This page transcribed by Dick Dunn

427 Squadron Wartime Log - September 1944

1/9/44

Weather: Showery at first, becoming fair. Wind westerly 10 to 15 m.p.h. Visibility good.

Fifteen aircraft were laid on for operations early today but the effort was finally scrubbed around 1430 hours. Flying training consisted of four cross-countries, one practice bombing, one fighter affiliation and one aircraft on fighter affiliation, air-to-air, and bombing combined.

Crews were required to sign a statement to the effect that they would be in camp by 2359 hours nightly except those on standby, who would naturally be confined to camp.

In the evening, a chicken dinner was given in the Airman's Mess and was thoroughly enjoyed. After having the big feast, a dance was held, A.T.S., W.E.E.N.S. and W.A.A.F.'s being invited.

An early morning standby list was published around 2000 hours today.

2/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain. Wind northerly at fifteen to twenty m.p.h. Visibility moderate.

Absolutely no flying was carried out today and it only took one look out of the window to see why, although despite the weather, crews were briefed at 0915 hours and the operation was postponed from then to 1330 hours when it was finally scrubbed.

A parade vas held in the hangar at 1330 hours and the Squadron was presented with a silver model Halifax aircraft by the Base Commander. The aircraft was given for two months without an accident as another feather in our well-plumed hat.

3/9/77

Weather: Fine at first, becoming cloudy with rain during afternoon and evening. Wind northerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility good.

Today marked the fifth Anniversary of the war and it was only fitting that we should operate. Fifteen aircraft took off around 1530 hours to bomb VOLKE (sic) - (Volkel on slide), an enemy airfield in Holland. Aircraft attacked between 1730 and 1739 hours, dropping 41 x 1000 American G.P., 138 x 500 G.P. fused tail instantaneous with good results from 14000 to 15000 ft. Main concentration was around T.I.'s at runway intersection, with some scattered bombing to North. Master Bomber's comments very good. All aircraft identified target visually. Weather on target three to four/tenths broken cloud. No flak or fighter opposition on target. No fighters on route. No flak. Just after take-off the weather closed in here so all the aircraft landed away from base, aircraft "Y" to North Creek and remainder to Swannington.

It was learned today that two of our gunners J.87864 P /O J.S Williamson and J.88209 P/O D.E. Porter found the aircraft recognition contest between the Squadrons of the Group an easy mark as they came through with flying colours. However, we are sorry to say that they came second place in the grand final, beaten only be a small margin by the A.T.C. boys.

4/9/44

Weather: Rain at first, becoming cloudy. becoming westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Wind light at first, Visibility moderate.

Dismal weather this morning but it turned out fairly good around noon. The aircraft that were diverted from yesterday's operations started to return to base around 1330 hours.

Flying training for the day consisted of three aircraft on practice bombing, one on practice bombing and H.2.S. cross-country.

The Gunners of the Squadron were given aircraft recognition by the Base Gunnery Instructor.

A stand-by list for eighteen crews was issued at 1400 hours this afternoon, presumably for early morning operations.

5/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with showers during afternoon. Wind light at first, becoming south-westerly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility moderate.

In the morning all available aircrew went to the Station Cinema to see a picture on the prevention of Venereal Disease.

Flying training was carried out today in the form of cross-countries with five aircraft participating.

The immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross was made to J.24486 F/0 C. Penrose, J.85133 F/O H.D. Eglin and J.97910 P/O H.S. Smith today, a party in the mess is anticipated in the near future.

Word came through around 1700 hours that we would be called upon for operations tomorrow morning.

6/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain. Wind northerly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility moderate.

Crews were briefed for today's operations in the morning but briefing was postponed till 1330 hours. The target being EMDEN, with fifteen aircraft taking off around 1600 hours. A fighter escort was provided and returning crews reported it as bang on. Weather over the target was 10/10 cloud with bases at 16500 to 18000 ft. - visibility good. One or two crews reported thin wispy cloud tops at 6000 ft. Some earlier crews saw T.I's. but majority were unable to see them for smoke and bombed visually. Master Bomber heard by most crews, but his instructions were difficult to follow owing to dearth of T.l's. The bombing appeared to be well concentrated in built up area and a large column of smoke rose to 10000 ft. One large fire was seen at the head of the docks, but smoke obscured further ground detail. Smoke generators to N.W. were observed starting to operate, but as this was at zero hour they were ineffective. Heavy flak was moderate. One sighting of four twin-engined enemy aircraft was made in the target area, but no combats are reported. All crews attempted photographs.

7/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain. Wind calm at first becoming northerly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility moderate.

Optimistic elements laid on a "Bullseye" for tonight but it needed more than optimism to compete with the downpour we experienced all day long so the training was scrubbed. Ground lectures and instruction was carried on in the various sections.

No flying was carried out today and there was nothing to report on the Squadron.

8/9/44

Weather: Mainly cloudy with rain. Wind westerly at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility good.

Although weather conditions did not look so promising, a large and intensive training programme was carried out, twelve aircraft taking part. The exercises consisted of air to air firing, cross-country, practice bombing, fighter affiliation and local flying.

A night flying training programme was scheduled for tonight and preparations were well under way before it was scrubbed.

The Squadron was favoured with a new Signals Leader in the form of J.15430 F/L J.D. JOHNSTON DFC, who has completed one tour and is now on his second.

9/9/44

Weather: Fair to fine with northerly wind at ten to fifteen m.p.h. Visibility good.

The Squadron was not called upon for operations today so training was the main event of the day again. Fourteen aircraft became airborne, these being employed on air to air firing, cross-country, practice bombing, fighter affiliation and local flying.

Night training programme was arranged but scrubbed again today due to weather conditions, much to the pleasure of everyone concerned.

A standby list was issued in the evening in preparation for operations in the morning.

10/9/44

Weather: Fair to fine with a light wind at first becoming north-westerly at five to ten m.p.h. Visibility good.

No operations this morning as anticipated but numerous training schedules laid on consisting of fighter affiliation, air to air firing, practice bombing, cross-countries and circuits and bumps. In all, eleven aircraft participated in the exercises.

Everyone was envious of our neighbours the "BISONS" who had a crack at operations tonight - must have been an easy "do".

11/9/44

Weather: Fair to fine. Good visibility.

At last we became airborne for operations. The target being LE HAVRE and the aircrew gave vent to their pent-up feelings on the gun emplacements there. Nineteen aircraft took off, eleven not attacking the target due to instructions from the Master Bomber to abandon the effort. Weather over the target was clear, visibility excellent and most crews were able to identify the aiming point. At 0742 the Master Bomber was heard to give the cease bombing call sign "CHATTERBOX" as a result of which the eleven brought back their bombs. Some of the remaining crews orbited the target and later saw red and green T.I.'s descending on the target area and then heard the Master Bomber's instructions to bomb the T.I.'s which they proceeded to do. The target was clearly marked with T.I.'s and the bombing carried out appeared to be well concentrated on the markers. The ground defences were nil and no enemy fighters were encountered. The crews that bombed attempted photographs.

Although the aircraft were back to base by 1000 hours, most of the crews went back to bed and things were pretty quiet during the rest of the day. No flying training took place and very little ground instruction was given.

12/9/44

Weather: Fair to fine, cloudy in afternoon, good visibility.

Operations were scheduled for this afternoon, take-off being around 1530 hours. The target being the HOESCH-BENZIN Synthetic Oil Plant at DORTMUND. Fourteen of our aircraft became airborne and thirteen attacked the primary target, "K" King returning early due to engine trouble. Weather over the target was clear of cloud with some haze, visibility generally fair. Crews attacking early identified visually and report that markers were bang on. Master Bomber was clearly heard. Bombing in the early stages of the attack appeared to be well concentrated on the aiming point. A large explosion and numerous fires were seen developing accompanied by billows of black smoke. The opinion of all crews is that this is a very successful operation. Heavy flak was moderate to intense barrage 17000 to 20000 ft. No enemy aircraft sighted. All crews attempted photographs.

Just after 1930 hours five more of our aircraft took off on a MINING operation.

13/9/44

Weather: Fine becoming cloudy with visibility moderate to good, becoming poor late in evening.

The five aircraft that took off in MINING last night returned to base around 0230 hours this morning. All aircraft brought back their mines. Crews were briefed not to go below 10000 ft. Ten-tenths cloud existed over the garden area although the route in and out was comparatively cloud free with good visibility. Flak from OLSO was moderate to intense in loose barrage form. Other flak was experienced from island in OSLO FLOOD (sic FJORD?) and at flak position 5840N 0720E. No encounters took place. No photographs were attempted.

Training today consisted of air to air firing, practice bombing, H.2.S. cross-country and night practice bombing.

The weather was duff so no operations were scheduled for tonight.

14/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle and rain. Visibility moderate to poor.

A typical cold misty Yorkshire morning but fortunately clearing up around noon and becoming a warmish September day.

Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack WILHEIMSHAVEN(sic) - (Wilhelmshaven on slide) and took off around 1600 hours. All aircraft returned early on orders from group and no difficulties were encountered. Eleven jettisoned their 2000 lb. bomb and brought the rest of the load back, two aircraft returned with their full bomb load.

15/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain and fog. Fair in evening.

A great deal of activity this morning when we discovered that the Squadron was called upon for operations tonight on two different targets. The first being KIEL and the second a mining effort. Little time was available for flying training but the Gunners managed to spend a few hours at the SUTTON BANK firing range.

Take-off for the bombing of KIEL was around 2145 hours and the mining take-off was at approximately 1915 hours. None of the aircraft returned before midnight from either of the operations.

16/9/44

Weather: Cloudy with rain and fog. Fair in evening. Good visibility.

One aircraft employed on the mining sortie last night returned around 0300 hours and one aircraft brought back its mines due to the H.2.S. being U/S and visual identification was impossible due to cloud. The other four aircraft dropped their mines. There was 9/10ths low cloud on the target with tops at 5 to 6000 ft. and heavy rain for most of the return journey. There was slight to moderate heavy flak, mainly predicted but some barrage, all around the port area. No searchlights were experienced and the route was flak free. No fighters seen and all crews attempted photographs.

Of the eleven aircraft detailed to attack KIEL, all aircraft bombed their objective and returned around 0400 hours. There was nil to slight thin transparent cloud on the target with good visibility. The markers appeared to be well placed and backers-up were very accurate achieving a good concentration of red T.I. Bombing at the start of the attack appeared to be accurate, with a slight tendency to undershoot. As the attack progressed a good many fires were starting in a well defined area surrounding T.I.'s. Known decoys were operating and dummy T.I. green were dropped on track in to target, starting at Danish coast. Heavy flak over target was moderate but mainly below our height band. Light flak was slight in target area and on the canal to 18000 ft. Searchlights were exposed in small cones exposed on canal. Fighter activity was slight, mainly in target area and all Crews attempted photographs.

17/9/44

Weather: Fair to fine. Visibility good.

Things started early this morning with sixteen aircraft winging their way to BOULOGNE around seven o'clock. All aircraft attacked the primary and returned to base safely. Weather over the target was clear with good visibility. Early T.I.' s were evidently short as the Master Bomber was heard scrubbing them as our aircraft made landfall. Most Crews heard the Master Bomber clearly. Crews bombing early report a red T.I. on Aiming Point but there appeared to be a tendency to bomb slightly short and to starboard of this but with no serious over or undershooting. As the attack developed accuracy of the marking was obscured by dust and smoke, but a good bombing concentration was maintained. Majority of crews identified visually but crews bombed T.I.'s on Master Bomber instructions. About two batteries were firing heavy flak from CAP GRIS NEZ inaccurate at 7/10000 ft. and there was slight heavy flak over the target area to 7/8000 ft. All crews attempted photographs.

There was nothing doing during the afternoon as most of the returning crews went to bed after interrogation. At night a "Bullseye" diversion effort was laid on, six aircraft participating and returning safely.

18/9/44

Weather: fine but fog at dawn. Visibility becoming good.

No operations scheduled for today so training programme was laid on with twelve aircraft carrying out the following exercises fighter affiliation, air to air firing practice bombing and circuits and landings.

At night another training exercise on the local bombing range was scheduled and completed, four aircraft participating.

A standby list was put out tonight for tomorrows operations.

19/9/44

Weather: Fog early, becoming cloudy, with moderate visibility.

A lazy day spent in standing by. Weather was duff as the aerodrome was shrouded in fog most of the day. Only five aircraft became airborne, four of them on H.2.S. cross-countries. The Dart and Cribbage boards took an awful beating in the various sections.

At evening, an ENSA show was held in the N.A.A.F.1. building but as usual it turned out to be very "corny".

The only exciting incident of the day was a Lancaster from Middleton-St.-George that overshot the runway on landing and ended up with its nose over the Great North Road. Apparently Middleton was fog-bound even worse than we were.

20/9/44

Weather: Fog, becoming cloudy ,with rain, then fog again at evening.

Although it looked really bad out for operations, we received news in the morning that thirteen aircraft were needed to prang CALAIS. Despite weather conditions the aircraft took off around 1600 hours and all successfully reached the target and bombed, landing away from base. The returning crews reported that the effort was an easy one although there was some flak. Apparently this operation was in aid of the Army who are trying to smash their way into CALAIS and silence the guns that are still hurling shells at DOVER.

Oranges were distributed to the various sections today, much to the delight of all aircrew personnel. All aircraft were diverted to ODIHAM.

The Squadron Bomb Aimers received a visit from the Group Bombing Leader today and no comments were forthcoming.

21/9/44

Weather: Fog at first, becoming fine with moderate visibility, then cloudy in evening.

Nil flying today as the weather is still "duff". Aircraft that landed away at ODIHAM yesterday returned to base this afternoon.

In the evening a big party was held in the Officer's Mess - other ranks are curious to know why so many lights were needed to indicate where the paths and roads were situated outside of the mess.

22/9/44

Weather: Fog and drizzle, becoming cloudy with rain.

Absolutely nothing to report today except that everyone is becoming a little bored with the inactivity and the rain experienced in the last two days.

A lovely break for the personnel that are under the weather after last night's party.

23/9/44

Weather: Fine with good visibility, becoming rainy in evening.

Although we were not called upon to supply anything for operations it was good to see a few aircraft become airborne on training flights and the weather lifting for awhile. Twelve aircraft took part in Fighter affiliation, practice bombing, air to air firing, H.2.S. cross-countries and local flying exercises.

In the early evening an operation order was issued for an early morning "do".

24/9/44

Weather: Rain and moderate visibility, becoming Showery in evening.

After such confusion the aircraft finally became airborne around 1700 hours and not in the morning as anticipated. The target again today was CALAIS to soften up the enemy defences. Fourteen of the fifteen aircraft detailed dropped their bombs on the primary target between 1849 and 1855 hours. One aircraft jettisoned its load in the channel. Weather over target was fairly clear under 2000 ft. Visibility was good below cloud with some haze. Most crews report hearing the Master Bomber. Crews bombed visually aided by the Master Bomber who was heard correcting misplaced T.I.'s. Crews report red T.I.'s as being to port of aiming point and north of the canal. Master Bomber instructed most crews to bomb to starboard of red T.I.' s and overshoot one second which may have assisted bombing accuracy. Fair sized explosion seen in target area. Three or four puffs of heavy flak were seen and crews believe machine guns were being used. All aircraft carried cameras and attempted photographs.

25/9/44

Weather: Fair with excellent visibility. Moderate southwesterly wind.

Crews were roused from their beds early this morning for take-off around 1830 hours. For the third time in a row the target was CALAIS ground defences. Fifteen aircraft took off and fifteen attacked the primary target. Weather over the target was 4 to 6/10ths broken cloud from 3/5000 ft. Visibility was good through gaps. Master Bomber gave basement at 5000 ft. well before aircraft reached the target area but did not repeat his instructions often enough and some crews heard the order once only and others not at all. Several orbits were necessary as a result. Early T.I. appeared to have fallen on the beach. A second cluster short and to port of aiming point but later clusters were more accurate. Master Bomber directed bombing accordingly, but considerable weight fell on the beach and short and to port of the aiming point. No overshooting was reported. Defences apparently consisted of about two heavy flak batteries on either side of the aiming point, firing fairly accurate predicted flak. Also there was spasmodic slight inaccurate light flak. All crews attempted photographs.

In the afternoon there was very little doing as most of the crews retired again in case of early operations tomorrow.

26/9/44

Weather: Fair with excellent visibility. Moderate westerly wind.

No operations today so training was carried out. Fighter affiliation, practice bombing, air to air firing, formation flying and local flying took up the time of fourteen aircraft. A night flying programme was laid on too, but this was scrubbed in the late afternoon.

An operational order came out at 1800 hours for early morning operations so crews were advised to retire good and early tonight.

27/9/44

Weather: Slight occasional showers. Visibility excellent. Wind moderate westerly.

Last night's warning of an early "do" today was only too true and by eight o'clock twenty-one aircraft were winging their way to STERKRADE. A really big effort but it was met with ease by the Squadron. Crews returned around noon and reported there was 9 - 10/10ths cloud over the North Sea and continent. Over target area there was the odd small break and tops were 8/12000 ft. Visibility above cloud was unlimited. At about 11 hours Master Bomber ordered attack on alternative target as T.l. red cloud not be seen. Most crews altered course for DUISBURG, but two minutes later Master Bomber said that T.l.' s were now visible through a gap and ordered crews to return to primary but only two crews definitely saw the T.I.'s. Although several saw and bombed what they thought was the glow from T.l.' s, other crews returned to the alternative and bombed that area. Several crews report bombing large plants which are unidentified but in the STERKRADE area, with some success as a large explosion was was reported. Heavy flak was moderate in loose barrage in vicinity of targets with intense spots south of primary between 16000 and 20000 ft. No enemy fighters. All crews attempted photographs.

A standby list was put out in the afternoon for early morning operations, and the returning crews gladly went back to bed.

At night one aircraft took part in a night practice bombing exercise at the local bombing range.

28/9/44

Weather: Fine, visibility excellent. Wind light to moderate westerly.

Although we were ready to operate early this morning, take-off was not until around 1630 hours when nineteen aircraft took off to bomb CAP-GRIS-NEZ and enemy troop position area. All aircraft reached the target area but returned without attacking on instructions of Master Bomber. Weather over the target area was 9/10ths cloud with bases from 2500 to 3000 ft. Considerable haze and poor visibility. No fighters were seen.

The only other flying chalked up for today was a local air-test. All bombs were brought back from this operation.

29/9/44

Weather: Fine to fair with excellent visibility. wind moderate south-westerly.

No flying today at all so the time hung heavily. Ground instruction was given and proved very beneficial.

Flight Lieutenant, H. Fogg, DFC DFM, our Navigation Leader gave the pilots of the Squadron a lecture on navigational procedure, an excellent way to keep the boys on their toes during the slack period.

A standby list was put out for tomorrow.

30/9/44

Weather: Fine with excellent visibility. Wind light to moderate south-westerly.

CAN.J 5166 A/W/C E.M. BRYSON, our Commanding Officer was screened today and was succeeded by CAN.JI0133 A/W/C V.F. GANDERTON, DFC, an ex-member of the Squadron. A/W/C GANDERTON completed. his first operational tour with us, having been posted from 14 O.T.U. on the twenty-first of January, 1943 and staying with us till the 6th of December, 1943 when he was posted to H.Q. 6 (RCAF) Group for staff duties.

No flying was carried out today, a very disappointing way to round off the month after the large number of operations that we have completed lately.