This page transcribed by Dick Dunn

427 Squadron Wartime Log - May 1943

1/5/43

The Squadron became non-operational on this date and plans were put into operation for moving the Squadron equipment and personnel. The Technical Equipment of the Squadron was taken to Skipton to form the new Wellington Squadron forming there. The Aircraft due to fly to Skipton this date were grounded due to weather. Information was received that the Squadron personnel were to proceed to Leeming on May 4th.

2/5/43

Twenty one aircraft of our Squadron took off from R.C.A.F. Station Croft and proceeded to R.C.A.F. Station Skipton to provide Aircraft for the new Squadron (No. 432 R.C .A.F. Squadron) S/Ldr W.A. McKay of Vancouver one of the original members of the Squadron and "B" Flight Commander was posted to take over a flight in No. 432 Squadron. five of our crews were also posted to No. 432 Squadron to give them a nucleus of experienced aircrew. The Squadron is developing a feeling that No. 432 Squadron is a protage(sic) of No. 427 Squadron due to the fact that they acquired all of our equipment together with some of our personnel. The Squadron had its official going away party from R.C.A.F. Station Croft. Both the Sergeant's and Officer's messes were thrown open to all ranks and a party is true "Lion" style was held.

Editor's (Squadron) Note:The Squadron was simultaneously moving equipment to their new home R.C .A.F. Stn Leeming and converting to a new bomber the Halifax MK V).

3/5/43

Personal kit of the Squadron personnel was transported to Leeming on this date. The rest of the day was spent in cleaning up the various sections of R.C.A.F. Croft in anticipation of the move in of No. 1664 Conversion Unit.

4/5/43

All the Squadron personnel remaining at Croft proceeded by road transport to R.C.A.F. Station Leeming the morning of this date. The Squadron offices also moved this date. Facilities for receiving our personnel at Leeming were excellent and the Squadron settled in quickly. The contrast between a main station like Leeming and the Satellite Station at Croft amazed some of the members.

5/5/43

This date was spent in unpacking and setting up shop in the various sections. Some of our crews detached to Topcliffe for conversion training returned to Leeming. Everyone spent the day settling in.

6/5/43

Sections were still settling in and a bit of organization was being discerned in the general hullabaloo of the Squadron move. The aircrew leaders were busy cleaning up their respective sections and the office accommodation for each of them was very satisfactory. lW/Cmdr Burnside addressed the whole squadron and in the evening the Squadron had its first party in the Officer's Mess at Leeming. The Officer Commanding and Flight Commanders of 408 and 432 Squadron attended and they met the Officers of 427 Squadron. The Commanding Officer of 432 Squadron invited the Officers of the Squadron to attend the opening of the mess at Skipton.

7/5/43

Eleven crews were posted from our Squadron to 426, 428 and 429 Squadron due to the fact that the conversion Unit did not have the facilities to convert them. No flying was carried out as yet due to our new Halifax Aircraft not having all Modifications completed.

8/5/43

No flying today, due to aircraft not being quite ready. The various sections are generally getting "gen'd" up. The B.B.C. dramatized the flight of the Commanding Officer and crew, on which they obtained their decorations. We were advised this date that F /Sgt Higgins had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal - first of the Squadron. Various Officers made their initial visit into Harrogate.

9/5/43

Weather unsuitable for flying although two aircraft are now awaiting Air Test. Various sections organized lectures on new apparatus in our Halifax. Several crews going on leave - catching up on Op leave, missed during our Conversion. Today's reports would show that Harrogate is going to replace Darlington as the mecca of 427 Squadron.

10/5/43

Weather still vile - snowing all morning, turned to rain - aircraft still grounded. Further lectures held at various sections. W/Cmdr Burnside gone on leave leaving S/Ldr Barthrowl in charge. The Adjutant had £ 55 (Pounds) stolen from his office. In a short time, by subscription it was soon replaced.

11/5/43

One crew got airborne, did routine flying testing aircraft. It was, the first authorized flight in the Squadron since our Conversion. Instruction still be carried out in various departments. The Squadron subscribed approximately 2300.00 dollars to Canada's 4th Victory Loan. The Commanding Officer received his D.F.C. officially from His Majesty the King.

12/5/43

One aircraft tested today, remainder still being modified or have compasses swung. Lectures and instruction still being carried out in various sections.

13/5/43

Two more aircraft tested today. One in particular "L" London has had an emblem painted on the side, depicting a winged lion dropping a bomb. It is quite apropos since we are officially now, the "LION SQUADRON". Normal routine went on through out the day. In the evening an Ensa concert took place on the station and the Cast were entertained in the Officer's Mess. 427 Squadron were very much in evidence, in looking after the female end of the cast.

14/5/43

Several more aircraft were tested this date and one crew did a daylight X-Country. Three crews are doing a Bulls Eye exercise in the evening. There was a further addition to our Ground Staff of thirty five more Canadians, recent arrivals in the United Kingdom.

15/5/43

Four day X-Countries took place followed by five at night. Considerable compass swinging went on, a common task at present due to the fact all our A/C are new. All crews, however, are taking considerable pride in their respective aircraft and several pet names have been painted on the sides of the "kites" e.g. "Z" Zombie, "P' Pampers - a Spanish word. meaning South wind, influenced by the fact the pilot F/O Cadmus is a native of Buenos Aires. "V" Vicious Victor and "S" called the "Canadian WARRIOR".

16/5/43

There were two more day X-Country and some fighter affiliation. The boys have a great time shaking off the pseudo-enemy fighters (Spitfire). Four aircraft took part in a Bullseye exercise at night.

17/5/43

Two X-Countries in the afternoon together with some air to sea firing practice. At night four aircraft took part in an bullseye. A newcomer to the Squadron is S/Ldr Piddington & Crew. He will be the Flight Commander of "B" Flight. F/O Stockdale has also joined the ranks of 427 Squadron. We had two crews posted away to 426 Squadron, so our strength to date is now twenty eight crews.

18/5/43

There was some local flying during the day and five crews took part in a Bullseye Exercise at night. Night flying during the past few days has been ideal from all reports, very similar to Canadian conditions. The pilots are gradually getting to know the little peculiarities of Halifax, are losing the "Wellington bias" of them. Influenced by the warm weather, outdoor and indoor sports are in full swing. Squash, tennis and soft ball are being played daily by a large number of the Squadron. Ten crews are now attached to R.C.A.F. Station, Topcliffe on a Conversion Course.

19/5/43

Local flying took place during the day and six crews did a night X-Country. The Squadron regrets losing the services of its engineering Officer F/Lt H. Lamb, who has been posted to Topcliffe. We welcome in his place, however, F/Lt Burton, who assumes his position as 427 Engineering Officer. Lectures are still in full swing throughout the various sections and the Squadron as a whole would appear to be in an intense state of training.

20/5/43

Four aircraft did some local flying today, doing air tests. There was no night flying owing to a Squadron stand down. Routine instruction and lectures were carried out per usual. Reports today, indicate the official opening of the Officer's mess at Skipton, satellite of Leeming was a large success. Many officers of 427 Squadron attended this opening.

21/5/43

Our crew did a X-Country in the afternoon, and several other aircraft were air-tested during the day. The visibility deteriorated resulting in the cancellation of night flying - four crews having cancellation of night flying - four crews having been detailed for a Bullseye. W/Cmdr Burnside has returned. from leave with his crew. Flying Officer Baines F.D.M. has been attached. to the Squadron. He has been delivering lectures to the Bomb Aimers, primarily, and to some of the rest of the Air Crew on the uses of the MK XIV Bombsight. Everyone who has heard give these lectures admit, F/O Baines has a style all of his own and he has aroused the interest of one and all.

22/5/43

No flying took place today, owing to weather conditions, however, several aircraft compasses and loops were able to be swung. A delegation of wireless Operators under Pilot Officer Dormand went to Hull to visit the MF/DF Station there. Word has come through that F /O Ganderton has been promoted to the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant. Pilot Officer Cadmus has been attached to Middleton St George Station for a week. He is taking a S.A.T. course there. A newcomer to the Squadron is Flight Lieutenant Mackay and Crew. He has just arrived from 1659 Conversion Unit. In connection with the coming of M.G.M. film company tomorrow, to film their adopted Lion Squadron, we have had F/Lt Tim Poad, Canadian Public Relations Officer with us the last couple of days. Since the Squadron had been informed that each Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film star was going to adopt an aircraft, a vote was taken today as to which star gets which aircraft. Lana Turner topped the list followed closely by Greer Garson and Hedy Lamarr.

23/5/43

Six aircraft did local flying, leveling B'S and fighter affiliation. Normal ground instruction carried. out.

24/5/43

Some local flying took place in the evening together with the usual ground instruction. In the afternoon the Squadron was formerly adopted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Co. The whole Squadron assembled outside our hangar. Amongst those present were Mr. Echkman, Manager Director of the M.G.M. Film Co. in Great Britain, Mr. MacPherson, Reel Director for M.G.M., Group Captain Slemon from 6 Group Headquarters, Wing Commander Carecallon- Station Commander, Flight Lieutenant Tim Road, Public Relations Bureau for R.C.A.F., Wing Commander Burnside, Officer Commanding No. 427 Squadron. The Adjutant of 427, F/Lt J. Chasnoff opened the Ceremony by introducing Mr. Eckman, who in turn gave a speech of welcome to the Squadron on joining the ranks of M.G.M. as the Lion Squadron. He then presented W/Cmdr Burnside with a bronze Lion - eighteen century design with an inscription commemorating the occasion. At some future date, all members of the Squadron will be presented with Lion Medals, the holder of which will have certain privileges at any M.G.M. theatre. A draw took place as to which pilot gets Lana Turner's name for his aircraft. Seventeen names were drawn for names altogether. Sgt Johnson was the lucky pilot and amid an ovation from the Squadron he promptly chalked her name on his aircraft nearby. Fox Movietown news and several still photographers plus one or two London News agency-reporters, photo- graphed the whole afternoons proceedings.
The celebration culminated in a party in the Sgt's Mess for the whole Squadron together with the visitors.

25/5/43

Seven aircraft did fighter Affiliation during the day. Two more NCO's received their commissions today. F/O Vandekerchove and F/O Oakley. A new crew arrived from 1609 Conversion Unit, F/O Colquheun is the Captain.

26/5/43

Routine Instruction and activities took place today. The weather was duff and no flying took place. Information received that Squadron was expected to be ready to operate on Friday, May 29th.

27/5/43

More fighter affiliation took place also several Bombing details on Strenshill Practice Range. Five aircraft did night X-Country.

28/5/43

Today the Squadron became Operational. No Ops took place owing to a Standown. Normal activities went on through out the day.

29/5/43

Thirteen aircraft were detailed for a Bombing attack on Wuppertal twelve took off successfully, one was a non-starter due to engine trouble - our first Operational task in Halifax and a new target. All the crews returned to Base safely except one - F/O Cadmus, who landed at Turlaign. His aircraft was hit in several places by flak over the target resulting in one engine packing up. A cursory examination by the Engineer Officer resulted in the Aircraft having to be left behind and the crew returned by rail. Three other aircraft were badly hit by flak, piloted by F/O's Gagnon, Fellner and Crew.

30/5/43

No flying took place today, normal ground lectures and instruction carried out. The crews recently posted to the Squadron, Lt Lyttle and Crew, also F/O St Louis and Crew from 1659 C.U.

31/5/43

There was a Stand down today resulting in no Operational flying. F/Lt Webster returned from a 49 hour pass. He attended the days for Victory Week in an Official capacity in his home town of Bexley North. The outcome of which, a Halifax Bomber is to be donated by Bexley North to the Squadron and F/Lt Webster will become the pilot.

Honour and Awards

R98109 F/Sgt Higgins, FJ was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.