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
Charles Coombes (extreme left), Jim Dymock (extreme right) photo thanks to Bruce Martins
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”
Jack Barnes and crew (photo thanks to Aircrew Remembered)
Croix de Guerre 1939-45 (France)
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.
David Currie (thanks to Matt Currie, his brother)Poetry by David Currie (thanks to Matt Currie)
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.
W/O Bruce Lawton RAAF (WOp in Harry Ramsey’s crew) back in Sydney June 1945 (photo thanks to Ian Lawton)
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.
British former POW’s begin their journey home aboard Lancasters. (thanks to Imperial War Museum)
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.
Kay Rowland about to fly with the recently arrived crew of Bob Hamilton (photo thanks to Kay Rowland)
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.
The Hall crew (photo thanks to Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage, East Kirkby)
On 18th May 1945 Steve Nunns and crew were posted to 617 Squadron.
Steve Nunns DFC AFC (photo thanks to Brian Lunn)
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.
Des Reynolds SAAF (photo thanks to Di Thompson)
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.
Nordhausen seen from 630/F flown by Des Reynolds SAAF (thanks to his daughter and family)
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.
Doug Turner SAAF (standing left) Alf Hughes (standing right) Jack Key RNZAF (seated right) Photo tanks to Jack Key’s sonsBack in South Africa, Des Reynolds receives a hard earned DFC
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.
S/Ldr Marcel Cuelenaere DFC RCAF (photo thanks to his sons and daughters)
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.
ND949 – Z (Photo thanks to Norm Maconachie)
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.
Colin Richardson RAAF. (photo thanks to S Richardson & National Archives Australia)
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.
Memorial at Foxton. (photo thanks to Tony Hibberd)
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 and crew with D-Dog (Les Duck first left) Photo thanks to Les Duck and Richard Gold.
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.
Angus Cameron RAAF (photo thanks to National Archives Australia)
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
(thanks to Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and Jadot/Morgana)The remains of Lancaster RF122 photo taken by survivor Richard Fleming. (photo thanks to Richard Fleming and Joanna Sassoon)
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, 37 year old former Tank Corps soldier and now rear gunner (photo thanks to Thérèse Jeffery, granddaughter)
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.
Pjotr Forkasiewicz superb illustration of a Lancaster hit from below by a JU88 nightfighter armed with Schraege-musik (Jazz music) upward firing cannons.Original grave records for the Sassoon crew (photo thanks to Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
“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].
Taken about the time of Len Barnes completing his tour. (back l to r) Geoff Cohen (Rear Gunner), Cec Lawlan (Flight Eng) and (front l to r) Ken Clarke (Navigator), Len Barnes (Pilot), Cyril Holmes (Wireless Op). (Photo thanks to Sue Reid, daughter of Geoff Cohen)
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.
Jeff Bignell RAAF (Australian Official)
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.
LF “Jim” Ovens and crew in 1945 (photo thanks to Stu Hablethwaite)
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.
The Distinguished Service OrderHarry Ramsey DFC – tour over (photo thanks to Peter & Gael Ramsey)Bombing up
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.
Station Fire Officer Courtenay Grebby MBE (thanks to Jerry Monks)Two views of the scene of devastation, the remains of a Lanc in the right foreground on the top photo. (with thanks to TL Redding)
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.
Group Capt Bernard Casey OBE (National Portrait Gallery)
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.
PD347 of 57 Squadron, her nose riddled by shrapnel. (with thanks to TL Redding)
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
Following the explosion (with thanks to TL Redding)
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.
(photo thanks to Aircrew Remembered)
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.
George Dobbie’s crew (back, l to r) Gaze, Courtnay, Telling, Constable (front, l to r) Cruickshank, Dobbie, Turner (photo tanks to Neale McCarthy)
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.
Log book page of George Turner (Flight Engr/2nd Pilot) George Dobbie’s crew (copy thanks to Neale McCarthy, nephew of George Turner)
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.
The attack on Berchtesgaden seen from a Lancaster
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.
Jack Hoare (standing left) and crew (thanks to D Brown)
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.
Wing Commander Wild (3rd from left) flanked by his flight commanders.
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.
W/Cdr John Grindon and crew, (standing l to r) RE Holding (WOp), JE Brown (Nav), Grindon, Tom Cass (R/G), (front l to r) Joe Pappin RCAF (MU/G), PJ Hollands (F/E), GL Mortiboys (A/B) (photo thanks to Tom Cass DFM)
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.
ME739 “T for Tare” regular mount of Ron Stone RNZAF and crew. (Photo thanks to Frank Cummings – Wireless Op aboard for the entire tour of ops)
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.
Ron Stone during his early training (RNZAF official)
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
Tom Lockett GM (photo thanks to 57/630 Sqdn Association website & Carole Widdicombe)
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.
Colin Richardson RAAF (the D Richardson family, Australia)
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.
Don Plumb (photo thanks to Angela Plumb, his neice)The official letter to Don Plumb’s family (thanks to Angela Plumb) Donald Pumb’s crew were originally buried by the Germans in four graves (copy -Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
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.
JD Richardson RAAF (Australian Official)Jack Hoare RAAF in “L-Love” (thanks to D Brown)
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.
Lancasters over Hamburg. Painting is CHOPBURG by Paul Couper AGAvA
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
Don Plumb’s map for the Karlsruhe attack, found amongst his effects after he Failed to Return in March 45. (thanks to Angela Plumb)
Albert MacLean’s crew in “W-William” had
last minute technical problems and couldn’t take off. The plan called for crews
to fly below 6,000 feet across the continent to a position 6° East then to
climb through the cloud into the clear at 13,000 feet. Arriving in the target
area they found 10/10ths cloud over Karlsruhe. The Controller ordered sky
marking and instructed the crews to bomb the southern end of the glow from the
floating green TI’s which were cascading in cloud. Large fires were seen by
many crews when they broke cloud at 6,000 feet after leaving the target area.
Once again incendiaries were being jettisoned on the homeward route
particularly in the Strasbourg area. Ground defences were slight but fighters
were active over the target with several combats observed and aircraft seen
going down in flames. Steve Nunns brought up the rear when he landed NG125 at
03:56 hours.
Saturday 3rd February 1945 was a
training day with a fighter affiliation exercise, three high level bombing
exercises and an Air to Sea firing exercise.
Distinguished Flying Cross (photo thanks to Jon Evans)
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.
Neil Roberts RAAF and crew (thanks to Kay Rowland)
Weather was clear until well over the
continent when two layers of cloud were encountered and 10/10ths cloud cover
was found on arrival at Ladbergen. The target was punctually marked but the
TI’s were rather scattered in the prevailing weather conditions and crews found
it difficult to determine which TI they were to attack. Attacking from 9,200 to
11,500 feet between 23:59 and 00:13 hours the majority of crews bombed the glow
on the cloud from the Red TI’s or the TI itself if it was momentarily visible
but some crews did see sticks of bombs appearing to straddle the canal through
gaps in the cloud. The ground defences were more active than on recent attacks
and fighters were very active in the target area and on the track homeward as
far as 0500E. The attack was not a
success and little damage was caused. Malcolm Eyre had been the first to take
off and was also the last to return to base at 03:31 hours, his crew and that
of George Cowan had been unable to attack..
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.
Bob Knight RNZAF (thanks to Roy Calvert DFC)Norman Sharpe (thanks to the Sharpe family)Politz Oil Refinery devastated by RAF attacks. (Thanks to Australian War Memorial)
Rainy drizzly days followed until Bomber
Command and the USAAF commenced Operation Thunderclap, a series of attacks on
Dresden, Chemnitz and Leipzig designed to dove-tail with Soviet military
strategy, the targets situated just behind German lines on their Eastern Front.
Tuesday 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.
Illustrative of the bombing of Dresden (thanks to J Cromarty)
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.
Gordon Lacey in the centre of his crewRobert Proudley with his brother in 1944 (thanks to Linda Deakin)Gordon Lacey SAAF (photo thanks to D Jadot/Morgana)F/O Albert Wallwork RAAF (photo thanks to his nephew Ken)
It was planned for 2 Lancasters of Six-thirty to participate in a mining operation on Thursday 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].
Les Jacob and crew (thanks to Kay Rowland)
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
Younger aircrew flying in 1945 usually received these medals.
[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.
630 Squadron dispersal -Jan 1945 (thanks to Mike Garbett & Brian Goulding)
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.
Jerry Monk’s crew (Joe Baldwin 2nd from left) with Lancaster PD317 “LE – G”. (Photo thanks to Bob Baldwin, writer and producer of “Wireless Operator”, son of Joe Baldwin)
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.
Henry Archer DFC
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.
Dave Todd (Rear Gunner in the Billings crew) thanks to JM Todd
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.
Harry Ramsey and crew with D-Dog (thanks to Peter & Gael Ramsey)
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.
Bruce Lawton (Wireless Op/Air Gunner in Harry Ramsey’s crew) (photo thanks to Ian Lawton)
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,
The Bathgate crew (rear, l to r, Pat Crowley, Reg Winson, Chris Christopher, Duncan Paterson and front, l to r, Jim Doyle, Jim Bathgate and Chas Roper). Photo thanks to Pat Crowley’s son, Pat.
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.
Jimmy Wallace RNZAF and crew (thanks to Kay Rowland)
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)
No. 630 Squadron 