ORB - July 1943

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During July 1943 the Musketry Day Patrol area continued to be flown by 304 and 547 Squadrons.

304 Squadron:

304 [Silesian] Light Bomber Squadron was officially formed at Bramcote on 22 August 1940. The majority of it's Polish personnel were French Poles, those who had served with the French forces prior to the capitulation of France. It was the first French-Polish Squadron to be formed. The Squadron had an ancillary establishment of British personnel. Their first Commanding Officer was W/Cdr Bialy and W/Cdr WM Graham was British advisor. The unit was equipped with Wellington aircraft in December 1940. Their first combat mission was on the night of 24/25 April 1941 to bomb fuel dumps at Rotterdam. The Squadron built considerable experience over it's first year. On 10 May 1942 304 Squadron was reassigned to Coastal Command and the Squadron underwent the transition from the Battle of Germany to the Battle of the Atlantic. On 10 June 1943 they arrived at RAF Davidstow Moor with a great deal of experience behind them.

Their first impression of Davidstow was not good. They found the weather bad and the airfield swampy and full of mud and one of them described to me the wire netting that was laid alongside the runways to stop aircraft sinking into the mud should they run off. The Squadron was to be re-equipped with specialised Wellington Mk XIIIs and the latest specially adapted version of radar apparatus for detecting enemy submarines. One of the aircraft had a prototype kit installed to detect submerged U-boats, a Magnetic Anomaly Detector [MAD]. The area of operation in the Bay of Biscay was becoming more dangerous as the Luftwaffe had relocated a large force to Europe from Africa after the fall of Tunisia. Many of these aircraft joined the Battle of the Atlantic. In quick succession 304 Squadron lost several aircraft. July was to be a difficult month for them.

59 Squadron:

59 Squadron based at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland was detached to RAF Davidstow Moor this month for long range convoy escort duties. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest running military campaign of WW2 from 3 September 1939 to 7 May 1945. It pitted the German Navy and U-boat fleets against the allied convoys from the South Atlantic and North America to the UK and Russia. These convoys were protected by British and Canadian navies and air forces and later aided by US ships and aircraft. The climax of the campaign came in March to May 1943. May became known by the U-boat arm as Black May. During this month they lost 41 U-boats, one quarter of their operational fleet. June 1943 had seen the Royal Navy change the convoy codes making them secure against the German B-service. British Ultra work was fully integrated into the Admiralty U-boat Tracking Room. An almost complete picture of German Navy and U-boat operations was available. During June not one North Atlantic convoy had been attacked. RAF Davidstow Moor had played it's part in the anti U-boat campaign and in July 59 Squadron continued on convoy escort duties, helping to protect vital supplies to and from the UK.

Combined Operations were about to commence for the invasion of Sicily [operation HUSKY], 9-10 July 1943. Preparatory bomber attacks had hit air bases on Sicily, Sardinia and mainland Italy and an invasion fleet of 2500 vessels headed for the south of Sicily. 59 Squadron formed part of the escort to military fast convoy MFK18 which had provided cover during the assault phase of the landings at Bark Beach. MFK18 left Malta on 11 July 1943 and returned to the Clyde on 23 July 1943.

01-07-1943

Weather, fine, increasingly cloudy. Visibility moderate to good.
F/O Wright [Ops] to PDC Blackpool.
Operations, G,C,S/547 on Musketry nos 3,4,1. No sightings.
Three A/C 59 Squadron attached from Aldergrove to operate from Davidstow Moor.
One A/C 59 Squadron on convoy escort.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

Take off D/M 1038hrs, on escort to convoy KMF18. Met convoy and escorted for 7hrs 43mins in region 45:33N – 16W. Landed D/M 0249hrs 2/7/43.

DM/02/2nd July. PL/G1/30.

NOTE: Convoy KMF18, accompanied by amongst others the cruiser HMS Columbo for Algiers. KMF, K denoting departure from UK, M denoting destination Gibraltar, F denoting that this was a 'fast' convoy.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr KTP Terry and crew - Carried out low level bombing at Chivenor
F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Carried out low level bombing at Chivenor
F/O WGJ Wallace and crew - Carried out low level bombing at Chivenor
F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - Carried out low level bombing at Chivenor
F/O HR Nicholls and crew - Flew air test
F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew air test
F/O WGJ Wallace and crew - Flew air test
F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Carried out low level bombing at Davidstow Moor

F/Lt D Dennis - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
F/O SJ Stephenson - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
P/O K Scotchmer - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
P/O PJ Metke - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
F/O AG Perrin - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
P/O RA Wilson - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
P/O K Harrison - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor
F/O RP Archibald - Posted from Silloth to Davidstow Moor

Up 1230hrs. The area was patrolled without incidents. Average height of patrol 1500ft. SE not used. Weather fine, calm sea, visibility 8 miles. Down 1955hrs.

Up 1508hrs. The area was patrolled but there were no sightings of enemy U-boats or vessels. Average height of patrol 1000ft. SE used for navigational purposes only. Weather fair, sea calm, visibility 6 miles. Down 2218hrs.

02-07-1943

Weather fine. Good visibility.
Operations, B/59 on convoy escort duty.
A,B,F/304 on Musketry 3,1,5. No sightings.
N,K/547 on Musketry 3,4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0220hrs on escort to convoy KMF18. Convoy met and escorted for 6hrs 36mins to approximate position 42:30N – 15:20W. Landed D/M 1936hrs.

DM/05/2July. PL/G5/1July.

NOTE: Convoy KMF, K=UK, M=Gibraltar, F=fast.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HZ258/A - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0345hrs. Nothing sighted. Landed D/M 1112hrs.

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 0447hrs. Convoy sighted at 0502hrs. Nothing further seen. Landed D/M 1228hrs.

Wellington X HZ268/F - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 1337hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2113hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O WGJ Wallace and crew - DTC procedure
F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew air test

F/O C Millar - To Holmesly South on attachment
F/O AM Austin - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor
F/O HR Nicholls - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor
F/O JW Thwaites - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor
F/O JR Lewin - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor
F/O A Fisher - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor
F/O J Whyte - By air from Talbenny to Davidstow Moor

Up 1232hrs. The patrol was completed over the area but there were no sightings of enemy submarines or surface vessels. Average height of patrol 4000ft. SE was used for navigation. Weather good but low lying haze, sea slightly choppy. Visibility 5 to 6 miles. Down 2009hrs.

Up 1455hrs. The area was patrolled without incident. Average height of patrol 3000ft. SE was used for navigation. Weather very good but slight haze, sea calm, visibility 3 miles 1955hrs. Down 2124hrs.

Up 1720hrs. Patrol completed but apart from a large patch of oil 400yds by 200yds nothing was sighted. Average height of patrol 1000ft. SE used for navigation. Weather dull and hazy, sea choppy, visibility 6 miles.

03-07-1943

Weather fine. Visibility fairly good.
Operations, G,T,Q on Musketry nos 2,3,5. No sightings.
G/304 presumed lost.
X,G/547 on Musketry nos 4,1. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Airborne D/M 0505hrs. A third class fix was obtained by this aircraft from position 49.13N – 04.22W at 1107hrs after which no further contact has been received from this aircraft which is now reported as missing.

NOTE: HZ575/G was shot down by German fighters 40 miles NW Brest. The whole crew perished.

Wellington XIII HZ642/J - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1345hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2132hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ647/Q - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 1500hrs. Sighted destroyer at 2021hrs and two further destroyers and a hospital ship believed AMARAPOORA at 2044hrs. Nothing further to report. Landed D/M 2157hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

P/O JW Hermiston and crew - Flew to RAF Chivenor
Sgt F Clark and crew - Low level bombing
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Flew air test and low level bombing

NOTE: The Bombing Range for Davidstow Moor was in the bay off Port Quinn and used for air to sea firing. The three trig points were at Treligga Head, Tynes and Port Quinn.

Up 1222hrs. Patrol was completed but nothing was sighted. Average height of patrol 400ft. SE used for navigation. Weather fine, visibility 5 miles, sea moderate. Down 1904hrs.

Up 1448hrs. Patrol completed without any sightings of enemy U-boats or surface vessels. SE not used. Weather fine but hazy, visibility extremely poor, light swell. Down 2225hrs.

04-07-1943

Weather, mist and hill fog. Visibility poor but improving later.
W/C Laws [GD] visiting on duty, HQCC. P/O Hurll [A & SD] to St Eval, ceased attachment.
Operations, K,G,A/304 on Musketry nos 5,2,4. No sightings.
N,K,G/547 on Musketry nos 4,2,3. No sightings.
S/547 Squadron, convoy escort.

US 8th AAF Independence Day.

B17 Fortress Bomb Groups of the US 8th Army Air Force arrived at RAF Davidstow Moor following a three pronged attack against targets in France at Le Mans, Nantes and La Pallice. All serviceable aircraft were used in this Mission [No. 71] . The combined force of 275 x B17 aircraft was from the 92nd , 94th, 95th, 96th, 100th, 305th and 306th Bomb Groups. 121 aircraft attacked Le Mans and returned across the channel. 71 Fortresses bombed Nantes and then flew out to the west coast where they joined a further 83 aircraft that had attacked La Pallice. Some of the aircraft returned directly to their home bases. 103 aircraft in need of repair or refuelling made for Cornwall. Although the station Operational Record Book makes no mention of the arrival of these aircraft I have talked to several people who remember their coming.

Jack Colwill lived just within the station perimeter as a schoolboy at the time. I talked to him many, many times about his memories of the airfield and found his recall of events to be amazing and borne out years later by my researches in official records. Jack described this as the day when the sky was black with Fortresses. He said they came in during the afternoon and filled the air with noise. After they were down safely on the ground there wasn't a spare inch of tarmac. They were parked all over the place. Even the out of wind runways were used to park them on.

Wesley Mills was in his last term at Delabole School. He said:

'I remember one afternoon in the summer of 1943. We had had our lunch break and were all back in class hard at our lessons. The air started to fill with the noise of aero engines. At first it was a case for those of us interested in aircraft to look up out of the windows to see if we could spy the aircraft going over. It was something we kids had got used to over the last few months. When they opened Davidstow airfield the aircraft using the east/west runway regularly came over Delabole. This day however, instead of a small gaggle of aircraft coming over, the noise got louder and louder and didn't diminish. It kept on and on. The sunlight was flickering like a coal fire as aircraft after aircraft went over. We kids knew they were Fortresses. The noise of their engines became so persistent that the teachers had to give up talking and we were all allowed to go outside and watch. To say that the sky was darkened with the number of Fortresses going over into Davidstow is, with hindsight, a little over the top but at the time they seemed never ending.'

Valerie Billington nee Eskell was posted to the Dental Section at Trewassa Hospital, RAF Davidstow Moor, at the beginning of June 1943. She tells of a bright, sunny afternoon. She was cleaning up the surgery after a dental appointment. She became aware of aircraft flying over. It was nothing for her to get excited about. Aircraft routinely flew over the hospital to land on No. 1 or No. 2 runway. Suddenly the Dental Surgeon rushed in shouting at her to come outside as she wasn't to see the like of it again. Outside she said the air was vibrating to the sound of many aero engines. Her colleague was excitingly waving his arms about and saying, 'Look! Look!' The sky seemed full of American Flying Fortresses. The aircraft were everywhere. Looking towards the airfield she could see them landing one after another, the sunlight glinting off their wings as they landed. It seemed like forever before the last of them was safely down and the noise of aero engines stopped. Peace returned to the airfield at last and she returned to work.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

P/O/ MN Black and F/O RV Macdonald were detached to Davidstow Moor wef 4/7/43.

T/O D/M 0333hrs on escort to convoy KMF18. Met convoy and escorted for 8hrs 54mins to position 48:25N – 15:15W. Landed D/M 1954hrs.

DM/03/4July. PL/G5/3July.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 0432hrs. At 0650hrs three indistinct objects believed to be timbers and in the vicinity a small patch of oil was observed. Sighted sloop at 0815hrs. Landed D/M 1133hrs.

Wellington X HE304/C Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 0524hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1254hrs.

Wellington X HX258/A Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1422hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2052hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew air test
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Flew air test
F/O S Whyte and crew - Flew air test
F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - Flew to and returned from Talbenny
Sgt HB La Costa and crew - Low level bombing
F/Lt D Dews and crew - Low level bombing

Up 1228hrs. The area was patrolled without any sightings of enemy U-boats or surface vessels. Two empty dinghies and one ships raft sighted but nothing else observed. SE was used for navigation. Average height of patrol 500ft. Weather very hazy except at south west point of patrol, sea calm, visibility 20 miles. Down 1938hrs.

Up 1455hrs. The area was patrolled without incident. A streak of bubbles was seen and investigated but nothing further was observed. SE not used. Patrol flown at an average height of 500ft. Weather good but hazy throughout. Visibility 6 miles, sea choppy. Down 2225hrs.

Up 1456hrs. Patrol was completed. There were no sightings of enemy forces. A square life raft with what appeared to be one occupant was sighted in position 50:04N – 08:03W. SE not used. Average height of patrol 800ft. Weather fair. Visibility 6 – 8 miles. Sea choppy. Down 2223hrs.

05-07-1943

Weather, cloudy, gradually lifting. Visibility poor but becoming good.
F/Lt Busen-Schmitz [Eng] from Blackpool, attached.
F/Lt Baird [Ops] attached temporary duty.
F/Lt Nowik [GD] from 16 Group.
F/Lt Orwordanka from 16 Group.
W/C Laws [GD] returned to St Eval.
F/Lt Walkowski [Chaplain] to Meltisham, temporary duty.
F/O Brooks [A & SD] to Dunkeswell, detached pending posting.
Operations, A/59 Squadron on convoy escort, cancelled Aldergrove.
P,H,C/547 on Musketry nos 4,2,1. No sightings.
Q,Y,T/304 on Musketry nos 1,5,3. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0242hrs on escort to 202 LV/W4/2. Met convoy and escorted for 5hrs 57mins to position 42:21N – 15:58W. Landed Aldergrove as instructed owing to auto-pilot failure. Landed 1930hrs.

Ald/05/5July. PL/G6/4July.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ647/Q - Musketry Patrol No. 1

Airborne D/M 0401hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1143hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ646/Y - Musketry Patrol No. 5

Airborne D/M 1317hrs. Only sighting was a corvette and a frigate 15 miles to starboard at 2006hrs. Landed D/M 2144hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ642/J - Musketry Patrol No. 4

Airborne D/M 1502hrs. Corvette and frigate sighted about 10 miles to port at 2110hrs. Landed D/M 2227hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr KTP Terry and crew - Flew air test
F/Lt D Dews and crew - Low flying over sea
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low flying over sea
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Low flying over sea
F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Flew to Talbenny and returned
F/Lt D Dews and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low level bombing
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB La Costa and crew - Low level bombing

Up 1225hrs. Patrol of area was completed though at one time captain decided to abandon owing to fuel stoppage and had set course for base. A small boat or ships raft with what appeared to be two life jackets was sighted but nothing was observed. SE used for navigation. Patrol flown at an average height of 1100ft – 1200ft. Weather fine. Visibility 15 miles, sea calm. Down 1941hrs.

Up 1452hrs. Patrol was completed but there were no sign of enemy forces. SE not used. Average height of patrol 400ft. Weather fair but cloudy with slight showers in south of patrol area. Visibility 16 miles, slight swell. Down 2149hrs.

06-07-1943

Weather, fair periods, occasional showers. Visibility good.
Operations, S,N,K/547 on Musketry nos 4,4,3. No sightings.
K,C,A/304 on Musketry No. 1,2,4. No sightings.
S,V/59 Squadron on convoy escort.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 1215hrs on escort to convoy XK10. Convoy met and escorted for 5hrs to position 40:58N – 12:01W.Landed D/M 0417hrs 7/7/43.

DM/02/7July. PL/G7/5July.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HZ258/A - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 0445hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1128hrs.

Wellington X HE304/C - Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 0505hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1153hrs.

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1427hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2144hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Flew air test
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
F/Lt D Dews and crew - Low level bombing
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt F Clark and crew - Flew to Talbenny
F/O WGC Wallace and crew - Flew to Talbenny

Up 1731hrs. Patrol completed. There were no sightings of enemy forces. Two unidentified lights were seen in position 49:48N – 07:15W and although an attempt was made to trace source the lights were extinguished and nothing else was seen. SE not used. Average height of patrol 500ft. Weather variable with drizzle on the return journey, sea calm. Visibility 8 miles. Down 0107hrs.

07-07-1943

Weather, occasional squally showers, fair periods in afternoon. Visibility good.
S/Ldr[?] Walkowski [Chaplain] returned from Meltisham.
S/Ldr Werakro [GD] posted from Blackpool.
P/O Green [GD] to Chivenor, rejoining unit.
F/Lt Lee [Tech] attached to Gosport.
Operations, W,P,U/304 on Musketry 4,3,5. No sightings.
B,H/59 Squadron, convoy escort.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0239hrs on escort to convoy XK10. Met and escorted for 5hrs 56mins to position 42N – 12:03W. Landed D/M 1910hrs.

DM/04/7July. PL/G2/6July

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ640/W - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0503hrs. Nothing sighted. Landed D/M 1233hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ638/P - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1457hrs. Hampden sighted at 1611hrs. Wellington sighted 1621hrs. Whitley seen at 1706hrs. At 1901hrs French tunneyman sighted. One of five in vessel showing V sign whilst aircraft circled. Sunderland seen at 1905hrs. Landed D/M 2251hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ641/U - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 1559hrs. Hampden, Wellington and Whitley aircraft sighted at various times. At 1900hrs one square raft, yellow/green. No sign of life. Landed D/M 2113hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O JC Mullins and crew - Flew to Talbenny
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
F/Lt D Dews and crew - Low level bombing

Up 1447hrs. Area was patrolled as per instructions. There were no sightings of U-boats or enemy surface vessels. Average height of patrol 500ft. SE used for navigation only. Weather fair to fine. Calm sea. Visibility 15 to 20 miles. Down 2215 hrs.

08-07-1943

Weather, fair to cloudy, scattered showers. Visibility good.
Operations, A,B,K/304 on Musketry nos 1,3,4. A/304 sighted and attacked a U-boat, result unknown.
C,V,K/547 on Musketry nos 3,1,4. No sightings.
B/59 Squadron on convoy escort.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0254hrs on escort to convoy XK10. Met convoy and escorted for 7hrs 29 mins to position 45N – 13W. Landed D/M 1938hrs.

DM/08/8July. PL/G1/7July.

NOTE: Convoy XK10 was travelling from Gibraltar [X] to the UK [K].

T/O D/M 1047hrs on escort to convoy XK10. Convoy met and escorted for 6hrs 59mins to position 43:15N – 13W. Landed DM 0401hrs 9/7/43.

DM/04/8July. PL/G2/6July.

NOTE: Convoy XK10 was travelling from Gibraltar [X] to the UK [K].

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 0355hrs. Sunderland observed at 0715hrs. Two unidentified twin engined fighters, one at 2000ft and the other at 1000ft seen at 1010hrs. Nothing further sighted. Landed D/M 1111hrs.

Wellington X HZ258/A - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0454hrs. At 0810hrs while flying at 500ft on course 184' T crew sighted a fully surfaced U-boat 4 miles distant, bearing 134' T, on course 270' T, speed 10 knots. K/304 commenced to attack and as it approached the U-boat the front gunner opened fire. Hits were not observed as U-boat commenced to submerge. 7 Torpex D/Cs were dropped from 50ft, spanned 60ft across the swirl of the U-boat about 20' from the starboard bow to the port quarter. The U-boat submerged in about 6 seconds. All D/C s were seen to explode by the rear gunner, two in front of the swirl, one in the swirl. The rear gunner saw pieces of wreckage thrown up. A/304 flew over the scene of the attack again but only DC scum was visible. A/C searched the area for a further 22 minutes before setting course for base. Landed D/M 1159hrs.

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1527hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2245hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew air test
F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew formation practice flights with W/O KJH Edmunds and crew
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Flew formation practice flights with F/Sgt P Cherry and crew

Up 1724hrs. The usual A/S patrol was carried out over the area. There were no sightings of enemy forces. A circular patch with streak tapering off about 400yds long and 20 yds wide was sighted and investigated but nothing else was observed. Average height of patrol 500ft. SE used for navigation only. Weather poor frontal conditions developing over the area. Sea moderate. Visibility 15 to 20 miles on fringe of front. Down 0017hrs.

09-07-1943

Weather, cloudy. Good visibility. P/O Davey [Tech] from HQCC.
Mr Thomas [Met] posted to Talbenny.
Operations, R,T,W/304 on Musketry nos 3,4,2. No sightings.
H/59 Squadron on convoy escort.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 1539hrs on escort to KMS20 & OS51. Met convoys and escorted for 3hrs 38mins to position 44:12N – 14W. Landed D/M 0316hrs 10/7/43.

DM/02/10July. PL/G5/8July.

NOTE: Convoys OS51 and KMS20 had left Liverpool on 4 July 1943 . OS51 was bound for Freetown and KMS20 for Gibraltar. The convoy was escorted by HM Corvettes Coltsfoot, Azalea, Geranium, Mignonette and Balsam. The convoy separated on 13 July 1943.

OS 51 was made up of 15 vessels carrying coal, fuel, planes, chemicals and general stores. The convoy included the boom defence ships HMS Barcock and HMS Barspear together with patrol vessel HMS Maid Marion. The convoy arrived in Freetown on 23 July 1943. En route, on 15 July 1943, it was attacked by U135. During the attack U135 was rammed and sunk. 41 of the crew were taken prisoner. The vessel Twickenham suffered damage during the incident.

KMS20 was made up of 42 vessels carrying coal, coke, ammunition, planes, vehicles, transport, a rescue tug, general and toxic stores. The convoy arrived in Gibraltar on 14 July 1943.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ642/T [or possibly J] - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1401hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2028hrs.

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1532hrs. Patrol curtailed owing to rear turret trouble. Landed D/M 1740hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ640/W - Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 1702hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 0047hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

W/Cdr RN McKern and F/Sgt RJ West and crew - Flew a flight check

10-07-1943

Weather, cloudy, rain and drizzle.
F/Lt Gorst [Int] returned from course.
S/Ldr Milewski [A & SD] from Starmington.
F/O Pople [A & SD] from Sumburgh.
Operations nil.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 0206hrs on escort to KMS20 & OS51. Met and escorted for 4hrs 39mins to position 43N – 15W. At 0824hrs, SE [radar] contact 010/RED, 15 miles distant. Captain dived aircraft towards U-boat which crash dived and appeared to alter course 20' to port. Aircraft crossed ahead of swirl and dropped 4 DCs about 1 – 2 swirl lengths ahead of diving swirl. Last DC exploded about 170ft ahead of the apex of the swirl. No results seen. Landed Aldergrove 1840hrs.

ALD/01/10July. PL/G6/9July.

NOTE: For convoy details see entry for 09-07-43. (Click to find entry)

11-07-1943

Weather, rain, fog. Visibility poor.
S/Ldr Mason [Ops] to Holmsley South on duty.
Operations nil.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O RB Charles - Posted to Benbecula by rail and sea

12-07-1943

Weather, rain and drizzle, fog, improving later. Visibility good.
S/Ldr Mason [Ops] Returned from Holmsley South.
F/Lt Jaskolski [Sigs] from Farnborough, temporary duty.
F/Lt Michaelson [Ops] to PDC West Kirby, overseas.
Operations, C,P,H/547 on Musketry nos 1,4,3. No sightings.
E,K,C/304 on Musketry nos 2,1,4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 1350hrs. At 1610hrs the Captain decided to return early owing to signals failure. Landed D/M 1825hrs.

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 1549hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2254hrs.

Wellington X HE304/C - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1657hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 0040hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O TG Dixon and crew - Flew air test
F/O S Whyte and crew - Flew air test
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Bombing and air to sea firing
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Bombing and air to sea firing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Bombing and air to sea firing
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Bombing and air to sea firing
F/Sgt RJ West and crew - Flew to Talbenny
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Flew to Talbenny

Up 1003hrs. Area patrolled as instructed. An unidentified aircraft was sighted in position 45:27N – 10:38W, flying at 800ft on course 196 degrees T, 2 miles distant. Nothing further seen. Visibility hazy but unlimited. Weather fair. Down 1713hrs.

Up 1139hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed. Nothing to report. Weather dull, sea choppy. Average height of patrol 300ft. Down 1817hrs.

Up 1217hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed. No incidents to report. Weather fair. Average height of patrol 500ft. Down 1929hrs.

13-07-1943

Weather, occasional showers, cloudy remainder of day. Visibility good except in showers.
F/Lt Pitt [Ops] from 19 Group, posted.
Operations, T,X,K/547 on Musketry Patrols. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol.

Airborne D/M 1353hrs. A number of unidentifiable and friendly aircraft seen during patrol but no other sightings. Landed D/M 2122hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ638/P - Musketry Patrol.

Airborne D/M 1512hrs. At 1650hrs a radio message was received ordering P/304 to cooperate with U-boat hunting vessels in position 49:02N – 09:14W. Various searching aircraft were met but no E/V sighted. At 1910hrs a square raft was sighted with no sign of life. Landed D/M 2320hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ646/Y - Musketry Patrol.

Airborne D/M 1808hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 0153hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Flew to Talbenny
F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Flew to Talbenny
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Flew to Talbenny
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low level bombing

F/O LMN Brockwell - To No. 4 APC Talbenny
P/O SW Gentle - To No. 4 APC Talbenny

Up 0919hrs. At 1224hrs intercepted message from A/C giving position of U-boat and surface craft at 45:06N – 09:13W. Sighted four sloops and dinghy with four survivors. Patch of oil in vicinity. Catalina aircraft operating. T/547 circled and dropped smoke floats. S/C base when E/V arrived. Weather fair in south. Average patrol height 500ft. Down 1651hrs.

Up 1049hrs. One Irish M/V 'MENAPIA' in position 46:42N – 07:44W. Patrol carried out as instructed. Average height of patrol 500ft. Weather fine.

Up 1220hrs. Sighted a number of swirls and large disturbances in water in position 45:51N – 07:04W. K/547 dived to attack and sent 46J but decided disturbance due to fish and cancelled sighting signal. Nothing further seen. Average height of patrol 400ft. Good visibility, intermittent rain. Down 1912hrs.

14-07-1943

Weather, fair. Good visibility, becoming cloudy. Rain, mist and fog remainder of day.
Operations, C/547 on Musketry Patrol. Recalled at 1008hrs, weather.
Other sorties cancelled.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - Low level bombing and gunnery
F/O HR Nicholls and crew - Low level bombing and gunnery
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Low level bombing and gunnery
F/O DP Stephens and crew - Low level bombing and gunnery

Up 0914hrs. Recalled early to base 1008hrs. Owing to weather at base. Jettisoned D/Cs in position 50:38N – 06:03W. Owing to mechanical defect. Down ?

15-07-1943

Weather, rain, fog, mist. Visibility nil.
F/Lt Jaskolski [Sigs] to Perranporth, temporary duty.
Operations nil.

16-07-1943

Weather, fog in morning, becoming fine and mainly fair. Visibility good later.
F/O Gordon [A&SD] posted to Dunkeswell.
Operations, X,K,L/547 on Musketry nos 3,2,1. No sightings.
B,A,C/547 on Musketry nos 4,3,2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1351hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2050hrs.

Wellington X HZ258/A - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1525hrs. Nothing to report. Reached PLE at 1910hrs. Landed D/M 2237hrs.

Airborne D/M 1701hrs. SOS signal was picked up from C/304 at 0001hrs and second class fixes obtained at 0019hrs and 0035hrs. Nothing more was heard of C/304 and it was reported missing. The crew returned safely to their unit after having made parachute landings in Eire after the aircraft ran out of fuel.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O R Burnett and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - Low level bombing
W/O R Bottomley and crew - Low level bombing
F/O DP Stephens and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt VC Mygind and crew - Low level bombing

F/O G Millar Returned Davidstow Moor from Holmsley South

Up 0918hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed. Nothing to report. Weather fair. Average height of patrol 500ft. Down 1628hrs.

Up 1058hrs. Patrol carried out in fair weather at 500ft. Nothing to report. Down 1808hrs.

Up 1229hrs. At 1424hrs sighted empty rectangular raft, 6 uprights and mast, stepped tent like structure in one corner. Nothing further seen. Weather very dull in patrol area. Down 2008hrs.

17-07-1943

Weather, fog and drizzle becoming fair later. Thunderstorms until midnight. Visibility good.
S/O Ferguson [C&C] posted from Limavady.
Operations, D/304, U/304, W/304 on ASR. No sightings.
C,G,R/547 Musketry nos 4,3,1. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ640/W

Airborne D/M 0723hrs. ASR to search for C/304. Landed Aberporth 1530hrs. Landed D/M 2028hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ/641/U

Airborne D/M 0730hrs. ASR to search for C/304. Landed at Dale1035hrs.

Wellington X HE494/D

Airborne D/M 0732hrs. ASR to search for C/304. Landed D/M 1035hrs.

REPORT: Missing aircraft HE/304C 304 Squadron and ASR flights.
The above three crews took off to search for Wellington C/304 which had gone missing earlier in the morning. The searching aircraft were unable to complete the search owing to bad visibility. All three crews had to land away from base to refuel before returning. Crew C/304 had abandoned their aircraft over Eire when it ran out of fuel.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O DP Stephens and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt VC Mygind and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - Low level bombing

F/O GR Millar - To Dunkeswell on attachment

Up 0915hrs. Patrol carried out according to instructions at average height of 800ft. Intermittent heavy rain and poor visibility with low cloud in patrol area.

Up 1048hrs. Patrol carried out without incident. Sea fog and poor visibility in patrol area. Average height of patrol 1000ft/1500ft. Down 1832hrs.

Up 1220hrs. Intercepted first sighting report from 5 SAP but nothing seen. Patrol carried out as instructed at height of 1000ft. Weather fair at limit of patrol. Down 1949hrs.

18-07-1943

Weather, cloudy all day, rain in evening. Visibility moderate.
F/O McCutcheon [GD] posted to Chivenor.
P/O Norlett [GD] posted to Chivenor.
Operations nil.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr HN Garbett and crew - Air test

19-07-1943

Weather, fog early morning, rain throughout day. Visibility poor.
F/Lt McAra [GD] posted from 58 Squadron.
Operations, L,X/547 on Musketry No. 1 and 4. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O RL DeBunsen - From Benbecula on posting by rail and sea

Up 0907hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed at average height of 1000ft. Weather fair between showers in patrol area. Diverted to Chivenor owing to weather at base. Down Chivenor 1708hrs.

Up 1138hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 2000ft. Weather showery in patrol area. Down 1919hrs.

20-07-1943

Weather, low cloud, gradually lifting. Moderate visibility.
W/Cdr Johnson [GD] visiting from 19 Group.
F/O Hall, P/O Swierzynski, F/O Wright, F/O Emmett, F/O Livingstone, P/O Spraggs, P/O McCartney, F/Lt Heron returned to Aldergrove on cessation of attachment.
Operations, P,C,N/547 on Musketry nos 1,4,3 reversed. No sightings.
T/59 Squadron on convoy escort.
T,R/304 on Musketry nos 2 and 1 reversed. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

T/O D/M 1231hrs on escort to convoy MKF18. Met convoy and escorted for 5hrs 45mins. Diverted to St Eval owing to deteriorating weather. Landed St Eval 0450hrs 21/7/43.

StE/04 21July. LV/G3/19July.

T/O ALD 0130hrs on escort to convoy MKF18. Met convoy and escorted for 3hrs 41mins to position 43:23N – 20:30W. Landed D/M 1740hrs.

DM/03/20July. LV/G3/19July.

NOTE: Convoy MKF18 was travelling from Malta to the Clyde. [M=Malta, K=UK, F signifies a fast convoy]. The convoy had been part of the assault landings on Sicily and part of a larger military convoy to Bark Beach Head. On the return journey the convoy was joined by SL133 from Freetown. The convoy was made up of 13 British and Dutch ships.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE576/K airborne D/M 1527hrs. Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2314hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ642/J airborne D/M 1553hrs. Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2150hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr KTP Terry and crew - To Leuchars and return
F/O DP Stephens and crew - Air test
P/O JW Hermiston and crew - Flew to RAF Chivenor
Sgt F Clark and crew - Low level bombing
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Flew air test and low level bombing
F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - To Chivenor and return
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - To Chivenor and return
Sgt VC Mygind and crew - Air test

S/Ldr KTP Terry - To Leuchars on BABS course

Up 0948hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed at average height of 500ft. Weather fair on patrol. Down 1708hrs.

Up 1047hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 800ft. Weather dull in patrol area. Down 1729hrs.

Up 1222hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 1000ft. Nothing to report. Weather cloudy in area. Down 1934hrs.

21-07-1943

Weather, cloudy, intermittent rain and drizzle. Visibility moderate.
F/Lt Owsianka [Eng] attached from Manby.
Operations, S/304 on Musketry No. 4. No sightings.
X,G,V/547 on Musketry nos 4,2,1. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

P/O Swierzynski detached to Davidstow Moor wef 16/7/43.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ574/S airborne D/M 1656hrs. Musketry Patrol No. 3.

Nothing to report. Landed D/M 0030hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

P/O PR Archibald - To Chivenor on posting

Up 0913hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 500ft. Nothing to report. Diverted to Chivenor owing to weather at base. Down Chivenor 1705hrs.

Up 1049hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed at average height of 1500ft. Nothing to report. Diverted to Chivenor owing to weather at base. Down Chivenor 1836hrs.

Up 1225hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed at average height of 800ft. Diverted to Chivenor but landed St Eval owing to fuel shortage. Weather improving at extremity of patrol. Down St Eval 2102hrs.

22-07-1943

Weather, fair or cloudy, slight mist. Visibility 3-4 miles.
S/Ldr Walkowski [Chaplain] to Perranporth, duty.
Operations, T,H,P/547 on Musketry nos 5,1,2. No sightings.
A,B,K/304 on Musketry nos 4,2,3. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HZ258/A. Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1357hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2127hrs.

Wellington X HE302/B. Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 1536hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 2242hrs.

Wellington X HE576/K. Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 1707hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 0007hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - W/T homing exercise
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - W/T homing exercise
W/O KJH Edmunds and crew - W/T homing exercise
S/Ldr HN Garbett and crew - W/T homing exercise

F/Lt D Dennis - To Chivenor on posting
P/O PJ Metke - To Chivenor on posting
F/O AG Perrin - To Chivenor on posting
P/O K Scotchmer - To Chivenor on posting
F/O SJ Stephenson - To Chivenor on posting
F/O TG Dixon - To Talbenny for No. 4 APC course
F/O JE Holmstead - To Talbenny for No. 4 APC course
F/O GB Mercer - To Talbenny for No. 4 APC course

Up 0916hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 800ft. Empty waterlogged lifeboat sighted at position 49:03N – 11:24W. Also empty raft and large quantity of timber in position 49:27N – 10:32W. Weather fair but visibility poor in patrol area. Down 1650hrs.

Up 1046hrs. Patrol carried out according to instructions. Three two funnelled destroyers sighted in position 44:32N – 09:09W. Weather misty throughout patrol. Down 1811hrs.

Up 1222hrs. Patrol carried out according to instructions. Sighted M/Vs, Eire markings, in position 46:05N – 10:11W. Down 2008hrs.

23-07-1943

Weather, low cloud, fog patches, hazy conditions. Visibility moderate.
Operations nil.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O TH Solinsky - To Leuchars on BABS course

24-07-1943

Weather, cloudy, poor visibility. Improving later.
Operations, R,W,S,P/304 on Musketry nos 5,3,1,4. No sightings.
C,H,V/547 on Musketry nos 4,2,3. 1736hrs V/547 sighted and attacked U-boat, violent explosion, survivors seen in water.

Forms 540/541 59 Squadron:

F/O KRN Emmett detached to Davidstow Moor w.e.f. 16/7/43.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 0749hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1547hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ640/W - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0757hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1602hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ638/P - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 0801hrs. At 0936hrs oil patch 500yds wide sighted. At 1414hrs 4 large orange pieces of wood 20ft long seen. Nothing further to report. Landed D/M 1613hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ574/S - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0805hrs. Two Liberators and one unidentified aircraft sighted during patrol. No further sightings. Landed D/M 1609hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O DP Stephens and crew - Air test
S/Ldr HN Garbett and crew - Air to sea firing
F/O HR Nicholls and crew - Air test

P/O MP Way - To Chivenor on posting
P/O K Harrison - To Chivenor on posting
P/O RA Wilson - To Chivenor on posting

Up 1419hrs. Patrol carried out as instructed at an average height of 500ft in hazy conditions and occasional showers. Nothing to report. Down 2149hrs.

Up 1424hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 2000ft. A large amount of floating timber seen in patrol area. Weather generally fair. Down 2141hrs.

Up 1425hrs. Average height of patrol 1000ft. At 1627hrs in position 49:15N – 10:18W sighted three sloops on course 200degrees.

At 1759hrs sighted U-boat fully surfaced, dead ahead circling very slowly. V/547 attacked immediately, fire being opened up at 1000yds and replied to ineffectively by U-boat. 7 x DCs [Torpex Mk XI] were released at 60ft from 50ft at a speed of 210mph. At first falling immediately to starboard of conning tower and remainder to port. Fire was maintained by rear gunner after passing over U-boat. After the explosions stem of U-boat lifted and U-boat rolled to starboard and rolled stem first. Crew poured out of the conning tower and jumped into sea before disappearance of U-boat. 20 – 30 seconds after, a violent explosion was seen in the position, several of the crew being blown into the air. When last seen 20 – 30 survivors were seen to be joining up their dinghies to form a raft. One and a half miles from the scene of the attack a dinghy with the sole survivor from an aircraft [shot down by U-boat] a portion of which could be seen nearby. Aircraft dropped supplies but doubtful if these were recovered. Remained 2hrs 10mins in vicinity and V/547 set course for base. Weather dull and sea calm at position. Down 2246hrs.

NOTE:
The U-boat was U/459, a 1600 ton supply boat which had sailed from Bordeaux at 0930hrs on 21 July 1943. Already in trouble, sabotage had been discovered aboard the vessel when it was found that the quick air release valve had failed to close properly and U/459 was shipping water rapidly. She had been very cleverly sabotaged by the insertion of a thick piece of copper wire bound round part of the valve seating. Repairs had to be made.

U/459 was carrying 25 tons of provisions, sufficient for 8 weeks supplying U-boats. These provisions included refrigerated fresh strawberries, pears, asparagus, brandy, vegetables, roast chickens and rabbits.

On 24 July 1943 she had first been attacked by Wellington Q of 172 Squadron at 1715hrs. The aircraft had taken the U-boat completely by surprise. During the attack Q/172 was hit by fire from U/459 and struck the bandstand on the starboard side, slewed round and tore the quad gun from it's mounting and crashed into the sea. Two of the aircraft's DC s had become detached and fell onto the U-boat killing all ratings abaft the bridge. The damaged U-boat was only able to circle. The Captain was intending to effect repairs but was then attacked by V/547. She was sunk at 1750hrs in position 45:47N – 10:38W. The surviving crew of 5 officers and 32 ratings took to their dinghies and together with the survivor of Q/172 were picked up by ORP ORKAN seven and a half hours later. ORP ORKAN [translates as 'Hurricane'], formerly HMS Myrmidion [G90] of the Royal Navy was a L & M class destroyer and had been transferred to the Free Polish Navy in 1942. She had been involved in escorting the Russian convoys.

The interrogation of the crew of U/459 in September of that year was to provide a great deal of information about U-boat construction, operations and methods of refuelling at sea.

25-07-1943

Weather, patches of low cloud, early mist and fog.
Moderate visibility for rest of day.
F/Lt McAra [GD] posted from 19 Group, Station navigation officer.
Operations, J,B,K,C/304 on Musketry nos 1,4,5,2. No sightings.
M,P,K/547 on Musketry nos 4,4,3. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE577/T - Musketry Patrol No. 1.

Airborne D/M 0430hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1254hrs.

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0551hrs. At 0725hrs oil patch 4-500yds wide seen. No further sightings. Landed D/M 0003hrs.

Wellington X HE576/K - Musketry Patrol No. 5.

Airborne D/M 0708hrs. At 1054hrs K/304 was attacked by three JU88s which approached from behind, two to starboard, one to port. Rear gunner fired at aircraft to port which turned to starboard, whereupon the rear gunner opened fire again. A few minutes later the other two JU88s attacked from starboard onto the tail. The rear gunner fired again and saw tracer going into one of the JU88s. Enemy aircraft did not press home their attack and broke off the engagement at 500yds, turning sharply away to port side. K/304 undamaged. Rear gunner fired 2000 rounds. Landed D/M 1403hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ573/C - Musketry Patrol No. 2.

Airborne D/M 0846hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1635hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Low level bombing
F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Returned to Davidstow Moor
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Returned to Davidstow Moor
F/Sgt P Cherry and crew - Air test

F/O LMN Brockwell From Talbenny on completion of course
P/O SW Gentle From Talbenny on completion of course

Up 1425hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 500ft. Trawler type tunneyman with rods out sighted in position 45:17N–10:40W. Nothing further seen. Visibility poor. Down 2205hrs.

Up 1544hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 1500ft. Nothing to report. Weather fair but cloudy. Down 2307hrs.

Up 1711hrs. Patrol height from 200ft to 5000ft. Over oil streaks and timber wreckage and scum in position 48:20N – 09:43W. Nothing further to report. Weather fair but cloudy. Down 0134hrs.

26-07-1943

Weather, fair becoming cloudy. Slight rain in afternoon and evening. Visibility 5-8 miles.
F/Lt Gorst [A & SD] returned from AM, temp duty.
F/Lt Squier [Ops] posted to St Eval.
Operations, S,U,W,P/304 on Musketry nos 3,4,1,2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ574/S - Musketry Patrol No. 4.

Airborne D/M 0508hrs. Nothing to report. Bad weather curtailed operations. Landed D/M 1249hrs.

Airborne D/M 0557hrs. Nothing further heard from this aircraft. Missing.

NOTE: Wellington HZ640/W 304 was shot down over the Bay of Biscay by German fighters. Lt Gerhard Blankenberg, V Gruppe 13/KG [Kampfgeschweder] 40, 200 nm NW Cap Ortegal, [PlQ 24W/1745], 1120hrs. Also involved Uffz Heinz Hommel and Lt Knud Gmelin. V Gruppe KG 40 was a long range maritime fighter group equipped with Junkers 88s and on Atlantic deployment. All the crew of W/304 perished.

Wellington XIII HZ641/U - Musketry Patrol No. 1

Airborne D/M 0720hrs. At 1243hrs sighted corvette. Nothing further sighted. Landed D/M 1440hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ638/P - Musketry Patrol No. 2

Airborne D/M 0840hrs. At 1248hrs Liberator seen 2 miles to port. Nothing further sighted. Landed D/M 1712hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing

F/O A Fisher - To HQCC for interview
F/O J Whyte - To HQCC for interview
F/O WJK Dickson - To HQCC for interview

27-07-1943

Weather, low cloud and drizzle until late afternoon, improving later. Visibility poor to good.
F/Lt Fawcett [Tech] on temp duty from Bristol.
F/Lt Busen-Schmitz [Eng] on temp duty to Kilmarnock.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

S/Ldr KTP Terry - From Leuchars on completion of BABS course

28-07-1943

Weather, cloud in morning, low cloud later, drizzle. Visibility poor.
S/Ldr Weekes [Tech] from Dunkeswell, attached.
F/Lt Fawcett [Tech] returned to Bristol after temp duty.
Operations, three aircraft 304 Squadron on Musketry nos 5 and 2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington X HE302/B - Musketry Patrol

Airborne Davidstow Moor 0558hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1358hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ/577/J - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0625hrs. Signals failure, returned to base 0750hrs. Landed D/M 0857hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ573/C - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0720hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1600hrs.

Wellington X HZ257/A - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0839hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1600hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O DP Stephens and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing
W/Cdr RN McKern and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing
S/Ldr KTP Terry and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing
F/O JC Mullins and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing

29-07-1943

Weather, low cloud, drizzle, fair to fine at end of day. Visibility poor but improving.
P/O Gardner [A & SD] posted from 19 Group, Ops room duties.
Operations, U,S,O/304 on Musketry 1,4,5. No sightings.
K,H,T/547 on Musketry nos 3,4,1. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ641/U - Musketry Patrol No. 1

Airborne D/M 0819hrs. At 1158hrs sighted motor fishing vessel, [photo]. At 1222hrs combat between three Beaufighters and a JU88 seen. JU88 shot down into sea. Combat took place some 400yds from U/304. Landed D/M 1624hrs.

NOTE: Beaufighter LX819/WR U/248 crashed on landing at Predannack 1615hrs. F/O GK Thompson and Sgt CF Barnes were injured. Beaufighter damaged in combat with Lt Gerhard Blankenberg.

Wellington XIII HZ/574 - Musketry Patrol No. 4

Airborne D/M 0838hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1630hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ634/O - Musketry Patrol No. 5

Airborne D/M 0844hrs. Square search made. Nothing seen. Landed D/M 1649 hrs.

Airborne D/M 0855hrs. This aircraft suffered total engine failure on take off and crashed at Tresmarrow Farm, Davidstow, half a mile NE of airfield. 1st and 2nd pilots killed.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

F/O LMN Brockwell and crew - Air test
F/O TH Solinsky and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing/air to sea firing
F/O R Burnett and crew - To Chivenor and return

Up 1423hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 2000ft. Visibility very good. Nothing to report. Down 2214hrs.

Up 1547hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 1000ft. Sighted Eire M/V in position 48:44N – 11:20W. Nothing further to report. Weather fair to fine. Down 2319hrs.

Up 1715hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 500ft to 3000ft. Sighted tunneymen with rods out in position 44:46N – 0:50W. Liberator and Sunderland aircraft also seen on patrol. Weather much cloud in area, occasionally down to sea level. Down 0058hrs.

30-07-1943

Weather, fine, good visibility.
Operations, E,A,B,F/304 on Musketry nos 3,2,4,1. No sightings.
X/547 on U-boat hunt.
V,L/547 on Musketry nos 4,2. No sightings.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ762/G - Musketry Patrol No. 4

Airborne D/M 0440hrs. At 0830hrs received message to proceed to position 45:42N–10:22W. Nothing seen. Landed D/M 1211hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ/578/B - Musketry Patrol No. 2

Airborne D/M 0547hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1336hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ645/F - Musketry Patrol No. 4

Airborne D/M 0709hrs. At 1045hrs photo taken of five sloops. At 1101hrs message received that five U-boats had been sighted at a given position. This area was circled for 3mins at 1138hrs. No further sightings. Landed D/M 1517hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ573/C - Musketry Patrol No. 1

Airborne D/M 0836hrs. At 1248hrs message intercepted from aircraft that it was hunting a U-boat at position 45:41N – 10:54W. A square search was carried out for 10mins but nothing seen. At 1213hrs four sloops were seen 6 miles to starboard. These opened fire on C/304. Captain changed course and left the vicinity. At 1220hrs a dinghy with five persons in it was sighted 3 miles to port. Reported to base. Landed D/M 1617hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt VC Mygind and crew - Low level bombing
F/O R Burnett and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt OS Southwell and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt AE Taylor and crew - Low level bombing
F/O DP Stephens and crew - Low level bombing
F/Sgt NC Corney and crew - Low level bombing
Sgt HB LaCosta and crew - Low level bombing
F/O HG Jenkins and crew - Flew air test
Sgt VC Mygind and crew - Flew air test

F/O A Fisher - Returned from HQCC
F/O J Whyte - Returned from HQCC
F/O WJK Dickson - Returned from HQCC

Up 1501hrs. At 1809hrs in position 45:10N – 10:15W commenced CLA search, 6 miles between legs along track 225 degrees of U-boat. At 1926hrs search abandoned and set course for 50:00N – 08:30W. At 1950hrs starboard rear tank appeared not to be emptying. Set course for Bishops Rock. Tunneymen sighted in position 47:40n – 08:27W. Weather fair apart from haze. Down 2240hrs.

Up 1610hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 3/5000ft. Sighted Eire M/V about 400tons on course 220degrees in position 47:18N – 11:20W. Nothing further seen. Weather fine except for low streaks in patrol area. Down 2323hrs.

Up 1719hrs. Patrol carried out at average height of 1500ft. L132 over second escort group in position 45:42N – 10:27W on course 120 degrees. Nothing further seen. Weather fair but dull. Down 0108hrs.

31-07-1943

Weather, fine, becoming fair to cloudy. Visibility moderate.
Operations, K,P,D,O,U/304 on Musketry nos 2,5,3,1,4. K/304 crashed shortly after take off. 2 members of crew killed. No sightings.
K/547, M/547 on U-boat hunt.
P/547 on Musketry No. 4. No sighting.

Forms 540/541 304 Squadron:

Wellington XIII HZ638/P - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0430hrs. At 0851hrs sighted sloop 1 mile to port with Wellington aircraft circling it in identification procedures. Nothing further sighted. Landed D/M 1229hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ635/D - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0555hrs. Nothing to report. Landed D/M 1311hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ634/O - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0720hrs. From 1046hrs to 1126hrs a square search was carried out following the interception of a message. Nothing was seen. Landed D/M 1523hrs.

Wellington XIII HZ641/U - Musketry Patrol

Airborne D/M 0841hrs. At 1030hrs instructions received to hunt U-boat at position 46:32N – 09:59W. On reaching a square search was carried out but nothing seen. At 1329hrs another U-boat position was picked up at 46:59N – 09:51W. At 1408hrs U/304 signalled 'My position 49:40N – 08:35W. Cannot remain on patrol more than three hours, operation completed, returning to base'. Landed D/M 1537hrs.

Forms 540/541 547 Squadron:

P/O MG Norman - From Silloth to Davidstow Moor on posting
P/O J Blunt - From Silloth to Davidstow Moor on posting
P/O I Litzow - From Silloth to Davidstow Moor on posting
P/O H McCulloch - From Silloth to Davidstow Moor on posting
P/O ET Leslie - From Silloth to Davidstow Moor on posting
F/O HR Nicholls - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O J Dennis - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O JW Thwaites - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O J Whyte - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O WJK Dickson - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O A Fisher - By air to No. 4 APC on course at Talbenny
F/O T Hinde - To Manby on course
F/O TG Dixon - On leave

Up 1421hrs. Square search carried out in area 46:58N–09:30W. 46:45N–10:12W, 47:08N–10:10W, 47:15N–09:52W. Nothing seen. Weather generally fair. Down 2134hrs.

Up 1532hrs. Owing to trouble with bulkhead door jettisoned DC's and returned to base. Down 1609hrs.

Up 1625hrs. Patrol carried out at an average height of 1000ft. Patrol cut short owing to weather at base which was variable in patrol area. Down 2250hrs.

Notes

July was one of the busiest months so far for RAF Davidstow Moor. Operational flying was taking place alongside training flights for low level bombing, formation flying, bombing and air to sea firing. One of the trainee aircrew was Sgt Henry Bernard LaCosta, a Dutchman who joined the RAF in 1942. In June1943 he was posted 547 Squadron as a Sergeant Pilot. I talked to him on several occasions about his time at Davidstow. He told me his first flying took place on 4 July 1943 when the training flights for him and his new crew consisted of low level bombing, formation flying, bombing and air to sea firing. Much of this was carried out of Port Quinn on the north coast of Cornwall. The three trig points were at Treligga Head, Tynes and Port Quinn. His first operational flight was on 16 July 1943 as 2nd pilot to F/O Nicholls and crew on a Musketry anti-submarine patrol. He again flew with the same crew on 20 July 1943.

Bomber Command - Turin 12/13th July 1943

On the night of 12th July 1943 Lancaster aircraft of Bomber Command raided Turin, Italy. 220 aircraft from 17 Squadrons took part. Aircraft raiding Italian cities had to cross the French Alps and recross them on return. This usually meant that German night fighters were waiting to catch the bomber formations. In an effort to negate the Luftwaffe's night fighters it was proposed that the long range Lancasters would be able, after bombing Turin, to fly west into southern France, out into the Bay of Biscay and then northwards towards home. But on no account were they to cut the corner and fly over Brest. German fighters there were always vigilant.

On the way out over the Alps bad weather was encountered by all aircraft. There were violent electrical storms and icing, which put instruments out and generally gave a rough ride to the crews. The bombing of Turin went well but turning west for home was a long but safer way round for the crews. Fuel consumption was going to be critical.

Across southern and mid France all seemed well. At the French coast just north of La Rochelle and out over the sea still westwards some aircraft encountered a flak ship south of Brest. Fuel needles were showing low fuel levels. In order to be able to reach home some turn northward over the Brest peninsula. Low cloud was now becoming a threat. Those who turned to take the short cut hoped that the increasing cloud would given them cover. Sadly nearly all who flew over Brest were shot down by flak or fighters.

With dawn breaking, as the aircraft flew towards Britain, the cloud became a blanket. Some were becoming alarmed at their fuel state. P/O J Good of 467 Squadron from Bottesford, Leicestershire saw another Lancaster below firing off Verey signals. It was low on the water and appeared to be in difficulties. He was called up on R/T and requested to stay with them until they reached England as they were short of fuel and might have to ditch. P/O J Good learned later that they had managed to make a safe landing at a drome in Cornwall.

The following was related to me by Steve Stevens,57 Squadron, Scampton who took part in this raid:

We were flying in Lancaster III ED944 DX-D. The return journey from Turin was different on this sortie. We were told that to minimise night fighter interceptions we would fly west from Turin, in over southern France, up through mid France to a point just north of La Rochelle and out into the Bay of Biscay still heading west. When twenty or thirty miles from the French coast, and Brest in particular, we were to turn into the English Channel then across England to our bases. We were told in no uncertain terms not to cut the corner into the channel across the Brest Peninsula as the German fighters there were very aggressive.

Turning westward over southern France and heading for the bay we started watching our fuel consumption as well looking for the ever present threat of night fighters. The fighters didn`t materialize but our fuel was becoming a serious consideration. The needles were showing less than half full and nudging towards quarter full and we still had to reach the Biscay coast.

It was with relief that we crossed the French coastline. There was a little flak but nothing near us. We flew westward out into the bay. The worry now was that we were flying away from England and home. There must have been flak out in the Bay as we saw to the north of us a spectacular display of fireworks. After what seemed like an age the navigator told me to turn north. I asked him if he was sure that we would miss Brest. He said 'yes' in a confident way which gave me some comfort. Another concern was what we had all talked about after the briefing. The further north towards Cornwall we flew the more the cloud was increasing. Eventually it would become a blanket. Causing me greater concern were the fuel gauges. My Flight Engineer (Eric Blanchard) pointed out that we were very short of fuel and couldn`t make Scampton. What about cutting the corner and going over Brest he suggested. It would save a great deal of distance. Some, like S/Ldr Nettleton did just that and sadly he and his crew were never seen again. He had been on his last operational flight. I dismissed the idea but owing to our situation warned the whole crew we may have to ditch. I decided to get lower over the sea to give us fighting chance should we put down in the sea. Better to see the ocean than plummet through cloud and crash into the drink. I also gave the order to fire off Verey cartridges in an effort to attract other Lancasters. I didn`t want to ditch unseen. Floating around in a dinghy at a unknown location in the Bay didn`t seem like a good idea.

A Lancaster above us eventually saw our flares and contacted us on R/T. I asked if they knew exactly where we all were and was told that they didn`t know for sure as they couldn`t see a 'bloody thing' for the fog. Their navigator agreed with ours we weren`t far from the tip of Cornwall. I asked if they would escort us until we reached Cornwall as we were low on fuel and if we had to ditch they could give our position. They said they would stay for as long as possible but that they were also running low but believed they could make home.

All too soon our friendly escort called to say good luck, they were turning for home, they thought we were now over Cornwall. Somewhere? We were now in dire straits. Eric Blanchard my Flight Engineer pointed out that we were running on fumes only. I had already asked the Radio Operator to try and find help from a ground station and he was talking to someone but couldn`t pin point where? The rest of the crew were peering out trying to spot a place to land but we were over a blanket of cloud. Suddenly our Navigator shouted: 'There! There!' Under the nose I saw an airfield, in desperation, more than belief I pushed the control column hard forward and dived for the hole in the cloud that allowed the Navigator to see what he took to be an airfield.

Two things now happened, as the Lancs nose went down there was indeed a hole in the cloud and below was an airfield. I selected undercarriage down. With the nose going down the engines started to cough and splutter through fuel starvation and fell silent Now we were in a steep dive towards terra firma. Down through the cloud layer we went then suddenly I had to pull up for all my might for the cloud base was only a couple hundred feet above the airfield. We had plenty of speed in the dive. I only hoped it was enough to allow the elevators to do their job and pull the tail down so that our nose would rise.

Slowly very slowly the nose rose as the ground came ever closer. With our steep and rapid descent the airscrews kept revolving and as we rounded out just above the runway what little petrol that remained in the tanks flowed back into the carburettors the engines caught and burst into life and at that critical moment helped pull the nose into normal flying attitude. The landing was a real greaser. Never made one so smooth, however the engines stopped as we trundled along the runway to a halt. We were definitely out of petrol. Through the mist we could just make out what seemed to be the control tower as we all tumbled thankfully out of the aircraft. A young man in uniform came towards us out of the mist pushing what looked like a perambulator? We were stunned at the sight. Opening our mouths we tried to speak. All that would come coherently out was, sorry mate we can`t move it we`re out of petrol.

The following was related to me by Harry Northcott from Otterham:

Harry was in the ROC which along with the Home Guard were used in testing the airfields defences and for other trials. Harry had spent many hours during the night pushing a perambulator type contraption which was full of lead acid batteries and a radio set. With this he could talk to and receive messages from the control tower. He had spent the night being an aircraft that needed parking on particular dispersals. The night and early morning was quite foggy, ideal for the exercise, as it was these conditions which were causing taxiing and parking problems on the airfield.

After a long, cold, late night and early morning, Harry was about to sign off when he saw a Lancaster diving towards the airfield. Calling up flying control on his radio he reported the incoming aircraft. Control told him no one was in contact and he was seeing things. Forgetting all decorum Harry replied: ' Well look out the bloody window then'.

Thinking he was watching a horrendous crash, Harry started towards the runway. Much to his amazement the Lancaster's nose came up, the engines fired up and it landed perfectly. Pushing his perambulator before him he rushed to the aircraft which had rolled to a stop on the runway. The crew were piling out and stood looking at Harry with mouths agape. One of them then said: ' Sorry mate we can`t move it we`re out of petrol'.

Harry led them to Flying Control to book in and have the Lanc towed off the runway to be refuelled. Harry then took them to the Mess for a well earned breakfast, after first explaining why a man in uniform was pushing a baby's pram around an airfield in wartime? A likely story!

Some fifty years later I held a reunion for ex Davidstow people at the Lanteglos House Hotel, near Camelford, North Cornwall. Amongst those that came were Steve Stevens and his wife. They booked in advance and stayed at the hotel overnight. Steve had related the story of their landing at Davidstow in a letter to me. He hadn't mentioned Harry Northcott. The incident hadn't stayed with him. At 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the reunion I received a phone call from Harry's wife Bella. They had seen my advert in the local paper regarding the reunion and wondered if they could come along. Harry hadn't served at Davidstow. He had been in the ROC and had an interest in the airfield. I was delighted and said they would be more than welcome.

At the reunion people were milling around trying to find old buddies and nattering away. Bella and Harry had arrived and were looking around and chatting to one or two. Harry decided to get a drink from the bar. He went and put in his order. Also at the bar was Steve Stevens. Steve looked at Harry and said: ' You look familiar. Were you at Davidstow?'. Harry said he had not been stationed there but related his time and the events that he was involved with. Looking at Steve he said his face was familiar and asked if he had been at Davidstow. Steve of course related how he and his crew had a lucky escape when their Lancaster ran out of petrol and against all odds landed safely at the drome. The penny dropped and Harry and Steve remembered that early morning fifty years before when they had first met.