April 1943

The Hudson aircraft of 279 Squadron continued their Air Sea Rescue [ASR] operations during April. Hudson OS-H/279 was involved in the successful rescue of two ditched aircrews. The first on 16 April 1943 and again on the 18 April 1943.

Six Wellington 1c aircraft of 304 Polish Squadron RAF Coastal Command arrived on detachment from Docking between 17 and 21 April 1943 to carry out anti- submarine duties.

612 Squadron RAF Coastal Command [County of Aberdeen Auxiliary Squadron] equipped with Whitley General Reconnaissance Mk VIIs arrived on 17 April 1943 at the start of Coastal Command's anti-submarine operations in the Bay of Biscay, the task for which Davidstow had been built.

The role of these squadrons was to hunt U-boats in the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. 19 Group Coastal Command set up search areas over the sea. Aircraft patrolled constantly during daylight hours, searching for and attacking U-boats as they sailed from the safety of their pens in French ports and out into the Atlantic. They, in turn, hunted and sank allied merchant shipping bringing in vital supplies. 612, 304 and later 547 Squadron, all based at Davidstow, joined the hunt alongside squadrons from other airfields. For the period 21 April 1943 to 19 June 1943 the search area was known as DERANGE. The area was approximately between 45 to 50 degrees north and 10 to 15 degrees west and in the Bay of Biscay off the west coast of France.

01-04-1943

Weather dull, slight mist.
F/Lt Jamieson posted to Haverfordwest for SEqO duty.
H/279 on Air Sea Rescue, no sightings.

The ORB for 279 Squadron shows only aircraft K [not H] on operations.

Forms 540/541 - 279 Squadron

T/O Predannack 1045 hrs. To search for missing dinghy nothing seen. Landed Davidstow Moor 1746hrs.

RAF Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire [Dyfed] also known as Withybush. 1943 to 1945. 19 Group Coastal Command no. 3 OTU.

02-04-1943

Weather dull haze.
K/279 on Air Sea Rescue from St Eval, no sightings.

03-04-1943

Weather bright sunshine warmer.
R/279 on Air Sea Rescue, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 279 Squadron.

Take off Davidstow Moor 1236hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-R nothing seen. Landed D/M 1815hrs.

T/O D/M 1236hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-K nothing seen. Landed D/M 1815hrs.

04-04-1943

Weather bright sunshine.

05-04-1943

Weather bright sunshine very warm.
F/Lt MacQueen reported for SFCO duty.
F/Lt Squier attached for ops room duty.

06-04-1943

Weather sunny cooler.

07-04-1943

Weather dull, sunny periods, strong wind, slight rain later.
P/O Smith reported for duty as Gas/ Fire officer.
F/Lt Fraser posted to Gibraltar for FC duty.

08-04-1943

Weather dull cooler strong winds, sunny later.
F/O Hutcheon attached for Intelligence duty.

09-04-1943

Weather dull all day.
S/Ldr Lloyd-Jones, 19 Group, visited station on GSR duty.

10-04-1943

Weather dull with short sunny periods.
F/Lt Prescott attached for course to HQCC [5 days].
K/279 on Air Sea Rescue, no sightings.

11-04-1943

Weather ground mist early, visibility nil, cleared later.

12-04-1943

Weather unfit, cloudy, low stratus, occasional fit periods.
S/Ldr Scott-Willcox attached from Pembroke Dock for ops room duties.

RAF Pembroke Dock, often known simply as PD, 1930-1957, was home to Coastal Command Sunderland aircraft.

13-04-1943

Weather rain early fair later.

14-04-1943

Weather warm and sunshine.
F/Lt Michaelson attached from Beaulieu, Ops room duties.
F/O Brooks detached Hamworthy, Code and Cypher duties.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron [Tain, Scotland]

The Squadron was ordered to move as soon as possible to Davidstow Moor, Cornwall. The necessary preparations were immediately commenced. The new Wellington Mk X have now arrived for conversion purposes and S/Ldr Moore is busy revising and giving Dual to F/O Dobbie and F/O Redman who are to fly the aircraft in transit to the new station.

NOTES: Wellington Mk Xs HE926, HE927 & HE928 delivered to squadron. RAF Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, 19 Group Coastal Command, 1942-1944 [RNAS]. Home to Sunderland aircraft on anti-shipping and anti submarine operations.

15-04-1943

Weather warm and sunshine.
Advance party of 612 Squadron arrived.
F/Lt Tydeman attached from 19 Group for ops room Duties.
F/Os Bishop and Tait arrived from Bircham Newton, 279 Sqdn, GD.
K-H/279 on Air Sea Rescue, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 279 Squadron

T/O D/M 1515hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson H both aircraft returned early owing to fog in search area. Landed D/M 1815hrs.

T/O D/M 1515hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson K both aircraft returned early owing to fog in the search area. Landed safely D/M 1815hrs.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Movement to Davidstow Moor has commenced. 6 Whitleys and 1 Wellington being ordered away. All took off safely and said goodbye to Wick in the usual way and proceeded to Cornwall via Leuchars, Prestwick and Anglesey. F/O Dobbie flew Wellington B and the Whitleys were flown by F/Sgt Perry-S, P/O Sherwood-O, W/O McFarland-L, Sgt Richards-P, P/O Totolos-A and F/O Ward-R. All aircraft arrived safely and were dispersed by ground crew who travelled down in the aircraft. A third Wellington arrived on Squadron today.

RAF Bircham Newton, 16 Group Coastal Command, 1916-1962, was the base from which 279 Squadron was detached to Davidstow.

16-04-1943

Weather warm and sunshine.
F/Lt Paddock posted from Chivenor for Ops Room duties.
F/Lt Geary AM[EQ] visiting.
P/O Pownall AM[EQ] visiting.
SO Howden-Smith attached from 19 Group.
H/279 on Air Sea Rescue.

SO = Squadron Officer, WAAF.

Forms 540/541 - 279 Squadron

T/O D/M 1239 hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-K but owing to engine trouble R was forced to return to base. Landed safely D/M 1322hrs.

T/O D/M 1239 hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-R but owing to engine trouble R was forced to return to base. K returned with R and landed D/M 1322hrs.

T/O D/M 1606 hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-K to search for ditched Whitley, after 1hr 30 mins saw Whitley and crew trying to attract attention in dinghy. Launch came alongside and took crew on board. 3 Hurricanes circling over launch. Landed D/M 2106hrs.

T/O D/M 1606hrs. On ASR search in company with Hudson OS-H, report as for OS-K above, returned with OS-H and landed D/M 2106hrs.

Forms 540/ 541 - 612 Squadron

S/Ldr Moore in Wellington A took off for Davidstow in the morning and 5 Whitleys in the afternoon. F/O Bezer-H, F/O Norton-J, F/O Yeadon-U, F/Sgt Smitham-F and F/Sgt Grinham-M. Route followed was Caledonian Canal, Isle of Man, Anglesey and Lundy Isle. All aircraft arrived safely. Ground crew were carried in all aircraft. The buildings and accommodation at Davidstow were found to be widely dispersed, there was a great demand for bicycles as this was the only available means of transport, in or outside the camp, unless on duty. The weather was very fair, warm and cloudless.

17-04-1943

Weather warm and sunshine.

6 Wellingtons of 304 Squadron arrived. AOC visited the station, remaining aircraft of 612 Squadron arrived. F/O Kranc, Porebski, Chornka, Pzanchchinski, Zarudski, Kebda, Fagielto and Kulick attached from Docking. [304] Squadron. F/Lt Parbrook visited Chivenor on duty [Sigs].

Forms 540/541 - 304 Squadron - Polish - [Docking, Norfolk]

Six crews flew to D/M to carry out operational assignments under HQ 19 Group orders.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Five more Whitleys and 1 Wellington arrived safely today. The Wellington was flown by F/O Redman. Whitley N by F/O Morrell, E by Sgt Alexander, G by S/Ldr Tollemache, W by F/Sgt Paynter and Y by F/Sgt Gunn. The Wellington crews were to be congratulated on their handling of the new aircraft, as they had very little time indeed to become familiarised with a strange and different aircraft from the Whitley. The weather was again exceptionally clear and no cloud, very warm and a slight breeze from the sea.[SW]

18-04-1943

Weather warm and sunny.
F/Lt Parbrook [Sigs] returned from Chivenor, duty.
F/Lt Skerrett-Rogers posted to Sullom Voe, Ops Room duties.
3 A/C of 304 Squadron operating from St Eval on Derange patrols. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 304 Squadron - Polish

Three crews on detachment to D/M, carried out anti-submarine patrols from St Eval.

Forms 540/541 - 279 Squadron

T/O D/M 2109 hrs. Commenced CLA search 40 miles south of Lizard. At 2140hrs rear gunner reported red rockets on port beam. At 2143hrs crew sighted 2 dinghies and Walrus aircraft landing nearby. Walrus picked up survivors. H/279 circled for 45mins as Walrus taxied towards Lizard. 2230Hrs MFB returned to base. Landed D/M 2308hrs.

MFB = Message From Base

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

The one remaining Whitley was flown down today by F/Sgt Earnshaw. Thus a very successful transit was accomplished by the Squadron entirely uneventfully. The block of buildings allocated to the squadron was in the process of being 'organised'. Lockers were put into the locker room, and a crew room was chosen. Unfortunately this is 10 minute walk from both the messes. Bicycles were still heartily appreciated by those fortunate enough to secure them. The weather was bright, little high cloud, with cool SW wind of 15 knots. The main party left Wick this evening by special train. P/O Tillman promoted F/O [War Sub].

F/Lt Ellis, P/O Scott, P/O Rodgers and F/O Wood did not accompany the squadron on it's posting to the south, as the first three captains mentioned were due for posting, having completed their operational tour. We hope F/O Wood will join the squadron shortly on passing his medical examination.

RAF Sullom Voe, Shetland, Coastal Command. Used by the RAF and the Norwegian Air Force.

19-04-1943

Weather rain and drizzle am, fine and cooler later.
S/O Daish, WAAF posted from no. MTS [sic] Blackpool.
S/Ldr Mason and F/O Instance attached from Holmsley South for Ops Room duties.
P/O Mitchell[Eq] conference at Okehampton duty.
F/Lt Prescott [Int] returned from course B. F/Lt Mills attached Pembroke Dock.
3 A/C 612 Squadron on patrols Derange, no sightings.
3 A/C 304 Squadron on patrols Derange, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 304 Squadron - Polish

A patrol was carried out by three crews from D/M. One A/C experienced engine trouble, but returned safely to Predannack, being escorted by an Anson and a Hurricane.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Operational flying was recommenced today. F/O Redman and crew in E and F/Sgt Perry and crew in H carried out convoy escort to SL 127. Aircraft E was airborne for just under 12 hrs, and aircraft H sighted a periscope and wake twice, but each time the U-boat submerged completely before an attack could be made. These sightings considerably increased the keenness of the squadron and it was felt that the possibilities of sightings were infinitely greater here than in northern waters.

The weather was very misty in the early period with 10/10ths stratus at ground level accompanied by rain. These conditions changed around midday, the cloud lifting and breaking, finally clearing in the evening. Wind was westerly.

We expect much of the above conditions of low cloud owing to the height of the aerodrome [970ft above sea level] and the characteristic Cornish and Devon sea fog rolling in from the sea.

Aircrew were busy organising the locker room and crew room as best they could prior to the arrival of the main party by train tomorrow.>

Up 0640hrs. A/S escort to Convoy SL 127. Met and escorted. Down 1825hrs.

Up 1240hrs. A/S escort to Convoy SL127. Convoy met and escorted. At 1900hrs in position RKJZ 0656 a U-boat was sighted visually from 2000ft directly below aircraft but contact lost before attack could be carried out. At 1936hrs a periscope and wake was again sighted but U-boat completely submerged before attack could be carried out.

RAF Blackpool [RAF Squires Gate] had the RAF's largest training school and was home to the RAF Initial Training Wing.

RAF Holmsley South was home to 58 Squadron at this time. Part of Coastal Command, it had also been a base to Liberators of the 303rd BS 93rd BG from 25 October to 28 November 1942 when they were seconded to 19 Group for anti-submarine patrols in the Bay of Biscay.

20-04-1943

Weather fine and sunny, cooler.
Further party of 612 Squadron arrive.
S/Ldr Breen posted Talbenny [Accts].
F/O Hutcheons attached to 19 Group.
S/Ldr Bannerman [GD] to 19 Group.
S/Ldr Davis [A&SD] visiting from HQCC.
3 A/C 612 Squadron on Patrols Derange, no sightings.
3 A/C 304 Squadron on Patrols Derange, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Three aircraft carried out uneventful A/S patrols today. P/O Totolos in L, F/O Yeadon in O, F/Sgt Grinham in E. Owing to the emptying of auxiliary tanks the port engine of L cut and an SOS was sent, but was immediately cancelled as the engine picked up on being fed from the main tanks. L carried out Bay Patrol 8, O Bay Patrol 5 and E Bay Patrol 2. Only fishing vessels sighted.

The main party arrived today and the work of setting up sections was started immediately.

The weather was fair and bright with 3/10ths cumulus at 3000ft and wind SW backing to west later in period.

F/Lt Hopkin-Hill has now joined the squadron on posting from 7[C] OTU to give instruction on the Wellington. Preliminary lectures have been given, dual was given today, coupled with air familiarisation for all pilots.

P/O Davey was promoted to War Subst. Rank of F/O.

Up 0800 hrs. Bay Patrol 2. Nothing seen. Down 1810 hrs.

Up 0805 hrs. Nothing seen. Port engine cut out when auxiliary tank ran dry. SOS sent, but cancelled immediately as engine fed from main tank. Down 2310 hrs.

Up 0810 hrs. Bay Patrol 5. Nothing seen. Down 1755 hrs.

RAF Talbenny, Pembrokeshire [Dyfed], 19 Group Coastal Command. Home, at this time, to 303 Ferry Training Unit.

21-04-1943

Weather fine and sunny, rain later.
Detachment of 304 Squadron returned to base.
F/Lt Kennair from St Eval, temp duty, A&SD.
1st Lt Myers, D. USAORD posted.
3 A/C 612 Squadron airborne on Patrols Derange, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 304 Squadron - Polish

The six crews at D/M returned to Docking.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Three aircraft carried out A/S patrols in the Bay today. Sgt Richards in B, F/O Ward in H and S/Ldr Tollemache in J. Nothing seen. Aircraft J was diverted to Chivenor on return as base was unfit from 1800 hrs. More air familiarisation was carried out today by F/Lt Hopkin- Hill in the Wellingtons.

The weather was fair and bright with an easterly wind of 15 knots. Visibility was good but decreased later in the period with frequent rain showers and 10/10 ths altostratus. Daily meetings for aircrew are to be at 0900 hrs and 1400 hrs in the crew room. The life of the squadron is now very near normal once again, but sections are still arranging and decorating their quarters and unpacking files and documents. The intelligence library has been set up by P/O Bell at the far end of the operations room. The lack of the station 'Met' section is felt.

Up 0525 hrs. Oil streak sighted in position BBWV 0805, 2 miles long and 30 yds wide. Nothing further seen. Down 1525 hrs.

Up 0625 hrs. Nothing seen. Down 1620 hrs.

Up 1135 hrs. Nothing seen. Diverted to Chivenor owing weather at base. Down 2145 hrs Chivenor.

22-04-1943

Weather fine drizzle and rain, visibility nil, improving later.
F/Lt Gorst [Int] returned from sick leave.
S/Ldr Davis [A&SD] returned to HQCC.
3 Whitleys 612 Squadron on Derange patrols, nil sightings.

Davidstow's ORB has 3 Whitleys flying today and 1 tomorrow. 612's record has 1 Whitley up today and 3 tommorrow.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

One sortie flown today, Derange 2, by F/O Redman in O. He had nothing to report.

Leigh Light lectures were given to aircrews of an introductory nature. The weather was bright with 5/10 ths cumulus at 3,500ft and much medium cloud. Wind was SW 15 knots.

Up 1230 hrs Nothing seen. Down 2200 hrs.

23-04-1943

Weather dull and showery, cooler.
F/O Brooks [C&C] returned from attachment at Hamworthy.
F/O Jesson [Met] attached from Beaulieu.
One Whitley from 612 Sqdn on patrol Derange, recalled, turret trouble.

Davidstow's ORB has 1 Whitley up today and three yesterday. 612's records show 3 up today and 1 yesterday.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Three aircraft were ordered away but only one, F/Sgt Perry in K took off owing to the weather. K was recalled and returned after three hours. More Leigh Light lectures were given today.

P/O Totolos promoted to F/O [back dated to July 1942].

Weather was very poor, 10/10ths stratus at aerodrome level, accompanied by occasional heavy rain. Wind 15-20 knots SW. Veering later to NW. Cloud lifted rapidly about midday and became 9/10ths strato-cumulus at 1500-2000ft with steady rain, ceasing in evening and sky clearing completely.

Up 0915 hrs. Nothing seen. Recalled on account of the weather. Down 1215 hrs.

24-04-1943

Weather showery with bright intervals.
F/O Tear [Int] posted from HQCC.
2 Whitleys of 612 Sqdn airborne on Derange patrols, nil sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Two aircraft took off and were recalled owing to the weather. F/Sgt Grinhan in A and W/O McFarland in W, to return by 2100 hrs. A returned earlier with turret trouble.

Dual on Wellingtons was given today and several captains were doing circuit and bumps and local solo. A revised crew list was issued of Wellington crews. Five crews were composed of aircrew who had very nearly finished their operational tour.

The weather was showery in morning 6/10ths – 8/10ths Cu and Cu. Nb. With westerly wind of 15 knots. Later became 10/10ths A. St. with much low cloud 1500ft, the wind increasing in force and backing SW with periods of squally rain showers and heavy rain in evening.

Up 1225 hrs. Nothing seen. Returned early with rear turret U/S owing to burst oil pipe. Down 1600 hrs.

Up 1340 hrs. Nothing seen. Ordered to return to base by 2100 hrs owing to weather but returned earlier. Down 1820 hrs.

25-04-1943

Weather windy bright periods.
F/O Mealing [A&SD] attached from 19 Group.
O/612 on patrol Derange. E/612 on Derange patrol. N/612 on patrol Derange. No sightings.

Again the 612 aircraft recorded in Davidstow's ORB does not agree with that in 612's records.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Two Derange patrols were flown today by F/Sgt Earnshaw in K and F/O Yeadon in O. Both were uneventful.

A lecture was given on the Mk III SE by an SE expert. Weather was dull 7/10ths Cu. And Sc. At 1500ft, lowering later in period. Wind was 25 knots from west.

Up 0640 hrs. Nothing to report except fishing vessels. Down 1700 hrs.

Up 1225 hrs. Nothing to report. Down 2135 hrs.

SE = Special Equipment, a euphemism for RADAR. 612 Squadron's Wellington aircraft were to be fitted with new radar which used a magnetron valve and a narrow band width. It was unjammable by the Germans unlike the earlier ASV Mk II.

26-04-1943

Weather cloudy, showery, high wind.
N/612 on patrol Derange OTU no. 4. E/612 on A/S patrol, nil sightings.
Cdr Brooks and S/Ldr Frazer arrived from Aldergrove.

RAF Aldergrove, nr Belfast, Northern Ireland. Coastal Command, 1918 to present.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

F/O Ward in E and F/O Redman in N both carried out Derange patrols but neither had anything to report.

Cloud base was 1000ft and at times 500ft – below the aerodrome level, sometimes obscuring the neighbouring hills. Occasional showers with wind at 10/15 mph SW-erly. A Met section has now been established.

Up 0620 hrs. Nothing to report. Down 1715 hrs.

Up 1215 hrs. Nothing to report. Down 2215 hrs.

27-04-1943

Weather dull and cloudy, less windy, colder.
F/O Bishop, F/O Tait [GD] to Bircham Newton.
W-K/612 airborne on Derange patrols, no sightings.
H-K 279 airborne for Predannack to operate from there.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

Two A/C flew derange patrols and were diverted on return to Talbenny and Predannack. F/Sgt Earnshaw in K and Sgt Richards in W. Both had nothing to report from their patrols.

Weather was dull 9/10ths St. at 1500ft and wind westerly, 20 knots. Cloud base was 500ft over drome, covering the neighbouring hills.

F/O Ward LWG arrived on posting from 3[C]OTU.

Up 1320 hrs. Nothing to report. Diverted to Talbenny. Down 0030 hrs 2th TALBENNY.

Up 1325 hrs. Nothing to report. Diverted to Predannack. Down 2205 hrs.

28-04-1943

Weather dull, cloudy, still cold.
F/O McPherson visiting from HQCC [Signals].
S/Ldr Mason [Ops] visiting HQ 19 Group, returned same day.
2 A/C 612 Sqdn E-L airborne on patrols. Derange OTU 5 &4, no sightings.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

F/O Ward had nothing to report from A/S patrol and F/O Redman in L saw nothing but had starboard engine failure at 700ft 100 miles SW of Scillies. He landed with U/C retracted at Portreath one and a half hours later having covered the distance at 80 knots IAS. The crew were unhurt thanks to very good work by the captain who was on the last operational trip of his tour.

S/Ldr Moore took off in Wellington A to fetch the crew of L and was diverted to Chivenor on return owing to low cloud and rain at base.

Cloud with occasional rain and drizzle. Local hill fog. Moderate westerly winds. Visibility good except in hill fog. General cloud base 600ft above drome but lowering in precipitation to cover neighbouring hills.

Up 0540 hrs. Nothing seen. Down 1515 hrs.

Up:0625 hrs. Nothing seen. Crash landed at Portreath after engine failure at 700ft, 100 miles SW of the Scillies. Flew for one and a half hours on port engine at 80 knots IAS and made a belly landing, not having sufficient time to pump down U/C. Crew unhurt. Down 1607 hrs PORTREATH.

A/C guided to Portreath by a Beaufighter. Damage category B.

This was F/O Redman's last tour and he was determined not to get his feet wet. After throwing out all the removable equipment they found that the aircraft stayed airborne on the port engine at full throttle but it could not climb to Davidstow at nearly 1,000 ft above sea level. They were faced with a forced landing elsewhere, if the port engine held out! After 1 ½ hrs flying they made the Cornish coast and decided to make for St Eval. Shortly after, the port engine started to show signs of overheating. The weather was beginning to close in and so they decided to land at Portreath. Despite being unable to lower the undercarriage and having to belly land the aircraft, the crew walked away unhurt.

As soon as the squadron learned they were safely down at Portreath one of the Flight Commanders, Squadron Leader Moore, set off from Davidstow in a Wellington to recover the crew. A farewell party for F/O Redman had been organised and he was wanted back at Davidstow. Unfortunately the weather took a hand. After take off from Portreath the Wellington was diverted to Chivenor as Davidstow had become fog bound. The crew and their rescuers had to spend the night away from base and the party!

29-04-1943

Weather drizzle showery later.
One A/C 612 Sqdn, W/612, airborne on patrol Derange no 5. A/C returned, bad visibility and engine trouble, landed Chivenor.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

W/Cdr Kendrick in W took off on Derange patrol but returned early owing to bad visibility and sea fog and was diverted to Chivenor, experiencing slight trouble with port engine.

Weather cloudy with occasional rain and drizzle becoming almost continuous until 1800 hrs with extensive hill fog and cloud on surface at times. Rain ceased for several hours in the evening and visibility under cloud improved to ten miles, but cloud covered surrounding high ground. Fog and drizzle or rain from 2100 to 2400 hrs. Winds SW 10/15 mph.

Up 0620 hrs. Returned early owing to bad weather, visibility nil, and diverted to Chivenor. Nothing to report. Trouble with port engine. Down 0850 hrs CHIVENOR.

30-04-1943

Weather rain early, sunny periods later, warmer.
F/O Shanks [RAFVR] posted from Haverfordwest.

Forms 540/541 - 612 Squadron

F/O Bezer in A and Sgt Richards in B both carried out uneventful patrols.

Rain and drizzle and extensive hill and coastal fog until 0700 hrs with fresh SW winds. Cloud below 200 ft and generally on surface. Visibility less than 1500 yds. Cloud lifting and breaking to 500/800 ft above drome after 0700 hrs and vis. improving to 10/15 miles under cloud. Weather fair after 1700 hrs with well broken cloud 1500/2000 ft above drome and vis. 15/20 miles.

Up 0750 hrs Nothing seen. Down 1810 hrs.

Up 1220 hrs. Nothing to report. Down 2235 hrs.

Summary

S/Ldr Tony Tollemache, 612 Squadron, had been awarded the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry in August 1940. The Empire Gallantry Medal was exchanged for the George Cross later that year after King George VI introduced the new medal. S/Ldr Tollemache's Blenheim had crashed whilst coming in to land. The London Gazette of 6 August 1940 stated:

On the night of 11 March 1940 this officer was a pilot of an aircraft which carried a passenger and an air gunner and was engaged in a searchlight co-operation exercise. When approaching the flare-path to land at 2320hrs, after completing the exercise, the aircraft struck a tree and crashed into a field, where it immediately burst into flames. Flying Officer Tollemache was thrown clear of the wreckage and his air gunner was able to escape. Realising, however, that his passenger was still in the aircraft Flying Officer Tollemache, with complete disregard for the intense conflagration or the explosion of small arms ammunition, endeavoured to break through the forward hatch and effect a rescue. He persisted in this gallant attempt until driven off with his clothes blazing. His efforts, though in vain, resulted in injuries which nearly cost him his life. Had he not attempted the rescue it is considered he would have escaped almost unscathed.

As a result he was badly burned on his face, hands and especially on his legs. He spent nearly a year in hospital. A WAAF whom I have spoken to, on several occasions, Valerie Eskell, met S/Ldr Tollemache at Davidstow in 1943 and became friends with him. He helped her realise her ambition to work as a dental nurse instead of being on General Duties as she was at the time.

Anthony Henry Hamilton Tollemache was born on 3 August 1913 and died in a car crash, in Paris, on 20 February 1977. In 1988 his George Cross was stolen from his widow's home in London. The medal was found by a tourist walking on a beach in Queensland, Australia, in 2005. The tourist handed it in to the local police. The police officer, himself a former serviceman, recognised it for what it was and started a search to find the rightful owner of the medal. Eventually it was returned to the family.

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