This page transcribed by Dick Dunn
427 Squadron Wartime Log - April 1943
1/4/43
Three aircraft were detailed for a daylight bombing attack on GERMANY but this operation was scrubbed due to unfavourable weather. No other operations were scheduled for this date.
2/4/43
Five aircraft were detailed for a bombing raid on LORIENT. One Aircraft landed at Beaulieu because of generator trouble before crossing the coast. The other four aircraft successfully bombed the target. Two aircraft landed at Beaulieu, one with flak damage and the other two aircraft returned to Base.
3/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date. Court Martial of Flight Sergeant Norseman Bomb Aimer took place at Middleton St George this date. Flying training was carried out both day and night.
4/4/43
Seventeen aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on KIEL in Germany. Two aircraft returned early due to technical trouble. All other aircraft successfully bombed the target and all returned safely to base. Sergeant Summer's aircraft was shot up by flak. The Squadron was the leading Squadron in the Group on this raid in respect of number of aircraft on the Target.
5/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date.
6/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date but six aircraft were detailed for a bulls-eye exercise. Sgt Ash swung on take-off, crashed into a tree and the aircraft exploded. Sgt Ash and Sgt Dobbs were both killed and the other three members of the crew were seriously burned about the face and hands.
7/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date.
8/4/43
Ten aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on DUISBERG. Sgts Higgins and Erickson returned early due to icing. The other eight aircraft successfully attacked the target through 10/40 cloud and returned the following day.
9/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date.
10/4/43
Sixteen aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on KIEL but this was altered to a bombing attack on FRANKFURT. The Squadron was all set to send sixteen aircraft to FRANKFURT but this trip necessitated the carrying of long range tanks - we reduced our commitment to ten aircraft. This was due to a shortage of long range equipment for which the Squadron had demanded three months previously and had received no results. However, the ten aircraft took off. Sgt Rodwell returned early due to rear gun trouble and F /Lt Taylor when only 45 minutes from the target was forced to turn back due to turret trouble. The other eight aircraft successfully bombed the target. F/Sgt Higgins crash landed at West Halling on the return trip due to flask damage to his aircraft. All members of the crew were safe and returned to the Unit, Sunday morning by air. F/Sgt Crew landed at Dunsfold and also returned by air on Sunday morning to Croft. F/O Webster landed at Snaith due to weather but immediately on refueling returned to base. The other five aircraft landed at Base in the first instance.
11/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date and the Squadron had a stand down.
12/4/43
Due to weather no operations were scheduled for this date. Wing Commander Burnside and F/Lt Chasanoff visited No 6 Group HQ to discuss matters affecting the Squadron both operationally and administratively with group personnel.
13/4/43
Three aircraft were detailed for a bombing daylight attack on Germany but this operation was scrubbed. Six aircraft were detailed for a bulls-eye exercise but this was scrubbed due to unfavourable weather.
14/4/43
Twelve aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on STUTTGART. One aircraft taxied into a petrol bowser and seventy minutes later a petrol bowser ran into another aircraft. The reserve aircraft's rear turret went unserviceable so only ten aircraft took off. All successfully bombed the target and nine landed at Coltishall and one at Swanton Morley. Wing Commander Mason and LCol Walmsborough of R.C.A.F. HQ visited the Squadron.
15/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date due to the aircraft returning to base so late in the morning.
16/4/43
Fourteen aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on HANNHEIN (slide spelling MANNHIEM). Sgt Chambers crash landed at Twinwoods due to engine trouble, the crew being only scratched and bruised. Twelve aircraft successfully bombed the target. The other aircraft piloted by Sgt Tomyn did not return from this operation and is listed as missing. Six aircraft returned to base, one aircraft landed at Harwell, two landed at Enstone and three at Upper Hayford. Of the twelve aircraft which successfully bombed the target, three came back with flak damage. The A.O.C. 6 Group visited the Squadron for the purpose of viewing the take off. The fourteen aircraft took off in 6 1/2 minutes setting a new speed record for the Squadron re take-off time. The A.O.C. spent some time in the Officer's Mess before proceeding to Group. Two ball teams from the Squadron proceeded to Sedgefield Nr Durham to participate in the local "Wings for Victory" campaign by playing a game of Canadian softball. Alan Randall of the Canadian Press spent the day with the Squadron for the purpose of getting Squadron color for a series of articles he was writing on Bomber Command.
17/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date and the Squadron had a stand down.
18/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date. Information was received that the Squadron was to convert to Halifax aircraft. Five crews who had completed a conversion course at Topcliffe, reported to the Squadron.
19/4/43
Six crews departed to Topcliffe to undergo conversion training on to Halifax aircraft. Wing Commander Burnside was among them and S/Ldr, McKay took over command. Ten, aircraft were detailed for a bombing raid on Germany but this was scrubbed due to weather.
20/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date. S/Ldr McKay and F/Lt Chasenoff visited Leeming and Group Headquarters to obtain "gen" on the conversion and move of the Squadron to Leeming. No definite information was obtained but instructions were received to "gen" up all personnel on Halifax aircraft as quickly as possible.
21/4/43
One hundred and six ground crew personnel departed from Linton-OnOuse to receive training on Halifax maintenance. No operations were scheduled for this date. Five aircraft of the Squadron were detailed for a bulls-eye exercise but this was scrubbed.
22/4/43
No operations were detailed for this date.
23/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date.
24/4/43
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to take part in a bombing attack on DUSSELDORF but at the last minute this operation was scrubbed.
25/4/43
Six more crews departed for conversion at Topcliffe. Six crews arrived from Topcliffe fresh from O.T.U. because Topcliffe Conversion Unit could not handle them. The advance party consisting of two Officers and Twenty seven men departed for Leeming to prepare for the move of the Squadron.
26/4/43
Eleven aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on DUISBURG (slide spelling DUISBERG). All the aircraft successfully bombed the target and returned to base safely.
27/4/43
Fourteen aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on Germany but this operation was scrubbed and three aircraft were detailed for a mine laying operation off the Frisian Islands. One aircraft made only one circuit and landed due to engine trouble, one aircraft was late over the target area and brought its mines back and one aircraft although over the target area, could not pinpoint itself and also brought its mines back.
28/4/43
Four aircraft were detailed for MINE-LAYING. All aircraft returned safely to base but only two dropped their mines in the target area.
29/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date.
30/4/43
No operations were scheduled for this date and the Squadron started moving its equipment to Skipton for the use of No. 432 Squadron. Five crews were also posted to No. 432 Squadron to give them a nucleus of trained crews.
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