June 1943

The arrival of 612 Squadron equipped with Whitley anti submarine aircraft had heralded the use of the airfield for it's intended role hunting U-boats in the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. 19 Group Coastal Command had set up search areas over the sea where the aircraft had patrolled constantly during daylight hours, searching for and attacking U-boats as they sailed from the safety of their pens in the French ports out into the Atlantic to hunt for and sink allied shipping. 612 Squadron and later 547 and 304 Squadrons now joined the hunt alongside anti submarine squadrons from other airfields in 19 Group and part of 15 Group. For the period 21 April 1943 to 19 June 1943 the search area was known as DERANGE.

During May and the beginning of June 1943 attacks on U-boats as they left their ports and tracked west out into the Atlantic had started to take a heavy toll on their numbers. In light of this they started to track southerly before heading out into the Atlantic hunting grounds. Being able to detect the transmissions of Coastal Command's Air to Surface Radar before an aircraft came into visual range they felt relatively safe as they could dive before an attack could be made. If discovered on the surface they were now equipped with heavy anti aircraft guns and were prepared to fight back. As the sightings dropped off in the more northerly DERANGE area a new search area was instigated in mid June. This combined the most southerly part of DERANGE with a new area that reached as far as the north western coast of Spain and was known as MUSKETRY.

01-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, frequent showers. Vis moderate deteriorating in showers.
P/O McCornack [GD] posted from Bridgenorth.
F/O Barnes [GD] posted from Squires Gate.
P/O April [GD] attached from Bircham Newton.
H/279 airborne on ASR, landed Predannack. No sightings.

279 Squadron and Actor Leslie Howard:

H/279, F/O Reade, was airborne from Davidstow in search of survivors of a downed aircraft in the Bay of Biscay. A DC 3 of KLM/BOAC Flight 777, call sign G-AGBB, named IBIS had taken off from neutral Lisbon at 0940hrs bound for England. At 1254hrs the Radio Operator, Cornelius van Brugge reported that the aircraft was being attacked by enemy aircraft 200 miles north of Spain. The aircraft came down in the Atlantic in flames. Amongst the passengers on board were the actor Leslie Howard and his business manager Alfred Tregear Chenalls.

Captured documents show us that less than ten minutes after being sighted the unarmed, unescorted, civilian aircraft was attacked by an entire Squadron of JU88 fighters. The floating wreckage of the downed aircraft were photographed by the Junkers. Three days after the attack the New York Times reported that the aircraft had been destroyed because the Germans believed Churchill was on board. This belief has been discredited by several modern books including one by Howard's son Ronald who believes that Leslie Howard was himself the target (click here for the Wikipedia entry).

Leslie Howard's business manager was later described by historians as 'the man who looked like Churchill'. He was of very similar appearance, wore similar clothing and even smoked cigars.

02-06-1943

Weather, cloudy squally showers. Vis 5-10 miles.
G/612 on Derange no2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 2050hrs. At 1630hrs position ZBBF 0858, intercepted message, '464/6F – BF 1128'. Captain decided to proceed to this position but nothing seen. As oil was pouring out of the port engine the captain decided to return to base. Down 2335hrs.

03-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, showers midday, strong NW wind mod. to evening. Vis good.
F/Lt Pitt [Ops Room] attached from 19 Group.
P/O Jenkins [Eq] posted from Air Ministry.
304 Squadron [Docking] 8 Wellington 1C's transferred to other units. Squadron re-equipping with MkX and XIIIs.[sic] The advanced party moved by rail and air from Docking to Davidstow Moor. S/Ldr Kranc in charge.
G/612 on Bay Patrol 13. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Eight of 304 Squadrons Wellington 1c Aircraft were transferred to other units. The Squadron is re-equipping with Wellington X & XI [sic] types. Also the Squadron is moving to Davidstow. The advanced party moved by rail and air from Docking today.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 1150 hrs. At 1405hrs, position PGBF 0055, MFB1, 'Search for three dinghies, position DKPE 4920'. At 1510hrs MFB2, 'Change position to DKPE 4910'. Aircraft searched this position at 1515hrs. The search was ineffective owing to low cloud and sent MTB1. At 1637hrs, position ZBBF 0520 533, weather. At 1652hrs, ZBBF 3544, MFB3, 'Message indecipherable'. At 1710hrs, position ZBLU 5604, MFB4, 'Cancelled earlier message'. Nothing further to report. Down 1925hrs.

04-06-1943

Weather, overcast and cloudy. Intermittent rain in morning becoming continuous. Visibility nil.
F/Lt Jamieson posted from Haverfordwest.
P/O Galbraith [T] returned to 612 Squadron from course.
F/Lt Biggs-Darwin posted to Roborough on release from [RAFR].

05-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, drizzle morning. Visibility 5-10 miles, light winds.
F/Lt Scarth [RAFR] posted to Beaulieu.
P/O Galbraith[T] to Chivenor, rejoining 612.
P/O Collis [TA E] posted to Thorney Island.
P/O Webb [A & SD] to no2 PDC, Morecombe.
F/O Brooks [C&C] to London, medical board.
N/612 on Bay Patrol 14. Returned to base, engine trouble. No sightings.

NOTE: This was the last Coastal Command operational Whitley flight.

Forms 540/541 612 Squadron:

Up 1000hrs. At 1046hrs, Godrevy Island, a defect was noticed in the port engine. Aircraft immediately returned to base. This was the last operational flight carried out by the Squadron in a Whitley. It is also believed to be the last operational flight by Coastal Command in a Whitley. Down 1115hrs.

06-06-1943

Weather, cloudy early, light wind. Visibility generally good.
F/O Dixon [123954], P/O Holmstead, P/O Springer, P/O Mercer reported for duty 547 Squadron on posting from Turnberry.
612 Squadron, all Whitley crews have joined the rest of the Squadron. The Squadron is now complete at Chivenor.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O Dixon [123954], P/O Holmstead, P/O Stringer and P/O Mercer reported for duty on posting from Turnberry.

07-06-1943

Weather, fog early dispersing later to fair with good visibility.
F/O Midowicz [Met] from Docking.
P/O Furzey [TS] returned from West Drayton from attachment.
P/O Taylor [T Aim] T posted to Morecombe.
Main party 304 Squadron left Docking for Davidstow Moor.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Main party left Docking for Davidstow Moor.

08-06-1943

Weather, fog and drizzle all day. Visibility very poor, light wind.
P/O Peters [GD] to Harrowbeer.
F/O Tofts [Ops Room] to Weston Super Mare medical board.

09-06-1943

Weather, fog and drizzle. Visibility generally poor.
F/O Wingfield [GD] posted Harrowbeer.
F/O Ryzak [Sigs] posted from Bircham Newton.
S/Ldr Tollemache [GD] to Chivenor, rejoining 612 Squadron.
S/Ldr Mossford, F/O Sherwood, P/O Tuft, F/O Peters, GD to Harrowbeer for ASR duties. Returned same day.
Waring posted Chivenor.
304 Squadron move completed from Docking.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Move completed.

10-06-1943

Weather, hill fog during morning, fair during afternoon. Visibility moderate.
F/Lt Evans [GD] to Harrowbeer [attached].
P/O Nourton [GD] to Harrowbeer [attached].

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O Orloff returned to unit from Leuchars on completion of BABS course.

F/O Orloff proceeded to Lossiemouth for collection of aircraft.

11-06-1943

Weather, drizzle and hill fog am, becoming fair to cloudy. Visibility poor.
F/O Brooks [C&C] returned from medical board, London.
F/O Toffts [Ops Room] returned from medical board Weston Super Mare.
F/Lt Standeven [M] attached HQ 19 Group.
S/547 on Derange 172 no3. No sightings.
H/547 on Derange 172 no3. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1301hrs. A combined A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out in the Bay of Biscay with special instructions to sink fishing vessels other than French tunneymen encountered in patrol area. SE was used owing to bad weather conditions but nothing of importance was sighted. Average height of patrol 100ft. This was the first operation of this kind carried out by this Squadron. Down 1947hrs.

Up 1421hrs. A similar operation to that above was carried out but under more favourable weather conditions. A DR and a convoy of our own sea forces sighted during patrol. An unidentified darkish coloured aircraft was sighted by R/G crossing track behind O/A. SE was used only for navigational purposes. Average height of patrol 4000ft. Down 2132hrs.

12-06-1943

Weather, mainly fair, local short showers. Visibility good.
F/Lt Suska [GD] posted from Bircham Newton.
F/Lt Pitt [Ops Room] to 19 Group course.
F/Lt Tydeman [Ops Room] posted to Sumburgh.
B/547 on Derange 3.
N/547 on Derange 3.
No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 0600hrs. A combined A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out in the Bay but nothing was sighted. The weather was fair with fairly good visibility. SE used only for navigation purposes. Down 1314hrs

Up 0617hrs. Patrol flown in the Bay but uneventful owing to no sighting of enemy vessels or U-boats being effected. The weather was fair and the sky cloudy over the whole route. SE used for navigation only. Down 1405hrs.

13-06-1943

Weather, heavy showers, fair periods in afternoon. Visibility good but poor in showers.
F/O Lewartowski [Eng] from Bircham Newton.
F/Lt Jamieson [Eq] posted overseas.
Wellington Mk XIII HZ647 arrived for 304 Squadron.
V/547 on Derange 4. No sightings.
H/547 on Derange 172 no3. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O Orloff returned to unit from Lossiemouth.

Up 1716hrs. Patrol was flown in showery weather in the Bay. A bright green oil patch about 200ft long by 30ft wide was sighted on surface of sea and duly investigated. Nothing further was observed. A number of Spanish fishing vessels were also sighted off the Spanish coast. Down 0119hrs.

Up 1816hrs. The usual combined A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out in the Bay of Biscay. Nothing however was sighted. The weather was showery with a 20 knot wind. Visibility was 5-8 miles at 4000ft. SE was used for navigational purposes only.

NOTE: Wellington HZ/647 was ferried in by Ray Hoskin, ATA. Ray who lived in Tavistock, Devon, spoke to me on several occasions about his ATA experiences. He came to Davidstow Moor on more than one ferry flight

14-06-1943

Weather, fair periods, showers, good visibility except in showers.
F/Lt Woollcott [GD] visiting from HQCC.
F/Lt Busen-Smitz [DG] from Bircham Newton [304 Squadron].
S/Ldr Penny [Accts] from Chivenor on duty.
G/Capt Pickles [GD] returned from HQCC to take up command of the unit.
W/C Bayliss ceased attachment, returned to no1 OTU.
Q/547 on Musketry Patrol no5. No sightings.
X/304 on Musketry Patrol no4. No sightings.
S/304 on Musketry Patrol no1. No sightings.
V/304 on Musketry Patrol no7. No Sightings.
H/547 on Musketry Patrol no2. Sighted 3 U-boats 2108hrs, attacked nearest U-boat, anti-submarine bombs, again with depth charges. Results not known.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

NOTE: The three aircraft from 304 Squadron recorded in the Davidstow ORB do not appear in the 304 Squadron ORB.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1612hrs. This aircraft was engaged on a Musketry Patrol in the Bay of Biscay. At 2108hrs, whilst aircraft was flying at 2000ft captain sighted three fully surfaced U-boats of the 517 ton type, 3 miles away 15 degrees to port, on a course of 270 degrees/12 knots, roughly 500ft apart in position 45:45N – 11:05W. Aircraft circled to port ahead of U-boats. All U-boats opened an intensive but inaccurate fire and started veering to port. Aircraft attacked on U-boat which had lagged behind by dropping 2x100lb AS bombs from 2000ft which were seen to explode 100ft either side of the U-boats C/T. Aircraft circled again and attacked the same U-boat from starboard to port by dropping 6 DCs from 50ft spaced at 100ft and set at 25ft across U-boats bow. All were seen to explode, four on the starboard side and two on the port side across U-boats C/T, two being 50ft on either side. H/547 opened fire on U-boats C/T both going in and coming out of attack and hits were observed. This obliged the U-boats gun crews to cease fire. After the attack a whitish smoke was seen coming from the U-boat which was observed to take violent evasive action and slow down. H/547 then circled for 35minutes carrying out homing procedure until U-boats were seen to dive. The scene of the attack was searched but nothing was found. As a result of enemy fire no damage was sustained by H/547. Weather good, visibility 5 miles, sea calm. Down 0107hrs.

Up 1618hrs. This aircraft carried out an A/S and anti shipping patrol in the new Musketry Patrol area in the Bay of Biscay. There were no sightings. The weather good and owing to lack of cloud little use could be made of it for searching purposes. SE was used for navigational purposes only. Down 2338hrs.

15-06-1943

Weather, thundery showers, less frequent towards end of day. Visibility 10-20 miles.
S/Ldr Lewis [A&SD] detached from St Eval, Court Marshall duties.
F/Lt Michaelson [A&SD] detached to Beaulieu, Court Marshall duties.
F/Lt Evans, F/O Wingfield, F/O Ansell, P/O Bate, P/O Nourton, all GD posted to Filton.
F/Lt Woollcott visiting from St Eval.
B/547 on Musketry no7.
N/547 on Musketry no6, sighted U-boat 1408hrs. U-boat submerged. No attack possible.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1016hrs. This aircraft sighted a U-boat on the surface in position 44:19N – 10:02W, on a course of 270 degrees T, speed unknown. N/547 which was flying at 2500ft went into the attack but U-boat had submerged several minutes before it was in position. Baiting tactics were carried out but nothing further was seen of the U-boat. Apart from this the sortie was uneventful. Weather was fair, sea choppy, 5/10ths SC at 400ft, wind 20 knots.

Up 1025hrs. A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out in the Bay of Biscay without incident and apart from a coastal convoy and a number of our own aircraft there is nothing to report. Weather fair but hazy near sea. Visibility 10 to 20 miles, 6/10ths SC at 2500ft, wind 25 knots, sea choppy. Down1745hrs.

16-06-1943

Weather, cloudy occasional showers, visibility good.
P/O Buckley [Ops Room] posted from Holmsley South.
F/O King [A&SD] returned from sick leave.
Miss Rutter [Technician] from Farnborough.
F/O Noare [Cyphers] delivering docs to 19 Group.
X,C,S/304 flying Musketry no6 in formation. No sightings.
P,K,X/547 on Musketry no2, in formation. No sightings.

NOTE: The three 304 Squadron aircraft that appear here in the Davidstow ORB do not appear in the 304 Squadron ORB.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1431hrs. P/547 set course in formation with C & K/547 in order to carry out A/S and anti shipping patrol together in the Bay of Biscay. Owing to bad visibility C/547 lost contact with the other aircraft after 2hrs 37mins. Shortly afterwards it received a message to RTB by 2100hrs. There were no sightings. C/547 landed safely at base. Meanwhile P & K/547 continued on patrol but soon after lost contact with each other and returned to base independently on receipt of recall message from base. Nothing was sighted. Weather was very bad. 10/10ths SC at 100ft, drizzle and visibility less than 50ft. Down 2157hrs.

Up 1433hrs. This aircraft carried out an A/S and anti shipping patrol in company with P & K/547. Owing to bad weather C/547 lost contact with others and returned base independently on receipt of recall message from base. Nothing seen. Down 2049hrs.

Up 1434hrs. K/547 on musketry patrol with C & P/547. Due to bad weather all three aircraft became separated and proceeded to cut short the patrol on receiving recall message from base. Nothing was seen during patrol due to weather conditions. Down 2149hrs.

17-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, fair periods. Visibility 15-20 miles.
F/O Noare [Cyphers] returned from 19 Group [delivering S&C publications].
Q,V,B/547 on Musketry no2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1010hrs. Three aircraft V, Q and B/547 were detailed to carry out an A/S and anti shipping patrol in the Bay of Biscay under the leadership of S/Ldr Terry in V. Aircraft set out from base in formation. Owing to bad visibility contact was lost with B at 1250hrs. Several Sunderland aircraft were seen on patrol but otherwise it was uneventful. Weather was fair with considerable sea fog under 100ft though clear above. SE was used throughout as instructed. Down 1755hrs.

Up 1010hrs. B/547 set course in formation with V & Q/547 until 1250hrs when it lost touch with other aircraft. The patrol was carried out without incident. SE was used as instructed. Weather as reported by V/547. Down 1812hrs.

Up 1012hrs. Q/547 set course in formation with V & B/547. Report and weather as for other aircraft. Down 1812hrs.

18-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, rain and drizzle, hill and coastal fog. Visibility poor.
F/O Choinski, Dzieduszycki, posted from Docking, 304 Squadron.
F/Lt Ryzack [Signals] posted from Northholt.
F/Lt Michaelson [Ops] returned from attachment, Beaulieu.

19-06-1943

Weather, cloudy, intermittent rain and drizzle. Visibility good except in showers.
P/O Nurll [A&SD] detached from St Eval.
J/HE445, X/HE494, C/HE304, 304 Squadron on Musketry no4. No sightings. Mk Xs.
B,H,Q/547 Squadron on Musketry no6. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Three crews carried out a Musketry anti-submarine patrol in formation today.

Wellington X HE445/J airborne Davidstow Moor 1402hrs. Musketry 4 Patrol. Sighted three Wellingtons at 1500hrs. One Sunderland at 1510hrs. Sighted convoy at 1511hrs. At 1755hrs four JU88s sighted but did not see J/304. Aircraft returned early from patrol owing to bad weather and rear turret windscreen blown off.

Wellington X HE/494/X and HE304/C airborne Davidstow Moor 1406hrs. Musketry 4 patrol. Aircraft patrolled in formation. One Sunderland sighted at 1515hrs and convoy at 1605hrs. Nothing else seen. Landed Davidstow Moor 2046hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1355hrs. Down 2023hrs.

Up 1358hrs. Down 2030hrs.

Up 1359hrs. Aircraft H, B and Q/547 carried out the usual A/S and anti shipping patrol in the Bay as per instructions. The formation being under the leadership of S/Ldr Garbett. There were no sightings and would have been uneventful had H not developed a leak in it's hydraulic gear on the return flight. SE used as instructed. Weather very clear except just south of the Scilly Isles where 49mph winds were encountered and 10/10ths CU at 4000ft. Whilst patrol area was good, moderate sea and visibility 8-10miles at 2500ft. Down 2021hrs.

20-06-1943

Weather, cloudy some showers in afternoon. Good visibility.
F/Lt Gorst to Highgate for Intelligence Course.
P,T,B/547 Squadron on Musketry no6. No sightings.
A/C P/547 diverted to Chivenor, weather

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

W/Cdr Mc Kern proceeded to Leuchars for BABS course.

P/O Gibbons proceeded to Bristol for aero engine course.

Up 1656hrs. Down 0035hrs.

Up 1657hrs. Down 0100hrs.

Up 1702hrs. These three aircraft carried out an A/S and anti shipping patrol in the Bay of Biscay, the formation being under the leadership of S/Ldr Terry. The sortie was uneventful there being no sightings of enemy forces. Sunderland and four unidentified aircraft flying at 100ft in flights of two and believed to be Beaufighters were sighted. Weather in patrol area was fair, visibility 10 miles, sea calm. Near base low cloud and showers encountered as a result of which P/547 was diverted to Chivenor. Patrol was flown at an average height of 2000ft. SE used throughout as instructed. Down 0039hrs.

21-06-1943

Weather, mainly fair becoming cloudy, occasional rain. Visibility 10-20 miles.
F/Lt Standeven [M] posted from 19 Group. F/O Ryzack [304] detached to RAF Staff College.
X,H,C/HZ351/547 on Musketry no2. No sightings.
X/HE494, J/HE445, A/HZ258/304 Squadron patrolled in formation.
X/HE494 returned early with engine trouble.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE494/X, HE445/J and HZ258/A. All three aircraft patrolled together in formation. A heavy sloop was the only sighting. Aircraft X/304 returned early due to engine trouble.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr Howe, F/Lt Petters and P/O Hower RCAF, HQs Exeter visited the Squadron and interviewed personnel.

Up 1429hrs. Down 2206hrs.

Up 1432hrs. Down 2303hrs.

Up 1449hrs. This formation of three aircraft was under the leadership of F/O Nicholls in C/547. They carried an uneventful A/S and anti shipping patrol in the Bay of Biscay. There were no sightings of enemy forces. Some of our own aircraft and one sloop were sighted. C/547 decided to abandon the patrol owing to intercom failure and set course for base. On return C/547 was diverted by Group to 48:40N – 09:40W to the scene of a U-boat sighting by an aircraft of 10 OTU. A search was carried out in this area but nothing sighted. Weather was fine and the sky cloudless. Visibility 30 miles, sea calm. Patrol flown at a height of 4000ft. Down 2237hrs.

22-06-1943

Weather, fair becoming overcast, intermittent drizzle. Visibility good then deteriorating.
F/O Williams [Accts] attached ex overseas.
F/Lt Standeven [M] detached to Chivenor.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

One Sgt Observer reported for duty.

23-06-1943

Weather, cloudy becoming fair in evening. Visibility poor, improving later.
P/O Melliar-Smith [GD] posted to Haverfordwest.
N,T,K/HZ407/547 on Musketry no6. No sightings.
A/HZ258, C/HE304, 304 Squadron, Musketry no4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HZ/258/A, 7 HE304/C airborne Davidstow Moor 1535hrs. Musketry 4 Patrol. Aircraft patrolled together. The only sighting was the hospital ship Newfoundland which was photographed.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

P/O Meers proceeded to Leuchars on temporary duty with BABS flight.

P/O Fear reported for duty on posting from Gosport.

F/O Stephens returned to unit on completion of BABS course.

S/Ldr Bannerman A/G from HQs 19 Group visited the Squadron.

Three sergeant WOP/AGs reported for duty on posting.

Up 1525hrs. Down 2327hrs.

Up 1526hrs. Down 2330hrs.

Up 1527hrs. These aircraft flying in formation carried out an A/S and anti shipping patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Apart from five of our own surface craft and three Halifaxes, seen on return flight, nothing was sighted. Weather was good. Visibility 15-20 miles below cloud. Sea was choppy. Down 2324hrs.

24-06-1943

Weather, fair becoming fine. Visibility good.
C/HZ 351, K/HZ407, X/547 on Musketry no6. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1703hrs.Down 0045hrs.

Up 1705hrs. Down 2303hrs.

Up 1710hrs. An A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out in the Bay of Biscay by these aircraft in formation under the leadership of S/Ldr Garbett. The sortie was uneventful there being no sightings. Weather was fair but cloudy, 9/10ths SC being found at 600ft with tops 2500ft. The sea was choppy. Owing to weather conditions at base the formation was diverted to Exeter, returning to base the following afternoon. Down 0107hrs.

25-06-1943

Weather, overcast at first, slight drizzle, improvement later. Visibility poor becoming good.
L/HZ408, S, T/547 on Musketry nos 2,4,1 respectively. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 0527hrs.An anti shipping and A/S patrol was carried out in the Bay of Biscay. A promising contact was obtained but on closer investigation nothing was observed. Two unidentified aircraft flying on parallel tracks to L/547 seen. Weather poor and SE used. 9/10ths SC base 650ft tops 1300ft. Visibility half a mile, one and a half miles at 600ft. There was a slight swell. Down 1256hrs.

Up 1230hrs. Anti shipping and A/S flown in the Bay of Biscay by this aircraft. There were no sightings of enemy forces. One of ours seen and an unidentified aircraft which was flying on the same track as our aircraft and which dived into cloud on sighting S/547. Weather was cloudy with 10/10ths St at 500ft. Visibility good at 1000ft, sea choppy.

Up 1456hrs. A/S and anti shipping patrol flown in the Bay of Biscay. There were no sightings. Weather was fine in patrol area with extremely good visibility. Patrol flown at an average height of 3000ft. Down 2159hrs.

26-06-1943

Weather, fine at first, good visibility. Rest of the day fair.
F/Lt Pendleton [Equip] posted from Long Kesh.
S/Ldr Walkowski [Polish Chaplain] to London for conference.
H, P, X/547 on Musketry nos3, 1 and 2. H/547 sighted U-boat, 1449hrs. No attack possible. Other aircraft, nothing seen.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1225hrs. During an anti shipping and A/S patrol, carried out in the Bay of Biscay, the front gunner sighted the wake and periscope of a U-boat 100yds ahead on a course of 090 degrees/6 knots in position 47:45N – 11:11W. The U-boat crash dived. Baiting tactics were carried out but on return to scene of attack, though a careful search was made, nothing further was seen. The patrol was completed without further incidents. Patrol flown at an average hight of 1000ft. Weather fine, sea calm but visibility 3-6 miles owing to haze. Down 1955hrs.

Up 1457hrs. The usual A/S and anti shipping patrol was flown in the Bay of Biscay. There were no sightings. SE used for navigation only. Weather fair with thin stratus cloud at about 1000ft. Visibility 15 miles, sea slightly choppy. Down 2215hrs.

Up 1723hrs. Anti shipping and A/S patrol was flown in the Bay of Biscay. The area was covered without incidents. SE used for navigation only. Weather good but low lying haze, sea moderate and visibility up to 6 miles. Down 0045hrs.

27-06-1943

Weather, fine. Good visibility.
Q/547 on Musketry no3.
G/547 on Musketry no2.
K/HZ407/547 on Musketry no1. Sighted and attacked U-boat, results unknown.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O HJ McRae reported for duty on posting, Staff Nav N F/Lt post.

Up 0501hrs. A/S and anti shipping patrol flown in the Bay of Biscay. There were no sightings of enemy forces. Two of our convoys and one independent tanker sighted. The patrol was flown at an average height of 3000ft. Weather was fine, sea calm with slight swell and visibility about five miles at 2000ft. Down 1207hrs.

Up 0748hrs. At 1257hrs, when nearing the end of it's patrol, K/547, on a course of 102 degrees at 8000ft, a U-boat was sighted running with decks awash at 6 miles on a bearing of green 70 degrees, position 50:15N – 07:54W, steering 282 degrees T, 6 knots. K/547 lost height rapidly and when at 4000ft pilot put it into a straight dive. The aircraft had been detected by U-boat's crew and the U-boat started to dive when aircraft was down and one mile away. Finding that he would be unable to reach 50ft in time, the pilot made a steep turn at the end of which he attacked up the track of the U-boat dropping four DCs from 50ft spaced at 60ft, by which time the U-boat had submerged 28 seconds. Last DC was seen to explode about 40yds ahead of the swirl. The usual scum was seen after the attack, also a red tubular object about 6ft by 1ft. The pilot carried out a square search until ordered to commence homing, nothing was subsequently sighted. At first it was thought that two U-boats had been sighted as two distinct wakes were seen by two members of the crew and reports to that effect, which were later cancelled, were transmitted. Weather was fine but hazy in patches. Down 1533hrs.

Up 0957hrs. A combined anti shipping A/S was carried out over the allotted area in the Bay of Biscay. An unidentified aircraft heading northwards was seen at 1215hrs. There was nothing further to report. Weather was fine but considerable sea haze was experienced. Visibility 5 miles. Average height of patrol 5000ft. Down 1651hrs.

28-06-1943

Weather, fine ,hazy, visibility fairly good.
F/Lt Lee [A&SD] posted to HQCC.
P/547 on Musketry no4.
B/547 on Musketry no1.
N/547 on Musketry no2.
No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1230hrs. The patrol was completed without incident. There were no sightings. Weather was fine. Visibility 3-4 miles. SE used for navigation purposes only. Average height of patrol was 2000ft. Down 1916hrs.

Up 1457hrs. The allotted area was covered without incident. There were no sightings of enemy forces. Patrol flown at an average height of 3000ft. SE used for navigational purposes only. Weather fine, no cloud, calm sea and extremely good visibility. Down 2222hrs.

Up 1722hrs. Patrol completed without incidents. There were no sightings of enemy U-boats or surface vessels. Weather fine with a calm sea, visibility 8 miles. Patrol flown at an average height of 5000ft. SE used for navigational purposes only. Down 0047hrs.

29-06-1943

Weather, fine, hazy, very sunny.
F/O Cook, F/O Williams, P/O Humphries, F/O Wright, P/O Mc Cartney, F/O Livingstone, P/O Spraggs, F/O Couchman, S/Ldr Sissons, P/O Wordsworth, F/O Lynch all GD attached from Aldergrove [59 Sqdn].
F/O Instance returned from sick leave.
J/HE445 304 Sqdn swung on take off and hit a a ditch at Dale.
H/547 on Musketry no3.
S/547 on Musketry no4.
Q/547 on Musketry no4.
No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1230hrs. This aircraft was detailed to carry out the usual anti shipping and A/S patrol but had to abandon the patrol owing to hydraulic leak in rear turret. There were no sightings. Average height of patrol 2590ft. SE not used. Weather was fine but very hazy. Calm sea but visibility moderate. Down 1534hrs.

Up 1507. A/S and anti shipping patrol was flown without incident. Only sighting was one, empty, waterlogged lifeboat. Weather fine but hazy up to 2500ft, sea calm. Visibility 6-8 miles. Average height of patrol 2000ft. SE used for navigation only. Down 2205hrs.

30-06-1943

Weather, fine but hazy. Visibility good.
S/Ldr Walkowski [Polish Chaplain], London on duty.
F/Lt Busen- Smith [GD] posted to Blackpool.
L/HZ408/547 on Musketry no1. No sightings.
N/547 on Musketry no4, 1640hrs sighted and attacked U-boat. Estimated probable hits.
G/547 on Musketry patrol, diverted to investigate U-boat sighting. Nothing further seen.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Up 1724hrs. Allotted area was patrolled but no U-boat or enemy surface vessels were sighted. Average height of patrol 3000ft. Weather was fine but hazy. Visibility 6-8 miles. Sea choppy. Down 2106hrs.

Up 1228hrs. The usual A/S and anti shipping patrol was carried out. There were no sightings of enemy forces. Weather cloudy. Visibility 3-4 miles. Sea moderate. Average height of patrol 2900ft. Down 1943hrs.

Up 1503hrs. This aircraft was on an anti shipping and A/S patrol when at 1640hrs, in position 48:46N – 09:43W, whilst flying at 2000ft, a wake was sighted half a mile to port. Aircraft banked and lost height to 1500ft before periscope and CT of U-boat was observed. U -boat submerged before attack could be delivered. Oil and bubbles seen, marker dropped and aircraft commenced baiting tactics. Group however instructed pilot to carry out homing procedure. Whilst doing this a suspicious patch of bubbles was seen followed by a periscope three quarters of a mile away 90 degrees T. Aircraft manoeuvred into position and attacked up track of U-boat 20 seconds after it had submerged. 4 DC s were dropped from 50ft spaced at 60ft and aimed 80ft ahead of swirl. The periscope was seen again 10 seconds before the attack. Oil and bubbles were seen for 10 minutes after attack and 25 seconds later a black object appeared but submerged one and a half seconds later. A large increase in the oil and bubbles were seen after the attack at intervals along the track. Height of patrol 2000ft. Weather fine no cloud. Visibility 5 miles. Sea moderate. Down 2122hrs.

Summary

BABS COURSE, LOSSIEMOUTH

BABS, Beam Approach Beacon System was an automatic landing system developed in the early 1940s by Dr John Pringle, Hanbury Brown and EK Williams.

A transponder was mounted on a vehicle and placed at the end of the runway. It was interrogated by 'Rebecca' equipment in the aircraft and responded by transmitting dots on one side of the runway and dashes on the other. This response was received by two aerials mounted on the aircraft. The strength of the signal indicated the planes position relevant to the centre of the runway. The differences in the depth of modulation [strength] were detected by the aircraft's electronics and displayed on an cathode ray tube [CRT] in a form that showed range and direction and enabled the navigator to indicate to the pilot whether he should adjust his approach left, right, up or down.

Note:

June saw both 304 and 547 Squadrons on anti shipping and anti submarine patrols. One of the aircrew with 547 Squadron was Flying Officer Geoffrey Jolliffe. I was first in touch with him in 1988 when I arranged a reunion of Davidstow personnel at the Wellington Hotel in Boscastle. On 28 November 1988 Geoffrey told me of his times flying as a bomb aimer navigator. He said that he took part in many sorties with his 'good friend W/Cdr RN McKern, long since gone to fly in skies bright and new'. He recounted stories of snipe shooting on the moors at Davidstow for the officers mess and times at the Wellington Hotel in Boscastle where Mrs Dorothy Stock kept open house for Davidstow's aircrews. He referred to her as 'Dear Mummy Stock' and said they all owed so much to both her and her daughter Peggy. Geoffrey met his wife Gerry Harvey in Boscastle where she had been evacuated with the Ginner Mawer School. Like Geoffrey both Dorothy and her daughter, Peggy, spoke to me with great affection for the times they all spent together. It is quite clear that very special friendships were formed from such difficult times.

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