Red and Green T.I. M.P.I. of 3 Red T.I in sights. Concentrated attack, fires steadily increasing, considerable black smoke seen. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, F/Sgt Overend, Sgt Oakes, F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. [Underlined] [a] 20 Oct 43. [b] 17.15. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Leipzig (4000 + 1200 x 4 + 84 x 30 [h] 7.10. [/underlined] Form 540 14 Aircraft despatched. Very bad weather was encountered by our crews all the way to the target. Conditions over the target were no better and 10/10 cloud prevailed No PFF markers could be found and crews were obliged to bomb on ETA. This resulted in very scattered bombing as no results could be observed the attack was not considered to be a success. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2103hrs, 21500ft. No Red or Green T.I’s or R.p Flares seen at time of bombing, but Red T.I’s seen in area where bombs were dropped after setting course from posn “E”. Searchlights Page 21 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night below clouds and a little heavy Flak also seen. Bombed on ETA. Considered in the target area as Red T.I’s seen falling in same area later. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, F/Sgt Overend, Sgt Oakes, F/Sgt Cole, Sgt Parsons. [a] 30 Oct 43. [b] 12.10. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] N.F.T and Air Test [g] 0.20. Total for October [g] 0.20. [h] 19.50. Total Time [g] 175.45 [h] 233.40. [a] 2 Nov 43. [b] 12.25. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air Test and N.F.T. [g] 0.15. [Underlined] [a] 3 Nov 43. [b] 16.34. [c] Lanc ED 700 E [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Dusseldorf (4000 + 1080 x 4 + 96 x 30) [h] 4.25. [/underlined] Form 540 13 Aircraft despatched. Weather conditions were good and all aircraft reached their objective. PFF markers were seen and enabled concentrated bombing to be carried out. As a result good fires were left burning over a large area. Form 541 Primary attacked at 1945hrs, 21500ft. Identified visually by sight of river Rhine and by 3 Red T.I’s M.P.I of 3 Red T.I’s in Sights. Too early to assess but fires starting in area of Red T.I’s seen after turning off target. 1949hrs six sticks of Incendiaries seen on ground short of main fires. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, F/Sgt Overend Sgt Oakes, F/Sgt Cole, F/Sgt Parsons. [a] 13 Nov 43. [b] 15.00. [c] Lanc A 711 [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air Test and N.F.T. [g] 0.30. Page 22 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 17 Nov 43. [b] 11.45. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 1.00. [a] 18 Nov 43. [b] 11.40. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Air Test and N.F.T. [g] 0.15. [Underlined] [a] 18. Nov 43. [b] 17.10. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Ops Berlin (4000 [h] 7.35. [/underlined] Form 540 18 Aircraft despatched, weather conditions were not too good and 10/10 cloud conditions prevailed over the target area. This rendered observation of results difficult. The glow of fires could be seen below cloud and several explosions were noticed. The attack was not concentrated owing to scattered markers laid by PFF. Two aircraft failed to return (“Z” P/O Lees and “G” P/O Graham) P/O Argent and F/O Comans returned early without completing their mission. Form 541 Primary attacked at 2101, 22500ft. Identified by Red and Green T.I’s and Wanganui flares. 1 Wanganui flare seen at approx. Zero -5. Whilst getting into position for this, 1 red T.I seen to cascade into cloud a little to North. At 2100hrs glow from this red T.I. was in sights. Carried on for 1 minute and bombed. Immediately after bombing some green T.I’s cascaded into the area where red T.I’s were seen. Crew: Sgt Sullivan, F/Sgt Overend, Oakes, Cole Parsons. [a] 19. Nov 43. [b] 10.15. [c] Lanc DV334 C [d] S/Ldr Derbyshire [e] Navigator [f] Return from Ford [g] 1.10. Total for November [g] 3.10. [h] 12.00. Total Time [g] 178.55 [h] 245.40. Page 23 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Total Flying at Bardney No. 9 Sqd Day Flying 34.50 Night Flying 8.35 Operational Flying 148.10 Total Flying 191.35 [Underlined] 8 Dec 43. Awarded D.F.C. for Service with No 9 SQD Bardney Lincs (London Gazette 11 Feb 1944 p 739 Air Ministry Bulletin 12789.) [/underlined] [Underlined] 27. Dec 43. Promoted from P/O to F/O. [/underlined] 5 L.F.S. R.A.F. Station SYERSTON [a] 29 Dec 43. [b] 11.00. [c] Lanc 3 S [d] Sgt Cliburn [e] Nav Instr [f] Cross-Country [g] 3.35. [a] 29 Dec .43. [b] 18.00. [c] Lanc 3 A [d] F/Lt Lace [e] Navigator [f] Dual Circuits and Landings [h] 1.15. [a] 29 Dec. 43. [b] 19.30. [c] Lanc 3 A [d] Sgt Nice [e] Navigator [f] Solo Circuits and Landings Tyre Burst [h] 0.15. [a] 29 Dec 43. [b] 21.18. [c] Lanc 3 J [d] Sgt Nice [e] Navigator [f] Infra-Red and Flash Bombing [h] 2.00. [a] 31 Dec 43. [b] 05.15. [c] Lanc 3 L [d] F/O Tickler [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country Landed at Greencastle [g] 5.00. USAAF BASE, N.I. A/C [a] 5 Jan 44. [b] 10.15. [c] Lanc 3 L [d] F/O Tickler [e] Navigator [f] Greencastle to Bishops Court [g] 0.30. [a] 5 Jan 44. [b] 15.00. [c] Lanc 3 L [d] F/O Tickler [e] Navigator [f] Bishops Court to Base [g] 1.45. [a] 8 Jan 44. [b] 09.35. [c] Lanc 3 A [d] Sgt Moxley [e] Navigator [f] X-Country, Bombing and Air/Sea Firing [g] 4.25. [a] 8 Jan 44. [b] 19.20. [c] Lanc 3 A [d] Sgt Tosh [e] Navigator [f] Night Bombing and Infra-Red [h] 1.20. [a] 31 Jan 44. [b] 14.50. [c] Lanc 1 R [d] S/Ldr Shorthouse [e] Navigator [f] Base – Dunholme Lodge – Base [g] 0.35. Total for December and January [g] 15.50. [h] 4.50. Total Time [g] 194.45. [h] 250.30. Page 24 of [deleted] 90 [/deleted] 45 [Page break] [Repeat Page 24 of 45] [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 5 Feb 44. [b] 10.10. [c] Lanc 1 G [d] P/O Acott [e] Nav Instr [f] Radius of Action and Cross – Country [g] 2.10. [a] 7 Feb 44. [b] 14.25. [c] Lanc 1 H [d] P/O Botha [e] Nav Instr [f] Radius of Action and Cross – Country [g] 2.25. [a] 7 Feb 44. [b] 23.00. [c] Lanc 1 T [d] F/O Watt [e] Nav Instr [f] Dual Circuits and Landings [h] 1.00. [a] 7 Feb 44. [b] 24.00. [c] Lanc 1 T [d] P/O Botha [e] Nav Instr [f] Solo Circuits and Landings [h] 0.35. [a] 13 Feb 44. [b] 17.00. [c] Lanc 1 D [d] F/Lt Ervine [e] Nav Instr [f] Local Flying at Coningsby [g] 1.30. [a] 16 Feb 44. [b] 14.00. [c] Lanc 1 E [d] S/Ldr Shorthouse [e] Nav Instr [f] Base – Dunholme Lodge – Base [g] 0.45. [a] 25 Feb 44. [b] 09.30. [c] Lanc 3 J [d] Sgt Patterson [e] Nav Instr [f] Cross – Country [g] 3.50. Total for February [g] 10.50. [h] 1.35. Total Time [g] 205.35. [h] 252.05. [a] 16 Mar 44. [b] 15.50. [c] Lanc 3 U [d] S/Ldr Keir [e] Navigator [f] Special Weather Flight [g] 1.30. [a] 18 Mar 44. [b] 14.05. [c] Lanc 3 E [d] F/Lt Lace [e] Navigator [f] Special Flight [g] 1.05. [a] 26 Mar 44. [b] 19.45. [c] Lanc 3 Y [d] S/Ldr Osborne [e] Navigator [f] Academy Course [h] 1.55. [a] 29 Mar 44. [b] 17.10. [c] Lanc 1 X [d] S/Ldr Shorthouse [e] Navigator [f] Base – Hexham – Acklington [g] 1.30. [a] 29 Mar 44. [b] 22.35. [c] Lanc 1 Z [d] S/Ldr Shorthouse [e] Navigator [f] Acklington – Hexham – Base [h] 1.00. Total for March [g] 4.05. [h] 2.55. Total Time [g] 209.40. [h] 255.00. Page 25 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 3 Apr 44. [b] 15.30. [c] Lanc 1 17508 [d] F/O Singer P [e] Navigator [f] Waddington to Base [g] 0.30. Total for April [g] 0.30. Total Time [g] 210.10. [h] 255.00. [a] 7 May 44. [b] 21.45. [c] Lanc 1 L [d] S/Ldr Osborne [e] Navigator [f] Academy Course [h] 2.05. [a] 9 May 44. [b] 22.05. [c] Lanc 1 A [d] S/Ldr Osborne [e] Navigator [f] Academy Course [h] 2.25. [a] 22 May 44. [b] 16.30. [c] Lanc 1 U [d] P/O Clark [e] Navigator [f] Base to Swinderby [g] 0.15. [a] 22 May 44. [b] 17.15. [c] Lanc 1 S [d] F/Lt Symmonds [e] Navigator [f] Swinderby to Base [g] 0.15. [a] 23 May 44. [b] 13.20. [c] Lanc 1 N [d] G/C Johnson [e] Navigator [f] Base-Hexham-Holy Island-Rattray Head Lossiemouth [g] 2.25. [a] 23 May 44. [b] 17.15. [c] Lanc 1 N [d] G/C Johnson [e] Navigator [f] Route as above [g] 2.05. Total for May [g] 5.00. [h] 4.30. Total Time [g] 215.10. [h] 259.30. [a] 15 Jun 44. [b] 15.00. [c] Lanc 3 Y [d] F/Lt Lace [e] Navigator [f] R/T Test Flight [g] 1.05. [a] 27 Jun 44. [b] 23.10. [c] Lanc 1 A [d] F/O Pearce [e] Navigator [f] Dual Local Flying [h] 1.05. [a] 28 Jun 44. [b] 01.25. [c] Lanc 3 O [d] F/O Rabone [e] Navigator [f] Solo Local Flying [h] 1.10. Total for June [g] 1.05. [h] 2.15. Total Time [g] 216.15 [h] 261.45. Total for July and August Nil Page 26 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 23 Sept 44. [b] 15.00. [c] Lanc 1 Z [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base to Ternhill [g] 0.35. [a] 23 Sept 44. [b] 13.50. [c] Lanc 3 S [d] F/O McFarlane [e] Navigator [f] Ternhill to Base [g] 0.30. [a] 24 Sept 44. [b] 14.05. [c] Lanc 1 J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Cross – Country [g] 2.35. Total for September (Syerston) [g] 3.40. Total time [g] 219.55. [h] 261.45. No 617 Squadron R.A.F. Station Woodhall Spa 29 Sept 44 to No 617 Sqd Woodhall Spa Lincs (Commanded by W/Cdr J.B. Tait) The Crew Comprised: Pilot A/F/Lt Bernard Alexander Gumbley DFM RNZAF Aged 29 from Hakes Bay N.Z. F/E F/O Edwin Arnold Barnett (Men in Desp) Aged 21 from Thorpe Bay Essex Nav F/O Kenneth Gill D.F.C. Aged 22 From Halton Leeds W/Op P/O Sydney Victor Grimes [inserted] (MEN IN DESP). [/inserted] B/A F/O Joseph Charles Randon Aged 23 From Chesterfield Derbyshire A/G F/Sgt Jack Penswick (Mid-Upper) *A/G F/Sgt George Bell (Rear- Gunner) Aged 23 From Hull *(Added when the Crew arrived at Woodhall Spa) [a] 30 Sept 44. [b] 12.05. [c] Lanc 3 O [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country [g] 4.50. Total for September (617 Sqd) [g] 4.50. Total Time [g] 224.45. [h] 261.45. [a] 1 Oct 44. [b] 10.05. [c] Lanc 3 O [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs at Wainfleet [g] 1.50. [a] 2 Oct 44. [b] 08.29. [c] Lanc 3 P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs & Bombing Wainfleet [g] 3.20. [a] 6 Oct 44. [b] 10.40. [c] Lanc 3 P[d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs at Wainfleet [g] 1.50. [a] 9 Oct 44. [b] 11.30. [c] Lanc 3 X [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Fighter Affiliation [g] 0.35. Page 27 of 45 [Page break] [Repeat Page 27 of 45] [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [a] 10 Oct 44. [b] 10.00. [c] Lanc 3 M [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Air Sea Firing and Dummy Runs [g] 2.20. [a] 11 Oct 44. [b] 11.00. [c] Lanc 3 N [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Fighter affiliation [g] 0.55. [a] 12 Oct 44. [b] 10.00. [c] Lanc 3 N [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Fighter affiliation [g] 1.50. [a] 12 Oct 44. [b] 14.30. [c] Lanc 3 N [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs [g] 1.50. [a] 13 Oct 44. [b] 08.10. [c] Lanc 3 N [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Bombing at Wainfleet [g] 2.45. [a] 14 Oct 44. [b] 19.35. [c] Lanc 3 N [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country and Bombing [g] 5.35. [a] 21 Oct 44. [b] 14.10. [c] Lanc 3 P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Air Test [g] 0.40. [a] 26 Oct 44. [b] 15.30. [c] Lanc 3 P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Air Test [g] 0.55. [a] 28 Oct 44. [b] 09.33. [c] Lanc 3 P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base to Lossiemouth [g] 2.05. [Underlined] [a] 29 Oct 44. [b] 02.10. [c] Lanc DV380 KC-P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Lossiemouth-Tromso-Skatska Tirpitz Attack: Tallboy returned [h] 12.00. [/underlined] After 4 runs over the Target, decided that cloud made accurate bombing impossible. This decision was approved by the Force Leader (W/Cdr Tait) Did not Bomb. For this operation the Aircraft had their mid-upper turrets removed in order to install extra fuel tanks to achieve the range necessary to make the return flight To Tromso from advanced bases in Scotland. On return, due to shortage of fuel, no doubt the result of bringing the Page 28 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Tallboy back, the crew landed at Skatsca [sic] in the Shetlands topping up on fuel before continuing to Lossiemouth. They returned to Woodhall Spa on 30 October. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes, F/Sgt Bell. [a] 29 Oct 44. [b] 15.59. [c] Lanc DV380 KC-P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Skatska to Lossiemouth [g] 1.15. [a] 30 Oct 44. [b] 11.59. [c] Lanc DV380 KC-P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Lossiemouth to Base [g] 2.30. Time for October [g] 42.15. Total Time [g] 267.00. [h] 261.45. [a] 4 Nov 44. [b] 12.17. [c] Lanc NF992 KC-B [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base to Lossiemouth (Tirpitz : Operation cancelled due to bad Weather) [g] 1.50. [a] 5 Nov 44. [b] 15.55. [c] Lanc NF992 KC-B [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Lossiemouth to Base [g] 1.40. [a] 6 Nov 44. [b] 10.00. [c] Lanc 1 J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Bassingham Fen [g] 2.15. [a] 7 Nov 44. [b] 09.00. [c] Lanc 1 J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet [g] 2.00. [a] 9 Nov 44. [b] 09.30. [c] Lanc 1 J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet [g] 2.20. [a] 11 Nov 44. [b] 10.00. [c] Lanc 1 J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base to Lossiemouth [g] 1.55. Page 29 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 12 Nov 44. [b] 02.15. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Tromso Fjord “Tirpitz Sunk” (Tallboy) [g] 12.15. [/underlined] Bombed at 0843hrs, 15400ft. A Tallboy was seen to enter the water about 20yds off the Tirpitz. A dull red glow was observed well forward of the port bow. At this time, whilst the Aircraft were without Mid-Upper Turrets it was not unusual for the Gunners to man the rear turret on alternate operations. In some crews both gunners sometimes flew, the “Spare” keeping an additional lookout from the Astrodome. The aircraft returned to Lossiemouth for refuelling before returning to Woodhall Spa on the 13 November. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick. [a] 13 Nov 44. [b] 18.00 [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Lossiemouth to Base [g] 1.40. [a] 29 Nov 44. [b] 19.20. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet [g] 2.25. Total for November [g] 28.20. Total Time [g] 295.20. [h] 261.45. [a] 6 Dec 44. [b] 10.30. [c] Lanc 3 B [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet (LORAN Nav Aid) [g] 3.10. [Underlined] [a] 8. Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Urft Dam – Tallboy – 7500ft [g] 3.35. [/underlined] 205 Lancs from No5 Group, 19 from 617, attacked this target. Main force to make the initial attack, dropping 1000 pounders followed by 9 and 617 Sqd’s with Tallboys Despite clear weather enroute the target was cloud covered, solid over target. The Page 30 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night force orbited for some time, making runs in various directions, but could not get sufficient view for a bombing run. There was no Flak. At 1140hrs W/Cdr Tait gave the order for the Squadron to return to base without bombing. The crew saw the Target once or twice from directly overhead, but could not bomb. Owing to adverse weather the crew landed at Manston, Kent, returning to Base 9 Dec. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes, Bell. [a] 09-Dec-44 [b] 11.00. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Manston to Base [g] 0.50. [Underlined] [a] 11 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Urft Dam – Tallboy – 6000ft [h] 5.30. [/underlined] 17 Aircraft of 617 took part in this operation as part of a force of 233 from No 5 Group and 5 marking Mosquitos from No 8 Grp. 5-9/10 stratus cloud over target at 6/8000ft Crews of No 9 and 617 Sqd carrying Tallboys bombed after the main force attack, this had caused smoke to further obscure the target. Moderate Flak and 1 aircraft lost (not 617). Main force had some direct hits but insufficient to cause severe damage to the Dam. Bombed at 1559hrs from 6000ft. We could not see our bomb burst owing to cloud. No direct hits seen. Aircraft received minor Flak damage to Tailplain [sic]. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, F/O Watson Page 31 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 15 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV380 KC-P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Ijmuiden E&R boat Pens Tallboy 10000ft [g] 2.35. [/underlined] 17 Aircraft attacked, with 36 Spitfires as escort. Despite poor weather, smokescreen and intense accurate Flak, 13 aircraft released their bombs, several of which were accurate, one perforating the roof. Bombed at 1503hrs, 10000ft. Our bomb hit the NW corner of the Pens, we also saw a near miss on the NW side. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, F/O Watson. [a] 16 Dec 44. [b] 15.00. [c] Lanc DV380 KC-P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base – Prestwick – Base A.P.I. Test [g] 2.30. [Underlined] [a] 21 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Politz-Oil Refineries-Tallboy 16900ft [h] 9.45. [/underlined] The target was near the Baltic Coast, 12 miles NW of Stettin. 16 Lancs from 617 were despatched as part of a No 5 Group force of 207 Lancs and 1 Mosquito, on arrival the target was well illuminated by flares, but the T.I’s were scattered as was much of the main force bombing. Industrial haze and a smoke-screen hampered observation of the target. Because of Fog over much of Lincolnshire Aircraft were diverted to other airfields in Scotland on return. A number of aircraft received a message instructing them to return to Base. It was judged that Coningsby would be clear and Metheringham was equipped with FIDO. Both airfields were Page 32 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night near to Woodhall Spa and it would be easier to return aircraft to Base once the fog had cleared. In the confusion one of 617 aircraft crashed at Ludford Magna (F/O Joplin) the remainder put down safely at a selection of airfields. Despite poor reports from returning crews reconnaissance revealed significant damage had been done to the target. Bombed at 2200hrs, 16900ft. Did not see our bomb burst. The target was very smoky. Impossible to assess bombing. Flares gave good illumination, but not over the aiming point. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, P/O Bell. DV405 landed at Metheringham, using FIDO. The crew taken by road back to Base, The crew collecting the Aircraft and returning to Base on 23 Dec after fog had lifted. [Underlined] Command of No 617 Sqd transferred from W/Cdr Tait to G/C Fauquier on 24 Dec 1944. [/underlined] [Underlined] [a] 29 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Rotterdam-E&R Boat Pens Tallboy 15300ft [g] 2.50. [/underlined] 16 Lancs from 617 Sqd were despatched on this attack. Weather over the target was clear and the Squadron was able to bomb accurately from between 16-18000ft. Three direct hits were scored on the southern part of the Pens, destroying a large section of the roof over the entrance. Page 33 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night There were several other near misses damaging quayside installations and a Railway line. Bombed at 1457hrs at 16660ft. Bomb unobserved owing to smoke, a good many near misses, no direct hits seen. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, P/O Bell. [Underlined] [a] 30 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Ijmuiden E&R Boat Pens Tallboy 14200ft [g] 2.20. [/underlined] 13 Aircraft despatched but solid cloud cover over the target prevented bombing. Did not Bomb. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, P/O Bell [Underlined] [a] 31 Dec 44. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Horten (Oslo Fjord) “Emden” Tallboy 10200ft [h] 7.45. [/underlined] 28 Aircraft of No 5 Group, including 12 from No 617 Sqd carrying Tallboys were sent to attack the German Cruisers Kolin and Emden. The Aircraft were assisted by No 83 and 97 Sqd’s dropping flares, but although seen, the moving targets, travelling at up to 30 knots, proved extremely difficult to bomb accurately. Later the crews were forced to bomb by moonlight, or aim at the source of the Flak that was being fired. A number of crews brought their Tallboys back, unable to make an accurate bombing run. Of the bombs dropped that released by F/Lt Gumbley was assessed Page 34 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night as being the most accurate. Bombed at 0051hrs from 10200ft. Bomb was a near miss off the port side of ship. Immediately after bombing the ship appeared to swing to starboard and stop. Crew: F/O Barnett, Randon, P/O Grimes F/Sgt Penswick, P/O Bell. The crew identified the target that they had nearly hit as being a 10000 ton transport rather than being either of the 2 cruisers. Total for December [g] 23.20. [h] 17.30. Total Time [g] 318.40. [h] 279.15. [a] 2 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs [g] 1.20. [a] 4 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs [g] 2.00. [a] 7 Jan 45. [c] Lanc R [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dummy Runs [g] 1.55. [a] 20 Jan 45. [c] Lanc P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet 73 Yds [g] 1.40. [a] 21 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Gaggle Practice [g] 2.30. [a] 23 Jan 45. [c] Lanc P [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Gaggle Practice [g] 1.45. [a] 29 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Base to Lossiemouth [g] 2.00. [a] 29 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Lossiemouth to Metheringham [g] 1.55. [a] 30 Jan 45. [c] Lanc J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Metheringham to Base [g] 0.10. Total for January [g] 15.15. Total Time [g] 334.05. [h] 279.15. Page 35 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 3 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Pootershaven E&R Boat Pens (Midget submarine) Tallboy 13200ft [g] 2.50. [/underlined] 18 Lancs from No 617 Sqd were despatched escorted by Spitfires of No 11 Group. The target comprised a quayside and a number of small concrete storage buildings rather than the large structures used to house U-E and R Boats. The squadron encountered moderate heavy Flak as they made their run in to bomb from between 12-14000ft. At least 6 bombs fell on the wharf area. Bombed at 1552hrs, 13500ft. Saw first bomb fall near the aiming point, one in the water near pen entrance, one on railway line on northern edge of the pens. One bomb with two others seen to fall into the smoke over the aiming point. The aircraft was hit by Flak and the fuselage and rear-turret damaged, although not seriously since the aircraft was soon repaired. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon*, P/O Grimes Sgt Wilkinson**, P/O Bell. *Randons promotion to F/Lt wef 20/11/44 London Gazette 12/12/44, but rank does not change in Sqd records unti[missing letter] this operation. ** Sgt Ray Wilkinson had flown with F/Sgt Townsend on the “Dams Raid” May 1943 and had returned to the Sqd in Oct 44 for a further tour. Page 36 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 6 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Bielefeld (Vielesible Viaduct) Abortive [g] 5.45. [/underlined] Tallboy returned to Base. Not required. The aircraft was targeted by accurate Flak on the return route, although it appears that it suffered no damage. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, P/O Grimes Sgt Wilkinson, P/O Bell. [a] 8 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [f] The crew operated against the E-Boat Pens at Ijmuiden but F/O Gill was suffering from Influenza and his place was taken by F/O Jack Harrison. Aircraft suffered minor Flak damage. [a] 9 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet 97 Yds [g] 2.50. [a] 10 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet 99 Yds [g] 2.15. [a] 13 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet Cancelled [g] 1.50. [Underlined] [a] 14-Feb-45 [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Bielefeld (Vielesible Viaduct) Aborted [g] 4.50. [/underlined] Did not bomb, Flak encountered as the aircraft crossed the Rhine. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, P/O Grimes Sgt Wilkinson, P/O Bell. [a] 20 Feb 45. [c] Lanc 3 K [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] H.L.B. Wainfleet 73 Yds Air/Sea Firing [g] 3.10. Page 37 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 22 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Bielefeld (Vielesible Viaduct) Tallboy 13700 ft [g] 4.30. [/underlined] 18 Aircraft despatched. The target comprised two parallel twin track railway viaducts. It had been subject to many attacks by the U.S.A. 8th Airforce but any damage by conventional bombing was easily repaired. Visibility at the target was hazy and a number of aircraft had to make a second or third run, but on this occasion there was no Flak. The track was cratered at the northern end damaging the road beneath, but more significantly three near misses in the centre of the viaduct had caused three arches at the western most viaduct to collapse. Nevertheless a rail link remained via the other two tracks. Made a run at 1557hrs and bombed on second at 1610hrs from 13700ft. Our bomb fell just west of the centre of the viaduct. Bombing seemed rather scattered. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, P/O Grimes P/O Pain, P/O Bell. [Underlined] [a] 24 Feb 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Dortmund-Ems Canal (Ladbergen) Abortive (Tallboy) [g] 4.40. [/underlined] The force was recalled 30 miles from the target owing to unfavourable weather conditions. Did not bomb. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, P/O Grimes W/O Penswick, P/O Bell. Page 38 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night Total for February [g] 32.40. Total Time [g] 366.05. [h] 279.15. [a] 12 Mar 45. [c] Lanc DV380 [d] F/L Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Fighter Affiliation [g] 1.00. [Underlined] [a] 13 Mar 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Viesleble (Bielefeld) Abortive (Tallboy) [g] 4.20. [/underlined] 19 Aircraft despatched, escorted by 75 Mustangs. Two of the aircraft flown by G/C Fauquier and S/Ldr Calder were B1 (Special) aircraft carrying the new 22000lb Grand Slam deep penetration bomb, the remainder of the force carried Tallboys. The force encountered cloud virtually all the way to the target and the order was given to return to base. Mission abandoned, Tallboy returned to base, not required. The crew were diverted to Carnaby (Yorks) and remained there for the following days operation, having completed an air-test in the interim. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, P/O Grimes W/O Penswick, P/O Bell. Page 39 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 14 Mar 45. [c] Lanc DV405 KC-J [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Viesleble (Bielefeld) Viaduct Destroyed (Tallboy) [g] 5.00. [/underlined] 16 Aircraft (G/C Fauquier and S/Ldr Calder carrying Grand Slam’s the remainder Tallboys) were detailed, 15 took off. G/C Fauquier’s aircraft went u/s at start-up accompanied by RAF Mustang Fighter escort. Despite a small amount of cloud over the northern edge of the target, causing a readjustment of the planned bombing run the Squadron released their bombs, the Grand Slam falling some 30yds from the viaduct, several more crews claimed direct hits or near misses. This time some 460ft of both viaducts were destroyed and the rail link severed completely. Bombed at 1628hrs from 11600ft, our bomb believed a direct hit. Two others seen to burst in almost same spot. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Random [sic], P/O Grimes W/O Penswick, P/O Bell. [a] 15 Mar 45. [c] Lanc PD117 [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Cross-Country and Air-Test [g] 3.40. [a] 17 Mar 45. [c] Lanc KC-K [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] To Carnaby and Return [g] 1.30. Page 40 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 19 Mar 45. [c] Lanc PD117 YZ-L [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Amberg Viaduct (Grand Slam) [g] 5.20. [/underlined] 19 Aircraft despatched with RAF Mustang escort. On this occasion the Squadron bombed on their second run. F/Lt Gumbley’s Grand Slam falling 50 yds to one side of the target owing to an aiming problem. Bombed at 1054hrs from 12700ft our bomb fell 50yds south of the aiming point. U/S B.D.I. (Pilot’s Bomb Aiming Indicator) affected our run as it was not recording alterations. This was not known until after the Bombing. A new crater seen under the aiming point. Two or three spans of the viaduct definitely down. No direct hits observed. Crew: F/O Barnett, F/Lt Randon, W/O Penswick, P/O Bell. This was the crews first operation flying a B I Lancaster (Special) modified to carry the Grand Slam. The modifications included the removal of the bomb doors and fairing of the bomb bay, deletion of the mid-upper turret and extraneous equipment including the main radio (and Wireless operator). On this occasion both gunners are listed as flying, presumably one occupying the astrodome as an extra pair of eyes. The B.I. (Special) aircraft were given the Squadron codes “YZ” and the majority, including all flown by this crew, Page 41 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night were finished in a special daylight scheme with the upper surface camouflage extended down the fuselage sides and with grey instead of black undersurfaces. The Operation Record Book records this aircraft as PD126 and the aircraft letter as “L”. However although PD126 was a B.I. Special it was never allocated to No 617 Sqd. It seems likely that this was a clerical error and that the aircraft was PD 117. The B.D.I. (Bombing Directional Indicator) was an instrument in the cockpit linked to the bombsight controls in a manner that as the Bomb-Aimer used these to track the target a pointer on the BDI deflected a needle instructing the pilot of any necessary (minor) changes of course required to keep the aircraft on target, thus obviating the standard “left, left-right a bit-steady” patter from the bomb-aimer to guide his pilot on the final run to the target. Page 42 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night [Underlined] [a] 21 Mar 45. [c] Lanc PD117 YZ-L [d] F/Lt Gumbley [e] Navigator [f] Arbergen Railway Bridge near Bremen (Tallboy) [g] 2.10. [/underlined] 20 Lancasters were detailed with an escort of 20 RAF Mustangs. In addition, an attack on an Oil Refinery at near by Bremen would comprise 133 Lancasters of No 5 Group and 6 Mosquitos from No 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group escorted by additional Mustangs. The Bridge target was a 200yds long double track Rail link across the River Weser, SE of Bremen, approached by an embankment and a long low level steel viaduct crossing the river flood plain until reaching the main bridge comprising three steel girder spans supported on piers. On this occasion flak in the target area was more intense than previously encountered for other Bridge targets and a number of aircraft were damaged. This may have been partly due to the targets proximity to Bremen and also that it had been alerted by the Main Force attack on the port. A number of Me 262 jet fighters were also encountered after bombing, though they do not appear to have inflicted an[missing letter] damage on the Squadrons aircraft. A number of Tallboys fell on the south end of the target, with 3 near misses in the river 2 further Tallboys destroyed two piers and and [sic] brought down 2 spans of the approach bridge to the main structure and a third Page 43 of 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night span was thrown off its piers, with a further one being thrown out of line. Although the main bridge was still intact the target had been rendered unusable. [Underlined] CREW COMPRISED: PILOT F/LT B A GUMBLEY D.F.M. RNZAF F/E F/O E A BARNET {Men in Desp) NAV F/O K GILL D.F.C. C de G. B/A F/LT J C RANDON W/OP NOT ON BOARD P/0 [sic] S GRIMES MU NOT ON BOARD W/O J PENSWICK RG P/O G BELL [/underlined] [Underlined] MISSING DEATH PRESUMED [/underlined] Total for March [g] 22.00 Total Time [g] 388.1 [h] 279.15. TOTAL OF 46 OPERATIONS (8 ABORTED BECAUSE OF WEATHER OR AIRCRAFT MALFUNCTION) Page 44 of [deleted] 90 [/deleted] 45 [Page break] [a] Date [b] Hour [c] Aircraft Type [d] Pilot [e] Duty [f] Remarks [g] Flying Time Day [h] Flying Time Night The aircraft was a B I (Special) Although it was carrying a Tallboy it was capable of carrying either Grand Slam or Tallboy. On this mission there were only 5 crew members onboard. The aircraft was hit by Flak during its run up to the target, it would have been making its bombing run within the squadron’s bombing band of between 12900ft and 14200ft. It was hit by flak and dropped out of formation causing F/Lt Price RCAF to take avoiding action as the aircraft went past him. British records state that the aircraft received a direct hit and dived down out of control. Witnesses on the ground gave a different account “the aircraft went down passing over the village of Okel heading in the direction of Riede at a height of approx. 2000ft”. They do not mention that the aircraft was on fire at this stage, but state that it seemed to be flying extremely slowly. As it flew over Riede the local flak battery went in to action, hitting one of the engines and setting the fuselage on fire. The aircraft made a 180 degree turn back towards Okel and crashed into a field. Witnesses said the aircraft did not explode immediately, but before anyone could reach the aircraft a violent explosion occurred [sic], reducing the aircraft to fragments and creating a crater 50ft deep by 100ft diameter. The RAF Missing Research and Enquiry Service failed to find any German documentation regarding the the [sic] incident or trace any burial for the crew. The identity of F/Lt Randon was established from a document found at the crash site, leaving no doubt about the identity of the aircraft. No evidence was found that the crew had been found and a search of the cementeries [sic] for crew members was also unsuccessful. It was assumed that the crew had still been aboard the aircraft when it came down and perished in the crash and explosion, the water filled crater prevented any further investigation or recovery. (Google Earth reveals what could be a water filled crator [sic] between Okel and Riede and there is a large crater, also water filled, 7 miles from the target and just over a mile from Okel.) Having no known grave the Crew are commemorated on the R.A.F. Memorial at Runnymede my fathers name appears on Panel 267. Page 45 of 45 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Record of Flying Officer Kenneth Gill D.F.C (155097) RAFVR joined 1941 Description An account of the resource Mentions training in Canada and qualified at navigator. List training on Wellington and one operational flight while at operational training unit at RAF North Luffenham December 1942 - March 1943. Continues to list training on Halifax and Lancaster and one operation while at 1660 conversion unit RAF Swinderby March 1943 to April 1943. List flying and operations of 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney from April 1943 to November 1943. Was commissioned on 27 June 1943. Gives details of operations from F540 and F541. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross 8 December 1943. Continues to list flying as navigation instructor at 5 Lancaster finishing school RAF Syerston from December 1943 to September 1944 when he joined 617 Squadron at RAF Woodhall Spa. List flying and operations from September 1944, including both operations against Tirpitz and many others (viaducts, boat pens, Emden, oil refinery and Urft dam) with tallboy and grand slam bombs (escorted by Spitfires or RAF P-51s). Was reported missing believed killed on operation to Abergen Railway Bridge near Bremen on 21 March 1945. Total of 46 operations. Concludes with account of loss of aircraft and loss of all crew. List crews on both 9 and 617 Squadron. Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1942 1943 1944 1945 1943-02-25 1943-02-26 1943-04-18 1943-04-19 1943-05-04 1943-05-05 1943-05-11 1943-05-12 1943-05-23 1943-05-24 1943-05-25 1943-05-26 1943-05-27 1943-05-28 1943-05-29 1943-05-30 1943-06-11 1943-06-12 1943-06-13 1943-06-14 1943-06-15 1943-06-21 1943-06-22 1943-06-23 1943-06-25 1943-06-26 1943-06-28 1943-06-29 1943-07-08 1943-07-09 1943-07-25 1943-07-26 1943-08-07 1943-08-08 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-06 1943-09-07 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-20 1943-10-21 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1944-10-29 1944-11-12 1944-12-08 1944-12-11 1944-12-15 1944-12-21 1944-12-29 1944-12-30 1944-12-31 1945-02-03 1945-02-06 1945-02-14 1945-02-22 1945-02-24 1945-03-13 1945-03-14 1945-03-19 1945-03-21 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Great Britain England--Rutland England--Nottinghamshire England--Lincolnshire France France--Clermont-Ferrand Germany Germany--Dortmund Germany--Duisburg Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Essen Germany--Wuppertal Germany--Bochum Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf) Germany--Krefeld Germany--Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Cologne Italy Italy--Milan Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Rheydt Germany--Berlin Germany--Munich Germany--Kassel Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Leipzig Norway Norway--Tromsø Scotland--Moray Germany--Euskirchen Region Netherlands Netherlands--IJmuiden Poland--Police (Województwo Zachodniopomorskie) Netherlands--Rotterdam Atlantic Ocean--Oslofjorden Netherlands--Maassluis Germany--Bielefeld Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany--Bremen Poland Germany--Ruhr (Region) Germany--Urft Dam Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Personal research Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Forty-seven page printed document Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SGillK1438901v20029 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anne-Marie Watson Steve Baldwin 1660 HCU 29 OTU 5 Group 617 Squadron 9 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing Distinguished Flying Cross FIDO Grand Slam Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School Me 262 memorial mine laying missing in action Mosquito navigator Operation Catechism (12 November 1944) Operational Training Unit P-51 promotion RAF Bardney RAF Lossiemouth RAF Metheringham RAF North Luffenham RAF Swinderby RAF Syerston RAF Wainfleet RAF Woodhall Spa Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Spitfire Tallboy Tirpitz training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1739/35199/LHawesS1504897v1.pdf 60dd7d2581d8298db381302613f3d6b2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hawes, Stanley S Hawes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-05-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Hawes, S Description An account of the resource Six items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant Stanley Hawes (1504897 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, diary and photographs. He flew operations as a wireless operator with 49 Squadron until he was killed in action 21/22 June 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Heather Cowen and catalogued by Barry Hunter. <br /><br />Additional information on Stanley Hawes is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/110240/">IBCC Losses Database</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stan Hawes' Log Book Description An account of the resource Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying log book for Stanley Hawes, wireless operator. Covers the period from 18 May 1943 to 16 June 1944, when he was killed. It details his training and operations. He was based at RAF Yatesbury, RAF Mona, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Wigsley, RAF Skellingthorpe and RAF Fiskerton. Aircraft flown were Dominie, Proctor, Botha, Wellington, Halifax and Lancaster. After a brief spell in 50 Squadron he moved to 49 Squadron and flew 12 night operations. Targets were Hannover, Hagen, Berlin, Stettin, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Aachen and Beauvoir.&nbsp;His pilots on operations were Wing Commander Adams, Pilot Officer Barnes, Flight Lieutenant Tancred, Squadron Leader Miller, Pilot Officer J Jones and Pilot Officer Shinn. His log book is stampled 'death presumed' over the last entry. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany Great Britain Poland Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea England--Herefordshire England--Lincolnshire England--Nottinghamshire England--Rutland Germany--Aachen Germany--Berlin Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hagen (Arnsberg) Germany--Hannover Germany--Stuttgart Germany--Wesseling Poland--Szczecin Wales--Anglesey Germany--Ruhr (Region) France--Beauvoir-sur-Mer France Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LHawesS1504897v1 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-10-01 1943-10-02 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-23 1943-11-24 1943-12-16 1943-12-17 1944-01-05 1944-01-06 1944-02-20 1944-02-21 1944-03-01 1944-03-02 1944-03-18 1944-03-19 1944-03-22 1944-03-23 1944-04-11 1944-04-12 1944-06-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Terry Hancock Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 14 OTU 1654 HCU 49 Squadron 50 Squadron Air Gunnery School aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) Botha Dominie Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit killed in action Lancaster Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944) Operational Training Unit Proctor RAF Cottesmore RAF Fiskerton RAF Mona RAF Skellingthorpe RAF Wigsley RAF Yatesbury training Wellington wireless operator https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1446/34759/LCreamerRA1818388v1.pdf 56f1d0ecca52259fbffa9b50acbf583a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Creamer, Robert Arthur R A Creamer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-10-01 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Creamer, RA Description An account of the resource Ten items. The collection concerns Robert Creamer (1818388 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, memoir and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner from RAF Grimsby. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Robert Creamer and catalogued by Barry Hunter. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert Creamer's Royal Air Force Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-09-22 1943-09-23 1943-09-27 1943-09-29 1943-10-01 1943-10-02 1943-10-04 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-20 1943-10-22 1943-11-03 1943-11-18 1943-11-22 1943-12-02 1943-12-03 1943-12-16 1943-12-20 1943-12-23 1944-01-05 1944-01-14 1944-01-20 1944-01-21 1944-01-24 1944-01-27 1944-01-28 1944-01-30 1944-02-15 1944-02-19 1944-02-20 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany Great Britain England--Lincolnshire England--Yorkshire Germany--Berlin Germany--Bochum Germany--Braunschweig Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hagen (Arnsberg) Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Leipzig Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Magdeburg Germany--Mannheim Germany--Munich Poland--Szczecin Germany--Stuttgart Wales--Bridgend Poland Germany--Ruhr (Region) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Terry Hancock Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LCreamerRA1818388v1 Description An account of the resource R A Creamer’s Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book covering the period 6 May 1943 to 21 June 1946. Detailing his flying training and operations flown as air gunner. Hand written in pencil on cover ‘‘My adventures by Creamer R.A.”. He was stationed at RAF Stormy Down (7 AGS), RAF Finningley (18 OTU), RAF Blyton (1662 HCU), RAF Grimsby (100 Squadron), RAF Sandtoft (1667 HCU), RAF Bottesford (1668 HCU) and RAF Leconfield (Central Gunnery School). Aircraft flown in were Whitley, Defiant, Wellington, Lancaster, Halifax, Oxford, Martinet and Mosquito. He flew on 30 night operations with 100 Squadron. Targets were: Berlin, Bochum, Brunswick, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hagen, Hanover, Kassel, Leipzig, Ludwigshaven, Magdeburg, Mannheim, Munich, Stettin and Stuttgart. Two presumably Cook's Tour flights were made referred to as 'Ruhr Express' and 'Ruhr bashing'. It also contains photographs of him and other airmen. His pilot on operations was Flight Lieutenant Major. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 100 Squadron 1662 HCU 1667 HCU 1668 HCU 18 OTU air gunner Air Gunnery School aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) Cook’s tour Defiant Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit Lancaster Martinet Mosquito Operational Training Unit Oxford RAF Blyton RAF Bottesford RAF Finningley RAF Grimsby RAF Leconfield RAF Sandtoft RAF Stormy Down training Wellington Whitley https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/2067/34585/LStimpsonMC155249v2.pdf b84d926bab09da7c102d5a9f8cc4be0d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stimpson, Maurice Cecil Description An account of the resource 124 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Maurice Cecil Stimpson DFC (1921 - 1944, 155249 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs, documents, and pennants. He flew operations as a pilot with 156 Squadron and was killed 15 February 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Tony France and catalogued by Barry Hunter. <br /><br />Additional information on Maurice Cecil Stimpson is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/226992/">IBCC Loses Database.</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019-09-22 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Stimpson, Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Maurice Cecil Stimpson’s pilot’s flying log book. Two Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-08-02 1943-08-03 1943-08-17 1943-08-18 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-24 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-31 1943-09-01 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-05 1943-09-06 1943-09-07 1943-09-16 1943-09-17 1943-09-29 1943-09-30 1943-10-04 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-10 1943-11-11 1943-11-17 1943-11-18 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 1943-12-02 1943-12-03 1943-12-04 1943-12-16 1943-12-17 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1943-12-23 1943-12-24 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-01 1944-01-02 1944-01-03 1944-01-05 1944-01-06 1944-01-27 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 1944-01-30 1944-01-31 1944-02-15 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. France Germany Great Britain Poland Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea England--Cambridgeshire France--Modane Germany--Berlin Germany--Bochum Germany--Bremen Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hamburg Germany--Leipzig Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Mannheim Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Peenemünde Germany--Stuttgart Poland--Szczecin Scotland--Perthshire Germany--Ruhr (Region) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LStimpsonMC155249v2 Description An account of the resource Pilot’s flying log book for Maurice Cecil Stimpson, covering the period from 1 August 1943 to 15 February 1944, when he failed to return from operations. Detailing his operation flown. He was stationed at RAF Warboys. Aircraft flown in were Oxford and Lancaster. He flew 32 operations with 156 Squadron. Targets were Hamburg, Peenemünde, Leverkusen, Berlin, Nurnberg, Mannheim, Modane, Bochum, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Bremen, Leipzig, and Stettin. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 156 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Peenemünde (17/18 August 1943) Lancaster missing in action Oxford pilot RAF Warboys https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1970/33701/LWakefieldHE174040v1.2.pdf 6abf5d017113b82dd6d95a604f4f8667 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wakefield, Harold Ernest H E Wakefield Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-10-16 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Wakefield, HE Description An account of the resource 93 items. The collection concerns Harold Ernest Wakefield DFC (1923 - 1986, 1582185 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, training publications, decorations and badges, training notebooks, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, photographs and parachute D ring. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 51 and 617 Squadrons. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jeremy Wakefield and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harrold Wakefield's navigator's, air bombers and air gunner's flying log book Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LWakefieldHE174040v1 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-09-22 1943-09-23 1943-09-24 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-11-03 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-25 1943-11-26 1943-12-03 1943-12-04 1943-12-29 1943-12-30 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 1944-01-30 1944-01-31 1944-02-19 1944-02-20 1944-02-21 1944-02-25 1944-02-26 1944-03-01 1944-03-02 1944-03-06 1944-03-15 1944-03-16 1944-03-18 1944-03-19 1944-03-26 1944-03-27 1944-04-09 1944-05-10 1944-05-11 1944-05-12 1944-05-22 1944-05-23 1944-06-05 1944-06-06 1944-06-07 1944-06-08 1944-06-09 1944-06-12 1944-06-13 1944-06-15 1944-06-16 1944-12-08 1944-12-11 1944-12-15 1944-12-15 1944-12-21 1944-12-29 1944-12-30 1944-12-31 1945-01-01 1945-02-03 1945-02-06 1945-02-08 1945-02-14 1945-02-22 1945-02-24 1945-03-13 1945-03-14 1945-03-15 1945-03-19 1945-03-21 1945-03-22 1945-03-23 1945-03-27 1945-04-06 1945-04-07 1945-04-09 1945-04-19 1946 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Atlantic Ocean--English Channel Atlantic Ocean--North Sea France Germany Great Britain India Middle East Netherlands Norway England--Hampshire England--Lincolnshire England--Nottinghamshire England--Rutland England--Wiltshire England--Yorkshire France--Alençon France--Amiens France--Boulogne-sur-Mer France--Brittany France--Châteaudun France--Lille France--Normandy France--Orléans France--Pas-de-Calais France--Yvelines Germany--Augsburg Germany--Berlin Germany--Bielefeld Germany--Bochum Germany--Bremen Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Essen Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hamburg Germany--Helgoland Germany--Kassel Germany--Leipzig Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Mannheim Germany--Nienburg (Lower Saxony) Poland--Szczecin Germany--Stuttgart Germany--Urft Dam Netherlands--Hoek van Holland Netherlands--Ijmuiden Netherlands--Rotterdam Poland Germany--Herne (Arnsberg) Germany--Hannover Atlantic Ocean--Oslofjorden Germany--Ruhr (Region) France--Herquelingue France--Morsalines France--Ver-Sur-Mer France--Manche France--Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines France--Châteaudun France--Rennes Germany--Arnsberg France--Colline-Beaumont Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Leitch Description An account of the resource Harold Wakefield's RAF Navigator's, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book, from 16th August 1943 to 16th August 1946, recording training, operations, instructional duties and Transport Command duties to India and the Far East as a flight engineer. Based at RAF Marston Moor (1652 Conversion Unit), RAF Snaith (51 Squadron), RAF North Luffenham (Heavy Glider Conversion Unit), RAF Syerston (5 Lancaster Finishing School), RAF Woodhall Spa (617 Squadron), RAF Riccall (1332 Heavy Conversion Unit), RAF Holmsley South (246 Squadron) and RAF Lyneham (511 Squadron). Aircraft in which flown: Halifax, Oxford, Whitley, Lancaster, Horsa Glider, York. Records a total of 59 operations in two tours (23 day, 36 night) including 10 returned early or did not drop bombs. Targets in France, Germany, Netherlands and Norway are: Alençon, Amiens, Arnsberg, Arnsberg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bremen, Châteaudun, Colline-Beaumont, Dortmund-Ems Canal, Düsseldorf, Essen, Farge, Fouillard, Frankfurt-Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Helgoland, Herquelingue, Ijmuiden, Kassel, Leipzig, Leverkusen, Lille, Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Mont Fleury, Morsalines, Nienburg, Orleans, Oslofjord (German cruisers “Emden” and “Koln”), Politz, Poortershaven, Rotterdam, Stuttgart, Trappes and Urft Dam. His pilots on operations were Squadron Leader Johnson and Squadron Leader Calder. Also includes notes of dates of promotion and award of DFC, lists of crews and a picture of a Halifax Mk III. Some detailed notes on ops with 617 Squadron. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 1652 HCU 51 Squadron 617 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Helgoland (18 April 1945) bombing of the Normandy coastal batteries (5/6 June 1944) Distinguished Flying Cross flight engineer Grand Slam Halifax Halifax Mk 3 Heavy Conversion Unit Horsa Ju 88 Lancaster Lancaster Finishing School Me 262 mid-air collision Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944) Oxford promotion RAF Lyneham RAF Marston Moor RAF North Luffenham RAF Riccall RAF Snaith RAF Syerston RAF Woodhall Spa Tallboy training Whitley York https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/2047/33338/MBiltonGHA175723-180914-03.jpg c231a335c1810cff8fe6c31d70adec7b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bilton, George Henry Albert G H A Bilton Description An account of the resource Nineteen items. The collection concerns George Henry Albert Bilton (b. 1923, 175723 Royal Air Force) and contains an oral history interview, his log book, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 428 and 434 Squadron. The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Anthony Bilton and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-09-14 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Bilton, GHA Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Night fighter guns bomber Description An account of the resource During operation to Ludwigshaven. Gives account of rear gunner Flight Sergeant P Perehinski (of Vancouver) continuing to give evasive action to pilot despite being wounded. Also mentions lucky escape of George Bilton where a prayer book and cigarette case stopped shrapnel. Goes on to describe damage to aircraft and diversion landing. Mentions pilot, Flying Officer F H Watkins from Edmonton and navigator Flying Officer W A Trow from Toronto. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One page typewritten document Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context MBiltonGHA175723-180914-03 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal Canadian Air Force Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Canada British Columbia--Vancouver Alberta--Edmonton Ontario--Toronto Great Britain England--Yorkshire England--Hull Germany Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Ontario Alberta British Columbia Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Pending text-based transcription. Allocated Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-11-18 air gunner aircrew bombing flight engineer forced landing navigator pilot https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/2047/33336/LBiltonGHA175723v1.pdf 16f63e7fb0b27a19684d3564ed2f2c0a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bilton, George Henry Albert G H A Bilton Description An account of the resource Nineteen items. The collection concerns George Henry Albert Bilton (b. 1923, 175723 Royal Air Force) and contains an oral history interview, his log book, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 428 and 434 Squadron. The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Anthony Bilton and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-09-14 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Bilton, GHA Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource George Bilton - observers and air gunners log book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LBiltonGHA175723v1 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal Canadian Air Force Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Pending review Review Oct 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Terry Hancock Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1944-06 1944-07 1944-08 1943-11-03 1943-11-18 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 1944-01-20 1944-01-21 1944-02-03 1944-02-04 1944-02-15 1944-02-16 1944-02-21 1944-02-22 1944-02-25 1944-02-26 1944-03-03 1944-03-04 1944-03-06 1944-03-07 1944-03-22 1944-03-23 1944-03-25 1944-03-26 1944-04-09 1944-04-10 1944-04-26 1944-04-27 1944-04-29 1944-04-30 1944-05-01 1944-05-02 1944-05-07 1944-05-08 1944-05-27 1944-05-28 1944-06-15 1944-06-16 1944-06-21 1944-07-01 1944-07-06 1944-07-18 1944-07-28 1944-07-29 1944-08-01 1944-08-03 1944-08-04 1944-08-05 1944-08-08 1944-08-09 1944-08-10 1944-08-12 1944-08-13 1944-08-14 1944-08-25 1944-08-26 1945-06-05 1945-06-08 1945-06-23 1945-06-29 1945-08-17 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Denmark France Germany Great Britain Denmark--Copenhagen England--Cambridgeshire England--Yorkshire France--Aulnoye-Aymeries France--Boulogne-sur-Mer France--Brest France--Caen France--Falaise France--La Rochelle France--Lille France--Nieppe France--Paris France--Soligny-la-Trappe France--Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Germany--Berlin Germany--Braunschweig Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Hamburg Germany--Kiel Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Stuttgart Germany--Ruhr (Region) France--Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines France--Chantilly Forest France--Saint-Leu-d'Esserent France--Nieppe Forest France--Acquet France--Oisemont (Canton) France--La Breteque France--Villeneuve-Saint-Georges Description An account of the resource Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying log book for George Bilton, flight engineer, covering the period from 18 August 1943 to 1 August 1946. Detailing his final flying training, operations flown, instructional postings and flying in transports. He was stationed at RAF Croft, RAF Topcliffe, RAF Middleton St George, RAF Woolfox Lodge, RAF Warboys, RAF Upwood and RAF Wyton. Aircraft flown in were Halifax, Lancaster, Anson, Wellington and C-47. He flew a total of 34 operations with 428 and 434 Squadrons. Targets were Düsseldorf, Ludwigshaven, Stuttgart, Berlin, Kiel, La Rochelle, Copenhagen, minelaying, Trappes, Aulnoye, Lille, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, St Ghislian, Le Crepiet, Oisemont, Boulogne, Beinnies, Caen, Hamburg, Acquet, Foret de Nieppe, Paris, Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, Foret de Chantilly, La Breteque, Brunswick, Falaise and Brest. His pilot on operations was Wing Commander Watkins. 156 Squadron 1651 HCU 1659 HCU 1664 HCU 29 OTU 428 Squadron 434 Squadron aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of the Boulogne E-boats (15/16 June 1944) C-47 Cook’s tour flight engineer Halifax Halifax Mk 2 Halifax Mk 3 Halifax Mk 5 Heavy Conversion Unit Lancaster Lancaster Mk 1 Lancaster Mk 3 mine laying Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944) Operation Dodge (1945) Operational Training Unit RAF Croft RAF Middleton St George RAF Topcliffe RAF Upwood RAF Warboys RAF Woolfox Lodge RAF Wyton tactical support for Normandy troops training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1830/32825/S78Sqn19361201v30027.pdf 9ee83ba8b2cab3b2fcf4ecfd2f57298a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 78 Squadron Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-21 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 78 Sqn Info Description An account of the resource Eighty-seven items and a sub-collection of seventy-three items. The collection concerns 78 Squadron and contains documents and photographs. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Tony Hibberd and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource E A McGregor's Royal Australian Air Force flying log book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context S78Sqn19361201v30027 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. France Great Britain Germany France--Le Mans France--Saint-Lô France--Tergnier (Canton) France--Trouville-sur-Mer Germany--Augsburg Germany--Berlin Germany--Bochum Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hannover Germany--Karlsruhe Germany--Kassel Germany--Leipzig Germany--Mannheim Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Stuttgart France--Ver-Sur-Mer Belgium--Montzen Belgium--Mechelen France--Laval (Mayenne) France--Rennes Belgium Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Pending review Review Oct 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal Australian Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-09-22 1943-09-23 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-09-30 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-08 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-12-03 1943-12-04 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1944-02-15 1944-02-16 1944-02-25 1944-02-26 1944-03-13 1944-03-14 1944-03-15 1944-03-16 1944-03-18 1944-03-19 1944-03-22 1944-03-23 1944-03-24 1944-03-25 1944-03-30 1944-03-31 1944-04-10 1944-04-11 1944-04-22 1944-04-23 1944-04-24 1944-04-25 1944-04-26 1944-04-27 1944-04-28 1944-05-01 1944-05-02 1944-05-11 1944-05-12 1944-05-21 1944-05-22 1944-05-23 1944-06-03 1944-06-04 1944-06-05 1944-06-06 1944-06-07 1944-06-09 1944-06-10 1944-06-15 1944-06-16 Description An account of the resource Log book covering the period of service on 78 Squadron at RAF Breighton from September 1943 to June 1944 flying Halifaxes. A total of 31 night time operations were flown. Targets were Hannover, Bochum, Kassel, Düsseldorf, Mannheim, Leipzig, Frankfurt, Berlin, Augsburg, Le Mans, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Tergnier, Karlsruhe, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Montzen, Malines, Trouville, Mont Fleury, Saint-Lô, Laval, Fouillard and three mine laying operations. His pilot for his first 'second dickie' operation was Flight Sergeant Skerret. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available. 78 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) bombing of Nuremberg (30 / 31 March 1944) bombing of the Normandy coastal batteries (5/6 June 1944) Distinguished Flying Cross Halifax Halifax Mk 2 Halifax Mk 3 mine laying Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944) pilot RAF Breighton https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/555/32351/LPennyJA1345892v1.1.pdf e2c7c76df86f1a75c3fa94e8dfa90ce5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Penny, Jim James Alfred Penny J A Penny Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Penny, J Description An account of the resource Three items. Two oral history interviews with Flight Lieutenant Jim Penny (b. 1922, 1345892 Royal Air Force) and his log book. He joined the RAF in 1940 and flew operations as a pilot with 97 Squadron from RAF Bourn. Targets included Nuremberg, München Gladbach, Berlin, Montlucon Dunlop rubber factory in France, and the Modane Tower Tunnel. His aircraft was shot down over Berlin 24 November 1943 and he became a prisoner of war. He was liberated on 3 May 1945 and retired from the RAF on 19 July 1971. The collection was catalogued by Barry Hunter. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-08-16 Requires A related resource that is required by the described resource to support its function, delivery, or coherence. Jim joined the RAF in July 1940 on his 18th birthday. His ‘Flight’ was sent to the US to train under the ‘Arnold scheme’. He went to a variety of bases to learn to fly (detained in 1st interview), flying the PT17 Stearman biplane, BT-13A, AT-6A Harvard, Vultee-13, and then the Armstrong Siddeley, before returning on the Queen Elizabeth as a newly commissioned pilot with the rank of Sergeant. On returning to the UK, he was posted to RAF Shawbury (Shropshire) Advance Flying Unit. Jim’s next posting was to RAF Tilstock Heath where he ‘crewed up’. Complete with crew he arrived at RAF Sleap (an auxiliary station for RAF Tilstock Heath). On being asking if they would be willing to join the Pathfinder Force all agreed to accept the offer – PFF was elite after all. After HCU training at RAF Blyton je stated, ‘The Lancaster was the finest plane I’ve ever flown’. On 26th July 1943 Jim was promoted to Flight Sergeant. He remembered the RAF casualties and how their work affected their mental state, particularly the Squadron Casualties. However, the awareness that they were regularly striking at the heart to Nazi Germany left the with an enduring pride in being a ‘Armada’. Jim and his crew transferred to RAF Upwood – Pathfinder Navigation Training Unit then to RAF Bourne 97. Jim flew to bomb Nuremberg, München Gladbach, Berlin itself many times, Montlucon Dunlop rubber factory in France, and the Modane Tower Tunnel in France. He was involved in 2 flights that were ‘Boomerang flights’. One of the October operations was to be part of the decoy flight that was to draw fighters away from Kessel onto themselves, and bomb Frankfurt. In November 1943 they were judged to be a competent part of the PFF and were tasked to be a back-up marker crew – the ones with the GREEN flares. They flew to Dusseldorf, Manheim and Berlin. On 24 November 1943 they were hit by flak, managed to survive, became a POW until he was liberated on 3rd May 1945. On 6th October 1945 he reported to No 34 Maintenance Unit at RAF Montford Bridge. A year later he had refresher course at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, as a Warrant Officer. In 1948 Jim joined the City of Lincoln, Lincoln Squadron Bomber Command at RAF Waddington. He left Waddington to join the RAF Central Flying School as a flying instructor which he found very rewarding when he sent a pupil solo. Jim tried for a permanent commission while posted to RAF Ternhill but failed because he was tone deaf. Jim was offered a branch commission at the age of 37. He left RAF as Flight Lieutenant on 19th July 71. He had no regrets about serving in the RAF and was a part of the Shrewsbury RAFA and the Shropshire Aircrew. Claire CampbellClaire Campbell Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource James A Penny’s pilots flying log book Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jim Penny Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LPennyJA1345892v1 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Maureen Clarke Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Text. Poetry Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Canada Germany Great Britain Italy United States England--Cambridgeshire England--Lincolnshire England--Shropshire France--Modane France--Montluçon Georgia--Americus Germany--Berlin Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hannover Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Mönchengladbach Germany--Munich Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Stuttgart Italy--Milan Saskatchewan--North Battleford France Georgia Saskatchewan Germany--Ruhr (Region) Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1941 1942 1943-08-14 1943-08-15 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-24 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-01 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-15 1943-09-16 1943-09-17 1943-10-02 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-05 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-10-18 1943-10-19 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-17 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-24 Description An account of the resource Pilots flying log book for James A Penny, covering the period from 10 November 1941 to 23 November 1943 when he was shot down over Berlin. He undertook 20 operations from numerous RAF stations. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 1662 HCU 81 OTU 97 Squadron Advanced Flying Unit aircrew bale out Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing Flying Training School Halifax Halifax Mk 2 Halifax Mk 5 Harvard Heavy Conversion Unit Lancaster Lancaster Mk 1 Lancaster Mk 3 Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot RAF Blyton RAF Bourn RAF Shawbury RAF Sleap RAF Upwood shot down Stearman training Whitley https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/722/31016/LBradfordS2216040v1.pdf b952fe2b7e94e24738796efa69694e38 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bradford, Stanley S Bradford Description An account of the resource Nine items. An oral history interview with Stan Bradford DFM (1923 - 2017, 2216040 Royal Air Force) also includes his flying log book, service and release document, investiture ticket, newspaper cuttings and squadron photograph. He flew operations as a mid-upper gunner from RAF Scampton. The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Stanley Bradford and Matt Ashamall and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-10-31 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Bradford, S Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stanley Bradford’s Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s flying log book Description An account of the resource Air Gunner’s flying log book for Stanley Bradford covering the period from 8 May 1943 to 8 August 1944. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Stormy Down (7 AGS), RAF Cottesmore (14 OTU), RAF Swinderby (1660 HCU), RAF East Kirkby (57 Squadron). Aircraft flown in were Whitley, Defiant, Wellington and Lancaster. He flew a total of 31 night-time operations with 57 Squadron, targets were Nuremburg, Berlin, Mannheim, Hanover, Leipzig, Kassel, Stettin, Magdeburg, Clermont Ferrand, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. His pilots on operations were Flight Sergeant Watts, Pilot Officer Marshall and Flight Lieutenant Munday. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form: no better quality copies are available. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LBradfordS2216040v1 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. France Great Britain Poland England--Lincolnshire England--Rutland France--Clermont-Ferrand Germany--Berlin Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Leipzig Germany--Magdeburg Germany--Stuttgart Poland--Szczecin Wales--Bridgend Germany Germany--Mannheim Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943 1944 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-08-31 1943-09-01 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-05 1943-09-06 1943-09-22 1943-09-23 1943-09-24 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-10-03 1943-10-18 1943-10-20 1943-10-21 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-22 1943-11-23 1943-11-24 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 1943-12-12 1943-12-16 1943-12-17 1944-01-01 1944-01-02 1944-01-06 1944-01-07 1944-01-21 1944-01-22 1944-01-27 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 1944-01-30 1944-01-31 1944-02-15 1944-02-16 1944-02-19 1944-02-20 1944-03-01 1944-03-02 1944-03-10 1944-03-11 1944-03-15 1944-03-16 1944-03-18 1944-03-19 1944-03-24 1944-03-25 1944-03-30 1944-03-31 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 14 OTU 1660 HCU 57 Squadron air gunner Air Gunnery School aircrew anti-aircraft fire Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bomb struck bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) bombing of Nuremberg (30 / 31 March 1944) Defiant Do 217 Fw 190 Heavy Conversion Unit Ju 88 Lancaster Me 109 Operational Training Unit Oxford RAF Cottesmore RAF East Kirkby RAF Market Harborough RAF Stormy Down RAF Swinderby training Wellington Whitley https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1764/30680/SJenkinsonPR1826262v10020.jpg 4671ea802341fb5b08bb8efe60651066 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Jenkinson, Peter and Leslie. Peter Jenkinson Description An account of the resource Fifty-three items concerning Peter Jenkinson who served as a flight engineer on 166 and 153 Squadron Lancaster and was killed with his crew on 28 January 1945. Collection contains official and family correspondence, photographs, biographies, newspaper articles, official documents, roll of honour and records of operations. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-08-24 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Jenkinson, LP-PR Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document [underlined] ALLIED BOMBERS SHOT DOWN BY F W GUNTHER BAHR [/underlined] [list] [underlined] UNIT DATE AIRCRAFT TIME AREA OF COMBAT [/underlined] 3/NJG 6 23/24.8.43 HALIFAX 0040 BERLIN 3/NJG 6 23/24.8.43 STIRLING 0047 NORTH BERLIN 3/NJG 6 14.10.43 B17 1457 20 KM S.E SCHWEINFURT 3/NJG 6 18/19.10.43 LANCASTER 2043 25 KM W HAMLIN 3/NJG 6 3/4.11.43 HALIFAX 1955 25 KM W DUSSELDORF 3/NJG 6 17/18.11.43 LANCASTER 2016 HOCHSPEYER 3/NJG 6 20/21.12.43 HALIFAX 1924 SSE MAYERN 3/NJG 6 20/21.12.43 HALIFAX 1938 50 KM S.W. KOBLENZ 3/NJG 6 20/21.12.43 HALIFAX 2000 RUPPACH 3/NJG 6 30/31.1.44 LANCASTER 2010 WARWITZ 3/NJG 6 30/31.1.44 LANCASTER 2025 10 KM W ORANIENBURG 3/NJG 6 19/20.2.44 LANCASTER 0320 15-20KM SSW STENDAL 3/NJG 6 25/26.2.44 LANCASTER 2128 SE NEUFCHATAEU 3/NJG 6 26/27.4.44 LANCASTER 0245 15 KM NW KIRCHENHALL 3/NJG 6 27/28.4.44 HALIFAX 0137 30-60 KM NW FRIED’HAFEN 3/NJG 6 27/28.4.44 LANCASTER 0251 50-80 KM NW FRIED’HAFEN 1 NJG 6 28/29.7.44 LANCASTER 0208 30-50 KM FROM STUTTGART 1 NJG 6 25/26.8.44 HALIFAX 0115 W. RUSSELLHEIM 1 NJG 6 12/13.9.44 B17 2246 N.W. MANNHEIM 3/NJG 1 8/9.1.45 LANCASTER 2227 W MUNICH 3/NJG 1 8/9.1.45 LANCASTER 2230 W MUNICH 3/NJG 1 8/9.1.45 B24 2236 MUNICH 3/NJG 1 8/9.1.45 LANCASTER 2238 WNW MUNICH 3/NJG 1 28/29.1.45 LANCASTER 2329 STUTTGART 3/NJG 1 28/29.1.45 LANCASTER 2332 W STUTTGART 3/NJG 1 28/29.1.45 LANCASTER 2346 LUDWIGSBERG 3/NJG 1 28/29.1.45 LANCASTER 2359 E MANNHEIM (PETER’S) 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2037 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2039 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2042 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2044 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2046 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2050 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 21/22.2.45 HALIFAX 2034 SW WORMS 3/NJG 1 23/24.2.45 LANCASTER 2009 NEAR PFORZHEIN [sic] 3/NJG 1 16/17.3.45 LANCASTER 2131 SW NUREMBERG DETAILS FROM “LUFTWAFFE NIGHT FIGHTER, COMBAT CLAIMS 1939-1945” [signature] 101.106 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Allied bombers shot down by FW Gunther Bahr Description An account of the resource Table listing unit, date, aircraft, time, area of combat. Lists 36 combats with allied aircraft from 23 August 1943 until 17 March 1945. Includes Peter Jenkinson's Lancaster on 28 January 1945 as one of four that night. Details from "Luftwaffe Night Fighter Combat Claims 1939-1945". Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One page handwritten document Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SJenkinsonPR1826262v10020 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe United States Army Air Force Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany Germany--Berlin Germany--Hameln Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Koblenz Germany--Oranienburg Germany--Stendal Germany--Stuttgart France France--Neufchâteau Germany--Rüsselsheim Germany--Mannheim Germany--Munich Germany--Worms Germany--Pforzheim Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Ruhr (Region) Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-08-23 1943-08-24 1943-10-14 1943-10-18 1943-10-19 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-17 1943-11-18 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1944-01-30 1944-01-31 1944-02-19 1944-02-20 1944-02-25 1944-02-26 1944-04-26 1944-04-27 1944-04-28 1944-07-28 1944-07-29 1944-08-25 1944-08-26 1944-09-12 1944-09-13 1945-01-08 1945-01-09 1945-01-28 1945-01-29 1944-02-21 1944-02-22 1944-02-23 1944-02-24 1945-03-16 1945-03-17 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Robin Christian Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Personal research B-17 B-24 Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) Halifax Lancaster shot down Stirling https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1510/28956/SNolanJF150621v10029-0001.jpg 5ef8c29c031918af7c4820a200c04c30 https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1510/28956/SNolanJF150621v10029-0002.jpg 1e485a58b493ac44d4ce3cf3e319f31d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nolan, Frank J F Nolan Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-05-17 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Nolan, JF Description An account of the resource Thirty-one items. The collection concerns Frank Nolan who served in the British Army 1939-1941 after which he was released with disability pension. He then trained and served as an inspector for the ministry of aircraft production, aeronautical inspection directorate at aircraft manufacturers. Collection contains correspondence, work inspection work documents, photographs, diaries and objects. Includes a sub collection work folder with 28 further items consisting correspondence and inspection reports. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by JE Nolan and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document Process check on Riveting to I.I. A.24 and M.426. [Underlined] B SHOP GROUP. [/underlined] 18/11/43 All rivets entering Quarantine Stores are inspected, placed in their respective bins, and issued to rivet stores as required. [Underlined] Storage and Heat Treatment of Dural Rivets. [/underlined] All dural rivets are heat treated in E Shop and stored in Drikold containers at temp: of from -15°C to -20°C, for 6 days. Storage records were examined and found in order. Containers are topped up with Drikold Cones every 24 hours, and entirely cleaned out approx: every three weeks. A temperature check is taken by W.I.D. every fortnight. Records of same were checked and found to be within the temperature range. [Underlined] Issue Control. [/underlined] The approved system of coloured containers is being satisfactorily employed. [Underlined] Workmanship. [/underlined] Owing to an influx of trainee labour, the standard of workmanship has dropped slightly, but is being overcome by strict supervision by inspection staff. Process as viewed is considered satisfactory. J F Nolan [Page break] [Diagrams] Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Process check on riveting Description An account of the resource Instructions for riveting. Drawing of furniture unit with dimensions on reverse. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource J R Nolan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Two sided typewritten document Language A language of the resource eng Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SNolanJF150621v10029 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Civilian Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-11-18 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anne-Marie Watson https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1424/28792/LRobinsonDA1215638v1.pdf e308895d9d16d129b08fcf2fb24b909e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robinson, John J Robinson Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-06-27 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Robinson, J Description An account of the resource One item. The log book belonging to Flight Lieutenant D A Robinson (1215638 Royal Air Force). He flew operations as a pilot with 158 Squadron before becoming a prisoner of war. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by John Robinson and catalogued by IBCC Digital Archive staff. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource D A Robinson’s pilot’s flying log book Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LRobinsonDA1215638v1 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. France Germany Great Britain Zimbabwe England--Buckinghamshire England--Gloucestershire England--Leicestershire England--Lincolnshire England--Shropshire England--Suffolk England--Yorkshire France--Cannes Germany--Berlin Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Essen Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Hamburg Germany--Kassel Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein Germany--Magdeburg Germany--Mannheim Germany--Rheydt Italy--Milan Zimbabwe--Bulawayo Zimbabwe--Harare Italy Germany--Ruhr (Region) Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1943-07-24 1943-07-25 1943-07-26 1943-07-27 1943-07-28 1943-07-29 1943-08-02 1943-08-03 1943-08-07 1943-08-08 1943-08-12 1943-08-13 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-01 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-12-19 1943-12-20 1943-12-21 1944-01-20 1944-01-21 1944-01-22 1944-01-28 1944-01-29 Description An account of the resource Pilot’s flying log book for D A Robinson, covering the period from 23 November 1942 to 21 May 1948. Covering his flying training, operations flown and instructor duties. It states in his log book that his previous one was lost due to enemy action but includes detail of his training establishments. He was stationed at RAF Bulawayo, RAF Mount Hampden, RAF Grantham, RAF Shawbury, RAF Condover, RAF Stradishall, RAF Wymeswold, RAF Castle Donington, RAF Marston Moor, RAF Lissett, RAF Little Rissington, RAF Wing and RAF Moreton-in-Marsh. He was a prisoner of war from 29 January 1944 to 2 May 1945. Aircraft flown in were Tiger Moth, Oxford, Wellington, Halifax, Lancaster and Anson. He flew a total of 17 operations with 158 Squadron, being reported missing on his last operation. Targets were Hamburg, Essen, Mannheim, Milan, Rheydt, Berlin, Kassel, Düsseldorf, Cannes, Ludwigshafen, Frankfurt and Magdeburg. His pilot for his first 'second dickie' operation was Flight Sergeant Williamson. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 158 Squadron 1652 HCU 21 OTU 26 OTU 28 OTU Advanced Flying Unit aircrew Anson Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Hamburg (24-31 July 1943) bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) Halifax Halifax Mk 2 Heavy Conversion Unit Lancaster Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot prisoner of war RAF Castle Donington RAF Grantham RAF Lissett RAF Little Rissington RAF Marston Moor RAF Moreton in the Marsh RAF Mount Hampden RAF Shawbury RAF Stradishall RAF Wing RAF Wymeswold Tiger Moth training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1507/28634/SEllisRHG918424v10013.jpg cdc1e4709a70408edef9d5e3622efadd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ellis, Roy Royston Hazeldine George Ellis R H G Ellis Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-05-09 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ellis, RHG Description An account of the resource 62 items.&nbsp;The collection concerns Sergeant Roy Ellis (1916 - 1943,&nbsp;<span>918424 Royal Air Force</span>) and contains correspondence, his decorations and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 199 Squadron and was killed 31 August 1943.<br /> <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Norman Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br />Additional information on Roy Ellis is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/208468/">IBCC Losses Database</a>. Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document POST OFFICE TELEGRAM OFFICE STAMP UPPER TOOTING SW17 2.39 LONDON TELEX OHMS TT ( PRIORITY CC ) MRS R H G ELLIS 253 BALHAM HIGH RD LDN SW 17 = FROOM AIR MINISTRY KINGSWAY PC 856 18/11 DEEPLY REGRET TO ADVISE YOU THAT ACCORDING TO INFORMATION RECEIVED THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS COMMITTEE YOUR HUSBAND SGT ROY HAZELDENE GEORGE ELLIS IS BELIEVED TO HAVE LOST HIS LIFE AS THE RESULT OF AIR OPERATIONS ON 31 ST AUGUST 1943 STOP THE AIR COUNCIL EXPRESS THEIR PROFOUND [page break] SYMPATHY STOP LETTER FOLLOWS SHORTLY STOP UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE STOP = 181118 A + Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Telegram to Mrs Doreen Ellis Description An account of the resource The telegram advises Roy's wife that her husband is believed killed in action. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Two typewritten sheets Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SEllisRHG918424v10013 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Great Britain England--London Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Bloomfield Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Air Ministry Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-08-31 1943-11-18 aircrew killed in action Red Cross https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1436/28604/LWallaceCM413159v1.pdf 64199d84e11bf0577a3ba92ddbf4168c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wallace, Colin C M Wallace Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-08-29 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Wallace, CM Description An account of the resource One item. Colin Wallace DFM flew operations as a pilot with 467 Squadron. The collection contains his log book. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jude Mathew Taylor and catalogued by IBCC Digital Archive staff. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Colin Wallace's Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot's flying log book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LWallaceCM413159v1 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1943-02-13 1943-02-14 1943-03-08 1943-03-09 1943-03-11 1943-03-12 1943-03-13 1943-03-14 1943-03-22 1943-03-23 1943-05-27 1943-05-28 1943-06-11 1943-06-12 1943-06-13 1943-06-14 1943-06-15 1943-06-28 1943-06-29 1943-07-03 1943-07-04 1943-07-08 1943-07-09 1943-07-12 1943-07-13 1943-07-23 1943-07-24 1943-07-29 1943-07-30 1943-08-15 1943-08-16 1943-08-23 1943-08-24 1943-08-30 1943-08-31 1943-09-01 1943-09-03 1943-09-04 1943-09-06 1943-09-07 1943-10-02 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-18 1943-10-19 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-23 1943-11-24 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Canada Denmark France Germany Great Britain Italy New Zealand England--Lincolnshire England--Norfolk England--Nottinghamshire England--Oxfordshire England--Somerset France--Lorient France--Saint-Nazaire Germany--Berlin Germany--Bochum Germany--Cologne Germany--Essen Germany--Hamburg Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Mönchengladbach Germany--Münster in Westfalen Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf) Germany--Stuttgart Italy--Milan Italy--Turin New Zealand--Waitemata Harbour Saskatchewan--Saskatoon Scotland--Moray Saskatchewan Germany--Ruhr (Region) France--Pauillac (Gironde) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Terry Hancock Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource One booklet Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal New Zealand Air Force Royal Australian Air Force Description An account of the resource C M Wallace’s Flying Log Book as pilot covering the period from 8 July 1941 to 20 January 1945. Detailing his flying training and operations flown as pilot. He was stationed at RNZAF Whenuapai (4 EFTS), RCAF Saskatoon (4 SFTS), RAF Little Rissington (6 PAFU), RAF Docking (1525 BAT Flight), RAF Kinloss (19 OTU), RAF Wigsley (1654 HCU), RAF Bottesford and RAF Waddington (467 RAAF Squadron), RAF Upper Heyford and RAF Barford St John (16 OTU) and RAF Lulsgate Bottom (3 FIS). Aircraft flown in were Tiger Moth, Crane, Oxford, Whitley, Manchester, Lancaster and Wellington. Targets were Lorient, Nuremburg, Gironde (mining), Denmark (mining), St Nazaire, Essen, Bochum, Oberhausen, Cologne, Turin, Hamburg, Milan, Berlin, Mönchengladbach, Munster, Kassel, Stuttgart and Hannover. He flew 28 operations (including one early return) with 467 (RAAF) Squadron. His pilots for his first 'second dickie' operations were Flight Lieutenant McKenzie and Flight Lieutenant Theile DSC DSO. Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Review Oct 2024 16 OTU 1654 HCU 19 OTU 467 Squadron Advanced Flying Unit aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Hamburg (24-31 July 1943) Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Medal Flying Training School forced landing Heavy Conversion Unit Ju 88 Lancaster Lancaster Mk 1 Lancaster Mk 3 Manchester Me 109 mine laying Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot RAF Barford St John RAF Bottesford RAF Kinloss RAF Little Rissington RAF Upper Heyford RAF Waddington RAF Wigsley Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943) Tiger Moth training Wellington Whitley Window https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1543/28501/LTansleyEH149542v1.pdf 7cca3a40dfe87a7fc8a69193ffd628eb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tansley, Ernest Henry E H Tansley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-09-22 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tansley, EH Description An account of the resource 98 items. <br />The collection concerns Pilot Officer Ernest Henry Tansley (1914 - 1943, 149542 Royal Air Force). He flew operations as a pilot with 57 Squadron and was killed 2 December 1943. Collection consists of photographs, letters, memoires, biographies, accounts of operations, logbook extracts and official/personal documents.<br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Anne Doward and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. <br />Additional information on Ernest Tansley is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/122894/">IBCC Losses Database.</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Extract from Ernest Harold Patrick's flying log book Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Six pages from logbook Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Log book and record book Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context LTansleyEH149542v1 Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Pending review Review Oct 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Great Britain. Royal Air Force Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-07-24 1943-07-25 1943-07-26 1943-07-27 1943-07-28 1943-08-09 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-12 1943-08-13 1943-08-15 1943-08-16 1943-08-17 1943-08-18 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-24 1943-08-27 1943-08-28 1943-09-22 1943-09-23 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-09-30 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-11-03 1943-11-04 1943-11-10 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-11-26 1943-11-27 Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. France Germany Great Britain Italy Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea England--Lincolnshire France--Modane Germany--Berlin Germany--Bochum Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Hamburg Germany--Hannover Germany--Kassel Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Mannheim Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Peenemünde Germany--Stuttgart Italy--Milan Germany--Ruhr (Region) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mike Connock Description An account of the resource Extract from flying log book for bomb aimer’s for Ernest Harold Patrick, detailing his operations flown until failing to return from operations. He was stationed at RAF Scampton and RAF East Kirkby. Aircraft flown in was Lancaster. He flew a total of 21 night operations with 57 squadron. Targets were Hamburg, Mannheim, Nuremburg, Milan, Peenemünde, Leverkusen, Berlin, Hannover, Bochum, Kassel, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf and Modane. His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Tansley. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available. 57 Squadron aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bomb aimer bombing bombing of Hamburg (24-31 July 1943) bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) killed in action Lancaster RAF East Kirkby RAF Scampton https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1543/28488/BDowardATansleyEHv3.pdf 7ee1a6ee87c18b7758195aeb66f26dc7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tansley, Ernest Henry E H Tansley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-09-22 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tansley, EH Description An account of the resource 98 items. <br />The collection concerns Pilot Officer Ernest Henry Tansley (1914 - 1943, 149542 Royal Air Force). He flew operations as a pilot with 57 Squadron and was killed 2 December 1943. Collection consists of photographs, letters, memoires, biographies, accounts of operations, logbook extracts and official/personal documents.<br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Anne Doward and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. <br />Additional information on Ernest Tansley is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/122894/">IBCC Losses Database.</a> Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document Pilot Officer Ernest Henry Tansley 149542 VR Ernest Henry Tansley was born on 22 January 1914, West Ham, Essex. The middle son of Albert Edward and Mary Ann Tansley. Brothers - Albert Edward 1911 - 1992 and Frederick George 1915 - 2001. Ernest married Irene Florence England on 30 November 1935, in Thundersley, Essex. She was the daughter of Herbert Percy and Elizabeth Charlotte England, born on 24 July 1915, Thundersley. Children - Peter John 1936 - 2001, Anne Elizabeth 1940, Robert Ernest 1944. Ernest started work as a clerk for a Shipping Agency in London, later as a Foreman Stevedore at King George V Docks in London. When war broke out, he was one of the many dock workers who were transferred to Gourock Docks in Scotland. Being in a reserved occupation, Ernest was not required to enlist but he did so, at Edinburgh, on the 19th March 1941 to join the RAF. As a Volunteer Reservist, he was put on the reserve list and was eventually called up at the beginning of August. 4 August 1941 - joined No 1 Air Crew Reception Centre at St. John's Wood, London. 23 August 1941 - now as AC2 1345042, he moved to No. 4 Initial Training Wing at Paignton, Devon where he spent about eight weeks. 17 October 1941 - now an LAC he went to No. 18 Elementary Flying Training School at Fairoaks, Surrey. This was one of 12 schools controlled by 50 Group Pool and Ernest would have learnt to fly the Tiger Moth. After a short spell which included some embarkation leave, he arrived at Heaton Park Holding Centre in Manchester, awaiting news of his overseas posting to America. 21 November 1941 - Ernest's journey began by returning to Gourock Docks where he had previously worked and boarding the waiting troop ship which would take him to Canada to train under the Arnold Scheme. Firstly they disembarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia and then journeyed onwards to the Royal Canadian Airforce Station at Moncton, New Brunswick. 2 December 1941 is when they arrived at Moncton. 18 December 1941 - the long journey south had been made to Maxwell Field Airforce Base in Alabama where he stayed for about a month. 11 Jan 1942 - arrival at Carlstrom Field, Arcadia, Florida where he learnt to fly the Boeing Stearman bi-plane. This was the first of three flying schools for Primary, Basic and Advanced training. 29 March 1942 - arrival at Cochran Field, Macon, Georgia for the Basic training course. This was a U.S. Army Airforce School run along the very strict West Point system. Here Ernest would learn to fly the Vultee Valiant BT 13A mono plane. Because Ernest had been hospitalised on two occasions with the measles and then a septic arm, he was required to repeat the whole six week course. [page break] 5 July 1942 - this was the final Advanced training course at Moody Field, near Valdosta where they had the AT-6 Harvard and the twin-engined Curtiss AT-9 and Cessna AT-17. He graduated from here on 6 September 1942 when he received the coveted USAAC silver wings. As he was chosen to train as a Bomber pilot, he was to be sent back to the UK. He journeyed back to Moncton in Canada to receive his RAF wings and to await a ship for home. After several weeks wait, Ernest boarded the "Stirling Castle" and arrived back at Gourock Docks on 7th October 1942. Now a Sergeant Pilot, he was sent to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre in Bournemouth and was able to meet up with his wife whom he hadn't seen for over a year. 3 November 1942 - now at Windrush in Oxfordshire, the home of No. 6 Pilots Advanced Flying Unit where he was trained to fly the twin-engined Airspeed Oxford. During Christmas week he was sent on a B.A.T. course at Bramcote near Birmingham to fly Fairey Battle aircraft. 2 March 1943 - left Windrush for No. 16 Operational Training Unit at Upper Heyford, still in Oxfordshire. On No.51 course he would have learned to fly his first twin-engined heavy aircraft, the Vickers Armstrong Wellington. Stationed here for about 12 weeks, Ernest would now have chosen the other members needed for his crew. After two weeks leave, this new crew met up on 28th May at 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit, Winthorpe in Nottinghamshire. This is where the Manchester, Sterling and Lancaster aircraft were based. The crew were in 'C' flight which was attached to R.A.F. Scampton in Lincolnshire. Their last training flight ended here on the 5th July and Ernest and crew were posted to 57 Squadron at Scampton on the 7th July 1943 after two long years of training. 12th July 1943 - this was Ernest's first taste of going on Ops as he accompanied Lieutenant Jack Russell, an American pilot, on a raid to Turin. He was flying as a second pilot and was allowed to fly the Lancaster, ED 655 on the homeward flight until they reached England. Landed at 08:49 on the 13th. 24th July 1943 - this was the first time Ernest experienced an operation with his own crew, flying in ED 655. It was the first of four raids on Hamburg code-named 'Operation Gomorrah'. 25th July 1943 - target Essen in the Ruhr. Take off 9:49pm, back at Base about 2am. ED 655 27th July 1943 - Hamburg again, taking off at 11pm and one of four planes landing back at Dunholme Lodge 4:20 am. ED655. 9th August 1943 - target Mannheim. Take-off 23:28 safely back at Base 05:32 on the 10th. ED655. 10th August 1943 - target Nuremberg. Take-off at 10pm returning at 05:35 on the 11th. This time flying in W4797. 12th August 1943 - target Milan, an eight and a half hour trip flying in W5008. [page break] 15th August 1943 - back in ED655 the target was Milan again. They lifted off just before 20:30 and touched down 4:30 on the 16th. 17th August 1943 - this was the important raid on Peenemunde to attempt to destroy the experimental rocket site. No.5 Group, to which 57 squadron belonged, would be in the last wave with No.6 Group and would be in most danger as they would be flying time-and-distance bombing in bright moonlight. A total of 596 bombers took off; forty were shot down with a loss of 288 aircrew plus two more from Mosquitos. 245 of these young men were killed and 45 taken P.O.W. 5 and 6 Groups. as expected, suffered the most casualties losing six times as many men as the other groups. Taking off in ED 655 just before 10pm they returned safely to Scampton at 04:14 on the 18th. 22nd August 1943 - Leverkusen was the target this time. Take-off was at 9:35pm returning 4 hours and 50 mins later. 23rd August 1943 - after a short sleep, Ernest found they were on Battle Orders again that evening. This time the target was Berlin, his first time to the "Big City". Take-off was at 20:35, landing back at Scampton at 4am on the 24th. W4948 'S' - Sugar. 27th August 1943 - again in W4948 'S', target Nuremberg. Take-off shortly after 9pm landing back at Dunholme Lodge about 4am. It was at this time that the squadrons based at Scampton were moved in order that concrete runways could be laid down to replace the existing grass. 57 went to the newly built airfield called East Kirkby. On the 29th of August 1943, Ernest made the short flight in ED655 to their new home. 12th September 1943 - on this date Ernest returned to Scampton to attend Course No.1 for Newly Commissioned Pilots and back at East Kirkby, as it was the moon period when no operations were ordered, all aircrew personnel underwent a week long training programme. 22nd September 1943 - Hanover was the target and ED 655 took off at 19:08. They returned to base shortly after midnight, after having shot down a JU 88 and scaring off a second one. 27th September 1943 - Hanover was the target once again and in JA 872, take-off was at 7:45 pm and on the return, landed at Mepal at 01:25, because of bad weather. 28th September 1943 - the short flight was made back from Mepal. 29th September 1943 - set off to bomb Bochum but did not reach the main target. Returned three and a half hours later after bombing the last resort target ...Texel airfield. JA 872. 3rd October 1943 - the target was Kassel. Take off was at 6:45 in the evening and the crew returned safely five and a half hours later. ED 994 was used this time. 7th October 1943 - the target was Stuttgart and take off time was 8:19 in the evening in ED655. Returning at 3:35 on the morning of the 8th, there was another operation lined up for that night. 8th October - this was to Hanover in ED655 again. Taking off at 22:47, they returned safely to East Kirkby at 3:41 on the morning of the 9th. [page break] It was the 18th of October until another raid took place because it had been the moon period when no operations were carried out. The crew were on home leave during this time and Ernest had been taken ill. 3rd November 1943 - was the first operation of the month and the crew found themselves in possession of a new Mk. 111 Lancaster, JB 529 DX-W. The target was Dusseldorf and take-off from East Kirkby was 17:06, returning back at base at 21:24. 10th November 1943 - this time to bomb a railway junction set amongst the mountains in Modane. Take-off in JB 529was shortly after 9pm. 14th November 1943 - this was to be a dinghy search in JB 485 accompanied by one other aircraft. The search was for an American crew who had ditched in the sea but was, unfortunately, unsuccessful. After a three and a half hours search they were diverted to Manby, a gunnery training school as East Kirkby was fog bound. Returned to East Kirkby the following day. 18th November 1943 - this operation was to Berlin, the start of what was to be known as "The Battle of Berlin". JB 529 now bearing code letter DX-P took off at 17:25. This was a long eight hour trip. 26th November 1943 - this was to Berlin again and P-Peter took off at 5:10 pm. On return, they were diverted to Pocklington owing to bad weather at East Kirkby. They returned to East Kirkby two days later. Ernest wasn't needed to fly on another Op. until December. 2nd DECEMBER 1943. What a sad day this turned out to be.... Battle Orders once again showed the target to be Berlin. Ernest in JB 529 DX-P, and with an extra crew member on his first trip as a second pilot, was one of the first to take off at 16:19 and his estimated time of arrival should have made him the third to reach the target. Unfortunately, the aircraft met with unexpected winds en-route differing so much from those forecast that many planes were blown completely off course, ending up many miles off target. 650 aircraft should have been on this 'Maximum Effort' raid but 200 Halifaxes were withdrawn because of fog over their airfields in Yorkshire. After take-off, nearly a tenth of the remaining planes had to turn back when they encountered severe icing, technical problems or suffered crew sickness. This left just 415 to continue with the mission. Because the bomber stream was late arriving and was very scattered because the strong winds had blown them off course, there were many fighters waiting to pick them off. 'P' for Peter was shot down by a night-fighter at approximately 23:00 hours German time, over the small town of Trebbin about 25 miles south of Berlin. All eight crew were lost, even though Ernest stayed in his beloved Lancaster until the end trying to avoid a small row of houses and hoping his crew would have time to bail out. Although the houses were saved as Ernest managed to land in an adjacent field, the rear gunner had been shot and was still in the turret. Only one crew member had managed to open his parachute and Ernest, of course, was still in his seat. [page break] A gentleman who had witnessed the combat said that despite the loss of two thirds of the wing and engines, the flames emanating from the front of the aircraft and other serious damage to the fuselage caused by the explosion, the pilot was still clearly flying his crippled Lancaster in an effort to land in a nearby field. In his words “It was an aeronautical miracle”. A very sad end for eight young heroes who will always be remembered with pride. [page break] [underlined]COMBAT REPORT [/underlined] Lancaster x (ED. 655) of 57 Squadron over target on night 22/23rd September 1943 2142 hours at 18,000 feet. No moon, coned in about 25 searchlights over target, no other unusual phenomena. Monica gave warning of enemy aircraft just after bombs had been dropped and Lancaster was commencing to carry out banking search again. As enemy aircraft (identified as JU.88) came in to attack, searchlights went out. M.U. was first to see E/A on port quarter up approximately 300 yards. M.U. and R.G. simultaneously opened fire (firing 200 rds.) and hits were observed. E/A returned fire causing damage to Lancaster. E/A dropped starboard wing and dived to starboard leaving a smoke trail behind. When E/A was directly below Lancaster, flame was seen to emerge from starboard engine, but it was impossible to observe if E/A crashed, as another E/A then came in to attack from starboard quarter up. E/A (also identified as JU.88) came into attack at 600 yards range and R.G. opened fire (firing 50 rounds), but hits were not observed. E/A did not return fire. R.G. ordered the pilot to turn to starboard and dive, E/A broke away to starboard and was not seen again. First E/A definitely claimed as destroyed. M.U. could not get his guns to bear on second E/A. Damage to Lancaster – Engine sub-frame Cat AC. R.G. Sgt. MOAD – No. 3 B & G. S. McDONALD, MANITOBA. 16 O.T.U. UPPER HEYFORD, 1661 CON. UNIT, WINTHORPE M.U. Sgt. LEWIS 24 C.A.O.S., MOFFIT, RHODESIA, 16 O.T.U. UPPER HEYFORD, 1661 CON. UNIT, WINTHORPE Signed [underlined]Gunrary Leadrer, No. 57 Squadron.[/underlined] Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Pilot Officer Ernest Henry Tansley 149542 VR biography Description An account of the resource Covers background, marriage, civilian occupation and family. Followed by service history including basic and flying training in England and the United States and then advanced flying training and operational conversion back home. Posted to 57 Squadron at RAF Scampton. List his operations from 12 July 1943 up until 2nd December 1943 when he was shot down and killed. Describes his last operation to Berlin. Concludes with a combat report from 57 Squadron on 22/23 September 1943 on Lancaster ED 655 which was attacked by night fighters gunners engaged fighters.. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Five page printed document Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Personal research Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context BDowardATansleyEHv3 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Civilian Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Great Britain England--Essex England--Thundersley England--London Scotland--Edinburgh England--Devon England--Paignton England--Surrey Canada Nova Scotia--Halifax New Brunswick--Moncton United States Alabama--Montgomery Florida--Arcadia Georgia--Macon Georgia--Valdosta England--Dorset England--Bournemouth England--Oxfordshire England--West Midlands England--Birmingham England--Nottinghamshire Italy Italy--Turin Germany Germany--Hamburg Germany--Essen England--Lincolnshire Germany--Mannheim Germany--Nuremberg Italy--Milan Germany--Peenemünde Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Berlin England--Cambridgeshire Germany--Bochum Germany--Kassel Germany--Stuttgart Germany--Düsseldorf France France--Modane England--Yorkshire Germany--Trebbin Germany--Hannover Florida Alabama Georgia New Brunswick Nova Scotia Germany--Ruhr (Region) England--Hampshire England--Warwickshire Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1914-01-22 1935-11-30 1941-03-19 1941-08-04 1941-10-17 1941-11-21 1941-12-02 1941-12-18 1942-01-11 1942-03-29 1942-07-05 1942-10-07 1942-11-03 1943-03-02 1943-05-28 1943-07-05 1943-07-07 1943-07-12 1943-07-24 1943-07-25 1943-07-27 1943-08-09 1943-08-10 1943-08-12 1943-08-15 1943-08-17 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-27 1943-08-29 1943-09-12 1943-09-22 1943-09-27 1943-09-28 1943-09-29 1943-10-03 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-18 1943-11-03 1943-11-10 1943-11-14 1943-11-18 1943-11-26 1943-12-02 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Bloomfield 16 OTU 1661 HCU 5 Group 57 Squadron 6 Group air gunner aircrew Battle Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Hamburg (24-31 July 1943) bombing of Peenemünde (17/18 August 1943) Harvard Heavy Conversion Unit Ju 88 killed in action Lancaster Lancaster Mk 3 Manchester Operational Training Unit Oxford pilot RAF Bramcote RAF Dunholme Lodge RAF East Kirkby RAF Mepal RAF Paignton RAF Pocklington RAF Scampton RAF Upper Heyford RAF Windrush RAF Winthorpe recruitment shot down Stearman Stirling Tiger Moth training Wellington https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1543/28343/OTansleyEH149542-160929-01.pdf 8e823952412af037b7e78a070e3bffb8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tansley, Ernest Henry E H Tansley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-09-22 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tansley, EH Description An account of the resource 98 items. <br />The collection concerns Pilot Officer Ernest Henry Tansley (1914 - 1943, 149542 Royal Air Force). He flew operations as a pilot with 57 Squadron and was killed 2 December 1943. Collection consists of photographs, letters, memoires, biographies, accounts of operations, logbook extracts and official/personal documents.<br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Anne Doward and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. <br />Additional information on Ernest Tansley is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/122894/">IBCC Losses Database.</a> Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document [Diagonally on page] Cancelled [/diagonally on page] [Deleted] X [/deleted] M S/Ldr. Smith. U F/Lt. Greig Q F/Lt. Wilson G F/O. Gobbie I P/O. McCrea F F/Sgt. Allwright. A F/Sgt. Stevens N P/O. Pratt. K F/Sgt. Gifford. P F/Sgt. Heazlewood. W F/Sgt. Irwin. D Sgt. Josling. T Sgt. Ryrie. R Sgt. Piggin. L Sgt. Bowdon. [Deleted] X E [/deleted] X Sgt. Tansley. 1900 Operations Cancelled. [Underlined] 24th. July, 1943. [/underlined] Tonight’s operations. DACE. 18 offered from 57. 17 actually provided. 17 took off [Page break] 406 F F/Sgt. Allwright 2234 0350 I P/O McCrea 2233 0328 J F/Lt. Greig 2232 0344 Q F/Lt. Wilson 2235 0322 K F/Sgt. Gifford 2235 0325 P S/Ldr. Smith 2231 0327 X Sgt. Tansley. 2240 0357 T Sgt. Ryrie 2239 0329 R Sgt. Bourdon 2241 0347 G F/O. Gobbie. 2319 0405 D Sgt. Josling 2309 0414 A P/O West. 2305 0359 H Sgt. Stevens. 2306 0410 M Sgt. Moores. 2307 0424 N P/O. Pratt. 2311 0407 L F/Sgt Heazlewood. 2310 0408 W F/Sgt. Irwin. 2308 0353 Lieut. Russell, P/O Greenwood etc. Returned from N. Africa. S, Y, J All aircraft landed safely, at base, including those back from Africa. [Page break] 407 [Underlined] 25th. July, 1943. [/underlined] Operations tonight: Derby figures on “Bullhead.” 4.00 Z S/Ldr. Smith 2210 0205 4.35 V F/Lt. Greig. 2146 0217 4.40 J [deleted] P [/deleted] F/Lt. Wilson 2213 0234 4.25 G F/O. Gobbie 2215 0245 4.30 C F/Sgt. Allwright 2145 0218 5.00 A F/Sgt. Stevens Landed at Dunholme. 2211 0348 K F/Sgt. Gifford 2150 0224 2.40 I P/O. McCrea Ret. early. Engine trouble 2147 0021 4.30 W F/Sgt. Irwin 2212 0237 5.25 L F/Sgt. Heazlewood 2213 0329 5.25 M Sgt. Moores 2214 0324 - X P/O. Pratt Cancelled. Burst tyre. - - 4.30 H P/O. West. 2216 0244 5.25 F Sgt. Josling 2217 0332 2.10 V Sgt. Ryrie Ret. early. Bomb Circuit u/s. 2228 0049 2.40 R Sgt. Bourdon Ret. early. Rear turret u/s. 2150 0013 4.20 X Sgt. Tansley 2149 0213 O Reserve [Underlined] Training. [/underlined] S F/O. Eggins 2130 0140 [Deleted] J [/deleted] Sgt. Parker [Missing words] 2120 2320 [Page break] 408 [Underlined] 26th. July, 1943. [/underlined] No operations ordered. [Underlined] 27th July, 1943. [/underlined] 4.50 Y S/Ldr. Smith 22.30 20,000 ft. 0310 5.10 U F/Lt. Greig 2222 0332 4.55 J F/Lt. Wilson 2221 0316 5.12 I P/O. McCrea 2224 0336 5.16 F F/Sgt. Allwright 2223 0329 4.50 K F/Sgt. Gifford 2304 0353 4.55 W F/Sgt. Irwin 2259 0355 4.55 S F/Sgt. Heazlewood 2301 0356 4.45 O F/O. Gobbie 2305 0349 4.20 E F/Sgt. Stevens landed Dunholme 2259 0420 2.10 U Sgt. Josling Ret. Early. 2302 0112 L P/O. Pratt Cancelled. 5.10 V Sgt. Ryrie landed Dunholme 2258 0408 5.22 X Sgt. Tansley landed Dunholme 2300 0422 5.24 O Sgt. Bourdon landed Dunholme 2303 0427 5.40 M [Deleted] F/ [/deleted] Sgt. Parker 2249 0430 5.20 X Sgt. Hargrave 2225 0344 4.55 H F/O. Eggins 2226 0319 [Page break] 413 9th August 1943. Operations against Mannheim. Z W/Cdr Haskell R/Early E.D.P. u/s on P. OUTER 2257 0156 3 hrs O S/L Crocker 2259 0515 0616 O F/L Wilson 2314 0505 0551 Q F/O Levy 2324 0524 0600 R P/O Piggin 2327 0535 0608 K F/S Gifford 2316 0502 0546 M Sgt Moores. 2326 0526 0600 N Sgt Bourdon 2329 0542 0615 E F/S Stevens 2322 0521 0600 H F/L Dunn 2317 0513 0555 I F/O West 2325 0518 0555 U F/L Greig 2258 0512 0615 Y F/O Whittam 2318 0529 0610 W F/S Irwin 2321 0509 0550 V Sgt Ryrie 2320 0507 0550 X Sgt Tansley 2328 0532 0605 S/L Smith ifr Night Flying. Operations as detailed. One a/c returned early, “Z” with Engine [indecipherable] Pump in Port Outer u/s. ED827 [Page break] 414 [Underlined] 10th August 1943. [/underlined] Darby Figures O W/C Haskell 2140 0527 [Deleted] S [/deleted] Z S/L Smith E.R. 2124 0048 O F/L Wilson & F/S Ratcliffe 2142 R P/O Piggin 2215 0518 K F/S Gifford & F/S Smithers 2143 0503 M Sgt Moores 2211 0526 [deleted] 2206 0504 [/deleted] N Sgt Bourdon 2206 0504 U F/O Perrers 2212 0538 B F/O Levy Cancelled H F/L Dunn 2207 0522 E F/S Stevens landed at [indecipherable] 2213 0933 first (7.15) 0530 I F/L Gobbie 08 550 D F/O West 2214 0538 V Sgt Ryrie 2217 0519 U Sgt Tansley 2205 0535 W F/S Irwin 2216 0533 Y F/O Whittam Wing 0530 2210 0820 11th August 1943 Bullseye Exercise for 3 crews. F/S Duff. F/S Townsend. F/S Smithers. [Page break] 415 [Underlined] 12th August 1943 [/underlined] R W/Cdr Haskell 2125 0555 U S/Ldr Smith & F/S Duff 2123 0507 O S/Ldr Crocker 2122 0553 H F/Lt Dunn 2140 0625 I F/Lt Gobbie 2142 0605 D F/Sgt Stevens 2144 0600 A F/O West 2138 0552 Y F/O Whittam 2142 0619 W F/S Irwin 2123 0524 U P/O Heazlewood 2147 0629 V Sgt Ryrie 2134 0601 B Sgt Tansley 2156 0558 F F/S Townsend 2159 0623 N F/O Perrers 2141 0611 L F/S Gifford ER Stbd O engine fire 2145 0029 M Sgt Moores 2135 0600 P Sgt Bourdon 2137 0622 Q F/O Levy 2146 0616 13th August 1943. Stand down [Page break] 416 14 AUGUST 1943. 1015 Group require 6 a/c each Squadron Full tanks TARGET: – MILAN ZERO:- 0115. Bomb Loads: 50% each A & B. A. 1 x 4000. H.C. 5 SBC 90 x4. 4 SBC 8 x 30. B. 4 x 1000 GP. fused .025 5 SBC 90 x 4 4 SBC 8 x 30. Local bulls eye – Offers required by 1030. Probably three. 1030 Offered 3 a/c for Bullseye. B/L [Underlined] OPERATIONS [/underlined] OFF LANDED. JA875 A K [Deleted] Crocker [/deleted] Bourdon 2125 0611 JA896 A D Dunn 2126 0547 ED698 B [deleted] Q [/deleted] R Levy. 2129 0559 JA892 B U Heazlewood 2128 0539 ED946 A E Stevens 2127 0545 ED758 B [underlined] N [/underlined] Perrers. 2128 0607 B. [underlined] A [/underlined] Reserve. [Underlined] BULLSEYE (OR [/underlined] X-CNTRY) W Paterson R Novick [Underlined] P [/underlined] Grindley V Reserve [Diagonally] Cancelled at take-off. [/diagonally] [Page break] 417 15 August 1943. 1005 Same Route and Target. 57 – 10 a/c required. Bullseye – we offer up to 6. [Underlined] Milan. OFF LANDED [/underlined] [Underlined] OPERATIONS. [/underlined] Y Whittam (& Clements) 0810 2025 0435 W Irwin 0737 2022 0359 Z Smith (& Paterson) 0736 2020 0356 V Ryrie 0753 2027 0420 X Tansley 0755 2028 0423 K Gifford (& [deleted] Novick [/deleted] F/O NOVICK) 0741 2024 0405 M [deleted] T M Moores [/deleted] Crocker (G/C DAVIS. [deleted] & Marsh [/deleted]) 0750 2021 0411 X Gobbie 0746 2023 0409 D Smithers 0818 2029. 0447 Crashed. [Underlined] A [/underlined] West 0746 2027 0413 S. Reserve. [Deleted] M [/deleted] Q. Reserve. [Underlined] BULLS-EYE [/underlined] E Butterworth F Munday P Grindley [Underlined] Cancelled [/underlined] F/S Smithers D. crashed on aerodrome on return [deleted] ed [/deleted], four members of crew killed and three injured. Remaining a/c bombed target and returned safely. [Page break] 418 16th August 1943 No operations ordered. [Underlined] 17th August. [/underlined] [Underlined] Peenemunde [/underlined] F W/C Haskell F/S Butterworth 2144 Z S/L Smith F/O Munday 2140 0347 O S/L Crocker F/S Grindley ER 2141 0029 H F/L Dunn 2144 0409 A F/O West 2146 0415 0648 E F/L Gobbie 0447 0846 2204 Q F/O Levy 2157 0436 N F/O Perrers. 2153 0419 Y F/O Whittam 2146 0430 P F/O Hodgkinson. 2152 0425 S P/O Heazlewood ER. 2149 2357 V F/S Irwin 2147 0408 K F/S Gifford 2145 0359 M Sgt Moores 2150 0428 B Sgt Ryrie 2153 0411 X Sgt Tansley. 2151 0414 W/Cdr Haskell failed to return. S/Ldr Crocker returned early P/O Heazlewood returned early. [Page break] 419 [Underlined] 18th August, 1943. [/underlined] Stand down. [Underlined] 19th August, 1943 [/underlined] Operations were ordered. Cancelled 1700 hrs [Underlined] 20th August [/underlined] No operations ordered. Bullseye for 10 crews. Cancelled at 16.30 hrs. [Underlined] 21st August [/underlined] No operations. [Underlined] 22nd August [/underlined] Operations were ordered against Leverkusen. Hours ED 827 Z F/L Paterson 5.09 2125 0234 ED 994 W F/S Irwin, F/S Grindley. 4.29 2111 01.40 ED 941 V Sgt Ryrie 4.31 21.10 01.41 ED 944 I F/S Clements 5.21 2114 0235 ED 655 X Sgt Tansley 4.50 2135 0225 DV 201 M F/S Duff. 4.55 21.13 0208 [Deleted] ED 758 [/deleted] JA 872 U F/S Townsend 4.40 21.31 0211 EE 197 Y Sgt Hargrave 4.40 2137 0217 JA 910 H Sgt Josling 4.55 21.12 0206 W 5008 B F/S Parker Stbd/O u/s. 3.15 2127 0042 ED 777 Q F/O Levy Intercom 3.00 2126 0028 ED 698 R F/O Novick 4.44 2115 0159 ED 758 N P/O Pratt 4.58 2132 0230 [Missing words] [Page break] 420 23rd August 1943. [Underlined] Berlin [/underlined] O S/L Crocker 0710 2000 0310 N F/O Pratt RT U/S. 0321 2026 2347 Q F/O Levy 0728 2022 0350 R F/O Novick 0753 2011 0404 K F/Sgt Bourdon 0730 2025 0356 M Sgt. Howe 0714 2024 0338. I F/L Gobbie & F/S McPhie 0725 2002 0325 E F/S Stevens 0725 2020 0346 B F/S Parker PI U/S 0100 2015 2113 H Sgt Josling 0751 2018 0409 Z F/L Paterson 0725 2016 0341 W. F/S Irwin 0705 2001 0304 V Sgt Ryrie 0720 2017 0335 D [deleted] X [/deleted] F/S Duff 0742 2010 0352 S Sgt Tansley 0738 2023 0401 Y F/O Whittam 0740 2021 0359 C P/O Heazlewood 0725 2019 0344 A F/S Townsend 0720 2012 0334 [Underlined] 24th August. [/underlined] No operations. [Underlined] 25th August. [/underlined] [Underlined] 26th August [/underlined] [Page break] 421 August 27th 1943. Scampton. Operations [underlined] Nuremberg [/underlined] HRS. OFF. LANDED O F/Lt Patterson Landed Fiskerton 7.42 2132 0514. R F/O Novick Landed Dunholme 7.39 2129 0508. N P/O Pratt. Landed Fiskerton 7.45 2133 0518 K. F/S Bourdon Landed Dunholme 7.30 2134 0504. M F/S Grindley Landed Swinderby 8.02 2113 0515 B F/O Levy. Missing 2131 C F/L Gobbie Landed Fiskerton 7.24 2136 0500 I P/O McCrea. 6.51 2100 0351 H F/O Eggins. 7.15 2101 0414 D F/O Munday Landed Exeter 8.41 2110 0551. E F/S Stevens Landed Swinderby 7.47 2125 0512 A F/S Parker Landed Dunholme 7.33 2127 0500 Y F/O Hodkinson Landed Dunholme 7.23 2130 0453. Z P/O Heazlewood Crash landed on aerodrome 7.14 2103 0417. V W/O Clements 8.41 2108 0549. W F/S Townsend 8.08 2112 0520 U F/S Duff. Landed Dunholme 8.06 2109 0515 U Sgt Hargrave. Early return R/T U/S. 1.56 2128 2324 S Sgt. Tansley. Landed Dunholme 7.05 2102 0407 28th August. No operations ordered. [Page break] 422 E. Kirkby. 30th August 1943 Operations – [underlined] Munchen-Gladbach. [/underlined] HRS. OFF LANDED V W/O Clements 05.10 2347 – 0459 X F/S Duff. Early Return 02.20 2359 0220 U F/S Townsend 04.40 0008 0448 U F/L Dunn 04.35 2334 0409 A F/S Parker 04.55 2357 0452 C Sgt McPhie 0435 0005 0442 H. F/O Eggins 04.55 0007 0502 O S/L Crocker 04.26 2332 0358 D F/L Paterson 04.45 0011 0455 M F/L Novick 04.45 0002 0445 N P/O Pratt 04.30 2333 0401 K F/S Gifford 04.20 2338 0356 R F/S Grindley 04.50 2345 0434 I F/S Bourdon 04.30 2335 0405 [deleted] X [/deleted] [Page break] 427 22nd September 1943. Operations. – Hanover. OFF LANDED. U S/L Smith. S/L Heward (E. Return) JA872 1847 2208 O F/L Whittam. P/O Hogan JB236 1851 2354 W P/O Irwin. P/O Wangler. ED994 1850 0011 [Deleted letter] A [Deleted] F/L [/deleted] Lt. West F/S Laing ED920 1906 0054 Y F/L Hodgkinson EE197 1848 2356 I F/O Munday ED944 1906 0054 F F/Sgt Evans JB233 1902 0027 C Sgt Fearn DV239 1904 0009 H Sgt. Austin JA910 1922 0058 K F/O Bourdon JA875 1852 0005 N Sgt Yates ED758 I 1919 0052 Q F/O Perrers ED.[deleted] 698 [/deleted] 777 19[deleted] 00 [/deleted]11 0104 P P/O Howe W4822 I 1853 0037 X P/O Tansley ED655 1908 0015 T W/O Clements ED413 1905 0050 S P/O Duff W4948 I 1918 – D P/O Townsend ED308 I 1912 0030. V P/O Ryrie ED941 1907 0020 R F/O Novick ED698 1900[deleted]8[/deleted] 0101 L F/L Patterson JB135 1903 0001 E F/L Eggins cancelled. JB234. M P/O Moores DV201 1854 0046. 22 Aircraft were detailed. E was cancelled. 21 took off. U (S/L Smith) returned early with Bomb sight U/S. Stbd Generator U/S. Elevator [indecipherable] U/S. The remainder bombed the target & returned S. (P/O Duff) was attacked & shot down [missing word] in circuit of base on return. Remainder [missing words] [Page break] 428 23rd September 1943. Operations – Mannheim OFF Landed. H. F/L Eggins JA910 1902 0125 A Lt. West ED920 1859 0117 C Sgt. Fearn DV239 1908 0137 E P/O Laing [Deleted] JB233 [/deleted] JB234 1911 0145 F F/S Evans E.R. JB233 1914 2035 I F/O Munday ED944 1916 0153 L F/L Paterson JB135 1905 0150 O F/L Whittam JB236 1858 0140 R F/O Novick ED698 1900 0142 Q F/O Perrers I ED777 I 1903 0155 K P/O Bourdon – missing JA875 1901 - G [deleted] D [/deleted] P/O Hogan – missing LM336 1915 - N Sgt Yates. ED758 I 1907 0137 M F/S Austin Missing DV201 1909 - T W/O Clements ED413 1904 0200 P [deleted letter] S/L Smith W.4822 [deleted] JA872 [/deleted] I 1856 0119 V P/O Townsend ED941 1910 0209 W P/O Irwin ED994 1906 0146 Y P/O Wangler EE197 1912 0205 Z S/L Heward JB237 1913 0210 [Deleted] P P/O Tansley W4822 [/deleted] [Page break] 24th Sept 1943 - No operations were ordered. 25th Sept 1943 Operations ordered. 18 A/c were detailed. Take off time was postponed 5 1/4 hours and operations were cancelled at [deleted] 08 [/deleted] 20.50hrs. Weather over Target. 26th Sept. 1943. Operations. 18 Aircraft detailed. Cancelled 17.30 hrs. Weather over Target. 27th Sept 1943 Operations. 18 aircraft detailed Hanover O F/L Whittam & P/O Walters 1925 0052 A Lt. West 1927 0003 B P/O Stevens 1923 0110 C Sgt. Fearn 1942 0135 D F/S Evans 1935 2119 E F/L Eggins 1945 0127 F P/O Josling 1924 0048 H F/O Laing 1940 0105 I F/O Munday 1947 0115 U P/O Tansley 1945 0125 Y P/O Townsend 1946 0053 T P/O Clements 1948 0121 V P/O Hargrave 0510 1944 0055 L P/O Wangler 0600 1933 0135 P F/O Perrers 0530 1930 0059 R F/O Novick 0525 1937 0100 N Sgt Yates 0510 1939 0049 O P/O Moores 0525 1925 0052 [Page break] 29th September 1943. Operations. Bochum 15 Aircraft were detailed. A Lt West B P/O Stevens C Sgt Fearn D P/O Walton F F/O Laing H P/O Wangler missing. L F/L Paterson Q F/O Perrers O P/O Moores O Sgt Yates T F/O Novick U F/L Hopkinson Cancelled. Z P/O Ryrie V P/O Tansley Y P/O Townsend. [Page break] 433 3rd/4th October. Operations – Kassel. 9 Aircraft detailed J F/L Paterson 1847 0020 U F/L Dunn 1844 0016 E F/O Munday. E.R. Midupper Sick 1858 2100 G F/O Perrers 1856 0036 W P/O Tansley 1845 0015 O P/O Moores 1845 0012 O P/O Smith F. 1857 0045 A P/O Parker 1855 0036 B Sgt Fearn 1846 0050 All took off. E. F/O Munday returned Early. M/U Sick. 4th/5th October 1943. [Deleted] B F/Lt Gobbie [/deleted] Operations – Frankfurt. A/M. 13 Aircraft detailed B F/Lt Gobbie 4superchargers U/S. 1821 2143 A Lt West 1820 0010 I P/O McCrea 1824 0018 P P/O Parker 1823 0028 L F/O Munday } R F/O Laing } J F/O Novick 1815 0020 N P/O Howe 1843 0053 O P/O Smith F. 1832 0050 W P/O Walton [numbers missing] [Page break] 434 5/6th October 1943. 14 Aircraft were detailed for operations. Cancelled 17.30 hrs for weather. 6/7 October. 19 Aircraft were detailed for operations. Cancelled 1700 hours. 7/8th October. Operations. Stuttgart O S/L Crocker. F/Lt Fisher 2017 0320 L F/L Paterson 2129 0338 N P/O Howe E.R. 2023 [indecipherable] O P/O Smith 2027 0341 J F/O Novick 2020 0303 F F/L Gobbie 2012 0327 I P/O McCrea 2141 0359 A Lt West 2010 0324 D F/O Munday ER 2024 2352 B P/O Stevens ER 2011 0108 R P/O McPhie 2026 0345 P F/O Laing 2021 0310 T Sgt Fearn ER 2025 2359 S P/O Walton ER 2028 0100 V F/L Dunn ER 2018 0035 W P/O Irwin & F/Sgt Grimbley 2013 0331 X F/L Hodgkinson 2014 0316 X P/O Tansley 2019 0336 Y P/O Townsend 2022 0350 Z S/L Heward. 2017 0313. [Page break] 435 8/9 October 1943. Operations. Hanover Off Landed E. P/O McCrea 2248 0337 B. P/O Stevens 2240 0400 D. Sgt Fearn Cancelled A. Lt. West. 2244 0411 Y. P/O McPhie 2248 0404 O F/L Whittam & F/S Edwards 2236 0357 L F/L Paterson 2249 0349 P P/O Howe 2247 0355 R. P/O Smith F. 2251 0116 J. F/O Novick 2239 0353 T. P/O Walton 2253 0407 U F/L Dunn 2245 0413 X F/L Hodgkinson 2250 0343 X P/O Tansley 2247 0341 S. P/O Townsend. 2243 0347 15 A/C detailed. 14 took off. 1 Cancelled. 1 Early return. N. F/S Grimbly, did a Cross Country. 9th/10th 6 A/C were detailed for Operations Cancelled for weather. [Page break] 436 10th Oct No operations ordered 11th, 12th, 13th no operations. Training only. Weather prevented flying. 14th No operations 15. 16. 17. 18th October 1943 Operations – Hanover. A P/O McPhie [indecipherable] 2257 B P/O Stevens 1712 2221 C F/L Gobbie 1744 2251 E P/O Parker [indecipherable] 1736 2308 F P/O Josling 1727 2250 G P/O Munday 1729 2240 H F/L Eggins 1747 2246 I P/O McCrea. 1714 2237 O S/L Crocker & F/S Homewood 1715 2232 L F/L Paterson 1725 2242 Q F/O Perrers 1724 2300 J P/O Moores 1713 2311 R Sgt. Yates 1746 2259 O F/Sgt Edwards 1745 2304 Z S/L Heward 1726 2217 X F/L Hodgkinson & P/O Shewan 1721 2214 X P/O Irwin & F/O Spriggs. 1714 2220 V P/O Ryrie 1716 2253 Y F/S Grimbley Coltishall 1723 2238 [Missing words] [Page break] 439 22/23 October. Operations – Kassel. B S/L Crocker 1803 2245 [Deleted] S [/deleted] K F/L Paterson 1805 2350 O F/O Perrer 1811 2355 [Deleted] X [/deleted] I P/O Howe 1815 0032 Q Sgt Yates 1808 0012 R F/S Homewood 1813 0035 P F/S Edwards 1814 2351 Z F/L Novick 1757 A P/O McPhie 1807 2337 B F/L Gobbie 1800 2333 D P/O Shewan 1811 0003 F P/O Josling 1806 2342 G F/O Munday 1808 2347 H F/L Eggins 1804 2332 X P/O Miller 1812 U F/O Spriggs 1802 2353 X P/O Walton 1810 0046 S P/O Townsend 1758 2328 V P/O Ryrie 1807 2324 [Page break] 440 3rd November. 1943 Operations. JB236 O S/L Crocker 1709 2112 JB419 K F/L Paterson [Deleted] 1722 [/deleted] 1708 2120 JB318 O F/L Perrers 1710 2149 EZ698 R P/O Piggin 1713 1945 JB364 M P/O Smith 1719 1932 ED758 N F/S Yates JB135 L F/S Homewood 1728 2145 JB312 J F/O Pratt 1713 2157 DH822 P Lt. West & F/O Clements 1722 JB311 B P/O McPhie 1704 2133 JB233 F P/O Josling & P/O Douglas 1700 2119 JB420 G F/O Laing 1722 2135 JB 370 H F/L Eggins 1703 2124 ED914 I [deleted] Y [/deleted] Sgt. Fearn 1711 2138 JB372 V P/O Ryrie & P/O Ludford 1659 2129 JA872 U F/O Spriggs 1706 2147 JB366 S P/O Townsend 1702 2122 JB418 T P/O Walton 1707 2200 JB485 Y F/L Hodgkinson 1701 2114 JB529 W P/O Tansley 1706 2124 ED308 D F/O Shewan. 1705 2153 [Page break] 441 10/11 November. MODANE. O S/L Crocker & P/O Lyon 2055 0509 K F/L Paterson 2102 0439 O F/L Perrers. 2056 0449 L P/O Howe 2122 0455 F P/O Josling & F/S Atcheson 2112 0437 R P/O Piggin 2119 0513 H F/L Eggins 2106 0444 I F/L Gobbie 2059 0434 S P/O Townsend 2111 0427 V P/O Ryrie & Sgt Simpson 2057 0429 W F/O Tansley 2104 0442 Y F/L Hodgkinson 2116 0446 J P/O Pratt 2107 0452 B F/O Laing 2117 0458 [Deleted] G F/O Munday. [/deleted] 14th November. 2 A/C were detailed for Dinghy search in N. Sea. Y. P/O Tansley S. P/O Ryrie. [Page break] 442 18/19 November. Operations. Berlin K S/L Heward 1720 0127 N P/O Townsend 1721 0121 R P/O Ryrie & F/O Lyon 1722 0130 P P/O Tansley 1725 0123 L F/L Hodgkinson & Sgt Beans 1712 0119 M F/O Shewan 1727 0145 O P/O Walton 1729 0122 B P/O Douglas 1708 0115 C F/O Laing 1723 0139 D P/O Ludford 1705 0128 E P/O Fearn 1704 0051 F P/O Josling & F/S Atcheson. 1700 0108 G F/O Munday 1719 0150 H. F/L Eggins 1716 0022 I. F/L Gobbie missing. 1718 Q F/L Perrers (630) Pocklington. 1728 0119 16 A/C were detailed. All took off. F/L Gobbie failed to return. [Page break] [Inserted] 26 Nov [/inserted] [Underlined] Berlin [/underlined] A. F/O Lyon Snaith 1728 0130 B P/O McPhie [indecipherable] 1725 0126 C F/S Atcheson Rufforth 1723 0126 D P/O Smith Spilsby 1731 0112 F P/O Josling. [indecipherable] E P/O Fearn Pocklington 1728 0129 G F/O Munday Lisset 1724 0128 H F/L Eggins Pock 1715 0122 L Sgt Beane 1721 - M F/O Spriggs Gaffney 1718 0200 O P/O Walton Cancelled [inserted] X [/inserted] P P/O Tansley Pocklington 1712 0020 Q P/O Grimbley Leconfield 1727 0030 R P/O Ryrie & F/O Williams Base. 1710 0027 K P/O Townsend. Pocklington 1708 0127 2nd/3rd December [underlined] Berlin [/underlined] A F/O Douglas 7.35 1635 0012 B P/O McPhie 6.50 1638 2329 C F/O Laing 7.00 1639 2337 D. P/O Ludford [indecipherable] 7.25 1633 2359 E F/O Spriggs 7.10 1603 2352 M. F/S Atcheson 7.40 1640 0021 G F/O Munday 7.15 1628 2345 H F/L Eggins Sgt McGillivray 6.35 1627 2302 I P/O Smith. K.D. 7.40 1637 0015 K. P/O Townsend Sgt Hynds. 7.00 1619 2321 R. F/O Williams 1632 – O P/O Walton 7.10 1634 2344 [inserted] X [/inserted] P/O Tansley Sgt. Dalton. 1619 – Q P/O Grimbley 7.20 1629 2349 [Page break] Operations Leipzig. A. P/O Douglas. 0012 0742 B. P/O McPhie 0014 0736 F [deleted] D [/deleted] P/O Ludford 0004 0751 [Deleted] P F/O Laing [/deleted] G P/O Smith Cancelled. H. F/O Shewan 0017 0741 I F/S Atcheson 0033 0747 K. F/O Spriggs 0016 0716 Q. P/O Grimbley E.R. 0027 0312 M. P/O Walton 0015 0750 9 A/C were detailed. One cancelled before take off. One returned Early. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lists of crews on operations from July to December 1943 Description An account of the resource List captains and take off and landing times from 23 July 1943 to 3 December 1942. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Fourteen page handwritten document Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context OTansleyEH149542-160929-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Royal Air Force Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Germany Germany--Mannheim Italy Italy--Milan Germany--Leverkusen Germany--Berlin Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Mönchengladbach Germany--Bochum Germany--Kassel Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Leipzig Germany--Hannover Germany--Ruhr (Region) Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-07-23 1943-07-24 1943-07-25 1943-07-26 1943-08-09 1943-08-10 1943-08-10 1943-08-11 1943-08-14 1943-08-22 1943-08-23 1943-08-27 1943-08-30 1943-09-23 1943-09-27 1943-09-29 1943-10-03 1943-10-04 1943-10-07 1943-10-08 1943-10-09 1943-10-18 1943-10-22 1943-10-23 1943-11-09 1943-11-10 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 1943-11-19 1943-12-02 1943-12-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Bloomfield Anne-Marie Watson Requires A related resource that is required by the described resource to support its function, delivery, or coherence. Workflow A completed Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943) bombing of Peenemünde (17/18 August 1943) https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/files/original/1346/27116/SHughesCL1334982v10022.pdf 5d25b1e1d4bcc2250cda02b9e601909f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hughes, Clarence Clarence Lindsay Hughes C L Hughes Description An account of the resource 34 items and two sub-collections. Collection concerns Clarence Hughes' (1334982). He flew operations as a navigator with 427 Squadron. Collection contains his flying and navigators logbooks, photographs of people and aircraft, documents, correspondence, identity disks, decorations, mementos, and items of uniform. One sub-collection is photograph album covering his time training in the United States and Canada and family back in England, The other contains precis of subjects covered on the officer's advanced training school. The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Christina Jones and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-06-02 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Hughes, CL Transcribed document A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Transcription Text transcribed from audio recording or document [crest] MINISTRY OF DEFENCE PM (AR) 1a (RAF) Royal Air Force Personnel Management Centre Eastern Avenue Gloucester GL4 7PN Telephone Gloucester 415181 Ext 337 (STD Code 0452) RAF Trunk Barnwood Flt Lt C L Hughes DFC Your reference Our reference D/OAR (RAF)/13/9/2 Date 25 April 1986 Dear Sir [underlined] COMMISSION PARCHMENTS [/underlined] 1. Thank you for your letter dated 22 April 1986 2. Action is now being taken for the preparation of your parchment. This will be sent to you as soon as possible, but in view of the various stages necessary for the completion of parchments, it is anticipated that several months will elapse before it can be made available for issue. Yours faithfully [signature] D G FLEMING for Air Secretary [page break] ALAN W. COOPER RAF HISTORIAN, RESEARCHER AUTHOR 24/4/I986. Dear Mr Hughes, Thank you for your letter. I can obtain a copy of the recommendation for your DFC, this is usually two pages and has all signatures of all the people who recommended you such as CO Station Commander Group Commander and in some cases the C in C Sir Arthur Harris, who up to the time he died was a very good friend of mine. The fee would be £8-50p plus 52p for copying and postage. I can also get copies for all your ops with 427 which if you completed a full tour of 30 or so which I am sure you did the fee would be £I8 plus the copies and postage the copying would be about £8. Plus this there are combat reports if you were in conflict with a fighter etc and so on as per my ad. Yours sincerely [signature Alan Cooper] [page break] [underlined] PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE [/underlined] Reference:- AIR 2/9153 93359 [underlined] CONFIDENTIAL NON-IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATION FOR HONOURS AND AWARDS [/underlined] [ink stamp 113] [underlined] Christian Names [/underlined] Clarence Lindsay [underlined] Surname. [/underlined] HUGHES [underlined] Rank [/underlined] Pilot Officer [underlined] Official Number [/underlined] 14644 [indecipherable number] [underlined] Command or Group. [/underlined] No. 6 RCAF) Group [underlined] Unit [/underlined] No. 427 (RCAF) Squadron [underlined] Total hours flown on operations [/underlined] 198.25 hours [underlined] Number of Sorties [/underlined] 29 1/2 Total hours flown on operations [underlined] since receipt of previous award [/underlined] N/A Number of sorties since [underlined] receipt of previous award [/underlined] N/A Recognition for [underlined] which recommended. [/underlined] Distinguished Flying Cross [underlined] Appointment held [/underlined] Navigator Particulars of meritorious service for which the recommendation is made, including date and place:- This officer has completed 29 1/2 operational sorties against the enemy. His work has always been of the highest standard and his skill and determination as a navigator has been instrumental in assuring that his aircraft bombed the target. His fine record is considered worthy of commendation. Date: 19th November 1943 [signature] Signature of Squadron Commander. (R.S. Turnbull) Rank: Wing Commander - [underlined] Remarks of Station Commander:- [/underlined] Pilot Officer Hughes has proven himself to be a splendid navigation officer both in the air and on the ground. He has an excellent operational record which includes successful attacks against the most heavily defended targets. I recommend that he be awarded the [underlined] D.F.C. [/underlined] Date: 22 Nov. 43 [signature] Signature of Station Commander. Rank: Group Captain [underlined] Remarks of Air or Other Officer Commanding: [/underlined] This navigator has now completed his first tour. I concur in the above remarks and recommendations. Recommend the Non-Immediate Award of the D.F.C. Date: 24th November 1943. [signature] (G.E. BROOKES) Rank: Air Vice Marshal Air Officer Commanding, No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) Group. [page break] [list of sorties undertaken by Pilot Officer C.L. Hughes between 21.1.43 and 18.11.43; including date, position in aircraft, target, duration of flight and remarks] Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Correspondence concerning commission, award of Distinguished flying cross and list of operations carried out Description An account of the resource Letters from air secretary branch stating that commissioning parchment was being prepared. Letter from RAF Historian researcher stating that he would obtain and send on the recommendation for his Distinguished Flying Cross and also copies of all his operations Includes the cost of the material. Photocopy of recommendation for honours and awards for Distinguished Flying Cross for Pilot Officer C L Hughes on completing 29 1/2 operations signed by squadron commander, station commander and A.O.C,. Photocopy of file with list of operations. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource D C Fleming A W Cooper Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1986-04-25 1986-04-24 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Four pages photocopied documents Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Text. Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context SHughesCL1334982v10022 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Civilian Royal Air Force. Bomber Command Royal Canadian Air Force Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Great Britain England--Gloucestershire England--Gloucester France France--Lorient Atlantic Ocean--Bay of Biscay Atlantic Ocean--North Sea Germany Germany--Wilhelmshaven Germany--Hamburg Germany--Duisburg Germany--Kiel Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea Germany--Frankfurt am Main Germany--Stuttgart Germany--Mannheim France--Saint-Nazaire Germany--Wuppertal Germany--Düsseldorf Germany--Bochum Germany--Krefeld Germany--Gelsenkirchen Germany--Aachen Germany--Essen Germany--Nuremberg Germany--Berlin Germany--Munich Germany--Kassel France--Cannes Germany--Hannover Germany--Ruhr (Region) Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943-11-19 1943-11-24 1943-11-22 1943-01-22 1943-02-16 1943-02-24 1943-03-03 1943-03-26 1943-04-04 1943-04-08 1943-04-10 1943-04-10 1943-04-14 1943-04-16 1942-12-20 1943-03-28 1943-05-29 1943-06-11 1943-06-12 1943-06-21 1943-06-24 1943-07-09 1943-07-13 1943-07-24 1943-07-25 1943-07-27 1943-07-29 1943-08-10 1943-08-23 1943-09-05 1943-09-06 1943-09-22 1943-10-03 1943-11-03 1943-11-11 1943-11-18 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IBCC Digital Archive Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource 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. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tricia Marshall Conforms To An established standard to which the described resource conforms. Pending review 427 Squadron 6 Group aircrew Berlin Campaign (23 August 1943 – 25 March 1944) bombing bombing of Hamburg (24-31 July 1943) Distinguished Flying Cross mine laying navigator Ruhr Campaign (5 March – 10 July 1943)