May 1943

This was to be RAF Davidstow Moor's busiest month yet. 279, 304 and 612 Squadrons all flew from the base. The US 8th AF were again in operation on 1 May and 17 May1943. At the end of the month 547 Squadron arrive.

01-05-1943

Weather dull and cloudy, cold wind.
F/O McPherson visiting Pembroke Dock [signals].
F/O Ross, detached to Farnborough, dental course.
3 A/C N, K and O/612 airborne on Derange Patrols. K/612 returned early, electrical trouble. Replaced by E/612 who sighted U-boat and attacked twice. Results not known as U-boat last seen submerging as aircraft continued cannon and machine gun firing. N and O/612 nothing seen.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fair, 5/10 – 8/10ths cloud at 2/3000ft. Vis 10/20 miles. Occasional showers between dawn and midday with a heavy shower of hail at 1300hrs. Fair in afternoon and evening with good visibility becoming fine after dusk with cloud dispersing. Wind westerly veering to NW about midday. F/O Norton had nothing to report from Derange 5.

INCIDENT: F/Sgt Earnshaw in E on Derange 2 sighted and attacked a fully surfaced U-boat in position 4423N – 1023W. Owing to evasive action stick fell 200yds to starboard of U-boat. Cannon and machine gun fire encountered from U-boat but A/C not hit. A second attack was carried out 28 seconds after U-boat submerged but nothing further observed.

F/Lt Hopkin-Hill returned to 7 OTU on detachment for Court Martial evidence.

NOTE: N, K, and O/612 Sqn Derange patrols. K returned early with electrical trouble, replaced by E who sighted U-boat last seen submerging as A/C continued mg firing.

U415 U-boat report:

On 25 April U415 was refuelled by U487 in the central North Atlantic for return to base. The returning boat was sighted soon after midnight on 1 May 1943 by a Leigh Light Wellington of 172 Squadron [F/Sgt P W Phillips]. The aircraft dropped 6 depth charges damaging the boat and was herself damaged by return fire from U415. The Wellington managed to reach her base. In the morning of 1 May 1943 U415 was attacked and damaged by a Sunderland of 461 Squadron [F/Lt E C Smith] and in the afternoon the boat was attacked yet again by a Whitley of 612 Squadron [F/Sgt N Earnshaw]. U415 elected to remain surfaced in this attack. After the Whitley's first attack the U-boat submerged and the aircraft then came in again dropping two depth charges and adding to U/415's damage. She escaped and put into her new base at Brest 5 May 1943.

303rd BG[H] Combat Mission No. 32

No mention is made in the Operational Record Book for Davidstow of the arrival of any B17 aircraft but the daillies of the 303rd BG give us the following information.

Target: harbour installations, St Nazaire, France. 19 x B17 aircraft took off from their home base at Molesworth. Heavy cloud was experienced. One crew was forced to change aircraft and unable to catch up with the formation aborted. Ten aircraft reached the target and released their bombs. One aircraft jettisoned it's bombs and six brought their bombs back. During this operation several of the aircraft reported sighting enemy aircraft painted to resemble P47s. They experienced enemy dive bombing with exterior pre-fused aerial bombs. Weather conditions prevented the group from landing back at Molesworth. Landings were made at the advanced bases at Davidstow and Exeter. I have been unable to establish definitely which aircraft came in to Davidstow and which went on to Exeter and so I show below the complete list.

359th Bombardment Squadron

360th Bombardment Squadron

427th Bombardment Squadron

This aircraft crashed at St Nazaire, France. It was last seen heading towards Belle Isle with one engine on fire. Three members of the crew survived and were taken prisoners of war, pilot Vincent Walsh, engineer David Lee and RWG Anthony Peklinsky. All other members of the crew were killed.

Vincent Walsh recalled the events of the crash stating that they had reached their target and released their bombs. The aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Both motors had been disabled under one wing, the communication system was US, most of the guns were out of action and S/Sgt Peklinsky was shot in the leg between his knee and his thigh. They headed towards home, flying at 4000ft to take advantage of the cloud cover. Between cloud they were spotted by enemy fighters. The pilot made an attempt to land on the water and the aircraft broke in two as it hit the sea. The survivors made it to Belle Isle. Those killed are presumed to have gone down with the plane.

The aircraft crashed at St Nazaire, France. It was seen to explode in mid air over the sea. Four parachutes were observed opening over the sea. Jay Sterling, AR McCormack, Harley Fields, Daniel Cashman, Jesse Cleavelin and William Whalen were all killed.

John Neil, David Parker and PE Griffin were taken as prisoners of war. Lt Harry Roach helped by the French Resistance and a 19 year old French farm boy, Joseph Monnier, reached an Escape Assistance group 250 miles away and was led over the Pyrenees to Spain. The US consul there arranged for him to get to Gibraltar and from there he travelled to England on 29 June 1943.

Lt Sumner L. Roberts was killed by flak.

02-05-1943

Weather bright and sunny, warmer.
A/PO Smith visiting Bodmin and Port Eliot.
2 Whitleys 612, W and G on Derange OTU No. 5. U-boat sighted by each and attacked with depth charges and gunfire. Results unknown.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy. Cloud base above 2500ft. Visibility 4-8 miles. Moderate NE-NNE winds. Cloud dispersing after dusk.

Sgt Richards in W sighted and attacked a fully surfaced U-boat in position 4617N - 0959W. Dropped a stick of DCs, nearest of stick overshooting by 150-200ft. Stern of U-boat observed sticking out of sea at angle of 40 degrees but nothing further seen.

F/Sgt Gunn in G attacked a U-boat which had submerged for 8 seconds, centre of stick falling 25yds ahead of swirl. Oil and air bubbles were seen but nothing further observed. The squadron has now had 3 sightings and attacks within 2 days.

F/Lt Blackwell posted from HQ 11 Group as Squadron Navigation Officer.

NOTE: Sgt Richards and crew were flying Whitley BD682/W when they spotted U188 and attacked. U188 had been with the Adler group and on 13 April 1943 became part of the Meise group NE of Newfoundland. U188 left that group on 20 April 1943 to return to base. Near her base at Lorient she was attacked by the aircraft on 2 May 1943. The Commander, KL Siegfried Ludden and one crewman, Matrosengerfreiter Leo Rupp were wounded. Leo Rupp died two weeks later, on 14 May 1943, in hospital in Paris. The U-boat put into Lorient 5 May 1943.

03-05-1943

Weather bright and sunny, cold wind.
F/Lt Killick [RAFR] arrived from Haverfordwest, posted.
F/Lt Paddock [SD] detached 19 Group.
K and N/612, Derange OTU nos 2 and 5. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fair or fine but hazy. Strong NNE winds. 5/10ths low cloud around midday, base 1500-2000-ft, decreasing to 2-3/10ths at dusk.

F/Sgt Smitham carried out an uneventful Derange 2 in K.

W/O McFarland in N sighted a FW200 on Derange 5 but no action took place.

F/O Wood rejoined the Squadron from Wick. F/Lt Allington joined the Squadron from 3[P]AFU.

04-05-1943

Weather cold, rainy, dull.
F/O Sandercock, P/O Coster [RAFR] arrived from Haverfordwest.
2 Whitleys O and E/612 on Derange 1 and 4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine but hazy. Moderate to strong NE wind, visibility 4-8 miles.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in O carried out an uneventful Derange 1 patrol.

F/O Bezer in E uneventful Derange 4.

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

P/O McCrudden, P/O Northrop and P/O Niven arrived on posting from 1 PRC.

05-05-1943

Weather brighter, much milder and sunny.
N/612 on Derange 5, returned base, captain sick. Airborne again with new crew. Crashed on return near Wadebridge. Sgt Edge sole survivor, baled out.

NB: The station ORB has this aircraft as N/612 but see 7 May 1943. The aircraft that crashed was completely burnt out and would not have been flying two days later.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Fine to fair in morning becoming 7/10 – 10/10ths at 2-3000ft lowering in rain to 800ft. Intermittent light rain up to midnight. Light NE winds. Visibility good, dropping to 2 miles in rain.

F/Sgt Grinham in N started Derange 5 but returned early owing to ill health of captain. The second pilot landed the aircraft at base. Sgt Richards in J had nothing to report from his patrol.

F/O Norton in B carried out his patrol with nothing to report. Having been airborne for 12 hours he was diverted to Chivenor owing to weather at base. The aircraft crashed in flames near Wadebridge. Sgt Edge, second pilot, was the sole survivor having baled out at 1200ft. He was uninjured and contacted the controller immediately by telephone. F/O Norton, P/O Webb, Sgt Waterer, Sgt Steels and Sgt Frost lost their lives in this accident. The aircraft crashed 2 miles NE of Wadebridge, Cornwall. It completely disintegrated.

Extract Devon and Cornwall Police War Diary:

0225hrs AW Whitley VII, no. EB328/B, RAF Davidstow Moor, crashed in field at Weens Farm, St Kew Highway. Pilot lost control after engine fire whilst returning from AS patrol. 6 occupants, one baled out, safe, 5 bodies recovered. A/C burnt out.

Fatality F/O Norton, Charles Harry, RAFVR, S. No 113362, age 22 years. He was the son of Harry and Florence Beatrice Norton and the husband of Peggy Norton of Monks Orchard, Surrey.

06-05-1943

Weather cold and dull, rain.
K and O/612 airborne on Derange 3 and 5. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy with occasional thundery rain at first with 10/10ths medium cloud at 800ft above surface. Continuous rain from 0200hrs with much low cloud. Vis 3-6 miles except in heavier rain. Rain ceasing and low cloud lifting from 0900hrs with vis improving to 20 miles. Fair conditions after 1900hrs with medium cloud dispersing and only small amount of low cloud base 2/3000ft above sea level. Winds NE 15 mph at first, increasing to 20/25 mph, gusty, but gradually backing to NNW by midnight and moderating.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in O, Derange 5. Nothing seen.

F/O Yeadon in K, Derange 3. Nothing seen.

07-05-1943

Weather sunny periods.
N/612 on Derange No. 1. U-boat sighted and attacked. Result not known.
Wellington Mk XII MP 682/G arrived, delivery flight, ATA, for 612 Squadron.
Anson N5060 landed later to pick up delivery pilot and left for Harrowbeer.

NB: The station ORB has 612 Squadron aircraft as N/612 but see 5 May 1943.

Anson N5060 piloted by Ray Hoskin, Air Transport Auxiliary. I met Ray at his golf club in Tavistock in the 1980s where he gave me details of his ATA experiences and flight to Davidstow.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fair in morning, about 5/10 – 8/10ths cloud base at 1500/2000ft. Vis good 8/12 miles. Wind WNW 10/20 mph. Showers in the afternoon changing rain and drizzle and later to continuous moderate rain. Wind backing to SSW and increasing to 40/45 mph, gusting to over 60mph. Cloud became 10/10ths lowering to 200ft in rain. General weather very poor.

Sgt Richards in O carried an uneventful patrol, landing at St Eval on return having been ordered to return early owing to weather.

W/O McFarland in N on Derange 5. Attacked a U-boat in position 4410N – 0758W at 1014hrs. The attack was apparently not very successful. Owing to a misunderstanding the distributor was not correctly set for the second attack with no DCs releasing and the third attack was made with guns only, the pilot not realising that the aircraft still had two DCs left [one hung up from the first attack]. Air bubbles were seen after U-boat submerged but no oil and no further results were seen. This is the squadron's 4th attack within one week.

08-05-1943

Weather sunny periods.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy with NW gales 40/45 mph gusting to 60/70mph and very frequent sleet showers.

No operational flying today.

F/O Tillman and F/O Mac Dougall left on posting to 3[C]OTU for captain's course.

09-05-1943

Weather continuous rain and gale all day.
E and K/612 airborne on Derange Patrols 5 and 3. No sightings.
F/279 on ASR from Predannack. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy or fair with showers, continuous rain towards midnight with cloud lowering to 500ft or less. NW gales during morning becoming W-WSW 30/35 mph gusting. Visibility 10/15 miles decreasing 1/3 miles in rain.

F/Sgt Gunn in E Derange 5. Nothing to report.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in K Derange 3. Returned within two and a half hours with oil leaking from starboard engine. Nothing seen.

10-05-1943

Weather continuous rain and gale all day.
Detachments of 304 Squadron arrived. 4 crews at Davidstow for operations 19 Group.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron

Four crews to D/M for operations 19 Group.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy, continuous rain, SW gales. Rain ceasing in afternoon and winds moderating later. A period of rain 2000-2100hrs then fair to cloudy with good visibility until midnight. Airfield unfit except between 2200-2300hrs.

No operational flying.

11-05-1943

Weather dull and showery.
Rev. Elphick left for Cheltenham, conference.
K and A/304 on patrols Derange Nos 3 and 2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather 5/10-8/10ths cloud base 1000/2000ft decreasing to 4/10 - 6/10ths at 3000ft in morning and dispersing in afternoon. Low cloud increasing in evening and lowering to surface during drizzle. Wind light and variable at first becoming S-SW, 20/25mph, increasing to 30mph at midnight. Vis 6/10 miles becoming less than 500yds in drizzle.

No operational flying.

The late F/O Norton was buried with military honours at Davidstow Church this afternoon. Many officers and NCOs of the squadron attended this service.

12-05-1943

Weather showers and heavy wind all day.
304 Squadron detachment left for Thorney Island, for No 2 APC [Bomb Dropping].

NOTE: the ORB states that 304 Squadron left for Thorney Island today. The Squadron ORB says thy left on 13 May 1943.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather overcast with slight drizzle all day with a period of moderate rain about 1700hrs. 10/10ths on or near the surface and poor vis.

No operational flying.

13-05-1943

Weather showers and heavy wind all day, clearer later.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather, stratus with drizzle persisted until 1400hrs then broke to small amounts of cloud with base at 1500/2000ft. Winds S-SW, strong, moderating towards evening. Vis less than 500yds in drizzle, otherwise 6/12 miles.

No operational flying.

14-05-1943

Weather heavy ground mist, visibility nil, cleared by 1100hrs.
Rev Elphick returned from Cheltenham, conference.
O and N/612 airborne on Derange Patrols Nos 2 and 1 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather low stratus formed at 0500hrs and gradually lifted and broke to 7/10ths at 1500 ft. The cloud reformed on hills about 1700hrs. Winds light from SW to N. Vis very good below cloud. After periods of bad weather operational flying was resumed today.

F/Sgt Smitham in N Derange 1 [reversed]. Nothing seen, returned from Scillies with oil pressure drop in port engine.

Sgt Richards in O Derange 2 [reversed]. Nothing to report. Diverted to Talbenny on return on account of weather at base.

15-05-1943

Weather bright sunshine.
F/Lt Biggs-Davis [RAFR] from Roborough, posted.
E and K/612 airborne on Derange Patrols Nos 4 and 5 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine. Moderate NE wind. Good vis. Small amount of cloud.

F/Sgt Perry in K. Nothing to report from Derange patrol.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in E Derange patrol. Nothing to report.

16-05-1943

Weather fine, light winds, S during am, N during afternoon, vis very good.
E/612 airborne on Derange Patrol No 1. No sightings. 2nd sortie cancelled.
45 Liberators of the 93rd and 44th BGs USAAF arrived for operations.

All combat worthy Liberators of the 93rd and 44th Bomb Groups were secretly flown to RAF Davidstow Moor. One member of the 506th wrote that their 'ships left to go on a mission that will last a few days. Maybe after a convoy or the invasion. I think they went to Africa'. Presumably the pre flight briefing gave this impression and the following morning when they left Davidstow they followed a course that was ordinarily taken by aircraft flying to North Africa.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine. Moderate NE wind becoming calm or light towards midnight, traces of cloud at times. Vis very good all day.

F/Sgt Gunn in E Derange 1. Nothing to report.

F/O Yeadon in J Derange patrol cancelled.

Note: aircraft of the 93rd and 44th BGs USAAF arrived for special ops.

17-05-1943

Weather fine, light winds, south morning, north afternoon, vis very good.
F/O Ross, Dental, returned from course at Farnborough.
P/O Webb, Ops, arrived from Holmsley South, posted.
P/O Mitchell visited 73 MU on duty [Equipment].
J/612 on Derange 4. No sightings.
40 Liberators USAAF operated on raid. Mission successful.

The Liberators were from the 93rd and 44th BGs. After bombing up and refuelling overnight they flew to Bordeaux, taking an initial course normally taken by aircraft flying to North Africa. Thy were flying very low in order to stay well below the radar screen. A few miles off the coast they started to climb and were almost at Bordeaux when Bordeaux radio stopped transmitting. As a result of the surprise there was no enemy fighter opposition or problems with flak. This was the USAAF's longest raid at the time. It was also the first all B24 raid in the European Theatre of operation. They bombed the harbour basin, blowing up the lock gates and severely damaging the Matford Aero Works. The mission was regarded as a highly successful one which earned the B24's the recognition they deserved.

One aircraft which developed engine trouble close to the target area was forced to land in Spain. All the rest returned to Davidstow.

The following B24s of the 44th and 93rd Bomb Groups operated from Davidstow Moor:

93rd Bomb Group, 328th Bomb Squadron R/T Newish, W/T AO5

Aircraft 41-23722 - "Boomerang" - C
Aircraft 41-24192 - "Dog Patch Raiders" - A
Aircraft 41-23737 - "Eager Beaver" - E
Aircraft 41-24128 - J

93rd Bomb Group, 329th Bomb Squadron R/T Outside, W/T AO5

Aircraft 41-23810 - "Tarfu" - S
Aircraft 41-24130 - "Lady Of The Lake" - R
Aircraft 41-23628 - Q

93rd Bomb Group, 330th Bomb Squadron R/T Silent, W/T NZ8

Aircraft 41-24147 - "The Duchess" - Bar A
Aircraft 41-23738 - "Wham Bang" - Bar E
Aircraft 41-23692 - Bar D
Aircraft 41-23717 - "Exterminator" - Bar H
Aircraft 41-24121 - "Let Er Rip" - Bar J

93rd Bomb Group, 409th Bomb Squadron R/T ?, W/T NZ8

Aircraft 41-23742 - "Liberty Lad" - Bar R
Aircraft 41-23999 - "Chief Manatee/Teggy Ann II" - Bar K
Aircraft 41-24105 - "Tupelo Lass" - Bar Q
Aircraft 41-24298 - "Queenie" - Bar V
Aircraft 41-24265 - Bar W
Aircraft 42-40754 - "Little Lady" - Bar U

44th Bomb Group

The history of the 44th Bomb Group records this operation as one of the most precise and devastating aerial blows of the war. The success was the result of careful planning, perfect navigation and bombing, and most important, a strict compliance with matters of security. The Liberators had stood within their revetments at their home base since the morning of the 15 May. On 16 May 1943 they left at short notice and with no warning for RAF Davidstow Moor where they refuelled to capacity and left on operations on the morning of 17 May 1943.

Mission Detail Listing:

Mission 31, 44th BG, 17 May 1943, City: Bordeaux, Target docks and U-boat pens.

Mission Comments:

The planes of the 44th BG, 21 in number and including five from the 67th, took off for this mission from Davidstowe[sic] Moor in the southern end of England, having flown down there the previous day. The target was the submarine repair shops at Bordeaux as this port has been developed as the European terminal for blockade running between German Europe and the Far East. The raid was nearly perfectly executed and very successful. The only blot on the record was one 66th aircraft piloted by Lt Hilliard found it necessary to divert to Spain and was interned.

44th Bomb Group, 66th Bomb Squadron

Avenger II developed engine trouble out over the sea before reaching the target. They immediately lost height and jettisoned everything that they could. They were too far away from England to return and so decided to make for neutral Spain. They landed at Alhama de Aragon, northwest of Saragossa, Spain, on a fighter base. No one was injured. The entire crew was interned. They were later loaded onto a bus and transported through Spain and on to Gibraltar. They flew back to England by C47 on 8 August 1943.

44th Bomb Group, 67th Bomb Squadron

This was the lead aircraft in the formation and accurate bombing by Bombadier Jim DeVinney enabled the following aircraft to do considerable damage to the lock gates, which were shattered, and the surrounding harbour area. So perfect had been the navigation and the security of this mission that the Bordeaux radio station was still transmitting when the group came in sight of it's target. Lt Mikolowski for his skillful navigation and Lt DeVinney for his bombing accuracy were both awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

44th Bomb Group, 68th Bomb Squadron

T/Sgt Harry C Hogan ASN 37009698, in Black Jack, was the only casualty of the mission. As the aircraft was heading across the Bay of Biscay, only 20 miles from France, the waist gunner's parachute released inside the fuselage and the slip stream dragged him out of the waist window. They were nearing the target and so carried on to complete their mission. On the return trip it was discovered that T/Sgt Hogan had been pulled out of the window to his death. His parachute had been torn and he had hit both the fuselage and the tail assembly before falling into the ocean. Once in the cold water there was little chance of survival.

44th Bomb Group, 506th Bomb Squadron

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine. Light winds, S in morning and N in afternoon. Vis very good.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in J Derange. Nothing to report.

Besides the three Wellington Mk Xs for training purposes the squadron now possesses 5 Mk XIIs fitted with the latest equipment. Intensive flying training is now in progress.

18-05-1943

Weather fine. Easterly winds all day, medium cloud in evening. Visibility good.
Mr Thomas [Met] posted from Chivenor.
J/612 on Derange Patrol. No sighting.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine. Fresh E wind all day, traces of medium cloud towards evening. Good visibility.

F/Sgt Perry in J Rush Patrol. Nothing seen.

Sgt Richards in E Bay patrol. Nothing to report.

19-05-1943

Weather fine, cloud at midday dispersing toward evening, good visibility below cloud.
U/612 on Derange 1, U-boat sighted. No attack possible. Dinghy sighted, 2 occupants. Handed over to Sunderland aircraft.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather fine becoming cloudy about 1200hrs. General cloud base 1000/1500ft but occasionally covering the neighbouring hills. Cloud dispersing towards evening. Vis good below cloud base. Moderate SE winds veering to W about midday.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in U Derange 1. At 0952hrs, in position RCWD 5650 sighted a fully surfaced U-boat course 180 degrees/10 knots which submerged before aircraft could attack. On returning to position, after carrying out baiting tactics, there was no sign of U-boat but a dinghy was sighted with two occupants and a Sunderland overhead. Contact was made by US and RT and MF fix obtained for Sunderland, but U/612 had to return to base owing to PLE having been reached.

F/Sgt Paynter in E Derange patrol. Uneventful patrol, landed at St Eval on return owing to weather at base.

20-05-1943

Weather cloudy, hill fog, drizzle until midday, poor vis until midday then improvement.
W/C Kendrick [GD] visit to Chivenor. Returned same day.
F/O Mealing [FC] returned 19 Group on cessation of attachment.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy with extensive hill fog and light drizzle until midday then becoming cloudy with fair periods. Cloud base on surface at first, later lifting to 1000/1500ft and breaking. Vis less than 100yds but improving rapidly after midday to 10/20 miles. Winds W 10mph.

No operational flying today.

F/O Dibbie on completion of his tour was posted to 3[S] of GR.

21-05-1943

Weather cloudy, intermittent rain in morning, vis 15-20 miles.
0/612 airborne on Derange 1 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy or fair, intermittent rain, variable amounts of cloud 1500/2500ft. Vis 15/30 miles. Wind variable mainly NW 2-5mph becoming SSE 5/10ths later.

F/Sgt Perry in O Derange Patrol [reversed]. Nothing seen.

Sgt Richards in U Derange Patrol. Nothing to report.

F/O Totolos was posted today to 6[C]OTU on completion of operational tour.

It became known today that the squadron is to move to Chivenor very shortly, leaving behind a detachment to remain operational on Whitleys.

22-05-1943

Weather heavy rain am. Fair in afternoon. Vis very good. Wind gusting to gale force.
U/612 on Derange 2 reversed.
O/612 on Derange 4 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Weather cloudy, intermittent heavy rain, becoming fair in afternoon. Vis very good. Moderate SE winds veering and becoming strong SW with gusts to gale force.

F/Sgt Earnshaw in O Derange 4 [reversed]. Nothing to report.

F/Sgt Paynter in U Derange 2 [reversed]. Recalled early owing to weather.

F/O Redman and P/O Sherwood left on postings today on completion of their operational tours.

Details were available today of the squadron's move to Chivenor. Ferrying the Wellingtons is to take place tomorrow and a party is also to proceed by road. The move is planned to extend over the next three days, 23rd, 24th and 25th May.

23-05-1943

Weather cloudy, heavy showers afternoon. Moderate winds and visibility.
O/612 on Derange No3. E/612 on Derange No4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

The squadron began it's move today, the first air and road party departing in the morning. Several Wellingtons flew two ferry trips carrying ground personnel and their light baggage to Chivenor.

Up 0540hrs. Nothing seen. Down 1530hrs.

Up 1300hrs. Nothing seen. Down 2300hrs.

24-05-1943

Weather cloudy, periods of continuous rain. Drizzle early evening. Poor visibility.
F/Lt Lee [Tech] attached from Chivenor.
P/O Taylor, P/O Collis posted from Chivenor.
F/O Young [RAFR] posted to Wittering.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

The poor weather especially at Davidstow Moor held up further ferrying of personnel by air.

Nil ops D/M. F/Lt Blackwell is officer I/C Whitley detachment.

25-05-1943

Weather cloudy continuous rain, drizzle, poor vis.
P/O Furzey [S] posted from West Drayton, temporary duty.
G/612 on Derange 5 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Ferrying by air and road resumed and completed today and from tonight the squadron is now able to go ahead with a full training programme on Wellingtons uninterrupted by any operational demands on training crews. Operational requirements will now be met solely by the crews detailed to remain at Davidstow with Whitleys under F/Lt Blackwell.

Up 0540hrs. Nothing seen. Down 1540hrs.

26-05-1943

Weather cloudy hill fog, drizzle. Vis bad.
F/O Dawe [A&SD] posted from St Eval.
F/Lt Grellis [GDA] detached to Predannack.
F/O [Catering] De Vries posted HQCC.

27-05-1943

Weather drizzle and fog am becoming cloudy or fair. Vis poor, improving later.
F/O Reade, P/O Stapleton, F/O Peters [GD] detached from Bircham Newton [279 Sdn].
K/612 on Derange 2, E/612 on Derange 4. No sightings.
F/279 airborne at 1545hrs on ASR. Returned early owing to very poor visibility in search area. No sightings. Landed 1926hrs.
W/C BG Corry, DFC, O/C 279 Sqn on visit from Bircham Newton.

Forms 540/541 279 Squadron:

Hudson K/279

T/O D/M 1545hrs on search, returned early owing to very poor visibility in search area. Landed D/M 1925hrs.

NOTE: Bircham Newton: W/Cdr BG Corry, DFC, O/C 279 Sqn on visit to Davidstow Moor.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 1025hrs. At 1532hrs, pos MRUU 4014 MFB1. 'Probable ditching' ZOUU 0040.
At 1900hrs pos WPCW 0510 MFB2 'ZSL Base 2023hrs'. Nothing to report. Down 2025hrs.

Up 1255hrs. At 1547hrs, pos FBUU 4130, MFB 1 'Probable ditching' ZGUU 0045. A/C proceeded to this position but nothing was sighted owing to poor visibility. At 1700hrs, pos RCUU 1330, patrol abandoned owing to nil visibility and course set for base. A third class fix had been obtained from Plympton at 1923hrs, QDCW 3435. At 1930hrs, QDCW 3435 MTB 1 'Our weather BBM2020' Nothing further to report.

28-05-1943

Weather fair, cloudy in evening. Vis mainly good apart from early fog.
F/279 airborne 0942hrs on ASR. Returned to base early, instruments US. Landed 1057hrs.
K/279 airborne on ASR. Nothing sighted.
W/C Corry, O/C 279 Sqn, returned Bircham Newton this evening.
A/C of 612 airborne on Derange 1 & 2, sightings of U-boats, no attacks made.

Forms 540/541 279 Squadron:

Hudson K/279

T/O D/M 0941hrs on ASR search, nothing seen. Landed D/M 1512hrs.

Hudson F/279

T/O D/M 0942hrs, on ASR search but returned early owing to instruments wrongly connected. Landed D/M 1057hrs.

NOTE: Davidstow Moor. C/O 279 Sqn returned to Bircham Newton this evening.

Forms 540/541 461 Squadron [Pembroke Dock]

A/Sub Patrol. Derange 461-1, reversed area 1

Airborne Pembroke Dock 1334hrs. 1630hrs PBVV 5022 over dinghy containing 6 survivors from Whitley P/10 OTU MTB 'over dinghy. May I land?' 1730HRS MFB 'Land at discretion. Signal.' 1733hrs 'attempted to alight into wind across main swell. A/C bounced three times on cross swells then stalled and dived vertically into fourth swell. A/C broke and front of A/C from cockpit forward carried away. Captain instantly killed. First pilot seriously injured and later rescued from sea by F/Sgt Mackie,[WO]. Automatic type J dinghy in starboard main plane released on impact. Both other dinghies damaged and U/S. Survivors got into dinghy 1830hrs. Joined with other dinghy. During the night Wellington aircraft with searchlight sighted dinghies distress signal and remained overhead for one hour. 0640hrs/29th, E/461 overhead. Very low sea stratus cloud. Patches of fog and drizzle to sea level. Conditions quickly deteriorating. 0704Hrs E/461 alighted and took survivors from dinghy on board. Wellington, 2 Sunderlands and Hudson A/C overhead during following 2 hours. 0950hrs destroyer L19 arrived and took survivors and some crew of E/461 on board. Skeleton crew left on board E/461. Destroyer towed E/461 for a short distance until line broke 1800hrs. E/461 A/B 0600hrs/30th. Destroyer docked at Devonport. Crew of 0/461 all safe. The only casualty was F/Lt Dods, Captain.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 1050hrs. At 1400hrs, pos FBWD5652, sighted hospital ship Newfoundland, course 210 degrees/15knots. Altered course to identify ship. At 1404hrs resumed patrol. At 1420hrs, pos FBWD3544, captain sighted fully surfaced U-boat, course 270 degrees/10-20knots, from 3000ft, directly below the aircraft and only a fleeting glimpse was obtained through 5/10ths cumulus. When in position to attack, U-boat had submerged some 50 seconds. Captain did not release DCs and aircraft set course for Newfoundland to warn of U-boats presence.

At 1433hrs, pos FDWD4356, R/G sighted fully surfaced U-boat which rapidly submerged before an attack could be carried out. Sea was dead calm and U-boat could be seen under the surface when aircraft was directly overhead. A/C was too near ship to drop DCs. At 1441hrs, pos FBWD4755, hospital ship was again warned by G/612 as both U-boats were directly ahead of Newfoundland. A/C remained with ship until 1545hrs. At 1500hrs, pos FBWD4755, A/C identified as Halifax seen 2 mile to port, at 4-500ft. The Halifax flew low over the hospital ship on course 300degrees. Patrol resumed at 1545hrs, from pos FBWD3747. Nothing further seen. Down 2200hrs.

29-05-1943

Weather warm and sunny, good vis.
K/279 on ASR. Sighted Sunderland on water, also 2 empty dinghies.
K/279 again airborne, poor visibility. No sightings returned to base.
F/279 airborne on ASR. No sightings.
K/279 on AS patrol no sightings.
E/612 on Derange 4 reversed 0830hrs WJR. 0840Hrs SOS, no position. A/C ditched, nothing further heard. 0933Hrs, E/612 ditched 60 miles S of Bishop Rock after engine failure whilst on AS patrol.

B17 42-3120, 509BS, 351BG, RQ-O, Gremlin's Delight force landed Davidstow with battle damage ex ops St Nazaire.

J Form 351BG

A/C 42-23120, Gremlins Delight, 351 BG, 509 BS, landed at RAF Davidstow Moor with battle damage after a mission to the U-boat pens at St Nazaire. A mobile repair unit arrived from the AAF to make good the repair on 28 June 1943 and she was back to flying status on 30 June 1943.

Forms 540/541 279 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0515 hrs. On ASR search for ditched Whitley and Sunderland which crashed trying to rescue Whitley crew, also a Sunderland which had landed safely but was unable to start engines for take off. The crew of Hudson K played no small part in the rescue of 28 survivors approximately 100 miles WSW of Lands End. At position 49:45N – 05:15W, K/279 sighted dinghies and 2 Sunderlands, one on the sea the other circling at 200ft and brought a destroyer to the position where it picked up 26 survivors and took one of the Sunderlands in tow [it had engine trouble]. This Sunderland was eventually able to take off and reached it's base. What had happened was this. On Friday 28 May 1943 a Whitley of 10 OTU, St Eval crashed into the sea. It's crew managed to get into their dinghy which was found by Sunderland 0/461 Sqn but the flying boat crashed and was destroyed on attempting to alight to pick up the Whitley crew. One of the Sunderland's crew was killed in the crash. On Saturday, Sunderland E/461, found the dinghies, alighted and took aboard the survivors. E then developed engine trouble and could not take off. A third Sunderland arrived and later K/279 arrived on the scene. It was K which homed the destroyer onto the position sending a signal to E/461 that a destroyer was coming to the scene. The destroyer took aboard the 28 men including the crews of the Sunderland which had developed engine trouble. The destroyer took the crippled Sunderland in toe. After travelling some distance like this the Sunderland was able to take off and reach it's base with a skeleton crew.

Airborne again from D/M on ASR search, owing to poor visibility in search area nothing was seen, returned early. Landed D/M.

Hudson OS-F

Airborne D/M on ASR search, nothing seen. Landed D/M.

Weather: in position 4755N, 0934W, visibility half a mile. 10/10ths base at 100ft, tops 400ft. Sea apparently calm, found to be a slight to moderate with oblique swell.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 0550hrs. At 0830hrs MTB 1, WVR NPG. At 0840hrs MTB 2, SOS no position given. At 0930hrs, QDM 089degrees passed to aircraft. Nothing further heard from aircraft. Presumed ditched. Down 1540hrs.

REPORT: Sgt Earnshaw and crew were rescued uninjured after 36 hours in sea. After impact the fuselage dinghy was thrown out but the attaching line was seen to be loose and the dinghy floated off underneath the tail of the aircraft and was later observed to sink with the aircraft.

The emergency dinghy was thrown out but the release line again became detached, the dinghy failed to inflate but the CO2 bottle was successfully operated by hand. The K type dinghy was also thrown out and this inflated in the normal manner and was attached to the other dinghy but the topping up pump was broken. But the crew were able to use pumps from the larger dinghy. Very cartridges were taken aboard the dinghy but the pistol was lost in the ditching. Quite an ample supply of rations was taken aboard the dinghy, enough in the crews estimation to last for fourteen days. Baling out and topping up had to carried out continuously and fluorescene was trailed from the dinghy. Several aircraft were seen before a Beaufighter spotted the dinghy. The crew has one or two suggestions to make concerning ditching procedures.

Up 1400hrs. CLA search. Nothing seen, returned early owing to starboard engine trouble. Down 2100hrs.

Forms 540/541 461 Squadron [Pembroke Dock]

A/Sub Patrol. Derange No 1

Airborne Pembroke Dock 0341hrs. 0443hrs intercepted message to base 'Lost contact in sea fog returning to base'. 0633hrs FBVV 5526 water borne. 0732hrs alongside two dinghies. 6 survivors of P/10 OTU and 10 survivors O/461. 0732hrs R/T to Wellington which was circling, 'We have picked up survivors and have some casualties, is destroyer near?' Reply from Wellington 'Will look'. 0804hrs R/T to O/228 which was circling 'Stand by for thirty minutes while D/C detonators removed'. 0808hrs R/T from Wellington 'Leaving now will find and send destroyer'. 0838hrs V/S from U/228 'Doing our best'. 0857hrs V/S from U/228 'Destroyer near'. 0945hrs destroyer L19 sighted. Rescued survivors and dispersible crew of E/461 transferred to destroyer. D/C pistols removed. 1255hrs in tow of destroyer. 1725hrs severed tow line as bollard broke. Engines started. D/Cs jettisoned. 1810hrs estimated position ZGIJ 0500 airborne. Destroyer standing by. 1851hrs MTB 2 'Land drome, hull gone'. 2007hrs 300/St Anne's Head, commenced to jettison. 2040hrs landed Anglesea aerodrome. All safe.

Records RAF Angle

On this day a Sunderland T9114 had suffered extensive hull damage whilst taking off in heavy seas. This needed a touchdown on dry land; this was successfully performed at Angle. When the salvage party arrived from 78MU they considered it a write off because any attempt to move it would cause more damage. Even though it would be a risk they decided to move it. It took nearly seven days. After repairs it was put back into use as a maintenance training frame.

Extract Devon and Cornwall Police War Diary:

2120hrs AW Whitley, crew rescued from sea by HMML 64 miles WNW Isles of Scilly. No casualties.

Destroyer L19

L19 was laid down as HMS Haldon, a type III destroyer. It was offered to the FNFL in 1942 and renamed La Combattante. It's role was as an escort destroyer and in anti S-boat operations.

30-05-1943

Weather cloudy, occasional drizzle, hill fog. Poor vis.
F/279 on ASR. No sightings.
K/279 on ASR. No sightings.
K/279 airborne again. No sightings.
F/279 on ASR. 2 dinghies sighted together, 6 survivors. Witnessed pick up of survivors by naval craft.
Liberators of the 93rd and 44th BG, USAAF returned to their bases.

Forms 540/541 279 Squadron Davidstow:

T/O D/M 1759 hrs. To search for a dinghy reported by a Beaufighter returning from patrol. The Beaufighter gave a DR position, and Hudson F was sent to search the area. At 1923hrs in position 50:05N - 08:03W F/279 sighted dinghy. On closer investigation it was found that there were two dinghies. 1 small, 1 large containing 5 survivors in one and one in the other. Survivors appeared well and waved to F/279. Climbed to 2,000ft and sent a sighting message to base. A Walrus and Sunderland aircraft arrived in the area at 2005hrs and 2015hrs and started to circle dinghies. F/279 then went to RMLs and homed them onto dinghies by flying ahead and firing two star cartridges. The occupants of the two dinghies having been safely transferred to the RML F/279 set course for base. On the way back F/279 sighted Walrus on the water with engine stopped and crew up on the nose. Message sent to base giving this information. An Anson and two Spitfires were circling the Walrus. Returned to base. Landed D/M 2200 hrs.

NOTE: Hudson K/279 also airborne on ASR searchs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Nothing seen.

Forms 540/541 279 Squadron Bircham Newton:

Another big day for Davidstow Moor and, in particular, for F/O Sherwood and his crew. Two other aircraft on searches from Davidstow Moor in morning and afternoon. Results nil.

Extract Devon and Cornwall Police War Diaries:

2120hrs, crew of Walrus aircraft rescued from sea by HMML 64 miles WNW of Isles of Scilly. No casualties.

31-05-1943

Weather cloudy, rain up to midday. Vis poor. Wind gale force at times.
F/Lt Grellis [GDA] returned from attachment at Predannack.

547 Squadron [Chivenor], moved to Davidstow Moor. Converted from torpedoes to AS duties.

Summary

This month saw further operations by the USAAF with raids again on the harbours at Bordeaux and at St Nazaire. The secrecy surrounding the raid on the 17 May 1943 and the skill with which it was carried out made it so successful that it was repeated again on the 29 May 1943. History was made on the 17 May 1943 with that raid being the longest of the war so far and the first to fly only B24s in the European Theatre of Operation

With the improving weather ASR searches started to bear fruit particularly on the 29th and the 30th May 1943. 612 Squadron's experiences led to recommendations about the dinghy survival. These recommendations were taken forward to be used in future by all crews.

Recommendations:

1. A lanyard be attached to the Very pistol.
2. That the Very cartridges be carried individually by all crew members.
3. Personnel are strongly advised to retain flying helmets as protection against all types of weather, as several of the crew suffered from sunburn.
4. Massage of limbs to be continually applied aboard rescue craft. Navigator injured his knee, this was the only injury other than sunburn.

Sadly RAF Davidstow Moor lost one of it's aircraft this month when one of 612 Squadron's Whitley aircraft crashed at Weens Farm, St Kew Highway, Wadebridge, Cornwall. The pilot, F/O Norton is buried at the local churchyard at Davidstow.

Mrs Dorothy Stock was the landlady of the Wellington Hotel, Boscastle. Her husband had been disabled in WW1 and her son John Stock was a pilot in the RAF. She made the hotel a home from home for the aircrew of RAF Davidstow Moor and left a key for them under the mat so that they could let themselves in at whatever time of the day or night they might come off duty. They could use a part of the hotel as their own. The hotel register begins to show this month that 612 Squadron were regular visitors and included F/Sgt Perry, F/O Harrison, Sgt Cuer, Boxall, Hodges and Phipps amongst others.

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