427 Squadron Wartime Log - May 1944

1/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with visibility ten to twenty miles. Wind westerly at ten to fifteen miles per hour.

The Squadron started out the month with fourteen aircraft scheduled for operations. Serviceability being at its high standard again, allowed for two other aircraft to participate in cross-country exercises during the day. On their return from cross-country the aircraft carried out practice bombing exercises. Of the fourteen aircraft detailed for bombing ST. GHISLAIN; all took off. Two aircraft returned early, both due to engine trouble. The remaining twelve aircraft successfully bombed the target and claimed the attack was an excellent show. "U" Uncle piloted by F/0 PEARSON landed at Skipton- on-Swale due to petrol shortage.

2/5/44

Weather: Cloudy with light rain during morning. Showery after dusk. Visibility ten to twenty miles. Wind south westerly at twenty to thirty mph.

The day started out dark and drizzly and due to the rain it was impossible for the aircraft to become airborne. In the afternoon the aircrews were given lectures and ground instruction while the ground staff made the best of the stand-down by giving the aircraft a good servicing. As the weather did not let up, no night flying was scheduled.

3/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Visibility twenty to thirty miles. per hour falling to ten to fifteen miles per hour after dusk. Although there was no rain. this morning, the weather did not look much better than yesterday.

F/0 PEARSON returned from Skipton-on-Swale after being diverted there on the first. By afternoon the sky had cleared a bit and an intensive training program was scheduled.
Two aircraft carried out practice bombing and five were detailed for local flying. At night ten aircraft were detailed for a night cross country. Nine aircraft took off and successfully completed the mission.

4/5/44

Weather; Fine at first with rain during late morning and. early afternoon, becoming fair later. Visibility good at first, deteriorating to 2000 to 4000 yards during rain period, improving to good. Later a wind light at first becoming southerly at five to ten miles veering south-westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. after rain.

Although it looked like a good day for flying the weather soon set in and the practice flying that was scheduled was scrubbed. No operations were scheduled for this date, much to the disappointment of all concerned.

5/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy becoming showery after dusk. Visibility good at first deteriorating to two to four miles after dawn. Improving during afternoon to five to ten miles. Wind south-easterly at first five to ten miles per hour backing to northerly at fifteen to twenty m.p.h.

Taking opportunity of better weather, the Squadron managed to carry out training programs this date. Three aircraft were employed on practice bombing, one on bombing and fighter affiliation combined, one on local flying. F/0 PEARSON took P/0 PATRICK and crew to R.C.A.F. Station CROFT to pick up aircraft "0" ORANGE.

6/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with occasional showers before dawn. Visibility ten to twenty miles. Wind northerly at ten to 15 m.p.h.

The Squadron was called upon for operations this date but they were scrubbed later on in the day due to weather conditions. This did not prevent a number- of aircraft from becoming airborne though and one participated in practice bombing, two on air to"air firing, two on fighter/affiliation and practice bombing combined, and two on local flying.

7/5/44

Weather: Fair to fine. Visibility good at first becoming moderate. Wind light south-easterly.

The Squadron was called upon for operations this date and eight aircraft took off as scheduled to bomb ST. VALERY-EN-CAUX. All aircraft reached the target and bombed, returning to base. Bombing appeared to be well concentrated on the markers but some markers were noticed on the water. Visibility was very good and no cloud was experienced. A few fires were seen but none of any great size. If the markers were accurate it is thought that the attack was successful.

8/5/44

Weather: Cloudy becoming fair. Wind northerly ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility moderate at first becoming good.

No operations this date so a number of aircraft were employed on flying training exercises. Two aircraft took off for fighter affiliation but one returned as the fighter did not turn up. Six aircraft took off on H.2.S. cross-country and all successfully completed their mission. Four other aircraft were employed on flying training, one on bombing, two on fighter affiliation and bombing, and one on air to air firing. This completed the Squadron's activities for this date.

9/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Wind light southerly veering westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility moderate at first becoming good.

The Squadron was called upon for operations today the target being ST. VALERY-EN-CAUX. Eleven aircraft were detailed and they all took off and bombed the target successfully. The returning crews reported that the bombing was well concentrated and the attack should have been very successful if the P.F.F. was accurate. Defences were weak so little difficulty was experienced by the crews. Besides the aircraft participating in operations, eight aircraft were employed on flying training, this consisted of: one cross-country, three air to air firing and bombing combined, three fighter affiliation and bombing combined and one on straight bombing. A very full day indeed.

10/5/44

Weather: Cloudy with light rain during morning. Wind light at first becoming westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility good.

Although the weather did not look too promising the Squadron was called upon for operations again today, the target being GHENT. Fourteen aircraft were called upon for operations and fourteen aircraft took off and successfully bombed their objectives. The returning crews reported considerable smoke over the target and numerous bomb bursts. A great deal of credit was given to the Master of Ceremonies for the accuracy of the bombing as he kept the crew well concentrated. F/S STEVENS was attacked by a fighter and the flap and aileron were shot away. W/0 CLIBBERY was also attacked by a night fighter and due to damage sustained was forced to land away at WOODBRIDGE. All the remaining aircraft returned to base.
Little local flying was carried out this date except for a few air tests. A very busy day indeed.

11/5/44

Weather: Fair to fine. Visibility good. Wind westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h.

For the third day in succession the Squadron was called upon for operations. Although this entails a lot of added work, everyone appears to relish the idea of getting the war won and fourteen aircraft were supplied with ease. The target for tonight was BOULOUGNE.

Fourteen aircraft took off O.K. and the crews again praised the work the Master of Ceremonies who seemed to be very confident in his instructions and instilled the same feeling of confidence in the bombing crews. No fighters and very little defence was reported. It was difficult to see the target due to smoke although the weather was quite good. All aircraft returned safely to base except "S" Sugar piloted by J.6708 F/L PERRY which failed to return from this operation.

12/5/44

Weathers Fair becoming cloudy. Wind light at first becoming westerly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility moderate to good.

For the fourth day in succession the Squadron was called upon for operations. Fourteen aircraft were supplied with ease to bomb the night's objective which was LOUVAIN. All aircraft successfully took off and completed their mission. There was no cloud over the target but a great deal of ground haze was experienced. All crews reported an explosion on the target that seemed larger than any seen before. The attack was considered to be a very good effort.

Very little flying training done this date.

13/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with light rain during evening. Wind north-westerly veering north-easterly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility good at first becoming moderate.

For the-fifth day in succession the Squadron was called upon for operations. Fourteen aircraft were made ready but due to weather conditions the effort was scrubbed. No flying training was carried out today except for a few air tests, the local weather being too poor for long trips. A well deserved rest was taken by all concerned today, especially the aircrew personnel.

14/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy. Wind northerly veering north-easterly. Visibility good.

As the Squadron was not called upon for operations today, an intensive training program was instituted in order to have the newer crews ready for another long period of operations. In the course of the day eight aircraft took part in training exercises, these being: fighter affiliation, air-to-air firing and bombing combined, air to air firing alone, one on straight bombing and two on bombing and fighter affiliation combined. At night nine aircraft were detailed for night practice bombing. Nine aircraft took off and successfully completed their mission. This was considered to be a very helpful exercise for new and old crews.

15/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy. Visibility good. Wind northerly at ten to 15 m.p.h.

After two days free of operations, the Squadron was called upon for sixteen aircraft for operations this date. Everything was well under way for a grand effort but the detail was scrubbed much to the sorrow of all concerned. Getting ready for the big effort left few aircraft available for training purposes so only four flights were chalked up for today and they consisted of local flying.

16/5/44

Weather: Showery at first with continuous light rain and drizzle during afternoon. Cloudy later. Visibility good. Wind northerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h.

A poor day for flying today but a good day to put the house in order. Section Leaders took the advantage of giving their men ground instruction and lectures were arranged accordingly. Not one aircraft left the deck today giving the ground staff a golden opportunity to give them a thorough checking after the continuous work they had been doing on operations. Nothing of any importance to report today.

17/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with occasional showers during afternoon. Visibility mainly good. Wind north-easterly at fifteen to twenty miles per hour.

Another bad day for flying but nevertheless four aircraft took part in local flying, one on bombing and fighter affiliation and one on straight fighter affiliation. Not a very active day considering the amount of operating done so far this month.

18/5/44

Weather: Showery at first with continuous rain during afternoon, becoming cloudy later. Visibility moderate. Wind northerly at five to ten m.p.h.

The weather stepped in again today to keep the Squadron from operating or carrying out training to any extent. Four aircraft managed to participate in practice bombing during the late afternoon when things cleared up a bit. At night two aircraft were scheduled for night practice bombing but this was scrubbed. No other flying was carried on.

19/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with light rain during afternoon. Wind light northerly. Visibility moderate at first becoming good later.

At last we were called upon for operations this date. A very welcome request after the last few days of inactivity. Fifteen aircraft were detailed to bomb LE CLIPON and this figure was easily met. Fifteen aircraft took off and fifteen returned, all landing away at NEWMARKET due to the weather conditions in these parts. The returning crews reported the attack to be well concentrated and the bomb bursts all in or near the target indicators. Visibility was good although a little haze was experienced. Considered a successful attack.

20/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with light drizzle during afternoon. Wind northerly at ten to twenty m,p.h. Visibility moderate at first becoming good during evening.

As most of the serviceable aircraft were at NEWMARKET and did not return till late afternoon, very little activity was noticed in the Squadron. The aircraft returned too late to carry out any training flying so the day dragged out pretty slowly.

21/5/44

Weather: Cloudy at first becoming fair to fine in early evening. Visibility good. Wind northerly, 15 - 20 m.p.h.

As no aircraft were flying yesterday and as the Squadron was not called upon for operations today, most of the time was spent in practice flying. Two aircraft were employed on practice bombing and nine aircraft took off for an H2S cross-country. Of the nine aircraft participating in the H2S cross-country, eight completed the detail and one returned early due to H.2.S. being unserviceable. The gunners were given a little practice in air to air firing and fighter affiliation, a good idea as the enemy fighter situation seems to have become a little more active.

22/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with slight rain in evening. Good visibility.

News that the Squadron was detailed for operations was happily received and preparations were made to have fourteen aircraft ready. Besides operations the flying training was also active as the serviceability was on top line as usual. Three fighter affiliation exercises were carried out, two air to air firing, two H2S bombing and a few local flying.

Fourteen of the Squadron's aircraft took off to bomb LE MANS. Visibility was fair with nil cloud, .but considerable haze. F/0 PENROSE'S crew sighted an ME-109 over the target area. P.F.F. appeared meagre and late thus making it hard for the Master of Ceremonies to give good instructions to attacking aircraft who were congested around area. If P.F.F. accurate, attack considered successful.

23/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with visibility moderate to good.

No operations scheduled for today so back the Squadron went to Flying Training as a number of new crews have been posted to us. As these new crews were trained on a different Mark of Halifax aircraft, great care is taken to familiarize them with their new aircraft, hence the large number of training exercises. During the afternoon seven aircraft took off on cross-country exercises. All completed their missions except one which returned early due to aircraft being unserviceable. A night practice bombing exercise was also arranged for two aircraft but this was scrubbed due to bad weather.

24/5/44

Weather: Fine becoming cloudy with slight rain late in day. Good visibility.

Fifteen aircraft were detailed for operations today, the target being AACHEN. The crews reported the visibility fair with some cloud and haze. P.F.F. was on time and appeared bang on, a great difference from the previous raid on LE MANS. Large explosions were sighted but not many fires. Numerous bomb bursts were seen right on the Target Indicators and it is believed that the attack was highly successful if the P.F.F. was accurate as it was numerous. F/L STEPHEN was attacked by a night fighter on the way in over enemy territory. He received numerous hits from a rocket fired by the fighter but despite the fact that his aircraft was almost unmanageable and he was easy meat for further attacks, this Captain carried on in the face of heavy odds and bombed his target. He made a successful crash landing at WOODBRIDGE. A very good show on this Captain's part and a good example of the type of work this Squadron does.

Besides operations, one aircraft did an H2S bombing practice in the afternoon and one was detailed for night flying but was scrubbed due to operations taking place.

25/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with occasional slight rain during morning and afternoon. Good visibility.

The Squadron was called upon for operations again today and an all-out effort of eighteen aircraft was scheduled. The operations were scrubbed though later in the day, much to the disappointment of the Squadron.

F/L STEPHEN returned from WOODBRIDGE leaving his Mid-upper Gunner in hospital suffering from wounds received during the attack last night.

The Squadron experienced a heavy loss today in the death of J.28242 F/0 H. RATHIER who died as a result of motorcycle accident in the vicinity of NORTHALLERTON. His skipper, F/0 HEPBURN was driving the motorcycle when the accident occurred and received injuries to his left arm.

26/5/44

Weather: Cloudy with moderate rain in early morning. Visibility moderate at first becoming good later.

Today was free from operations, so flying training and ground instruction were predominant. The flying training consisted of nine aircraft participating in a day cross- country exercise. All the aircraft completed the assignment except one, returning early due to engine trouble. The ground instruction consisted of dinghy drill and lectures. A busy day although there were no operations.

27/5/44

Weather: Cloudy, very occasional slight rain. Good visibility.

The happy news of operations was received this morning and all sections swung into the task of putting out the record number of eighteen aircraft. It was wondered whether such a large number could be given, but as the day rolled on, it was discovered that this was "duck soup" for a "bang on" Squadron like this. Everyone pulled their weight and it was wonderful to see the great enthusiasm shown in making this record which was a tribute to both ground and aircrews of the squadron.

At take-off, although fingers were crossed, eighteen aircraft soared into the air to deliver their respective bundles of joy to the enemy and it was indeed an impressive sight. The target for the night was BOURG-LEOPOLD and it is felt that the name would be all that remained of the place when our boys got finished.

The returning crews were just as enthusiastic about the operation's success end reported the bombing was very concentrated and P.F.F. good. Although the visibility was only moderate, all crews praised the work of the Master of Ceremonies who did a marvellous job of directing the aircraft and pointing out the target. Ground defences were negligible but numerous fighter actions were seen and believed to be very intense. The only thing that detracted from the complete success of this operation was in our losing two good crews, namely, J.19588 P/0 B.C. SCOBIE who had carried out nine raids with us, and J.19592 P/0 F.G. DEVERAUX: who had 10 raids to his credit. The remaining sixteen aircraft returned safely to this country and landed away from base.

A record day indeed in the life of the "LION" Squadron.

28/5/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with fog in early morning, becoming fine late in day. Visibility poor at first, moderate to good later.

Due to the aircraft being away today, it was rather disappointing that no operations were scheduled, as everyone was in the spirit of, and desired to keep up last night's effort. Had operations been detailed for the aircraft at base, it is felt that this would have been another record day. Instead, the day was spent waiting for the returning aircraft and looking forward to the next operations.

29/5/44

Weather: Fine becoming cloudy during evening and fine again late in day. Visibility moderate.

No operations today, but the next best thing, flying training was carried out. It is felt that the wonderful job of training crews on non-operational days accounts for the huge success of our operations. Nineteen sorties were made today, ten being on practice bombing, three on fighter affiliation and bombing combined, two on local flying and four on H.2.S. Cross country. Night flying was even scheduled after all this work, but due to weather conditions in the area it had to be scrubbed.

30/5/44

Weather: Fine with much fog during morning and evening. Visibility poor.

Although the weather did not look very promising for operations today, the Squadron was called upon for tonight and fourteen aircraft were prepared. As the weather did not let up, it was not surprising to see the detail scrubbed in the afternoon. No aircraft became airborne today, so there is little to report in the way of flying. Ground instruction was negligible as most of the day was spent preparing for the operation. A very disappointing day indeed, especially for the "winchers'" in the Squadron Armament Section.

31/5/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with slight rain during the afternoon. Visibility moderate, but poor at first.

The Squadron got the "GO" signal and sixteen aircraft were detailed for to-night's operation. The news was well received by all sections who immediately began preparations for this effort. A general feeling of satisfaction, and a feeling of "doing their bit" prevailed amongst ground crews, evidenced by the way they hustled at their duties. All sixteen aircraft became airborne; reached their objective, and returned safely to base. Weather over the target, which was AU FEVRE, was clear with thin cloud. P.F.F. markers were clearly visible and well concentrated. Bombing generally appeared to be accurate and was reported by crews as falling in and around markers. A few scattered sticks were also observed. Defences of target were negligible with a few ineffective searchlights in the CHERBOURG area. Fighter activity was non- existent. It is considered that if P.F.F. markers were accurate tills was a successful attack.

**Although the photo says 30 May, it appears this raid took place May 31**

Honours and Awards

Awarded the Distinguised Flying Cross per the London Gazette No. 36525 dated 19.5.44, A/S/L J.G. Cribb - #120431