This page transcribed by Dick Dunn
427 Squadron Wartime Log - May 1945
1/5/45
Weather: Fair to cloudy with showers in evening. Visibility good. Wind NW to N., 15-20 mph, moderating 5-10 mph in evening.
A quiet day with no flying. The Station Commander held a muster parade in No.2 Hangar at 1500 hours. Speaking to the Parade, the C.O. dealt with the problems arising after VE day, namely our return to Canada, and the period prior to our departure. During this period personnel will be able to take advantage of a variety of courses in order to improve their Educational standing qualifying them for better positions in the post-war world. Organized Sport will be stepped up, and the entertainment at Leeming, which at present leads all 6 Group, will continue at the same pace.
On their return to Canada all R.C.A.F. personnel will be granted 30 days leave, after which they may volunteer for Service in the Pacific.
2/5/45
Weather: Fair to cloudy. Fine intervals, but cloudy with light showers and a thunderstorm in the evening. Visibility good. Wind NW to N. 10-15 mph, falling light variable in the evening.
A Training Program was carried out this afternoon. Ten crews carried out Bombing Practice at Snape. Information has been received that R.82529 WO.1 Sobkowicz. W.E., missing since 14.7.43. has been reported safe in the U.K. on 23.4.45.
3/5/45
Weather: Fair becoming cloudy with, showers and thunderstorm all night. Visibility moderate becoming good but moderate in rain at. night. Wind light and variable.
Operations Order No. 392 was issued this morning. Nine aircraft. were detailed for Night Mining Operations. Operation was cancelled, however, after eight aircraft had taken off, at approximately 2030 hours. All mines were brought back due to recall.
Information has been received that R108426 Sgt. Hooley, missing since 26.6.43. has been reported safe in the U.K. while P/O Fuller (J88700), missing since 22.1.44. is now a patient in No.4 Canadian General Hospital.
4/5/45
Weather: Fair to cloudy with slight showers. Fine at night. Vis. mod. to poor early becoming good. Wind NW 6-12 mph .
Aircraft from yesterdays Operation landed at approximately 0255 hours this morning after circling the aerodrome for several hours. The day was very quiet with very little training. Information has been received that W/O Hamel, Spencer, and Sgt. Page, who went missing on 24.3.44, 22.6.43, and 26.6.43, respectively, arrived in the U.K. 27.4.45.
5/5/45
Weather: Fine becoming cloudy with rain all afternoon and continuing into the night. Visibility moderate but poor at night. Wind calm becoming SE to S 6-12 mph.
Twelve crews were detailed for training this afternoon. Take off at app. 1333 hours. Aircraft landed at approximately 1548 hours.
6/5/45
Weather: Rain at first, becoming fair to cloudy in the afternoon, fine at night. Visibility moderate to poor early, becoming good, Wind light variable becoming W’ly 10-15 mph.
Another training program was carried out this afternoon and evening. Three crews were detailed for the afternoon program, while 8 were detailed for night flying.
7/5/45
Weather: Fine early, becoming cloudy with intermittent rain ceasing early afternoon. Cloudy hazy with mist by midnight. Vis. good, falling moderate, poor in evening. Wind light S'ly or variable.
Very little flying today. Word has been received that tomorrow would be VE Day and everyone is busy preparing for it.
8/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with fog. Rain till evening with a thunderstorm in the night. Visibility. bad becoming moderate to good, but poor at night. Wind calm.
"VE DAY". This is the day for which we have been waiting for a long time. Everyone is celebrating except crews detailed for "Exodus" Flights, who, on this first trip conducted 288 ex-P.O.W.’s to England.
The day finished with free beer in No.2 Hangar followed by an all ranks dance in the N.A.A.F.I.
9/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with fog, slight rain at times, fair in evening. Visibility bad, improving to good in the afternoon. Wind mainly light in the morning but becoming SW'ly 10-15 mph in afternoon.
12 Crews were detailed again today for Exodus Operations. Take off was at approximately 1923 hours. Crews returned to base by 21.45 hours.
10/5/45
Weather: fine becoming cloudy. Visibility good, moderate at times. Wind light S to SW falling calm.
Maximum effort today. 20 kites from this Squadron were off to the Continent for another Exodus Operation. Take off was at approximately 1510 hours this afternoon. Only 9 kites had returned to base by 2359 hours.
11/5/45
Weather: Fine with mist and fog clearing, becoming cloudy with slight rain. Visibility bad, improving to moderate to good in afternoon. Wind calm, later S to SE 2-5 mph.
Eight aircraft returned early this morning from yesterday's operations, landing at approx. 0217 hours.
Five crews were despatched to the continent this afternoon mostly carrying Technical Types and flying crews to pick up aircraft which were left behind owing to unserviceability. Aircraft took off at app. 1513 hours and returned to base by 2315 hours.
It is evident that many crews on this Squadron are due for disappointment on the issue of being able to fly home. Current rumour has it that no consideration of the type of good work, (Top Squadron in Group)- not to mention the mining that this Base has been doing so well in the past, is to be taken as a basis of priority, but that the mere toss of a coin - should decide priority in Transatlantic flying.
12/5/45
Weather: Fine early, later cloudy with a shower, becoming fine in the evening, hazy at night. Visibility moderate improving to good, but moderate at night. Wind calm becoming S to SE 6-12 mph, falling light at night.
Very little doing today,owing to the instability of the weather.
13/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with thunderstorms early, fair to cloudy with rain or thundery showers. Visibility moderate becoming good. Wind light variable becoming S to SW freshening 20-30 mph.
This morning a Church Parade was held in No.3 Hangar. Thanksgiving Services were conducted by Padres Clarke and Williams. After dinner a Stand-down came through until 2359 hours.
14/5/45
Weather: Fair, becoming fair to cloudy with showers. Good visibility. Wind. SW to W 30-40 mph. Falling to 10-20 mph at night.
A very quiet day. There was a stand down during the afternoon.
15/5/45
Weather: Mainly cloudy, fair to fine in evening. Visibility excellent. Wind WSE'ly 10-20 mph, moderating 4-8 mph in evening.
Eleven kites were detailed this afternoon for Cross Country to France. Four ground crew personnel accompanied each aircraft to look over the "D" Day beaches and points of interest. Take off was at 1430 hours and the aircraft returned to base by 2024 hours .
16/5/45
Weather: Fair becoming cloudy with a period or rain and drizzle during the morning, cloudy rest ot day. Visibility moderate in rain becoming excellent. Wind SW to S 8-10 mph, veering SW to WSW 15-20 mph.
No flying was laid on for today. G/C A.C Hull, the Station Commander, addressed the Squadron Aircrew in 427 Briefing Room. The aircrew were given papers to fill out to ascertain where they wish to serve in the 2nd phase of the War.
17/5/45
Weather: Fair becoming cloudy with rain and drizzle around midday. Visibility moderate improving to excellent. Wind SSW to WSW 8-12 mph veering W’ly.
There was a stand-down today. Very quiet day. More ex-Squadron personnel have returned to the U.K. With the latest Prisoners of War released, e.g. F/O Beaton and Carson who went missing 13.6.44 and 22.1.44, respectively, arrived in the U.K. 8.5.45.
18/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with fair intervals. Visibility moderate early, becoming good. Wind light and 'variable becoming SE'ly 4-8 mph.
Fourteen aircraft were detailed for flying this afternoon. They carried out various exercises. Take-off Was at 1435 hours, and aircraft landed by approximately 18.50 hours.
19/5/45
Weather: Cloudy, then fair to fine, cloudy after dark. Visibility excellent. Wind light S to SE backing ESSE to E 10-16 mph.
Nine aircraft, were detailed for flying this afternoon. Exercises carried out were Range Bombing, Fighter Affiliation, Air to Sea, S.B.A., and Local. Take off was at 1344 hours. Aircraft returned to base at app. 1734 hours.
20/5/45
Weather: Cloudy, thundery rain in the evening. Visibility good falling moderate in the evening. Wind light and variable, becoming E to SE 5-10 mph falling calm at night.
Several lists were received today of repatriated Prisoners of War. .Among these were the following Squadron personnel, F/O Carter-Edwards who went missing 8.6.44., W/O Hutchings and W/O McKinnon who went missing 14.7.43. and 26.6.43, respectively, returned to the U.K. 9.5.45.
21/5/45
Weather: Overcast with fair periods. Fog early. Shower after noon. Visibility poor becoming moderate to good. Wind light variable becoming SE'ly 5-10 mph.
Nine aircraft were detailed for training this afternoon. Four aircraft carried out Range Bombing exercises in addition to the exercises carried out by all aircraft, such as fighter Affiliation, Air to Sea, Homings and S.B.A. Take off was scheduled for l400 hrs. Kites returned to base by 1718 hours.
22/5/45
Weather: Cloudy. Visibility poor early becoming excellent.
Wind NW'ly 5-12 mph falling light.
More training was carried on this afternoon. Eight crews were detailed for the same exercises as yesterday. Take off at app. 1345 hours, returning to base by 1739 hours.
23/5/45
Weather: Overcast to cloudy with fair periods. Fog during morning. Visibility poor becoming moderate. Wind N-NNE'ly 5-25 mph.
Very quiet day with no flying.
24/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with fair periods. Visibility moderate becoming poor late. Wind N'ly 5-12 mph falling light S'ly.
Ten aircraft were detailed for a tour over the Continent. Four ground crew personnel accompanied each aircraft. Points of interest were pointed out to them and many a camera shutter clicked. (Where do they get the film?) Aircraft were airborne at 1630 hours and returned to base at 2030 hours.
Six aircraft carried out night flying exercises. T.O. at 22.02 hours.
25/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with intermittent, slight rain during morning. Visibility poor becoming excellent. Wind light S'ly early veering Wily 5-20 mph.
Aircraft on night flying returned to base by 0229 hours.
Eleven aircraft carried out Cross-Country trips over France and Germany. Nine crews took off at app. l400 hours to fly the French route and two aircraft took off at 1030 hours, for the German route. Aircraft returned to base by 2118 hours except S/L Deegan, who landed at East Kirby on two engines - one engine feathered, over the continent and a second caught fire on approaching East Kirby.
26/5/45
Weather: Cloudy with occasional showers. Visibility excellent becoming moderate. Wind light variable becoming SSW-NNW 4-10 mph.
Two crews were airborne at 1045 hours for another German X-Country. They returned to base at 1800 hours. All crews were busy this afternoon "signing up" for further service in the R.C.A.F. in various theatres of war, after a lecture by W/C E.M. Bryson at 10 a.m.
27/5/45
Weather: Cloudy becoming fair then fine. Slight rain and drizzle during morning. Occasional showers. Fog forming late. Visibility good becOming poor. Wind N'ly 5-12 mph., falling calm.
Two crews were detailed for a Cross Country over Germany, but this was scrubbed due to duff weather conditions. A stand-down was declared till 0930 hours tomorrow.
28/5/45
Weather: Fair to cloudy with fog early. Occasional showers. vis Poor to moderate. Wind calm or light variable.
Two crews again detailed for German route. This was again scrubbed.
The Commanding Officer called a parade of all aircrew for inspection purposes. This parade was held at 0930 hours. Five crews were detailed for Sim Mining, but this was scrubbed due to duff weather.
29/5/45
Weather: Mainly cloudy with rain early, showers later. Vis poor becoming good. Wind light. variable becoming W'ly 5-15 mph.
Word has been received today that the following awards have been approved by His Majesty the King:
- F/O D.B. Ross DFC (139642) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
- F/O W.W. MacKeracher (J25923) - Distinguished Flying Cross
- F/O G.R. Kirby (J88505) - Distinguished Flying Cross
- F/O T.C. Wagar (J35266) - Distinguished Flying Cross
- P/O H.M.B. Millward (J90550) - Distinguished Flying Cross
- F/O J.R. Thackeray (J28984) - Distinguished Flying Cross
- F/L F.J. Wilgress (52005) - Distinguished Flying Cross
30/5/45
Weather: fair to cloudy, occasional showers. Vis. good. Wind SW'ly backing S'ly mph.
A Sports Parade was held today on the Station. All sections of 427 Squadron were represented. Two crews were detailed on a German Cross-Country flight, each aircraft carrying five passengers.
31/5/45
Weather: Fair to cloudy with thunderstorms in morning. Visibility moderate. Wind mainly S'ly 5-15 mph.
Eight crews were detailed for day flying today, carrying out various training exercises. Two crews carried out a Cross Country flight over Germany. Their aircraft were airborne at approximately 1030 hours. No. 427 Squadron Orderly Room was represented on this flight in the person of LAC "Documents" Robinson. "Robbie" has now made the first "installment" on a parachute. Do you know what the silver handle is for now, Robbie?
HONOURS AND AWARDS:
F/L J.L. Storme (J20845)
F/L W.M. Walker (J21276)
were awarded Immediate Distinguished Flying Crosses.
F/L D.B. Ross DFC (139642)
was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.
F/O W.W. MacKeracher (J25923)
F/O G.R. Kirby (J88505)
F/O T.C. Wagar, (J35266)
P/O H.M.B. Millward (J90550)
F/O J.R. Thackeray (J28984)
F/L F.J. Wilgress (52005)
were awarded non-immediate D.F.C.'s.
CASUALTIES: NIL.
POSTINGS:
J24041 F/L J.F. Still posted from 63 Base wef 27.4.45
J89800 F/O W.J. Savage posted to 22 O.T.U. wef 3.5.45
J85496 A/F/L A.L. D'Eon posted to "R" Depot wef 30.4.45
J23907 F/L G.W Swann posted from 76 Base wef 11.4.45
J88844 F/O S.O.V. Teit posted from 76 Base wef 11.4.45
J90998 P/O W.P. Metcalfe posted from 76 Base wef 11.4.45
J87317 F/O A.J.J .B. Marion posted from 76 Base wef 11.4.45
J26757 A/F/L G.M. Togardine posted to "R" Depot wef 4.5.45
J25796 A/F/L L.J. Ayers posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J37520 F/O R.E.F. Crossey posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J39303 F/O G.F. Stratford posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J37719 F/O C.S. Willis posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J27312 F/O P. Strutynski posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
C91012 P/O J. Tribe posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J93867 P/O B. Maltinsky posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J88825 F/O G.H.M. Walker posted to "R" Depot wef 7.5.45
J42041 F/O R.H. Renault posted to 76 Base wef 28.4.45
J40454 F/O A.C. Bruce posted to 76 Base wef 28.4.45
J39863 F/O L.B. Lemon posted to 76 Base wef 28.4.45
J38808 F/O C.G. Nelson posted to "R" Depot wef 8.5.45
C1346 S/L D.J. Cleland posted to 420 Squadron wef 7.5.45
J93943 F/O L.W. Pyke posted to 420 Squadron wef 7.5.45
J91019 P/O H.W. Clapham posted to 420 Squadron wef 7.5.45
J10133 S/L A/W/C V.F. Ganderton posted to RCAF "R" Depot wef 9.5.45.
J17034 F/L C.N. Stanley Posted from 408 Sqdn wef 29.5.45.