02/1945 (February 1945)

Thursday 1^st February 1945. 5 Group despatched 271 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes to attack the railway marshalling yards at Siegen. 19 aircraft of the squadron were detailed and bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC and 2,100 x 4lb incendiaries.

1^st/2^nd February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Siegen

Take Off: at 15:23 hours Reg Waterfall was the first away in ME845 “Q-Queenie”.

JB290-C F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O RB Knight RNZAF
PD253-D F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN702-J F/L H Thompson (F/O JW Wallace RNZAF)
LM216-K Lt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp (F/L HF Kirkwood)
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LL966-P F/O EJ Monk
ME845-Q F/L RG Waterfall
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
LM260-S F/O AM Maclean RCAF
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W F/O M Miller
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens (F/O AV Cameron RAAF)

Phil Weston’s crew in PD253 “D-Dog” returned early when a starboard engine went unserviceable (the “Operations Record Book” states starboard inner, the “Ops Record” states starboard outer). Window was dropped from 7° East on the outward leg until 5° East on the return. On arrival the target area was covered with 10/10ths cloud and the Controller had difficulty marking so crews had to orbit the target 2 or 3 times waiting. Between 19:19 and 19:34 hours from 8,200 to 12,000 feet crews either bombed the glow of the TI’s below the cloud or the glow of the fires below. Ground defences were quite low key although there was a little heavy flak to the starboard side over the target. Some fighters were seen and the Germans made an attempt to mark the direction of the homeward route for about 30 miles aided once again by jettisoned incendiaries.

Flying at 6,000 feet at 19:45 hours aboard South African Doug Turner’s LM216 “K” the mid-upper gunner Flight Sergeant Moorcroft saw a twin engined JU88 fighter on their port beam and called a warning as the fighter dived beneath the Lancaster. Moorcroft requested a banking search to port and then just as they changed to starboard Flight Sergeant Bell in the rear turret sighted the fighter on the port quarter beam as it opened fire, he couldn’t depress his guns far enough to return fire. Moorcroft was dazzled by the flash of the German’s guns. Diving into a corkscrew to port Turner made to evade the fighter as Bell opened fire with a burst of 200 rounds. The JU88 backed off to starboard and wasn’t seen again. No claim was made.

Flight Sergt Moorcroft (mid upper) trained at Moffat (Rhodesia) AGS, 29 OTU and 1660 HCU.

Flight Sergt Bell (rear gunner) trained at Moffat (Rhodesia) AGS, 29 OTU and 1660 HCU.

At 20:11 hours LM260 “S-Sugar” flown by Canadian Albert Maclean was attacked at 6,000 feet after leaving the target area against the backdrop of searchlights to starboard. Sergeant Cook (rear gunner) sighted an unidentified twin engined fighter at about 250 yards range, starboard down and immediately opened fire instructing a corkscrew to port, continuing to fire as Sergeant Priest the mid-upper struggled to get his guns sighted. Coming out of the manoeuvre Sergeant Cook applied deflection to his shooting and the fighter flew straight through his fire before diving vertically down into the cloud and not being seen again. The rear gunner fired 800 rounds from 250 down to 100 yards range.

Sergeant Priest (mid upper) trained at 17 OTU and 1654 HCU.

Sergeant Cook (rear gunner) trained at 17 OTU and 1654 HCU

At base a Gale Warning was received at 22:05 hours but all squadron aircraft landed safely. Touching down at 23:03 hours New Zealanders Bob Knight (ND554) and Phil Weston (PD253) were the last of the squadron’s crews to return. Some damage was caused to the railway yards but a strong wind and German decoys caused some of the bombing to fall in the open countryside outside Siegen. Matt Miller and crew had flown the last op of their tour, they were screened. South Londoner Des Brunwin their wireless op who had celebrated his 21^st birthday only days earlier recalled the relief of having “made it through” and then of the crew being confounded at being asked if any of them would like to be commissioned. They all declined and over the next few weeks went on their separate ways still as Flight Sergeants. Fellow South Londoner Vic Larrett was then the 23 year old rear gunner who had married his sweetheart Joyce very shortly before they commenced their tour, had the same feelings at surviving his tour “unbelievable luck”. Both men were baffled at the lack of a DFC for their captain.

On Friday 2^nd February, Flying Officer GD Thompson (Provost Marshal, Inspectorate) carried out an inspection of RAF Police at East Kirkby.

Friday 2^nd February 1945. The 5 Group attack on Karlsruhe was the last major attack of the war against the town and for the German’s it was fortunate that the raid by 250 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes was a failure. 16 aircraft of 630 Squadron participated each armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 2,100 x 4lb incendiaries except for ND554 and JB290 which both carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 1,800 x 4lb incendiaries.

2^nd/3^rd February 1945 Night Bombng Attack on Karlsruhe

Take Off: at 19:56 hours South African Gordon Lacey in LM260 was away first.

JB290-C F/O PS Weston RNZAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O RB Knight RNZAF
NG125-F F/L SA Nunns
NN702-J F/O EJ Monk
LM216-K Lt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/L HF Kirkwood
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O AV Cameron RAAF
LM260-S Lt GR Lacey SAAF
NG123-U W/O DI Plumb
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF

Don Plumb’s map for the Karlsruhe attack, found amongst his effects after he Failed to Return in March 45. (thanks to Angela Plumb)

Albert MacLean’s crew in “W-William” had last minute technical problems and couldn’t take off. The plan called for crews to fly below 6,000 feet across the continent to a position 6° East then to climb through the cloud into the clear at 13,000 feet. Arriving in the target area they found 10/10ths cloud over Karlsruhe. The Controller ordered sky marking and instructed the crews to bomb the southern end of the glow from the floating green TI’s which were cascading in cloud. Large fires were seen by many crews when they broke cloud at 6,000 feet after leaving the target area. Once again incendiaries were being jettisoned on the homeward route particularly in the Strasbourg area. Ground defences were slight but fighters were active over the target with several combats observed and aircraft seen going down in flames. Steve Nunns brought up the rear when he landed NG125 at 03:56 hours.

Saturday 3^rd February 1945 was a training day with a fighter affiliation exercise, three high level bombing exercises and an Air to Sea firing exercise.

Sunday 4^th February 1945, Lieutenant Ackerman SAAF was advised of an immediate award of the DFC.

Distinguished Flying Cross.

Lieutenant Marthinus Theron Ackermann (32’8473V), S.A.A.F., 630 Sqn.

One night in January, 1945, this officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a target far into enemy territory. Whilst on the outward flight, the starboard inner engine became troublesome and later, Lieutenant Ackermann was forced to feather the propeller. Nevertheless, ‘Lieutenant Ackermann, continued on 3 engines and eventually pressed home his attack at a height lower than that which was originally planned. He afterwards successfully completed the long flight home. This officer, who has completed numerous sorties displayed a very high standard of determination and devotion to duty.

Poor weather for several days resulted in greatly reduced flying although a preliminary warning for night operations was received at 10:29 hours on Monday 5^th February, the target was confirmed at 11:20 hours, preparations were completed, flight planning and aircrew briefings were held from 16:00 to 17:30 hours but the attack was called off at 19:30 hours.

Wednesday 7^th February 1945. Back to the Canals again, 177 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes of 5 Group attacked the stretch of the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen. Briefing for the 630 Squadron crews was at 16:00 hours, 12 aircraft were detailed and armed with 12 x 1000lb HC (1 hour Delayed Action). At the same time 3 Lancasters of Six-thirty participated in a minelaying mission in the Kiel area each with 6 x Mk.VI mines.

7^th/8^th February 1945 Night Bombng Attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal

Take Off: at 20:38 hours Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Malcolm Eyre in LM260 took off at the head of the squadron.

ND554-E F/O LA Barnes
NN702-J F/O EJ Monk (F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF)
LM216-K Lt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O GR Scott RAAF
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
NG259-N Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O AV Cameron RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
LM260-S S/L MA Eyre
ME739-T* F/O NG Roberts RAAF
ND949-Z W/O DI Plumb

*Note – records are contradictory as to who flew “T-Tare” on this attack, the 630 Squadron “Operations Record Book” states that it was Lieutenant Lacey and crew but the “Ops Record” details F/O NG Roberts RAAF, this being supported by his Wireless Op’s log book and also the list of completed ops in the recommendation for Robert’s DFC. We are grateful for confirmation from Ken Wallwork that the Flying Log Book of his Uncle, Albert Wallwork who was Bomb Aimer in the Lacey crew, shows that he did not fly on that night – further confirming that ME739 “T” was flown by the Roberts crew.

Neil Roberts RAAF and crew (thanks to Kay Rowland)

Weather was clear until well over the continent when two layers of cloud were encountered and 10/10ths cloud cover was found on arrival at Ladbergen. The target was punctually marked but the TI’s were rather scattered in the prevailing weather conditions and crews found it difficult to determine which TI they were to attack. Attacking from 9,200 to 11,500 feet between 23:59 and 00:13 hours the majority of crews bombed the glow on the cloud from the Red TI’s or the TI itself if it was momentarily visible but some crews did see sticks of bombs appearing to straddle the canal through gaps in the cloud. The ground defences were more active than on recent attacks and fighters were very active in the target area and on the track homeward as far as 0500E. The attack was not a success and little damage was caused. Malcolm Eyre had been the first to take off and was also the last to return to base at 03:31 hours, his crew and that of George Cowan had been unable to attack..

7^th/8^th February 1945 Night Minelaying in “Forget-Me-Nots” area

Take Off: Steve Nunns in PD253 was the first off at 19:18 hours.

PD253-D F/L SA Nunns
NG413-M F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NG123-U F/O EC Harris RNZAF

Mines were planted in the allotted positions from 15,000 feet between 22:22 and 22:57 hours without any opposition, no fighters were seen and Eric Harris landed back at base last, at 02:09 hours.

Thursday 8^th February 1945. Lack of oil supply was crippling the Third Reich and the Synthetic Oil Plant at Pölitz was again the target for 475 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes of 1, 5 and 8 Groups. Briefing was at 13:00 hours for the crews of Six-thirty’s 19 Lancasters detailed to operate, each was carrying 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x 500lb AN-M64, except JB290, ND554, PB344 and ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 9 x 500lb AN-M64 and ME739 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 11 x 500lb AN-M64.

8^th/9^th February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Pölitz

Take Off: South African Doug Turner in LM216 was the first airborne at 16:49 hours.

JB290-C F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O RB Knight RNZAF
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN702-J F/O PS Weston RNZAF
LM216-K Lt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O AV Cameron RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
LM260-S Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z W/O DI Plumb

The attack was planned to take place in two waves, the first marked by 5 Group, the second by Pathfinders of 8 Group. Weather was clear with 3/10ths cloud at 4,000 – 6,000 feet and excellent visibility.

Flying at about 13,000 feet in clear visibility at 20:51 hours Jimmy Wallace’s NN774 “L-Love” was closing on the target when Sergeant John Albers (rear gunner) sighted a Lancaster about 800 yards astern suddenly catch fire and in the glow saw a single engined fighter on their port quarter level. He instructed a corkscrew to port and opened fire with a 200 round burst as the fighter passed astern and was lost to sight. It did not attack them and no definite result of his fire could be observed by him or by the mid-upper gunner.

Sergeant Willing (mid upper) trained at 16 OTU and 1661 HCU.

Sergeant Albers (rear gunner) trained at 16 OTU and 1661 HCU

At 21:09 hours while orbiting the target at 12,400 feet waiting to attack, Sergeant Priest the mid upper gunner aboard PD254 “W-William” flown by Albert Maclean, saw two fighter flares about two miles astern of their Lancaster and in their light a JU88 flying on their port beam only 100 yards away on a parallel course. The German crew had apparently not seen their Lancaster and Sergeant Priest opened fire scoring hits immediately on the JU88’s starboard engine and fuselage. Sergeant Cook in the rear turret was unable to bring his guns to bear as the JU88 flew ahead of the Lancaster into the fire of Ron Norgrove the bomb aimer who was manning the nose gun turret and at only 75 yards range saw his burst of machine gun bullets strike both engines and the fuselage, the JU88 bank and crossed the nose of the bomber to starboard as Norgrove continued to fire into it. Albert Maclean slowed their airspeed and turned to starboard into the fighter to enable both his mid-upper and nose gun turrets to maintain fire on the night fighter which inexplicably banked to port exposing its upper surfaces to both gunners who poured fire into it until it fell away diving towards the ground. Making its bombing run the bomb aimer and rear gunner both reported an aircraft crashing beneath them.

JU88 claimed as Destroyed.

Pilot Officer Norgrove (bomb aimer) trained at 31 B&GS, 17 OTU and 1654 HCU.

Sergeant Priest (mid upper) trained at 7 AGS, 17 OTU and 1654 HCU.

Sergeant Cook (rear gunner) trained at 8 AGS, 17 OTU and 1654 HCU

Marking was punctual and accurate and the Controlling was excellent. Crews had no difficulty in making a bombing run on well concentrated markers, attacking between 21:15 and 21:29 hours from 12,000 to 13,000 feet. Many sticks of bombs were seen to fall across the target. A series of violent explosions particularly at 21:18 and 21:23 hours were reported. By the end of the attack smoke totally covered the target except for the tall chimneys. Early in the attack predicted heavy flak was accurate and a serious opposition, but as the attack developed it died away. Searchlights were few and ineffective and light flak was slight.

Crews were briefed to descend on leaving the target to cross the Baltic at 1,000 to 3,000 feet climbing to cross Sweden at 4,000 to 6,000 feet where much light flak was seen before descending again to cross the North Sea under the weather fronts. Bombing by the entire force was rated as extremely accurate and German records show that the synthetic oil plant was put out of action for the remainder of the war, a total success. JB290 “C-Charlie” was the last to return at 03:17 hours.

Fighters encountered in the target area, one of the squadron’s Lancasters Failed To Return and without any clues as to its fate the seven crew were commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Lancaster III, ND554 (Codes LE – E)

Pilot – F/O Robert Baines Knight RNZAF. Age 25 †
Flight Eng – Sgt Arthur Ronald Newby. Age 28 †
Navigator – F/S James Montague. Age 27 †
Bomb Aimer – F/S Norman Eric A Sharpe. Age 29 †
Wireless Op – F/S John Lamont RNZAF. Age 28 †
Mid Upper – Sgt Leon Young. Age 20 †
Rear Gunner – Sgt Stanley Laidler Cameron. Age 19 †

Recent work on the victory claims by Luftwaffe night fighter crews shows that ND554 might have been the aircraft claimed as shot down at 22:03 hours over Stettin by Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer) Rudolf Mangelsdorf of 9/NGJ2 (9^th Squadron of Night Fighter Group 2). The crew included John Lamont from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland who had emigrated to New Zealand at an early age where he found employment as a timber worker in Auckland. Arriving back in the UK after training in Canada he had crewed up at OTU with New Zealander Bob Knight and South Londoner Norman Sharpe a married man with a young daughter who had been a successful builder and decorator.

Bob Knight RNZAF (thanks to Roy Calvert DFC)

Norman Sharpe (thanks to the Sharpe family)

Politz Oil Refinery devastated by RAF attacks. (Thanks to Australian War Memorial)

Rainy drizzly days followed until Bomber Command and the USAAF commenced Operation Thunderclap, a series of attacks on Dresden, Chemnitz and Leipzig designed to dove-tail with Soviet military strategy, the targets situated just behind German lines on their Eastern Front.

Tuesday 13^th February 1945. 796 Lancasters and 9 Mosquitoes were despatched in two distinct raids, the first by 5 Group using their own low-level markers. The 244 Lancasters on the first wave found some cloud cover over the target and their bombing was reportedly moderately successful. The second wave of 529 Lancasters of 1, 3, 6 and 8 Groups found the clear visibility and were able to bomb with great accuracy. Briefing for 630 Squadron was at 14:00 hours, 17 aircraft and crews were detailed for Ops and the bomb load was 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x M.17 cluster incendiaries, except for NN774 and NN703 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x Mk14 clusters and ND412 which carried 1 x 2000lb HC and 14 x M.17 clusters.

13^th/14^th February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Dresden

Take Off: at 17:40 hours Squadron Leader Marcel Cuelenaere RCAF was first away in NG413.

NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
ND412-H F/O LA Barnes
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
LM216-K F/O GR Scott RAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O W/O DI Plumb
LL966-P Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ME845-Q F/O AV Cameron RAAF
LM260-S Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O EC Harris RNZAF
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
JB290-C F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF

Crews took off in good visibility climbed to operational height forming up at 18:26 hours to set course. A gradual climb to 10,000 feet by the course change point was followed by a climb to bombing height between 14,000 to 15,000 feet flying towards the continent above the 10/10ths cloud. Flak was seen bursting either side of the bomber stream over the Ruhr Valley. Wanganuis with red and green stars were dropped ahead at Magdeburg before turning toward the target. A combat occurred in the Leipzig are on the route out but no results could be determined. Arriving over the target the squadron’s crews reported 10/10ths cloudbase at 15,000 feet. The marking was punctual and accurate, crews being ordered to attack the glow from the Red TI’s at 22:12 hours as planned. Attacking from 12,500 to 14,900 feet the squadron was leaving the target area by 22:23 hours, diving rapidly to 2,000 feet as planned and flak was seen off track to starboard. Results were difficult to assess through the clouds but generally it was believed the attack went according to plan and the glow from the fires could be seen from 150 miles away on the return. Again reports of incendiaries jettisoned on the route home. No trouble was experienced from flak over the Ruhr Valley or the target area and very few fighters were seen. ME739 (RA Stone) was the last to return, landing at 04:04 hours. 311 heavy bombers of the USAAF pounded Dresden again during the following day returning two or three times in the following days and weeks.

Illustrative of the bombing of Dresden (thanks to J Cromarty)

Wednesday 14^th February 1945. Next the Synthetic oil plant at Rösitz near Leipzig was again the target for 224 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of 5 Group in an attempt to destroy any remaining oil reserves. Briefing for 630 Squadron crews was at 13:00 hours, 14 aircraft were despatched each carrying 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x 500lb AN-M64, except JB290 and ND412 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 9 x 500lb AN-M64.

14^th/15^th February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Rösitz

Take Off: at 16:44 hours newly promoted Captain Doug Turner SAAF in LM216 was the first airborne.

JB290-C F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
NG125-F F/O EJ Monk
ND412-H F/O LA Barnes
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M F/O GR Scott RAAF
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LL966-P Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ME845-Q F/O AV Cameron RAAF
LM260-S Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
NN703-X W/O DI Plumb
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF

Different parts of the force were to attack different sectors of the target. No. 55 Base (57, 207 and 630 Squadron) were to attack the most westerly sector of the plant from a height of 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Aircraft took off and immediately climbed to 7,000 feet, the weather was clear with a new moon until dusk at about 20:00 hours. At the target there was 6/10ths to 10/10ths cloud at 6,000 – 8,000 feet with a thin layer higher above. Marking at the oil plant was punctual and the attack went as planned. Attacking from 7,200 to 14,000 feet between 21:01 and 21:12 hours most crews saw the green and red TI’s through gaps in the clouds or saw the glow below and every crew reported large explosions in the target area and a particularly large one at 21:06 hours at the north-western end of the works. Thick black smoke rose above the target. Ground defences were slight but fighters were seen in the target area. On the route home aircraft let down to 3,000 feet and flew home in clear visibility. “Cliff” Clifford’s crew participated in this attack aboard RF122 “I-Item” although they are not listed in the “Operations Record Book”, the fact is confirmed by the log book of the pilot and the DFC recommendation for Flying Officer Gordon Mortiboys[i] (Deputy Bombing Leader) who flew with the crew on this occasion. NG413 (Aussie George Scott) was the last to return to East Kirkby at 02:49 hours. One crew Failed to Return.

Lancaster I, LL966 (Codes LE – P) “Prunes Pride”

Pilot – Lt Gordon Ramsey Lacey SAAF. Age †
Flight Eng – Sgt Duncan Kennedy Watson Mayes. Age 24 †
Navigator – F/O Robert Edward Proudley. Age 21 †
Bomb Aimer – F/O Albert Wallwork RAAF. Age 24 †
Wireless Op – F/S Kevin Gregory Fogarty RAAF. Age 21 †
Mid Upper – Sgt Alexander Carson. Age †
Rear Gunner – Sgt Herbert George Davies. Age †

In 1948 it was established that Lancaster LL966 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire 2 kilometres east of Rositz and crashed at Zschernitzsch, nearly 36 kilometres south of Leipzig. The rear gunner, Sgt. Davies parachuted from the blazing aircraft and was captured but it is believed that he was murdered by German civilian police and his body was later located buried in Berlin. Gordon Lacey apparently stayed with his aircraft until it crashed, exploding on impact and scattering burning wreckage over a wide area. His body was recovered and buried but later located and exhumed by an American Graves Inspection Team and he now rests in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Leuven, Belgium. The remains of the other crew members were never found and they are all commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial for Missing Airmen at Surrey, United Kingdom.

Robert Proudley with his brother in 1944
(thanks to Linda Deakin)

Gordon Lacey SAAF
(photo thanks to D Jadot/Morgana)

F/O Albert Wallwork RAAF (photo thanks to his nephew Ken)

It was planned for 2 Lancasters of Six-thirty to participate in a mining operation on Thursday 15^th February, both D and I were loade with Mk.VI mines and their crews briefed but they did not take off as the weather closed in. Several hazy, misty overcast days followed with intermittent light rain – no flying was possible.Two new crews were posted to the squadron captained by 22 year old Aussie Leslie “Jake” Jacob[ii] and 23 year old Lincoln born Ken Gibson[iii].

Les Jacob and crew (thanks to Kay Rowland)

Monday 19^th February 1945. To attack Böhlen 5 Group sent 254 Lancasters and 6 Mosquitoes led by the veteran 25 year old Master Bomber, Wing Commander Eric Benjamin DFC & Bar (627 Squadron). 15 aircraft of Six-thirty each carrying 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x 500lb AN-M64, except JB290 and ND412 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 9 x 500lb AN-M64.

19^th/20^th February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Böhlen

Take Off: at 23:30 hours Squadron Leader Marcel Cuelenaere led the 630 squadron Lancasters from East Kirkby.

JB290-C F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
PD253-D F/L SA Nunns
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
ND412-H F/O LA Barnes
RF122-I F/O GR Scott RAAF
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG413-M S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N F/O RJ Sassoon
LM287-O F/L LF Ovens
ME845-Q F/O EJ Monk
LM260-S F/O AV Cameron RAAF
ME739-T F/L RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W W/O DI Plumb
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF

RF122 ”I-Item” returned early after its front escape hatch came loose and was lost. Many aircraft flew below the cloud until crossing into enemy territory, after 530°East the force climbed to 7,000 feet to cross the battlefront. From 0800°East to 1100°East height was maintained at 5,000 to 7,000 feet thereafter climbing to bombing height. 10/10ths cloud in layers between 7,000 to 1,400 feet blanketed the target on arrival. The Master Bomber’s Mosquito was quickly shot down by flak (Wing Commander EA Benjamin DFC & Bar with F/O JE Heath DFM as navigator, both killed). Instructions were to bomb the glow of Red TI’s and crews did that even if it took 2 or 3 bombing runs. About H+4 a strange voice was heard on VHF directing crews to bomb the green TI’s which had appeared about 10 miles distant. Nobody was misled by the German attempt to confuse bombing. Ground defences were not heavy and there was fighter activity in the TA and homeward to about 0700E. After attacking the target at 9,000 to 14,000 feet the force let down rapidly to 1,500 to 3,000 feet above the ground and headed for home. Richard Sassoon (NG259) was the last of the squadron to return and landed at 08:15 hours.

Tuesday 20^th February 1945. Not letting up the pressure on the German inland waterway system 5 Group despatched 154 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes to the section of the Mitelland Canal near Gravenhorst. 11 Lancasters of the squadron were detailed to participate each carrying 13 x 1000lb MC except ND412 which carried 12 x 1000lb MC.

20^th/21^st February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Mittelland Canal

Take Off: at 21:43 hours Lieutenant Ackerman SAAF lifted off ahead of the squadron.

PD253-D F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
RF122-I F/L H Thompson
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M F/O GR Scott RAAF
LM287-O F/O NG Roberts RAAF
ME739-T F/O AV Cameron RAAF
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W W/O DI Plumb
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
ND412-H F/O RJ Sassoon

All aircraft remained below 4,000 feet to 4° East crossing the front line above cloud at 5,000 feet. 10/10ths cloud covered the target as the bombers arrived. Red TI’s were observed and an attack commenced on the starboard side followed by further flares but at 01:00 hours crews were told by the Controller to abandon mission and return to base. Fighters were active on both outward and homeward routes and 2 inconclusive combats took place. All crews returned safely with full bomb loads, the last to land being Neil Roberts and crew aboard “O-Oboe” at 04:56 hours.

Wednesday 21^st February 1945. 5 Group returned to the Mittelland Canal at Gravenhorst with a force of 165 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitoes. 630 Squadron crews were briefed at 13:30 hours, 13 aircraft were to attack, each carrying 13 x 1000lb MC Long Delay bombs.

21^st/22^nd February 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Mittelland Canal

Take Off: at 17:05 hours PD253 (Steve Nunns) was first to get airborne.

PD253-D F/L SA Nunns
RA520-E F/L H Thompson
NG125-F F/O EJ Monk
RF122-I F/O GR Scott RAAF
NN774-L F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N F/L RG Waterfall
LM287-O F/L LF Ovens
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/S R Grange
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
LM260-S F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF

Weather was clear with slight ground haze. Take off was good in almost perfect weather but a nearly full moon made perfect conditions for fighters. Marking was punctual and accurate and crews were instructed to bomb the northern most of the three red TI’s which were well placed by the canal. The attack took place between 20:36 to 20:43 hours frim 8,600 to 11,000 feet. The results could not be assessed due to the nature of the bombs but two which exploded prematurely were well placed inbetween the Red TI’s. Flak was only light in the TA but intense light flak was experienced on the homeward route and fighters were active over the target and as far as the Rhine afterwards when they infiltrated the bomber stream, three bombers were seen shot down in flames. RA520 (Henry Thompson) was the last of Six-thirty’s aircraft to return safely at 23:46 hours. The stretch of canal was utterly destroyed in this attack draining many miles of connected inland waterway.

The Court Martial of an airman was held at East Kirkby and attended by various officers from Skellingthorpe and Group HQ was the primary cause of interest around the station.

Friday 23^rd February 1945. Just 2 Lancasters of 630 Squadron were required to participate in a minelaying operation, both were probably armed with 6 x MkVI mines.

23^rd/24^th February 1945 Night Minelaying – “Onions”

Take Off: at 17:22 hours in RF122 Reg Waterfall was first off the deck.

RF122-I F/L RG Waterfall
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF

Between 20:43 and 20:48 hours the mines were planted in the allotted positions from 13,500 feet without difficulty, several fighters were seen but no combats occurred. RF122 landed after NG123, at 00:08 hours.

Saturday 24^th February 1945. Unsurprisingly 5 Group were scheduled to attack the inland waterways again for their next operation and 166 Lancasters and 4 Mosquitoes set off to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Ladbergen. Briefing was held at 10:30 hours for the crews of the 13 aircraft, each bombed up with 14 x 1000lb MC bombs.

24^th February 1945 Daylight Bombing Attack on Dortumund-Ems Canal

Take Off: at 13:44 hours Wing Commander Grindon (NG259) was first away.

JB290-C F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
PD253-D F/L SA Nunns
RA250-E F/O RJ Sassoon
NG125-F F/O EJ Monk
ND412-H F/L H Thompson
LM216-K F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NN774-L F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O F/L LF Ovens
LM260-S F/S R Grange
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
PD327-Y F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF

Forming up over the base the squadron set course at 14:57 hours, contact was made with 57 and 207 Squadrons over Hunstanton and Cromer and they joined the Group formation at 030° East. The weather was clear to the Dutch coast where cloud was encountered. The planned bombing height of 13,000 to 16,000 feet was attained but 10/10ths cloud covered the target area. There were no instructions from the Controller, no markers visible. No attack was made although the squadron over flew the target and some heavy flak was encountered in the TA. All aircraft returned with complete bomb loads except ND412 “H-How” and NG259 “N-Nan” which had to jettison their loads as both were on only three engines and Wing Commander Grindon had another engine running very rough. Ron Stone and crew board “T-Tare” were the last to return to base landing at 19:15 hours.

The remainder of the month and early March was taken up with a series of fighter affiliation, high level bombing, cross country, air to sea firing, and minelaying exercises.

Some interesting figures are recorded for the East Kirkby Base staff as at 28^th February 1945. These do not include 630 or 57 Squadron aircrew and total only Station staff and ground crews:

Officers: