550 Squadron and RAF North Killingholme Association

Squadron Operations: Summary Information

Overview

There follows below a list of the all of the operations flown by 550 Squadron and the aircraft involved on each. The information used to build this page was taken in the first instance from the lists provided on the original Squadron Association web-site, but has been augmented by new information gathered since that time (squadron operations logs, individual aircrew log books, and other sources).

This information is not yet complete: it has been build from the a number of sources (documentary and people) and compilation of complete lists is an ongoing task that is expected to take quite some time to complete. So please don't shout just yet if you spot an omission - work continues to build a more complete, and accurate, list.
Do however shout if you spot an error! Please email any corrections or information to the contact details in the link at the bottom of the page.

Operation Summary: The column headers should be fairly self-explanatory. The term "aborted" as used here covers a number of possibilities:

the operation was cancelled before crews were briefed
the crews have been briefed as to the target, and in some cases the planes may even have been bombed up and the crews on-board at their stations awaiting take-off, before the op has been stood-down
finally a number of cases where the op was already under way and the planes en-route but for whatever reason the operation was aborted (e.g. the master bomber orders the attack cancelled due to weather conditions at target adversely affecting targeting).

Aircraft Deployed: When a link to a particular aircraft is given, this indicates aircraft known to have taken part in this raid (in the records currently available to the web-site author). A record of whether the aircraft returned or failed to return (FTR) is also logged.

Servicemen Deployed: Names of the crew in the operation.

Station Summary: This section is the information from the RAF North Killingholme Station Record Book for the operational date (if available).

Definitions of the abbreviations used are available: here.

Manageable Lists

The amount of data in the database is growing and this is resulting in the "all operations/targets" list getting rapidly bigger and thus slower to generate. There are options to display shorter, more quickly generated, reports if you want to home in on something specific. For example, there are options to generate reports on operations to a single target, or by single aircraft (to all targets) or by single aircraft to a single target. There is, on the database-reports summary page, a short user guide (PDF format) on how to do this.

Operation/Target: Berlin (02 Dec 1943 - 03 Dec 1943)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	02 Dec 1943	03 Dec 1943	N	Twelve aircraft and crews were offered and accepted for operations. Crews were briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. Three aircraft abandoned their mission, one aircraft is missing with all of the crew, and eight aircraft successfully bombed the targets.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 20,000 feet. at 20.15hrs. Bombed centre of 4 Red TIs. Saw fires taking hold through cloud breaks after bombing.	W/O J I Miller (P) Sgt R E White (F/Eng) Sgt D V H Evans (Nav) Sgt P H Hurst (A/B) Sgt G E Brown (W/Op) Sgt T K M Williams (MU/AG) Sgt F C Thomas (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Leipzig (03 Dec 1943 - 04 Dec 1943)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Leipzig	03 Dec 1943	04 Dec 1943	Y	Nine aircraft with crews were offered for operations. Crews were briefed for targets in LEIPZIG. All aircraft returned safely to base - GRIMSBY.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 21,500 feet. At 04.06hrs found green TIs in three clusters 2 miles apart. Fire glow see for 200 miles.	W/O J I Miller (P) Sgt R E White (F/Eng) Sgt D V H Evans (Nav) Sgt P H Hurst (A/B) Sgt G E Brown (W/Op) Sgt T K M Williams (MU/AG) Sgt F C Thomas (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Berlin (16 Dec 1943 - 17 Dec 1943)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	16 Dec 1943	17 Dec 1943	N	Fifteen crews were offered for operations and with aircraft loaned from No.100 Squadron. They briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. Two of the sorties were abortive but the remaining aircraft bombed the targets and returned safely to BASE.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 21,000 ft at 20.01. Defences quiet. Fighter flares seen from DUTCH Coast to targets. [Squadron CO W/Cdr Bennett 2nd pilot]	W/Cdr J J Bennett (P) S/L G D Graham (P) F/O J R Harding (Nav) F/Sgt H Jennings (A/B) F/Sgt A B Frost (F/Eng) Sgt B G Winzar (W/Op) Sgt E J Brennan (MU/AG) Sgt J W Nash (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Frankfurt (20 Dec 1943 - 20 Dec 1943)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Frankfurt	20 Dec 1943	20 Dec 1943	N	Thirteen aircraft and crews were offered for operations and briefed to attack targets in FRANKFURT. Two aircraft returned early but the remainder successfully attached targets and returned safely to BASE. Air and ground training was carried out during the day and night.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 20,000 ft at 19.39hrs. Bombed on green TI markers. Good concentration of fires.	P/O V J Bouchard (P) W/O D H Knight (Nav) Sgt J H Knox (A/B) Sgt R Binney (F/Eng) Sgt E J Baker (W/Op) Sgt C A Rann (MU/AG) Sgt J J M Calvin (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Berlin (29 Dec 1943 - 30 Dec 1943)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	29 Dec 1943	30 Dec 1943	N	Fourteen aircraft with crews were offered and briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. Five aircraft returned early but the remained successfully attached their targets and returned safely to BASE. Orders were received that the Sqdn should remove to RAF Station, NORTH KILLINGHOLME, LINCOLNSHIRE by 3rd January 1944.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 21,000 ft at 20.18 hrs. Successfull attack. Sky markered well grouped. Reflections of fires visible on cloud up to 100 miles on homeward journey.	S/L G D Graham (P) F/O J R Harding (Nav) F/Sgt H Jennings (A/B) F/Sgt A B Frost (F/Eng) Sgt B G Winzar (W/Op) Sgt E J Brennan (MU/AG) Sgt J W Nash (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Berlin (01 Jan 1944 - 01 Jan 1944)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	01 Jan 1944	01 Jan 1944	N	Twelve aircraft with crew were offered for operations and briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. Two aircraft returned early, one aircraft failed to return to BASE (no news since take-off) and one aircraft on returning, crashed and was burnt out at Whapole Drive, Lincs all the crew being killed. RAF Station SUTTON BRIDGE signalled details of the crash. The remaining aircraft bombed the targets and returned safely, landing base - GRIMSBY.

Station Summary
This date had been tentatively arranged for arrival of 550 Squadron. The Squadron however, operated from WALTHAM on 1/2 Jan and no squadron personnel arrived ay North Killingholme.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Abandoned. Rear turret unservicable, Unable to rotate.	P/O N S Rogers (P) Sgt H J Pearce (F/Eng) F/O H T A Evans (Nav) Sgt N C Jenkins (A/B) F/Sgt D Salmon (W/Op) F/Sgt M E Mills (MU/AG) Sgt J H Marshall (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Berlin (02 Jan 1944 - 03 Jan 1944)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	02 Jan 1944	03 Jan 1944	N	Eleven aircraft were offered for operations, three subsequently being withdrawn owing to unserviceability. The remainder briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. Three aircraft returned early, but the remainder successfully bombed the targets and on returing to this country, owing to bad weather conditions were landed at various bases.

Station Summary
550 Squadron again operated from WALTHAM. 9550 Servicing Echelon, C.O. F/L G COOPER having, been formed on 25/11/43, arrived today, complete with Electrical Section. F/O H G GARDINER, Station Armament Officer, has been on duty for the last few days arranging for equipment to be transferred from WALTHAM. Bomb trolleys arrived today. S/Ldr E R BARKER Station Intelligence Officer arrived today from Wickenby.

Station Summary

550 Squadron again operated from WALTHAM.
9550 Servicing Echelon, C.O. F/L G COOPER having, been formed on 25/11/43, arrived today, complete with Electrical Section.
F/O H G GARDINER, Station Armament Officer, has been on duty for the last few days arranging for equipment to be transferred from WALTHAM. Bomb trolleys arrived today.
S/Ldr E R BARKER Station Intelligence Officer arrived today from Wickenby.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Abandoned. Rear turret unservicable, Diverted to EXETER.	P/O N S Rogers (P) Sgt H J Pearce (F/Eng) F/O H T A Evans (Nav) Sgt N C Jenkins (A/B) F/Sgt D Salmon (W/Op) F/Sgt M E Mills (MU/AG) Sgt J H Marshall (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Brunswick (14 Jan 1944 - 15 Jan 1944)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Brunswick	14 Jan 1944	15 Jan 1944	Y	Twelve aircraft with crews were offered for operations and were briefed to attack targets in BRUNSWICK. One aircraft did not take off owing to unserviceability, two aircraft returned early (abortives) and one aircraft did not return (no news since take-off) and is, with the crew posted as "missing". Eight aircraft successfully bombed the targets and returned safely to base.

Station Summary
11 aircraft of 550 Squadron were detailed to take part in a heavy attack on BRUNSWICK, Preparations for this first operation went, on the whole, smoothly, although the early take-off called for maximum speed and an all-out effort from still under-established ground-staffs. Bombing-up was duly completed and 11 aircraft took off in 37 minutes. 2 sorties were abortive; 1 aircraft was missing and 1 landed at WOODBRIDGE due to engine failure. The remaining 7 aircraft, which claim to have attacked the primary target, were landed at base all within 18 mins by portable lighting, the Drem lighting system being unfinished. A timely demonstration of bomb-handling by a special party from 1 Group Headquarters proved of value to the Station Bomb Stores personnel.

Station Summary

11 aircraft of 550 Squadron were detailed to take part in a heavy attack on BRUNSWICK, Preparations for this first operation went, on the whole, smoothly, although the early take-off called for maximum speed and an all-out effort from still under-established ground-staffs. Bombing-up was duly completed and 11 aircraft took off in 37 minutes. 2 sorties were abortive; 1 aircraft was missing and 1 landed at WOODBRIDGE due to engine failure. The remaining 7 aircraft, which claim to have attacked the primary target, were landed at base all within 18 mins by portable lighting, the Drem lighting system being unfinished.
A timely demonstration of bomb-handling by a special party from 1 Group Headquarters proved of value to the Station Bomb Stores personnel.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 20,000 ft at 19.31 hrs	W/O G K Peasgood (P) Sgt S Sykes (F/Eng) F/Sgt W P Morris (Nav) F/Sgt G Walker (A/B) F/Sgt S J Richards (W/Op) Sgt S J L Jones (MU/AG) Sgt P P Clarkin (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Berlin (20 Jan 1944 - 21 Jan 1944)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Berlin	20 Jan 1944	21 Jan 1944	N	Eleven aircraft with crews were offered for operations and briefed to attack targets in BERLIN. One aircraft did not take off owing to unserviceability and one aircraft returned early with engine trouble. Nine aircraft successfully bombed their targets and returned safely to BASE.

Station Summary
11 aircraft of 550 Squadron detailed for major attack on Berlin. 1 was cancelled because of u/s rear turret. Of the remaining ten sorties, 9 claim to have attacked Berlin, while 1 was abortive. In spite of even shorter notice of this operation than the last, preparations were adequate for the eary take-off called for, and bombing-up was completed. The A.O.C. 1 Group, air Vice Marshal Rice, accompanied by the acting Base Commander, 13 Base Group Captain Dickens, arrived after briefing and remained to watch take-off. The S.I.O. of 1 Group, S/Ldr Foster, accompanied by the S.I.O 13 Base, S/Ldr Dale, also by F/Lt Gould (Intelligence 1 Group Headquarters) also visited us. F/Lt Gibson, S.I.O. ELSHAM WOLDS, paid a short visit to the Station during interrogation.

Station Summary

11 aircraft of 550 Squadron detailed for major attack on Berlin. 1 was cancelled because of u/s rear turret. Of the remaining ten sorties, 9 claim to have attacked Berlin, while 1 was abortive. In spite of even shorter notice of this operation than the last, preparations were adequate for the eary take-off called for, and bombing-up was completed.
The A.O.C. 1 Group, air Vice Marshal Rice, accompanied by the acting Base Commander, 13 Base Group Captain Dickens, arrived after briefing and remained to watch take-off. The S.I.O. of 1 Group, S/Ldr Foster, accompanied by the S.I.O 13 Base, S/Ldr Dale, also by F/Lt Gould (Intelligence 1 Group Headquarters) also visited us. F/Lt Gibson, S.I.O. ELSHAM WOLDS, paid a short visit to the Station during interrogation.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	Returned	Primary 20,000 ft at 19.39 hrs	W/O G K Peasgood (P) Sgt S Sykes (F/Eng) F/Sgt W P Morris (Nav) F/Sgt G Walker (A/B) F/Sgt S J Richards (W/Op) Sgt S J L Jones (MU/AG) Sgt P P Clarkin (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Magdeburg (21 Jan 1944 - 22 Jan 1944)

Operation Summary
Target	Out	Back	Aborted (Y / N)	Comments
Magdeburg	21 Jan 1944	22 Jan 1944	N	Ten aircraft with crews were offered for operations and briefed to attack targets in MADGEBURG. One aircraft did not take off owing to unserviceability, two aircraft returned early. Six aircraft successfully attacked the targets and returned safely to BASE. One aircraft did not return to BASE - no news since take off.

Station Summary
OPERATIONS 10 aircraft of 550 Squadron were detailed to attack MAGDEBURG. 1 was cancelled because of u/s rear turret, 2 of the remaining 9 were abortive, and 1 aircraft was missing. TRAINING A Command Bullseye was laid on for which 550 Squadron offered 1 aircraft. This took off but abandoned the course due to GEE trouble. ORGANIZATION F/Lt SHILLITER, 1 Group Gas and Fire Officer, visited the Station and inspected the incomplete Gas and Fire Station to which P/O BEESTON, who arrived yesterday as Gs and Fire Officer, is now giving his attention.

Station Summary

OPERATIONS
10 aircraft of 550 Squadron were detailed to attack MAGDEBURG. 1 was cancelled because of u/s rear turret, 2 of the remaining 9 were abortive, and 1 aircraft was missing.
TRAINING
A Command Bullseye was laid on for which 550 Squadron offered 1 aircraft. This took off but abandoned the course due to GEE trouble.
ORGANIZATION
F/Lt SHILLITER, 1 Group Gas and Fire Officer, visited the Station and inspected the incomplete Gas and Fire Station to which P/O BEESTON, who arrived yesterday as Gs and Fire Officer, is now giving his attention.

Aircraft Deployed			Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number	Returned or FTR	Comments	Crew Details
EE107	FTR	Missing. No news after take off.	W/O G K Peasgood (P) Sgt S Sykes (F/Eng) F/Sgt W P Morris (Nav) F/Sgt G Walker (A/B) F/Sgt S J Richards (W/Op) Sgt S J L Jones (MU/AG) Sgt P P Clarkin (R/AG)

Summary Statistics

Based on the data in the lists displayed above, and keeping in mind that data is still being updated and thus not yet complete, the following statistics are generated:

Aircraft Deployment Statistics

Aircraft deployments	10
MAX Aircraft deployed in single operation	1 (Berlin, 02 Dec 1943)

These details were last updated: 21 November 2024

Note

this list is still being built and will take some time to complete
what is currently displayed is believed accurate but much more is still to be added

This note describes the options currently available to produce a smaller, more manageable list and also describes planned future enhancements to the reporting facility.

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