This page transcribed by Dick Dunn

427 Squadron Wartime Log - August 1943

1/8/43

A stand down today came as welcome news to our tired crews. On the other hand the satisfaction of knowing they had flattened Hamburg called for a little celebration and also today was August, Bank Holiday, so for the majority, groundcrew and aircrew, took flight and enjoyed a field day spent amid beautiful weather. Sgt Schmitt and his "Happy Valley" crew, set off to bust England "wide open" for seven days. F/Lt Izzard returned from smoke with enough clothes for the Squadron to have a fancy dress ball.

2/8/43

Once again the squadron was a hive of activity and again the target was Hamburg. Thirteen aircraft were detailed for this attack which according to the crews was a definite "prang" but not on the actual spot they were meant to prang. Reason for this was bad weather. P/O Vandekerchove and his crew had a "shaky do" and credit should go to Van for the way he handled his machine. The constant speed unit on his starboard outer went u/s and on top of that he had heavy icing. Owing to the drag on the starboard side the machine became very hard to control and the machine came down to 4,000 ft over the Kiel canal. After having a conference, the crew without any exception decided to stay with the ship and try and get her home, which after a hard struggle they did. Clouds reaching to 20,000 ft made flying very hazardous but none of our aircraft were missing. There were four boomerangs - F/Lt Tubman, Sgt Holton, F/Sgt Champion, and Sgt Holland owing to wing trouble.

3/8/43

In the afternoon a dress rehearsal for the Squadron party was held. Under the supervision of F/L Izzard this was an enormous success and the Station Commander, Group Captain Plant, voiced his approval. In the afternoon two aircraft captained by F/S Hilton and P/O Weston departed on a Sea Search. They completed their mission with nothing exceptional to report. In the evening there were two ''Bullseyes'' - F/O Baum and F/Sgt Countess - being the two skippers. This evening also saw the crowning achievement of our Squadron social life. We held our first real party, which differed from the others in the fact that every member of the Squadron had the opportunity to be present, whereas before the "shows" were purely sectional. Prompt at 7:30 the gang began to arrive at the N.A.A.F.I. which had been "lent" to us for the evening. Airmen and airwomen brought their own drinking utensils and the bar soon began to look like Stalingrad at the height of the siege.

The "Mountaineers" etc., (unfortunately the famous Rocky couldn't lead them) arrived in force from the Officer's Mess about half an hour later and where soon doing "thug-a-lugs" in grand style. Dancing, singing and thirst quenching went on until 9.00 p.m. when a stand down was called and everyone settled down to enjoy the cabaret. Incidentally, a little panic was caused when the leading lady failed to appear until 8 minutes before the Show was due to start. F/L Izzard had visions of a re-write on this show but his fears were abandoned when she "just made it". W.A.A.Fs. taking part were unfortunately S.H.Q. personnel, but they put on a grand Show. Sgt Cal Calcutt of the armoury - L.A.C. Ozad and L.A.C. Watkin were the leading lights and Ozad looked very professional in evening dress, when facing the mob as compere.(sic) The music and lyrics were written by F/L Izzard, who was also producer of the show.

Izzy certainly has a talent here which could do with a little exploitation. Who knows, "We may have another Noel Coward on our hands. Anyway, the whole effort turned out into a "roaring" success by piece of the good spirit and moral of the Lions. Order was kept and everyone dispersed to their dens about midnight, happy and contented. Thanks are due to F/L Nensby, the treasurer, F/Sgt Dann for his ticket organization and free cigarettes, and to the whole cast of the show who worked hard in their spare time in order to entertain us.

4/8/43

Weather was bad today and a stand down was called. Personnel enjoyed a rest, which enabled many of them to recover from their (unusual?) activities of the evening before. There was no local flying and ground crews were able to bring the serviceability up to scratch.

5/8/43

Another stand down due to weather. Resting was the vogue. A party of W/Ops under the supervision of P/O Keen, C.G.M., D.F.M. took off for Hull to visit the radio station there. After the official visit was over, the boys split up and enjoyed unofficial visits to various parts of York which seems to be very popular with the Lions.

6/8/43

Five planes detailed for a bullseye tonight. Sgt Deegan, F/Sgt Milton, Sgt Brady, Sgt Fletcher and F/Sgt Buxton were the skippers. The rest of the Squadron enjoyed another stand down.

7/8/43

Rain poured down all day and everyone kept indoors as much as possible. Our Adjutant, F/L Chasanoff departed for a day off and F/O Clark took over his duties. Lectures on training etc., took place and new members to the Squadron had a busy day getting the gen on how to be good Lions.

8/8/43

Fourteen aircraft detailed for operations today against Italy, which unfortunately was scrubbed due to weather conditions. Aircrews were agog with excitement at the opportunity of going on the Squadron's first long stooge, and are certainly looking forward to the next time this chance occurs. Sgt Duncanson, our engineer leader, was commissioned, after a long wait. He certainly deserves it, having worked hard in his section.

9/8/43

Nine aircraft for operations tonight against Mannheim. There were three "boomerangs" owing to wing and snags and the rest of the aircraft returned. Sgt Biggs and Crew bailed out over Reading after bombing their target and being shot up by a night fighter. They all landed more or less safely only bomb aimer, Sgt Richards, sprained his ankle. Today, also saw a farewell party in both the Officers' and Sergeants' Messes for our sister squadron, 408 who are leaving this station to do "bigger things".

10/8/43

Once again ops were on and this time we mustered 11 a/c. Tonight's attack was on Nurnburg, one of the longest trips we have done. All our a/c returned back to the country okay. P/O Williams being the only skipper to bring his kite home to base. This has no reflection on the other boys as they received a definite diversion.

11/8/43

Stand down today. Usual infiltrations through the main gate - navigational pointers indicating that Harrogate and Darlington were about to be attacked. Nothing exceptional to report.

12/8/43

A great day for the squadron. Today 9 crews were detailed to attack Italy - strangely enough they were 9 of our cub crews but according to all reports, they certainly made the "Italite" think that judgement day had come. Once again 427 was widely dispersed over England on return. One of our aircraft even going as far as landing in North West Africa. This machine was captained by F/Sgt Countess who deserves credit for this feat. One of his engines was put out of action making it impossible to gain enough height to cross the Alps, so instead of baling out they made a rough course for the African coast with which F/Sgt Countess is familiar, having been stationed in the Middle East, a safe landing was made and the return is eagerly awaited by the Squadron when "W" lands "bombed up" with fruit, etc.

13/8/43

Moon period - hence the call - "nothing doing". Once more Harrogate and Darlington were severely pranged. Most of the crews spent their time resting and "genning up" on their "indoor sport".

14/8/43

Usual Moon period stand down. Today on reading the London Times, S/Ldr Earthrowl discovered that he had been awarded the D.F.C. In the evening there was much rejoicing and hand shaking and the officers mess, to say nothing of the "gong" wetting.

15/8/43

No operations today but four aircraft were detailed for a "bullseye". This was carried out successfully, with no boobs, making four new crewlS ready for the "fray". The rest of the Squadron spent their time having a quiet Sunday.

16/8/43

A great day for P/O Davis Ross, P/O Vandekerchkove and P/O Dizzy Dormand. These boys all original members of the "Lions" Squadron received D.F.C. 's. Owing to the fact that "Davis" was away at the time, celebrations were postponed. There were no ops scheduled today and the local hide-out, "the Willow Tree, famous in the Squadron Song, was as usual over-flowing.

17/8/43

After a spell of resting, crews were glad to hear that familiar call - "ops on". Thirteen were detailed to attack the radio experimental station at Peenemunde, a small village on the Baltic coast. We suffered one loss - Sgt Brady - a new skipper. Air Marshal Harris, C.-in-C. Bomber Command, congratulated us on this "prang" and according to all reports our particular wave did the most damage to the lot. This trip saw the end of a tour for Sgt Schmitt and his crew - the first original crew to be screened on this squadron. The rest of our aircraft returned safely, after some of them having tussles with night fighters. Sgt Schmitts parting gift was a Fock Wolfe 190 which was shot down by his rear-gunner, Sgt. Stubby McNamara.

18/8/43

Air Ministry saw fit to stand the lads down after their terrific performance the night before, and this was well appreciated by all crews. Judging by their gaiety in both messes.

19/8/43

Eleven aircraft were detailed for operations, but were scrubbed earlier on, due to weather conditions being below par - more signs of relief from 77 aviators to say nothing about the ground crews. The "Gangsters" got together, i.e. (Dizzy, Davy and Van). One would have thought they'd had 'em for months judging by the state of their ribbons. Its marvelous how faded a ribbon can look after two or three pints have been jettisoned on them.

20/8/43

Weather still not up to scratch so no flying was scheduled. Pool tables in either messes worked overtime.

21/8/43

Still more duff weather though not duff enough to stop the boys from visiting the big cities. No aviating for today.

22/8/43

Operations detailed for 13 aircraft on a brand new target namely Leverkugen(slide spelling Leverkusen), preliminary report indicate a good pranging. We suffered no losses, just to show no ill feeling we took three "converted" skippers from our new stable companions, i. e. 429, they should be well clued up after flying second string to "Call" Taylor, "Tubby" Tubman and "Indian Schmitt".

23/8/43

Seventeen aircraft set off for a raid on Berlin. To reimburse the dwindling numbers of serviceable aircraft, three kites were borrowed for the occasion from N0 429, presently non-operational, manned by Lions. F/S Champion and P/O Hilton were not destined to share in the glory of this attack, and were forced to abandon their task, due to the conking of port outer engine and the unserviceability of the rear turret guns, respectively. Unfortunately, two of our crews failed to return - F /0 Baum and Sgt Cornelius - and although the powers "up high" were satisfied with the devastation left behind by our aircraft - the loss of these two up and coming crews, was a bad blow to the Lions. Apparently the boys are encountering terrific opposition from night-fighters these days and that Jerry is finally pulling his aircraft out of the ice-box. This is no doubt an indication, that this type of defence will be encountered in future, and to expect heavy losses.

24/8/43

Good old Yorkshire weather! Featuring a drizzle from early morning until well after bed-time, kept the boys within the confines or within a radius of easy reach of the camp. No flying however, of any description was carried on.

25/8/43

Recent arrivals at the Squadron were initiated into their respective aircraft by being detailed for a cross-country. Three crews participated, Sgt Deegan, F/O Pery-Knox-Core, and F/O Cribb.

26/8/43

Notification of immediate award of the D.F.M. to Sgt Biggs, Sgt Elliott and Sgt Moyler was received this date from Air Ministry. These were awarded for the devotion to duty of the airmen concerned, after being attacked by an enemy fighter on August 9th. Vide Form 541. The skipper, F/S Riggs, had been recommended for his actions for the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, but the powers that be, apparently were not in agreement.

27/8/43

Thirteen aircraft were detailed for a raid on Nurnberg. All Crews pranged the target excepting that of "F for Freddie" piloted by Sgt Buxton, whose Flight Engineer had a case of "cold feet" and only after he fell unconscious did the skipper abandon his task. Sgt Hilton has been recommended to be removed from flying duties due to the lack of confidence and moral fibre. This is not entirely a fault to be placed on the individual concerned, but rather upon the "production line" methods with which Flight Engineers who have been employed solely on ground duties for a long period of time, are within a matter of three or four weeks - in some cases, from the time of their first flip in an aircraft - placed on operations.

28/8/43

Again inclement weather conditions prevented any flying training to be carried out by our new crew's. No ops were scheduled for this date.

29/8/43

One of the Lions' crack pilots met with an unfortunate accident this date. Assigned to transport three Fitters in the Station Exford to Ford in order that one of our diverted Halifaxes could be repaired, ran into a low ceiling and on reducing altitude to locate his bearing, crashed against the side of a hill 25 miles U.E. of Lancaster killing the pilot and the three passengers - all Canadians. It seems ironic that Sgt Henry, a very capable pilot who has faced the enemy on 18 raids over enemy territory, totaling 111:21 operational hours, should meet this end.

30/8/43

Fourteen aircraft were detailed for a raid on Munchen-Gladbach. F/L Horton and crew were non-starters. Sgt Doegan abandoned his task when his rear gunner reported that all guns in the turret were u/s, and the navigator proved that he could not operate with only a flashlight for a guide, when the light in his compartment went u/s. Sgt Wolton returned early also, after his inter-com became unserviceable. The remaining aircraft reached the target area, and thoroughly pranged "unpronounceable" leaving fires which were visible for over 100 miles on the outward journey. Unfortunately, Sgt Buxton's Halifax failed to return from this operation.

31/8/43

Twelve aircraft were detailed for raid on Berlin. Sgt Welch returned early due to rear turret unserviceability, and Sgt Holland abandoned task due to inability of WOP /AG to receive oxygen. The remaining aircraft proceeded to the target and although reports would indicate that this raid was not nearly as concentrated as the last on this target, Berlin was still left a mass of burning fires. A bad blow to the Squadron was the loss of P/O Vandekerchkhove who failed to return from this operation.( However note that in the first crew originally named below there is no Vandekerckhove. For some reason the first named crew is a 419 Squadron crew and are nowhere mentioned as 427 members. The 427 crew casualties were found at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial. Rather than try and erase the 419 crew names the correct 427 crew names were added). He was one of the best liked members of this squadron, both with officers and men alike. His light-heartedness and cheerful personality was an inspiration to everyone. Only recently did he receive the D.F.C. for "at all times displaying fine airmanship and determination of the very highest order". Had Van been able to complete this sortie, he would have completed his first tour of operations.

Honour and Awards

During this month the Distinguished Flying Cross were awarded to S/Ldr C.H. Karthrowl, Pilot Officers P. Dormand, D.B. Ross, G.P. Vandekerchkhove and also P/Os E.F. Flanagan and G.T. Crossman received DFCs for duties while on this Squadron. The Distinguished Flying Medals were awarded to Sergeants P. Biggs, J. Elliott and L.E. Moyler.

Commissions

J18175 Sgt G.W. Heselton, (A/B) appointed to Pilot Officer wef 9/5/43
J18ll7 Sgt W.P. Suter, (WOP/AC) appointed to Pilot Officer wef 11/7/43
J18121 Sgt H.H. Schmitt, (Pilot) appointed to Pilot Officer wef 31/3/43
148833 Sgt Duncanson, RA (F/E) appointed to Pilot Officer wef 5/4/43