This page transcribed by Dick Dunn

427 Squadron Wartime Log - October 1943

1/10/43

13 Aircraft were detailed for Ops this date but operations were scrubbed during the afternoon.

2/10/43

Stand down for Squadron this date and intensive training program both in the air and on ground was carried out. Fifteen aircraft detailed for ops this date. One A/C "W' LK637 piloted by F/L Laird was attacked by enemy aircraft at 2010 hrs while crossing the enemy coast on the outward journey. P/O Rogerson and WOP/AG and P/O Findlay the Rear Gunner, were killed by cannon shell fire and Sgt Cardy the F/Eng was critically wounded. The aircraft was forced to return to base as a result of this attack and under carriage was found to be locked up. The Captain was instructed by R/T to abandon ship. The under-carriage was however downed and a skillful bit of piloting brought the aircraft down without further mishap.

3/10/43

The remaining fourteen aircraft bombed their objective, KASSEL, and returned safely. P/O Biddiscombe, the Navigator in P/O Cozen's crew, was wounded by a piece of shrapnel after his aircraft was heavily engaged by enemy ground defences over the target area.

4/10/43

Twelve aircraft were detailed for operations against Frankfurt. It was only the full cooperation of all the ground crew personnel that enabled the 12 kites to become airborne, and for this effort the ground crews were highly commended by the Winco. Eleven aircraft successfully bombed the target and upon returning to England six of that number, were diverted to various bases in the south. No news has been received of a missing aircraft "J for Johnny", and as a result W/O Champion and crew have been listed as missing. F/Lt Izzard departed to attend a Signals Conference at R.A.F. Moreton-in-the-Marsh.

5/10/43

Four aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack against Germany but this operation was scrubbed due to inclement weather conditions. Some of the aircraft returned to base from their diversion bases of the previous evening.

6/10/43

Eight aircraft were detailed for operations but this was also scrubbed due to duff weather. This marked the fourth consecutive day the Squadron has been detailed for operations. The remaining aircraft who had been diverted during the raid on Frankfurt, some of which returned yesterday, came back to base.

7/10/43

A stand down for the Squadron this date. Two night cross countries were arranged and carried out.

8/10/43

Eleven aircraft were detailed for operations against Hanover this date. One aircraft, Sergeant Kelly and crew failed to return and has been listed as missing. Two aircraft returned early due to technical defects, the remaining eight aircraft having bombed their target, landed at diversion dromes in the south. Information received today to the effect that Sergeant Henry who was recently killed in a flying accident, has been posthumously appointed to commissioned rank.

9/10/43

No operations scheduled for this date. Aircraft who had diverted from the raid the previous evening were forced to remain put, as visibility was very limited. The Winco assumed Command of the Station in the absence of Gp Capt Plant.

10/10/43

Weather continued to be unfavourable - visibility poor - and as a result the aircraft were again unable to return from diversion bases. No aircraft were scheduled for ops. W/C Turnbull in his capacity as Station Commander proceeded to 6 Group HQ to meet the Canadian High Commissioner for Eire.

11/10/43

Ideal flying weather prevailed throughout the day but no kites were scheduled for operations. Personnel removed to Skipton for the past few weeks while the runway was being repaired at Leeming, took advantage of the lull, to return to home base. Notwithstanding, aircrews journeyed to nearby targets and proceeded to thoroughly drench themselves in fragrant English brews, leaving a wide area of devastation at all the objectives that were pranged.

12/10/43

Though "old sol" favoured the environs of Leeming with all its splendour, a further day of stand down was declared. Personnel both aircrew and groundcrew alike, found it difficult to concentrate at their respective duties as serenity reigned throughout the entire squadron and it was reported that it was actually possible to be heard once again. It is quite safe to say that even the drop of a pin was easily distinguished from the drop of W/O Oakander's false dentures. This period of calm was occasioned when our self-styled "mad adj.", the dynamic, bellowing, boisterous Chas' departed for London this morning for a few days so called Temporary duty. In his absence, F/O "Knobby"- Clark has assumed the duties of Adjutant, and as on other occasions, is doing a masterful job.

F/L Don Morrison one of the veterans of the Squadron and bombing leader since the formation, was toasted to a farewell party by his mess-mates this evening, who much to the displeasure of all who knew him, has been posted to a Con Unit at Dalton. The highlight of the brawl occurred when Knobby Clark was able to part S/L Earthrowl with a few of his "shekels" towards the purchase of a "down-the-hatch". Knobby reports that when Earthrowl pulled out his bulging wallet in payment of this crowning achievement last year's "cob-webs" were still to be found amidst the masses of notes.

13/10/43

A treasured possession of the Lions was received this date in the form of a letter signed by Winston Churchill, in response to our request to adopt one of the Prime Minister's lions, presently being displayed in the Regent's Park Zoo. It reads as follows: "I was very pleased to hear on my return to this country that the Lion Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force had made the suggestion that the Squadron should adopt "Mareth" one of the lion cubs at the zoo. With every good wish for the success of your squadron". Yours very faithfully, (Sgd) Winston Churchill

14/10/43

Typical "liquified" sunshine prevailed throughout the day and another free day was declared for the Lions. Aircrew who were desirous, were transported to Reipon where they enjoyed bathing in the spacious indoor swimming pool. The day began with an overcast sky becoming rapidly fair or fine in the forenoon and continuing as such until a slight mist came up in the evening. Notwithstanding,the excellent flying weather, again no aircraft were called for operations. However, aircrews took advantage of this lull to participate in an intensive flying training program which was led by the Winco, consisting of air tests of every description and engaging every available aircraft.

In the afternoon the station was honoured by a visit by the Duchess of Gloucester who inspected our charming array of W.A.A.F. personnel. The noted visitor was later entertained at tea in the Officers' Mess, at which time several prominent members of the Lions were introduced to her. It's surprising to note how well mannered our boys can be when the occasion requires it.

15/10/43

Cloudy weather prevailed throughout the day with a slight amount of fog and rain appearing in the morning. A stand down was again declared. Knobby Clark relinquished his position as adjutant and was relieved by F /O Cruikshanks. Through the medium of the London Times, (four former Lions whose recommendations for awards originated from this unit for their outstanding work with the Squadron over their operational period,) we were advised of the awards of the D.F.C. to P/O Schmitt, P/O Fernand, and F/L Tubman, and the D.F.M. to P/O MacNamara, all the recipients having very recently completed a tour of operations.

Bedlam again returned to the Mess this evening after the past few tranquil days, during which time everyone was in a state of confusion, and things are again running under normal conditions as known only to the Lions. Reason? F/L Chasanoff dragged his bulky frame through the portals of the Officer's Quarters, returning from his two day sojourn in London.

16/10/43

With a fanfare of trumpets and the rumble of drums the whole station was assembled on the parade square to participate in the award of the S.P.M. (a hitherto unheard of decoration) by the Group Captain, to several members of the Squadron. These were the fruits of the splendid achievement of the station softball team and the award in question, the Softball Playing Medal, was a presentation of the Y.M.C.A. Already the members of the team are making plans in an effort to secure a bar to that coveted decoration.

Overcast skies persisted throughout the day turning to fog at first and becoming misty in the forenoon, and as a result no kites were called for.

17/10/43

The periodic "Flarepath", an occasion when all Squadron tenderfeet officers are initiated, came off last night. During the course of the festivities, more uniforms were saturated with the brew, than was actually consumed. In the forefront again came "Chas' the Adjt", who in his own inimitable style showed the sprogs how simple it was to balance a mug of beer on the noggin while at the same time coordinating with mind, body, and battling against inebriation to proceed through a "flarepath" of beer glasses. What a man our adjt.

A great deal of shouting emanating from No. 2 hangar was sufficient to start a steady stream of airmen to the scene of the confusion, only to find a disorganized game of "touch" rugby in progress as only the game can be played by Canuks. The orderly room staff who were somewhat harassed by the thought of having to compile "self-inflicted injury forms were fortunately not called upon.

No operations were called for this date, and in keeping with the sentiments of the powers that be, the weatherman complied with a steady drizzle which continued throughout the whole morning and part of the afternoon, becoming fair to cloudy in the evening.

18/10/43

Overcast skies continued throughout the morning accompanied by fog at first and changing to fair with slight mist in the afternoon. Stand. down was the order of the day. F/L Arnet as chairman of the Anniversary Party Committee began assembling members of the committee in preparation for the forthcoming event. The party is scheduled for Nov 10th in commemoration of the completion of 1 year's successful operations, and if it proves as successful an affair as is anticipated, it will definitely surpass any "do" the Lions have as yet undertaken.

An intensive training program was carried out throughout the day, featuring air to air, air to sea, and fighter affiliation exercises, which after this period of operational idleness, was a very welcome break.

19/10/43

Favourable weather conditions prevailed throughout the day until about 1700 hrs when a drizzle broke through the clear sky and continued through until morning. Fourteen aircraft were detailed for operations, but were scrubbed in the late afternoon. F/L Chasanoff departed on a goodwill mission to Naburn Military Hospital to visit F/O "Red" Soedar who is speedily recovering from Jaundice.

20/10/43

Weather was somewhat improved today beginning fair to cloudy with slight mist and closing with light showers in the afternoon. It is apparent that winter is rapidly closing in and already a variety of turtle-neck sweaters are the fashion.

In keeping with the rapid rise of the O.C. from the ranks to his present position, information was received to the effect that the Winco had been promoted to the rank of Temporary Wing Commander, antedated to 6/11/42.

A soccer match between the officers and NCO's aicrew took the limelight this afternoon during the operational lull. The NCO's overwhelmed the disorganized officers' team to the tune of 10-2. The biggest laugh of the whole tussle occurred when O.C. "B" Flight, S/Ldr Ganderton appearing in neatly pressed and pleated battledress, began voicing his qualifications and skill at the game. Soon after the soliloquy a few short moments after the kick-off whistle had blown, he tripped and found himself neatly in the centre of a well formed oasis with the aforementioned dress covered from head to foot in mud and gleaming redness peering through his virtually black countenance.

21/10/43

In keeping with the recent appeal by the Canadian government for the forthcoming Victory Loan drive, the adjutant began in earnest in an effort to put the Lions in the forefront in contributions, by personally interviewing A-F in the alphabet of all aircrew personnel. It is desired to continue the interviews until each individual of the Squadron is personally approached.

F/L B.G. "Jersey" Crew D.F.C. and his crew were screened from operations on completion of the 1st tour.

22/10/43

Sixteen aircraft were detailed for operations against Kassel and as many became airborne at an extremely early hour. "R " returned early due to an oxygen failure in the mid-upper turret as a result of which the M/U gunner passed out. "V" abandoned task after three generators in engines had become unserviceable. "Q" returned early due to an oil pressure drop. "Y"'s port outer constant speed unit became unserviceable and as a result pilot decided to abandon task. "K" crossed the enemy coast off track due to l/lOth heavy cloud up to 20,000 feet which reduced visibility to nil. Soon after crossing the coast enemy defences consisting of accurate intense heavy flak opened up and holed "Kitty" fourteen times. Violent evasive tactics ensued, comprised of corkscrews, dives and turnings off course, until pilot succeeded in evading the defences. This action delayed "K" for approximately 20 minutes and since Navigator was unable to establish position, pilot decided to return to base after safely jettisoning bomb load somewhere over Rhur. "H" soon after crossing enemy coast encountered enemy ack-ack-intense heavy flak - which vibrated the aircraft into a spiral dive and only after the loss of 7,000 feet was the pilot able to pull the aircraft under control at 12,000 feet. In this engagement about 30 minutes were lost and since pilot would not have been able to reach the target with the main force, he returned to base early. "E" piloted by HO D.H. Welch, RAF, returning to base early for some unknown reason, crashed near Marston Moor, Yorks, all the crew being instantly killed. The young pilot, a reserved, unassuming capable pilot had only a week previously becoming a bridegroom.

Three crews failed to return from this operation - "B" piloted by F/L Weston, whose Navigator F/O Oakley had also become a bridegroom only a fortnight previously, "L" piloted by F/O Harrison and "Z" piloted by F/Sgt Minter.

Of the remaining aircraft which reached the target "U" piloted by P/O Cozens, was attacked by enemy aircraft three different times on the homeward journey and although there was an exchange of gunfire in each instance, the Halifax escaped unscratched and pilot succeeded in bringing it back to base.

S/L C .H. Earthrowl, "A" Flight Commander, flying aircraft "B" - "Beer" completed his 20th trip and also his 2nd tour of operations. In his last trip this evening, he carried a second pilot in the person of the Station Commander Group Capt. Plant, who appeared very much impressed by the sortie. The screening of Earthrowl on top of the aforementioned casualties comes as a bad blow to the Squadron, as he was an all inspiring leader and one of the best liked Senior Officers of the Station and who it is safe to say ranks as one of the most efficient and capable pilots in Bomber Command.

Weather - fair to cloudy, with slight mist and slight showers.

Correction

Ed. note: I received the following email from Mr. Harry Winter. The night of 22/23 October was a bad night for Bomber Command. 569 aircraft took part in the raid on Kassel. 43 went missing which included 12 aircraft from 6th Group. Thanks to Mr. Winter for this correction.

Hello 427, I was reading the 427 Association war log October 1943. It is stated that four aircraft failed to return including aircraft "L" Love piloted by F/O Harrison. To be correct "L" Love would not start at 17.20 so we were transferred to "G" George LK633. We were shot down on our return over Ludge, SSW of Hamelin at 21.15 by an ME110. Monica (Tail Warning radar for Bombers) was U/S throughout the flight and the oxygen supply was faulty.
Best wishes, H.T. Winter, W/Op.

23/10/43

Stand down this date and it certainly was required in order that the Squadron might recuperate from the heavy blows of last night's raid. The weather was in keeping with our sentiments as overcast skies accompanied by intermittent fog and rain prevailed throughout the day.

Signal received today advising that F/L Laird had been awarded the D.F.C., and his F/Eng Sgt Cardy, the C.G.H. for their gallant actions during the attack on Kassel 3rd Oct. Sgt Cardy who was critically wounded in the right arm and left eye during the attack by enemy aircraft, gave coherent advice to his captain despite severe physical suffering and remained at his post carrying out his normal duties until he finally fell unconscious through loss of blood. On arrival at base he supervised the emergency lowering of the under-carriage which involved the severing of a hydraulic pipe line, thus allowing the aircraft to land safely - by this time he had regained consciousness. For this action he was awarded the C.G.M. It is hoped that this information which was signaled to Sgt Cardy who is still on the critically injured list, will aid in expediting his recovery.

In one of the rowdiest mess whirls that had ever been experienced by any officer, either living or dead, members of the mess met last night to celebrate F /L Laird's award which also coincided with S/L Earthrowl's screening. During the course of the drenching, our Winco was instituted in the Royal Order of Leo's as the "Grand Lion", and was duly initiated under the revised policy in said Order, whereby all potential Lions are required to (in official terms) osculate the rectum of Leo, the H.G.M. presentation. F/L A. Reilly, the station adjutant was permitted into the sacred order after going through the usual channels and has now become an Hon member.

24/10/43

A large Sr. NCO "do" was held in the "Sergeants Mess" last night, during the course of which a certain beverage flowed at about the same rate as the aftermath of the Rhur dam raid. Officers' were rather indignant at the very undiplomatic manner in which they were informed that they were not invited - over the tannoy system.

Another stand down for this date as the climatic conditions continued inclement, featuring fog and thick mist which prevailed throughout the day.

25/10/43

The notoriety of our worthy, colourful adjt, went a step further this date and added a couple more amazing incidents to his unorthodox military career. After paying a visit to F/O Soeter, who is still confined to bed in York, he somewhat overstayed his intended visit and only realized that fact after the train for camp had come and gone, without him. In the meantime the Winco who had no idea of what had occurred and what 's more didn't care, was awakened out of a sound sleep in the dark early hours of the morning, to be greeted by the bellowing voice of the "Great Chas" who informed him of his predicament and that he would not be able to reach camp at the specified hour of duty. The ensuing remarks of the Winco -will however, not be recorded.

The calm of the Squadron offices was interrupted at mid-morning by the appearance of Chas' arriving on a 26" wheel, bicycle, complete with shopping basket, the property of Mrs. Beaumont Smith, wife of the Sr Accountant Officer. It seems that the Adjt arriving at Leeming Bar by train, finding it impossible to secure any type of conveyance to the aerodrome, called at the B.-S. home, and the above was the result. Anyone who has ever seen Chas' can picture his bulky frame on the aforementioned vehicle, plodding the two mile journey from the station, through the congested downtown sector of Leeming. My shattered nerves!

One of our Canadian armourers met with a rather unfortunate end after an escapade to the town local this evening. R136224 AC1 Olson, H.O. was picked up on the Great North Road just beyond the Willow Tree (the local) at Leeming, by the Morris Ambulance crew of this Station at 23.20 hrs and brought to S.S.Q. where he was examined immediately by the Senior Medical Officer. Examination at the time of admission revealed a stuporous irrational individual. No signs of violence were apparent, and no skull fracture was found. The patient was placed in the crash ward under the supervision of the Nursing Orderly, and after oxygen was administered for a period of ten minutes, the patient was breathing normally. 0300 hrs the report from the Nursing Orderly would indicate that the patient was resting quietly and breathing in a sonorous manner. At 0600 hrs the duty nursing orderly found the patient dead. The cause of death is unknown; but it is supposed that there must have been a basal fracture of the skull.

Weather - Fog at first, becoming fine, with slight mist about noon, fog forming again in the evening.

26/10/43

Weather again carried on in its typical English form by engulfing the environs of the camp in a "pea-souper" which persisted throughout the day, and which curtailed all flying.

Because the sale of bonds hasn't met with the expectations, a conference of all section "Heads" was held in F/L Dawson's office - Engineer Officer - in an effort to boost up the turnover. It is felt that strong-arm, high pressure methods will have to be adopted in an effort to get Canucks to contribute. As a result of the conference, all Bond Salesmen are being equipped with .38 revolvers and already totals are showing marked gains.

27/10/43

The day began with the usual, fog, which cleared up considerably by midday although the clouds remained. Eleven aircraft were called for and detailed for operations, but as they were taxying preparatory to take-off, the raid was cancelled. By this time a slight mist had again formed.

28/10/43

The Station was favoured by a visit by one of the foremost English actors - Robert Donat. The cast of the Bernard Shaw fantasy "Heartbreak House" with Mr. Donat as the venerable Capt Shotover, which has currently had a successful run at the Cambridge theatre in London, performed the play as part of an E.N.S.A. show, and brought the house of Canucks dOwn with tremendous rounds of applause. It was something new in the way of an E.N.S.A. contribution, and was very much appreciated. After the performance, Mr. Donat and the cast were entertained in the Officer's Mess, after the performance, and was quite surprised to learn and so were we, that a bomber of the Lion Squadron proudly bears the name of the M.G.M. film star. Donat was induced to return to Leeming tomorrow in order that photographs might be taken of himself alongside the bomber and its crew - S/L Ganderton and mates.

Weather: Cloudy, with fog at first, becoming cloudy with mist later, and fog forming again late at night.

29/10/43

Robert Donat returned to the Squadron as arranged the previous day. The Winco and Groupie, in zoot suits, with sleek pleats, and flat hats, were on hand to add to the festivities. The noted actor appeared to be quite an unassuming type of gentleman, very unaffected by his success and was very humble in his thanks for the tribute of having a kite named after himself.

Weather: Overcast with fog at first, becoming overcast with mist and drizzle in late afternoon.

30/10/43

Fourteen aircraft were detailed for operations this date but ops were scrubbed prior to take off time. The weather was extremely poor beginning with clouds at first with a mist rapidly forming, and which by evening had thickened considerably.

31/10/43

Weather: Cloudy with rain and mist at first, becoming cloudy with mist in afternoon. Cloudy with rain and mist in evening. Stand down this date, as no aircraft were called for.