No 2 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, 29 July 1944 - 3 January 1945
Title
No 2 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, 29 July 1944 - 3 January 1945
Description
This is a diary covering No 2 Squadron, Aircraft Mobile Servicing part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, recording their journey from the time they landed in France until they arrived in Holland in early 1945.
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One handwritten diary
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
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BStandivanARStandivanARv1
Transcription
No 2 SQUADRON
2nd Tactical Air Force
29th July 1944 – 3rd JAN 1945
[page break]
July 29th
Air-lift party of Two squadron were due to fly to Normandy – (the main party having left Odiham three days before, to make there [sic] way by boat, and to take the wagon's over.) Everyone seem's very cheerfull [sic].
Our time for leaving (10.30) was cancelled, weather very bad for flying, (rain & mist) but expect to leave at 16.00 hr's, pass the time by playing cards for cigarettes, all our money having been handed in for exchange.
[page break]
At 15.30 hr's we piled on a wagon with kit, and taken to the dispersal, where six Dakota's were waiting. A last mug of tea, a 24 hour pack was handed round, and in we go.
We very soon cross the English coast, and head for France, passing over some very big convoy's.
As we neared the French coast the landing gear of each Dakota was lowered, as a pass-word.
Having crossed the coast of France, we headed inland. Looking down I could see big convoy's moving inland.
[page break]
[photograph]
[page break]
“Charlie Chan” Is Missing
“Charlie Chan” Flig[missing letters] Lieut. Kay Tai [sic] Tan said [missing word] be the R.A.F.’s only Chinese [missing letter]ilop, is missing.
Born in the Straits Settlements in 1914, Kay Hai Tan enlisted for aircrew in October 1941 and after training in Canada was posted to a ferry job. He made one trip to Africa and then joined a reconnaissance squadron.
He flew 167 sorties photographing enemy positions and spotting for artillery.
Known to his fellow pilots as “Charlie Chan,” Kay Hai Tan won the D.F.C. over the Anzio beach-head in February, when, having lost his supporting aircraft, and in the face of intense flak and attacks by enemy fighters he stayed and completed his photographing.
[page break]
also landing-strips, wrecked tanks, and many bomb craters, mostly along hedges.
At last we are ready to land, and down we go, landing with a cloud of dust at 17.30 hour's.
This strip, known as B.10. five miles from "Caen" and the nearest village Plumotot.
Arriving at the camping site, we find the boat party had arrived, dug in, pitched their tents, and were out on the strip checking the A/C which had arrived a few hour's before us.
[page break]
After tea (corn-beef and biscuits) our big dig started, helped by a heavy barrage around "Caen". Hole's dug, tents pitched over them we were ready for bed.
Slept on the ground sheet with tin-hat at the ready.
The barrage around Caen went on through the night.
[page break]
Sunday 30th
Began at 06.30 hour's.
Breakfast – tinned bacon & biscuits.
I notice the strip run's across some corn fields, and the A/C are dispersed in the corn at the side, but the dust, damn stuff was everywhere, the boy's around called it the Dust of Death, because it alway's gave our position away.
Anyhow dust, or not we got cracking on op's, and it was’nt long before "V" returned with her tail shot to pieces, how he managed to
[page break]
fly it back I don't know, had a very busy day, finished 18.00 hour's, "B" party having the late turn, (we had to have two shift's because the day started at 4.30, and finished at 23.00 hr's.)
I walked to the village of Plumotot in the evening, this village had rather a bad time with our shelling, the top of the church had gone for a "Burton", might have been used as an observation post. French are not very friendly, believe the German's treated them fairly well.
[page break]
Later in the evening a heavy barrage starts around Caen, and goes on through the night, understand we are trying to shift jerry from the other side of the river Orne.
Soon had to move A/C away from strip, dust was getting in the engine's. I was sent with other's to service a few in a field, which was also occupied by some cow's, so we used to service the cow's in the evening, with the help of the Second Army boy's.
[page break]
Saw a doodle-bug today, and it was heading for the jerry lines, wondered what had altered its course, perhaps gun-fire.
The first of August came in with a heavy mist, op's were off till the afternoon, then we were making up for lost time, finished on flight 23.00 hour's.
Enemy A/C over during the night, but our gun's gave them a nasty time, again went to sleep with tin-hat on.
Up at five the nexted [sic] morning for early flying.
[page break]
Two of jerry's shells landed on the strip this morning.
During the afternoon "B" returned badly damaged, and was unable to lower her undercarriage, so the "Peeler" made a belly landing.
Having finished at six (due to early flying) Jock & I decided to walk to Caen, in the hope's of seeing his father who was stationed
[page break]
somewhere near there, but was unable to find him.
Mines – "land-type" had been removed on the main road to Caen, but it wouldn't pay for any short cuts. One or two graves along the main road, knocked out tank's, & plenty of jerry arms, and odds & ends. Unable to enter Caen, but what we saw was just bricks & rubble, bodies were still under this, smell was very bad. Time was now 20.30 hours & the barrage had started. Stopped a jeep, which took us to "CAZELLE" passing through Perier-le-Dan, Lebisey & Bieville, very
[page break]
bad roads, due to mines having been removed, leaving big holes.
Been a lot of heavy fighting in the woods, around Bieville, jerry blankets, gas-masks, great-coats, and the well known tin-hat were piled on the side of the road.
On August third the flight moved away from the strip, dust to [sic] much for aircraft & crew, now in a field.
Big day for the boy's "RATIONS" fags, choc, razor blade, soap, and a bottle of English beers [sic], late flying 20.20 hrs.
[page break]
Today August 4th I have a day off, for cleaning up etc. Washed a few things, and had a wash down, with the help of a four gallon petrol tin. The wash-down was like doing the "Okie-Dokie" – (put your right foot in)
Had a lift to the coast in the afternoon, got to a place called Luc-sur-Mer, some of our boy's landed here on "D." day. All houses on the front have been shelled. Had a good swim, which is done in the nude, by one and all, water a little oily. Folk haven't much time for us, in any case all we can get is cider. Children ask
[page break]
for "Cigarette for Poppa" one hear's this all over France.
August 6th I did my first guard – five in the clip, one up the spout.
Had no mail from England.
August 7th two A/C were shot up, Peeler in one badly hurt. Mail arrived, one from "Unk".
Barrage still goes on.
On August 8th (night) heavy raid on Caen, four waves of bomber's, two markers were put down, and then hell was let loose.
Four Tiffies and four Spits arrive from England.
Tiffies soon went on op’s one shot up but came back.
[page break]
Wed August 9th received two letters from Vi.
"H" was shot up today.
August 18th extra early flying up at 4.30 hr's
A/C very busy on recon. Saw a crew bale out of a Bomber, the A/C made a good show – climbing and diving before it crashed, a few miles away.
A/C "W" failed to return, Peeler by the name of Shute.
Again on Aug 11th saw crew bale out of a Bomber, our M.T. picked them up.
August 12th. up at 4.30 "Q" failed to return.
268 Squadron A/C arrived from England
[page break]
In the afternoon we were told to start packing, on the move at 10.00 hours the nexted [sic] morning.
August 13th unit moved to Benny-sur-Mer, near Douvres. When jerry had this strip, he had plenty of A/A gun's (and dummy ones,) deep shelters, trenches, etc. Plenty of arms laying around, thousand's of round's of jerries were left in trenches, must have been some very hard fighting around here, a field near by, is full of little crosses. This strip was used a lot, while we were there, by Dakota's bring in wounded.
[page break]
After we had been at this strip a few day's, most of the flight had tummy trouble, quite a few went sick, M.O said it was due to the dust, Naval gunfire during night.
August 14th jerry prisoners arriving by the hundred's to a big cage, at one end of strip, some are Germany's Crack S.S. troops.
Late in the afternoon on August 15th we had a freak thunder storm, plenty of lightning. I saw at least sixteen barrage balloons brought down, hardly any rain. Enemy A/C over during the night. 268. boys arrive from England.
[page break]
August 17th. before and after tea our A/C did a lot of firing, think they are shooting jerry up as they try to get through the gap at Falaise.
August 19th went to St Abbans-le-Mer for a dip, got mixed up with a lot of tar and oil, also it poured with rain, arrived back to camp soaked.
Aug 20th & 21st had bad time with tummy trouble, had no meals, stopped in bed all day on the 21st, flight stood down.
(bad weather.)
but had to go on guard that night, & jerry came over again.
[page break]
August 22nd. hundreds of prisoner's still coming in cage's packed, weather fine again, tummy much better today.
Aug 24th went to one of our graveyards A/C. for a few spares, called at the new "Malcolms Club" opened at St Gabriel.
On August 28th one of our A/C pranged, over shot the runway, peeler O.K. but A/C. U/S. Went to a film show, the start of our "Airman's Club" film called – (Something to Remember)
Thursday August 31st
Weather dull & cold, cleared later in the day, but a strong cross wind started, one of the A/C
[page break]
when landing was caught in the cross wind, blew him towards the tents, he tried to take off, but failed, just cleared the canvas round the [unreadable], passed over the hedge, knocked both wheels off when he landed in the ditch, jumped from there, half way in the N.C.O.'s tent, Peeler had a nasty gash on his forehead, chap that got him out was covered in blood, blown on him by the strong wind
Friday Sept 1st leave cancelled, understand we are moving again
Sept 2nd "A" party moved out 9.30 hours. "B" party left to look after A/C.
[page break]
Very strong wind on Sunday 3rd. "P" crashed on runway. Tents nearly blown away. "B" party moved out at 14.15 hour's. Made our way to Caen, (jerry was now on the run) passed over the river Orne on to Lisieux both towns badly damaged, and the French not very pleased to see us, but pleased to take our cigarettes. Arrived at a place near Bernay 18.00 hr's, tents pitched, but understand we are not stopping long at this place.
"A" party moved out at 11.00 hour's, so we got ready to move the next morning.
[page break]
Riding one of the Peeler's motor-cycle, on the next move.
Wednesday 6th Sept. up at 5.00 hr's, biscuits & cornbeef again, convoy moved off at 10.00 hr's.
Sarge and myself made for Rouen. Neufchatel Londinieres and Fresnay. about 84 miles, never saw the convoy.
Sign's of retreat all the way, knocked out tanks, cars (private) dead cattle, horses etc, it was a trail of destruction, by our rocket Typhoon's.
Plenty of waving, folk more friendly.
Our eyes were very bad when we arrived
[page break]
at Fresnay, due to the dust, had to go to the sick-bay. Jerry had just moved out – we were four day's behind them.
Heavy rain on the 7th and strong wind, tents pitched on a ploud [sic] field, so was unable to stake them down well, many were blown down.
Quite a few Doodle-bug sites around, one half a mile away from the flight. Having plenty of biscuits these day's jam, stew, cheese, biscuits with all of them, browned off with bloody biscuits.
Found a young rabbit, wet through and nearly dead.
[page break]
Plenty of rain, so there's lots of mud. Bomber's going over, expect to move up in a few day's.
One of the boy's had a home made cake sent, we all had a piece, it was grand. The young rabbit doing well, feed it on a little tinned milk Cpl carries it around in his blouse. Went to the village in the evening, all we could get was cider, could have eaten a bloody horse afterwards, but made do with a few biscuits.
Sept 9th. Biscuits & bean's for breakfast, no flying weather bad. biscuits and fat bacon for tea. Mike the rabbit getting
[page break]
very tame. Sunday Sept 18th I burnt my hand making a fire with petrol.
"A" party moving out Monday morning
Corn beef and pea's for dinner and – Had to go to sick with my hand four finger's badly burnt.
During the afternoon people came from miles around, and it finish up with being like an August Bank holiday, never saw so many people, exchanging egg's apple's, for cig's and choc, we got 18 egg's in our tent, had a grand feed that night. "A" party moved out today.
[page break]
Monday Sept 11th up at 5.00 hour's, all ready to move out at 9.00 hr's.
Again I went on a motor-cycle, started before convoy. Went to Blangy on to Abbeville, Husdin, [sic] St Omer, on to Fort Rouge (95 miles) The runway at this drome had been blown up, in fact he has done as much damage as possible, but we are using a strip. Quite a good site for tents, and four minutes from cook-house. On guard tonight 12-3.
(Little Mike Died on the Convoy.)
Ray sat on his box
(the rat)
[page break]
Wednesday 13th went to sick-bay to have blister's perforated. Had a walk into Fort Rouge, plenty of cafes, selling beer, like half pint of Mild mixed with two gallon's of water.
Thursday 14th 268 armoury waggon went up in flame's, this called for a big purge, no more fires for washing etc.
They have put up the airman's club here, by using too [sic] old marquee's
Beer ten francs a pint
Plenty of op's, finishing late. Clock's go back tonight.
Went to Lille with the F/S taking a load of burnt amo [sic] from 268
[page break]
to a dump, as we entered the city, a French band was leading some of Montie's men in on lorries, back from the front line, there was hundred's of people, and they gave them a grand welcome, and we were right in the middle. The French were very well dressed, but none refused a cig, it was deadly to show a packet. Spent the evening in Lille, just like the West-end, dance bands, singing, anyone would think the war was over. lost our way on the return journey, and it was 1.15 Monday when I got to bed.
[page break]
Wednesday 20th. some of the boy's going on leave, looking forward to my turn. Lot of heavy bombs dropped during the night, we think it might be a V II site, our boy's had been looking for one during the last few day's
Understand men are going on leave (seven a day) flying to Northolt, should come in line, about a month's time. Corn-beef for breakfast – dinner – and tea
Monday 25th started packing. "A" party on the move Tuesday morn. Been detailed to drive amo [sic] waggon, so my motor-cycling day's are finished again.
[page break]
Bomb's and gun-fire all day (Calais seem's to be getting her turn).
Tuesday 26th – "A" party moved out, leaving "B" party 21 A/C to service.
Wednesday 27th "B" party moved, heading for Ghent (73 miles) passing through Armentieres Menin Courtrai Deynze [sic].
Had a wonderful welcome all the way, waggon was like a fruit shop when we turned in the main gate to the drome.
Sign's of being bombed all around drome hangers [sic] etc.
Billets are in a school just outside drome.
[page break]
Moved into "Ghent" 27th
This Paper dated 17th
[map]
[page break]
Sleeping in wooden bunk's, not so good, but we are under a roof.
About two miles from the middle of Ghent.
Free rides on tramcars, half pence at the film show's, everyone very happy here, after settling down.
Pay parade Friday 29th – Belgium franc's 176 to the pound.
Having a lot of corn-beef. Saturday 30th "B" went for a Burton.
Weather very unsettled plenty of rain, and have picked up a nasty cold.
Airman's club running concert and film show's
[page break]
Gen going round that we shall be moving again, been some heavy bombing around Antwerp.
Saturday Oct 7th
Reco party moved out.
Understand Polish squadron taking over our billets.
Tuesday 10th "A" party move off at 9.30, so collected amo [sic] waggon from M.T. for the nexted day. Finished about five, so we washed, and went out for the evening, just to say good-bye to Ghent.
Wednesday we were up at 05.30 hour's to get A/C off. Poles started moving in after
[page break]
breakfast. Convoy moved off 10.00 hr's. Very slow most of the way, but managed to collect plenty of fruit, as usual everyone very pleased to see us.
Arrived at Antwerp 14.30 hr's. Quite a big drome, but between us, we had made a mess of the drome – hanger's [sic] houses used as billets had been blown up jerry A/C shot up on the ground. We are again billeted in a school, once used by little children, till jerry took over, most of the window's are out, also the frame's, jerry had set a lot of traps
[page break]
[map]
PAPER DATED OCT 1ST
MOVED INTO ANTWERP
OCT 11TH.
[page break]
understand the King was giving us a call.
All I saw was eight staff-car's, suposed [sic] to have been the King – Cunningham, and Montie.
Six Doodle-bugs, and V II dropped in Antwerp today.
Saturday 14th, weather unsettled, but plenty of op's. Seems a lot of D.B. etc dropping in Antwerp.
Have the job of making the waggon fit for winter. V II dropped on the other side of the drome.
Letter from Moloney, tells me he has been discharged from the
[page break]
R.A.F.
Monday 16th Five dropped around the drome during the night, if they are trying for the dock's, they are to [sic] near for us.
Tiffies very busy – rockets & bombs. 412 squadron, on the other side of the drome.
Plenty of life in Antwerp.
The airman's club has been fixed up in our billet, films etc.
Weather very bad V I and V II still coming over, will be glad to leave this place. Waggon looking more like a bloody caravan now.
[page break]
TAKEN IN ANTWERP AFTER A "DOODLE BUG" HAD FALLEN
[photograph]
[page break]
What window's we had in the armoury have been blown out by blast, also the wood, blankets, etc, we put up to block the window in the billet. 48hrs leave has started. Sunday 22nd Cornbeef and rice for dinner, meal's not too good.
Use a small cafe in the evening, about ten minutes from drome.
Very unhealthy in Antwerp, with V I – V II
Tuesday 24th – Waggon is finished, and ready for winter. V II dropped on the R.A.F football field – killing seven of the player's –
[page break]
[business card]
[page break]
mostly R.A.F. regiment.
Wednesday 25th
F/S and Cpl Coverdale posted to 6004 squadron
V II dropped 150 yds from billet, killing five R.A.F. working on a Tiffie in a hanger [sic], the A/C was blown in half, the V II makes two craters and two reports, made a mess of the billet, the cook's had to throw all our tea away, so we had cornbeef again.
Understand Jim on 48 hr's leave in Brussles [sic].
Thursday 26th I arrived at Brussle's [sic] staying at the
[page break]
Hotel Cecil – this is like a dream, real bed's white sheets, no waiting for grub, waiters, and late dinner 7 – 7.30.
Had a grand time Pictures, theatres etc.
Arrived back to Antwerp [indecipherable word] the 28th.
Twenty odd soldier's were killed in a cafe today by a D. Bug. Weather much better plenty of ops.
November 6th Lord Trenchard paid us a visit; seemed very pleased with thing's, and chated [sic] with some of the men.
[page break]
Friday 18th rocket dropped on dispersal, no A/C damaged. Heavy rain, billet leaking.
Lost "H" today shot down in flames.
No mail for some day's, must be moving.
Saturday 18th [sic] a Tiffie crashed into one of our Spits, peeler managed to get out before the prop of the Tiffie cut the cock-pit to pieces.
Very strong wind – eight A/C crash on landing, even the Dakota's had a job.
V I and V II all day.
Thursday 23rd we left Antwerp – pouring with rain, and D. Bugs still going over.
[page break]
So we pass from Belgium to Holland, country very flat, and flooded with water. No waving, and no fruit, Dutch seem to be in a bad way. The billets this time are in a pine forest, once used by jerries youth movement, all roads in the forest are named after some German Air-Ace.
The flight is about three miles from the main camp, and when we arrived there after dumping our kits, all we could see of the dispersal, was spread over the flying field.
[page break]
our boy's made a good job of their bombing, in fact left nothing for us to use, anyhow we open the amo waggon, and got ready for op's.
A/C arrived from Antwerp
Have a very nice mess, with the airman's club over the top.
This place is somewhere between Tilburg & Breda, and about 12.15 miles from the front line.
Very busy, have Spit 14. now plenty of firing. D. Bugs & V II still going over to-wards Antwerp, we can even see the V II going up from here.
[page break]
Tuesday 7 Dec we lost "S" had new's of leave starting in the new year.
Sunday 17th Squadron of 109's went over towards Antwerp, expect to be busy tomorrow.
Weather turning very cold, and plenty of frost.
New's not very good, owning [sic] to this German break through, we have got to carry arm's and amo where ever we go, expect a break through on this sector, barrage no [sic] far away. D. Bugs etc still going over, thirty & forty a day.
[page break]
Sunday 24th Dec ME109 came over, dropped fuel tank before returning across drome, brought down by our A/A. fire
Plenty of English beer in the club tonight.
They had to take me back to the billet.
Christmas 25 Dec 1944.
Had rather a thick head first thing.
C.O. gave us a pet. taught. [sic] must hold the drome to the last man etc. if jerry breaks through. (very nice for Xmas) anyhow I enjoyed my dinner & tea (grand) but had to do a guard Xmas night.
[page break]
Heavy barrage all night.
Tuesday 26th three enemy A/C over – two ME109 and a jet plane. One ME109. shot down
On the 31st hundreds of bomber's going over towards Germany.
Weather cold but very bright.
January 1st 1945.
Jerry attacked the drome shooting up runway & A/C
Ten were shot down, Two by 268 squadron one by 6002 sqad [sic].
"D" crashed on landing peeler killed, first flight with our squadron, had to get amo out of A/C
[page break]
January 2nd all A/C moved from the dispersal, not taking anymore chances.
January 3rd. Piolet [sic] of "D" buried today.
Two armourers detailed. A/C now dispersed in hanger's [sic], or bays, & once used by jerry, of course the hanger's are all wrecked by us & jerry – just one or two walls standing, plenty of rubbish laying around, trip wires, amo etc, deadly job doing guard here, far too many dark corner's. Had some "Gen" regarding leave, & everything looks cosy, in fact I think
[page break]
there's a good chance of going home about the end of January.
Weather still very cold, and had one very heavy snow fall, but even this don't stop the Doodle-bug's going over.
[page break]
[underlined] B.106. [/underlined]
GENNEP
CLEVE
EMMERICH ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
DOETINCHEM ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
ZELHEM ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
RUURLO
BORCULO
NEEDE
HAAKSBERGEN
ENSCHEDE
[page break]
‘2nd T.A.F.’ Will Police German Air
MORE than 90,000 R.A.F. pilots and ground crews will help to police Germany from the air.
The new force came into being yesterday when the R.A.F. 2nd Tactical Air Force became the British Air Force of Occupation in Germany, with Air Chief Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas in command.
The H.Q. of the force will be at Bad Eilsen, several miles west of Hanover, and one wing of the famous Typhoon fight-bombers will operate from Gatow, in the outskirts of Berlin.
Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, chief of 2nd T.A.F., relinquished his command at Bad Eilsen and said goodbye to his officers and men yesterday.
2nd Tactical Air Force
29th July 1944 – 3rd JAN 1945
[page break]
July 29th
Air-lift party of Two squadron were due to fly to Normandy – (the main party having left Odiham three days before, to make there [sic] way by boat, and to take the wagon's over.) Everyone seem's very cheerfull [sic].
Our time for leaving (10.30) was cancelled, weather very bad for flying, (rain & mist) but expect to leave at 16.00 hr's, pass the time by playing cards for cigarettes, all our money having been handed in for exchange.
[page break]
At 15.30 hr's we piled on a wagon with kit, and taken to the dispersal, where six Dakota's were waiting. A last mug of tea, a 24 hour pack was handed round, and in we go.
We very soon cross the English coast, and head for France, passing over some very big convoy's.
As we neared the French coast the landing gear of each Dakota was lowered, as a pass-word.
Having crossed the coast of France, we headed inland. Looking down I could see big convoy's moving inland.
[page break]
[photograph]
[page break]
“Charlie Chan” Is Missing
“Charlie Chan” Flig[missing letters] Lieut. Kay Tai [sic] Tan said [missing word] be the R.A.F.’s only Chinese [missing letter]ilop, is missing.
Born in the Straits Settlements in 1914, Kay Hai Tan enlisted for aircrew in October 1941 and after training in Canada was posted to a ferry job. He made one trip to Africa and then joined a reconnaissance squadron.
He flew 167 sorties photographing enemy positions and spotting for artillery.
Known to his fellow pilots as “Charlie Chan,” Kay Hai Tan won the D.F.C. over the Anzio beach-head in February, when, having lost his supporting aircraft, and in the face of intense flak and attacks by enemy fighters he stayed and completed his photographing.
[page break]
also landing-strips, wrecked tanks, and many bomb craters, mostly along hedges.
At last we are ready to land, and down we go, landing with a cloud of dust at 17.30 hour's.
This strip, known as B.10. five miles from "Caen" and the nearest village Plumotot.
Arriving at the camping site, we find the boat party had arrived, dug in, pitched their tents, and were out on the strip checking the A/C which had arrived a few hour's before us.
[page break]
After tea (corn-beef and biscuits) our big dig started, helped by a heavy barrage around "Caen". Hole's dug, tents pitched over them we were ready for bed.
Slept on the ground sheet with tin-hat at the ready.
The barrage around Caen went on through the night.
[page break]
Sunday 30th
Began at 06.30 hour's.
Breakfast – tinned bacon & biscuits.
I notice the strip run's across some corn fields, and the A/C are dispersed in the corn at the side, but the dust, damn stuff was everywhere, the boy's around called it the Dust of Death, because it alway's gave our position away.
Anyhow dust, or not we got cracking on op's, and it was’nt long before "V" returned with her tail shot to pieces, how he managed to
[page break]
fly it back I don't know, had a very busy day, finished 18.00 hour's, "B" party having the late turn, (we had to have two shift's because the day started at 4.30, and finished at 23.00 hr's.)
I walked to the village of Plumotot in the evening, this village had rather a bad time with our shelling, the top of the church had gone for a "Burton", might have been used as an observation post. French are not very friendly, believe the German's treated them fairly well.
[page break]
Later in the evening a heavy barrage starts around Caen, and goes on through the night, understand we are trying to shift jerry from the other side of the river Orne.
Soon had to move A/C away from strip, dust was getting in the engine's. I was sent with other's to service a few in a field, which was also occupied by some cow's, so we used to service the cow's in the evening, with the help of the Second Army boy's.
[page break]
Saw a doodle-bug today, and it was heading for the jerry lines, wondered what had altered its course, perhaps gun-fire.
The first of August came in with a heavy mist, op's were off till the afternoon, then we were making up for lost time, finished on flight 23.00 hour's.
Enemy A/C over during the night, but our gun's gave them a nasty time, again went to sleep with tin-hat on.
Up at five the nexted [sic] morning for early flying.
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Two of jerry's shells landed on the strip this morning.
During the afternoon "B" returned badly damaged, and was unable to lower her undercarriage, so the "Peeler" made a belly landing.
Having finished at six (due to early flying) Jock & I decided to walk to Caen, in the hope's of seeing his father who was stationed
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somewhere near there, but was unable to find him.
Mines – "land-type" had been removed on the main road to Caen, but it wouldn't pay for any short cuts. One or two graves along the main road, knocked out tank's, & plenty of jerry arms, and odds & ends. Unable to enter Caen, but what we saw was just bricks & rubble, bodies were still under this, smell was very bad. Time was now 20.30 hours & the barrage had started. Stopped a jeep, which took us to "CAZELLE" passing through Perier-le-Dan, Lebisey & Bieville, very
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bad roads, due to mines having been removed, leaving big holes.
Been a lot of heavy fighting in the woods, around Bieville, jerry blankets, gas-masks, great-coats, and the well known tin-hat were piled on the side of the road.
On August third the flight moved away from the strip, dust to [sic] much for aircraft & crew, now in a field.
Big day for the boy's "RATIONS" fags, choc, razor blade, soap, and a bottle of English beers [sic], late flying 20.20 hrs.
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Today August 4th I have a day off, for cleaning up etc. Washed a few things, and had a wash down, with the help of a four gallon petrol tin. The wash-down was like doing the "Okie-Dokie" – (put your right foot in)
Had a lift to the coast in the afternoon, got to a place called Luc-sur-Mer, some of our boy's landed here on "D." day. All houses on the front have been shelled. Had a good swim, which is done in the nude, by one and all, water a little oily. Folk haven't much time for us, in any case all we can get is cider. Children ask
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for "Cigarette for Poppa" one hear's this all over France.
August 6th I did my first guard – five in the clip, one up the spout.
Had no mail from England.
August 7th two A/C were shot up, Peeler in one badly hurt. Mail arrived, one from "Unk".
Barrage still goes on.
On August 8th (night) heavy raid on Caen, four waves of bomber's, two markers were put down, and then hell was let loose.
Four Tiffies and four Spits arrive from England.
Tiffies soon went on op’s one shot up but came back.
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Wed August 9th received two letters from Vi.
"H" was shot up today.
August 18th extra early flying up at 4.30 hr's
A/C very busy on recon. Saw a crew bale out of a Bomber, the A/C made a good show – climbing and diving before it crashed, a few miles away.
A/C "W" failed to return, Peeler by the name of Shute.
Again on Aug 11th saw crew bale out of a Bomber, our M.T. picked them up.
August 12th. up at 4.30 "Q" failed to return.
268 Squadron A/C arrived from England
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In the afternoon we were told to start packing, on the move at 10.00 hours the nexted [sic] morning.
August 13th unit moved to Benny-sur-Mer, near Douvres. When jerry had this strip, he had plenty of A/A gun's (and dummy ones,) deep shelters, trenches, etc. Plenty of arms laying around, thousand's of round's of jerries were left in trenches, must have been some very hard fighting around here, a field near by, is full of little crosses. This strip was used a lot, while we were there, by Dakota's bring in wounded.
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After we had been at this strip a few day's, most of the flight had tummy trouble, quite a few went sick, M.O said it was due to the dust, Naval gunfire during night.
August 14th jerry prisoners arriving by the hundred's to a big cage, at one end of strip, some are Germany's Crack S.S. troops.
Late in the afternoon on August 15th we had a freak thunder storm, plenty of lightning. I saw at least sixteen barrage balloons brought down, hardly any rain. Enemy A/C over during the night. 268. boys arrive from England.
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August 17th. before and after tea our A/C did a lot of firing, think they are shooting jerry up as they try to get through the gap at Falaise.
August 19th went to St Abbans-le-Mer for a dip, got mixed up with a lot of tar and oil, also it poured with rain, arrived back to camp soaked.
Aug 20th & 21st had bad time with tummy trouble, had no meals, stopped in bed all day on the 21st, flight stood down.
(bad weather.)
but had to go on guard that night, & jerry came over again.
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August 22nd. hundreds of prisoner's still coming in cage's packed, weather fine again, tummy much better today.
Aug 24th went to one of our graveyards A/C. for a few spares, called at the new "Malcolms Club" opened at St Gabriel.
On August 28th one of our A/C pranged, over shot the runway, peeler O.K. but A/C. U/S. Went to a film show, the start of our "Airman's Club" film called – (Something to Remember)
Thursday August 31st
Weather dull & cold, cleared later in the day, but a strong cross wind started, one of the A/C
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when landing was caught in the cross wind, blew him towards the tents, he tried to take off, but failed, just cleared the canvas round the [unreadable], passed over the hedge, knocked both wheels off when he landed in the ditch, jumped from there, half way in the N.C.O.'s tent, Peeler had a nasty gash on his forehead, chap that got him out was covered in blood, blown on him by the strong wind
Friday Sept 1st leave cancelled, understand we are moving again
Sept 2nd "A" party moved out 9.30 hours. "B" party left to look after A/C.
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Very strong wind on Sunday 3rd. "P" crashed on runway. Tents nearly blown away. "B" party moved out at 14.15 hour's. Made our way to Caen, (jerry was now on the run) passed over the river Orne on to Lisieux both towns badly damaged, and the French not very pleased to see us, but pleased to take our cigarettes. Arrived at a place near Bernay 18.00 hr's, tents pitched, but understand we are not stopping long at this place.
"A" party moved out at 11.00 hour's, so we got ready to move the next morning.
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Riding one of the Peeler's motor-cycle, on the next move.
Wednesday 6th Sept. up at 5.00 hr's, biscuits & cornbeef again, convoy moved off at 10.00 hr's.
Sarge and myself made for Rouen. Neufchatel Londinieres and Fresnay. about 84 miles, never saw the convoy.
Sign's of retreat all the way, knocked out tanks, cars (private) dead cattle, horses etc, it was a trail of destruction, by our rocket Typhoon's.
Plenty of waving, folk more friendly.
Our eyes were very bad when we arrived
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at Fresnay, due to the dust, had to go to the sick-bay. Jerry had just moved out – we were four day's behind them.
Heavy rain on the 7th and strong wind, tents pitched on a ploud [sic] field, so was unable to stake them down well, many were blown down.
Quite a few Doodle-bug sites around, one half a mile away from the flight. Having plenty of biscuits these day's jam, stew, cheese, biscuits with all of them, browned off with bloody biscuits.
Found a young rabbit, wet through and nearly dead.
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Plenty of rain, so there's lots of mud. Bomber's going over, expect to move up in a few day's.
One of the boy's had a home made cake sent, we all had a piece, it was grand. The young rabbit doing well, feed it on a little tinned milk Cpl carries it around in his blouse. Went to the village in the evening, all we could get was cider, could have eaten a bloody horse afterwards, but made do with a few biscuits.
Sept 9th. Biscuits & bean's for breakfast, no flying weather bad. biscuits and fat bacon for tea. Mike the rabbit getting
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very tame. Sunday Sept 18th I burnt my hand making a fire with petrol.
"A" party moving out Monday morning
Corn beef and pea's for dinner and – Had to go to sick with my hand four finger's badly burnt.
During the afternoon people came from miles around, and it finish up with being like an August Bank holiday, never saw so many people, exchanging egg's apple's, for cig's and choc, we got 18 egg's in our tent, had a grand feed that night. "A" party moved out today.
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Monday Sept 11th up at 5.00 hour's, all ready to move out at 9.00 hr's.
Again I went on a motor-cycle, started before convoy. Went to Blangy on to Abbeville, Husdin, [sic] St Omer, on to Fort Rouge (95 miles) The runway at this drome had been blown up, in fact he has done as much damage as possible, but we are using a strip. Quite a good site for tents, and four minutes from cook-house. On guard tonight 12-3.
(Little Mike Died on the Convoy.)
Ray sat on his box
(the rat)
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Wednesday 13th went to sick-bay to have blister's perforated. Had a walk into Fort Rouge, plenty of cafes, selling beer, like half pint of Mild mixed with two gallon's of water.
Thursday 14th 268 armoury waggon went up in flame's, this called for a big purge, no more fires for washing etc.
They have put up the airman's club here, by using too [sic] old marquee's
Beer ten francs a pint
Plenty of op's, finishing late. Clock's go back tonight.
Went to Lille with the F/S taking a load of burnt amo [sic] from 268
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to a dump, as we entered the city, a French band was leading some of Montie's men in on lorries, back from the front line, there was hundred's of people, and they gave them a grand welcome, and we were right in the middle. The French were very well dressed, but none refused a cig, it was deadly to show a packet. Spent the evening in Lille, just like the West-end, dance bands, singing, anyone would think the war was over. lost our way on the return journey, and it was 1.15 Monday when I got to bed.
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Wednesday 20th. some of the boy's going on leave, looking forward to my turn. Lot of heavy bombs dropped during the night, we think it might be a V II site, our boy's had been looking for one during the last few day's
Understand men are going on leave (seven a day) flying to Northolt, should come in line, about a month's time. Corn-beef for breakfast – dinner – and tea
Monday 25th started packing. "A" party on the move Tuesday morn. Been detailed to drive amo [sic] waggon, so my motor-cycling day's are finished again.
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Bomb's and gun-fire all day (Calais seem's to be getting her turn).
Tuesday 26th – "A" party moved out, leaving "B" party 21 A/C to service.
Wednesday 27th "B" party moved, heading for Ghent (73 miles) passing through Armentieres Menin Courtrai Deynze [sic].
Had a wonderful welcome all the way, waggon was like a fruit shop when we turned in the main gate to the drome.
Sign's of being bombed all around drome hangers [sic] etc.
Billets are in a school just outside drome.
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Moved into "Ghent" 27th
This Paper dated 17th
[map]
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Sleeping in wooden bunk's, not so good, but we are under a roof.
About two miles from the middle of Ghent.
Free rides on tramcars, half pence at the film show's, everyone very happy here, after settling down.
Pay parade Friday 29th – Belgium franc's 176 to the pound.
Having a lot of corn-beef. Saturday 30th "B" went for a Burton.
Weather very unsettled plenty of rain, and have picked up a nasty cold.
Airman's club running concert and film show's
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Gen going round that we shall be moving again, been some heavy bombing around Antwerp.
Saturday Oct 7th
Reco party moved out.
Understand Polish squadron taking over our billets.
Tuesday 10th "A" party move off at 9.30, so collected amo [sic] waggon from M.T. for the nexted day. Finished about five, so we washed, and went out for the evening, just to say good-bye to Ghent.
Wednesday we were up at 05.30 hour's to get A/C off. Poles started moving in after
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breakfast. Convoy moved off 10.00 hr's. Very slow most of the way, but managed to collect plenty of fruit, as usual everyone very pleased to see us.
Arrived at Antwerp 14.30 hr's. Quite a big drome, but between us, we had made a mess of the drome – hanger's [sic] houses used as billets had been blown up jerry A/C shot up on the ground. We are again billeted in a school, once used by little children, till jerry took over, most of the window's are out, also the frame's, jerry had set a lot of traps
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[map]
PAPER DATED OCT 1ST
MOVED INTO ANTWERP
OCT 11TH.
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understand the King was giving us a call.
All I saw was eight staff-car's, suposed [sic] to have been the King – Cunningham, and Montie.
Six Doodle-bugs, and V II dropped in Antwerp today.
Saturday 14th, weather unsettled, but plenty of op's. Seems a lot of D.B. etc dropping in Antwerp.
Have the job of making the waggon fit for winter. V II dropped on the other side of the drome.
Letter from Moloney, tells me he has been discharged from the
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R.A.F.
Monday 16th Five dropped around the drome during the night, if they are trying for the dock's, they are to [sic] near for us.
Tiffies very busy – rockets & bombs. 412 squadron, on the other side of the drome.
Plenty of life in Antwerp.
The airman's club has been fixed up in our billet, films etc.
Weather very bad V I and V II still coming over, will be glad to leave this place. Waggon looking more like a bloody caravan now.
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TAKEN IN ANTWERP AFTER A "DOODLE BUG" HAD FALLEN
[photograph]
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What window's we had in the armoury have been blown out by blast, also the wood, blankets, etc, we put up to block the window in the billet. 48hrs leave has started. Sunday 22nd Cornbeef and rice for dinner, meal's not too good.
Use a small cafe in the evening, about ten minutes from drome.
Very unhealthy in Antwerp, with V I – V II
Tuesday 24th – Waggon is finished, and ready for winter. V II dropped on the R.A.F football field – killing seven of the player's –
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[business card]
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mostly R.A.F. regiment.
Wednesday 25th
F/S and Cpl Coverdale posted to 6004 squadron
V II dropped 150 yds from billet, killing five R.A.F. working on a Tiffie in a hanger [sic], the A/C was blown in half, the V II makes two craters and two reports, made a mess of the billet, the cook's had to throw all our tea away, so we had cornbeef again.
Understand Jim on 48 hr's leave in Brussles [sic].
Thursday 26th I arrived at Brussle's [sic] staying at the
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Hotel Cecil – this is like a dream, real bed's white sheets, no waiting for grub, waiters, and late dinner 7 – 7.30.
Had a grand time Pictures, theatres etc.
Arrived back to Antwerp [indecipherable word] the 28th.
Twenty odd soldier's were killed in a cafe today by a D. Bug. Weather much better plenty of ops.
November 6th Lord Trenchard paid us a visit; seemed very pleased with thing's, and chated [sic] with some of the men.
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Friday 18th rocket dropped on dispersal, no A/C damaged. Heavy rain, billet leaking.
Lost "H" today shot down in flames.
No mail for some day's, must be moving.
Saturday 18th [sic] a Tiffie crashed into one of our Spits, peeler managed to get out before the prop of the Tiffie cut the cock-pit to pieces.
Very strong wind – eight A/C crash on landing, even the Dakota's had a job.
V I and V II all day.
Thursday 23rd we left Antwerp – pouring with rain, and D. Bugs still going over.
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So we pass from Belgium to Holland, country very flat, and flooded with water. No waving, and no fruit, Dutch seem to be in a bad way. The billets this time are in a pine forest, once used by jerries youth movement, all roads in the forest are named after some German Air-Ace.
The flight is about three miles from the main camp, and when we arrived there after dumping our kits, all we could see of the dispersal, was spread over the flying field.
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our boy's made a good job of their bombing, in fact left nothing for us to use, anyhow we open the amo waggon, and got ready for op's.
A/C arrived from Antwerp
Have a very nice mess, with the airman's club over the top.
This place is somewhere between Tilburg & Breda, and about 12.15 miles from the front line.
Very busy, have Spit 14. now plenty of firing. D. Bugs & V II still going over to-wards Antwerp, we can even see the V II going up from here.
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Tuesday 7 Dec we lost "S" had new's of leave starting in the new year.
Sunday 17th Squadron of 109's went over towards Antwerp, expect to be busy tomorrow.
Weather turning very cold, and plenty of frost.
New's not very good, owning [sic] to this German break through, we have got to carry arm's and amo where ever we go, expect a break through on this sector, barrage no [sic] far away. D. Bugs etc still going over, thirty & forty a day.
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Sunday 24th Dec ME109 came over, dropped fuel tank before returning across drome, brought down by our A/A. fire
Plenty of English beer in the club tonight.
They had to take me back to the billet.
Christmas 25 Dec 1944.
Had rather a thick head first thing.
C.O. gave us a pet. taught. [sic] must hold the drome to the last man etc. if jerry breaks through. (very nice for Xmas) anyhow I enjoyed my dinner & tea (grand) but had to do a guard Xmas night.
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Heavy barrage all night.
Tuesday 26th three enemy A/C over – two ME109 and a jet plane. One ME109. shot down
On the 31st hundreds of bomber's going over towards Germany.
Weather cold but very bright.
January 1st 1945.
Jerry attacked the drome shooting up runway & A/C
Ten were shot down, Two by 268 squadron one by 6002 sqad [sic].
"D" crashed on landing peeler killed, first flight with our squadron, had to get amo out of A/C
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January 2nd all A/C moved from the dispersal, not taking anymore chances.
January 3rd. Piolet [sic] of "D" buried today.
Two armourers detailed. A/C now dispersed in hanger's [sic], or bays, & once used by jerry, of course the hanger's are all wrecked by us & jerry – just one or two walls standing, plenty of rubbish laying around, trip wires, amo etc, deadly job doing guard here, far too many dark corner's. Had some "Gen" regarding leave, & everything looks cosy, in fact I think
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there's a good chance of going home about the end of January.
Weather still very cold, and had one very heavy snow fall, but even this don't stop the Doodle-bug's going over.
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[underlined] B.106. [/underlined]
GENNEP
CLEVE
EMMERICH ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
DOETINCHEM ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
ZELHEM ) [deleted] DIAMOND UP [/deleted]
RUURLO
BORCULO
NEEDE
HAAKSBERGEN
ENSCHEDE
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‘2nd T.A.F.’ Will Police German Air
MORE than 90,000 R.A.F. pilots and ground crews will help to police Germany from the air.
The new force came into being yesterday when the R.A.F. 2nd Tactical Air Force became the British Air Force of Occupation in Germany, with Air Chief Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas in command.
The H.Q. of the force will be at Bad Eilsen, several miles west of Hanover, and one wing of the famous Typhoon fight-bombers will operate from Gatow, in the outskirts of Berlin.
Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, chief of 2nd T.A.F., relinquished his command at Bad Eilsen and said goodbye to his officers and men yesterday.
Collection
Citation
Arthur Standivan, “No 2 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, 29 July 1944 - 3 January 1945,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed May 19, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/36490.
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