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:

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: Crisbecq (05 Jun 1944 - 06 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Crisbecq 05 Jun 1944 06 Jun 1944 N The crews of the 18 aircraft which had been accepted for operations were briefed to attack a coastal battery commanding a strategic position on the Cherburg peninsula at CRISBECQ. All aircraft took off promptly and without incident. Although some cloud was encountered across England on the outward journey enough was seen to realise that the whole of southern England was on the move. Whilst flying across the Channel a vast armada, of ships was seen making their way towards France. At the target 10/10th cloud was encountered but the glow from the markers was seen quite distinctly beneath. All crews agreed that the bomb flashes, as far as could be judged were well centred around the marker. The Flak around the target was negligable and very few incidents were reported by our crews who all returned safely after participating in the opening phase of the invasion of Europe.
The A.O.C No. 1 Group has received a message from the A.O.C in C in which he states that a recent return showed 100% servicability of all first line aircraft throughout Bomber Command. This extraordinary degree of serviceability not only reflects the utmost credit upon the devoted efforts of all maintainance personnel during the intensive operations but is, and will be a major contribution towards winning the War. The Squadron personnel can justly, and with pride claim that they have and will continue to contribute towards the destruction of the Hun.
Since recording the above S.H.A.E.F. have issued a communique to the effect that surprisingly little resistance was offered by coastal defences which is very gratifying to the boys of the Squadron. The Squadron striking force of eigtheen aircraft who beat the spearhead by a matter of hours know now, like all the world that the spear was driven straight and true, leaving 550 Squadron to create more chaos behind the Hun's lines.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 9,000 ft at 23.36 hrs.

Operation/Target: Achères (06 Jun 1944 - 07 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Achères 06 Jun 1944 07 Jun 1944 N Nineteen aircraft and crews offered for operations and briefed to attack the rail junction at ACHÈRES, near Paris. The weather was cloudy and quite a few of the aircraft brought their bombs back on orders from the Master Bomber. The evidence of those who saw and bombed the markers together with the tale told by their photographs, gave every indication that this particular junction no longer exists. Two of our newer crews returned with very fine bombing prints. From this operation "F" (P/O Shervington and crew) failed to return.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 11,000 ft at 02.30 hrs

Operation/Target: Flers (09 Jun 1944 - 10 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Flers 09 Jun 1944 10 Jun 1944 N 18 aircraft offered and briefed for operations. The attack was made against the enemy airfield at FLERS and all the aircraft took off to time and without incident. The weather difficulties less than expected and all crew claim a successful attack. Owing to low cloud over the target, bombing took place at heights from 1500 ft to 6000 ft and several reports of visual identification indicate that the airfield believed to be used by day fighters, was both accurately marked and bombed, several explosions were seen. The whole force on this target returned without loss.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 3,600 ft at 03.22 1/2 hrs

Operation/Target: Achères (10 Jun 1944 - 11 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Achères 10 Jun 1944 11 Jun 1944 N Eighteen aircraft were offered for operations, sixteen of which were accepted and briefed to attack the railway station at ACHÈRES, on the main Paris-Rouen line. The aircraft took off in the usual Squadron style and successfully completed their missions, claiming to have bombed the target from 4000 ft to 10,000 ft. The haze over the target was insufficient to prevent visual identificiation and the bombing photographs bear out the general opinion that the attached was successful. The rear gunner of "K" (F/O Dubois) reported having fired at a J.U. 88 which did not return fire. The rear gunner of "E" (P/O Purvis) saw a JU 88 attacking a Lancaster which it apparantly shot down. He gave it a short burst at 650 yards range as the fighter turned in to attack, both gunners beaded the Hun, who after some ineffectual return fire dived steeply and exploded on the ground. All the Squadron striking force returned safely to base.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 6,000 ft at 01.14 hrs. Bomber green T.I. Saw good fires starting.

Operation/Target: Gelsenkirchen (12 Jun 1944 - 13 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Gelsenkirchen 12 Jun 1944 13 Jun 1944 N 19 aircraft offered for operations and briefed to attack synthetic oil plant at GELSENKIRCHEN four miles north of Essen. All aircraft carried nearly six tons of HE including "cookie" and claimed to have bombed the markers. The weather offered no unusual difficulties the target, however, was a more than usually elusive one even for the Ruhr, consisting as it did of a compact and highly vulnerable plant in a sparsely built up area.

MORE DETAILS TBA

F/L Waite and P/O Rogers and their crews completed the first operational tour on this sortie.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 20,000 ft at 01.09 hrs. Concentrated fires.

Operation/Target: Sterkrade (16 Jun 1944 - 17 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Sterkrade 16 Jun 1944 17 Jun 1944 N Nineteen aircraft and crews were offered, accepted and briefed to attack the syntheic oil plant at STERKADE on the north western edge of the Ruhr. All the aircraft took off without incident, but one aircraft "B" (P/O Beeson) was forced to abandon shortly afterwards due to the Port Inner Engine becoming unserviceable. The remainder found cloudy conditiions over most of the route, and some icing troubles were encountered. Over the target conditions of 10/10th cloud, tops above 10,000 ft and from two to three thousand feet thick prevailed. However the glow of the PFF markers could be clearly seen through the cloud and the concentration was not so good as had been the case recently. Crews opinions were mixed and it is possible that bombing was somewhat scattered. Flak at the target was reported as moderate to intense, it being heavier than on previous sorties to the Ruhr, and night fighters were active. F/O Thygessen "N" had an indecisive combat, being fired at by an unidentified aircraft and returned fire, no damage or casualties were sustained. A member of "O" (F/O Wareham) thought he was seeing things when he spotted 15 enemy aircaft flying in formation, as they was on a reciprical course to "O", took no notice, he decided that Brer Rabbits advice was good so "laid low and said nothing". After a long period of sixty-nine successful sorties, it is regretted that three of our aircraft failed to return, no news being received since take off. "V" (S/Ldr Smith DFC - "B" Flight Commander), "H" (F/O Neilsen) and "P" (P/O Packham). Among the crew of F/O Neilson was the Squadron Bombing Leader F/Lt McConnell. They will be sadly missed, for they were all jolly good fellows.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 FTR Missing - no news after take off

[Ed: The ORB lists the crew regular F/O Stocks flying as A/B, but F/Lt McConnell Senior Bombing Officer is listed amoung those lost (along with a 2nd pilot).]
F/L A D McConnell (A/B)
F/O D F Neilson (P)
F/O H B Brett (Nav)
Sgt A T Paget (W/Op)
Sgt E W Webb (MU/AG)
F/O J M McKay (R/AG)
Sgt J E Legg (F/Eng)
W/O J K Murray (P)

Operation/Target: Saintes (23 Jun 1944 - 24 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Saintes 23 Jun 1944 24 Jun 1944 N Seventeen aicraft and crews were again offered and accepted and briefed for operations against a marshalling yard outside the small Basque town of SAINTES some sixty miles north of Bordeaux. The weather over the target was good and visibility likewise, the markers were both prompt and accurate and effective. Earlier photographs disclose that extensive yards with a marker burning brightly in the centre of the tracks and at least one stick of bombs bursting along the central tracks, on which were standing several lines of rolling stock.
Photographs taken later in the attack prove that the marshalling yard took a heavy concentrated straffing.
The trip concluded the first operational tour fo F/O Bowen-Bravery and his crew.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 6000 ft at 02.07 hrs.

[Ed: ORB states LM134 "H" - but this aircraft was lost 16 June 44 to Sterkade with the Neilson crew]
F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt H Wood (W/Op)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Pas de Calais (24 Jun 1944 - 25 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Pas de Calais 24 Jun 1944 25 Jun 1944 N Eighteen aircraft and crews were offered, accepted and briefed to attack another flying bomb lair in the Pas de Calais. P/O Boocock in "O" was forced to abandon the mission owing to engine trouble, otherwise the Squadron effort passed without incident, and all the remaining aircraft claimed to have bombed the markers in clear weather. All crews agree that the searchlight belt has been brightened up, three of our aircraft were held in the cones of searchlights for varying periods although the Ack Ack response seems to gave been spasmodic. Sightings of enemy aircraft were few and far between, being exceeded by glimpses of pilotless planes seen crossing the Channel.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 14,000 ft at 03.22 hrs.

[Ed: ORB states LM134 "H" - but this aircraft was lost 16 June 44 to Sterkade with the Neilson crew]
S/L B J Redmond (P)
F/L O A Hardy (MU/AG)
Sgt J R Penton (F/Eng)
Sgt J D Naunton (Nav)
F/O N Nunns (A/B)
Sgt J T Kermack (W/Op)
Sgt C J Watson (MU/AG)

Operation/Target: Pas de Calais (27 Jun 1944 - 27 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Pas de Calais 27 Jun 1944 27 Jun 1944 N Seventeen aircraft were offered, accepted and briefed to attack another lair of the "Doodle Bug" in the Pas de Calais. The trip was largely without incident "M" (P/O Clarke) had, however, a close brush with an unidentified enemy fighter who opened fire at point blank range with no effect. This was the only sighting reported. All our aircraft returned safely and claimed to have bombed the primary target. Opposition over the target was reported as being negligible.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 12,000 ft at 03.33 hrs.

[Ed: ORB states LM134 "H" - but this aircraft was lost 16 June 44 to Sterkade with the Neilson crew]
F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt H Wood (W/Op)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Domleger/Pas de Calais (29 Jun 1944 - 29 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Domleger/Pas de Calais 29 Jun 1944 29 Jun 1944 N Seventeen aircraft were offered, accepted and briefed for another daylight attack on the lair of the "Doodle Bug" at DOMLEGER in the Pas de Calais. Fifteen aircraft took off without incident about noon, but two aircraft were unable to leave the "deck" owing to last minute snaggs, which had developed after a somewhat hectic bombing up and servicing. All the aircraft, it is claimed, reached the target area. Most of them broke cloud before bombing and found the target area free of cloud., Opposition was reported once again as being slight and all our aircraft returned safely to base.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 12,000 ft as 13.34 1/2 hrs.

[Ed: ORB states LM134 "H" - but this aircraft was lost 16 June 44 to Sterkade with the Neilson crew]
F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
Sgt J G Hill (W/Op)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Oisemont-Neuville (30 Jun 1944 - 30 Jun 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Oisemont-Neuville 30 Jun 1944 30 Jun 1944 N Nineteen aircraft and crews were offered, accepted and briefed to attack OISEMONT-NEUVILLE yet another lair of the "Doodle Bug". Once again the aircraft took off successfully at 06.00hrs and all returned safely at approximately 09.45hrs. The target was obscured by cloud through which all bombs were released. No opposition from enemy fighters was reported and the Flak was slight and spasmodic. The port outer engine of "D" (F/Lt MacAleavey) cut when the aircraft was setting course over the base, but "Mac" and his crew were determined not to be deprived of a daylight show and carried on, the aircraft making what height it could, and although deprived of certain navigational aids, bombed on a D.R. rim from several thousand feet below the stream, after having reached the target in time. The successful completion of this trip enabled the Squadron once again to chalk up one more 100% effort. Although the Squadron has only operated on fifteen occasions during the month it has certainly been the busiest month so far, due to cancellations and one recall. It is however noteworthy that the Squadron's operational hours far exceeds those of any other month since its formation, as does the tonnage of bombs dropped.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 14,000 feet at 07.59h hours. Bombed on Gee.

[Ed: ORB states LM134 "H" - but this aircraft was lost 16 June 44 to Sterkade with the Neilson crew]
F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
Sgt J G Hill (W/Op)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Orleans (04 Jul 1944 - 04 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Orleans 04 Jul 1944 04 Jul 1944 N Fifteen aircraft and crews offered, accepted and briefed for operations, but owing to a swing on take off by "S" (P/O Vaughan) the aircraft failed to take off and crashed at the end of the runway, preventing "F" (P/O Shaw) from taking off. Fortunately there were no casualties and although fire broke out it was soon under control and confined to one wing only, thanks to the speed and efficiency with which the Fire Party worked. The bomb load did not blow up. The remaining thirteen aircraft took off successfully and reached their target a Marshalling yard just north of Orleans in Eastern France. The markers over the target area were puntual and accurate. Many of the crews found visual confirmation of the town lay-out, thanks to good visibility. The bombing appeared to be reasonably concentrated and an encouraging red explosion lasting several seconds was seen. Good photographs were obtained and the attack is considered successful. P.R.U. photographs confirm this.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 7,000 ft at 01.36 hrs. Fires obscuring markers. F/O H Jones (P)
Sgt J R Drury (F/Eng)
F/Sgt C W Sawyers (Nav)
Sgt F H Habgood (A/B)
Sgt D Hunter (W/Op)
Sgt R B Cumberlidge (MU/AG)
Sgt I Williams (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Dijon (05 Jul 1944 - 05 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Dijon 05 Jul 1944 05 Jul 1944 N Fourteen aircraft and crews offered, were briefed for operations. All the aircraft took off in good time and without incident to bomb a rail centre on the outskirts of DIJON in Eastern France. The weather en route and over the target was good, a full moon with visibility excellent. The markers were punctual and accurate and many crews found visual confirmation in the town layout, the river, canal and marshalling round houses themselves. The bombing, from all accounts, was reasonable concentrated and there was an encouraging red explosion lasting several seconds soon after the attack opened. Good photographs are obtained. Flak was negligible, and no enemy night fighters were encountered.
Two new crews were detailed to carry out cross-country exercises to complete their training in the Squadron prior to becoming operationally efficient.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 7,000 ft at 01.57 hrs F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt H Wood (W/Op)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Caen (07 Jul 1944 - 07 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Caen 07 Jul 1944 07 Jul 1944 N The nine aircraft and crews who originally were briefed at 10.00hrs and later stood by for late afternoon operations for which a further nine crews were added and all briefed ay 17.30hrs. The eigthteen [Ed: hand-written note states 17] aircraft successfully took off at 19.30hrs to attack the town of CAEN in co-operation with the Allied armies in France. The attack was highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the air-crews who participated in the strafe. A congratulatory message by signal was received on the Station as the crews were touching down. "From 2nd Army: - the heavy bomber attack which has just taken place was a wonderfully impressive show. The second Army would like their appreciation passed to all crews. Flak appeared to be intense at the beginning of the attack but died down during the attack". Later a further note of appreciation was struck by our receipt of the following message for all crew concerned in the operation: It was passed to our C in C by the AOC of TAF Group and reads: "The effort of your chaps we witnessed over Caen tonight made us all feel very proud to belong to the RAF".
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 4,000 ft at 21.57 hrs F/O W F Cox (A/B)
F/O M L Dubois (P)
Sgt H Tulip (F/Eng)
F/O J C Young (Nav)
Sgt H Wood (W/Op)
Sgt R Eves (MU/AG)
Sgt L R R Haynes (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Revigny (12 Jul 1944 - 12 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Revigny 12 Jul 1944 12 Jul 1944 N Nineteen aircraft and crews were offered accepted and briefed for operations. All took off at 21.15hrs without incident to bomb Marshalling Yards at REVIGNY in Eastern France. The weather over the target was bad, which precluded accurate marking or visual identification on the target. Recco flares having failed to lighten the darkness, the Master of Ceremonies, for whose instructions our crews were waiting, felt obliged to call the party off. The gunners of one of our crews, P/O Bell and F/S Teasdale, Mid-Upper and Rear Gunners respectively of "C" (Sgt Town) accepted a challenge from an enemy fighter and claim to have shot it down in flames and to have seen it hit the deck. Two of our crews P/O Boocock and P/O Davies failed to return. Owing to bad weather conditions all the Squadron aircraft landed at ten different airfields in the Norfolk and Suffolk areas, one crash landed at Wattisham, and another crew abandoned their aircraft, all members making successful parachute descents. A signal was received from the Air Ministry stating that Sergeant J G Pearce has arrived in the UK. This N.C.O is one of three ordered to bale out whilst over enemy occupied territory when F/S Lloyd's aircraft got into difficulties whilst returning from Mailly on the 4th May.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 4,000 ft at 02.02 hrs. Bombed TIY. Landed Halesworth. F/O H Jones (P)
Sgt J R Drury (F/Eng)
F/Sgt C W Sawyers (Nav)
Sgt F H Habgood (A/B)
Sgt D Hunter (W/Op)
Sgt R B Cumberlidge (MU/AG)
Sgt I Williams (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Revigny (14 Jul 1944 - 14 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Revigny 14 Jul 1944 14 Jul 1944 N Eleven aircraft and crews only were required for operations. The crews were briefed and took off to bomb REVIGNY Marshalling Yards. As was the case on our last visit to this target two nights previously it was again found impossible to mark the target with sufficient accuracy to ensure the desired results. Our aircraft received instructions to return to Base with their bombs. Opposition from the ground defences was reported as being negligible, there there appears to have been considerable activity by the Luftwaffe. W/O Ansell in "D" was attached unsuccessfully by a rocket firing fighter whose fire was returned, but no strikes were claimed by our gunners. No printable photographs were obtained. Wing Commander Connolly and crew, which included the Gunnery Leader Flight Lieutenant K.W.L. Fuller D.F.C failed to return to base. Wing Commander Connolly, during his comparatively short time with the Squadron proved hmself to be a leader of men, a man of understanding, and was liked by all with whom he came into close contact. The Squadron has lost not only an efficient Commander, but a very gallant Gentleman.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Ordered not to bomb. Landed Dunholme Lodge. F/O H Jones (P)
Sgt J R Drury (F/Eng)
F/Sgt C W Sawyers (Nav)
Sgt F H Habgood (A/B)
Sgt D Hunter (W/Op)
Sgt R B Cumberlidge (MU/AG)
Sgt I Williams (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Caen (18 Jul 1944 - 18 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Caen 18 Jul 1944 18 Jul 1944 N The eighteen aircraft warned yesterday were detailed to attack military strong points in the Caen area in support of the military plans to break through. The Squadron's aiming point was the village of SANNERVILLE where the enermy had concentrations of mortars, long range guns, anti-tank guns, A.A. units, Transport and reserve personnel. Our aircraft arrived over the target just before sunrise at 05.45 hours. Conditions were ideal, visibility being excellent. The markers which were easy to identify in the light of dawn were punctual and accurate with the exception of one dropped 100 yards south. Bombing concentrations weer excellent. Flak was negligible at first but on leaving the target, accurate predicated flak was encountered. The only fighters seen were those of the Spitfire cover. All our crews arrived back safely in time for breakfast feeling highly satisfied with their mornings work.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 8,000 ft at 05.47 hours. F/L R P Stone (P)
Sgt G E White (F/Eng)
Sgt R F Ferry (Nav)
F/Sgt E W Holliday (A/B)
Sgt D E Norgrove (W/Op)
Sgt L G B Wartnaby (MU/AG)
F/Sgt F Wright (R/AG)

Operation/Target: Kiel (23 Jul 1944 - 23 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Kiel 23 Jul 1944 23 Jul 1944 N Seventeen aircraft and crews offered, accepted and briefed for operations against the enemy's Naval Base at Kiel. All the aircraft took off in the usual Squadron style and the outward journey was uneventful with mainly cloudy conditions. More cloud was encountered in the target area, but being fairly thin the markers were seen through it. Concentration appeared to be satisfactory, healthy fires were buring and were seen when 120 miles away. Flak was reported as intense over the target and the West Danish Coast was also active, but no serious trouble was encountered, "C" (P/O Holdsworth) had a short encounter with a JU88, the firing starting simultaneously; no damage or casualties were sustained by our aircraft, while strikes were observed on the enemy - it is only claimed as probably damaged. All our aircraft returned safely to base.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 20,000 ft at 01.23 hours. Few resultys seen due to cloud.

Operation/Target: Stuttgart (28 Jul 1944 - 28 Jul 1944)

Operation Summary
Target Out Back Aborted
(Y / N)
Comments
Stuttgart 28 Jul 1944 28 Jul 1944 N Eighteen aircraft and crews were offered but only seventeen were accepted for operations. The crews were briefed to attack STUTTGART once again and all successfully took off without incident. All the aircraft claim to have bombed the target area and contrary to the previous raids experienced fairly heavy opposition from the ground defences, Two of our aircraft "O" P/O Jones and "T" F/O Roche failed to return from this mission, two other aircraft failed to reach Base and landed at Woodbridge and Bombrook. In the crew of "O" as Navigator was F/O Dinney who has for several weeks been acting as the Squadron Navigation Leader.
Aircraft Deployed Servicemen Deployed
Aircraft Service Number Returned
or FTR
Comments Crew Details
LM134 Returned Primary 15,000 ft at 02.03 1/2 hrs. Large red/yellow explosions at 01.55 hrs

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 19
MAX Aircraft deployed
in single operation
1
(Crisbecq, 05 Jun 1944)

These details were last updated: 11 October 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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