With little change to the weather July commenced with occasional fine days in between showers, localised thunder and wider spread thunderstorms. Reconnaissance missions, training exercises and incendiary dropping into the North Sea were the order of the day but were interrupted by Ruhr tours by two Lancasters on 9th July.
One of the crews busy during the month dropping redundant incendiary bombs into the North Sea was that of pilot Jim Dymock and Flight Engineer/Pilot Charles Coombes (one of the new breed of fully pilot trained flight engineers). Crew photo to be inserted
Later in the month foggy and cloudy weather
set in and most training flights were cancelled although on 12th
July twelve cross country flights relieved the boredom and two more Ruhr tours
were flown with two more following on 16th.
On 18th July the Appendix to the
Operations Record Book abruptly reports the names of the aircrew still serving
with 630 Squadron when it disbanded, the list is headed:
Commanding Officer : Wing
Commander FWL Wild
Squadron Adjutant : Flight
Lieutenant AHL Britton
“A” Flight Commander : Squadron
Leader T Forshaw[i]
[i] Terence Henry Trimble Forshaw (39165), RAF. (born 1916 Kent)
[ii] Ian George Fadden DFC BEM (758062, 113490), RAFVR. BEM awarded for bravery crash landing Wellington Z8733 of 148 Squadron in the desert 05/10/41 and then rescuing an injured crew member despite the flames, LG.08/06/42. DFC LG.11/08/44, 61 Sqdn. (born 27/01/1916, resided Harrow, RAF Regular serviceman, 758062 Sgt No. 2 Squadron in 1939, died 17/09/1999 buried Whatlington/Sussex)
[iii] Gerald
Arthur Mitchell (1061588, 174328), RAFVR. G.D. Branch (Aircrew).
[iv] Thomas Leonard Cass DFM (745238, 137343),RAFVR. DFM LG.29/12/42, 61 Sqdn. (born 18/11/1918 Lincoln – died 18/05/2001 Lincoln) Pre-war RAFVR No. 745238.
[v] Henry Thomas Alfred Evans DFC (1800700,138089), RAFVR. DFC LG.11/08/44, 550 Sqdn.
June 1945 commenced with showery weather and during the first week crews of Six-thirty flew various Air Tests and on 4th June five of the squadrons aircraft and crews participated in incendiary dropping off the East Coast to dispose of more of the remaining stocks of volatile incendiary bombs.
The 5th and 8th June brought a cross country flight over the Ruhr On 7th June the squadron despatched seven aircraft to drop incendiaries into the North Sea and on the 9th carried out 48 similar flights and on 14th June two aircraft of 57 Squadron and two of 630 Squadron carried out “Ruhr tours”
On 8 June 1945 the award of the French Croix de Guerre was announced to Flight Lieut “Pancho” O’Dwyer who had completed his tour and been posted away from the squadron in January 1945.
Even more wet and windy days followed with occasional training missions until 15th June 1945 when four aircraft were detailed for another round of incendiary dropping.
Sadly one crew failed to return. The last news from the crew was at 11:47 hours when they reported having dropped their incendiaries and that they were turning for home. A search mission followed by 6 aircraft of 630 Squadron supported by 2 Warwicks, 1 Walrus and a Hight Speed Launch of 16 Group, but no trace could be found and no wreckage was seen floating. That evening a search mission was planned for early the following morning with 13 aircraft of 57 Squadron flying. At 22:05 hours a dinghy search was flown by 280 Squadron.
Lancaster III, PB344 (Codes LE – R)
Pilot –
F/O George Hamilton Cowan. Age 22 †
Flight Eng –
F/S David Porter Currie. Age 24 †
Navigator –
F/S Wilfred Ernest Smith. Age †
Bomb Aimer –
F/S Jonah Rhodes. Age 25 †
Wireless Op –
F/S Frederick Reynolds. Age †
Rear Gunner –
F/S James Porter. Age 20 †
The entire crew are commemorated on
Runnymede Memorial. George Cowan’s operational
crew included David Currie, Wilf Smith, Fred Reynolds and Jim Porter, together
they had completed 28 operations over enemy territory only to sadly be lost on
a bomb disposal flight. Confusingly Jonah Rhodes is shown as a member of 51
Squadron on the Memorial.
In fine weather on the following day a
dinghy search was flown by ten aircraft commencing at 04:50 hours but it was without
result. At 09:10 hours ten aircraft from Spilsby commenced a search to the
south of the area previously searched, but sighted nothing. Nothing was heard
from George Cowan’s crew again but some wreckage was sighted between 12:37 and
15:54 hours in an Air Sea Rescue search 105 nautical miles off Flamborough Head
by 44 and 207 Squadron aircraft.
On 18th June a signal was
received from HQ No.5 Group that the squadron was to prepare to move to RAF
Skellingthorpe, the Advance Party to move on the 24th June, the Main
Party on 25th and the Rear Part on 26th, work immediately
commenced. The rolling program of training missions continued and on 19th
June one aircraft toured the Ruhr Valley, several completed training missions
whilst one took aerial photos of East Kirkby airfield. Incendiary dropping into
the North Sea re-commenced on 20th and 21st June. After
several days of frantic activity it was announced on 22nd June that
with packing virtually complete, the move to Skellingthorpe was cancelled. Both
squadrons at East Kirkby commenced some elements of training for “Tiger Force”,
the RAF Heavy Bomber force expected to be despatched to the Far East.
In thunder storms and generally poor weather the squadron was stood down until 25th June when two further aircraft toured the Ruhr and high level bombing exercises resumed. The remainder of June was rainy, foggy and hazy although training flights continued until the end of the month. New British personnel continued to arrive to replace the Commonwealth aircrew who were quickly being posted in large numbers to Holding Units pending repatriation to their homes. In early June both flight commanders, Squadron Leaders Marcel Cuelenaere DFC RCAF and Lawrence Pilgrim DFC were posted away, Pilgrim back to 44 Squadron to train for “Tiger Force”. Their replacements being Squadron Leader Ian George Fadden DFC BEM previously of 61 Squadron who had earned a BEM for gallantry crash landing a Wellington in the Western Desert while serving with 148 Squadron in October 1941 and Squadron Leader Terry Forshaw a pre-war regular pilot. 630 Squadron completed 308.15 non-operational flying hours during the month.
On 2nd May 1945 nine aircraft of No. 630 Squadron were detailed to participate in “Operation Exodus” the repatriation by air of liberated British Prisoners of War. Wing Commander Wild joined the pilots participating as did another recent arrival with the squadron F/L Mike Karop[i] a 23 year old married man from Norwich who worked in the Southern Cameroons post-war (and sadly died there in 1959).
RA520-E F/O
JL Bathgate RNZAF
LM216-K F/L
HF Kirkwood
LM680-Z F/O
A McGuffie
NG413-M S/L
MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NN774-L F/L
MC Karop
PB344-R F/O
GH Cowan
PA322-V W/C
FWL Wild
ND412-H F/O
GR Scott RAAF
Due to transportation problems Military
authorities had been unable to muster the numbers of former prisoners expected
and only two aircraft (S/L Cuelenaere and F/O Cowan) ferried men home, the
others returning empty.
On 4th May both 630 Squadron and
57 Squadron again participated in Operation Exodus each providing 12 aircraft.
57 Squadron repatriated 281 service personnel to Westcott and Six-thirty
brought back 287 service personnel and 1 civilian. 630’s “C” (Flying Officer
Dobbie) remained at Westcott after the flight as their Gee had become
unserviceable.
NG125-F F/O
GR Scott RAAF
PB784-Q F/O
K Hallett RAAF
LM216-P F/O
A McGuffie
LM216-K F/L
HF Kirkwood
NG259 -N S/L
LW Pilgrim
ND412-H F/O
JW Wallace RNZAF
RA520-E F/O
LA Barnes
PB344-R F/O
GH Cowan
RF124-S F/O
AM MacLean
NG413-M F/L
MC Karop
JB290-C F/O
JB Dobbie
NG123-U Lt
MT Ackerman SAAF
On 8th May both squadrons from
East Kirkby again flew round trips repatriating former POW’s home from the
continent. Returning from Juvincourt, 57 Squadron’s 8 aircraft brought 192
servicemen and 630 Squadron’s 7 brought back 163 servicemen. This time two more
recently arrived pilots and their crews participated, 21 year old Warrant
Officer Pete Frampton[ii]
from Steyning who would become a planter in Malaya after wartime service and
Australian F/O Robert “Hammy” Hamilton[iii].
PD253-D F/O
JW Wallace RNZAF
NN702-J F/O
RE Hamilton RAAF
LM216-K W/O
PGS Frampton
NG413-M F/O
WM Taylor
NG259-N F/S
DS Tillett
PB784-Q S/L
LW Pilgrim
ME739-T F/O
JC Clingin RAAF
Back at base the Station Commander called a
parade for 14:30 hours so that at 15:00 hours on 8th May the broadcast
by the Prime Minister Winston Churchill was heard, war with Germany was over.
This was followed by a short service held by the Chaplain Squadron Leader the Rev.
George Dunbar[iv].
An “Exodus” operation to Brussels was aborted on 12th May due to lousy weather and re-mounted successfully on 14th when 16 aircraft of 57 Squadron and 13 of 630 Squadron ferried 717 service personnel home safely from Lille-Vendeville.
LM216-K F/L
HF Kirkwood
PA266-P F/O
GH Cowan
NG125-F F/O
GR Scott RAAF
PA322-V F/O
AM MacLean RCAF
PD253-D F/O
LM Duggan RAAF
ME739-T F/O
K Hallett RAAF
RA520-E F/O
LA Barnes
LM680-Z F/S
DS Tillett
ND412-H F/O
JW Wallace RNZAF
RF124-S W/O
R Grange
NG123-U F/O
LW Jacobs RAAF
PB784-Q S/L
LW Pilgrim
NG413-M F/O
JL Bathgate RNZAF
On 15th May the squadron mounted
a cross country flight by 4 aircraft, across the Ruhr Valley, 24 year old Section
Officer Kay Seward WAAF[v]
was one of the Base Staff who flew and decades later vividly recalled the
excitement of sitting in a gun turret and sitting beside the pilot of her
aircraft. She was a war widow, her husband Flight Lieutenant Fred Seward had
been killed on 29th June 1943 flying with 97 Squadron.
Note:
on 16th May 1945, Lt William Adams USAAF formerly of 630 Squadron but
now flying with 617 Squadron crashed Lancaster Mark I PD139 while flying fast
and very low near Oberg/Braunschweig clipping the roof of a house while on a
training exercise. The entire crew walked away unhurt. One month earlier he’d
written off another Lancaster near Lossiemouth, soon afterwards he returned to
service with the USAAF.
On 17th May 1945 the recently
arrived crew of 24 year old Bernard Hall[vi]
crashed while carrying out a routine cross country training flight in RF124. At 17:15 hours a message was received at East
Kirkby to the effect that the aircraft had been seen near Wolverhampton coming
out of the clouds apparently out of control and crashing into a roadway near
Moat House Farm at Short Heath, Wednesfield. The aircraft was completely destroyed
and the whole crew killed. The cause of this accident is not known.
Lancaster I, RF124 (Codes LE – S)
Pilot – F/O Bernard Hall. Age 24 †
Flight Eng –
F/O Ronald James O’Donnell. Age 21 †
Navigator –
Sgt Reginald Henry (Reggie) Smith. Age 21 †
Bomb Aimer –
F/O Victor Francis Dobell Meade. Age 23 †
Wireless Op –
Sgt Gordon Leonard Rabbetts. Age 21 †
Mid Upper – Sgt Vincent Reginald Woodburn Southworth. †
Rear Gunner – Sgt John Alfred Sills. Age 21 †
Vincent Southworth was only 19 years old.
The sad loss of this aircraft and crew was the first fatal accident involving a
Bomber Command aircraft since the official cease fire at the end of the Second
World War on 8th May 1945. Hall was buried at Boulton (St Mary) Churchyard,
O’Donnell at Plymouth (Ford Park) Cemetery, Smith at Henley (Reading Road)
Cemetery, Meade at Wiveliscombe (St Andrew) Churchyard, Rabbetts at
Mangotsfield (Downend) Cemetery, Southworth at Watford North Cemetery and Sills
at Cleethorpes Cemetery.
On 18th May 1945 Steve Nunns and crew were posted to 617 Squadron.
On 21st May and 28th May in between a continually building program of training exercises 14 aircraft of 630 Squadron were detailed to jettion incendiaries into the North Sea on the first occasion and 12 on the second. The latter half of month was more inclined to thundery showers but training missions continued as rumours abounded concerning “Tiger Force” the expected transfer of heavy bomber squadrons to participate in the war in the Far East.
630 Squadron completed 595.30
non-operational flying hours during the month.
[i] Michael Churchill Karop (150084), RAFVR. Commissioned 1943, formerly 902476. (born 01/07/1921 Bromley/South London – died 01/07/1959, Bota/Southern Cameroon)
[ii] Peter Geoffrey Selwyn Frampton.
(1217271,198535). RAFVR
An American aircraft reported as a “Vengeance” crash landed in the funnel of the main runway at East Kirkby on Sunday 1st April, its 4 USAAF crew members walked away unhurt.
On Monday 2nd April at 11:50 the
squadron was ordered to stand-by for a mining mission that night but the order
was cancelled at 15:18 hours. The following day at 14:07 an order was received
to prepare for a night attack on Nordhausen, flight planning commenced at 16:30
hours, aircrew were briefed from 18:00 to 19:00 hours and at 19:40 the attack
order was cancelled. Air Commodore Louis Dickens DFC AFC[i]
took over command of No. 55 Base.
Wednesday 4th April 1945 – crews were awoken to attend an 02:30 hours briefing to attack
Nordhausen in daylight. 243 Lancasters and 1 Mosquito of 5 Group attacked troop
concentrations and military barracks at the town of Nordhausen. 17 aircraft and
crews of 630 Squadron were detailed for Ops, these were each armed with 1 x
4000lb HC and 14 x 500lb AN-M64 bombs, 9 aircraft attacked the barracks and the
remaining 8 attacked the town of Nordhausen.
4th
April 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Nordhausen
Take Off: at 06:16 hours Tom Baker and crew
(PD237) with a Second Dickie aboard, were first away.
RF192-A F/O LW Jacob RAAF
JB290-C F/O CRM Richardson RAAF
PD253-D F/O LM Duggan RAAF
RA520-E F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
ND412-H F/L HF Kirkwood
NN702-J F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O GR Scott RAAF
NG413-M F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG259-N F/L NG Roberts RAAF
PA266-P F/O K Hallett RAAF
PB344-R F/S DS Tillett
RF122-S F/O RJ Sassoon
ME739-T F/O AV Cameron RAAF
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF (P/O FA Robinson)
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens
PA266 “P-Peter” returned early as its rear turret went unserviceable the Hallett crew jettisoned their Cookie and landed back at East Kirkby at 09:36 hours. Desmond Reynolds’ NG125 “F-Fox” suffered an engine failure as it crossed the French coast at 10,000 feet on the way out, with at least six hours flying ahead and their port inner engine out of action he decided to press on and risk straggling.
The outward leg of the sortie was accomplished without problem and on arrival. Crews had little difficulty in identifying the barracks but the target was soon covered in smoke and dust due to explosions on target and crews attacking after the first 2 minutes had to estimate the position using the road and railway lines. Several sticks of bombs were definitely seen to fall across the barracks. No opposition was encountered from the ground or in the air. Crews bombing the town did so on the Red TI’s which were placed in the centre of the town. The Master Bomber reported he was quite satisfied with the attack, the barracks and town were severely damaged. “Barney” Barnes and crew were the last to land back at base at 13:01 hours.
Desmond Reynolds and crew had completed their
tour, they were promptly posted and their captain would receive a DFC for his
leadership. Also completing their tour that night were Doug Turner and crew,
two of the squadron’s South African pilots would be returning home.
At 16:40 hours that same afternoon aircraft
were bombed-up in readiness for an army support attack if required but the
operation was not ordered. On the morning of Thursday 5th April at
10:25 hours a preliminary warning for Ops was received but the projected
operation was cancelled at 15:50 hours.
Saturday 7th April 1945 – at 09:45 hours a warning was received to prepare for a night
attack on Molbis. At 10:39 a further instruction arrived to ready 3 aircraft
for mining in Kiel Bay. The mining
mission was confirmed at 11:12 but then cancelled at 12:55 hours but at 14:05
an instruction was received to bomb up the aircraft which had been detailed for
mining, they were to join the attack on Molbis. Flight Planning commenced at
14:30 hours, briefings at 16:30 hours.
At 17:05 the order to reduce the number of aircraft operating by one
third came in. In the end 5 Group
despatched 175 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes to the benzol refinery plant,
electricity power station and tar refinery at Molbis near Leipzig. 11 aircraft
of the squadron participated, these were all armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x
500lb AN-M64 bombs.
7th/8th
April 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Molbis
Take Off: at 18:11 hours Wing Commander
Grindon was the first airborne.
RA520-E F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND412-H F/L H Thompson (F/S RF Mercer)
NN702-J F/O RJ Sassoon
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
PA266-P F/O K Hallett RAAF
ME739-T F/O AV Cameron RAAF
ND949-Z F/O JC Clingin RAAF
NG123-U F/L RG Waterfall (Group Capt Casey)
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF (F/O FA Robinson)
ND949 “Z-Zebra” returned early landing on 3
engines at 21:42 hours with the port inner unserviceable. It is unclear if “Z”
was flown by F/O Clingin’s crew or by F/L Les Oven’s crew and also unclear if
“J-Jig” was flown by the crews of Richard Sassoon or Colin Richardson. Darkness
fell as crews crossed the Rhine and with very much stronger head winds than
predicted on the outward route resulting in a large number of crews arriving on
target late and some not getting a chance to attack before the controller
ordered stop bombing at 23:10
hours. Crews had been unwilling to force
the pace upwards (using more fuel) due to fears of diversions as far north a
Scotland for landing. Weather was clear in the target area with some ground
haze being thickened by a smoke screen.
Based on target photos bombing was very concentrated particularly in
southern districts. A huge explosion at 23:10 hours was reported. Several large
explosions were noted but some might have been decoys. Intense searchlight
activity around target area and heavy flak was moderate but largely inaccurate.
The only fighters seen were over the target.
NG123 “U-Uncle” had one engine fail, needing to be feathered just 15 minutes after take off but her pilot Reg Waterfall and crew with Group Captain Bernard Casey (Base Commander) aboard, pressed on and bombed on 3 engines, bringing “U-Uncle” home safely, the last to land at 03:03 hours. Bombing was so effective that all production at the refinery ceased.
Four of the squadron’s veteran crews made
their last op of the war that night, Geoff Stemp’s crew had flown 32 ops, Henry
Thompson’s 34 ops, Aussie Tom Baker’s 35 ops and that of Reg Waterfall 32 ops.
All four pilots were recommended for DFC’s and later received them.
Sunday 8th April 1945 – A preliminary warning for readiness was received at 10:15 hours,
the target was confirmed as Lützkendorf, flight planning commenced at 14:00 and
briefings at 15:00 hours. As the Lützkendorf oil refinery had not been
destroyed on their previous attack 5 Group sent 231 Lancasters and 11
Mosquitoes to complete the job. 17 of the squadron’s aircraft and crews were
detailed to participate and the aircraft were bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC and
14-16 x 500lb AN-M64 bombs.
8th/9th
April 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Lützkendorf
Take Off: at 18:00 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere in NG413 was the first away.
RF192-A F/O LW Jacob RAAF
JB290-C F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
PD253-D F/O LM Duggan RAAF
RA520-E F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F F/O KO Gibson
ND412-H F/S RF Mercer
NN702-J F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
LM216-K F/L HF Kirkwood
NG413-M S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PA266-P F/L LF Ovens (F/L JD Richardson)
PB344-R F/S DS Tillett
RF122-S F/O RJ Sassoon
ME739-T F/O AV Cameron RAAF
PD254-W F/O FA Robinson
PD327-Y F/O JC Clingin RAAF
ND949-Z F/O CRM Richardson RAAF
Two Lancasters were unable to take off for this attack, “L” (F/O GR Scott) and “U” (W/O R Grange) due to last minute unserviceability. Darkness fell as the formation crossed the Rhine and there was no fighter or flak activity on the route to the target. With approximately 250 miles still to fly to reach the target and at only 5,000 feet the starboard outer engine of “M-Mother” failed but Squadron Leader Cuelenaere decided to press on aware that he would have to attack from lower than the expected bombing height of 8,000 feet. At the target where the weather conditions were hazy but with no cloud, Markers were laid in good time for H-hour (22:45 hours) and the crews were called in to bomb at H -1 from 8,000 to 14,000 feet.
Crews were able to attack the Red TI’s with an 11 second overshoot. Major explosions followed and a particularly huge explosion was recorded by many crews at 22:52 hours. Consumate team work brought the Cuelenaere crew to the target on time and they attacked successfully from 7,500 feet. Staggered search light batteries were the main ground defences and flak was negligible. Some combats were however reported. The oil refinery was comprehensively put out of action. Aircraft were diverted to Honeybourne on their return due to nasty weather conditions over base. The last of Six-thirty’s aircraft to return safely was LM216 (Harold Kirkwood) at 03:37 hours.
At 03:10 hours ND949 “Z-Zebra” with it’s “Almost
– All Australian” crew had crashed at Foxton near Market Harborough before
reaching the diversion airfield and sadly all of the crew were killed.
Lancaster III, ND949 (Codes LE – Z)
Pilot – F/O Colin Robert Moore Richardson RAAF. Age 23 †
F/Eng-Pilot – Sgt Bernard Gibbons. Age 21 †
Navigator – F/S Herbert Eric Burton RAAF. Age 25 †
Bomb Aimer – F/O Robert Martin RAAF. Age 23 †
Wireless Op – F/O William Forrester RAAF. Age 20 †
Mid Upper – F/S Anthony Ellis Bowman RAAF. Age 23 †
Rear Gunner – F/S Fredrick James Howlett RAAF. Age 29 †
Four of Colin Richardson’s crew were buried
at Oxford (Botley) Cemtery, Sgt Gibbons a qualified pilot was flying as F/Eng
and is buried at Norton (St Nicholas) Churchyard, Letchworth, F/O Robert Martin
RAAF who had served at Tobruk with the Australian Army before transferring for
aircrew duty was buried by family members at Sunderland (Southwick) Cemetery
and F/S Howlett RAAF is at Cambridge City Cemetery.
Tuesday 10th April 1945. At 10:45 hours the crews at Honeybourne were ordered to prepare to
return to East Kirkby about 13:00 hours. The Station had already been advised
to provide 10 aircraft and crews from each squadron for a night attack. At
11:20 the decision was made to detail experienced crews only and at 12:00 the
route was received. Flight planning commenced at 12:10 hours.In an operation in
support of ground troops 76 Lancasters and 19 Mosquitoes fo 5 and 8 Groups were
sent to attack the Wahren railway marshalling yards near Leipzig. Briefing was
held at 16:00 hours for the crews of the 11 aircraft of Six-thirty detailed to
participate, their arcraft were each armed with 10 x 1000lb MC bombs.
10th/11th
April 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Leipzig-Wahren
Take Off: at 18:20 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere in NG125 was the first off the deck.
RF192-A F/O PS Weston RNZAF
JB290-C F/O JW Hoare RAAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG125-F S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
ND412-H F/O LA Barnes
NG259-N F/L NG Roberts RAAF 0317
PB344-R Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
ME739-T F/O AV Cameron RAAF
RF122-S F/O RJ Sassoon
LM680-Z F/L LF Ovens
NN702-J F/L OJS Atkinson RAAF
The outward journey in excellent weather
was uneventful but on arrival over the target area lack of flak suggested that
fighter activity would be intense. Marking was completed punctually and
accurately after which crews were ordered to attack the south western edge of
the concentration of red and yellow TI’s. Most crews visually identified the
marshalling yards and bombing from 11,200 to 14,000 feet appeared well
concentrated with a large explosion at 23:00 hours. The lower level attack was
carried out by Neil Roberts and crew who attacked on 3 engines after their
starboard inner engine failed. A large number of decoy TI’s were lit by the
Germans south of the target. Fighters were active over the target probably
working with the searchlights but did not seem to follow the main force
homeward. Once clear of the target the 5
Group “rapid let down” to 3,000 feet was again deployed and fighter
interference escaped on the route homeward.
Les Ovens crew aboard the brand new
“Z-Zebra” (LM680) were unable to attack as its bomb doors would not open after
a hydraulics failure. Half of the railway yard was assessed as destroyed.
Harry Ramsey’s “D-Dog” (PD253) had received the attentions of German nightfighters, over the target a Fw190 attacked at high speed with machineguns and cannons but with warning given Ramsay was able to throw the Lancaster into a violent corkscrew as Sergeant Matt Barry in the mid-upper turret and Sergeant HL “Mac” McDonald in the rear turret opened fire. The single engined fighter broke up in the air before their eyes. Leaving the target area another Fw190 was sighted, before it could manoeuvre to attack Matt Barry raked it with machinegun fire and it burst into flames spiralling into the ground where it exploded. Two Fw190’s destroyed within minutes.
The last of the squadron’s crews to return
safely was unsurprisingly that of Neil Roberts crew in NG259 “N-Nan” which
landed still on three engines at 03:17 hours.
Two of the seven crews who Failed To Return
from the attack were from Six-thirty.
Lancaster I, ME739 (Codes LE – T)
Pilot – F/O Angus Vernon Cameron RAAF. Age 24 Prisoner Of War
Flight Eng – Sgt Reginald William Beardwell. Age Prisoner Of War
Navigator – Sgt George Stanley W Hooper. Age Prisoner Of War
Bomb Aimer – F/S Grenville Gould. Age 22 Evaded
Wireless Op – F/S John Edward Hogan RAAF. Age 21 Prisoner Of War
Mid Upper – Sgt John Radford Dicken. Age 19 †
Rear Gunner – Sgt Gerald George E Bourner. Age 23 Evaded
ME739 crashed at Zwochau just north west of Leipzig and is almost certainly the bomber claimed as shot down by Hauptmann Ernst-Georg Drünkler of 1/NJG 5 over Leipzig at about 23:05 hours, his 42nd victory. All of the crew baled out but the Sergeant Dicken’s canopy caught fire and he fell to his death.
Later an American Graves registration unit searching Zwochau for the crew of a missing B-17 located his grave and reburied him at Choloy in France as per the US policy of routinely moving casualties from within Germany for re-burial on friendly soil.
Rear gunner Gerald Bourner, who had celebrated his 23rd birthday just 2 days previously, later recalled that on their bombing run there were sudden loud bangs in “T-Tare” and the fuselage was immediately ablaze. He heard the order to bale out as the flames spread and promptly did so, landing with a thump in a plouged field some time after 23:00 hours. The Bournemouth former draftsman hid his chute in a ditch and headed westwards meeting his bomb aimer Grenville Gould a former engineer from Leamington Spa, as he went. As dawn broke they hid-up in a haystack where they were found by two Polish force labourers who gave them food. Moving on at midday they trudged towards Lansberg where they met two British prisoners of war from a nearby work camp who had been in a working party which had scattered when caught in an air attack and were resting up. Deciding to hide-up in plain sight the two airmen arrange to meet the soldiers that night at the perimeter of their camp, managing to sneak inside where they received military uniform, boots and could be fed. On 13th April the camp was evacuated by the Germans who were unwilling to march far for fear of marching towards the rapidly approaching Russians rather than falling into the hands of US forces. Eventually camping at a farm at Mutzchlena they were liberated by the US Army on 19th April. Grenville Gould recalled that he landed by parachute about 4-5 miles North of Leipzig before 23:30 hours, buried his parachute and harness and walked westwards for about an hour before joining Bourner. Just four days later Angus Cameron celebrated his 25th birthday.
Lancaster I, RF122 (Codes LE – S)
Pilot – F/O Richard Joseph Sassoon. Age 2 1 †
Flight Eng – Sgt Stanley Charles Walton. Age †
Navigator – P/O John Hopwood. Age 32 †
Bomb Aimer – F/O Patrick Francis Fleming.Age 22 Prisoner Of War
Wireless Op – F/S Murray Swanson Munro. Age 24 †
Mid Upper – Sgt William Howard Roger Jenkins. Age 22 †
Rear Gunner – F/S Ivor Lancelot Lynn. Age 37 Prisoner Of War
RF122 was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Glebitzsch, 11km eastwards from Bitterfeld where the dead airmen were initially buried, they were later moved to Berlin War Cemetery. It is very possible that Ernst-Georg Drünkler (see above) who is considered to have shot down ME739 next attacked RF122 also shooting that down although the loss might also be attributed to pilots of NJG100 who were also operating in the area and did make claims.
Ivor Lynn was possibly the oldest member of aircrew to serve with 630 Squadron, he was born 5 September 1908 in Newport, Monmouthshire and had been a Brewers Drayman in Oxford prior to joining the RAF. He had previously served in the Tank Corps from 1927 to 1933 including a tour in India with 15/19 Hussars, he’d lied about his age to join up under age. Known as “Pop” to his crew as the result of the age difference he recalled their Lancaster being hit hard in the mid-section from below, the explosion causing his chin to impact the breech of the .303 Browning machineguns in front of him. The force was so great it propelled him up head first through the Perspex which shattered. Fearing possibly being machine gunned in his parachute Lynn delayed deploying his chute on the way down, he saw the Lancaster spiralling down and a lone fighter circling down after it. He sprained his ankle on landing and paused to brush slivers of perspex out from around his neck. Hearing animals running around the field Lynn didn’t move until daylight wary of the possibility of attack dogs and knowing that the live bomb load was still in the plane. Discounting the possibility of evasion due to his damaged ankle Lynn waited for dawn before hobbling into a nearby village on his damaged ankle and surrendered to the postman. He was very fortunate, in multiple incidents captured aircrew were very badly beaten or even lynched by crowds led by local Nazi Party district or block leaders while the authorities turned a blind eye.
“Barney”
Barnes had flown the last op of the second half of his tour, which had been delayed
for some months after he was shot down over occupied Europe and returned after
evading capture. He remained with the squadron until it was disbanded. Post-war
he became manager of the Priting Department of Williams & Glyns Bank being
awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list of 1980 [London Gazette 14
June 1980].
At 10:10 on Wednesday 11th April orders were received for an attack on Leuna/Merseberg to commence at 22:30 hours, the route arrived at 11:10 and flight planning commenced at 14:00 hours. As the first aircraft took off at 17:45 hours a cancellation order was received from SHAEF. At 18:25 that evening a 158 Squadron Halifax code “N” from Lissett which was on an attack against Nuremburg landed at East Kirkby due to a hydraulic leak. The Station’s ground crews worked to repair the visitor’s problem. Flying was restricted by several days of cloudy or foggy weather when even the best weather conditions always seemed to include a haze.
Jeff Bignell RAAF and crew arrived at East Kirkby on 12 April and were soon in action.
Friday 13th April 1945 – a “Raid Assessment Meeting” was held for both 57 and 630
Squadrons in the 630 Squadron Captain’s briefing Room” starting at 09:30 but
during this at 10:05 a preliminary warning was received for a Gardening mission
in Kiel Bay that night, expected H-hour 22:45 hours. Four of the squadron’s
Lancasters (and two of 57’s) were detailed for mining and each armed with 6 x
Mk.VI mines. Briefing for Navigators commenced at 14:00 hours, for Captain’s at
14:30 and the main briefing at 15:00 or 16:30 hours by which time H-hour had
been amended to 23:30 hours.
13th/14th
April 1945 Night
Minelaying – Kiel Bay area
Take Off: at 20:30 hours George Cowan and
crew in NN774 were the first away from East Kirkby.
RA520-E F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NN774-L F/O GH Cowan
NG123-U W/O R Grange
PA266-P F/L NG Roberts RAAF
The crew of “L-Love” had to abort their
task over the target area due to faulty H2S equipment however the others successfully
laid mines in their allotted positions using H2S and without opposition. The
last to return was Neil Roberts’ PA266 at 02:12 hours.
On Sunday 15th April warning was
received at 10:20 hours for an attack on Pilsen, expected H-hour at 22:30, but the
order was cancelled at 16:05 due to poor weather in the target area after
completion of the aircrew briefings and five aircraft had to be de-bombed to
participate in training flights. On Monday morning the College of Arms returned
the crest and motto of 630 Squadron to 5 Group HQ complete with royal approval.
Monday 16th April 1945. At 10:10 hours the squadron was ordered to prepare to attack
Pilsen at 22:45 that night, aircraft were to be fuelled with 2,000 gallons of fuel,
the route was received at 11:35 and flight planning commenced at 13:00 however
an instruction was received to change H-hour to 04:00 so flight planning
re-commenced at 16:30 with briefing times adjusted to 20:30 for navigators, and
21:00 for Captain’s and main briefing. 5
Group despatched 222 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes to attack the railway
marshalling yards at Pilsen. 14 aircraft and crews of Six-thirty were detailed
to participate in the attack, each was armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 14 x 500lb
AM-N64 bombs,
16th/17th
April 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Pilsen
Take Off: at 23:36 hours the first away was
RA520 flown by Ken Gibson. Four crews had Second Dickies aboard to gain
operational experience.
RF192-A F/O PS Weston RNZAF (P/O JT Bignell RAAF)
JB290-C F/L JD Richardson RAAF
RA520-E F/O KO Gibson
NG125-F F/O LM Duggan RAAF
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
NN702-J F/S RF Mercer
LM216-K F/L HF Kirkwood
NN774-L F/O LW Jacob RAAF
NG413-M F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF (F/O JB Dobbie)
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon (F/L J Barnes)
PA266-P F/L OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R F/S DS Tillett
RF124-S F/O FA Robinson
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF (F/OWM Taylor)
LM680-Z F/L LF Ovens
The outward journey was uneventful and
until navigation lights were switched off at the English coast the stream
appeared very well concentrated. Over the target marking was punctual and
assessed as being within 50 yeards of the aiming point, the attack opened at
H-1. Crews were instructed to attack the north western tip of the red and
yellow TI’s from 03:58 and then at 04:03 hours to attack the north western tip
of the Red TI’s overshooting by 6 seconds. The attack, from 11,900 to 14,000
feet was quickly assessed as successful. Several large explosions were reported
including a particularly big one at 04:00 hours. Search lights seemed to concentrate some
2,000 – 3,000 feet above the main force. Ground defences were slight and
fighter activity on a small scale confined mainly to the TA and the first 50
miles of the route home. PB344 “R-Robert” was originally reported “Overdue”
from this operation but after landing at Juvincourt at 06:30 hours Don Tillett
brought his crew back to base safely. At 08:18 hours “H-How” touched down, the
last to land.
Clear evidence that the air war was coming to a close is found in the number of the squaron’s experienced crews who flew their last op against Pilsen, some had completed their tours but others had their routine pattern of leave due and on their return there were no more ops. “Olly” Atkinson and “Jim” Ovens crews were both tour expired and screened on their return, their captains recommended for DFC’s which were later received, Harry Ramsey and Marthinus Ackerman were not to fly again on ops, both also later received DFC’s, the OC Wing Commander John Grindon flew his last op with 630 Squadron, in July he would be awarded a DSO in recognition of his exceptional leadership of 630 Squadron, he was posted to 617 Squadron, the Dam Busters, in command.
At 17:40 hours on the evening of Tuesday 17th April 1945 as
preparations were underway for an attack on a target near the German/Czech
border, bombing-up was almost complete when fire broke out, it has been
speculated from a petrol spillage, on the dispersal used by 57 Squadron’s
“U-Uncle” close to Hagnaby Grange farm house and buildings. The ever efficient
fire crew turned out with the tender arriving at the moment that two 1,000 lb
bombs exploded. An RAF fire fighter and a soldier of the Pioneer Corps who had
been employed on runway repairs but was keen to help were killed instantly.
Fireman LAC William Thaxton was wounded but managed to carry his badly injured
Corporal away from the worst of the fire and explosion as others began to fight
the fires. Very quickly however the fires had spead to two more of 57
Squadron’s Lancasters and quite quickly their bomb loads also began to explode.
Fortunately the dispersal was on the far side of the station distant from the
village. The Station Fire Officer, F/O Grebby arrived just after an ambulance
attendant and one of the groundcrew had been killed.
The citations for gallantry awards later
published in the London Gazette [27 November 1945] tell the story of what
followed.
The KING has been graciously .pleased to give orders for the following
appointments to the Most Excellent Order of lie British Empire and to approve
the following awards of the British Empire Medal: —
To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire:—
Flying Officer John Aidan Hastings Gott, G.M. (154963), Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve.
Flying Officer Courtenay Cecil GREBBY (133289), Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve.
Awarded the British Empire Medal (MilitaryDivision).
916695 Corporal Raymond Graham FORSTER, Royal Air Force.
1184210 Corporal Leslie John Daniel FRISWELL, Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve.
1863590 Leading Aircraftman Frederick Phillip BROWN, Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve.
1037853 Leading Aircraftman William Edward THAXTON, Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve.
On the evening of 17th April, 1945, an explosion occurred in an aircraft
which was being prepared for operations on the airfield at East Kirkby. A number
of airmen and soldiers working in the vicinity were injured, two of them fatally.
Two, and eventually three, aircraft already fully bombed up on adjacent
dispersal positions caught fire, and shortly afterwards the bombs on these aircraft
started to explode. Flying Officers Gott and Grebby went to the scene
immediately after the first explosion. They found a soldier lying near the
blazing wreckage with his clothing on fire, put out the flames and rendered
first aid to his wounds. These officers then proceeded to extinguish fires
which had taken hold of the tyres of some loaded bomb trolleys. Next, in spite
of further explosions of bombs, they helped to remove wounded men to places of
safety. Explosions were now occurring at frequent intervals, causing further
casualties, some fatal. Orders were given to evacuate the area but Flying
Officer Grebby continued to help with the wounded and asked permission to
remove a body lying by the burning wreckage of an aircraft. At that moment a
further bomb exploded and Flying Officer Grebby sustained a deep wound in the
thigh. When in great .pain, and lying on a stretcher, he asked to be assured
that no injured persons were being left in danger while he was being given a place
in the ambulance.
Flying Officer Gott was the last to leave the scene, taking with him in his
car the last of the injured men. Corporal Forster, who was in charge of the
airmen engaged in servicing the aircraft in which the initial explosion occurred,
was in a hut some 50 yards away. Although injured and severely shaken, he
immediately went to the scene and assisted Flying Officers Gott and Grebby in
their rescue work. After having removed one injured man to safety,
Corporal Forster returned to the aircraft and continued to render assistance until he was instructed to leave the area. Corporal Friswell was in charge of a party of airmen engaged in servicing an aircraft a short distance away. When the explosion occurred he was thrown to the ground and sustained slight injuries. Before he could reach safety a further explosion occurred and several men sustained injuries. Corporal Friswell went to the scene of the accident, removed one man to safety and arranged for his conveyance to sick quarters. Corporal Friswell then returned to the aircraft and continued the rescue work until he was ordered to retire. Leading Aircraftman Brown was in a flight hut some 50 yards away when the first explosion occurred and was knocked down by the blast. Leading Aircraftman Brown quickly extricated himself from the wreckage of the hut, and then proceeded to the scene of the accident. Soon 4 aircraft were ablaze and, although further explosions and fires were occurring, Leading Aircraftman Brown made every endeavour to help the injured personnel and also assisted in extinguishing isolated fires. Leading Aircraftman Thaxton, a member of the Station fire party, was injured by the explosion of a bomb as he arrived on the scene; his corporal was thrown to the ground and severely injured. Leading Aircraftman Thaxton carried the corporal to safety and then returned to the scene of the explosion. Despite the intermittent explosions which were still occurring this airman assisted in the rescue
work and was instrumental in evacuating many of the injured personnel.
Throughout the incident these officers and airmen displayed outstanding courage
and initiative which resulted in the saving of many lives.
Losing
blood at a terrific rate from his leg wound F/O Grebby’s life was saved by a
tourniquet made from Group Captain Bernard Casey OBE’s braces (Station
Commander). The station commander and F/L Jim MacBean, Station Armament Officer
had arrived on the scene just as Lancaster LM673 blew up killing Corporal Dixon
(Ambulance) and a fireman. Group Captain Casey ordered the evacuation of the
vicinity and as explosions and fires continued, the evacuation of the station. The
casualties were moved clear as the fourth Lancaster caught fire just as the
fire tenders arrived from neighbouring Coningsby and Spilsby.
At
09:30 hours the following morning another bomb exploded as the Bomb Disposal Squad
waited to commence work and they had to remain clear until later that afternoon
after the remaining aircraft had been de-bombed. They carried out controlled
explosions on a number of bombs in dangerous condition wherever they had been
thrown across the airfield by the explosions and rendered the area safe so that
the airfield could resume duties. The fire had completely burned out.
Four
of 57 Squadron’s Lancasters had been destroyed, 10 seriously damaged and six
more lightly damaged. The Incendiary Hangar/Store beside the dispersal was
extensively damaged and the dispersal hard-standings were cratered as was a
section of the track. Flight dispersal huts were blown flat and damage was done
to two of the unoccupied houses of Hagnaby Grange on the aerodrome. Inn that aftermath it was discovered that 9 x
1,000 lb and 34 x 500 lb Medium Capacity bombs had exploded.
Those killed were –
1009063 Corporal Thomas Stanley Dixon RAFVR, age 30 of Dukinfield.
1048598 LAC Arnold Price RAFVR, age 24 of Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
1018928 Corporal George William Johnson RAFVR, age 33 of Wombwell.
13062628 Corporal Matthew Bulmer, 829 Company Pioneer Corps, age 29 of Prendergast, Pembrokeshire (a Sunderland man).
Corporal Dixon was buried at Marple (All
Saints) Churchyard, LAC Dixon at Manchester Southern Cemetery, Corporal Johnson
at Wombwell Cemetery in Yorkshire and Corporal Bulmer at Lincoln (Newport)
Cemetery.
The names of those recorded as injured were
–
LAC A Daley RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
F/O CC Grebby RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
Cpl RJ Piper RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
Pte E Turner (Army) 829 Company Pioneer Corps
Cpl Dougherty RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
LAC F Challis RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
Cpl J Martin RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
LAC R Stubbs RAFVR RAF East Kirkby
On Thursday 19th April Flight Sergeant Maxwell Hartcher RAAF, bomb aimer in Keith Hallett’s recently arrived Aussie crew was receiving treatment at the RAF Hospital Rauceby for injuries and he was later repatriated to Australia. At this stage nothing else is known but his crew flew no further ops and survived the war.
Exercises were the routine for several days although at 18:20 hours on Friday 20th April the squadron received preliminary warning for an Op on the 21st, but it did not take place and on Sunday 22nd at 19:00 hours another warning was received for a daylight attack on the following day.
Above – (front row) PWH Reynolds (F/Eng & 2nd Pilot), Jack Barnes (Skipper), Alf Manser (Nav). (back row) Marshall (bomb aimer), unknown, GDE Worsford (wireless op) and George Thornborrow (rear gunner)
Four new crews were on the Battle Order for the next op, they were captained by Flight Lieutenant Jack Barnes[ii] from 1660 CU heading a crew including some pre-war RAF regular service airmen commencing their second tours, Aussie F/O Jeff Bignell RAAF[iii] with his mainly British crew on their first tour, 25 year old Flying Officer John Dobbie[iv] a recently married Glaswegian pre-war Regular airman with his crew of British NCO’s and finally the crew of British NCO’s headed by 31 year old Flying Officer Mick Taylor[v] a veterinary surgeon from Codsall in Staffordshire.
Monday 23rd April 1945. At 04:00 hours the planned attack was postponed due to poor
weather in the Target Area but at 10:00 hours the operation was back “On”now
planned for 17:30 hours. Briefings commenced at 11:00 and at 12:10 H-Hour was
put back until 18:30 but the Op was confirmed “On”. 5 Group despatched 148
Lancasters to attack the railway yards at Flensburg on the North German coast
with shipping in harbour as alternative. The 12 Lancasters of 630 Squadron were
each bombed up with 14 x 1000lb AN-M65 bombs.
23rd
April 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Flensburg
Take Off: at 15:06 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere and “Jake” Jacobs led the squadron away.
RF192-A F/O JB Dobbie
NG125-F F/O LW Jacobs RAAF
NN702-J F/S RF Mercer
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N F/L NG Roberts RAAF
PA266-P F/O JT Bignell RAAF
RF124-S F/O WM Taylor
NG123-U F/L J Barnes
ND412-H F/O KO Gibson
PB784-Q F/L JD Richardson RAAF
PA322-V F/O FA Robinson
LM680-Z F/O A McGuffie
Climbing through a thin sheet layer of cloud the squadron joined the “gaggle” on time and in position. Cloud began to break on leaving the English coast and near the enemy coast it had cleared completely. Over the target however the Controller ordered the force to “abandon attack” as a solid layer of cloud covered the target at 6,000 to 8,000 feet. No ground opposition was encountered and there were only one or two sightings of enemy aircraft but none attacked. All aircraft returned safely, Neil Roberts in NG259 “N-Nan” being the last to land at East Kirkby at 21:06 hours.
About to fly his first op with 630 Squadron
was recently arrived replacement B-flight commander, 23 year old Squadron
Leader Lawrence Pilgrim DFC[vi]
until recently a long serving flight commander at 1660 HCU, heading a veteran
crew comprising Australians, British and a New Zealander. Pilgrim had flown a
successful first tour with 44 Squadron.
Wednesday 25th April 1945. In the early hours crews prepared for briefings which commenced at
01:00 hours. The Op was declared definitely “On” at 03:05 hours. 359 Lancasters
and 16 Mosquitoes of 1, 5 and 8 Groups were despatched to bomb Hitler’s
personal “Eagles Nest” chalet complex and the adjoining SS Barracks at
Berchtesgaden. 5 aircraft of 630 Squadron participated each armed with 12 x
1000lb AN-M59 bombs.
25th
April 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Berchtesgaden
Take Off: at 04:15 hours aboard NG125 Ken
Gibson’s crew were the first airborne.
RA520-E F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG125-F F/O KO Gibson
NN702-J F/O GR Scott RAAF
PA322-V S/L LW Pilgrim
PB784-Q F/O GH Cowan
The bombers took off and made their ways individually to the rendezvous point at St Quentin where the group formed up in the early morning light. Other sections of the formation joined up later. Weather at the target was clear with excellent visibility although low cloud hung in many of the deep valleys. The expected Red TI’s were not seen. The attack took place from 16,000 to 16,500 feet between 09:00 to 09:03 hours. Several crews reported seeing the barracks rectangle which was quickly obscured by bomb bursts. It is noted that overshoots were observed and that some aircraft attacked the railway bridge north of the target whilst others bombed the village itself. High mountains on the run in prevented several crews from seeing the target until the last minute with mist in the valleys making map reading difficuly. F/O GR Scott’s crew had an unsuccessful op receiving no bombing instructions. No enemy fighters were seen but moderate heavy flak was met at the target and from Salzburg. Amongst the force were 16 Lancasters of 617 Squadron dropping their last “Tallboy” bombs. The mission was assessed as accurate and effective. George Cowan was the last of the squadron to return to base at 12:54 hours. Jack Hoare’s crew had flown their 30th and last Op, they had survived.
25th April 1945. After an initial signal that the Squadron would not be required
for Ops that night – a mining operation in Oslofjord was ordered. Briefings
commenced at 18:00 hours and the 4 Lancasters detailed for the mining mission
were each armed with 6 x Mk.VI mines
25th/26th
April 1945 Night
Minelaying – “Onions”
Take Off: at 20:09 hours aboard NN774
“Jake” Jacobs and crew were the first of the “All Commonwealth” force to leave
East Kirkby.
RF124-S F/O AM MacLean RCAF
NN774-L F/O LW Jacobs RAAF
RF192-A F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NG123-U F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
All mines were laid in the allotted
positions using H2S equipment. Scanty light flak was encountered from Horten
area but no other opposition. Four searchlights were active in the garden area.
Determination to be as accurate as possible shows clearly as Albert MacLean’s
crew aborted their first run and made a second to ensure that their “Vegetable”
was correctly “planted” and Phil Weston’s crew did not release until their 4th
run. “Jake” Jacobs’ crew were the last to return landing at 02:53 hours being
the last of Six-thirty’s crews to participate in an operational attack in the
Second World War. Note – one record states that the crew of F/O Jim Bathgate
flew this op aboard a 57 Squadron Lancaster “X-X ray”.
On 26th April 1945 Wing Commander Frederick “Jimmy” Wild[vii] took command of 630 Squadron. He was an adventurous 33 year old Bradford man, who had been a Cadet in the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 and worked in the USA and Canada in the late 1920’s before returning to the UK to take up a regular commission in the RAF in 1931. Having served in the Middle East pre-war and then flying from North Africa to bomb Italian targets with 38 Squadron (Wellington bombers) in late 1940/early 1941, he was a highly respected officer. Postwar Wild returned to Canada where he settled and became a citizen.
The out-going CO Wing Commander John Grindon was recommended for a DSO for his outstanding leadership and bravery whilst in command of 630 Squadron, he was posted to command 617 Squadron. The month closed with several days of cloudy weather
The remaining days of April and those of
May were mainly fair but with occasional showers and Six-thirty were kept busy
with high level bombing exercises, fighter affiliation missions and occasional
Air to Sea firing.
[i] Louis Walter Dickens DFC AFC (16108), RAFVR. AFC LG. 06/06/39. DFC
LG. 31/05/40, 139 Sqdn. Sir Louis, KB DFC AFC DL. MinD LGs. 14/01/44, 01/01/45,
01/01/46.
Saturday 3rd March 1945. 630 Squadron were detailed to participate in a raid on the
Dortmund-Ems Canal at Ladbergen on 1st March but the attack was
cancelled, however the Ladbergen Aqueduct on the canal was the target for 5
Group when 630 Squadron flew next. 212 Lancaster and 10 Mosquitoes were flying.
13 aircraft of the squadron were detailed and each armed with 13 x 1000lb MC
bombs except ND412 which carried 12 x 1000lb MC bombs.
3rd/4th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Ladbergen
Take Off: at 18:31 hours Wing Commander
Grindon was first airborne in NG259.
PD253-D F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RA520-E F/S R Grange
NG125-F F/O EJ Monk
ND412-H F/O JW Hoare RAAF
RF122-I F/L H Thompson
NN774-L F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q W/O GH Cowan
LM260-S S/L MA Eyre
ME739-T R/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
8/10ths cloud covered the target but the
flares and TI’s went down on time although the Red TI’s were rather scattered
and couldn’t always be seen through clouds. The Controller ordered main force
to bomb north-west of the red TI and later instructed to overshoot this TI by 3
seconds. Many crews reported that fighters were active during the run in and
there was some light flak at target. Some fighter activity had been encountered
approaching target and fighters were also active on the route homeward to about
0530E. No combats were reported by the squadron. PD254 reached the target too
late and had to abort. The aqueduct was
breached in 2 places and put completely out of action.
At East Kirkby landings were almost
complete after 10 of Six-thirty’s Lancasters landed successfully by 00:12 hours
when “bandits” arrived on the circuit and all airfield lights were switched off,
the remaining 2 were diverted without problem and after being engaged by a
fighter PD253 (Jimmy Wallace) diverted and landed safely at Deighford. A JU88 night fighter made a low diving attack
on East Kirkby shooting up mainly the 57 Squadron side of the airfield with
cannon and machine gun fire using incendiary and tracer rounds. Only
superficial damage was caused to the MT Section and 57’s briefing room but a
debriefing team comprising 4 RAF officers and Squadron Officer Beth Hayward the
WAAF CO were injured. Sadly 22 year old Flying Officer Arthur Heeley[i]
(57 Squadron) the Signals Analysis Officer, died later that day of his
injuries.
Unternehmen (Operation) Gisela was in full
swing, almost 200 Luftwaffe fighter crews had been briefed to cross the North
Sea and patrol the East Coast from the Thames Estuary to the North Yorkshire
Moors where they shot down both returning bombers and a number of Heavy
Conversion Unit aircraft on night flying exercises.
3rd/4th
March 1945 Night Minelaying – “Onions”
2 aircraft were detailed for minelaying each carrying 6 x Mk.1V mines. Reg Waterfall took off in LM216 just minutes before “Jim” Ovens.
NG413-M F/L LF Ovens
LM216-K F/L RG Waterfall
LM216’s sortie was aborted and they landed at Bitteswell at 01:51 hours. At about 20:57 hours from 10,000 feet NG413 planted vegetables in the allotted garden utilising H2S, no enemy aircraft were seen but a little heavy flak was experienced in the garden area. The weather was reported to be clear and visibility excellent. One source suggests that “Jim” Ovens flew “Y-Yoke” and not “M-Mother”.
Monday 5th March 1945. Ensuring that what remained
of Hitler’s Germany was utterly starved of the oil which it desperately needed
if it were to continue fighting, 5 Group despatched 248 Lancasters and 10
Mosquitoes to bomb a synthetic oil refinery. 17 aircraft of Six-thirty were
detailed for Ops, each with 1 x 4000lb HC, 1 x 500lb MC and 11 x 500lb AN-M64,
except ND412 and ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC, 1 x 500lb MC and 8 x 500lb
AN-M64 and NN774 and PD237 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 12 x 500lb AN-M64
bombs. Preliminary warning of the attack was received at 10:15 and flight
planning and briefings commenced 13:30 hours.
5th/6th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Böhlen
Take Off: at 16:56 hours in RA520 Wing
Commander Grindon was first off the deck.
“Jerry” Monk and Neil Roberts’ crews had Second Dickies aboard for the
mission.
PD253-D F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RA520-E W/C JE Grindon
NG125-F F/O EJ Monk (F/O LM Duggan RAAF)
ND412-H F/O LW Jacob RAAF
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M F/O PS Weston RNZAF
NG259-N F/S R Grange
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LM260-S F/O KO Gibson
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF (F/O JC Clingin RAAF)
PD327-Y W/O DI Plumb
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens
The squadron flew below the clouds from
base, between 2,000 to 3,000 feet to Reading and then re-joined the bomber
stream. 9/10ths to10/10ths cloud was encountered in the target area. 8 aircraft
were seen going down in flames between 08°East and 1130°East. Near the target
area the result of a collision was observed with parts of a wing falling to
earth. Sky markers were all that could be seen for the most part and due to
density of cloud they were sometimes obscure.
Most crews bombed the sky markers although a few reported seeing TI’s on
the ground through slight breaks in the cloud. Three crews report that this TI
was on the oil plant and that bombs were bursting amongst the buildings with a
large oil tank on fire. Several heavy explosions were noted with a particularly
large one at 21:53 hours. Moderate flak was encountered over the target and
considerable fighter activity on the outward journey and over the target, but
none on the homeward route. Combats began at 0800E. On the outward journey
persistent contrails were seen above 14,000 feet. Homeward all crews reported
moderate icing in cloud between 6,000 to 12,000 feet. The average airborne time was 10.20 hours. Warrant
Officer Don Plumb flying PD237 brought the last of the squadron’s aircraft
safely home at 03:43 hours. Despite the cloud cover damage was caused to the
production capability of the refinery and to some storage sections. Jerry Monk
and crew had flown their last op together, their tour was over and they were
screened. Within just a week or so they had been posted away, their captain dashed
down to Wimbledon in South London on leave and a week later married his
sweetheart Olive.
Tuesday 6th March 1945. 5 Group were ordered to
attack the small port of Sassnitz on the Baltic island of Rügen, 191 Lancasters
and 7 Mosquitoes were despatched. Preliminary warning for both of the attacks
came in at 10:40 hours and flight planning and briefings commenced at 14:30
hours. 630 Squadron crews were specifically briefed to attack shipping inside
and outside the harbour. 11 Lancasters of 630 Squadron were detailed armed with
a total of 96 x 1000lb AN-M65 TD .025 bombs. The squadron also provided one
aircraft and crew for a night minelaying operation which was also conducted.
6th/7th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Sassnitz
Take Off: at 18:02 hours Wing Commander
Grindon was first away, in RA520,
PD253-D F/O DA Clifford
ND412-H F/L H Thompson
RA520-E W/C JE Grindon
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/L EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W S/L MA Eyre
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens
Aside from a cold front the outward trip
was in excellent weather conditions right up to the last sea crossing from
Sweden to the target. Over the port 7/10ths
to 9/10ths cloud obscured the visibility. Several crews attacked a large liner
about 1 mile east of harbour breakwater but no results could be assessed due to
cloud. Considerable light flak was fired from shipping but no fighters were seen.
Aboard RA520 ”E” Gordon Mortiboys, Wing Commander Grindon’s bomb aimer, had a
faulty bombsight so they attacked the town of Sassnitz dropping 10 x 1000lb
from 9,500 feet. Kiwi Ron Stone was the
last of the squadron to land back at base at 03:40 hours. Three ships were sunk
in harbour and the massive 22,117 ton troop transport “Hamburg” was sunk just
off shore, obviously the liner attacked by Six-thirty.
The attack on Sassnitz was the last op
flown with 630 Squadron by flight commander Squadon Leader Malcolm Eyre who was
recommended for a DFC and posted shortly afterwards. His crew was dispersed,
mostly posted over the following months, rear gunner George Arrowsmith and
flight engineer John Nelson were recommended for DFC’s and both later received
them.
6th/7th
March 1945
Night Minelaying in
“Willow” area
Take Off: at 18:09 hours Reg Waterfall’s
crew lifted off with a payload of 6 x Mk.VI mines.
NG259-N F/L RG Waterfall
Having successfully laid 6 mines in the
allotted position in excellent visibility and without opposition, NG259 touched
down back at East Kirkby at 03:25 hours.
Wednesday 7th March 1945 – a warning was received from Group at 10:00 hours to prepare for
an attack on Lutzkendorf but at 12:35 the target was changed to Harburg and at
14:15 hours flight planning and briefings commenced. The oil plant at Harburg
was identified by intelligence reports as operating at a substantial capacity
and passed to 5 Group for “attention”. 234 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes were
promptly despatched. 15 Lancasters of the squadron were detailed for Ops, eah
armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 15 x 500lb MC bombs.
7th/8th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Harburg
Take Off: at 18:10 hours recently arrived
Ken Gibson (ND412) was first away.
PD253-D F/O GR Scott RAAF
JB290-C F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
RA520-E F/L GE Stemp
NG125-F F/O PS Weston RNZAF
ND412-H F/O KO Gibson
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N F/L RG Waterfall
LM287-O W/O DI Plumb
PB344-R F/S R Grange
NG123-U F/L H Thompson
NG413-M F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O LW Jacob RAAF
PA266-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
Several days of changeable weather followed during which more exercises were flown and an Op planned for Friday 9th March was cancelled whilst the aircrew were being briefed. Two replacement crews had been posted to 630 Squadron early in the month, both crews consisted mainly of British lads captained by Aussie Pilot Officers Jim Clingin[ii] a 32 year old from Camperdown, Victoria and Laurie Duggan[iii] respectively.
Due ti a last minute problem George Cowan’s crew in “W-William” were unable to take off from East Kirkby. Light ground haze or smoke hung over the target but the weather was clear below 14,000 feet although cloudy above. Most crews arrived early due to incorrectly forecast wind conditions and had to orbit whilst the Markers went to work. The marking was accurate and the attack started early as both the river and docks could clearly be seen by most crews, as the result the bombing was extremely accurate with sticks of bombs repeatedly seen to fall across the target. Large fires and explosions giving off volumes of black smoke were reported by most crews. Heavy flak was less than expected but light flak was intense and some searchlights were active but ineffective. Fighters were encountered over the target and on the homeward route as far as 0630E with several bombers seen to be shot down in flames. Over the target “Jake” Jacob’s bomb aimer aboard “Z-Zebra” Sgt FA Lawton “hit the tit” only to find that his bomb release switch was not working so the crew jettisoned their bomb load over the target. The crews of Gordon Stemp and Phil Weston were the last of the squadron to return safely when they landed almost simultaneously at 01:28 hours. German reports state that the oil refinery was damaged and an adjacent synthetic rubber factory was seriously damaged. Records are contradictory and some show the aircraft flown by the Thompson and Roberts crews transposed.
Sunday 11th March 1945. In the last of many attacks on Essen Bomber Command sent a record
number of bombers to raid industrial Essen, 1079 aircraft (750 Lancasters, 293
Halifaxes and 36 Mosquitoes). 15 Lancasters of 630 Squadron were detailed for
Ops and bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC and 12 x 500 AN-M64 except
JB290, ND412 and ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC, 7 x 500lb MC and 9 x 500lb
AN-M64 bombs
11th
March 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Essen
Take Off: at 11:49 hours Wing Commander
Grindon was the first airborne.
JB290-C F/O LW Jacob RAAF
PD253-D F/O PS Weston RNZAF
RA520-E F/L GE Stemp
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RF122-I F/L H Thompson
LM216-K Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/L EC Harris RNZAF
LM260-S F/O AM MacLean RCAF
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z W/O DI Plumb
Aircraft formed up over base and joined the main force at Reading, on arrival over the target 10/10ths cloud blanketed the area with excellent visibility above. The PFF Master Bomber directed bombing onto various Oboe directed red and blue smoke sky markers. Flak was negligible and no fighters were seen. On leaving target black smoke was climbing through the clouds at 2000 feet and clouds were becoming discoloured. 4,661 tons of bombs fell on Essen in an accurate attack in a giant blow which virtually paralysed Essen and was followed up by the taking of the city by the US Army shortly afterwards. Don Plumb brought ND949 “Z-Zebra” home at 17:30 hours. Two more of 630 Squadron’s stalwart crews completed their tours in the attack on Essen, that of Cornish born New Zealander Eric Harris who was recommended for a DFC and his countryman Ron Stone and crew, both crews were dispersed as they received their next postings in early April.
Tom Lockett who had flown as mid upper gunner in the Harris crew throughout their tour joined the Manchester City Police post-war and during that service was awarded a George Medal for his bravery tackling an armed robbery brandishing a pistol. (London Gazette 22 November 1957). Tom’s biography “For King and Country” is available from the author who can be contacted carole3567@hotmail.com
That evening 2 aircraft and crews joined a
minelaying force, each with a payload of 6 x Mk.VI mines.
11th/12th
March 1945 Night
Minelaying “Onions”
Take Off: at 17:42 hours “Jim” Ovens and crew in PD344 were the first away.
PD254-W F/L RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/L LF Ovens
Both Lancasters planted their “vegetables” as detailed utilising H2S. Both light and heavy flak was encountered in the garden area from the expected localities. An explosion was seen on the Northern most garden as mines were laid. Reg Waterfall returned 13 minutes after his squadron mate and landed at 00:37 hours. The 630 Squadron “Operations Record Book” details F/O Alex McGuffie and crew flying PD254 “W-William” as Reg Waterfall’s gardening partner although the McGuffie crew had only landed from the Essen attack 20 minutes before the “gardeners” took off. “W-Whisky” was apparently flown by the Waterfall crew and “R-Robert” was flown by “Jim” Ovens’ crew as confirmed by the list of ops in the recommendation for Ovens’ DFC..
Three recently arrived crews were preparing for ops, two were straight from training, the almost all entirely Aussie crews of F/O Keith Hallett RAAF[iv] with its token Englishman flight engineer Sgt W Cash, and from No. 75 Base (RAF Wigsley) after training at 27 OTU (Lichfield) 23 year old F/O Colin Richardson RAAF[v] with its English flight engineer Sgt Bernard Gibbons.
The other was captained by a 28 year old South African officer of the Southern Rhodesian Reserve, Squadron Leader Stan Flett[vi], a married man with two young sons who was returning to ops as B-Flight commander after a tour as an instructor.
Monday 12th March 1945. Setting an even greater record for the number of aircraft
despatched, Bomber Command sent 1,108 bombers to Dortmund, also setting a
tonnage record of bombs dropped (4,851 tons). Crews were briefed from
10:00/11:00 hours. 16 of the squadron’s aircraft participated, each carrying 1
x 4000lb MC and 16 x 500lb MC bombs.
12th
March 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Dortmund
Take Off: at 13:29 hours Wing Commander
Grindon and Captain Desmond Reynolds SAAF took off at the head of the squadron.
JB290-C F/O LW Jacob RAAF
PD253-D F/O PS Weston RNZAF
RA520-E F/O KO Gibson
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
LM216-K F/O GR Scott RAAF
NN774-L F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG413-M Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
LM260-S W/O DI Plumb
ME739-T F/O RJ Sassoon
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
ND949-Z F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
A large number of aircraft were by
necessity concentrated into a small area during the second stage of the outward
journey but flew in a very disciplined formation. Dortmund was blanketed by
10/10ths cloud at 6,000 feet with excellent visibility above. Just before
bombing a Lancaster was seen hit in the port wing by flak, it went into a spin
and was lost from view as it went down. The Master Bomber gave clear bombing
instructions based on blue and green smoke sky markers which were constantly
visible. A mass of dark smoke approximately 2 miles wide billowed through the
cloud layer but no results could be seen. Flak was negligible and only one
fighter was seen near the target. All of Six-thirty’s aircraft returned safely,
LM216 being the last to touch down at 19:38 hours. The post-war British bombing
survey reported that this attack stopped war production so effectively that it
would have been many months before any substantial recovery could have
occurred.
A planned attack on Lützkendorf was
cancelled on Tuesday 13th March.
Wednesday 14th March 1945. 244 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes of 5 Group penetrated deep into
Germany to attack Winterhall synthetic oil refinery at Lützkendorf. Preliminary
warning was received at 10:00 and briefings commenced at 13:30 hours. 15
aircraft of Six-thirty were detailed for Ops and each bombed up with 1 x 4000lb
HC and 12 x 500lb MC except ND412, PB344 and ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC
and 9 x 500lb MC.
14th/15th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Lützkendorf
Take Off: at 16:46 hours Wing Commander
Grindon led the squadron from East Kirkby.
PD253-D F/O GR Scott RAAF
RA250-E F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
LM216-K F/O KO Gibson
NN774-L F/L H Thompson
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/O AV Cameron RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
ME739-T F/O JC Clingin RAAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens
PD327-Y Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
LM260-S W/O DI Plumb
Phil Weston’s crew were unable to take off in “A-Able” as servicing had not been completed, “C-Charlie” was unserviceable preventing “Jake” Jacob and crew from flying. Henry Thompson and crew had to “boomerang” about 19:00 hours when the rear turret went unserviceable and jettisoned their Cookie and one 500 lb bomb over the North Sea at 19:09 hours. The force flew in clear conditions from base to the target area. Over the Lützkendorf the weather was clear but conditions for marking were difficult due to an attempted smoke screen coupled with a thick ground haze. Flak was moderate to heavy in the TA but directly over the target things were quieter and no searchlights were reported. The Germans deployed fake markers and all Reds had to be confirmed with a Yellow for the attacking force. F/O Clingin’s crew were unable to attack after their bomb release failed. All aircraft were diverted to Bruntingthorpe on the return but on arrival there the conditions were equally bad so they were re-diverted on to Bourne where all landed safely except for “I-Item” and “O-Oboe” which landed at Molesworth. ME739 (F/O Clingin) was the last to land at 03:15 hours. Photo reconnaissance showed that some sections of the refinery had been damaged..
Friday 16th March 1945. 630 Squadron next participated in a 5 Group attack by 225
Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes against Würzburg. Preliminary warning for an
attack on Wurzburg was received at 10:10, flight planning and briefings
commenced at 13:00 hours. 18 of the squadron’s aircraft were detailed, each
armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 1,800 x 4lb incendiaries except JB290, ND412,
PB344 and ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 1,350 x 4lb incendiaries.
16th/17th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Würzburg
Take Off: at 17:37 hours the first airborne
was ND949 (Richard Sassoon). Three crews were accompanied by Second Dickies,
the crew of Steve Nunns had newly arrived Flight Commander Stan Flett aboard.
PD327 “Y-Yoke” returned
early due to a fire in Sgt RW Loudon’s rear turret, landing back at East Kirkby
at 21:43 hours.Arriving over the target the bombers found the weather clear
with some ground haze. The attack opened approximately 1 minute early with
markers well placed and observed by all crews in good visibility. Incendiaries
were well spread across the town. Some large explosions were seen and fires
took a firm hold. Flak was light with only occasional bursts of heavy calibre
being noted. Considerable fighter activity was encountered in the target area
and on the homeward route. Several combats were observed and one bomber was
seen to go down in flames. A collision was observed in the target area. Fighter
flares were dropped on the homeward track as far as the front lines. 630
Squdron de-briefing reports stated that incendiaries were still being
jettisoned on track at several points between the target and the Rhine. It was
a tremendous blow by 5 Group with 1,127 tons of bombs dropped in 17 minutes
with great accuracy. A post war survey records that 89% of the city was
destroyed. On their first op, the crew of Lawrence Duggan RAAF were preparing
to make their bombing run, the last by 630 Squadron in the attack, when the
instruction was given not to attack and return to base. NG413 (Scott) was the
last to return safely to base at 02:15 hours but one aircraft and crew Failed To
Return.
Lancaster I, LM260 (Codes LE – S)
Pilot – W/O Donald Ivor Plumb. Age 24 †
Flight Eng – Sgt Peter Ackland. Age 21 †
Navigator – F/S Arthur Michaels. Age 24 †
Bomb Aimer – F/S John Harold Croucher. Age 21 †
Wireless Op – Sgt Roy Jeffery. Age 23 †
Mid Upper – Sgt Kenneth Howard Greenfield. Age 19 †
Rear Gunner – Sgt John David Baker. Age 19 †
LM260 was shot down by a night fighter and
crashed at Moos, 11km south of Würzburg. The greater possibility is that it was
shot down at 21:43 hours by either Haptmann Wilhelm Johnen of Staff Flight, III
Gruppe/NJG6 or approximately 21:44 hours by Oberleutnant Eric Jung of 5/NJG2,
both claiming to have shot down Lancasters in the vicinity. The crew are buried
together at Durnbach War Cemetery.
Several days of exercises followed, high level bombing, minelaying, fighter affiliation and similar. Replacement crews continued to arrive and prepare for ops, this late in the war the majority of new crews reaching 630 Squadron comprised British NCO airmen and three of these were entirely British. The all NCO crew of 21 year old Flight Sergeant Don Tillett[vii] of Edmonton, North London who had joined the General Post Office as a boy Postman and been promoted to Sorter shortly before he joined the RAF, that captained by 21 year old Flight Sergeant Ron Mercer[viii] of Woolwich, South London his crew also being all NCO. Ron Mercer made a career with the RAF post-war, gaining a Permanent Commission and serving until June 1975. The third was captained by Pilot Officer Fred Robinson[ix] also British and heading a crew which was all NCO aside from himself. At about the same time 35 year old RAAF regular serviceman Flying Officer James Richardson[x] also arrived with his Aussie/British crew, Richardson who had flown Dakotas in India had originally enlisted in December 1929 and served until 1948.
Tuesday 20th March 1945. Intelligence reports stated that Böhlen synthetic oil plant had
been repaired and was able to achieve a level of meaningful production so 5
Group despatched 224 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitoes and also sent 12 Lancasters
in a feint to Halle to confuse the night fighter defences. Warning to prepare
for the attack was received at 10:40 hours, flight planning took place from
18:00 and briefings commenced at 22:00 hours. 16 Lancasters were detailed for Ops armed with
1 x 4000lb HC and 14 x 500lb MC or AN-M64 except for JB290, ND412, PB344 and
ND949 which carried 1 x 4000lb and 12 x 500lb MC bombs.
20th/21st
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Böhlen
Take Off: at 23:16 hours PD237 (Colin Richardson) was the first to take off.
RF192-A Capt DS Turner SAAF
JB290-C F/O LM Duggan RAAF
PD253-D F/L SA Nunns (S/L SE Flett)
RA520-E F/O NG Roberts RAAF
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
NN702-J F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
LM216-K F/S R Grange
NN774-L F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG259-N F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/O RJ Sassoon
PB344-R F/O JC Clingin RAAF
ME739-T F/O K Hallett RAAF
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
PD327-Y F/O CRM Richardson RAAF
A thin layer of cloud hung at 6,000 to 7,000
feet over the target leaving visibility moderate. The Germans may have lit some
decoy red TI’s to the south of the target and others during the run up but
crews attacked the correct red, green and yellow TI’s and several large
explosions were reported in the TA. Moderate to intense heavy flak was
encountered as the attack commenced but it died down during the attack,
numerous very active searchlights were present. Crews attribute the 9
casualties suffered by the attacking force to heavy flak from known defended
localities on or near the route and round the target. There was little evidence
of night fighters and few sightings at the target. Dawn was breaking as the
aircraft crossed the Rhine on their route for home. PB344 (Clingin) was the
last aircraft to return at 08:35 hours.The oil plant was completely put out of
action and it remained inactive until it was captured by US forces some weeks
later. It is believed that Steve Nunns crew with new flight commander Stan
Flett in “D-Dog” and Colin Richardson’s in “Y-Yankee” flying their first op
both brought their bomb loads back to base after an ordnance problem, Steve
Nunns reported that his bombs “went safe of their own accord”. Nunns who had
already received a DFC and crew were screened from ops on their return, tour
expired. Nunns joined 617 Squadron the following month in the expectation of
flying with “Tiger Force” in the Far East and remained in the RAF post-war,
receiving the AFC (London Gazette 13 June 1957) as a Squadron Leader and
finally retiring as Squadron Leader in October 1963.
John Black who normally flew with Len
Barnes made his last op that night as mid-upper gunner with Alex McGuffie’s
crew and completed his second tour, he was recommended for a DFC.
Three of Six-thirty’s aircraft and crews
participated in the diversionary attack each armed with 1 x 4000lb HC and 14 x
500lb MC or AN-M64 bombs.
20th/21st
March 1945
Night Diversionary
Attack on Halle
Take-Off: at 23:17 hours “Jim” Ovens in ND949 was the first to get off the deck.
RF122-I F/L H Thompson
ND949-Z F/L LF Ovens
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
Halle was masked by a thin layer of cloud at 6,000-7,000 feet. The markers were seen as expected but some crews, including “Jim” Ovens’, lost sight of them and bombed on ETR results. Bombs were believed by the returning crews to have fallen on a built up area. Ground defences were active throughout the attack.”S-Sugar” was the last of the three diversionary attackers to return at 08:00 hours.
Wednesday 21st March 1945. 5 Group’s next target was the Deutsche Erdölwerke oil refinery at
Hamburg. Originally the target advised at 10:40 hours was Hallendorf however at
11:30 it was changed to Hamburg, flight planning started at 17:30 hours and
briefings commenced at 22:00 hours. 16 of the squadron’s Lancasters were
detailed and bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC and 16 x 500lb MC except RF192, PA266
and NG123 which carried 1 x 4000lb HC and 16 x 500lb AN-M64.
21st/22nd
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Hamburg DPAG
Take Off: at 01:20 hours Alex McGuffie in
NG259 was the first airborne.
RF192-A F/O PS Weston RNZAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
RA520-E F/O GR Scott RAAF
NG125-F F/L H Thompson
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RF122-I F/O DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
NN774-L F/S R Grange
NG413-M F/L GE Stemp
LM216-K Capt DS Turner
NG259-N F/O A McGuffie
PA266-P F/O JC Clingin RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W F/O K Hallett RAAF
PD327-Y F/O RJ Sassoon
Crossing the North Sea at 3,000 feet the
formation climbed to 12,000 to cross the enemy coast. Defences around Helgoland
were very active and quite accurate with some aircraft sustaining flak damage.
There was no cloud over the target but some ground haze possibly supplement by
a smoke screen. The Markers were intent on accuracy and there was some delay
before permission was given to attack. A well concentrated attack developed
with a very large explosion at 04:11 hours causing a lot of black smoke. Flak
was moderate in barrage form at the target and searchlights were active. Some
fighters were seen in the target area and fighter flares follwed the main force
accurately on the route homeward until about 0530E. Several reports of red and
green TI’s 20-30 miles south of the target and one crew reported a red and
yellow TI near Altone but these were likely decoys. It is possible that German counter-measures
attempted VHF jamming in the target area. On leaving TA the force made a rapid
descent to 3,000 feet until clear of the Kiel Canal where defences were as
usual very active. “U-Uncle” NG123 (Lieutenant Marthinus Ackerman SAAF) was the
last to return at 07:30 hours. The attack was accurate, 20 huge storage tanks
were destroyed and the refinery was put out of action for the remainder of the
war. Another of 630 Squadron’s veteran crews had completed their tour on this
attack, “Cliff” Clifford and crew had survived. Quite slowly the crew dispersed
in later April and May 1945 to their next postings.
Friday 23rd March 1945. The last raid against Wesel was carried out by 5 Group with 195
Lancasters and 23 Mosquitoes. The squadron were notified to begin preparations
to attack Wesel at 10:54 hours, flight planning began at 14:30 and briefings t
16:30 hours. 17 Lancasters of Six-thirty participated, each armed with 13 x
1000lb MC and 1 x 500lb MC except JB290, ND412, PB344 and ND949 which carried
11 x 1000lb MC and 3 x 500lb MC bombs.
23rd/24th
March 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Wesel
Take Off: the South African Captains Des
Reynolds and Doug Turner led the squadron from East Kirkby at 19:02 hours. This
attack demonstrates very clearly the part played by Commonwealth airmen in
Bomber Command at this stage of the war, 6 of the crews were headed by
Australians, 4 were headed by New Zealanders, 3 by South Africans, 1 by a
Canadian and 3 by British pilots.
RF192-A F/O PS Weston RNZAF
JB290-C F/O LM Duggan RAAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
RA520-E F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
ND412-H F/O JW Wallace RNZAF
RF122-I F/O GR Scott RAAF
NN702-J F/O JL Bathgate RNZAF
LM216-K Capt DS Turner SAAF
NN774-L F/L HF Kirkwood
NG413-M F/S R Grange
NG259-N F/L NG Roberts RAAF
PA266-P S/L SE Flett
PB344-R F/O K Hallett RAAF
ME739-T F/O JC Clingin RAAF
NG123-U Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PD254-W F/O AM MacLean RCAF
PD327-Y F/L TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O CRM Richardson RAAF
RA520 “E-Easy” returned early due to an
unserviceable bomb sight, this was a tactical target and accurate bombing a
pre-requisite. Over the target the weather was clear with excellent visibility.
Green TI’s were accurately placed on aiming point by Mosquitoes and the target
could also be visually identified. The attack commenced and a good
concentration of bombing was seen on the north-western districts of Wesel with
some bombs to the south of the main concentration. No enemy action reported
apart from slight ineffective heavy flak at the target. Lieutenant Marthinus Ackerman SAAF in NG123
was the last to return at 01:35 hours. Wesel claims to be the most intensively
bombed town of its size in Germany as 97% of the buildings in the main town
were destroyed during the war. Neil Roberts’ crew participated in this attack
in NG259 “N-Nan”, records are contradictory however crew log boks and other
contemporary sources support this and the recommendation for his DFC
specifically states “in an attack on Wesel on the night of the 23rd/24th
March 1945 he orbited for over 15 minutes, being determined to make a perfect
bombing run on a target which had to be attacked with extreme accuract..
On both Sunday 25th and Wednesday
28th March the squadron were warned for operations against a
tactical target and an undisclosed target but both were scrubbed. A quiet week
followed with occasional training, high level bombing and fighter affiliation
in the main. A mining mission was expected to be mounted on the night of Friday
30th March but it was cancelled as was a possible daylight attack on
Saturday 31st March.
[i] Arthur Heeley (157528) RAFVR, Killed at East Kirkby 04/03/45.
[ii] James Carlisle Clingin (A.410306), RAAF. Discharged from RAAF on 29/11/1945. (born 24/10/1912 Camperdown, Victoria – died 22/09/1972 Eildon, Victoria)
Thursday 1st 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.
1st/2nd
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 21st
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 2nd February, Flying
Officer GD Thompson (Provost Marshal, Inspectorate) carried out an inspection
of RAF Police at East Kirkby.
Friday 2nd 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.
2nd/3rd
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
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 3rd February 1945 was a
training day with a fighter affiliation exercise, three high level bombing
exercises and an Air to Sea firing exercise.
Sunday 4th February 1945,
Lieutenant Ackerman SAAF was advised of an immediate award of the DFC.
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 5th 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 7th 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.
7th/8th
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.
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..
7th/8th
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 8th 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.
8th/9th
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 (9th 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.
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 13th 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.
13th/14th
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.
Wednesday 14th 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.
14th/15th
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.
It was planned for 2 Lancasters of Six-thirty to participate in a mining operation on Thursday 15th 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].
Monday 19th 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.
19th/20th
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 20th 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.
20th/21st
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 21st 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.
21st/22nd
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 23rd 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.
23rd/24th
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 24th 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.
24th
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 28th February 1945. These do not
include 630 or 57 Squadron aircrew and total only Station staff and ground
crews:
Officers:
RAF 41 WAAF 4
RNZAF 1
RCAF 2
RAAF 1
RAFAirmen:
W/O’s 7 WAAF 0
SNCO’s 112 SNCO’s 8
Cpls & AC’s 886 Cpls & ACW’s 217
RCAF 7
[i] Gordon Louis Mortiboys (851377, 147124), RAuxAF. DFC LG. 04/12/45,
630 Sqdn.
Monday 1st January 1945. 102 Lancasters and 2 Mosquitoes of 5 Group were despatched to
attack the section of the canal near Ladbergen which had been recently
repaired. 10 aircraft of 630 Squadron were bombed up with 14 x 1000lb MC (30
mins delay).
1st
January 1945 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Dortmund-Ems Canal, Ladbergen
Take Off: following Henry Archer in NN703 at 07:45
hours.
PB880-B F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG125-F Capt DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN702-J P/O EJ Monk
LM216-K F/O GR Scott RAAF
NG259-N F/O LA Barnes
LM287-O F/O A McGuffie
LL966-P Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ME845-Q F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD254-W F/O AM Maclean RCAF
NN703-X F/L HD Archer
Weather at target area was clear with
excellent visibility and all bomb aimers saw the target clearly and identified
the aiming point. The Red TI’s straddled the aiming point about 300 yards to
the north and south. The squadron’s crews attacked from 9,200 to 10,000 feet
between 11:16 and 11:18 hours and the bombing was later assessed as very good
with a very large number of bombs landing in the vicinity of the aiming point.
Results were not observed due to the delayed action bombs. No fighters were
seen but some heavy flak was accurate and some aircraft damaged. NN703 had been
the first to take off and was also the last to land when it touched down at
13:45 hours.Post-raid photo reconnaissance showed that the canal had been
breached again and was drained of water for some distance. One of the two 5
Group Lancasters lost was a 9 Squadron aircraft (Flying Officer RFH Denton)
which was hit by flak shortly after bombing. The aircraft caught fire and the
Wireless Operator Flight Sergeant George Thompson suffered severe burns as he
rescued both gunners who were trapped by the blaze. Denton managed to crash
land the aircraft but the Mid Upper gunner (Sgt EJ Potts) died later due to his
burns and three weeks later George Thompson died of burns, he was awarded a
posthumous Victoria Cross.
That same evening a second attack was
planned to maintain the pressure on the inland waterways system so vital to
German war production 5 Group returned to the canals again that night attacking
the Mittelland Canal at Gravenhorst with 152 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes. 6
Lancasters of Six-thirty participated, each armed with 14 x 1000lb (30 mins
delay).
1st/2nd
January 1945
Night Bombing Attack on Mittelland Canal, Gravenhorst
Take Off: 17:03 hours PD253 and ND554
(Steve Nunns and Jack Hoare) were the first airborne.
PD253-D F/L SA Nunns
ND554-E F/O JW Hoare RAAF
PB344-R W/O GH Cowan
ME739-T F/O RJ Sassoon
PD327-Y F/O TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
Weather conditions at East Kirkby were very poor and the Lancasters took off from base into 600 feet of haze. Crossing the North Sea the conditions were better but at 18:38 the force had to climb at the Dutch Coast due to heavy cloud, reaching the pre-designated height for the wave at 9,600 feet they reached the target without opposition. Henry Archer’s crew flew lead aircraft for No. 55 Base. Flares were already going down on arrival and a string of Red and Green TI’s went down across the aiming point. At 19:03 hours the Controller confirmed that the markers were accurate and over the R/T ordered the main force to attack. 630 Squadron attacked between 19:14 hours and 19:20 hours from 9,600 to 12,000 feet and bombing appeared to be vey accurate, some bombs exploded in the TA despite being set with delays. A few scattered bursts of heavy flak were encountered and heading for the French coast there were scattered concentrations of search lights which seemed unable to cone any of the bombers and finally heavy flak near the enemy front line. On return East Kirkby was still shrouded in haze and all aircraft landed at Kinross in Scotland, Steve Nunns landed the last at 00:14 hours.The attack was accurate, a half mile stretch of banks were badly pitted with bomb craters and there were some breaches which allowed the water to escape.
ND554 was apparently re-coded from “A-Able”
to “E-Easy” in late December 1944, the 630 Squadron “Operations Record Book”
shows crews flying ND554 who are recorded in parallel within the 630 Squadron
“Ops Record” as flying “E”.
At 09:15 hours the following morning all
aircraft and crews were ordered to return to base from Scotland, to land after
midday, it was expected that they would be participating in an attack later
that day. The first aircraft to return to East Kirkby landed at 13:30 hours
with others touching down through the afternoon. At 17:30 the squadron was
stood down. On Wednesday 3rd January with a westerly gale forecast
all projected operations were cancelled however at 11:00 on the next morning
preliminary warning was received for an operation that night with a projected
H-hour of 04:00 on the morning of 5th January.
Thursday 4th January 1945 .At 17:00 hours flight planning commenced and aircrew briefings
took place at 21:00 hours. Royan is a town situated at the mouth of the River
Gironde which was well garrisoned with a strong force of German soldiers. Two
Fortresses Gironde Mündung
Nord (north, at Royan)
and Gironde Mündung Süd (south, at La Point de Grave) were holding out
long after the liberation of the remainder of the country and were besieged by 12,000 French Resistance fighters under control of the
Free French Army under General de Laminat and General de Gaulle and without
sufficient heavy artillery little progress was being made. Following a meeting
between US and French military authorities a request for a heavy bomber attack
was processed through SHAEF (Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Forces) and passed
to Bomber Command.
347 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes of 1, 5 and
8 Groups attacked in the early hours of 5th January 1945 with 1,576
tons of high explosive bombs including 285 x 4,000lbers. Eighteen aircraft of
630 Squadron were detailed, each armed with 1 x 4000lb HC Minol and 16 x 500lb
MC (.025),
4th/5th
January 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Royan
Take Off: at 00:42 hours South African
Marthinus Ackerman was first away.
PB880-B F/O GR Scott RAAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O H Thompson
NG125-F F/O JW Hoare RAAF
PD317-G F/O EJ Monk
LM216-K Lt DS Turner SAAF
NN702-J F/O DA Clifford
NG259-N F/O LA Barnes
LM287-O F/O NG Roberts RAAF
LL966-P Lt GR Lacey SAAF
ME845-Q F/O RG Waterfall
PB344-R Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
ME739-T Lt W Adams USAAF
NG123-U F/O EC Harris RNZAF
NG413-V R/O RJ Sassoon
PD254-W F/O M Miller
NN703-X F/L HD Archer
PD327-Y F/O TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O LF Ovens
The weather was clear but with some haze or
smoke in the later stages of the attack. The squadron attacked between 04:04
and 04:15 hours from 8,250 to 9,000 feet. Many aircraft had to make 2 bombing
runs as the initial markers were found to be inaccurate and had to be
re-done. Some crews evidently
misunderstood the bombing instructions however a good spread of bombing was
achieved. There was some flak in the target area but no fighters reported. Crews
reported “scarecrow flares” thought to be fired up to simulate the orange glow
of burning bombers falling to earth. In fact the Germans had no such device and
what the crews were seeing were actually bombers being shot down in flames. The
last to return were Richard Sassoon and crew at 08:04 hours. The German
garrison eventually surrendered on 18th April 1945.
After five straight months operational service with 630 Squadron deputy flight commander Henry Archer’s crew landed to receive confirmation that their tour was completed, their captain was recommended for a DFC and he in turn strongly recommended Rees Rawlings his Welsh navigator just a week or two short of his 25th birthday and Stan Spencer his bomb aimer for awards, sadly the latter two did not apparently get through the system. Henry Archer’s crew are not shown in the 630 Squadron “Operations Record Book” F541 as participating in the Royan attack however his Mid-Upper gunner advised that they did fly and this is confirmed by the recommendation for Archer’s DFC which lists this attack amongst his total of 30 and is also now confirmed by Henry Archer’s own logbook.
The attached USAAF pilot Bill Adams had
completed 30 ops with 630 Squadron at this stage but rather than complete their
tour and settle to instructing his crew opted to “extend” and transferred to
617 Squadron (effective 16th January) continuing to fly
operationally. During the day the new Chaplain, Squadron Leader The Rev. WJ
Mulholland[i]
arrived from 2 FIS at Montrose to take up his duties at RAF East Kirkby.
Friday 5th January 1945 – 5 Group mounted another attack on the German supply bottle-neck
at Houffalize in the Ardennes, this time despatching 131 Lancasters and 9
Mosquitoes. At briefing the aircrew were told very clearly that due to the
close proximity of Allied ground forces any crew who were unable to make a
satisfactory identification of the target were not to make a second bombing run
or orbit to await an opportunity, but they were to turn for home and bring
their payload home. It is uncertain if 12 or 9 aircraft were scheduled to
participate however 9 Lancasters and crews of the squadron were tasked and
bombed up with 11 x 1000lb HC Minol (fused tail .025).
5th/6th
January 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Houffalize
Take Off: at 00:06 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere (Flight Commander) was first airborne in NG125.
PB880-B F/O GR Scott RAAF
ND554-E F/O H Thompson
NG125-F S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NN702-J F/O EJ Monk
ME845-Q F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG259-N F/O LA Barnes
PB344-R F/O JW Langley
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/O TB Baker RAAF
10/10ths cloudwas encountered over the target but visibility above the clouds was good. The TI’s were seen as expected cascading and glowing below the cloud, green TI’s in close proximity to the red were the aiming point. A good concentration of bombing was reported when the squadron attacked between 03:01 and 03:06 hours from 9,750 to 12,000 feet. No fighters and little heavy flak were encountered but the flak which was active was very accurate and 2 aircraft were damaged. The attack was rated as very accurate. The last to return was Len Barnes (NG259) at 06:05 hours. Four additional crews did not take off for the attack, Matt Miller’s (in “P-Peter”), Eric Harris’ (in “U-Uncle”), Richard Sassoon’s (in “V-Victory”) and “Jim” Ovens’ (in “Z-Zebra”) the reason for these being scrubbed is not recorded.
Saturday 6th January 1945 – notification of a mining mission was received at 10:10 hours, the
details followed at 10:55 and crews were briefed at 13:45 hours, taking off at
16:05 only to be ordered to return to bases. Visibility over East Kirkby was
very poor and crews had to divert to Strubby until base was again fit to land
at 23:00 hours.
The mining operation went ahead later that
night and 3 Lancasters from Six-thirty participated each carrying 6 x Mk.IV
mines
6th/7th
January 1945 Night
Minelaying in “Spinach” area
Take Off: at 01:39 hours flying LL966 Reg
Waterfall and crew were first away
NG125-F F/L SA Nunns
PD317-G Lt DS Turner SAAF
LL966-P F/O RG Waterfall
There was no fighter opposition and little
flak although fighter flares were seen over Denmark. Mines were laid between
20:41 and 20:53 hours all from 14.750 feet in allotted positions, crews able to
be certain based on visual identification of Hel Point but backed up with H2S. Despite some considerable light flak of great
accuracy fired from Sweden all three aircraft returned safely, Steve Nunns
being the last to touch down at 10:01 hours.
Sunday 7th January 1945. The last of the aircraft which had landed at Strubby were flown
bacl to East Kirkby during Sunday 7th January in preparation for a
night operation. At 13:00 hours the flight planning and navigation briefing
commenced, followed 30 minutes later by the pilot’s and crews briefing. At
15:30 hours a warning of expected snow during the next 24 hours was received.
Bomber Command made its last major attack
on Munich with 645 Lancasters and 9 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 Groups. 14
aircraft of Six-thirty were detailed for operations and each bombed up with 1 x
4000lb HC Minol and 10 x No.14 Cluster incendiaries.
7th/8th
January 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Munich
Take off: at 16:39 hours Wing Commander
John Grindon (NG259) and John Langley (LM216) were the first airborne.
PB880-B F/O DA Clifford
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O LA Barnes
LM216-K F/O JW Langley
NG259-N W/C JE Grindon
LM287-O Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PB344-R F/O NG Roberts RAAF
ME739-T S/L MA Eyre
NG123-U F/O EC Harris RNZAF
NG413-V F/O RJ Sassoon
PD254-W F/O M Miller
NN703-X Lt GR Lacey SAAF
PD327-Y F/O JW Hoare RAAF
ND949-Z F/O LF Ovens
PD317-G F/O GE Billing
Henry Thompson and cre in “J-Jig” were
unable to take off due to technical problems and Reg Waterfall in “Q-Queen” had
to abort their take off due to a burst tyre. Len Barnes in “E-Easy” returned
early when the rudder control bar seized solid and John Langley in “K-King”
with engine failure, both jettisoned their 4000 pounders at sea and returned
with their load of incendiaries. Thin cloud was encountered over the target but
it broke at 16,500 to 18,500 feet and some crews climbed above the cloud to
bomb, all crews saw the green TI’s and attacked as instructed. The squadron attacked
between 20:31 and 20:40 hours from 15,700 to 18,000 feet. Bombing was well
spread over the northern districts and at 20:52 hours when the last aircraft
bombed, the north of the city seemed to be a mass of flames. A very large
explosion was reported at 20:45 hours.
Ground defences were negligible and few enemy aircraft seen. One combat
took place over the target but was inconclusive. The last of the squadron to
return safely was NN703 (Gordon Lacey) at 02:35 hours.
PD317 “G-George” took off at 16:45 hours
but apparently lost its port inner engine almost immediately after take off,
the crew jettisoned their 4000lb HC(M) into the sea and arrived back over base
at 17:45 hours. Making a circuit approach on 3 engines the Lancaster bounced
badly and cartwheeled across the field onto it’s port wing tip, crashing.
Lancaster I, PD317 (Codes LE – G)
Pilot – F/O George Ernest Billing. Age 24 inj
Flight Eng – Sgt Sidney Harris. Age inj
Navigator – F/S Arthur Hobson. Age 23 †
Bomb Aimer – F/O Leonard Knowles. Age inj
Wireless Op – Sgt John Williamson Duncan. Age inj
Mid Upper – Sgt Denis Albert Holloway. Age 27 †
Rear Gunner – F/S David Gordon Todd RAAF. Age 20 inj
24 year old “Billy” Billing was thrown clear of the wreckage still strapped into his seat but sustaining injuries which resulted in the loss of an arm, he also suffered a fractured skull and burns, Len Knowles and John Duncan had burns to their hands and faces and flight engineer Sergeant Harris had a lacerated scalp, all were transferred to RAF Hospital Rauceby by ambulance. Flight Sergeant Dave Todd in the rear turret sustained damage to the bones of his legs and left knee which resulted in him being hospitalised on 8th January and repatriated to Australia for convalescence. Sadly their navigator and mid-upper gunner were killed, they were later returned to their home towns of Barnsley and Coventry for burial and cremation respectively. The wounded all recovered from their injuries, some later returning to operations with 630 Squadron.
On Tuesday 9th January during a
lull in Ops another new crew arrived, that of Bob Knight[ii]
a keen deer stalker and fisherman from Waiuku, NZ where he’d grown up on his
father’s farm. He volunteered for aircrew duty and trained in New Zealand and the
UK. Bob Knight had survived a mid-air collision at 3 EFTS (the junior pilot of
the other Tiger Moth and his instructor were both killed). At 10 OTU the crew
had survived when they crashed on take off in Whitley (Z6499) at Stanton
Harcourt on 31st July 1944 whilst flown by another pilot. On the
night of 23rd August, still with 10 OTU, having been promoted Flight
Sergeant, he was pilot of Whitley BD215 on a cross country training flight when
he made a heavy landing on return to base. Attempting to go around again the
port engine cut out and the bomber swung ending up in a quarry 200 yards beyond
the runway. All of his crew escaped unhurt apart from the rear gunner (Sergeant
Cameron) who was injured. The entire crew, plus their flight engineer, joined Six-thirty
intact to commence their tour of Ops.
In a series of days marked by very poor
weather the squadron was stood down day after day and maximum effort was given
by the ground crews to ensuring the serviceability of every single aircraft and
to various escape drills and trade proficiencies by the aircrews On 12th
January the Station Dental Officer, Flying Officer JW Price took up his post..
Saturday 13th January 1945. 218 Lancasters and 7
Mosquitoes of 5 Group attacked the oil plant at Pölitz near Stettin.15
Lancasters of Six-thirty were detailed for Ops, ten carrying 1 x 4000lb HC and
8 x 500lb M64 (.025) and 1 x 500lb MC LD 6 hours and five carried 1 x 4000lb HC
and 11 x 500lb M64 (.025) and 1 x 500lb MC LD 6 hours. A mining operation was
also carried out in the area code-named “Geranium”.
13th/14th
January 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Politz
Take Off: at 16:04 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere (NG125) was the first away.
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
PB880-B F/O JW Langley
NG125-F S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
ND412-H F/O H Thompson
NN702-J F/O DA Clifford
LM216-K F/O JW Hoare RAAF
NG259-N S/L MA Eyre
LM287-O Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R F/O LA Barnes
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O A McGuffie
PD254-W F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/O AM Maclean RCAF
ND949-Z F/O LF Ovens
F/O Albert MacLean RCAF landed “Y-Yoke” at Carnaby at 02:00 hours after their port outer engine failed. Expecting to carry out a blinb bombing attack due to forecast weather conditions the force arrived over the target to find some visibility. Low level ground marking was carried out and crews instructed to bomb concentration of Red TI’s ignoring the more isolated ones. The Controller was heard to comment on the accuracy of the bombing and the attack was a success. The squadron attacked between 22:15 and 22:25 hours from 14,500 to 18,250 feet. Several heavy explosions were noted particularly at 22:17 hours just as “Olly” Atkinson and “Cliff” Clifford’s crews were bombing, it gave off thick dense smoke and the shock wave was felt by crews up to 18,000 feet. Clifford’s crew attacked despite their bomb aimer being taken ill. 50-80 search lights were active but flak was slight. No fighters were found over the target but there were three combats which produced no claims. Photographs showed the oil plant reduced to scrap metal. “Jim” Ovens (ND949) was the last to return to base at 03:30 hours. One of the squadron’s Lancasters Failed To Return.
Lancaster I, PB880 (Codes LE – B)
Pilot – F/O John William Langley . Age 23 interned
Flight Eng – Sgt Joseph R Thomas. Age interned
Navigator – F/S George Bernard Gaughan. Age 21 interned
Bomb Aimer – F/S Ivor James Penglase RAAF. Age 24 interned
Wireless Op – W/O Sydney Harold Potter RNZAF. Age 34 interned
Mid Upper – W/O Ernest James Edwards. Age Died of injuries
Rear Gunner – F/S Thomas William Panting RCAF. Age 19 interned
On the outbound flight the starboard outer engine
began to play up and whilst passing over Denmark at about 20:15 hours it caught
fire. Despite great efforts the fire could not be put out nor the prop
feathered so reaching the coast of Sweden the crew identified Bastad 20 miles
north of Halsingborg and baled out at 8,000 feet . Sadly W/O Edwards hit the
tail plane and suffered fatal head wounds, he died the following day and was
buried at municipal cemetery Halsingborg (Palsjo). The remaining crew had all landed
safely on the outskirks of the town and within an hour were mustered in the
sitting room of a local home. By 01:00 hours they had been collected by the
Swedish Army and taken to a local military camp ready to be moved again at
14:00 hours to a detention barracks at Halsingborg. They were quizzed by a
Swedih Army officer and at 21:00 on the 15th January moved to an
Internment Camp at Falun (120 miles north of Stockholm). The crew remained
there together until 13th March when they were taken to Stockholm
and at 19:00 on the following day were flown back to the UK.
On the same night as the attack on Pölitz
the squadron provided three aircraft for a minelaying operation in the
Pomeranian Bay off Swinemünde each carrying six MkIV mines.
13th/14th
January 1945
Night Minelaying in “Geranium” garden
Take Off: at 16:11 hours ME845 (Reg
Waterfall) was the first off the deck.
NG413-M F/O GE Stemp
ME845-Q F/O RG Waterfall
NN703-X F/O M Miller
One fighter was seen in the area but there
was no flak opposition and the mines were planted from 15,000 feet between
21:54 and 22:03 hours in their required positions despite some cloud. At 21:54
hours Geoff Stemp’s crew in “M-Mother” had to “plant” their “vegetables” without
the benefit of Loran or H2S both of which failed. Her crew were the last of the
three to return to base, landing at 02:42 hours. On returning Matt Miller’s
crew reported that two of the static lines for the mine parachutes were badly
worn and frayed.
Sunday 14th January 1945. At 09:54 hours warning was received from Group of a Maximum Effort
attack, route planning and operational plans arrived at 10:37 and at 13:00
flight planning and Navigators briefing commenced, the Pilot’s briefing was at
13:30 and main briefing at 14:00 hours. 573
Lancasters and 14 Mosquitoes of 1, 5, 6 and 8 Groups carried out 2 attacks
separated by three hours on the Leuna synthetic Oil Plant near Merseburg. 13
aircraft of the squadron were detailed, briefing was at 13:30 hours and the
Lancasters were armed with 1 x 4000lb MC M2 NInst and 11 x 500lb MC .025 and 1
x 500lb MC LD (12 hours).
14th/15th
January 1945 Night
Bombing Attack on Leuna near Merseburg
Take Off: at 16:107 hours “Jim” Ovens (ND949) was the first away.
JB290-C F/O PS Weston RNZAF
PD253-D F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND412-H F/O H Thompson
NN702-J F/O EJ Monk
NG413-M F/O GE Stemp
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q Lt MT Ackerman SAAF
PB344-R F/O A McGuffie
ME739-T F/O RA Stone RNZAF
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
NG123-U F/O DA Clifford
ND949-Z F/O LF Ovens
Leuna was reached without opposition, the marking was on time and assessed as very accurate and the resulting bombing very concentrated. The squadron attacked from 14,100 to 17,000 feet between 21:02 and 21:11 hours. A large concentration of search lights were active in the target area but they were ineffective although there was considerable flak opposition. Weather was very poor on returning to base and all aircraft were diverted to Tholthorpe. Len Barnes landed PD253 at 02:30 hours, the last of the squadron to touch down. Crews returned to East Kirkby throughout the day and were de-briefed for a second time on arrival. Albert Speer mentioned during his post-war interrogations that this raid was one of the most damaging of a series against the synthetic oil industry. The F541 for this night transposes the aircraft flown by Neil Roberts and Deryk Clifford (confirmed by Clifford’s own Flying Logbook and the “Ops Record” held at RAF Museum Hendon).
On 16th January 1945 Lieutenant Bill Adams and his crew transferred to 617 Squadron after a party in the mess.
Tuesday 16th January 1945. The emphasis of Bomber Command was very much on oil and 1 and 5
Group despatched 231 Lancasters and 6 Mosquitoes to the synthetic oil plant at
Brüx in western Czechoslovakia. 15 aircraft and crews of the squadron were
detailed and each Lancaster bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC N Inst M2 and 9 x 500lb
MC TD 025.
16th/17th
January 1945 Night Bombing Attack on Brüx
Take Off: at 17:45 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere (NG259) was the first away.
JB290-C F/O JW Hoare RAAF
PD253-D F/O HA Ramsey RNZAF
ND554-E F/O LA Barnes
NG125-F F/O PS Weston RNZAF
ND412-H F/O H Thompson
NN702-J F/O DA Clifford
NG413-M F/O GE Stemp
LM287-O W/O GH Cowan
NG259-N S/L MR Cuelenaere RCAF
LL966-P F/O OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O RA Stone
NG123-U F/O EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/O M Miller
NN703-X F/O A McGuffie
ND949-Z F/O LF Ovens
On arrival over the target the Controller instructed crews to hold for 2 minutes but at 22:31 hours gave the order to attack the green and red TI’s. The latter being regarded as close to the chimneys at the southern end of the target.The squadron attacked between 22:31 and 22:37 hours from 14,200 to 16,750 feet. Bombing was reported to be concentrated and a pall of black smoke was seen above the cloud layer after the attack concluded. Moderate heavy flak was encountered in the TA and several fightrs were seen some of which may have tried to follow the bombers on the route home. A FW190 was seen at 23:19 hours. There were 2 combats in the TA.
Aboard Harry Ramsey’s PD253 “D-Dog” which was making its bombing run the rear gunner Sergeant HL McDonald sighted a JU88 nightfighter which both gunners poured fire into, Sergeant Matt Barry the mid-upper gunner commented that the German fighter staggered and fell away shedding pieces before it crashed in flames. It was claimed as destroyed.
Albert Speer’s interrogations post-war also
specifically mention this attack as a particularly severe set-back to German
oil production. NN703 “X-X ray” was the last to return to base at 04:04 hours.
Crews posted to 630 Squadron at around this time were those captained by Canadian trained New Zealander Jim Bathgate[iii] from Outram,
arriving from No. 5 L F S were 24 year old Aussie Angus Cameron[iv] and 28 year old Belfast man Harold Kirkwood[v] who had returned to the UK from his studies in the USA just before the outbreak of war to join up. Warrant Officer Don Plumb[vi] a 22 year old married man from Norwich was posted in with his all NCO crew as were the crew of New Zealander Jimmy Wallace[vii]. Not long afterwards Flight Sergeant Richard Grange[viii] and crew joined the squadron.
Application had been made for an official
crest for the Six-thirty and on 18th January the Chester Herald of
the College of Arms recorded “630 Squadron wishing to include a Lancaster rose
in its badge in refence to the aircraft with which it is equipped. The ogress
has reference to night operations on which the unit is mostly engaged and may
also be taken as symbolic of the bombs dropped. The argent (or white)
fimbration is indicative of the duties carried out in daylight. The motto may
be translated as Death By Night.
The latter half of January 1945 was a period of inactivity for 630 Squadron and for East Kirkby generally, the squadron was repeatedly stood-down and even training flying was not possible for several days. A terrific gale blew across many of the bomber bases on 19th January during which Lancasters on the ground were damaged at Coningsby, Binbrook, Skellingthorpe and Fulbeck. On the morning of Wednesday 24th January a mining operation was planned, from 13:15 hours mines were loaded aboard the aircraft and crew briefings planned but the operation was then scrubbed. On the next day a member of Station Staff, Flight Lieutenant Dave Timmins[ix], the Gunnery Analysis Officer at RAF East Kirkby (formerly with 630 Squadron flying with Roy Calvert and Bob Hooper) was despatched to No.1 CMB in London for a Medical Board.
Attacks were planned for Sunday 28th,
Monday 29th and Tuesday 31st January but on each occasion
the squadron were stood down when preparations were well underway and briefings
fully scheduled.
A note in the records for January 1945
reveals that the highly popular Flight Lieutenant “Peter” Docherty who completed
a tour as a pilot with 630 Squadron had returned to the Staff of RAF East
Kirkby because he was mentioned as returning to duty at East Kirkby from RAF
Hospital Loughborough.
[i] The Rev. William Joseph Mulholland, B.A.
(148781), Chaplains Branch, RAFVR.
[ii] Robert Baines Knight (NZ.422292), RNZAF. KIA (see text)
At 10:15 hours on 2nd December a
night operation was announced and with all aircraft airborne on exercises the
Station pulled out all of the stops to prepare. By 13:00 all aircraft were
ready and crews briefed. At 15:45 hours with twenty crews in their aircraft,
engines running and ready for take off, the Op was cancelled.
Monday 4th December 1944. Sited on the main north-south railway line Heilbronn had little other
importance and as such escaped a serious attack until the railway network in
the area increased in priority as a target and 5 Group despatched 282
Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes. 20 aircraft and crews of 630 Squadron armed with
1 x 4000lb HC and Mk.14 Incendiary clusters.
4th/5th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Heilbronn
Take Off: at 16:04 hours Wing Commander
Grindon and crew in NG259.were first away.
ME312-A F/O
JW Langley
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
PD253-D F/O
A Stockill
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
GE Billing
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NN702-J F/O
GR Scott RCAF
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N W/C
JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O
A McGuffie
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R W/O
GH Cowan
LM260-S Lt
W Adams USAAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
PD254-W F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
NN703-X F/O
AM Maclean RCAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
The target was punctually and accurately
marked and the attack went as planned between 19:30 and 19:40 hours from 11.000
to 12,000 feet. Massive areas of fire were seen across the town with heavy
explosions between them. On the homeward track incendiaries were again reported
being jettisoned offering assistance to enemy fighters searching for the
bombers. Considerable fighter opposition was encountered mainly within 25 miles
of the target.
Aboard Eric Harris’ NG123 “U-Uncle”
mid-upper gunner Sergeant Tom Locke and rear gunner Sergeant Lewis were
involved in two decisive combats with both resulted in JU88’s being damaged.
Sadly the combat reports can no longer be traced. (Note: the Station ORB records the Lncaster as
“G-George” but that is considered to be a typing error).
Severe icing in thick cloud was encountered
on the homeward flight shortly after leaving the target and it proved hard to
climb clear of the cloud. NN703 flown by
the Canadian Albert Maclean was the last to return to base at 23:47 hours. The
post war British Bombing Survey reported that after the 1,254 tons of bombs
fell within just minutes the resulting fires destroyed 351 acres of the town,
82% of the built up area. It is likely
that a true firestorm developed and burned the town. Records are contradictory
on this night and it is possible that the aircraft flown by the Thompson and
Scott crews have been transposed.
Wednesday 6th December 1944. In 5 Group’s next attack their 255 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes
were split to attack two different aiming points, 168 aircraft bombing the town
centre and 87 the railway yards. Six-thirty provided 16 Lancasters each armed
with 1 x 4000lb HC and Mk.14 Incendiary clusters.
6th/7th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Giessen
Take Off: at 16:46 hours “Cliff” Clifford
and crew were first away from base.
ME312-A F/O
JW Langley
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
PD317-G F/O
PS Weston RNZAF
ND412-H F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
NN702-J F/O
DA Clifford
NG259-N F/O
GE Billing
LM287-O F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/O
A McGuffie
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W W/O
GH Cowan
NN703-X Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
“G-George” flown by Phil Weston and “H-How”
by Jack Hoare took off but both abandoned their missions after engine failures,
neither are listed in the 630 Squadron Operations Record Book but they are
detailed in the 630 Squadron “Ops Record” held at the RAF Museum, Hoare
jettisoned his complete bomb load over the North Sea while Weston jettisoned
his Cookie and some incendiaries. Weather made the flying tricky for long
stretches of both the outward and homeward routes and arriving over the target
crews found patchy cloud but had clear visibility of the aiming point. The
Controller had the markers placed accurately and on time and gave clear
instructions for the attack. The squadron attacked from 20:15 until 20:19 hours
from 9,800 to 12,000 feet and was well concentrated in the town with fires
spread over a large area. Fighters were
first encountered over the target and followed the home route for 15 minutes.
“V-Victor” flown by Rendel Lewis was in combat
with a JU88 which was claimed as destroyed by his gunners Sergeants Reg Bennett
(mid-upper) and Joe Morgan (rear gunner). No combat report has been located.
Several reports speak of jet propelled
fighters operating and bombers were seen to be shot down. At 23:57 hours Geoff
Stemp touched down at base, the last of the squadron’s aircraft to return. Severe
damage was caused at both targets, the raid being a total success.
Friday 8th December 1944. Crews were called from their beds at 03:45 in the morning and
briefings started at 05:00 hours. 14 aircraft of 630 Squadron were detailed for
Ops and bombed up with 14 x 1000lbHC TD .025.
They were part of a force of 205 Lancasters of 5 Group attacking the
Urftdam as a previous raid by 8 Group had failed to destroy it. The Germans
were using the dam to release substantial amounts of water when US Forces
attempted to advance down river.
8th
December 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Heimbach-Urftdam
Take Off: at 08:13 hours Squadron Leader
Marcel Cuelenaere DFC RCAF, flight commander, led the squadron from East
Kirkby.
ME312-A F/O
JW Langley
NG125-F S/L
MR Cuelenaere RCAF
NN702-J F/O
DA Clifford
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N W/C
JE Grindon
LM287-O F/O
A Stockill
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R W/O
GH Cowan
LM260-S Lt
W Adams USAAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
GR Scott RAAF
Despite 9/10ths cloud all crews identified
the target visually, the attack ran from 10:48 to 11:14 hours bombing from
8,000 to 10,000 feet and one stick of bombs was seen to straddle the aiming
point, other bombs were seen in the right location but prevailing weather
conditions prevented proper assessment. 630 Squadron crews attacked between
10:47 and 10:58 hours from 8,200 to 9,500 feet. There were no ground defences
and no fighter opposition. One Lancaster was seen to lose its tail fin and
rudder before diving into the ground after only two of its crew escaped by
parachute, sadly it was a Six-thirty crew. All aircraft were diverted to
Tarrant Rushton on return due to very poor weather conditions at base. Ron Stone
landed at 13:56 hours, the last to return safely. Lieutenant Lacey in“W-William”
landed at Manston short of fuel. Crews were ordered to remain where they had
landed until 09:30 on the 9th.
The Squadron Bombing Leader F/L George Arkieson is reported to have
flown on this attack, it is suspected that he flew as a supernumerary with a
crew but was not recorded in the ORB. Rendel Lewis and crew had Failed To
Return.
Lancaster III, LM637 (Codes LE – V)
Pilot –
F/L Rendel Forrest Lewis. Age 29 †
Flight Eng –
Sgt Leslie Oyston. Age 24 †
Navigator –
F/S Kenneth Frank Lenton. Age 18 †
Bomb Aimer –
F/O Reginald Harold William Usher. Age 21 †
Wireless Op – Sgt Cyril Cook. Age 19 †
Mid Upper –
F/S Reginald Joseph Bennett . Age 25 †
Rear Gunner –
Sgt Joseph Anthony Morgan. Age 19 Prisoner
Of War
Sadly LM637 collided with another Lancaster in the target area around 11:00 hours, losing its tail fin and rudder it crashed on the western bank of the Urftalsperre near Schleiden/Eifel. Those who died are buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery. F/L Rendel Lewis was was a Barrister at Law and had been a Navigation Instructor at the RAF College Cranwell his navigator Ken Lenton was only 18 years old. Joe Morgan the 19 year old Rear Gunner from Crook, Co.Durham suffered a broken leg due to flak splinters and parachuted into captivity in agony. His leg was not properly treated and was left to set itself as he passed through a succession of 6 different prison camps.
The post-war RAF
investigation concluded that “following collision Lancaster LM637 fell directly
into the lake at a steep angle”. In 1959
the wreckage of the aircraft and remains of the crew were found when part of
the Heimbach-Urftdam Schwammeauel lake scheme was drained. The aircraft was
positively identified and the crew were buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery,
previously they had been commemorated on Runnymede Memorial.
Sunday 10th December 1944. An early morning attack against the Heimbach-Urftdam was launched with 16 Lancasters of the squadron participating fully bombed up with 14 x 1000lbHC TD .025 bombs. They took off about 04:00 hours to attack at 07:00 hours but were all recalled and returned to base at about 06:00 hours.
ME312-A P/O
A Stockill
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
JB290-C F/O
GR Scott RAAF
NG125-F F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD317-G F/O
PS Weston
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NN702-J F/O
DA Clifford
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N F/O
GE Billing
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R F/O
A McGuffie
LM260-S F/O
AM Maclean RCAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
ME739-T F/O
RG Waterfall
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
This was not counted as an attack and as
such not recorded in the 630 Squadron Operations Record Book or permitted to
count towards the number of ops required towards tour completion by the airmen.
Monday 11th December 1944 – 5 Group were returning to the Urftdam with 233 Lancasters and 5
Mosquitoes of 8 Group. The squadron’s aircraft were each bombed up with 14 x
1,000 lb T.D. (.025) bombs.
11th
December 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Heinbach-Urftdam
Take Off: at 12:21 hours PD317 Phil Weston
and crew were first airborne..
ME845-Q P/O
A Stockill
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
JB290-C F/O
GR Scott RAAF
NG125-F F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD317-G F/O
PS Weston
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NN702-J F/O
DA Clifford
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N F/O
GE Billing
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R F/O
A McGuffie
LM260-S F/O
AM Maclean RCAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
Conditions were quite cloudy in the target area however bombing was generally reported as being in the correct location, the squadron’s crews attacked between 14:45 and 14:56 hours from 8,000 to 10,000 feet several sticks of bombs were seen to straddle the spillway and an experienced crew reported craters on the spillway and the dam. Most crews had to make 2 or 3 bombing runs before they could get a clear enough view to attack the slipway due to drifting clouds and the smoke from bomb bursts. Attacking at 14:56 hours “C-Charlie” had one bomb hang-up, it later dropped clear over France on the flight home. Some light flak was experienced from the dam and some heavy flak from the neighbouring village of Heinbach. “Billy” Billing’s crew in NG259 did not attack as the crew could not identify the target in the cloud and smoke. Aboard LM216 “K” the Squadron Bombing Leader Flight Lieutenant George Arkieson persuaded his pilot Lieutenant Doug Turner SAAF to orbit the target for 20 minutes until the cloud had drifted past enabling him to identify the dam and execute a pinpoint attack. All aircraft of the squadron had returned by the time that “Jim” Ovens and crew in ND949 touched down at 17:49 hours. Photo reconnaissance confirmed hits on the dam but still no major breaches.
Tuesday 12th December 1944 – preparations were made for a daylight bombing attack with an
expected take off at midday. At 11:25 hours with all crews in their Lancasters
ready to take off the operation was scrubbed.
At lunch-time a Lancaster (JA908) of 1668
Heavy Conversion Unit on a training sortie from Bottesford lost its port outer
engine and was ordered to divert to East Kirkby. Arriving in a period of poor
visibility they touched down but bounced back into the air losing their starboard
main wheel in the process. The aircraft was unwilling to climb leaving F/O LJ
Richer RCAF, it’s pilot, no alternative but to force land in the circuit at
13:09 hours. The Lancaster skidded to a halt and caught fire, seven of the
eight aircrew aboard being slightly injured. The flight engineer had a
fractured left leg.
On Wednesday 13th December 1944 preparations
were made for a daylight bombing attack with an expected take off about midday
for an attack at 15:00 hours. Brieifings commenced at 09:00 and At 12:00 hours,
just 15 minutes before take off, with all crews in their Lancasters ready to
take off the operation was scrubbed and carried forward for the next day. At
17:10 hours the squadron were advised that they should prepare for a morning
take off and to attack at 13:00 hours.
Thursday 14th December 1944 – Preparations were made and crews stood by for briefing at 09:20 hours
when word was received a one hour postponement. At 10:06 hours two crews of Six-thirty
were detailed to join two of 57 Squadron in a minelaying operation. Nine
minutes later the remainder of the crews were told that their mission was
cancelled but to prepare for a night bombing attack that night. At 13:15 hours
the night bombing attack was cancelled but the briefing for the minelaying
crews went ahead at 13:30. Two Lancasters were detailed to plant mines in the
u-boat passage routes of the Kattegat.
14th
December 1944 Night
Minelaying Mission “Silverthorne”
Take Off: at 15:27 hours Bill Adams (LL966) took off before Ed Thomas and
returned after he had landed, at 22:05 hours. Both squadron aircraft had to be
diverted to Spilsby on return.
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
LL966-P Lt
W Adams USAAF
In the “Silverthorne” area visibility was
good and from 15,000 feet the 2 Lancasers planted their mines between 18:05 and
18:35 hours in the allotted positions without difficulty. Some heavy flak was
encountered from a flak ship in the vicinity and a JU88 was seen but there were
no combats.
Preparations were made for an attack during
Friday 15th but it was cancelled at 17:00 hours, put off until the
following day when at 10:15 hours warning was received for a maximum effort
raid. Full preparations were made, flight planning took place at 15:30 and
aircrew briefing at 17:10 for a 22:00 hours attack. H-hour was delayed till
22:30 then 06:00 before the Op was scrubbed 45 minutes before take off.
Sunday 17th December 1944. At 10:30 a maximum effort attack was announced with flight
planning commencing at 13:30 hours for an attack on the town centre and
railways yards of Munich, 5 Group sent 280 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitos. 17
aircraft of Six-thirty were detailed each armed with 1 x 2000lb HC bombs and
Mk.14 Incendiary clusters.
17th/18th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Munich
Take Off: at 16:01 hours flight commander
Squadron Leader Malcolm Eyre in LM260 and Bill Adams in ND949 were the first
away.
ME312-A F/O
H Thompson
NG258-B F/O
A Stockill
LL949-E F/O
GR Scott RAAF
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
PS Weston RNZAF
NN702-J F/O
LA Barnes
LM216-K F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
NG259-N F/O
GE Billing
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
ME739-T F/O
RJ Sassoon
NG123-U F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
PD254-W Lt
MT Ackerman SAAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z Lt
W Adams USAAF
En-route for the target all radio
navigational aids aboard LM260 “S-Sugar” became unserviceable but Flight
Lieutenant George Arkieson (Squadron Bombing Leader) assisted Flight Lieutenant Bert Hewitt to ensure a
successful attack. Arriving over the target the attacking force found the
weather clear with some smoky haze low down. The markers were well concentrated
and were believed to have been accurately placed. 630 Squadron attacked from 13,300
to 15,000 feet between 22:02 and 22:11 hours the target appeared well bombed.
Again there were reports of incendiary clusters being dropped along the route
home as far west as the Rhine. Heavy flak and search lights were active but
there were no fighters in the TA. There was Intense light flak between Basle
and Mulhaus. Neil Roberts RAAF flying MG123 was the last of the squadron to
return at 02:17 hours. Bomber Command recorded severe and widespread damage in
the city centre and in the marshalling yards.
Monday 18th December 1944. The next attack involving the squadron was a 5 Group raid on
Gdynia far across the Baltic Sea. The cruiser “Lützow” was in port and was a
prime target. 13 aircraft of 630 Squadron were detailed to participate in the attack
and were bombed up with 9 x 1000lb HC.
At the same time the squadron was instructed to provide aircraft and
crews for a minelaying operation.
18th/19th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Gdynia
Take Off: at 16:53 hours Steve Nunns and
crew in NG125 were first away.
ME312-A F/O
PS Weston RNZAF
JB290-C F/O
HA Ramsey
LL949-E F/O
GR Scott RAAF
NG125-F F/L
SA Nunns
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LL966-P Lt
MT Ackerman SAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R W/O
GH Cowan
LM260-S F/O
A McGuffie
ME739-T F/O
RJ Sassoon
NG123-U F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
ND949-Z Lt
W Adams USAAF
“B-Baker” was unserviceable at the last
moment leaving Geoff Stemp’s crew unable to take off. Over the harbour the warship
designated as Six-thirty’s aiming point was clearly seen in the expected
position but it proved hard to get good bombing runs. Attacking from 11,600 to
14,000 feet between 22:01 and 22:08 hours, bombs were seen to straddle the ship
and jetty and there was a large explosion on the jetty followed by an oil fire.
George Radley, bomb aimer aboard Mathinus Ackerman’s “P-Prune” found at the
critical moment that the bomb release “tit” did not work and they had to orbit
to make a second run effectively jettisoning their load over the red marker, “U-Uncle”
also had technical problems, Neil Roberts’ bombs landed between the railway
tracks and the docks. German records confirm damage to shipping, dockyard
installations and housing in the town. Numerous searchlights were in action as
were some single engined fighters over the target. Only Bill Adams and crew in
“Z-Zebra” landed back at base in thick fog, the Scott crew aboard “E-Easy” landed
at Strubby, all other crews landed at Woodbridge. South African Marthinus
Ackerman was the last of the squadron to touch down at 03:59 hours.
Simultaneously three of the squadron’s
Lancasters laid mines, all 3 aircraft were armed with 6 x Mk.IV mines.
18th/19th
December 1944 Night
Minelaying Mission “Spinach South”
Take Off: at 03:02 hours NN703 (Frank
Millar) was the first to take off.
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
PD254-W F/L
M Miller
NN703-X F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
Weather was clear and no opposition was
encountered when mines were laid from 14,000 feet at 21:55 hours by Matt
Miller’s crew and 15,000 feet at 22:07 by Ed Thomas’ crew. A JU88 was seen but
it did not attack. NN703 “X-X ray” brought it’s mines back as their H2S failed
and planting would not have been reliable. Thomas and Millar landed at
Woodbridge on their return in very poor weather conditions Frank Millar being
the last down at 03:02 hours.
On Tuesday 19th December 1944 an
op was planned to attack Kaiserslautern, with preparations nearing completion
and the aircrew briefing in progress news was received at 14:05 hours to scrub
the mission due to bad weather in the target area. Poor weather then descended
on East Kirkby preventing any further flying.
Thursday 21st December 1944 – 207 Lancasters and 1 Mosquito of 5 Group attacked the Synthetic
Oil Plant at Pölitz. 6 aircraft of 630 Squadron were detailed for the attack
and bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC Minol and 12 x 500lb (Tail Inst) bombs.
21st/22nd
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Pölitz
Take Off: at 16:55 hours NN703 (Henry
Archer) took off from East Kirkby first.
NG258-B F/O
A Stockill
NG259-N F/O
GE Billing
LM287-O F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer
PD327-Y P/O
TB Baker RAAF
The attack was late to start as crews had
to orbit whilst the placement of the markers was assessed. The red and green
TI’s were found to be 300 yards north of the target and with an adjustment for
that the Controller ordered the attack to commence. The attack took place
between 22:04 and 22:11 hours from 15,500 to 18,000 feet and some good fires
and large explosions were seen. There were numerous searchlights but very
little flak and very few sightings of enemy fighters. On return “W-William” was
diverted to Kinloss, “X-X ray” to Carnaby, “B-Baker” and “Y-Yoke” to Strubby.
Lancaster I, NG258 (Codes LE – B )
Pilot –
F/O Arnold Stockill. Age 31 †
Flight Eng –
Sgt James Duffett. Age 21 †
Navigator –
F/O William McPherson James. Age 31 †
Bomb Aimer –
Sgt Raymond Athol Bruck. Age 22 †
Wireless Op –
Sgt James Stuart Bain . Age 20 †
Mid Upper –
Sgt John Henry Quinlivan .Age 20 †
Rear Gunner –
Sgt Leslie George Pooley. Age 19 injured
Diverted to Strubby due to weather
conditions at base “B-Baker” crashed at 03:20 hours at Scrafield Farm between
Scrafield and Mareham-on-the-Hill. The dead were buried near to their home
towns or relatives across the country. Stockill was cremated at Darlington, Duffett
buried at Colchester, James at Stockton-on-Tees (Oxbridge Road) Cemetery, Bruck
at Tankersley (St Peter) Churchyard, Bain at Edinburgh (Liberton) Cemetery and
Quinlivan Park Cemetery, London. Their teenage rear gunner Les Pooley from
Wisbech survived injured and was taken to Woodhll Spa Hospital where he recovered.
Aircraft diverted to other stations were
ordered to remain there until the weather cleared and due to persistent fog
were away until after Christmas. Post raid photo reconnaissance showed that the
chimneys of the power station serving the plant had collapsed and that other
damage had been caused. The return to
Eask Kirkby of “O – Oboe” was certainly in filthy weather however her crew were
elated, New Zealander Frank Millar’s lads had never missed an op together and
had completed their tour, they were screened and their pilot recommended for a
DFC.
Tuesday 26th December 1944. After several days of filthy weather the conditions suddenly
improved and Bomber Command supported ground actions in the fighting in the
Ardennes. A mixed group mission
comprising 294 aircraft attacked Wehrmacht positions near St. Vith. Six-thirty
were ordered to provide 2 aircraft armed with 14 x 1000lb bombs. It was decided
to detail aircraft which had been waiting to return to base from stations which
they had been diverted to.
26th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on St. Vith
Take Off: at 13:15 hours LM287 was the
first of the two to take off and also coincidentally would be the last to land
at 18:10 hours.
NG259-N F/O
EJ Monk
LM287-O F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
Aircraft climbed to bombing height and
encountered no flak until the target was reached where moderate flak came up. Crews
were briefed to bomb the Red TI’s and as the target was well marked and
visibility good, a good concentration of bombing was observed. The 630 Squadron
pair attacked from 13,200 to 13,900 feet at 15:31 and 15:33 hours. Jerry Monk later
recalled that they attacked in brilliant sunshine beneath a formation of
hundreds of Halifaxes which bombed for six thousand feet above, with thousand
pounders and window falling all around. Both aircraft were diverted again on
their return, this time to St.Eval a Coastal Command station in Cornwall where
the visiting crews reported feeling less than welcome. Two days later when the
weather cleared in Lincolnshire and they were able to escape, they roared off
the end of St.Eval’s cliff top runway and Jerry Monk turned back to “beat up”
the airfield before making a low run past the Flting Control with his cre all
making the less polite V for Victory towards their former hosts. Back at East
Kirkby Jerry was hauled before the OC who had received a colourful telephone
call from his opposite number at St.Eval. With hindsight it was speculated that
this incident on an otherwise spotless operational record could be the reason
that Jerry Monks did not receive a DFC on completion of his tour.
With training flights scheduled an order
was received for an op and Six-thirty detailed aircraft X, Y, E and R which
were on the deck at Strubby. The Lancasters were bombed up and their crews
briefed at Strubby. As the day commenced the squadrons’ aircraft which had been
sitting on other bases all returned, N and O from St Eval, J from Spilsby, C, F,
G, K, Q, T, P and U from Swinderby and Z from Woodbridge.
Thursday 28th December 1944. 5 Group mounted a raid comprising 67 Lancasters and 1 Mosquito to
attack a “large naval unit” – the cruiser “Köln” and nearby shipping off Horten
in Oslofjord. Four aircraft were detailed but only three took off each armed
with 13 x 1000lb bombs. As mentioned above the crews took off from Strubby
where they had been diverted.
28th/29th
December 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on shipping in Oslofjord
Take off: at 19:39 hours Warrant Officer
George Cowan and crew (PB344) led the section. “E-Easy” (McGuffie) did not take
off due to brake pressure problems.
PB344-R W/O
GH Cowan
PD327-Y P/O
TB Baker RAAF
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer
630 Squadron crews attacked between 23:49
and 23:59 hours from 7,500 to 8,000 feet bombing visually by moonlight but
Wanganui and sea markers were used as proximity markers. A thin layer of cloud
obscured the moon and made identification of the ships difficult. The
Kriegsmarine cruiser “Köln” could not be found and despite crews remaining over
the target area in the face of intense light flak for 31 minutes it was
impossible to gain any hits on the target vessels however U-735 was bombed and
sunk, her commander and over half of her crew killed. Squadron aircraft landed
back at East Kirkby, where Tom Baker (PD327) as the last to touch down at 02:51
hours.
Friday 29th December 1944 – at 10:55 hous on 29th the squadron were warned of a
minelaying Op and crews were briefed at 14:15. Two aircraft were despatched
with mines.
29th
/30th December 1944 Night Minelaying “Onions
Area”
Take off: at 15:57 hours Matt Miller in
PD254 was first away followed a minute later by Steve Nunns in NG125.
NG125-F F/L
SA Nunns
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
At 19:06 and 19:09 hours from 12,000 feet both
crews planted their vegetables in position using H2S and available landmarks.
Slight heavy flak emanated from Oslo and some light flak from ships in the
fjord but thankfully no fighters were seen. At 22:45 hours NG125 touched down
at base 4 minutes after PD254.
Saturday 30th December 1944. Scheduled to participate in a daylight attack 630 Squadron carried
out flight planning and aircrew briefings from 08:45 hours. Aircraft were
taxying around the perimeter towards the runway to take off when the mission
was cancelled at 11:23 hours. Just over an hour later orders were received to
prepare for a night attack. At mid-day on Saturday 30th December a
B-17 Flying Fortress of 8th USAAF crashed in flames at East Kirkby
while trying to land in bad visibility, sadly the entire crew were killed.
During the afternoon aircraft were prepared
and their crews briefed at 22:10 hours. 5 Group carried out an attack using 154
Lancasters and 12 Mosquitoes against an identified German military supply
bottle-neck in a narrow valley at Houffalize. 12 aircraft of 630 Squadron were
detailed to participate and were bombed up with 6 x 900lb and 12 x 1000lb
30th
/31st December 1944 Night Bombing Attack on
Houffalize
Take Off: at 02:12 hours Desmond Reynolds in
NG125 was first off the deck.
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds
NN702-J F/O
EJ Monk
LM216-K F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
NG259-N F/O
LA Barnes
LM287-O F/O
RJ Sassoon
LL966-P Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
ME845-Q F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
PD254-W F/O
AM Maclean RCAF
NN703-X F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z W/O
GH Cowan
The squaron’s crews attacked between 05:00 and 05:05 hours from 5,000 to 11,500 feet. Solid cloud lay over the target with occasional breaks and crews who bombed saw the TI’s cascading on the ground through patches of thin cloud and often only at the last minute. Jack Hoare’s crew descended below the clouds to 5,000 feet and bombed in clear visibility observing that a good concentration of bombing was falling around the TI’s. The crews of F, J, N T and Z did not bomb. No fighter opposition was fielded by the Luftwaffe. Len Barnes (NG259) was the last to return to base at 07:56 hours.
Confusion exists in the records over who flew ND949-Z in this attack, the F541 states that it was W/O Cowan however the logbooks of F/O Ramsey and also two of his crew record that they flew ND949, so likely the Cowan crew flew NN703-X which the F541 shows to have been taken by Ramsey’s crew.
Sunday 31st December 1944. At 10:40 hours an order was received for a minelaying mission, aircrew
briefing commenced at 13:00 hours. 2 Lancasters of Six-thirty participated in a
small scale mining operation, each carrying 6 x Mk.IV mines in u-boat transit
channels in the Kattegat area.
31st
December 1944/1st January 1945 Night Minelaying in “Yew Trees”
area
Take Off: at 16:20 hours PB894 (Ed Thomas)
was the first to take off.
PB894-A W/O
EA Thomas
LM287-O F/O
M Miller
Mines were planted at 20:24 hours from
15,000 feet by Matt Miller in LM287 which returned to base at 23:08 hours.
Night fighters are known to have been active in the area and Ed Thomas’ crew
Failed To Return.
Lancaster I, PB894
(Codes LE – A)
Pilot –
W/O Edward Ainsley Thomas. Age 26 †
Flight Eng –
Sgt David Daniel Jones. Age 31 †
Navigator –
F/S William Henry McDonald Marshall. Age 23 †
Bomb Aimer –
F/S Eric Leese. Age 23
†
Wireless Op –
F/S Joseph Henry Jones. Age 23 †
Mid Upper –
Sgt Bernard John Phillips. Age 30 †
Rear Gunner –
Sgt George Rex Boden. Age 22 †
It is believed that PB894 was the Lancaster
claimed by Hauptmann Eduard Schröder of 3/NJG 3 at 2,800 metres altitude over
the sea 50 km north-west of Hanstholm at about 21:00 hours, it was his 18th
victory. The crew are commemorated on Runnymede Memorial
Wednesday 1st November 1944. 226 Lancasters and 2
Mosquitoes of 5 Group supported by 8 Mosquitoes of 8 Group attacked the
Meerbeck Synthetic oil plant at Homberg. 19 aircraft of Six-thirty were
detailed for Ops, each armed with 11 x 1000lb AN-M65 (.025) and 4 x 500lb
AN-N64 (.025) bombs.
1st
November 1944
Daylight Bombling
Attack on Homberg
Take Off: at 13:26 hours in LM260 Wing
Commander Grindon was first away.
PD253-D F/O
SA Nunns
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O
GE Stemp
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM287-O F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
JW Langley
PB344-R F/O
GE Billing
LM260-S W/C
JE Grindon
ME739-T F/O
A McGuffie
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
TB Baker RAAF
NN703-X F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD327-Y F/O
DA McGillivray RNZAF
ND949-Z F/S
GH Cowan
PD317-G F/O
H Grayson
Arriving in the target area heavy cloud
hung over the synthetic oil plant. The early wave of the main force bombed
before the markers went down, others arrived just as the markers were dropped
directly in front of them. The force leaders were east of the track approaching
the target area and the majority of crews reported attacking the markers
between 16:08 and 16:12 hours from 17,000 to 18,000 feet. Four crews of 630
Squadron bombed Mors, the built up area south of the target, as they could not
identify the primary and “D-Dog” (Steve Munns) bombed Krefeld for the same
reason. Moderate to intense accurate flak was encountered over the target and
many aircraft returned with flak damage, Wing Commander Grindon’s aircraft was
holed in 33 places by flak, the hydraulics were shot away, the main rudder
controls and elevator controls were damaged. Some like Henry Thompson’s crew
found their aircraft to be “like a sieve” when they inspected it later, Jack
Hoare’s “X-Xray” was quite badly damaged by flak but no enemy fighters were
seen. ME739 (Alex McGuffie) was the last to return to base at 18:50 hours.
Thursday 2nd November 1944. Bomber Command launched its last major attack of the war against
Dusseldorf with 992 bombers. 14 Lancasters of Six-thirty participated, each
bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC, 6 x 1000lb AN-M59, 4 x 500lb GP (.025) and 2 x
500lb GP 53 (LD ½ hour) bombs.
2nd/3rd
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Dusseldorf
Take Off: at 16:21 hours the recently promoted
Captain Desmond Reynolds of the SAAF took off ahead of the squadron.
PD253-D F/O
H Thompson
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF (F/S GR Scott
RAAF)
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
H Grayson
LM287-O F/O FE Millar RNZAF (F/O RJ Sassoon)
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PB344-R F/O
JW Langley
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V Lt
W Adams USAAF (F/O AM MacLean RCAF)
PD254-W F/O
A McGuffie
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer (Lt MT
Ackerman SAAF)
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/S
GH Cowan
Weather conditions were clear at the target
with good visibility and ground defences were not troublesome with flak
bursting clear of the bombers and the searchlights ineffective in the
moonlight. The target was marked punctually with Red TI’s which were quickly
assessed as accurate when compared with the bends in the River Rhine and the
inland waterway dock yards. Minutes later the reds were backed up with green
TI’s which fell slightly to the east. The
squadron attacked between 19:17 and 19:36 hours from 17,400 to 21,000 feet. Throughout
the attack the ground markers were clearly seen and experienced crews rated the
concentration of bomber as excellent. The Germans set some decoy red TI’s 3 – 4
miles north west of the target and a slight delay in setting the green markers
might have caused some confusion. Large
fires were soon burning with a thick pall of smoke over the town, the fires
could be seen for 100 miles on the return flight. Fighters began to appear over
the target about half way through the attack and continued to attack the main
force as it flew home until about 0430East. 6 combats took place with night
fighters. PD254“W” arrived 12 minutes
late and did not attack. The bombing fell mainly on the northern half of the
city where more than 5,000 houses were destroyed or badly damaged and 7
factories were destroyed and a further 18 seriously damaged including some
steel production plants vital to the German war effort. Bill Adams and crew
were the last to return to base at 22:04 hours in LM637.
On 4th November Harry Grayson’s
crew (7 ops) and that of New Zealander Don McGillivray (4 ops) were posted to
189 Squadron to provide further crews with some operational experience amongst
a squadron which had been formed mainly from sprog crews directly from
training.
A number of crews recently arrived from training were preparing for ops in early November, they included Canadian Albert “Mac” MacLean’s[i] crew of British lads from 1654 HCUand LFS, 21 year old Richard Sassoon[ii] the son of a retired Army officer from Roehampton and his all British crew, the crews of 26 year old New Zealander Harry Ramsey[iv] from Auckland, his countryman Phil Weston[v] from Hunterville, NZ and Australian Neil Roberts[vi] from Healesville, Victoria. Arnold Stockill[vii] and crew were amongst the most recent arrivals, their captain was a 31 year old married man with two small children, originally from Darlington but resident in Wallasey.
Saturday 4th November 1944. 174 Lancasters and 3 Mosquitoes of 5 Group were despatched to bomb
the section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen, north of Munster, just
repaired by the Germans. 13 Lancasters of 630 Squadron participated in the
attack, each armed with14 x 1000lb AN-M (.025) bombs.
4th/5th November 1944Night Bombing Attack on Ladbergen
Take off: at 17:34 hours in sequence behind Desmond Reynolds (NG125). One of the aircraft carried Neil Roberts RAAF a new pilot making a Second Dickie trip, sadly the ORB does not show which aircrew he flew with. UPDATE – the logbook of F/O FEH Millar DFC records that he flew with a 2nd Dickie, Neil Roberts RAAF.
LL949-E F/O
GE Billing
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM287-O F/O FEH Millar RNZAF (P/O NG Roberts RAAF)
LL966-P F/S
EA Thomas
ME845-Q S/L
MA Eyre
PB344-R F/S
GH Cowan
NG123-U F/O
LA Barnes
LM637-V F/O
A McGuffie
NN703-X Lt
W Adams USAAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
Weather at the target was clear and
visibility good and the marking was punctual and accurate after which the
controller ordered the force to bomb the southern of the two lots of red TI’s.
The distance between both lots was less than 150 yards and both lay between the
two branches of the canal junction. The squadron’s attack took place from
10,200 to 13,000 feet between 19:30 and 19:34 hours and bombing was reported to
be very concentrated with multiple sticks of bombs straddled the canal
junction. Ground defences were negligible although fighter flares were seen
repeatedly between the Dutch coast and the target but few fighters were
seen. German decoy interference included
W/T messages such as 19:32 hours “Return to Base”, repeated at 19:34 hours and
at 19:35 hours “Flare force return to base” but as crews had satisfactory VHF
reception they followed the Controllers orders and ignored the interference.
The banks of both branches of the inland
waterway were breached again letting the water drain off and leaving large
cargo carrying barges stranded. Post war a report by Industry Production
Minister Speer which had been prepared for Hitler recorded that the bombing of
the canal prevented delivery of smelting coke from the Ruhr to 3 important
steelworks, 2 near Brunswick and 1 near Osnabruck. In post-war interrogations
Speer revealed that these raids on the Dortmund-Ems Canal together with attacks
on the German railway system produced more serious set backs to German war
production than any other bombing. At 22:23 hours Len Barnes flying “U-Uncle”
was the last of the squadron to land back at base.
Records contradict themselves as to whether
the Adams crew or the McGuffie crew flew “V” or “X” respectively.
Wednesday 6th November 1944. Continuing the campaign, 235 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos of 5 Group
attempted to cut the Mittelland Canal at its junction with the Dortmund Ems
Canal near Gravenhorst. Detailed to participate were 17 aircraft of Six-thirty
each with a load of 13 x 1000lb AN-M65 bombs.
6th/7th
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Gravenhorst
Take Off: at 16:08 hours NG125 (Desmond
Reynolds) and his SAAF colleague Douglas Turner (flying LM216) were the first
away. Frank Millar (LM287) had another recently arrived SAAF pilot (Gordon
Lacey) aboard as Second Dickie.
PD253-D F/O
GR Scott RAAF
LL949-E F/O
GE Billing
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM287-O F/O
FE Millar RNZAF (Lt GR Lacey
SAAF)
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
H Thompson
PB344-R W/O
GH Cowan
ME739-T F/O
A McGuffie
NG123-U F/O
GE Stemp
LM637-V F/O
RJ Sassoon
PD254-W F/O
LA Barnes
NN703-X F/O
AM MacLean RCAF
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
Weather over the target was clear with some
slight haze but the flares were so accurately placed by the Mosquito low-level
marker (Flight Lieutenant LCE DeVigne) that they fell into the canal and so
were almost immediately extinguished. The Controller ordered the force to
stand-by but was unable to get adequate illumination of the target and at 19:38
hours after only 31 aircraft had bombed gave the order to abandon the attack
and return to base. None of the squadron’s crews were able to attack. Ground
defences were negligible but some fighters were observed. The MacLean crew in
“X-X ray” were the last to return at 22:35 hours.
Tuesday 7th November Flying
Officer Bill Horsman[viii],
who had flown as bomb aimer in “Peter” Docherty’s crew until they completed
their tour some weeks earlier, was welcomed back when he joined the staff of
RAF East Kirkby as Station Air Sea Rescue officer but was immediately waved off
again as he was despatched on a 3 week specialist ASR course at Blackpool.
Saturday 11th November 1944. The squadron participated in two simultaneous missions next as 5
Group attacked Harburg with 237 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes and also laid mines
off Oslo, in the Kattegat and in the estuary of the River Elbe. 17 aircraft
from Six-thirty were tasked to attack the Rehenania-Ossag oil refinery at
Harburg, each bombed up with 1 x 4000lb HC and 14 x No.14 incendiary clusters.
11th/12th
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Harburg & Minelaying
Take Off: at 16:12 hours the recently
arrived Flight Commander Squadron Leader Malcolm Eyre led the formation out
from North Kirkby.
ME312-A F/O
LA Barnes
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
PD253-D F/O
PS Weston RNZAF
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
PD317-G F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
LM216-K F/O
GE Billing
NG259-N F/O
H Thompson
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/O
GR Scott RAAF
ME739-T F/O
A McGuffie
NG123-U F/O
AM MacLean RCAF
LM637-V S/L
MA Eyre
PD254-W F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
PD237-Y F/O
RJ Sassoon
ME312 “A-Able” (Len Barnes) returned early
landing at 19:17 hours after his bomb aimer (F/O Derrek Simons) was taken ill
and LL966 “P” (Olly Atkinson) had returned early at 18:11 hours when the W/T receiver
failed and couldn’t be repaired.
Ground defences lit fighter flares from the
coast near Heligoland onwards to the target to draw fighters in to the bomber
stream, along the route to the target and even on the homeward route. Marking
at the target was a few minutes late but appeared to be accurate and the
Controller’s clear instructions avoided confusion when the Germans lit a decoy
flare. The squadron attacked between 19:18 and 19:31 hours from 16,250 to
19,000 feet. Smoke from the burning oil tanks obscured the markers later during
the attack, several large explosions were seen at 19:18, 19:22 and 19:25 hours
and heavy black smoke was rising from the oil depot. Ground defences died down
as the attack commenced and search lights were being used to indicate the track
of the bombers to night fighters. Few enemy aircraft were seen but there were 2
inconclusive combats with night fighters.
Realising that they would not make it to the target in time after
hearing the Controllers instruction cease bombing and return to base the crew
of PD237 “Y-Yoke” (Richard Sassoon) jettisoned their bombs on a concentration
of search lights and anti-aircraft guns situated at 5340Nx0900E at 19:50 hours
from 17,750 feet. Formation leader Squadron Leader Eyre was the last of the
squadron’s Harburg force to return to base at 22:08 hours.
On the same night two of the squadron’s
Lancasters were involved in a gardening operation each armed with 6 Mark VI
mines.
11th/12th
November 1944 Minelaying in the “Young Eglantines” area
Take Off: at 16:33 hours Frank Millar was
the first off the deck, he was also the last to return to base at 21:05 hours.
LM287-O F/O FE Millar RNZAF
NN703-X F/L HD Archer
The two aircraft and crews designated for “gardening” duties planted their “vegetables” at 19:02 and 19:15 hours in the allotted positions using H2S without serious difficulty although some heavy flak was experienced from Heligoland. No enemy fighters were seen but fighter flares were observed near Cuxhaven. The logbook of Henry Archer proves that the details of the two aircraft are transposed in the 630 Squadron Operations Record Book, and are here corrected- Frank Millar and crew flew “O-Oboe” and Henry Archer and crew flew their regular Lanc “X-X ray”.
Next Bomber Command joined the 8th
USAAF to attack targets at Düren, Jülich and Heinsberg in preparation for an
attack by the American First and Ninth Armies.
Thursday 16th November 1944. The RAF despatched 1,188 bombers to destroy lines of communication
and the USAAF sent 1,239 bombers to raid troop positions. 19 aircraft of Six-thirty
were despatched to join the force attacking Düren each bombed-up with 11 x
1000lb AN-M65 and 4 x 500lb AN-M64 (.025) bombs.
16th
November 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Düren
Take Off: at 12:24 hours South African Doug
Turner was the first away.
ME312-A F/O
DA Clifford
NG258-B F/O
GR Scott RAAF
LL949-E F/O
JW Langley
NG125-F F/O
A Stockill
PD317-G F/L
SA Nunns
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
LM287-O F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
LL966-P F/L
RF Lewis
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/O
AM MacLean RCAF
NN703-X F/O NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/O
RJ Sassoon
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
LM637-V F/O
TB Baker RAAF
In a rare moment of awkwardness Steve Nunns’ “D-Dog” went unserviceable at the last moment, Jerry Monk’s crew were taken off the Battle Order making “G-George” available for the Nunns crew.
Although there was a thick haze and dense smoke covering the town the immediate target area was clear and visibility was good. The Controller was considered by the main force to be excellent, giving clear precise instructions although W/T reception was poor at times. He ordered the force down to 10,000 feet, the squadron attacked between 15:34 and 15:39 hours from 9,800 to 12,400 feet and bombing was reported to be very concentrated on the target. One very large explosion was seen at 15:37 hours although no fighters were seen and the flak was moderate. An Air Gunner reported that the Lancaster seen to go down in flames at 15:33 hours was hit in the starboard wing by a Lancaster with a fin and rudder painted yellow. The casualty had a red letter painted on a black fin but its squadron letters could not be seen. Tom Baker was the last to return at 18:38 hours.
John Langley’s crew aboard LL949 “E-Easy” could
not attack as their bombs hung-up when the distributor failed to move, the crew
managed to jettison two 1000lb bombs over the North Sea but brought the remainder
home. The three towns attacked by the RAF were virtually destroyed. Many
aircraft had to divert to Strubby due to very poor conditions over base on
their return. The weather remainded very poor and an attempt to return on the
following day had to be aborted again due to conditions over East Kirkby.
After a heavy rain storm in the early hours
of Sunday 19th November a preliminary warning of Ops was received at
10:05 hours – an early take-off was planned and the station put in maximum
effort to be ready however the order was later cancelled. The same thing
happened the very next day with an 09:40 hours warning, everything was ready
for the planned 13:15 hours take off but it was was delayed until 16:25 hours
and finally scrubbed at 16:45 hours.
With their pilots each having completed an
op as Second Dickie the crews captained by South Africans Gordon Lacey[ix]
and Marthinus Ackerman[x]
were to be detailed for ops on the next Battle Order.
Tuesday 21st November 1944. 5 Group maintained the
pressure on the German inland water transport system returning to the
Mittelland Canal near Gravenhorst with 138 Lancasers and 5 Mosquitoes. 21
Lancasters of Six-thirty were bombed with 1000lb GP (.025) bombs.
21st/22nd
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Gravenhorst
Take Off: at 17:22 hours Squadron Leader Malcolm Eyre in PD254 was first away.
ND949-Z Lt
W Adams USAAF
JB290-C F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ME312-A F/O
DA Clifford
NG258-B F/O
GR Scott RAAF
PD253-D F/O
A Stockill
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
PD317-G F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NG259-N F/O
LA Barnes
LM287-O Lt
MT Ackerman SAAF
LL966-P Lt
GR Lacey SAAF
PD254-W S/L
MA Eyre
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
PD344-R F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
NN703-X F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
PD327-Y F/O
RJ Sassoon
The marking was punctual but some of the
Controllers orders were considered to be confusing. At 20:59 hours some crews
were ordered by W/T to descend to 4,000 ft and attack but then received a
message by VHF to attack as planned and had to climb back to their original bombing height. 630
Squadron attacked between 21:03 and 21:12 hours from 3,500 to 9,800 feet and was
reported as well concentrated, only a small amount of light flak was
experienced and no search lights. Small
scale fighter activity and only in the target area and start of the route
homeward. There were five combats in the target area and one on the route home but
none were conclusive. The canal banks were successfully breached and later
photographs showed that the water drained off over a 30 miles stretch leaving
59 barges stranded in one short section alone. George Scott and crew aboard
NG258 were the last to land at 00:11 hours.
The Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Charles Martin, MM was posted out, an Ealing man, thirty-nine year old former insurance official Flight Lieutenant Alfred Henry Lionel Britton quickly arrived to replace him.
In the second half of the month a new
flight commander was posted in to replace A-Flight’s Squadron Leader Millichap.
Squadron Leader Marcel Cuelenaere DFC RCAF[xi]
was a French-Canadian who had completed a tour of 30 ops with 97 Squadron between
October 1942 and March 1943 which included some of the very long range missions
to bomb Italy (awarded a DFC, London Gazette 15th June 1943). He had
been presented with his DFC at Buckingham Palace by HM King George VI at an
investiture on 21st March 1944. During a long Instructing tour at 1654
and 1660 HCU he survived injury when the Lancaster (W4937) in which he was instructor swung and crashed
on landing at Swinderby on 26th September 1943, he instructed
further at 1668 HCU and finally 5 LFS before joining 630 Squadron. Not
surprisingly his crew included second tour veterans such as navigator 36 year
old Manx postal telegraphist Bob Corkill DFC formerly of 9 Squadron and
wireless op 31 year old Wil MacDonald DFC who had completed his previous tour
with 61 Squadron. Both of these two men would go on to have distinguished
careers post-war in the Colonial Service, Bob Corkill in the West African
Postal Administration and Wil MacDonald as a Superintendent of Police in Kenya.
Wednesday 22nd November 1944. 171 Lancasters and 7
Mosquitoes of 5 Group were despatched to attacked the u-boat pens at Trondheim.
The squadron records do not indicate what bomb load was carried by its 12
Lancasters however LL949 which was lost is reported to have had 17 x 500lb MC
(.025) aboard.
22nd/23rd
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Trondheim
Take Off: at 15:38 hours Desmond Reynolds
(NG125) was first to get airborne.
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
NG258-B P/O
GR Scott RAAF
ME312-A F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD253-D F/O
A Stockill
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
NG125-F Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
LM216-K F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
NN702-J W/O
EA Thomas
PD254-W F/O
RJ Sassoon
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD327-Y Lt
W Adams USAAF
NG259-N F/O
LA Barnes
NG259 “N-Nan” (Len Barnes) returned early
20:59 hours as their bomb aimer was ill.
On the outward journey a weather front
forecast for 5758N was encountered at 56N and spread over 5° of latitude. At
61N there were breaks in the cloud and the target area visibility was very
good. The green proximity marker was clearly seen and the first flares dropped
at H -13. Fairly intense light flak came up from the target area and the line
of fire gradually lowered to converge at about 1000 feet. The Controller
ordered crews to return to base at 21:08 hours. Ten searchlights were active
and maintained a steady beam to track aircraft leaving the target area. B, F, G.
J. K, T, V, W and Y all returned immediately as instructed. The return flight
included 5 hours in solid cloud. Arnold
Srockill in “D-Dog” landed at Thornaby short of fuel and Ed Thomas flying “J-Jig”
was the last to return landing at 03:36 hours. One crew Failed To Return.
Lancaster I, LL949 (Codes LE – E)
Pilot –
F/O George Ross Flood RNZAF. Age 21 †
Flight Eng –
Sgt Leslie Thomas Woodward. Age 20 Died
Navigator –
F/S Charles Agnew RNZAF. Age 25 †
Bomb Aimer –
F/S Kenneth James Aspell. Age 26
†
Wireless Op –
F/S William Richie Ingram RNZAF. Age 22 †
Mid Upper –
Sgt Frederick Hughes. Age †
Rear Gunner –
Sgt Maurice Benjamin Henley. Age 22 †
Nothing was heard of the aircraft or crew
until 26th November when wreckage was found by a farmer on a
sandbank near the north bank of Humber off Sunk Islands Sands and reported to
Withernsea Police Station. Six members of the crew were found dead but the
flight engineer was still alive. Twenty year old Leslie Woodward, a married man
from London had survived the crash but was injured and suffering terribly from
exposure, sadly he died of his injuries on 1st December. LL949
appeared to have flown into the ground at a shallow angle in a north to south direction
while returning from a long distance attack. The crew had operated on the
previous night and the Head of the Court of Enquiry believed that fatigue had
been a leading factor in the accident after a long range mission flown at low
altitude. Amongst the crew was Scots born Charlie Agnew who had emigrated “down
under” with his family to Australia as a young child he grew up in Perth, WA, he
moved to New Zealand in 1937 and joined the New Zealand Army Department as a
Signwriter. The three Kiwis and Sgt Henley are buried in Harrogate (Stonefall)
Cemetery, Sgt Woodward is buried at Hampstead Cemetery, Sgt Hughes at Moston
(St Josephs) RC Cemetery and Sgt Aspell at Coventry (St Paul’s) Cemetery..
Several days of filthy weather followed and the Station was stood down.
Sunday 26th November 1944. 270 Lancasters and 8
Mosquitoes of 5 Group attacked Munich with aiming points in several railway
centres. 20 Lancasters of 630 Squadron but 2 returned early. The bomb loads are
not recorded however it is known that they comprised 1000lb MC and 4lb
incendiaries.
26th/27th
November 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Munich
Take Off: at
10:35 hours LM216 (Phil
Weston) took off from East Kirkby leading the squadron.
ME312-A F/O
JW Langley
NG258-B F/O
GE Stemp
PD253-D F/O
H Thompson
NG125-F F/O
GE Billing
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
LM216-K F/O
PS Weston RNZAF
NG259-N F/O
HA Ramsey RNZAF
LM287-O F/O
A McGuffie
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q W/O
GH Cowan
LM260-S Lt
W Adams USAAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NN703-X F/O
NG Roberts RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
LF Ovens
JB290-C F/O
RJ Sassoon
PB344-R F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
John Langley’s “A-Able” returned early after
it’s starboard inner failed, landing at Manston at 01:50 hours and Billy
Billing’s “F-Fox” landed back at base at 03:59 hours with navigational aids,
intercom and bomb sight all unserviceable. The target marking was accurate and
all crews saw the concentration of TI’s clearly. To the north there was a single Red TI
cancelled by a Yellow and to the west were decoy TI’s set by the Germans which
do not seem to have deceived any of the attackers. Large areas of the town were
seen to be on fire and the conflagration could be seen 100 miles away. The squadron’s
attack took place between 05:00 and 05:24 hours from 15,200 to 17,500 feet and
a very large explosion was seen at 05:07 hours just north of the eastern end of
the marshalling yards. Ground defences and searchlights were surprisingly light
and ineffective. Some fighters attacked and there was 1 combat before reaching
the target and 2 combats in the target area. Rendel Lewis brought LM637 in to
land at 23:18 hours, the last of the squadron to return to base.
On Thursday 30th November Group
Captain Taaffe OBE relinquished command of RAF East Kirkby to Group Captain
Bernard Casey OBE[xii]
who would remain in command for the next 12 months.
[xi] Marcel Redmond Cuelenaere (J.16384), RCAF. DFC LG. 15/06/43, 97 Sqdn. Bar to DFC LG. 04/12/45, 630 Sqdn. (born Leask, Saskatchewan 1918 – died 1995). Postwar he was a successful lawyer.
[xii] Bernard Adolf Casey (29185), GD Branch, RAF. OBE LG. 01/01/1942.
[xiii] Alfred Henry Lionel Britton (107865) A&SD Branch RAFVR. (born 02/12/1905 – died 1970 Wiltshire).
In the early days of October an 8th
USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress landed at RAF East Kirkby after an attack during
which its Ball-Turret gunner had sustained wounds to his leg caused by flak, he
was evacuated to RAF Hospital Rauceby before the Americans flew on to their
base.
Thursday 5th October 1944. 227 Lancasters and 1Mosquio of 5 Group were despatched to bomb the
important Naval and shipbuilding own of Wilhelmshaven on the north German
Baltic coast. 21 Lancasters of 630 Squadron were detailed – all armed with 10 x
1000lb ANM65 (.025) and 4 x 500lb J type clusters.
5th
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Wilhelmshaven
Take Off: at 07:43 hours Malcolm Eyre was
the first airborne.
LM673-B F/O
GE Stemp
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
LM259-F F/O
SID Herbert RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
LF Ovens
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O
MA Swain
LM216-K F/O
H Grayson
NF961-L F/S
EA Thomas
ND412-H F/O
A Bates
NG125-M F/O
EI Britton
LM287-O F/O
FEH Millar RNZAF
LL966-P F/S
TB Baker RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/O
JO Davies
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NN703-X F/O HD Archer
ND949-Z W/O
HT Ryan RAAF
Arriving over Wilhelmshaven the force
encountered 10/10ths cloud which only permitted fleeting glimpses of the
coastline to the north of the town. All but seven of the squadron’s crews
bombed using H2S although crews unable to get a decent fix attacked ships which
could be seen in the harbour. Five attacked by holding formation with other
crews and bombing simultaneously. Experienced crews believed bombing might have
been to the east of Wilhelmshaven. They attacked between 11:03 and 11:07 hours
from 15,000 to 18,000 feet. No fighters were encountered and the flak was
reorted to be inaccurate and short. Unable to identify the primary target both
“U” bombed Leeuwarden and “K” bombed Jever. NF961 (Ted Thomas) landed at 13:47
hours, the last to touch down.
The 630 Squadron Operations Record Book at the National Archives records “Billy” Billing and crew flying “G-George” however this is contradicted by the RAF Museum’s 630 Squadron “Ops Record” and East Kirkby “Raid Book” which both state that “Jim” Ovens and crew flew “G-George”, both providing precise detail of their attack, bombing time, height course, etc and this is also supported by the listing of ops flown by “Jim” Ovens in the recommendation for his DFC. It has been suggested that it was a last minute change.
Alec Swain and his crew had flown the last op of their tour and were promptly screened from ops as he was recommended for a DFC. Their rear gunner 21 year old Geoff Bate from Aston in Birmingham who had flown some ops before joining the crew had finished his tour and been posted away in August having been recommended for a DFC, the remainder of the crew broke up as they were posted to new duties in the weeks that followed.
Friday 6th October 1944. In the last of 32 major attacks against Bremen 246 Lancasters and
7 Mosquitoes of 1 and 5 Groups set out again for the north German coastline. 18
of Six-thirty’s Lancasters were detailed for the mission – 2 armed with 1 x
4000lb HC and 9 x 1000lb ANM59, each of the others with 3,000 x 4lb
incendiaries. A minelaying operation was also detailed.
6th
/7th October 1944 Night Bombing
Attack on Bremen
Take Off: at 17:34 hours New Zealander Ross
Flood was the first of 630 Squadron to take off .
LM673-B F/O
GE Billing
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
SA Nunns (W/O
HT Ryan RAAF)
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN702-J F/S
EA Thomas
LM216-K F/O
M Grayson
NF961-L F/O
TB Baker RAAF
NG125-N F/O
EI Britton
LM287-O F/O
FEH Millar RNZAF (F/O LF Ovens)
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
JB290-C F/O
A Bates
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
GE Stemp
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NN703-X F/O
HD Archer
PD327-Y F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
Ross Flood in “E” had to jettison his bomb
load over the North Sea and return early with their pitot head unserviceable.
Over the target weather conditions were clear with excellent visibility and
crews believed that the markers were accurately placed, 1,021 tons of bombs
were dropped of which 868 tons were incendiaries. 630 Squadron’s crews attacked
the green target indicators between 20:25 and 20:32 hours from 17,750 to 18,500
feet. The attack went as planned aside from serious interference on VHF. Joe
Barton, Eric Britton’s bomb aimer aboard “N-Nan” encountered technical problems
and the crew jettisoned their bomb load in the target area. A large area of
fire was seen on both banks of the river and flak defences were strong, active
and accurate with several aircraft sustaining damage, search lights were also
reported numerous and active.
Several fighters were in position over the
town and “V-Victor” flown by Rendel Lewis was in combat with a JU88 which was
claimed as damaged by his gunners Sergeants Reg Bennett (mid-upper) and Joe
Morgan (rear gunner). No combat report had been located.
George “Billy” Billing in LM673 was the
last of Six-thirty to land at 23:10 hours.
Serious damage was caused in this attack to
he AG Weser ship building yards where u-boats and other warships were built, to
two Focke-Wulf aircraft factories, the Siemens-Schuckert electrical works and
several associated war industries. A German report states that the transport
network was seriously disrupted.
On the same night 3 aircraft were detailed
to participate in an operation to lay mines in the “Young Yams” area, two
carried 6 x G718 mines and one carried 1 x D46, 1 x 406.B230, 1 x G716 variant,
1 x B230, 1 x D406 and 1 x G716.
6th
/7th October 1944 Night Minelaying in
“Young Yams”
Take Off: at 17:48 hours Bill Gordon
(PB344) was the first of the minelayers to take off and Kiwi Ian Herbert the
last of them to return at 22:01 hours.
LM259-F F/O
SID Herbert RNZAF
LL966-P F/O
JO Davies
PB344-R F/L
WH Gordon
Weather was fine with excellent visibility
and coastal features were clearly identified. There was no opposition and between
20:14 and 20:27 the mines were dropped as required from 1,500 feet.
At Bardney on 7th October No.5
Group formed another new Lancaster squadron, actually reforming 227 Squadron
which had earlier operated Beaufighters in anti-shipping operations in the
Mediterranean and Aegean. The new 227 Squadron was to be immediately
operational and as such received 9 Squadron’s “A” Flight and 619 Squadron’s “B”
Flight supplemented by experienced crews from elsewhere within the Group. Six-thirty
contributed the crews of New Zealanders Tony Wilson (4 ops) and Ian Herbert (21
ops) accompanied by those of Arthur Bates (11 ops) and Eric Britton (8 ops).
Both the Britton and Herbert crews were shot down on 4th December
and Tony Wilson was shot down on 18th December whilst flying with another
crew.
Saturday 7th October 1944. 121 Lancasters and 2 Mosquitoes of 5 Group attacked the sea wall
east of Flushingas a part of a tactic to flood the surrounding land which was
below sea-level and had been recovered from the sea. 630 Squadron had 16
Lancasters detailed for the operation – all armed with 14 x 1000lb (1 hours).
7th
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Walcheren Dykes
Take Off: at 11:47 hours the first airborne
was Henry Archer in NN703.
NG123-U F/O
GE Billing
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
SA Nunns
ME739-T W/O HT Ryan RAAF
NG145-I F/O
H Grayson
NN702-J F/O
EA Thomas
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
NN703-X F/O
HD Archer
LL966-P F/O
JO Davies
ME845-Q F/O
LF Ovens
PD327-Y F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
PB344-R F/O
FE Millar RNZAF
NF961-L F/O
A Bates
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
LM216-K F/O
SID Herbert RNZAF
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
Conditions for the attack were perfect, the
weather was clear and visibility excellent, red TI’s were accurately placed in the middle
of the Dyke on the seaward side. After a first run up the wind estimation was
adjusted and later sticks of bombs fell directly across the dyke. Some bombs
exploded immediately despite their long delay settings and caused obvious
damage, holes could also be seen where LD bombs had gone into the dyke. 630
Squadron’s crews attacked between 12:32 and 12:39 hours from 6,900 to 8,500
feet virtually all making a visual attack. Accurate flak defensive fire came
from Flushing and Breekobs, and 16 aircraft
showed flak damage. The sea walls were successfully breached. Edward Thomas and
crew were the last to return at 14:51 hours.
Wednesday 11th October 1944. 160 Lancasters and 20 Mosquitoes of 1 and 8 Group attacked Fort Frederik
Hendrik gun batteries at Breskens on the south bank of the Scheldt whilst 115
more 5 Group Lancasters attacked guns near Flushing on the north bank. 61 more
5 Group Lancasters and 2 Mosquitoes attacked the sea-walls at Veere on he
north-east coast of the Island. 15 of Six-thirty’s aircraft and crews were
detailed for the operations, 9 to attack Flushing Docks and 6 to attack the sea
wall north of Veere – all were armed with 12 x 1000lb AN-M59 and 14 x 500lb
ANM64 (.025) bombs.
11th
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Walcheren (Docks & Veere)
Take Off: At 13:00 hours Steve Nunns crew
in PD253 were the first airborne.
PD253-D F/O
SA Nunns
ND412-H F/O
EJ Monk
NN702-J F/O
HT Ryan RAAF
LL966-P F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
DA McGillivray RNZAF
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
PB344-R F/L
WH Gordon
LM287-O F/L
RF Lewis
PD327-Y F/O
GE Billing
ND949-Z F/O
JO Davies
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
5/10ths cloud hung over the primary target at
3,000 feet but visibility was good. The squadron’s crews identified the target
visually and bombed the sea wall north of Veere from 14:41 to 14:43 hours from
6,000 to 6,800 feet and the sea wall at Flushing between 14:47 and 14:54 hours
from 6,800 to 7,800 feet. A good concentration of bomb bursts were evident in
the northern part of the dockyards and towards the end of the attack the aiming
point was no longer visible due to bomb bursts. Flak was negligible and no
fighters were seen. 630/E didn’t see the markers until too late and bombed the
dyke visually, south of the canal mouth at Veere. ND412 (“Jerry” Monk) was the
last aircraft back to East Kirkby at 16:20 hours.
On 14th October 1944 Wing Commander John Grindon[i] took command of 630 Squadron. A 27 year old from Newquay in Cornwall, Grindon’s father had been killed at Ypres less than a month after his birth, graduating from RAF Cranwell in 1937 he joined 98 Squadron flying Hawker Hinds and shortly before the outbreak of war 150 Squadron flying Fairey Battles. Serving in France during the Phoney War he was posted to the UK on a Navigation course shortly before the Fairey Battle equipped squadrons were annihilated and following that to Canada as an instructor with 34 OTU at Pennfield Ridge, New Brunswick. John Grindon maintained a barrage of requests to return to operational flying until July 1944 when he was posted to 106 Squadron to replace a Flight Commander who had just failed to return. Having flown 13 ops with 106 Squadron and proven himself a very able flight commander he had gained sufficient operational experience to take command of 630 Squadron. Wing Commander Blome-Jones left the station promptly to take up a staff position.
Eric Harris’ crew
were allocated NG123 “U-Uncle” as “their own” and immediately commissioned nose
art worthy of an 8th USAAF B-17. Adorned with a reclining blonde
nude beneath “Oh U Beauty” their Lancaster is recognisable on many photos from
that stage onwards.
Welcomed back at
East Kirkby with a “bash” in the mess celebrating their successful evasions and
time with the French Resistance after being shot down over France in mid March
and late July respectively, Len “Barney” Barnes and Bill Adams USAAF arrived
back with 630 Squadron. Both quickly re-formed crews from available bods and
were soon back on Battle Orders to complete their tours, Barnes immediately opted
to make another trip as Second Dickie to “get his hand in” in the light of the
changes to ops since he’d last flown. Quickly making friends with Flying
Officer John Black[ii] a
senior air gunner about to commence his second tour, having no mid-upper gunner
for his new crew Barnes was delighted to have Johnny Black join him.
Saturday 14th October 1944. 5 Group tried to destroy Brunswick 4 times in 1944 and finally
accomplished that aim in its coming operation mounted by 233 Lancasters and 7
Mosquitoes. 20 of the squadron were detailed to participate, all armed with 2 x
1000lb MC and 16 x No.14 Mk.I clusters.
14th/15th
October 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Brunswick
Take Off: at 22:25 hours SAAF pilot Desmond
Reynolds in NF961 was first to take off from East Kirkby. Ross Flood apparently
flew “J” borrowed from 57 Squadron.
PD253-D F/O
GE Billing
ME626-57 F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NG145-I F/O
GE Stemp
NN702-J F/S
EA Thomas
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
NF961-L Lt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
LM287-O F/O
LF Ovens
LL966-P F/O
HT Ryan RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/L
WH Gordon (F/O LA
Barnes)
LM260-S S/L
MA Eyre
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
M Miller
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer (F/S GH
Cowan)
PD327-Y F/O
TB Baker RAAF
ND949-Z F/O
JO Davies
The marking was punctual and red TI’s were
assessed as 200 yards west of the aiming point so crews were ordered to bomb
the eastern edge of the grouping of red TI’s. A good concentration of bombing
resulted in the town being well ablaze by the time the attack ended. Crews of
630 Squadron attacked between 02:26 and 03:38 hours from 18,200 to 19,000 feet
and on their return complained that some squadrons had jettisoned considerable
quantities of incendiaries along the route home for the first 50 miles which gave
great assistance to enemy fighters and ground defences. Two aircraft sustained
flak damage over the target and there were 4 combats with enemy fighters but no
claims or damage. Ted Thomas landed NN702 at 07:41 hours, the last to touch
down. The centre of Brunswick was gutted and German reports state that 150
hectares of the town were hit.
Sunday 15th October 1944. 630 Squadron were detailed to contribute 2 Lancasters and crews to
a minelaying operation in the “Silverthorn” area. Each carried 6 x Mk.IV mines.
15th/16th
October 1944 Night
Minelaying in the Kattegat
Take Off: at 18:40 hours Henry Archer was
the first away, he landed at 01:00 hours at Syerston, shortly after Bill Gordon
touched down at Strubby.
LL966-P F/L
WH Gordon
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer
An unsuccessful sortie as both aircraft had
H2S failures and couldn’t identify landmarks visually in 7/10ths cloud cover so
returned with their loads intact. One source states that the Archer crew flew
“I-Item” on this night.
Twenty-four year old Dennis Brammer[iii] from Stone in Staffordshire and his crew who had recently joined the squadron from training were in the early stages of operational readiness exercises. Brammer went to school at Henley High School and then Alleyne’s Grammar School also in Stone. On leaving school in April 1938 he joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationery clerk at their Worcester branch, being promoted to junior clerk in July 1938 and then to clerk in July 1940. In July 1941 he left the bank to join the RAF and after training in Canada earned his wings and a commission in March 1943.
Tuesday 17th October 1944. 5 Group returned to the sea wall at Walcheren despatching 47 Lancasters
and 2 Mosquitoes. 5 aircraft of Six-thirty were detailed, each armed with 14 x
1000lb MC (Delayed fuse).
17th
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on West Kapelle Sea Dykes
Take Off: at 12:42 hours Rendel Lewis and
crew in NN703 were the first airborne.
JB290-C F/O
LA Barnes
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
LM216-K F/O
GE Billing
NG123-U F/S
GH Cowan
NN703-X F/L
RF Lewis
The weather was clear, cloudless and
visibility very good. A red TI was accurately placed and crews were able to
identify the target visually between 14:00 and 14:15 hours. 630 Squadron
attacked promptly between 14:00 and 14:01 hours from 5,000 to 5,700 feet. The
majority of bombs fell between the existing breach in the sea dyke and the red
TI with several sticks of bombs straddling the dyke. Flak at the target was
negligible with only a few light guns and one heavy gun firing from positions
north of the town, one aircraft received flak damage, no enemy fighters were
seen. “Billy” Billing was the last to touch doen at 15:23 hours.
That night on a routine night cross country
navigation exercise a newly arrived crew crashed and sadly were all killed
Lancaster I, NF961 (Codes LE – L)
Pilot – F/O Dennis Archibald Brammer. Age
24 †
Flight Eng –
Sgt Leonard George Cook . Age 20 †
Navigator –
W/O Gerald Joseph Davies . Age 34 †
Bomb Aimer –
Sgt William Albert White. Age 21
†
Wireless Op –
Sgt Dennis Gordon Holyoak . Age 21 †
Mid Upper –
Sgt John Christopher Fitzpatrick. Age 21 †
Rear Gunner –
Sgt Clifford John Evans. Age 35 †
NF961 crashed at approximately 02:35 hours
possibly due to icing, on Harfa Bank near Osmotherly about 6 miles north-east
of Northallerton. Four of the crew are
buried at Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, the pilot was buried at Stone
Cemetery in Staffs, the wireless operator at Birmingham (Yardley) Cemetery and
the rear gunner at Bridgend Cemetery in Wales.
Thursday 19th October 1944. 263 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes of 5 Group returned to Nuremburg to attempt the knock out blow on the city which had avoided total destruction on several previous raids. 20 aircraft of 630 Squadron were detailed each armed with 1 x 2000lb HC and 12 x 500lb J-type clusters.
19th/20th
October 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on Nuremburg
Take Off: 17:18 hours Ross Flood and crew
took of in LL949 “E”.
JB290-C F/O
HT Ryan RAAF
PD253-D F/O
GE Billing
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF (W/O JW Langley)
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O
GE Stemp
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM287-O F/O
LF Ovens
LL966-P Lt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R F/L
WH Gordon (F/O A
McGuffie)
LM260-S Lt
W Adams USAAF
ME739-T F/O
RA Stone RNZAF
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
LA Barnes
NN703-X F/L
HD Archer (F/O JW
Hoare RAAF)
PD327-Y F/S
GH Cowan
ND949-Z F/O
JO Davies
The aiming point had not been marked,
almost total cloud cover was over Nuremberg, so the controller ordered the Back
Up markers and green and red TI’s, the crews could see the markers clearly and
after a 200 yard correction was ordered, a good concentration developed, fires
covering a large area. VHF reception was good and the controller’s orders were
clear. The squadron attacked between 20:56 and 21:04 hours from 15,600 to
19,000 feet. Ground defences were not strong and light fighter activity was
reported over the target. There were
combats but no claims and flak engaged several aircraft over France on the
return flight. On the return journey jet propelled fighters were reported south
of Stuttgart and one crew identified n Me262. A German report confirmed that
bombing destroyed 41 industrial buildings and almost 400 houses in the
industrial southern districts.
For three crews it was their last op with 630 Squadron, John Davies’ crew (19 ops) and Aussie Henry Ryan (5 ops) newly formed 189 Squadron on 22nd October and actually went on 23rd, almost a week later on 29th they were followed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Gordon’s crew who had flown 24 ops with 630 Squadron, on arrival Gordon was promoted Squadron Leader and became a flight commander. A week later two more of Six-thirty’s crews would be joining them.
On 22 October Flight Lieut Freddie Spencer, recently awarded the DFC after almost 60 Ops flown during two tours, was posted to Instructional Duties. He had flown on Ops with 630 Squadron from 1 January 1944 through until 17 Sep 1944
Monday 23rd October 1944. 112 Lancasters of 5 Group were despatched to attack the Flushing
coastal gun batteries. 6 aircraft of Six-thirty were detailed, they were
bombed-up with 14 x 1000lb AN-M65 (.025) bombs.
23rd
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Flushing
Take Off: at 15:11 hours Lieutenant Bill Adams
USAAF was the first off the deck followed almost immediately by George Cowan.
PD317-G F/O
EJ Monk
NG145-I F/O
GE Stemp
NN702-J Lt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
LM287-O F/O
LF Ovens
LM637-V Lt
W Adams USAAF
PD327-Y F/S
GH Cowan
Visibility at the target was poor and most
crews had to make several orbits before they could identify the aiming points
in order to make a satisfactory bombing run. The Controller gave orders to
abandon the mission after he had failed to identify the target. The majority of
crews did however to make bombing runs and bombs were seen straddling the gun
emplacements. All of 630 Squadron crews involved in the attack did bomb between
16:29 and 16:38 hours from 4,000 to 4,800 feet. Some heavy and light flak was
encountered on the approach and over the target and 6 aircraft were slightly
damaged. No enemy fighters were seen. The last to return to base was PD237
(George Cowan) at 17:51 hours.
Tuesday 24th October 1944. 4 aircraft were detailed for minelaying along the established
u-boat transit routes of the Kattegat. 6
x Mk.IV mines were delivered by each of the squadron’s Lancasters.
24th/25th
October 1944 Night
Minelaying in the Kattegat
Take Off: at 17:25 hours ME845 (Henry
Archer) lifted off from East Kirkby first.
PD253-D F/L
TG O’Dywer
ME845-Q F/L
HD Archer
PB344-R F/O
FEH Millar RNZAF
LM260-S Lt
W Adam USAAF
Millar and O’Dwyer’s mines were released at
21:41 and 21:54 hours both at 7,000 feet and Adama and Archer’s at 21:14 and
21:53 hours both from 12,000 feet. The gardening operation was classified
successful. LM260 (Bill Adams) was the last to land at 01:50 hours.
On that minelaying sortie “Pancho”
O’Dwyer’s crew completed the last op of their tour, their captain was
recommended for a DFC, as was George Arkieson (Bombing Leader) who had
regularly flown with the crew. The wireless op Len Wood had completed his tour
some weeks earlier and had been recommended for a DFC before being transferred
as an instructor. Flight Lieutenant Herbert Graham Cawdron DFM, Squadron
Signals Leader, who took his place on a regular basis had been awarded his DFM
with 9 Squadron in August 1942 on completion of his first tour. Several of the
crew including George Arkieson and navigator Tom Collins subsequently joined
617 Squadron in January.
The next Battle Order featured the OC Wing
Commander Grindon and three recently arrived crews were making their
operational debuts after their captain’s had made their flights as Second
Dickies. The crews were captained by Australian Jack Hoare[iv]
from Shenton Park, Western Australia, John Langley[v]
from Eltham in South East London with his all NCO crew and the Scots/English
crew of former soldier Alex McGuffie[vi].
Saturday 28th October 1944. Not having flown operationally for several days it seems likely
that 5 Group had been awaiting suitable weather conditions to attack the u-boat
bunkers at Bergen in Norway. 237 Lancasters and 7 Mosquito markers were
despached. 19 aircraft of 630 Squadron participated all armed with 11 x 1000lb
AN-M65 bombs.
28th/29th
October 1944 Night
Bombing Attack on U-boat base at Bergen
Take Off: at 22:15 hours Wing Commander
John Grindon flying his first Op with the squadron was the first off the deck.
PD253-D F/L
SA Nunns (F/O PS Weston)
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
H Grayston
ND412-H F/O
H Thompson
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN702-J F/O
GE Stemp
LM216-K Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM287-O F/O
FEH Millar RNZAF
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
PB344-R W/C
JE Grindon
LM260-S F/O
JW Langley
ME739-T F/O
A McGuffie
NG123-U F/O
EC Harris RNZAF
LM637-V F/L
RF Lewis
PD254-W F/O
TB Baker RAAF
NN703-X F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD327-Y F/O
DA McGillivray RNZAF
ND949-Z F/S
GH Cowan
Clear conditions were expected but cloud
covered the target on arrival. The concrete submarine pens were punctually
marked and at 02:00 hours the Controller ordered crews to attack from between
5,000 and 8,000 feet and bombing took place between 02:03 and 02:13 hours.
Crews made two or three bombing runs but in most cases couldn’t see the red
TI’s due to filthy weather. At 02:10 controller ordered “return to base”. The
Operations Record Book of 630 Squadron indicates that only one crew of the
squadron were able to attack but bombing records show positively that Don
McGillivray’s crew bombed Red target indicators at 02:07 hours from 6,000 feet
and suggest that Tom Baker and Geoff Stemp’s crews also attacked at 02:05 and
02:15 hours from 5,000 and 5,200 feet as all other crews are clearly marked
“did not bomb”. Ground defences in the area of the u-boat bunkers were light
but some fighters were seen. All aircraft were diverted to alternative stations
on their return and landed all across Yorkshire. Jack Hoare and crew were
apparently the last to land safely at 05:59 hours when they touched down at
Snaith. D, I, K, Q and T landed at Burn,
E, H, J, O, R, S, U, V, N, W, Z and X landed at Snaith, P landed at Carnaby, G
and Y landed at base.
Monday 30th October 1944. 102 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitoes of 5 Group attacked the southern
West Kapelle gun batteries in support of the Walcheren campaign and the Opening
of the River Scheldt. 12 Lancasters of Six-thirty were detailed for the
mission, which were bombed up with 14 x 1000lb MC (1 hour delay) bombs.
30th
October 1944 Daylight
Bombing Attack on Walcheren
Take Off : at 10:17 hours ME845 Reg
Waterfall took off at the head of 630 Squadron.
PD253-D F/O
GE Billing
LL949-E F/O
GR Flood RNZAF
PD317-G F/O
H Grayson
NG145-I F/O
DA Clifford
NN703-J Capt
DCB Reynolds SAAF
LM216-K S/L
RE Millichap
LL966-P F/O
OJS Atkinson RAAF
PB344-R Lt
DS Turner SAAF
LM260-S F/O
JW Langley
LM637-V F/O
JW Hoare RAAF
PD327-Y F/O
DA McGillivray RNZAF
ME845-Q F/O
RG Waterfall
Weather was clear and visibility good in
the target area when the attackers arrived.
The red Target Indicators were assessed as
accurate by the Controller and most of the bombing was concentrated on these
TI’s. 630 Squadron crews attacked between 12:14 and 21:21 hours from 3,000 to
4,000 feet. Crews reported that the TI’s landed in sand dunes and could be
difficult to see. No opposition of any kind was met. The following day Canadian and Scottish
troops accompanied by Commandos sailed their landing craft into the breaches
which Bomber Command had created in the sea walls and after a week of fighting
the island fell. The last to return to East Kirkby was PD253 flown by “Billy”
Billing at 13:51 hours.
For the crew of Roy “Chappy” Millichap who had joined the squadron mid-tour when the services of an experienced senior pilot were required as flight commander, they had flown their last op with the squadron. All of their recent 16 ops had been carried out aboard LM216 “K” and they were now split up. Tom Scrivener, navigator and mid upper and rear gunners Eric Darton and David Schwab were promptly posted to training units as instructors, the remainder of the crew trickled away from East Kirkby gradually, their captain’s DFC was announced in early December and finally in January Roy Millichap handed over his position as flight commander and was himself posted. Millichap remained in aviation and post-war attained the position of Flight Superintendent for BOAC’s fleet of Constellations receiving a Queens Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in the 1957 New Years Honours List for his work in that capacity.
At the end of October 1944 the mixed Australian, Canadian and British crew of 20 year old Flying Officer Richard Scott RAAF were posted to 630 Squadron having been cleared for Ops by S/Ldr Lawrence Pilgrim DFC at No.5 Lancaster Finishing School, he followed them to the Squadron six months later to commence another tour of Ops as Flight Commander.