This page transcribed by Dick Dunn

427 Squadron Wartime Log - October 1944

1/10/44

Weather: fine. Excellent visibility with brisk northwesterly wind.

Although the Squadron was on standby today, a training programme was scheduled and carried out. Four aircraft took part in an air-to-air firing and practice bombing exercise. Six aircraft participated in an H.2.S. cross country and did practice bombing on their return. At night, eight more aircraft took off on H.2.S. cross-countries and practice bombing combined.

CAN.J.8167 F/L W.P.SCOTT and crew left today for No.426 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, having completed nearly thirty operational sorties with us. Here's hoping he brings up the LINTON boys to 427 Squadron standards.

Little else to report for today except that the day and night flying kept everyone on their toes and it was not unusual to hear crews praying for operations again.

2/10/44

Weather: Fine to fair. Excellent visibility with brisk south- westerly wind.

All day long the sky around the aerodrome was filled with corkscrewing Halifaxes, fighters, and various forms of formation flying. Yes indeed, training ruled the day. Five aircraft carried out a practice bombing, fighter affiliation and air to air firing exercise. In the afternoon nine aircraft participated in Formation Flying. At night, six more aircraft reaped revenge on the sheep around SNAPE bombing range. No casualties were reported though. Fearfully, the rest of the boys awaited their turn and in the meantime prayed sincerely for an operation.

3/10/44

Weather: Occasional showers With moderate north-westerly wind. Excellent visibility.

It is known for a fact that there is such a thing as being "flak-happy" but we are beginning to wonder if there is another called "training-happy", as again today the Squadron was out in full force on practice exercises.

During the day, fighter affiliation, practice bombings, air to air and cross-countries were carried out, at night, while other Squadrons were confined to German and Dutch targets, nine of our aircraft blasted BRISTOL with the new top secret weapon. All returned safely but very aggravated with the numerous searchlights experienced.

In the evening, our Hangar was turned into a Roller Skating rink by the Y.M.C.A. and personnel with enough courage enjoyed a chilly time whirling around the cement floor to the music supplied by a Wurlitzer.

4/10/44

Weather: Occasional showers, becoming fair. Good visibility with fresh northerly wind.

The day started out with six aircraft on stand-by for possible gardening operations. This operation did not prevent the scheduled flying training programme from taking place though, and during the morning and afternoon nine aircraft carried out cross-country exercises.

At approximately 1830 hrs., six aircraft took off on a mining operation, our first operational flying for the month.

Besides the mining "do" tonight, three of the newer crews were employed on night cross-countries, piling up an impressive flying training figure for the day.

5/10/44

Weather: Fine during day, foggy at night. Visibility good becoming poor.

Crews from last night's mining operation returned around two o'clock in the morning. They reported weather over target was excellent with very good visibility and no cloud. Winds were light and variable. Visual identification of mining area was made in all cases. Light to intense heavy flak, both predicted and in barrage form was encountered over the target area bursting from 11000 to 12,500 ft. Also some light flak was experienced. Batteries of four to six heavy flak guns were observed at 5843N 0730E. No opposition from flak was encountered on route. No enemy fighters were seen. No combats. All crews attempted photos.

One of our aircraft "E" MZ.756 piloted by J.8773 S/L W.R. Moseley-Williams failed to return from this operation, the other five aircraft dropped their mines and returned to base.

ed. note: Picture probably after May 1943, since Walter Moseley_William's rank is still Flying Officer and a Lion is painted on the Halifax's nose. The Squadron became the "Lion" Squadron in May 1943

Early in the morning aircraft were warming up to carry out a sea-search to look for "E" and although twenty-two aircraft were used, no trace was found of the crew. Very little activity during the day.

6/10/44

Weather: Foggy becoming fair with poor visibility becoming good. Wind light and variable.

Five aircraft employed on local flying including circuits and bumps and test flights.

Training programme was scrubbed for operations - a maximum effort. Everyone hurried to complete their inspections on time and before five o'clock twenty-two aircraft were on their way to DORTMUND. One aircraft returned early due to the Starboard-outer engine being unserviceable. No weather difficulties Here encountered on the way to the target. Over the target area it was clear with unlimited visibility and no clouds. Some early crews report a slight ground haze which partially obscured the red T.I.'s at the commencement of the attack. P.F.F. was one to three minutes late. Some fair sized explosions were seen with oily and greyish black smoke commencing to rise. Large explosions with yellowish-red flames were also observed. Heavy and light flak encountered. A few searchlights were active over the target area but proved to be quite ineffective. Fighters were numerous. Tactics appeared effective but most crews found briefed speeds excessive. All crews attempted photographs.

All aircraft returned safely. The one early return MZ291 landed at Base, remaining 21 aircraft were diverted to Bury St. Edmonds.

7/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle at midday and at night. Visibility moderate to poor. wind moderate north-easterly.

Nothing doing today as aircraft returned from diversion. No flying training programme carried out.

Everyone concerned was full of talk about their diversion to the Yankee Aerodrome. The motto there seemed to be "a jeep for every crew". Captains had a hard time dragging their crew members away from the Mess Hall as the coffee was superb and the meals unbelievable.

Our aircraft "N" NAN piloted by F /Lt G. SLOCOMBE gave our allies a wonderful demonstration on the abilities of a Halifax in a power-dive and shoot-up.

8/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle becoming fair in evening. Visibility poor in drizzle, becoming good.

Today was really a "duff" one so sections buckled down to a spot of ground training. Two conferences were held but nothing materialized, not even a possible flying training programme.

The Padres on the station reported a highly successful day as most personnel turned out to church services - something very unusual.

9/10/44

Weather: Cloud with visibility moderate to good.

The weather lifted over night so an early morning training programme was carried out which consisted of cross-countries and practice bombing.

The afternoon training schedule was cancelled for operations and by 1730 hrs., fifteen aircraft were on route to BOCHUM. All returned between 2300 and 2400 hours., and reported visibility over target fair to good. Most aircraft identified by skymarkers but a majority were able to bomb on the Red T.I.'s. These are reported to have been fairly well concentrated but their relation to the Aiming Point is not clear. Skymarking was good, although at time the flares were meagre and scattered. A few search lights exposed ineffectively. Numerous fighter flares were seen and both twin-engined and single-engine enemy aircraft were sighted over target and on route home. All crews attempted photographs.

10/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle. Visibility moderate but fog late in day.

No flying today so amid the groans of the "operational types" the Section leaders passed the time pounding more “gen" into crews. Afternoon was very inactive except for a vigorous postmortem on the trip yesterday.

Bags of disguises coming to light as the representative starting canvassing for the Seventh Canadian Victory Loan.

11/10/44

Weather: Cloudy ,with fog followed by rain and drizzle. Visibility poor becoming moderate.

Grounded again today by fog, rain and what-have-you. A golden opportunity for the high-pressured bonds salesmen. Fourteen crews on stand-by - everyone wondering what they are standing by for.

Nothing else to report for today except that a warning was given out that there may be an early morning effort.

12/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with general rain and showers. Visibility good.

OPERATIONS AT LAST !!!

Fourteen crews were dragged. out of bed for an early morning visit to the oil plants at WANNE EICKEL(sic) - (WANNE EICHEL on slide). Take-off was around 0730 hrs. Crews experienced light scattered cloud over target which was obscured by smoke very early in attack and the majority bombed in relation to Pickwick on instructions of the Master Bomber. Others were able to identify T.I.' s and bombed them also on Master Bomber's instructions. Bombing was fairly well concentrated although some scattered sticks were noted. Flak over target was moderate to intense. Only a few enemy fighters were sighted.

Another operation looked evident around late afternoon but the weather man or somebody took pity on us.

13/10/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy at first continuous rain later. Visibility moderate.

Friday the thirteenth today!! It is surprising to note how many people are actually influenced by superstitions. Only one person, F/L DU VERNET a navigator, seemed anxious to operate today and he explained this by the fact that he was born on Friday 13th. No operations, developed, however, as the weather fronts chased each other around the country.

The sale of Victory Bonds still continued.

Twenty crews on standby for early morning operations.

14/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain, becoming fair to cloudy,with showers. Visibility good.

Yesterday's stand by list came to life in the small hours of this morning when twenty crews were called and fed for briefing at 3 :15 A.M. The crews took off between 0545 and 0630 hrs., the target being DUISBURG(sic) -(Duisberg on slide). The kites returning around noon reported that on arrival at target, DUISBURG was covered with 10/10ths cloud. The Master Bomber was clearly heard by all crews and first directed them to bomb markers followed almost immediately by instructions to bomb any built up area. Intense heavy flak mainly on the northern aiming points was seen and at DUISBURG proper moderate heavy flak was reported. There was no enemy fighter activity and any losses are attributed to heavy flak. All crews attempted photographs.

Fresh as daisies after five hours sleep the crews were called out again for operations. Briefing at 1830 hours and take-off was around 2230 hrs. to give DUISBURG another going over, eighteen aircraft participating.

15/10/44

Weather: Cloudy at first becoming fine late in day. Some slight rain at first. Visibility moderate becoming poor late in day.

Crews returned from the attack on DUISBURG around 10:00 hrs. this morning and reported that the weather over the target was good with thin patchy cloud or haze ranging from five to ten thousand feet. Visibility was good. Fires were seen for as far as 120 miles away on the homeward route. Flak defences were slight to moderate. Searchlights were active but ineffective. Several single engine enemy fighters were seen but no action resulted. All crews attempted photographs.

Everyone got into bed as soon as possible and slept till noon when the call came through again for aircraft to bomb Germany. Ten were detailed and briefing was held at 1430 hours. Take- off was at 1700 hrs. and the target - WILHEIMSHAVEN(sic) - (WILHELMSHAVEN on slide). All the aircraft returned to this country landing at HORSHAM St. FAITH, an American aerodrome. Cloud was 10/10ths over the target although it was thin enough to permit identification of the T.l.'s which were scattered over the town. The scattered T.ls. caused some scattered bombing but it is thought that concentration improved late in the attack. Cloud conditions brought most of the crews down from their briefed bombing heights some breaking cloud at 13,000 to 15,000 ft. but at such speed as to preclude accuracy in bombing. Defences were slight to moderate inaccurate flak with no searchlights. Results generally were not clearly observed. All crews attempted photographs.

16/10/44

Weather: Fine at first becoming fair. Rain during morning and afternoon. Visibility poor. Wind south-easterly veering northerly.

The weather man let loose with all he had today with the result that the station looked like a morgue and the diverted aircraft had to stay put. After the way operations have been flowing in the last few days a rest like this is more than welcome.

We trust our boys are holding their own at HORSHAM ST. FAITH in so far as tall tales are concerned as they more than likely will be listening to quite a few from our friends the YANKS.

A wonderful day to dust off the writing pad and get caught up on one's correspondence.

17/10/44

Weather: Cloudy, with slight rain at noon. Fair to fine later. Visibility good becoming moderate. Wind south-westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h.

The morning was spent in awaiting diverted aircraft to return to base, eight returned. In the afternoon a lecture was held by the Station Air Sea Rescue Officer for some crews.

The Group Bombing Leader paid the Bombing Section a visit today.

"J" JOHHY piloted by Our Commanding Officer, W/C V.F. GANDERTON DFC was unable to return from diversion due to engine failure.

Rumours are rampant that some crews are going to lose their points for WANNE EICKEL on 12.10/44 due to not having accurate photographs. This suggestion is met with great disapproval as the target was heavily defended by heavy flak.

Squadron was stood down all day. Six aircraft laid on for training at 0930 hrs. tomorrow.

18/10/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy. Visibility good. Wind northwesterly at fifteen to twenty m.p.h. at first, becoming southeasterly light.

Training in the morning as detailed last night. More training for afternoon although the Squadron has been called upon for operations. Eighteen aircraft detailed but effort was later scrubbed due to weather conditions.

W/C V.F. GANDERTON, DFC, our Commanding Officer, returned from WOODBRIDGE in the Oxford flown by F/O W.J. BROWN & F/O E.C. MAYO.

Standby list issued for early morning operations, maybe!

19/10/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy. Visibility good. Wind north-westerly at 15 to 20 m.p.h. at first becoming south-easterly light.

At 0230 hrs this morning, sleepy-headed aircrew could be seen groping their way out into the bush for an operational breakfast. After getting their beans and egg well tucked in, crews wended their way back to bed.

An idle day ensued and the only activity noticeable was the Roller Skating held in the Hangar in the evening.

20/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain during morning. Visibility good at first becoming moderate. Wind south-easterly at five to twenty m.p.h.

It rained hard enough all day to forestall even briefing for an operation. Intelligence used the afternoon to put the aircrew up to date on how to do a war-time tour of the Reich. Lectures of this type are always welcome.

Even flying training was forgotten today due to the weather.

21/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with fog at first becoming cloudy with occasional drizzle. Visibility poor at first becoming moderate. Wind northerly at five to ten m.p.h.

The day started out with a big panic as two operations laid on. One a bombing effort and other mining. Briefing was held at 1445 hrs and no sooner was it over than the big "scrub" came through canceling both trips.

Oranges were distributed to the Sections again today.

A big dance was held at the station tonight and the A.T.S. and W.Ds. were "imported" for the affair. A good time was had by all and the disappointment of the scrub this afternoon was soon forgotten in the merry activities of the evening.

22/10/44

Weather: Cloudy with moderate to poor visibility. Wind light northerly backing to light south-easterly.

Having had no operations for exactly a week, even a mining do, was welcomed today. As usual the bombing efforts were scrubbed and the armourers got out their liniment before debombing and re-mining. Everyone agrees that the armourers should be given some special mention for the wonderful job of, work they have been doing.

Take-off was around 1600 hours and the "miners" successfully completed their mission and diverted to LOSSIEMOUTH, where they landed around 2200 hours. Weather over the target ranged from seven to ten-tenths strata cumulus cloud with tops from 4 to 10,000 ft. Visibility was fair. Flak activity was very slight with a few bursts noted from ANHOLT ISLAND and the vicinity of AALBORG. Searchlight activity around AALBORG was negligible. No enemy fighters were seen. No combats. Crews equipped with cameras attempted photographs. All 10 aircraft diverted to LOSSIEM0UTH.

23/10/44

Weather: Rain at first becoming fine with poor visibility at first becoming excellent. Wind moderate easterly.

Aircraft returning from diversion were greeted with the news that briefing for a night op was due to start, however, many of them had time for a quick meal. As usual the armourers were holding the bag and deserve great credit for getting the aircraft from diversion bombed up in time for take off which has around 1630 hrs. Nineteen aircraft took off to bomb ESSEN. All crews report 10/10th layered cloud at target with tops of lower layer from 6 to 10,000 ft. Most crews bombed green sky markers. No assessment of results is possible. Bombing headings varied very slightly and several crews reported good concentration of aircraft at bombing times. Flak was slight to moderate and ineffective to bombing heights. Searchlights could not pierce cloud. All crews attempted photographs.

24/10/44

Weather: Intermittent rain. Cloudy with moderate visibility. Wind moderate northerly.

This morning was a very dull one and the last thing one would expect was operations but sure enough seventeen aircraft were detailed with briefing at 1400 hrs. The operation was scrubbed though due to fog.

Nothing else to report as personnel had a well earned rest in the afternoon. Good business was reported at the "locals" in the evening.

25/10/44

Weather: Fair with fog at dawn and dusk. Visibility moderate during day with light variable wind.

Operations laid on and after various changes in time and route we managed to set off after dinner - which consisted of sandwiches and coffee. The target was the synthetic oil plants at HOMBERG in the RHUR. Take off being around 1300 hrs, and nineteen aircraft took part. All the aircraft bombed and returned safely. Weather over target was 10/10ths cloud with tops ranging from 5 to 8000 ft. Visibility was clear above. Aircraft appeared fairly well concentrated over the area but due to cloud conditions bombing would seem to have been scattered. Slight to moderate heavy flak bursting from 15 to 19000 ft. was encountered in the target area. P.F.F. marking was meagre in the earlier stages of the attack and appeared late in starting. As the attack progressed the sky marking became more plentiful but crews report great difficulty in seeing green flashes by day against a background of cloud. No enemy fighters were encountered. All crews attempted photographs.

26/10/44

Weather: Fair,with rain after dusk. Visibility poor becoming moderate. Wind south-easterly moderate.

In the morning a detail of gunners was sent to SUTTON BANK for practice firing.

Today marked the last day of the Victory Loan Drive and Sections put forth a splendid last minute effort that put the sales away beyond our target.

A false alarm for operations caused a small short-lived panic but at least provided someway to keep the boys on their toes.

An extra good EMSA show was put on at the NAAFI tonight. Dancing and Roller Skating also helped to soothe frayed operational nerves.

27/10/44

Weather: Fine with excellent visibility. Wind moderate southwesterly.

Training flights carried out this morning. Operations were laid on for nineteen aircraft but the effort was later scrubbed. The weather was exceptionally good and it is believed that it is just as well we didn't go as it looked like a long stooge and there is a lovely moon out these nights.

Several of the pilots were called out to drop Wanganui flares over the channel tonight, thus breaking the monotony of no operations.

28/10/44

Weather: Showery with poor visibility at daw improving to good. Wind moderate southerly.

Things started to happen fast this morning as the Squadron was called upon for operations. We supplied fifteen aircraft and these took off after 1230 hours till 1330 hrs., the target being COLOGNE.

One aircraft "J" Johnny piloted by J.26757 F/O G.M. TEGERDINE returned early due to starboard inner engine being u/s and inability to maintain height. The remaining fourteen attacked the primary and returned safely. Weather over target was from nil to 3/10ths cloud and excellent visibility. Moderate to intense flak being predicted accurate and in barrage form. The target was visually identified and some crews bombed on the T.Is. and others on the smoke and bomb bursts as instructed by the Master Bomber. Numerous fires seen well under way. Large explosions seen. No enemy fighters were sighted.

29/10/44

Weather: Fine with good visibility. Wind northerly and light. Fair to cloudy.

Everyone is talking about our aircraft "K" that caught fire last night. When the armourers were carrying out their inspection some incendiaries that were hung up fell to the ground and ignited. The kite was enveloped in flames and to add to the incident the petrol bowser was alongside filling No. 2 tank on the Port Side.

Only through great presence of mind shown by CPL CHAPMAN, a rigger and CPL HALL, the bowser driver, was the bowser saved. Both these N.C.Os. acted immediately with complete disregard to their own safety.

A fairly large flying training programme was carried out during the day and consisting of aim. bombing, fighter affiliation and air firing.

30/10/44

Weather: Mainly fair with fog at dawn. Visibility mainly moderate. Wind light to moderate northerly.

Today started early with breakfast a 0530 hrs. and main briefing at 0700 hrs. The effort was postponed though owing to poor visibility on the deck and main briefing was held again at 1530 hrs. Eighteen aircraft took off to bomb COLOGNE. The target was obscured by 10/10ths cloud with tops at 10/12,000 ft. and visibility above the cloud was good. Most crews checked position by gee on the run-up and estimated that the Wanganui flares were well positioned. A good concentration of red green and white skymarkers were in position for the duration of the wave. A steady glow developed which could be seen through the cloud by later crews. No assessment of results is possible. All crews attempted photographs. Aircraft "T" NP94Y was a non-starter on this operation.

31/10/44

Weather: Fair to cloudy with occasional showers. Visibility moderate to good. Wind light northerly.

Very little activity this morning as aircraft came in from yesterday's diversion. No word of operations as yet.

At noon a few aircraft took. off on practice exercises which made up our total flying effort for today.

There were rumours tonight of an early morning do but everyone is hoping that it is not too early.