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514 Squadron RAF
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25.01.2022 10th September 1944. Weather Fair with morning fog. Non-Operational Flying: Special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING LE HAVRE. 12 aircraft detailed. 12 aircraft took off and attacked primary. All crews undershot TIs by about 200 yards and attack was very concentrated. There was much smoke. No fighters were seen. All aircraft landed safely at base on completion of their mission.... F/O N Jennings in LM277, JI-F reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: LE HAVRE. Bombed at 1739 hours from 11,000 feet. Undershot red TIs by 200 yards. Target: Le Havre German Defences Aircraft deployed total: 992 514 Squadron: 12 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: 8 separate strong points were targeted with great success due to the accurate marking. The Germans surrendered the next day.
25.01.2022 1st September 1944. Weather: Fine becoming cloudy. Non-Operational Flying: No flying took place. Operational Flying: 15 aircraft were required for operations but the effort was cancelled later in the day.
24.01.2022 A message from Jennifer Northrup in Canada... My father P/O Donald HENSHAW no.151014 was stationed at Waterbeach, Cambs and was bomb aimer on Lancaster DS735, on the raid on January 22,l944. Sadly they did not return. I have researched my father as far as possible,but would be delighted to hear... from any family member or friends of the remaining crew. I have been able to locate and visit the war graves in northern Holland where four of the crew were buried by the Dutch.The remaining three are undoubtedly at the bottom of the Ijsselmeer (formerly known as the Zuyder Zee. I would be more than happy to pass on any information. I would particularly like to contact anyone connected with P/O John Kenneth Wiiliams l6l058. He was the pilot and my fathers best friend on base; also,Flight SGt Ernest Allan Lane 932746,he was the rear guuner, and a Canadian fom Winnepeg.His mother corresponded with mine, and her baby was born at about the same time as me: March l944. We will pass on any information to Jennifer.
23.01.2022 28th August 1944. Weather: Cloudy early, slight rain mid-morning then mainly fair. Non-Operational Flying: Special navigation exercises, fighter affiliation, formation flying and practice bombing were carried out. Operational Flying: Stand down for 3 Group.
23.01.2022 28th November 1943. Weather: Widespread fog with intermittent rain becoming fair later afternoon. A night BULLS-EYE exercise was called for. Four crews took part and all returned safely.
23.01.2022 13th September 1943. Following a night of thunder storms the weather has been dull with showers all day. The Squadron Adjutant visited RAF Station, Oulton, to obtain office furniture. The third aircraft DS783 arrived. The ground personnel are now working with their own trade sections preparing stores and spares in readiness for the incoming aircraft. Typewriters and a selection of Stationery was collected from A.P.F.S. London.
22.01.2022 29th October 1943. Weather: Fog still very bad. Aircrew officers reported to the range for rifle shooting.
22.01.2022 16th September 1943. Heavy and cloudy with occasional showers. All sections continue working on incoming Stores. F/O T. Angus a Canadian arrived to take up the duties of Bombing Leader of the Squadron. The main body of 1678 Conversion Flight together with aircraft arrived. This Conversion Flight will supply a number of crews for the Squadron after converting to Lancaster Mark II. The Wing Commander accompanied by the Squadron Adjutant inspected dispersal huts being taken ove...r by the Squadron and arrangements were made with the Station Administration Officer to have these distempered and cleaned before taking over. The sixth aircraft DS787 arrived. There was an ENSA concert in the evening. The room provided for these concerts is inadequate for the size of the Station; those who were lucky enough to see the show enjoyed it very much, after the performance the visitors were entertained by the Sergeants in the Sergeants Mess. See more
21.01.2022 29th November 1943. Weather: Clear and bright most of the day with strong cold wind. Most crews took part in flying exercise in special training. Wing Commander M Wyatt DFC, 3 Group, visited the Squadron. All crews not flying continued special training under their Section Leaders.
21.01.2022 30th August 1944. Weather - Rainy during early part then cloudy. Non-Operational Flying: Special navigational exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: Squadron not required for operations today.
20.01.2022 14th September 1944. Weather Fog, becoming cloudy. Non-Operational Flying Special navigation exercises, fighter affiliation and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING WASSENAAR.... 10 aircraft were detailed, 10 aircraft attacked primary. Weather was good, nil cloud. Master Bomber instructed first of all to bomb 100 yards to port of red TI and then 100 yards to starboard later and finally on centre of smoke. All these positions were duly bombed by our aircraft without sensational incidents. Target was left with clouds of smoke obscuring the A/P. There was flak from 1 gun crossing enemy coast and Rotterdam defences were in action. No enemy aircraft were seen. 10 aircraft landed safely at base on completion of their duty. F/O DW Parks in LM274, JI-B reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: WASSENAAR. Bombed at 1430 hours from 12,000 feet, red TI. Target: Wassenaar -V2 Storage Facility Aircraft deployed total: 45 514 Squadron: 10 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: This target was suspected to be the site of a V-2 rocket storage facility. Smoke obscured the target after a successful beginning to the operation, reducing the impact of the attack.
20.01.2022 8th September 1943. As all offices were absolutely stripped of furniture even to shelves being removed by the outgoing units a systematic search was started to find the necessary office furniture required. The Officer Commanding the Squadron W/Cdr AJ Samson, DFC who is still employed by Headquarters No. 3 Group paid a visit to Squadron Headquarters; the Adjutant visited 226 Squadron at Swanton Morley, this Squadron was kind enough to supply him with a small quantity of the necessary forms etc. urgently needed.
20.01.2022 26th October 1944. Weather: Fog, becoming cloudy with fog after dusk. Non-Operational Flying: Air tests. Operational Flying: BOMBING LEVERKUSEN. 10 aircraft detailed. 10 aircraft took off and attacked the primary target. Weather over target and en route was 10/10ths cloud. 8 aircraft bombed on GH and two, whose GH was unserviceable, bombed on the leading aircraft. Formation and bombing was reported as very good, all bombs falling within a radius of 200 yards. No results see...n due to cloud. No fighters seen or aircraft damaged. F/O GW Smith, PB419, JI-N, reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 6 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP, 2 x 500 GP long delay. Primary target: LEVERKUSEN. Bombed at 1530 hours from 17,500 feet on GH. Target: Leverkusen Chemical Works Aircraft deployed total: 105 (Lancasters) 514 Squadron: 10 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: A GH raid on the chemical works. Cloud prevented an assessment of the results.
20.01.2022 11th September 1943. Weather conditions still very bad raining heavily on and off all day. Working parties continued to unload and sort out the Aircraft spares and equipment. A second party continuing their work in the Crew Locker Room, and cleaning out the adjoining lecture rooms. The Adjutant paid a visit to the Adjutant of 115 Squadron at Little Snoring. The first Lancaster II aircraft DS735 arrived in the afternoon.
19.01.2022 22nd November 1943. Weather: Widespread fog with rain clearing towards late afternoon. Six aircraft were detailed for bombing operations, later one was cancelled. Four aircraft took off, the fifth had to be cancelled at the last moment owing to sickness. The mission was carried out successfully and all returned safely. BOMBING - BERLIN. Four aircraft detailed and four aircraft attacked the primary area BERLIN. The target was obscured by 10/10 cloud. Sky markers concentrated a...nd numerous explosions were seen through the clouds. Flak intense but searchlights ineffective, very few enemy aircraft sighted. F/L C Payne in DS786, JI-E reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000, 360 x 4 incendiaries, 90 x 4 incendiaries. Primary target BERLIN. 10/10 cloud tops 10/12,000 feet. PFF flares. Very large glow beneath cloud. An exceptionally big explosion at 2022 hours. Think it must have been a good PRANG as so many Lancs could be seen in target area. Target: Berlin Area Aircraft deployed total: 764 514 Squadron: 4 Aircraft lost total: 26 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: Localised firestorms meant that approximately 2000 people were killed and another 175,000 affected by loss of homes in this raid.
19.01.2022 30th October 1944. Weather: Fine becoming cloudy towards evening. Non-Operational Flying: GH training and air tests. Operational Flying: BOMBING WESSELING. 24 aircraft detailed. 24 aircraft took off and attacked primary target. Weather was 10/10ths cloud tops about 7000 feet. The attack was scattered and at least 2 areas of bombing. Some black smoke seen rising above the clouds on the 1st A/P. Flak described as slight to moderate. No enemy fighters seen. All aircraft lan...ded at Base. F/O SG Wright in NG121, JI-H reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 16 x 500 GP. Primary target: WESSELING. Bombed at 1159 hours from 19,000 feet on release of GH Leader’s bombs. Target: Wesseling Oil Refinery Aircraft deployed total: 102 (Lancasters) 514 Squadron: 24 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: 102 Lancasters mounted a GH attack on the refinery. Cloud prevented an assessment but bombing was believed to be accurate, and no aircraft were lost.
18.01.2022 30th October 1943. Weather: Fair with fog patches. The first Squadron Battle Order was issued. Two aircraft being detailed for gardening, this was unfortunately cancelled owing to weather conditions.
18.01.2022 16th September 1944. Weather Fine becoming cloudy. Non-Operational Flying Special navigation exercises, practice bombing and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying Not required for operations today.
18.01.2022 These parts would have been taken from the wreckage of a 514 Squadron Lancaster MK2. Do you know what is that handle? Do you know if the bullets come from the Lancaster armament? What type would that be? -Roger Guernon-
18.01.2022 5th September 1944. Weather Cloudy with some rain, becoming fair. Non-Operational Flying Practice bombing, special navigation exercises, air/sea firing and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING LE HAVRE. 19 aircraft were detailed, took off, attacked the primary target and landed safely at base on completion of their duty. The weather was clear and the target well-marked. Bomb bursts and fires were observed close to aiming point. No fighters encountered..., some flak on run in to target. F/O LS Drew in LM627, JI-D reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC and 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: LE HAVRE. Bombed at 1923 hours from 13,000 feet red TI. Target: Le Havre German Defences Aircraft deployed total: 348 514 Squadron: 19 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: The first of a series of heavy raids against the beleaguered German garrison was accurate with good visibility.
18.01.2022 7th September 1943. The first officer to arrive was the Squadron Adjutant Flight Lieutenant M. Stevens, who reported to RAF Station, Foulsham, on the afternoon of the 6th September 1943, A block of offices allotted to the Squadron had been taken over by the Flight Sergeant Discip, prior to the arrival of the Adjutant, with what few men that had arrived the time was spent in cleaning up offices, crew room etc. Two living sites were also allotted to the Squadron.
17.01.2022 29th August 1944. Weather: Fair with occasional rain. Non-Operational Flying: Air tests were carried out. 17 aircraft required for operations. All Mk.II Lancasters withdrawn later in the day. Operational flying: BOMBING STETTIN.... 10 aircraft were detailed to attack STETTIN, 9 aircraft took off. 8 aircraft attacked, 1 aircraft is missing. Weather, a thin layer of cloud about 5/10ths, did not hamper crews. TIs were clearly seen and by visuals, appeared to be in two areas, one to N of old town amongst docks and other area stretching to SW part of town. Explosions seen at 0206 hours with a mushroom of black smoke. No combats. 8 aircraft landed safely. Number of aircraft seen to go down on route. S/L H Dods in LM685, JI-Q reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 52 x 30, 468 x 4, 54 x 4 LB incendiaries. Primary target: STETTIN. Weather, clear. Bombed at 0206 hours from 17,000 feet, red and green TIs. 0205 hours large column black smoke following an explosion. Very good attack. Master Bomber enthusiastic. Target: Stettin Aircraft deployed total: 403 514 Squadron: 9 Aircraft lost total: 23 514 Squadron: 1 Comments: Despite the losses to the attacking force, further extensive damage was caused to Stettin, much of it to areas previously untouched. Sips were sunk in addition to the damage on land. Missing aircraft: PB143 JI-B. Shot down at 0012 hours en route to the target, by Oblt. Fritz Brandt of Stab II./NJG3. PB143 crashed into the sea off the village of Estruplund, Denmark. There were no survivors amongst the crew. F/S TT Charlton Pilot KIA Sgt N Stevens Navigator KIA Sgt KM Goodman Bomb Aimer KIA F/O RF Dell RCAF WOP/Air KIA Sgt PT Delvin MU Gunner KIA F/O WE Gibbs Rear Gunner KIA Sgt RW Pomroy Flight Engineer KIA
16.01.2022 31st October 1943. Weather: Cloudy with rain, fog patches. Two aircraft were detailed for gardening, but were again cancelled owing to bad weather. The Squadron and Station rifle teams proceeded to Stradishall for Group Shoot, unfortunately, through being misled in training the team did very badly. Lectures by respective Section Leaders continued. ... As the Squadron is newly formed a photograph was taken of Headquarters Staff Officers. (Photo) 514 Sqn senior officers, 31st October 1943. Back Row: P/O Croston (Electrical Officer), F/O Angus (Bombing Leader), F/Lt Wand, Engineer), F/Lt Hall (Engineering Leader), F/Lt Thomson (Signals Leader), F/O Trick (Specialist / Instruments), F/O Bowen (Specialist / Instruments). Front Row: F/Lt Beckett (Navigation Officer), F/Lt Stevens (Adjutant), S/Ldr Reid (‘A’ Flight Commander), W/Cdr Samson (Squadron Commander), S/Ldr Roberts (‘B’ Flight Commander), F/O Lemerle (Medical Officer), F/Lt Pollock (Gunnery Officer). Source - National Archives. See more
16.01.2022 27th October 1944. Weather: Fog and rain, becoming fair. Non-Operational Flying: Air/Sea firing and H2S training. Operational Flying: 25 aircraft required for night attack. All operations cancelled. 12 aircraft required for tomorrow morning.
16.01.2022 15th September 1943. Weather continued clear and warm. The thanks giving service was held in the open to commemorate the Battle of Britain. All ranks that could possibly be spared attended and the service was taken by the Station padre S/Ldr. W Rees. The Squadron dispersal areas were selected. The advance party of 1678 Conversion Flight from RAF Little Snoring moved in. The fifth aircraft DS786 arrived.
15.01.2022 22nd November 1944. Weather: Cloudy with occasional rain. Non-Operational Flying: Fighter Affiliation and Air Tests. Operational Flying: 514 Squadron is not required today or tonight. 19 aircraft required tomorrow.
15.01.2022 25th October 1943. Weather: General mist and fog clearing towards afternoon. A number of aircraft were detailed for Cross Country and loaded climbs. The Wing Commander proceeded on the Cross Country and loaded climb in ‘T’ for Tommy.
15.01.2022 27th November 1943. Weather: Generally foggy, clearing slightly early afternoon, intermittent rain, sleet. As weather conditions were bad for flying crews continued training under their Section Leaders. Squadron Leader EF Sly, DFC, AFM and crew arrived and were attached to 1678 Conversion Flight for Conversion. Squadron Leader EF Sly takes over command of the 'C' Flight.
15.01.2022 30th November 1944. Weather: Fine. Non-Operational Flying: GH bombing at Rushford, Fighter Affiliation, H2S Training. Operational Flying: BOMBING OSTERFELD 17 aircraft detailed. 17 aircraft took off and attacked the primary target. Weather was 10/10ths cloud, tops to 10,000 feet. 7 aircraft bombed on GH, 8 aircraft bombed on GH Leaders and 2 on flares. Bombing was fairly concentrated and a large pall of smoke was seen rolling up through the cloud. Flak was slight heavy. One... of our aircraft (NG350, JI-C) hit over target - slightly damaged. All aircraft landed at base. 19 aircraft required tomorrow. P/O AE Munro RAAF in NG350, JI-C reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 16 x 500 GP. Primary target: OSTERFELD. Aircraft slightly damaged by flak. Target: Osterfeld Benzol Plant Aircraft deployed total: 60 (Lancasters) 514 Squadron: 17 Aircraft lost total: 2 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: 60 Lancasters attacked the benzol plant with the loss of 2 aircraft. Monthly Summary for November 1944 Awards: Aus/411168 F/O Morrison AH Navigator DFC 11/11/44 Aus/420266 F/O Pritchard K Air Bomber DFC 11/11/44 Can J9067 F/L Hoffman JW Wireless Operator DFC 11/11/44 132602 A/S/L Stewart DWA Pilot DFC 14/11/44 151536 A/F/L Hay ICS Pilot DFC 14/11/44 51634 F/O Grinter PAE Navigator DFC 14/11/44 151336 F/O MacLennan HC Navigator DFC 14/11/44 Aus/413783 F/O Mayes WG Navigator DFC 14/11/44 1175873 F/S Hounsome RA Wireless Operator DFM 14/11/44 Can J/18874 F/O Sauve AM Air Gunner DFC 18/11/44 Aus/423963 F/O Williams EE Pilot DFC 18/11/44 182447 A/F/O Merrett HL Pilot DFC 19/11/44 NZ/422315 A/F/O Petry LM Pilot DFC 19/11/44 178795 P/O Pick RO Pilot DFC 19/11/44 179615 A/F/O Watkins WM Pilot DFC 19/11/44 179828 P/O Hargreaves B Wireless Operator DFC 19/11/44 1592295 Sgt Dawson P Air Gunner DFM 19/11/44 1623889 Sgt Ferries B Air Gunner DFM 19/11/44 143269 F/O Limbert RF Pilot DFC 30/11/44 106323 F/O Hallam HL Navigator DFC 30/11/44 Operational: Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: Nil Operational Flying Hours for November 1944: 286.53 Non-Operational Flying Hours for November 1944:186.26 Total tons of bombs dropped in November 1944: 1,451 tons. Cumulative total tons of bombs dropped: 10,973 tons. Number of sorties for November 1944: 302 carried out 3 failed to take off 6 early returns 3 missing Strength of Squadron as at 30th November 1944. Aircrew: 118 Officers, 264 SNCOs Ground: 1 Officer (Adjutant)
14.01.2022 27th October 1943. Weather: Still wide spread fog. Lectures for crews under their respective Section Leaders.
14.01.2022 9th September 1944. Weather Fine to fair. Non-Operational Flying: Practice bombing, special navigation exercises, fighter affiliation and cross countries were carried out. Operational Flying: Not required for operations today, but will... probably be required tomorrow. See more
14.01.2022 9th September 1943. Sites two and five sleeping quarters allotted to the Squadron were thoroughly cleaned and bedded up in preparation for the intake of the non-flying personnel now arriving in goodly numbers daily. W/Cdr AJ Samson, DFC again paid a flying visit to see how things were progressing.
13.01.2022 12th September 1943. Weather dull, heavy and still inclined to rain. The W/Cd paid a visit to the Squadron together with Group Captain E.P. the new Station Commander and inspected Squadron offices, Crew Room, Locker Room, etc. The erection of a hut as a Squadron Intelligence Library was discussed and a spot selected. They also toured the perimeter and Aircraft dispersal areas. The Wing Commander took off by air to return to No. 3 Group Headquarter but found visibility very bad and had to return and do his journey by road. The Group Gunnery Leader S/Ldr. D. Keary DFC and the Group Bombing Leader S/Ldr. Stowe DFM paid a visit to the Squadron. The second aircraft DS785 arrived.
13.01.2022 2nd September 1944. Weather: Cloudy with thundery rain. Non-Operational Flying: Practice bombing, special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: Not required for operations today but required... tomorrow. See more
13.01.2022 3rd September 1944. Weather: Fine becoming cloudy with some rain. Non-Operational Flying: Practice bombing, special navigation exercises, fighter affiliation and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING EINDHOVEN.... 10 aircraft detailed, 10 aircraft took off to attack Eindhoven and 7 aircraft attacked the primary target. 2 aircraft returned early. 1 aircraft attacked Gilze-Ripen airfield. Weather was troublesome. Cloud up to 20,000 feet, over target 5/10ths patchy cloud. Red TIs seen dead to north of airfield, Master Bomber instructed to bomb south of airfield. Crews bombed visually on red TIs. A good concentration of bombing was seen, the opinion is that the airfield was well pranged. 8 aircraft landed safely at base on completion of their duty. F/L G Bradford in PD265, JI-G reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: EINDHOVEN. Bombed at 1730 hour from 18,500 feet, red TI. Target: Eindhoven Luftwaffe Airfields Aircraft deployed total: 675 514 Squadron: 10 (2 returned early) Aircraft lost total: 1 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: The fifth anniversary of the outbreak of the war was celebrated by heavy raids on 6 airfields in Southern Holland.
13.01.2022 27th August 1944. Weather: Mainly fair. Non-Operational Flying: Special navigation exercises, bombing and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: Squadron not required for operations tonight.
13.01.2022 11th September 1944. Weather Mainly fine. Non-operational Flying Practice bombing, special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING - KAMEN (synthetic oil plant).... 13 aircraft detailed. 13 aircraft took off. 12 aircraft attacked primary. 1 aircraft is missing, weather was clear. Target marking and Master Bomber good. Bombing exceedingly good, this was endorsed by Master Bomber. Several very large fires seen, possibly oil. Smoke rising to 12,000 feet. Large explosion at 1841 hours. Large fires and much smoke and a smoke screen over the Ruhr. 3 aircraft were seen going down, 1 hit by bomb. F/O GC France (JI-F, LM277) reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 16 x 500 GP, bombed 1842 hours from 16500 feet on red fires per Master Bombers instructions. Target: Kamen (synthetic oil plant). Aircraft deployed total: 379 514 Squadron: 13 Aircraft lost total: 8 514 Squadron: 1 Comments: 26 Squadrons of fighters escorted the bombers on this raid, with no enemy fighters seen. All the aircraft lost were from flak or friendly bombs from aircraft above. The targets were synthetic oil plants. The Kamen plant was bombed successfully. Missing Aircraft: DS787, A2-G. Crashed at 1842 hours onto a road at Lerche, 5 km from the centre of Kamen. This was the only aircraft lost on the Kamen raid and it is believed to have been hit by a bomb from another aircraft. W/O RJ Thornton RNZAF Pilot KIA F/O PB Bale ey Navigator KIA Sgt GA Hubbard Air Bomber KIA W/O JW Hall WOP/Air KIA Sgt CL Robison RCAF MU Gunner POW F/S DR Burns Rear Gunner POW Sgt GF Good Flight Engineer POW
12.01.2022 29th November 1944. Weather: Fine becoming fair in the evening. Non-Operational Flying: Flight Affiliation, GH and H2S Training. Operational Flying: BOMBING NEUSS 19 aircraft detailed. 18 aircraft took off and attacked primary target. 1 aircraft failed to take off (throttle jammed). Marking was fairly concentrated and several large explosions and glow of fires seen through cloud. 5 aircraft bombed on GH, 12 aircraft bombed on flares and 1 on H2S. Flak was negligible. 2 Figh...ters seen. 18 aircraft returned to base having completed their sortie. Weather was 10/10ths cloud over the target but the glow of fires was seen through cloud. 17 aircraft required tomorrow. F/O AD Uffindell in JI-P PB482 reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 6 x 1000 MC, 6 x 500 GP, 3 x flares red with green stars. Primary target: NEUSS. Bombed at 0535 hours from 19,000 feet on GH. Bright glow seen through cloud. Target: Neuss - Area Aircraft deployed total: 145 514 Squadron: 18 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: This was a mainly GH raid without loss. Modest property damage was noted locally.
12.01.2022 12th September 1944. Weather: Fair to fine. Non-Operational Flying: Practice bombing and special navigation exercises were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING FRANKFURT-MAIN. 14 aircraft detailed. 12 aircraft primary, 1 aircraft is missing, 1 aircraft returned early. Weather was clear over the target and all crews bombed on the markers which were reported as concentrated. Target area on leaving was one large mass of fires and palls of black smoke. Flak reported as slig...Continue reading
12.01.2022 September 1943 Headquarters No. 3 Group, administration instruction No. 78, received by RAF Station, Foulsham, covered the formation of 514 Squadron, this formation to take place at the 1st of September, 1943 at RAF Station Foulsham. 1st September 1943. The official formation of 514 Squadron on the authority of Bomber... Command letter BC/S.21717/13/Org dated 1st September, 1943, at RAF Station Foulsham, under establishment scale War/B1/336 to carry out the special duties of a Heavy Bomber Squadron armed with 16 ic plus 4 ir Lancaster II aircraft. Aircrew of 514 Squadron to be provided by 1678 Heavy Conversion Flight. Acting Wing Commander AJ Samson DFC is appointed Commanding Officer of 514 Squadron. Note: There are no ORB entries from 2nd to 6th September 1943 inclusive.
11.01.2022 23rd November 1943. Weather: Fair throughout the day with cold winds. The main body of the squadron moved by road and air to RAF Station, Waterbeach. An effort of four aircraft was called for a bombing operation. One was cancelled and the remaining three took off, and returned safely, one to Waterbeach, the other two to RAF Station, Cranfield. The main body arrived at RAF Station Waterbeach early afternoon where a hot meal awaited them and all arrangements were made for th...eir comfort. BOMBING - BERLIN. 3 aircraft took off to attack the target Berlin. 8/10 - 10/10 cloud along whole route to Berlin. 10 / 10 cloud over Berlin tops estimated 8 / 10,000 feet, visibility above good. Many white fighter flares seen in form of circle around Berlin, with lane of red flares to port and white to starboard on route out from Berlin. Aircraft seen falling in flames and explode with red and green flares falling from it. F/L GRD Hinde in DS738, JI-J reported: Bomb load 1x4000 HC, 32x30 incendiaries, 450 x 4 incendiaries, 90 x 4. 10/10 cloud, tops 8/10,000 feet. Visibility good. Bombed target at 2013 hours at 20,000 feet. Glow of fires visible under cloud for considerable distance on return route. Camera operated. Target: Berlin Area Aircraft deployed total: 383 514 Squadron: 3 Aircraft lost total: 20 (Lancasters) 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: Fires were still burning from the raid of the previous night, and many of these were bombed in error, lessening the effectiveness of this raid. 514 Squadron’s DS738 landed at RAF Waterbeach on 24th November 1943 at 0001 hours, making it the first operational aircraft to land at the squadron’s new home.
11.01.2022 29th October 1944. Weather: Fog early, followed by slight rain becoming fine. Non-Operational Flying: GH training and fighter affiliation. Operational Flying: BOMBING FLUSHING. 10 aircraft detailed. 10 aircraft took off and attacked the primary target. Weather was clear over the target and all crews after circling for 4/5 minutes were able to identify the target by the markers, which were described to be dropped in a line along the coast. The first markers were not accurate...ly placed. The target was remarked and the Master Bomber was helpful in instructing the crews how to bomb. Although the actual gun position may have been hit, the attack in general tended to be scattered. No Flak at all and no fighters. All aircraft landed at Base. F/O GC France in NG203, JI-A reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 ANM59, 4 x 500 GP MC. Bombed at 1137 hours from 7000 feet. Starboard of Green TI as instructed. (Photo) Target photo of Flushing from NG142, A2-H flown by F/Lt MR Head, who bombed at 1137 hours from 5800 feet. Source: Crown Copyright / National Archive. Target: Flushing Coastal Gun Batteries Aircraft deployed total: 358 514 Squadron: 10 Aircraft lost total: 1 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: The aircraft attacked 11 different German positions. With good visibility it was believed that all the targets were hit.
11.01.2022 Just in case you haven't finished your Christmas shopping... Available very shortly from Bomber Command Books, the latest Bomber Command Squadron Profile features our very own 514 Squadron. It contains, as far as possible, photos of every member of the lost crews. This Facebook community has been immensely supportive and as a result the book, which will retail at 15 plus p and p, will be available for a special price of 12 plus postage. Please email [email protected] to reserve a copy. The book is 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches and is 237 pages. Please note: where possible photos are attributed. If you have shared a photo with our FB page but would NOT want it used in this book to commemorate the crew member, please contact me by direct message. The aim was to include as many as possible of those in the squadron who made the ultimate sacrifice.
10.01.2022 6th September 1944. Weather: Fine becoming cloudy. Non-Operational Flying - Special navigation exercises, air/sea firing and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING LE HAVRE. 16 aircraft were detailed, took off and attacked the primary target. Cloud base 8000 feet. Master Bomber ordered aircraft to come down below cloud base to bomb Red TIs. All crews bombed red TIs and checked position visually. All aircraft landed safely at base on... completion of their duty. Attack was considered successful. P/O CJ Thomson in PB142, JI-A reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: LE HAVRE. Bombed at 1839 hours from 7000 feet. Overshot on green TIs. Target: Le Havre German Defences Aircraft deployed total: 344 514 Squadron: 16 Aircraft lost total: Nil 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: A further raid against the German fortifications and transport was carried out without loss to the 344 attacking aircraft.
09.01.2022 24th November 1944. Weather: Cloudy with drizzle. Fog after dusk. Non-Operational Flying: Air Tests. Operational Flying: No operations today or tonight.
08.01.2022 4th September 1944. Weather Cloudy with occasional rain. Non-Operational Flying No flying took place. Operational Flying Not required for operations today but required tomorrow.
08.01.2022 At the RAF Museum, a few information and one photo regarding 514 Squadron Pilot D.W.A. Stewart. Maybe they hold other artefacts and other pages of the logbook https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk//love-is-in-the-air-a-blog-f/ -Roger Guernon-
08.01.2022 26th October 1943. Weather: Wide spread fog and rain. Seven aircraft were offered for a gardening trip but owing to bad weather refused. Ground training continued. Wing Commander AJ Samson reported to Bomber Command for a special conference.... Note: Although there are no details, it is entirely possible that the Bomber Command conference was about the forthcoming Battle of Berlin, in which the squadron was to play a full part.
06.01.2022 17th September 1943. Weather: Fair, cloudy, improved during the afternoon. Work continued on all new aircraft in preparation for air tests. F/Lt Dodwell from No. 3 Group Headquarters, an Operational Specialist, visited the Squadron Commander to talk over special training of the aircrew of this Squadron.
06.01.2022 Sad to report the loss of one of our Canadian Veterans, Don Gardiner. https://www.legacy.com/obituari//donald-gardiner-obituary
05.01.2022 15th September 1944. Weather Cloudy with showers, becoming fine. Non-Operational Flying Special navigation exercises, formation flying, fighter affiliation and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying Not required for operations today or tonight.
04.01.2022 28th October 1944. Weather: Fine early, cloudy and showers later. Non-Operational Flying: Air/Sea firing and fighter affiliation. Operational Flying: BOMBING - FLUSHING. 12 aircraft detailed, 12 aircraft took off and 11 attacked the primary target. 1 aircraft hit by heavy Flak over the target - wing petrol tank holed and intercom unserviceable. Could not bomb accurately and therefore jettisoned off Southwold. Weather over the target quite clear and conditions perfect although... believed to be only local, and some low cloud approaching. All crews clearly identified the A/P and the jetty, and bombing was reported as concentrated. All aircraft anded at Base. F/O AJ Holland in NG141, A2-J reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 6 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: FLUSHING. Bombed at 1016hrs from 10,000 feet, A/P. Target: Flushing Coastal Gun Batteries Aircraft deployed total: 277 514 Squadron: 12 Aircraft lost total: 2 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: The force attacked gun positions with apparent success. The aircraft hit by flak was F/O MR Oliver’s LM734, A2-C. The crew appears to have emerged unscathed. BOMBING - COLOGNE. 12 aircraft detailed. 12 aircraft took off and 11 attacked the primary target. 1 aircraft abortive sortie. Weather over the target was clear and aircraft easily identified the target by visual means and red and yellow TIs. Master Bomber instructed to bomb on the red markers and on the up wind edge of the smoke. Markers were scarcely necessary. The target on leaving was described as one large concentrated mass of brown smoke rising up to 1000 feet. Flak reported as moderate to intense, predicted, accurate for height with tracer destroying at 10,000 feet. No enemy aircraft seen. P/O AD Uffindell in PB482, JI-P, reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 8 x 150 x 4. Primary target: COLOGNE. Bombed at 1547 hours from 20,000 feet. Smoke trails as instructed. 10 aircraft were required for a further operation tonight, but this was cancelled. 10 aircraft required for tomorrow morning. Target: Cologne - Area Aircraft deployed total: 733 514 Squadron: 12 Aircraft lost total: 7 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: A two-wave attack. There was, reportedly, massive damage caused, with the destruction of 2,239 blocks of flats as well as other buildings. There was damage to the power and transport infrastructure as well.
04.01.2022 31st August 1944. Weather: Cloudy with strong winds and occasional showers. Non-Operational Flying: Special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational flying: BOMBING PONT REMY (DUMP). 16 aircraft (including 4 GH aircraft) were detailed and took off and all bombed the primary target. Cloud over target varying from 5/10ths to 8/10ths made identification of target difficult. Six crews bombed on Gee-H and remainder on visual. General opinion tends towards... undershoots. F/O CJ Thomson RAAF in PB142, JI-A reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP Mk IV LD. Primary target: PONT REMY. Weather, cloudy. Bombed at 1807 hours from 16,000 feet on Leaders release of bombs. Slight flak. Target: Pont Remy (V2 Rocket Storage) Aircraft deployed total: 601 514 Squadron: 16 Aircraft lost total: 6 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: The targets were 9 sites believed to be storing V-2 rockets. 8 of these were successfully bombed. Monthly Summary for August 1944 Awards: CAN J.27538 A/F/L BK McDonald Pilot DFC 11/8/44 177530 A/F/O NR Wishart Pilot DFC 16/8/44 174576 A/F/O LJ Saltmarsh Pilot DFC 25/8/44 105193 A/S/L PB Clay Pilot DFC 25/8/44 Operational: Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: 3 Operational Flying Hours for August 1944: 1178.05 Non-Operational Flying Hours for August 1944: 327.30 Total tons of bombs dropped in August 1944: 1158 tons Cumulative total tons of bombs dropped: 6535 tons. Number of Sorties for August 1944: 250 Strength of Squadron as at 31st August 1944. Aircrew: 106 Officers 247 SNCOs Ground: 1 Officer (Adjutant)
04.01.2022 23rd November 1944. Weather: Cloudy with some rain. Non-Operational Flying: Air to sea firing. Operational Flying: BOMBING NORDSTERN 19 aircraft airborne to attack Nordstern. Weather over target was 10/10ths cloud. Markers were concentrated but no results observed. 8 aircraft bombed on GH, 5 on GH leaders and 6 on flares. Slight to moderate heavy Flak - scattered. No fighters.... P/O SG Wright in JI-B, PB756, reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 16 x 500 GP. Primary target: NORDSTERN. Bombed at 1521 hours from 18,000 feet on GH leader. Target: Nordstern Oil Plant Aircraft deployed total: 168 (Lancasters) 514 Squadron: 19 Aircraft lost total: 1 514 Squadron: Nil Comments: An accurate GH raid was carried out on the Nordstern plant at Gelsenkirchen.
04.01.2022 28th October 1943. Weather: Wide spread fog. Ground work continued.
03.01.2022 Received a lovely message from 514 Squadron veteran Eddie Humes, Navigator in the Noel Thackray RAAF crew. Eddie recently visited the IBCC for a tour. Eddie was accompanied by 514 Squadron RAF Association president Clive Hill. They had a wonderful visit and Eddie placed poppies at his crewmates names. Here is a photo of the occasion. Our most sincere regards to you Eddie!
03.01.2022 7th September 1944. Weather: Cloudy with rain. Non-Operational Flying: No flying took place. Operational Flying: No operational flying today but required early tomorrow.
03.01.2022 25th October 1944. Weather: Fog, becoming fair at noon. Further fog after dusk. Non-Operational Flying: Air tests. Operational Flying: BOMBING - ESSEN. 26 aircraft detailed. 26 aircraft took off and 25 attacked primary target.... 1 aircraft abortive ‘E2’ (starboard outer u/s), jettisoned 40 miles East of Southwold. Weather over target 10/10ths low cloud with one clear patch which appeared to fill up later in the attack. Earlier crews identified built up area and Red TIs and crews were instructed to bomb them. Bombing described as concentrated. Considerable haze and smoke quickly accumulated and the raid was described as successful. No enemy fighters seen. F/O GC France, LM733 JI-F, reported: Bomb load 1 x 4000 HC, 6 x 1000 MC, 6 x 500 GP. Bombed at 1532 hours from 21500 feet. White smoke as ordered by Master Bomber. Target: Essen - Area Aircraft deployed total: 771 514 Squadron: 26 Aircraft lost total: 4 514 Squadron: Nil Comment: Using sky-markers as the target was cloud-covered, the bombing was scattered. A further 1,163 buildings were destroyed and there was severe damage to the remaining industrial plants in the city, including the vital Krupps steelworks. Much of Essen's industries were by now dispersed and the city lost its important role in German war production.
03.01.2022 10th September 1943. Weather conditions very bad, pouring with rain all day. A considerable quantity of Aircraft Equipment and spares arrived by road from RAF Station, Mildenhall. This kept the ground staff very busy all day, unloading. Another section of the ground staff was employed on cleaning out and rearranging the aircrew locker room.
02.01.2022 8th September 1944. Weather: Cloudy with some thundery rain. Non-Operational Flying: Practice bombing, special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying: BOMBING LE HAVRE.... 14 aircraft were detailed, 14 took off, 5 aircraft attacked primary, 1 aircraft returned early and the others abandoned mission on instructions of Master Bomber. 1 aircraft, H (F/L Prager) was hit by Flak in the target area, much flame and smoke. Fire extinguished by Navigator (F/L Trick) and MU Gunner (Sgt Watt). 10/10ths cloud down to 3000 feet. Master Bomber gave varying instructions for bombing TIs, then abandon mission. Attack was scattered - much smoke and one fire in area. Some fires in North part of town. Red explosion at 0806 hours. Slight to moderate Flak. No fighters seen. Five Lancasters seen shot down. 1 aircraft returned early with starboard outer engine u/s. 1 aircraft (LL677, A2-E) was hit by flak and crash-landed at Tangmere, the pilot (F/O D Beaton) and engineer (Sgt J Sherry) being seriously injured and the navigator (P/O Nye) slightly injured. 12 aircraft landed safely at base on completion of their mission. F/O DC Gordon RAAF in PB142, JI-A reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Primary target: LE HAVRE. Bombed at 0755 hours from 3000 feet, green TI. F/O D. Beaton in LL677, A2-E reported: Bomb load 11 x 1000 MC, 4 x 500 GP. Crash landed at Tangmere. Primary target: LE HAVRE. Bombed at 0805 hours from 4,500 feet, 400 yards short of TIs. Aircraft damaged by flak. Pilot and Engineer seriously injured, Navigator slightly injured. Target: Le Havre German Defences Aircraft deployed total: 333 514 Squadron: 14 (1 returned early) Aircraft lost total: 2 514 Squadron: Nil (1 a/c crash landed at Tangmere) Comments: This was the final raid in which Bomber Command Stirlings were to participate. In bad weather, only about 1/3 of the force was able to drop their bombs.
02.01.2022 28th November 1944. Weather: Low cloud, rain and drizzle, fair later. Non-Operational Flying: Air Tests. Operational Flying: 19 aircraft required early tomorrow morning for operations.
01.01.2022 13th September 1944. Weather Mainly fair, fog around dawn. Non-Operational Flying Practice bombing, fighter affiliation, special navigation exercises and air tests were carried out. Operational Flying Not required for operations today but will be required tomorrow.
01.01.2022 14th September 1943. The weather was generally brighter and much warmer. Working parties continued unloading and sorting out aircraft equipment that had arrived. W/Cdr. AJ Samson DFC reported to take command of the Squadron. The fourth aircraft DS784 arrived.
