427 Squadron Wartime Log - April 1944

1/4/44

Weather: Fair. Visibility 5-10 miles. wind light easterly.
No operations wers scheduled for this date so a number of training exercises were successfully carried out. Four aircraft were employed on H2S cross-countries, two on air-tests, one on practice bombing and eight on special training exercises. This was the extent, of the Squadron activities for this date with nothing particularly outstanding taking place.

2/4/44

Weather: Cloudy at first then fair during morning and afternoon. Wind south-easterly. 5/10ths cloud. Fog, after dusk.
An extensive training program was scheduled but had to be scrubbed on account of changing weather conditions. Our Commanding Officer, W/C R.S. Turnbull, AFC., DFM, went to RCAF Headquarters this date.

3/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain and fog. Poor vIsibility.
No flying at all this date due to weather conditions, so training was 'confined to lectures and ground instruction. Two new crews arrived at the Squadron today, namely, J24486 F/0 Penrose and CAN.Rl66264 Sgt Kicak, J.H. and Crews.

4/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with much rain. Poor visibility.
The weather was even worse today than yesterday so all kites stayed on the deck. Our Commanding Officer, W/C R.S. TURNBULL, AFC, DFM returned to the Squadron after a two day stay at RCAF Headquarters. 0ur Adjutant, F/Lt. O,R. Martin, proceeded on leave today. Two new crews reported in to the Squadron from the Conversion Unit today. They were. CAN.J14908, P/0 Hepburn and crew and CAN.J20191 P/0 MURPHY andd crew.

5/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with much rain and drizzle. Poor visibility.
The weather managed to clean up a bit in the afternoon and four aircraft took off on H2S cross-countries, three aircraft did local flying and one was employed on air to air firing. A/S/0 D.G. Whiting assumed the duties of Adjutant in the absence of F/L O.R. MARTIN

6/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain at first. Poor visibility.
The weather really closed down on us today so no flying could be carried out. After being "stood, down" for so long, it is quite evident that all personnel will be welcoming better weather and most of all "OPERATIONS".

7/4/44

Weather; Cloudy. Visibility moderate to poor. Operations were scheduled for today and eight aircraft were detailed, however, due to weather conditions they were scrubbed, much to the disappointment of all concerned. Local conditions were not too bad so an intensive program was carried out with three aircraft being detailed for "Bullseye" exercises, four on Circuits and Landings, two on H23 cross-country, one on air to air firing and another on Fighter Affiliation. A grand change from the last week's inactivity.

8/4/44

Weather: Cloudy becoming fine. Visibility moderate.
No operations were detailed for this date but opportunity was taken of the nice weather by getting a number of the aircraft airborne. Two aircraft were employed on H2S cross-country, two on local flying, one on air to air firing. At night, two of the new crews carried out a "Bullseye" exercise successfully, giving them a chance to get the feel of their new aircraft.

9/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with some haze and rain, becoming fine. Visibility poor becoming good.

At long last, we were finally detailed for operations nuch to the approval of all. Fourteen aircraft were detailed to bomb Villeneuve ST. Georges. All aircraft became airborne. Soon after take off, one of our aircraft piloted by F/S Steeves collided in mid-air with another aircraft from 424 Squadron. The ailerons were so badly damaged that the Pilot couldn't control the aircraft, so ordered the crew to bail out. The remaining thirteen aircraft bombed a visible and easy target. A few explosions wore noticed and fires were taking a good hold. Defences at the target, were very weak and only one aircreft reported a night fighter that didn't open firs on them. In general this attack was considered very successful.

10/4/44

Weather: Fine becoming cloudy. Visibility excellent.
The Squadron was called upon again today to supply fourteen aircraft for operations. This figure was easily met and fourteen aircraft took off to bomb Ghent. It was believed that the attack was well concentrated and Ghent and its marshalling yards being well pranged. Aircraft "M" Mother, piloted by W/C Burgess (attached from 433 Squadron) was hit by heavy flak which shot away the port aileron and damaged the port outer engine. By skillful airmanship, he brought his aircraft back to England and being unable to land, ordered the crew to abandon aircraft. Besides operations one aircraft took off on an H2S cross-country during the day but returned early due to the H2S. being unserviceable. One aircraft carried out circuits and landings.

11/4/44

Weather: Cloudsy with occasional showers and moderate visibility.
The Squadron had a well-earned rest this date as no operations were scheduled. Some local flying was carried out though, and three aircraft took part in a cross-country exercise, familiarizing, the new crews with the H23 equipment.

12/4/44

Weathcr: Fog early, clearing, becoming cloudy. Occasional showers and moderate visibility.
No operations on account of weather conditions. Nine aircraft took part in an H2S cross-country. One returned early due to a D.R. Compass being unserviceable. Two other aircraft were employed on local flying. F/L J. CHASANOFF, our former Adjutant, paid a hurried visit to the Squadron between trains on his leave.

13/4/44

Weather: Cloudy. Intermittent showers. Visibility moderate.
The weather man seems to have it in for us so far this month and we are getting plenty of inclement days. Despite the weather though, seven aircraft took part in H2S cross- countries, one on fighter affiliation, and two on air to air firing.

14/4/44

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility moderate to good.
Eight aircraft were detailed for operations this date but were scrubbed due to weather conditions. All flying training programmes were scrubbed too so the opportunity of getting the aircraft in tip-top shape for coming operations was taken.

15/4/44

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain at first becoming fair. Visibility moderate to good.
No operations were scheduled for this date so a number of aircraft were employed on training exercises. Two aircraft did circuits and landings and three did local flyiing. One airrcraft went on a H2S cross-country. F/0 Weichier's crew took P/0 Devereaux's crew down to Horeham to pick up our aircraft "Y" Yorker which is now serviceable

16/4/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with slight drizzle. North-easterly wind. Five-tenths cloud. Visibility poor.
As no operations were scheduled for this date an intensive training program was prepared. All the aircraft participating were made ready but unfortunately the program had to be scrubbed at the last minute due to weather conditions. The Section Leaders took the opportunity of giving their men lectures and ground instruction in order to keep them up to date with the latest, information on their equipment.

17/4/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with drizzle at first, Wind northerly 5-10 m.p.h. Visibility moderate to good.
Although the day started out pretty dreary, by noon the sky had cleared up a bit allowing the Squadron to become airborne for a change. Ten aircraft took part, in H2S cross-countries aid two on practice bombing. Four aircraft were finished inspections yesterday and were airtested

.

18/4/44

Weather: Fair. Wind south-easterly at 5-10 m.p.h. Visibility good at first becoming poor in the afternoon.
The Squadron was called upon for operations this date, much to the approval of all concerned. Fifteen aircraft were detailed, the target being LE BOURGET. All aircraft became airborne. One aircraft piloted by R141414 W/0 COATHUP, G.H., failed to return. The remaining fourteen aircraft found clear visibility over the target, and bombed on PFF which appeared to be well concentrated. Due to the congestion of aircraft over the target, two of this Squadron*s aircraft collided together cutting off about 6 feet of the starboard wing of "D". No injuries were sustained by the personnel and both aircraft landed back at base. This raid was considered a good concentrated attack.

19/4/44

Weather: Fair at first becoming cloudy. Continuous rain during afternoon and evening. Wind south-easterly at 10-15 m.p.h. Visibility moderate to poor.
There was little doing in the Squadron this date as the aircrews on last night's operation slept in till noon. In the afternoon lectures were given and a picture was shown at the Station Cinema for the information of operational aircrew. It is found that this form of instruction is popular and considered well worth the effort.

20/4/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with occasional showers during the afternoon. Wing Southwesterly 10-20 m.p.h, Visibility good.
The Squadron was called upon for operations again this date but this did not curtail the training of new crews. One was employed on practice bombing, three on bombing and fighter affiliation combined, two on fighter affiliation and two on local flying. Sixteen aircraft were detailed for operations, the target being LENS. All aircraft became airborne and proceeded to bomb a well illuminated target. Few explosions were observed by members of this Squadron. All aircraft returned to base and the pilots reported the target was well pranged.

21/4/44

Weathers Fair at first. Continuous rain during the morning becoming fair later. Wind westerly light at first increasing to 20-25 m.p.h. visibility good.
A real drizzly day with lots of wind, providing little incentive for work. The crews on operations last night slept in till noon and attended lectures in the afternoon. No aircraft became airborne this date.

22/4/44

Weather:- Fine at first becoming fair. Wind westerly at 10-15 m.p.h. Visibility good.
The Squadron was detailed for operations today and sixteen aircraft wore provided, the target being DUSSELDORF. All aircraft became airborne. One aircraft "K" returned to base early bringing back his full bomb load due to the port outer engine being unserviceable. The remaining fifteen aircraft bombed the target from 19,000 to 20,000 ft. Few explosions were observed lasting about four to five seconds and numerous fires of medium size could be seen and appeared to be taking good hold. Considered a good trip and looked like a really successful prang. Besides operations a number of training sorties were carried out. Three aircraft were employed on practice bombing, one on fighter affiliation and one taking pictures. A very busy day indeed.

23/4/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy, wind south-westerly at 10-15 m.p.h. Visibility good.
No operations scheduled for today and after the big "do" last night, most of the aircraft were receiving a good check-over. The Squadron managed to put four aircraft on H2S cross-country though, thus giving the new crews a little experience with the new equipment.

24/4/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Wind westerly at 20-25 m.p.h. Visibility good.
The Squadron was detailed for operations this date the target being KARLSRUE. All aircraft became airborne. One aircraft "U" returned to base early due to late take off aad being unable to get on track on time as briefed. One aircraft "L" is missing from this operation, it was piloted by J.19593 P/0 H.F, PURVIS. The remaining aircraft proceeded in very bad weather to the target area and due to icing and clouds above target no results were observed and all pilots complained about the poor weather and the disappointed meteorological report. Attack considered unsuccessful.
Besides operations one bombing practice, two bombing and fighter affiliation, and two local flying sorties were carried out.

25/4/44

Weather: Fine at first becoming fair later. Wing north- westerly at fifteen to twenty miles per hour. Visibility good.
Fourteen aircraft were detailed for operations but were scrubbed later in the day. Only four aircraft became airborne and they were employed on local flying. J26708 F/L D,H. Perry and J8773 F/L W.R. MOSELEY WILLIAMS reported in with their crews for operational duties

26/4/44

Weather: Cloudy at first becoming fine. Wind light at first becoming westerly. 5-10 m.p.h. Visibility good.
After fourteen aircraft were put out last night, the Squadron turned around and put sixteen again tonight, the target being VILLENEUVE ST GEORGES. All aircraft became airborne and proceeded to the target where the weather was found clear although there were some haze and smoke. The sixteen aircraft pranged the target which was well lit up. Several bomb bursts were seen adjacent to the T.I. markers. A violent explosion was observed at 0044 hours and it is believed it was an amnmnition train. Considered an easy target which was well pranged.
Training consisted of some local flying this date.

27/4/44

Weather: Fine to fair. Wind north-westerly at 10-20 m.p.h. Visibility good.
Again today word was received, that we were scheduled to carry out a bombing mission against AULNOYE. Sixteen aircraft were detailed and all became airborne and proceeded to the target. One aircraft "F" Freddie found it impossible to release his bomb load over the target due to electrical circuit problem and the bomb load was brought back to base. The remaining fifteen crews reported the target well pranged and results were observed from their height at the time of releasing their bomb load which was only 4,000 ft.

28/4/44

Weather: Mainly fine. Wind northerly, 5-10 m.p.h. Visibility good.
A stand down was given to the Squadron this date, a suitable reward for the wonderful job done in the last two nights. Only three aircraft became airborne today and they were just employed on local flying.

29/4/44

Weather: Mainly fair to cloudy. Wind north-westerly at 5 to 10 m.p.h. Visibility good.
The Squadron was back in there raring to go today after a good rest yesterday but was not called upon for operations. As usual, the next best thing was done, which is flying training. Three aircraft carried out Fighter affiliation exercises and three were employed on practice bombing. Another three aircraft did the rounds with their H2S equipment, familiarizing themselves with it for future reference on operations.

30/4/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Wind north-westerly at 5-10 m.p.h. Visibility good. The Squadron was called upon for operations today, a suitable ending to a very busy month. Sixteen aircraft were detailed to bomb SOMAIN. All the aircraft took off. One aircraft after reaching the target was unable to release its bombs due to electrical failure. Bomb load was jettisoned on the return journey. The remaining fifteen aircraft bombed on the T.I. markers and numerous fires were observed. All crews complained that the Pathfinder force was late releasing their markers. Raid was considered quite successful.

Honours ard Awards - NIL

Commissions:

J85561 F/0 W.B. Patrick appointed to a commission w.e.f. 11/3/44
J85514 P/0 H.A. Larivee appointed to a commission w.e.f. 11/3/44
174000 P/0 E. Wightman appointed to a commission w.e.f. 20/3/44
173861 P/0 J. Qutnn appointed to a commission w.e.f. 18/1/44
173857 P/0 E.D. Cast appointed to a commission w.e.f. 11/3/44