Abbreviations

695780

A/C
Divn

DZ

LG

LZ

MG

OC
Ref

Regt

TAF

W/T

Map Reference

Aircraft

Division

Drop Zone

Landing Ground

Landing Zone

Machine Gun

Officer Commanding

Reference

Regiment

Tactical Air Force

Wireless Telegraphy

 

 

Month and year: September 1944

 

17th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

In the early morning 26 aircraft were marshalled in readiness for take-off.  Aircraft and gliders commenced taking off shortly after 09.00 hours in thin mist for airborne operations over Holland.  All aircraft returned safely during the afternoon.  1 aircraft was air tested in the afternoon.  3 Navigators arrived from 107 O.T.U. Leicester East on posting as replacements.

 

        (i) To drop troops and equipment of No.1 Border Regt. (one Airborne Division) in Horsa Gliders upon L.Z. "S" - an area N.W. of ARNHEM between the ARNHEM-UTRECHT railway and the ARNHEM-EDE road.

        (ii) 24 Aircraft were detailed from 575 Squadron and, led by W/C Jefferson, took off at 0945-1011 hours.

        (iii) 4 Gliders, due to low cloud at Base, got into difficulties and cast off.  One Glider had to be released at Hatfield, due to Aircraft developing engine trouble.

        (iv) Remaining 19 Aircraft reached L.Z. "S" and all Gliders dropped successfully:- 297 troops, 8 Jeeps, 6 Motor Cycles, 7 Cycles, 9 Trailers, 26 Handcarts, and one six pounder Anti-Tank Gun.  All ground signals seen at L.Z.

        (v) Very good Fighter Cover kept.  Flak pinned down and very little experienced.

        (vi) Weather.  Poor at Base on take off but improved en route and conditions over Holland excellent.

        (vii) All aircraft returned to base 1517-1531.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.615.  Crew:  W/C T.A. Jefferson, F/L R.E. Charlton, F/L C.F. Plimmer, F/O E.F. Wright.  Time Up:  10.11½.  Time Down:  15.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.363.  Crew:  F/L R.J. Roach, F/S P.S. Bell, W/O G.C. McConachie, F/O J.G. Nadeau.  Time Up:  09:46.  Time Down:  10.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.431.  Crew:  F/O P.R. Sandford, F/O J.V. Chitty, W/O P.N. Siddons, W/O E.T. Fennell.  Time Up:  09.47.  Time Down:  15.21.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.325.  Crew:  F/O D. Martin, F/S J.A. Milner, F/O G.L. Robertson, W/O J.S. Tamahak.  Time Up:  09.48½.  Time Down:  10.29.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.442.  Crew:  F/O R.J. McTeare, F/O F. Gee, F/O W.A. Michie, F/S L.P. Smith.  Time Up:  09.49½.  Time Down:  15.37.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.608.  Crew:  F/O S. Baker, P/O T.F. Andrews, F/O R.W. Chartres, F/O J.M. Atkinson.  Time Up:  09.50½.  Time Down:  15.21½.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.640.  Crew:  F/O L.J. English, F/L A. Grahamslaw, P/O F. Jump, P/O R.G. Healy.  Time Up:  09.51.  Time Down:  15.30.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.334.  Crew:  P/O E. Imison, F/S N.R. Craw, F/O J.L. Moffatt, P/O F.H. Barnard.  Time Up:  09.52.  Time Down:  15.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.698.  Crew:  F/O L.R. Filshie, F/S J.W. Chitty, F/S C.J. Turner, W/O A. Warren.  Time Up:  09.53.  Time Down:  15.17.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.602.  Crew:  S/L D.C. Pascall, F/O F.L. Newlands, F/O R. Flett, F/S G. Bullen.  Time Up:  09.54.  Time Down:  15.30.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.529.  Crew:  W/O H. Clark, W/O D.F. Kerr, W/O E.R. Wimbridge, W/O E.W. Townsend.  Time Up:  10.05.  Time Down:  15.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.320.  Crew:  F/O G.E. Henry, W/O A.E. Smith, F/O H.J. McKinley, W/O W. Fowler.  Time Up:  09.55.  Time Down:  15.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.328.  Crew:  F/S L.R. Nunn, Sgt J. Anderson, W/O W. Carr, W/O D.J. Wood.  Time Up:  09.56.  Time Down:  15.27.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.312.  Crew:  F/L J.W. Atkin, W/O D.J. Britton, F/L T.J. Cunliffe, F/O G. Learmont.  Time Up:  09.56½.  Time Down:  10.40.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.550.  Crew:  F/L B.P. Legge, F/L V.C. Hogan, P/O P.C. Ashton, W/O A. McNahon.  Time Up:  09.57.  Time Down:  15.37.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.402.  Crew:  F/O J.S. MacFarlane, P/O H.W. Beacham, P/O W.F. Osborne, W/O M.L. Reardon.  Time Up:  09.58.  Time Down:  15.25½.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.359.  Crew:  F/L L.H. Bennets, F/O H.S. Sedgwick, W/O W.R. Clucas, F/S D.A. Coop.  Time Up:  09.59.  Time Down:  15.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.326.  Crew:  F/O F. Dauncey, F/O D.H. Brown, F/O A.B. Evans, F/S G.W. Jackson.  Time Up:  10.00.  Time Down:  15.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.327.  Crew:  F/S A.C. Martin, F/S H.E. Bower, F/O J.D. Simpson, P/O M. Blugrind.  Time Up:  10.02.  Time Down:  15.17.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.593.  Crew:  W/O N.D. Batstone, F/O E.W. Newton, F/O D.S. Herd, W/O R.A. Rolfe.  Time Up:  10.02.  Time Down:  15.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.355.  Crew:  P/O A.L. Dodgson, F/L A.F. Budden, F/S P. Joseph, W/O W.R. Headifen.  Time Up:  10.03.  Time Down:  15.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.390.  Crew:  F/L H.H. Hague, F/O W.K. Murphy, F/O G.I. Finlay, F/O R. Pearce.  Time Up:  10.00½.  Time Down:  15.31.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.623.  Crew:  F/S W.J. Thorn, F/S F.N. Griffin, F/S H.K. Milton, Sgt P.R. Manning.  Time Up:  10.04.  Time Down:  10.47.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.432.  Crew:  W/O S. Parker, Sgt A.C. Smith, W/O P.L. Hurcomb, W/O G.H. Wade.  Time Up:  10.11½.  Time Down:  15.23.

 

18th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

23 aircraft took off during the morning with second lift of gliders for airborne operations over Holland and all aircraft returned to U.K.  KG.328 forced landed at Martlesham Heath piloted by W/O Smith, 4th Member, aided by F/O McKinley, Navigator.  F/O Henry, Pilot, had been killed by enemy flak whilst over target area.  1 aircraft air tested.

 

        (i) To release Gliders at L.Z. "S" N.W. of ARNHEM with troops and equipment of 2nd. South Staffs. Regt. (No.1 Airborne Division) and three Aircraft at L.Z. "X" slightly South of L.Z. "S".

        (ii) 25 Aircraft detailed from 575 Squadron and took off 1047-1123.

        (iii) 24 Aircraft reached L.Z. and released Glider.  One Aircraft was hit by Flak and the Pilot (F/O G.E. Henry) killed and Flying Officer H.J. McKinley (Navigator) wounded.  Aircraft was taken over by W/O A.E. Smith, 2nd. Pilot (Nav. "B") but Glider had been damaged too, and had to release.  W/O Smith with assistance from rest of crew brought Aircraft back to England landing at Martlesham.

        (iv) 21 Aircraft released 235 troops of 2nd. South Staffs. with Jeeps, Trailers, Motor Cycles, Cycles and Handcarts at L.Z. "S".  3 Aircraft released 33 troops of 1st. Border Regt. and equipment at L.Z. "X".

        (v) More Flak was encountered on this second lift from points along the route and several Aircraft were damaged.  All Aircraft made base however, except one on which a tow rope from another Aircraft fell at L.Z.  This wound round the starboard wing and aileron and Aircraft only landed with difficulty at Framlingham.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.615.  Crew:  S/L M.J. Elworthy, F/L R.E. Charlton, F/L C.F. Plimmer, F/O E.F. Wright.  Time Up:  10.47.  Time Down:  19.28.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.432.  Crew:  S/L F.T. Cragg, F/L H.W. Payne, F/L H.H. Hall, F/S C.G. Fisher.  Time Up:  11.01.  Time Down:  16.33.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.320.  Crew:  F/O J.M. McQuin, F/O T.G. Young, F/O R.J. Warren, F/S A.G. Brown.  Time Up:  11.07.  Time Down:  16.40.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.363.  Crew:  F/O E.F. Brown, F/O R. Hay, F/O F.A. Richards, F/O C. Bruce.  Time Up:  11.02.  Time Down:  16.27.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.431.  Crew:  F/L R.J. Roach, F/S P.S. Bell, W/O G.C. McConachie, F/O J.G. Nadeau.  Time Up:  11:03.  Time Down:  16.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.325.  Crew:  F/O D. Martin, F/S J.A. Milner, F/O G.L. Robertson, W/O J.S. Tamahak.  Time Up:  11.03½.  Time Down:  16.32.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.529.  Crew:  F/O R.J. McTeare, F/O F. Gee, F/O W.A. Michie, F/S L.P. Smith.  Time Up:  11.04.  Time Down:  19.07.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.608.  Crew:  W/O S. Parker, Sgt A.C. Smith, W/O P.L. Hurcomb, W/O G.H. Wade.  Time Up:  11.06.  Time Down:  16.19.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.339.  Crew:  F/L A. Bollington, F/S P.M. Oleinkoff, F/O G.H. Hall, F/S H.E. Hooper.  Time Up:  11.07.  Time Down:  16.24.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.698.  Crew:  C.R. Slack, P/O W.S. Monger, P/O I.L. Holloway, P/O J.E. Caoette.  Time Up:  11.08.  Time Down:  16.26.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.602.  Crew:  F/O J.W. Furley, F/O R.T. Hamlyn, F/S W.F. Watts, P/O W.A. Stacey.  Time Up:  11.09½.  Time Down:  16.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.312.  Crew:  F/L J.W. Atkin, W/O D.J. Britton, F/L T.J. Cunliffe, F/O G. Learmont.  Time Up:  11.10.  Time Down:  16.23.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.662.  Crew: F/O W.T. Player, F/S A.E. Fahey, F/O R.M. Partridge, F/O M.J. Sullivan.  Time Up:  11.23.  Time Down:  16.41.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.380.  Crew:  F/O L.R. Filshie, F/S J.W. Chitty, F/S C.J. Turner, W/O A. Warren.  Time Up:  11.22.  Time Down:  17.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.388.  Crew:  F/O J.R. Gembles, F/O E. Clementson, P/O W.H. Stapleton, F/O J.E. Howes.  Time Up:  11.11.  Time Down:  16.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.334.  Crew:  P/O E. Imison, F/S N.R. Craw, F/O J.L. Moffatt, P/O F.H. Barnard.  Time Up:  11.11.  Time Down:  16.36.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.359.  Crew:  S/L B. Smith, F/O M.F. Porter, F/S T.W. Payne, W/O F.A. Prior.  Time Up:  11.12.  Time Down:  16.35.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.326.  Crew:  F/S W.S. Clark, Sgt C.W. Garnett-Botfield, Sgt R. Seddon, F/S B.P. Strickland.  Time Up:  11.13.  Time Down:  16.40.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.327.  Crew:  F/O C.G. McGlone, F/L W.E. Owen, F/O C. Curry, W/O R.A. Heading.  Time Up:  11.14.  Time Down:  16.29.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.355.  Crew:  P/O A.L. Dodgson, F/L A.F. Budden, F/S P. Joseph, W/O W.R. Headifen.  Time Up:  11.24.  Time Down:  16.40.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.390 +.  Crew:  F/L H.H. Hague, F/O W.K. Murphy, F/O G.I. Finlay, F/O R. Pearce.  Time Up:  11.16.  Time Down:  16.42.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.593 +.  Crew:  F/O F. Dauncey, F/O D.H. Brown, F/O A.B. Evans, F/S G.W. Jackson.  Time Up:  11.19.  Time Down:  16.35.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.328.  Crew:  F/O G.E. Henry, W/O A.E. Smith, F/O H.J. McKinley, W/O W. Fowler.  Time Up:  11.19.  Time Down:  16.18.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.640 +.  Crew:  F/O L.J. English, F/L A. Grahamslaw, P/O F. Jump, P/O R.G. Healy.  Time Up:  11.20.  Time Down:  16.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.623.  Crew:  F/S W.J. Thorn, F/S J.N. Griffin, F/S H.K. Milton, Sgt P.R. Manning.  Time Up:  11.13½.  Time Down:  16.10.

 

+ = Aircraft marked thus dropped at L.Z. "X" slightly south of L.Z. "S".

 

19th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

Supply dropping by pannier was carried out by 19 aircraft, which took off during the morning for Holland.  All aircraft returned to U.K. except F/L Slack and Crew, who were posted as missing.  2 aircraft were air tested and 3 aircraft ferried mixed freight from Base to L.G. B.56 near Brussels.

 

        (i) Supply drop on D.Z. "V".

        (ii) 16 Aircraft were detailed from 575 Squadron.  256 Panniers and 16 bundles of Bedding were carried.

        (iii) Aircraft KG.388 and crew reported missing on 20.9.44.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.608.  Crew:  W/C T.A. Jefferson, F/L R.E. Charlton, F/L C.F. Plimmer, F/O E.F. Wright.  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  17.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.437.  Crew:  F/O P.R. Sandford, F/O J.C. Chitty, W/O P.N. Siddons, W/O E.T. Fennell.  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  17.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.432.  Crew:  S/L F.T. Cragg, F/L H.W. Payne, F/L H.H. Hall, F/S C.G. Fisher.  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  17.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.640.  Crew:  F/O L.J. English, F/L A. Grahamslaw, P/O F. Jump, P/O R.G. Healy.  Time Up:  12.52.  Time Down:  18.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.320.  Crew:  W/O H. Clark, W/O D.M. Kerr, W/O E.R. Wimbridge, W/O E.W. Townsend.  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  17.56.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.602.  Crew:  S/L D.C. Pascall, F/O F.L. Newlands, F/O R. Flett, F/S G. Bullen.  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  17.49.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.339.  Crew:  F/O J.W. Furley, F/O R.T. Hamlyn, F/S W.F. Watts, P/O W.A. Stacey.  Time Up:  12.48.  Time Down:  17.58.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.312.  Crew:  W/O J.J. Elliott, F/S A.M. Sherret, F/S G.T. Beck, F/S J.K. Conway.  Time Up:  12.45.  Time Down:  18.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.334.  Crew: F/O W.T. Player, F/S A.E. Fahey, F/O R.M. Partridge, F/O M.J. Sullivan.  Time Up:  12.50.  Time Down:  18.03.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.390.  Crew:  S/L B. Smith, F/O M.F. Porter, F/S T.W. Payne, W/O F.A. Prior.  Time Up:  12.40.  Time Down:  18.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.326.  Crew:  F/S A.G. Martin, F/S H.E. Bower, F/O J.D. Simpson, P/O M. Blugrind.  Time Up:  12.50.  Time Down:  17.53.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.402.  Crew:  F/O J.S. MacFarlane, P/O H.W. Beacham, P/O F.W. Osborne, W/O M.L. Reardon.  Time Up:  12.50.  Time Down:  18.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.363.  Crew:  F/O E.F. Brown, F/O R. Hay, F/O F.A. Richards, F/O C. Bruce.  Time Up:  12.52.  Time Down:  18.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.380.  Crew:  F/S L.R. Nunn, Sgt J. Anderson, W/O W. Cryer, W/O D.J. Wood.  Time Up:  12.47.  Time Down:  17.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.550.  Crew:  F/L B.P. Legge, F/L V.G. Hogan, P/O F.C. Ashton, W/O A. McNahon.  Time Up:  12.50.  Time Down:  Forced landed at Woodbridge due to Flak.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.388.  Crew:  F/L C.R. Slack, P/O W.S. Monger, P/O I.L. Holloway, P/O J.E. Caoette.  Time Up:  12.48.  Time Down:  Reported missing 20.9.44.

 

20th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

19 aircraft were loaded during the morning and took off with supplies for pannier drop to airborne forces in Holland.  All aircraft returned to U.K.  1 aircraft flew crew to Martlesham Heath to collect aircraft which had landed on 18.9.44.

 

        (i) Operation to drop supplies to the Airborne forces operating near ARNHEM - D.Z. located at 691785 (W. of Arnhem).

        (ii) 16 Aircraft of 575 Squadron detailed and took off 1434-1437.  All Aircraft reached D.Z. and dropped 223 Panniers and 30 bundles between 1718-1724 hours.  Returned to Base 1844-1907 except one Aircraft (F/L Atkin) who forced landed at MANSTON with his Aircraft damaged by Flak.  Good fighter cover kept the route free from Flak and only at the D.Z. was any opposition encountered.  Here this was very strong opposition from guns firing from woods North and West of D.Z. from ARNHEM town, and some from the river bank to the South East.  Four Aircraft were damaged before leaving D.Z.  Ground markings at Verey's were seen at D.Z. and it is considered that majority of Panniers should reach our forces.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.449.  Crew:  F/O S. Baker, P/O T.F. Andrews, F/O R.W. Chartres, F/O J.M. Atkinson.  Time Up:  14.34½.  Time Down:  20.04.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.623.  Crew:  W/O N.D. Batstone, F/O E.W. Newton, F/O D.S. Herd, W/O R.A. Rolfe.  Time Up:  14.24.  Time Down:  19.45.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.339.  Crew:  F/L A. Bollington, F/S P.M. Oleinkoff, F/O G.H. Hall, F/S H.E. Hooper.  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  19.47.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.402.  Crew:  P/O A.L. Dodgson, F/O D.H. Brown, F/O A.B. Evans, F/S G.W. Jackson.  Time Up:  14.35.  Time Down:  20.10.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.312.  Crew:  W/O J.K. Elliott, F/S A.M. Sherret, F/S G.T. Beck, F/S J.K. Conway.  Time Up:  14.35.  Time Down:  19.45.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.698.  Crew:  F/O L.R. Filshie, F/S J.W. Chitty, F/S C.J. Turner, W/O A. Warren.  Time Up:  14.35.  Time Down:  19.52.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.442.  Crew:  F/O J.R. Gembles, F/O E. Clementson, P/O W.H. Stapleton, F/O J.E. Howes.  Time Up:  14.35½.  Time Down:  19.56.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.593.  Crew:  F/O C.G. McGlone, F/L W.E. Owen, F/O C. Curry, W/O R.A. Heading.  Time Up:  14.36½.  Time Down:  19.45.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.325.  Crew:  F/O R.J. McTeare, F/O F. Gee, F/O W.A. Michie, F/S L.P. Smith.  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  19.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.640.  Crew:  F/O D. Martin, F/S J.A. Milner, F/O G.L. Robertson, W/O J.S. Tamahak.  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  19.36.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.529.  Crew:  W/O S. Parker, Sgt A.C. Smith, W/O P.L. Hurcomb, W/O G.H. Wade.  Time Up:  14.34½.  Time Down:  19.47.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.327.  Crew:  F/O J.M. McQuin, F/O T.G. Young, F/O R.J. Warren, F/S A.G. Brown.  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  20.10.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.349.  Crew:  F/S W.S. Clark, Sgt C.W. Garnett-Botfield, Sgt R. Seddon, F/S B.P. Strickland.  Time Up:  14.37.  Time Down:  19.43.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.615.  Crew:  P/O E. Imison, F/S N.R. Craw, F/O J.L. Moffatt, P/O F.H. Barnard.  Time Up:  14.34½.  Time Down:  19.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.380.  Crew:  W/O H. Clark, W/O D.M. Kerr, W/O E.R. Wimbridge, W/O E.W. Townsend.  Time Up:  14.34.  Time Down:  19.38.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.390.  Crew:  F/L J.W. Atkin, W/O D.J. Britton, F/L T.J. Cunliffe, F/O G. Learmont.  Time Up:  14.35½.  Time Down:  Forced landed at Manston due to Flak damage.

 

21st September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

During the morning 13 aircraft were loaded at A.D.R.U. with mixed freight and flown to L.G. B.56 near Brussels and returned during the afternoon.

 

22nd September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

13 aircraft were loaded and marshalled for take-off with supplies for airborne troops in Holland but operation was cancelled later during the morning.  Squadron was ordered to stand by for short detachment period in Belgium.

 

23rd September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

Commanded by W/C Jefferson 18 of the Squadron aircraft with 72 officers, 56 Aircrew N.C.O.'s and 94 other ranks together with a Servicing Party flew from Broadwell to Brussels Evere (B.56) on attachment for operations in support of the Airborne Division at Arnhem.  G/C Morrison, O.C. R.A.F. Broadwell went as Liaison Officer between T.A.F. and the Squadron and S/L Williamson and S/L Wicht went as briefing officers.

 

24th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

17 aircraft were detailed to drop supplies of food and ammunition to the Airborne troops at a D.Z. west of GRAVE (G.S.G.S.2541 Sheet 5 Map Ref: 5854).  16 aircraft took off led by W/C Jefferson between 11.20 and 11.31 and dropped 235 Panniers containing food and ammunition and 13 bundles of bedding at the D.Z. between 12.00 and 12.10.  1 aircraft - W/C Jefferson - after dropping panniers landed at the D.Z. which was a field about 1400 yards long with a good grass surface.  It is considered that 75% of the panniers dropped were recoverable by the troops.  The 16 aircraft returned to base and landed between 12.40 and 13.25.  1 aircraft - G/C Morrison - took off at 13.06 and dropped 16 panniers of Compo Rations at the D.Z.  This aircraft then landed at the D.Z. and finally returned to Base at 14.51.  Good Fighter cover on route kept flak down and nil reported on this trip.  The weather was fair with cloud base averaging 1000 feet with rain in patches.  Visibility at the D.Z. at the time of drop was poor.

 

Second Sortie.  8 aircraft were detailed to drop supplies on a D.Z. west of ARNHEM (Map Ref. 695780).  Loading difficulties resulted in only 4 aircraft being ready at take-off time and these became airborne 17.36 - 17.44.  The route was Base (B.56) - Eindhoven - Veghel - D.Z. and return reciprocal route.  Weather was poor with low cloud and bad visibility and fighter cover was not good.  Due to Flak experienced South West and North of Eindhoven two aircraft had to take violent evasive action in which the panniers broke loose in the aircraft and the door of one aircraft was damaged.  Both these aircraft returned to base with mission uncompleted.  2 aircraft reached the D.Z. and dropped 28 panniers containing Ammunition and W/T sets.  Both these aircraft were hit by flak en route and at the D.Z.  F/L Legge, Captain of KG.327, and his co-pilot, F/L Hogan, were hit by M.G. fire after dropping their panniers at the D.Z.  F/L Legge was badly hit in the leg but despite loss of blood and further flak experienced on the route home he reached base and made a safe night landing.  The other aircraft although damaged reached base safely.

 

Aircraft based at B56 (Brussels Evere).  17 A/C detailed to drop supplies to 1st. Airborne Divn. at a DZ west of GRAVE.  Map Ref (5854 GSGS 2541 Sheet 5).  Sixteen Aircraft took off and dropped 235 Panniers containing Food and Ammunition, and 13 bundles of Bedding at the DZ.  Drop mainly good though some Panniers fell in river and some to North of DZ.  Considered 75% of stores dropped recoverable.  Two A/C landed at the strip - first W/C Jefferson who landed after dropping load.  Secondly G/C Morrison who took off 13.06 and dropped 16 Panniers on DZ then landed.  DZ a field 1400 yards long with good grass surface.  Good fighter cover kept Flak down and NIL reported.  Weather:- Fair.  Cloud base 1000' average falling in rain patches - poor visibility at DZ at time of drop.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.608.  Crew:  W/C Jefferson and crew.  Time Up:  11.20.  Time Down:  13.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.640.  Crew:  F/L Sandford and crew.  Time Up:  11.15.  Time Down:  12.40.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.602.  Crew:  S/L Pascall and crew.  Time Up:  11.20.  Time Down:  12.45.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.662.  Crew:  F/O Gembles and crew.  Time Up:  11.42½.  Time Down:  12.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.339.  Crew:  F/S Nunn and crew.  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  12.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.327.  Crew:  F/O MacFarlane and crew.  Time Up:  11.26.  Time Down:  12.50.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.332.  Crew:  F/O McGlone and crew.  Time Up:  11.21.  Time Down:  12.48.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.349.  Crew:  F/O Dauncey and crew.  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  12.46.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.380.  Crew:  F/S Thorn and crew.  Time Up:  11.27.  Time Down:  12.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.593.  Crew:  W/O Batstone and crew.  Time Up:  11.30.  Time Down:  12.53.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.449.  Crew:  F/S Clarke and crew.  Time Up:  11.22.  Time Down:  12.51.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.431.  Crew:  F/O Baker and crew.  Time Up:  11.23.  Time Down:  12.56.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.623.  Crew:  F/S Martin and crew.  Time Up:  11.21.  Time Down:  12.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.355.  Crew:  P/O Dodgson and crew.  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  12.55.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.698.  Crew:  F/O Filshie and crew.  Time Up:  11.31.  Time Down:  13.00.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.529.  Crew:  F/O Martin and crew.  Time Up:  11.25.  Time Down:  12.54.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.402.  Crew:  G/C Morrison and crew.  Time Up:  13.06.  Time Down:  14.51.

 

Eight Aircraft detailed to drop supplies on DZ west of ARNHEM (695780) loading not completed and only four A/C took off.  Due to Flak experienced S.W. and N of Eindhoven by two A/C, these had to take evasive action and the load broke loose inside A/C, and the door of one A/C was damaged.  Both A/C returned to Base with mission uncompleted.  Two A/C found the DZ and dropped 28 Panniers containing Ammunition and Wireless Sets.  Both these A/C were hit by Flak at DZ en route and KG.327 had Pilot and Co-Pilot wounded.  Both A/C made Base.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.349.  Crew:  S/L Cragg and crew.  Time Up:  17.42.  Time Down:  19.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.339.  Crew:  F/O Quin and crew.  Time Up:  17.36.  Time Down:  19.12.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.327.  Crew:  F/L Legge and crew.  Time Up:  17.44.  Time Down:  19.08.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.602.  Crew:  F/L Bollington and crew.  Time Up:  17.44.  Time Down:  18.40.

 

25th September 1944

Place: Broadwell

 

8 aircraft were detailed to drop supplies to the Airborne Division at a D.Z. west of Arnhem (Map ref: 682768).  Seven or eight hundred men were reported to be located in this area urgently needing supplies.  7 Dakotas took off between 17.39 and 17.42 (1 aircraft did not take off due to mechanical trouble).  These 7 aircraft flew to Antwerp where rendezvous was made with Fighter escort.  Route then was Bourg-Leopold - Eindhoven - Veghel - D.Z. and thence reciprocal route to Eindhoven and then to base.  Fighter cover was good right up to the D.Z. and 7 aircraft dropped 79 panniers of Compo Rations, 28 Panniers of Medical Supplies and 3 Bundles of Bedding at the D.Z. between 18.28½ and 18.35.  Flak and M.G. fire was experienced from the North and East of the D.Z. area and 4 aircraft were damaged.  Of these all made base except KG.449 - F/S Clark.  This aircraft sustained damage to the port elevator and rudder but remained under control and flew south towards base.  About 10 miles N.W. of Eindhoven intense light flak opened up and the aircraft's port engine was put out of action.  F/S Clark still kept the aircraft under control and continued until hit again by flak from the area N.E. of Bourg-Leopold.  The starboard tanks were hit and the aircraft lost height and finally at 19.03 hours F/S Clark made a forced landing about 1½ miles N.W. of PAEL.  The remaining engine was damaged on landing but a wheels-down landing had been made and none of the crew were injured except one of the Army Despatchers, who was thought to have dislocated his shoulder.  The Flak from Bourg-Leopold area is believed to have come from our own troops as it was reported that enemy aircraft had been in that vicinity at about the same time.  The weather on this sortie was fair with cloud base 2000 - 3000 feet and good visibility at the D.Z.  The drop at the D.Z. was considered successful.

 

Eight Dakota's detailed to drop supplies to Airborne Div. at a DZ (682768) west of ARNHEM.  700-800 men at this DZ in urgent need of supplies.  Seven Dakota's took off - route B56 to ANTWERP Aerodrome (rendezvous with Fighters) to BOURG-LEOPOLD - EINDHOVEN - VEGHEL - DZ (682768) return reciprocal route to EINDHOVEN, thence to Base.  Six Dakota's completed mission, dropping 79 Panniers of Compo Rations - 14 Panniers of Medical supplies and two bundles of Bedding at DZ.  Drop considered good.  No signals or markings seen at DZ.  Very good Fighter cover right up to DZ.  Moderate M/G fire and Flak from around N.W. and East of DZ and from VEGHEL, ZEELAND and DINTHER.  Flak also reported from 10 miles N.W. of EINDHOVEN and ground fighting reported west of GRAVE and VEGHEL under fire from west.  One A/C (F/Sgt Clarke K.G.449) did not return to Base.  Three A/C damaged by Flak from DZ.  F/Sgt Clarke and crew returned to Base (KG.449).  This A/C reached DZ and dropped 14 Panniers of Medical supplies and one bundle of Bedding at 18.33½.  Flak from N and E of DZ hit port Elevator and Rudder, but A/C still under control and flew south on track to Base.  About ten miles NW of EINDHOVEN, intense light Flak opened up and port engine put out of action.  A/C still under control and continued until hit again by flak from area NE of BOURG-LEOPOLD.  Starboard tanks hit and A/C lost height, and forced landed with wheels down at approx. 1½ miles NW of PAIL at 19.03 hours.  One despatcher believed to have dislocated shoulder.  No other members of crew injured.  Flak from BOURG-LEOPOLD area believed to have been from our troops, german fighters having been seen in that area shortly before.  F/S Clarke and crew returned to base by road.  On the way back Army Lorry conveying them overturned at speed.  One despatcher seriously hurt with facial injuries.  Rest only minor injuries and bruises.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.529.  Crew:  S/L Smith and crew.  Time Up:  17.39.  Time Down:  19.25.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.402.  Crew:  F/O MacFarlane and crew.  Time Up:  17.40.  Time Down:  19.23.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.332.  Crew:  F/S Martin and crew.  Time Up:  17.40½.  Time Down:  19.21.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.662.  Crew:  P/O Imison and crew.  Time Up:  17.41½.  Time Down:  19.20.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.442.  Crew:  F/O Filshie and crew.  Time Up:  17.42.  Time Down:  19.30.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.640.  Crew:  F/L Hague and crew.  Time Up:  17.42½.  Time Down:  19.45.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III KG.449.  Crew:  F/S Clarke and crew.  Forced landed.  Time Up:  17.41.  Time Down:  19.03.

 

Aircraft Type & Number:  Dakota III FZ.623.  Crew:  F/O Dauncey and crew.  Did not take off.